World Cup 91 [roleplays]

[Srednjaci]

IGOR BOŽIĆ

DRAW AT HOME !!

NATIONAL STADIUM BLUE OYSTER , KATANIJA
ATT: 67,320


Dear spectators, welcome to the summary of the match, the first play off match between Srednjaci and Mytanija.
Over 67,000 spectators gathered at the national stadium in Katanija. The atmosphere at the stadium was fantastic. Fanatical fans have prepared an amazing picture that has been seen all over the world. Our team received great support from the fans. The nation has not been united like this for a long time and for a long time Srednjaci did not expect a match like this, probably since the IBC final against Banija.
Our team has the strongest team as standard. A well-coordinated team with several tactical changes in the game. Heong Min Ho will play a bit more offensively than usual and Davida Zimmer will be a little more defensive.

Mytanija great as always. Over 6,000 fans came from Mytanija to support their players to qualify for WC91. Mytanija is dangerous from almost all sides and they have certainly prepared a surprise for this match.
Jezdimir Ocokoljic is one of the best players in the world in his position. From him all actions begin and he can also make solo breakthroughs a great advantage to his team. And besides Ocokoljic, great players are Dordo Urbanc, Damien Gannot and Gavril Atsev. Their goal is guarded by Semir Besak and in front of him are Vuk Bajalica, Grigorij Savicevic and Bigger Mbala-Ekakia.
Unbelievable but the Mytanijan Football Association has qualified for 13 World Cups and they hoping for theirs 14th appearance.
Srednjaci would still like to be the new debutants at the World Cup.

The match has started and our players are trying to cut the ball from the guests. Both teams started very nicely with aggressive and attacking football. Ocokoljic on the one hand and Matković on the other are the main pins that should break through the defense.
Tavano is with the ball now, passing by his keeper ,Mersudin Smajic. Tavano immediately runs into the empty space, there is a free player and that is Li Peng. Li tries to get past Amar Kovacevic but Kovacevic cleverly hacks down the ball to stop the attack. . .but ball came only to Tomljanović.
Tomljanović brilliantly finds Matković inside the 16 meter space. Matković with the ball inside the penalty area. Next to our player is Grigorij Savicevic trying to distract our player. Savicevic is aware of the risks of physical contact. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia runs to help to teammate in defence. Matković saw a small space betwee two Mytar players and pass toward ball to Li Peng. Li Peng shoots and scores for 1: 0! Goooaaaal !! Srednjaci leads 1: 0 from 17 'game!
There was great enthusiasm in the stadium, the fans are in ecstasy.

Li Peng 1:0

In the 32nd minute of match, our team weaves a net around the defense of the guests. Li peng loses the ball on the edge of 16 meters. Grigorij Savicevic stripped the ball away from our player and immediately passed it on to Dordo Urbanc. Heong Min Ho is late on this action and Urbanc plays Ocokoljic in forward. Ocokoljic is in a full sprint and has already entered in the penalty area. Ivan Kušić is too slow and Ocokoljic shoots and hits diagonally in the opposite corner of goal, the ball is in the goal. Goooal! Ocokoljic equalizes the score to 1:1!
Great celebration of Mytanija fans!

Ocokoljic 1:1

Danijela Majić takes the corner for our team from the left. In the 42nd minute of the match, Majić set up the ball, watching the schedule of our players. Zimmer runs up to her, Majić takes a short corner kick and passes the ball to Davida Zimmer. Davida dribbles briliantly and past Patrik Odonelec, then passes the ball to 5 meters area. Isidor Matković is the highest in the jump, he shoots and scores for 2: 1! Goooooal! Srednjaci leads with 2: 1! Matkoviiiiić!

Matković 2:1

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END OF FIRST HALF

---

In the break of 15 minutes, the players of both teams received clear instructions on what and how to do.
Our players play very well and deservedly lead at half time.
The second half showed us how strong Mytania really is.
In the 49th minute of the match, a long attack of the guests. They’re looking for some crack in our defense that they could get through. In one bounce game with the ball, the ball somehow comes to Gavril Atsev. Atsev manages to shot and send the ball into the net and scores for 2: 2! Goooaal! Atseeeev puts Mytanija back in the game!

Atsev 2:2

And then a new cold shower for all our fans. In the 73rd minute, our players lose the ball in the middle of the field. Heong Min Ho has been triped but the referee doesn't see it. Three guest players are running into the attack. Atsev plays great to Damien Gannot, Gannot shoots! Great jump and parade by Iveša ! Iveša menage to defend this shot but ball jumped infront of Ocokoljic. Ocokoljic is in the run and he shots! Goooal! Ocokoljiiiic! Mytania has the advantage!

Ocokoljic 3:2

Our team put constantly pressing to Mytanijan defence. They do not allow to Mytanijans to get out of their half of the field. Srednjaci attack constantly and look for an equalizing goal. And then a man of one move, Matković. Tomljanović shoots towards the goal, but the ball deflects off of a player and doesn't find the target. Matković gets to the ball and quickly finds a place to run. Great dribbling shown by Matković leaving Bajalica behind. Bajalica is late and Matković hits the visitors' net with a great shot! In the 83rd minute of the game goooooaal! Matkoviiiiiić!

Matković 3:3

Ours players once again tried to score for the win. Takanobu Tavano had the most likely opportunity. In the 92nd minute of the match he tries to lob the keeper who has left his area however the ball goes just wide of the post.
Unfortunately, the result has not changed. Our footballers did not manage to win at home, so we have to fight on the away field.
It will be very difficult for our players away, but it will not be easy for Mytanija either. With a game like this, we can make a big step forward, and that is the World Cup.

Of the other results in the playoffs, we should single out the high victory of Tumbra against Valentine Z. But the Eura also managed to make a big step towards the World Cup. As guests, Eura managed to beat Delaclava with 4-2! This, however, is a surprisingly heavy defeat for the Phoenixes.

RESULTS

Astograth      2–1  Hapilopper
Yuezhou        2–2  Squidroidia
Cabo Azure     0–1  Vilita
Brookstation   0–2  Nyowani Kitara
Srednjaci      3–3  Mytanija
Trolleborg     1–2  Sarzonia
TJUN-ia        0–0  Zwangzug
Juvencus       2–2  Saint Eleanor
Delaclava      2–4  Eura
Cordian Isles  1–3  Turori
Krytenia       3–4  Jeruselem
ZR&H           1–1  Chromatika
Savigliane     4–3  Tikariot
Electrum       0–0  Squornshelan RS
Tumbra         3–0  Valentine Z

[Valentine Z]

Part 10 – Looking into the world from the Outside, and the tale of “Why you should not pit a small kitten against a large eagle.”

3–0, Markus thought to himself. It was not so much of the fact that the Kittens did a lousy job in his mind; in fact, by the end of the match, he was praising each and every one of them – including those on the bench that did not do anything for the entire match, that they have tried their best and that they were not to worry too much about such a score. “If I am very honest, I kind of expected that,” Markus remarked during the debrief session, taking a marker on the board and thinking of the game plan on the Valentian soil, “It’s not so much because of you guys, I want to reassure you this once again. If anything, you guys did amazing out there, defending like that. The Eagles, they have quite a history of impressive performance, from what we have read, and I am glad you guys were able to keep it cool during the match.” The entire team murmured in agreement, some of the more vocal ones like Holly a little upset at themselves that they were unable to pull a miracle even in a match with many terrific odds against them. She stood up to face the Valentian players around her, along with nodding towards Markus in order to not interrupt the guy. “Thank you very much, Markus, it’s much appreciated. I would also like to sincerely thank all of you for the performance today, and for being such good teammates around! Though, I will have to admit, I feel a little miffed that I didn’t even get a single score, you know? We tried, but damn,” she trailed off, to which Helen stood up and put a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Hey, don’t worry about it. We all saw you trying your best out there. It was just a bit unavoidable. These guys are good, like REALLY good! Kuso, we have another match very soon, we might need to practice a little, and then come up with game plans.” Markus replied and approved in turn, “All right, I will let you guys practice at your own pace. I- ahh, I am not sure if there is much I can help out with at this stage, I am not very experienced at this yet, I am sorry. Good luck, and all the best! I will be there, don’t worry about it.”

Taking a step out of the lounge, Markus felt an insurmountable amount of doubt and lament onto himself. Sure, he can still go off as this being his very first season, and neither Clarissa nor his teammates nor anyone else was giving him heat. In fact, they have been more or less supportive of him regardless of the outcome, even if the second half of the season saw the Kittens showing a growing amount of lethargy. They were getting tired from picking off the rest of the crowd that by the time the Black Eagles came in, the Kittens have more or less exhausted themselves, on top of the former being a formidable team. Perhaps that was it – formidable. Markus is not the one to be suspicious about the team. In actual fact, he will always strongly vouch that the Black Eagles have taken their win fair and square, and that their skill is as natural as it can be. Still, the curiosity to know is always there with him.

He made one phone call, and out comes a person right inside his bedroom, something that bothered him a little if he was being honest. “Oh jeez, man. I know I said I would like a bit of privacy with the meeting, but you could have told me earlier!” the woman, Chief Aviator Gwen Tracer Hepburn “Fate of Existence and the Omniverse” Ellen Trixie Caitlin Foxworthy Avril Verlene Eveline Celinda Sammy Doris T-Rev Oxton Arielle Lindall Leslie Vitesse Allison, chuckled playfully, “Sorry, Love! Thought it’s urgent when you texted me, haha.” Markus composed himself, to which then he started asking the questions, “Okay, I need a bit of multiversal knowledge. The Black Eagles of Tumbra.”

“Ahh, right. You guys will be pitted against them if I heard correctly, yes? Well I mean, I have not studied them in deeper details, but hey, if you want to spy on a group of players, I think Jolyn or Jenny might have been a better fit-“

“No, Gwen, you are not quite understanding,” Markus politely interrupted, pouring Gwen a cup of tea and offering her a seat, the latter which she refused, “It’s NOT because I suspect they are cheating. Have they, like, you know, only played a few seasons? I thought they have had a bit more history towards them, like we might have known A LOT about them, way more than they are going at. You know where I’m getting at, right? Are they… multiversal?”

“Ahhh, that is a good question,” Gwen replied back, to which she scratched her chin a little bit before pacing around the room, then adding on cheerfully, “You want me to check that right now? I don’t mind!” she finished her tea.

“If you want to, it will be a good service to me and the team, please. I know this seems a little out of place, we are not trying to know the future or their goals or their plans; we just want to know what is their past like, for curiosity.”

“That can be arranged,” Gwen said, handing over the tea cup and the small plate back to Markus, who then placed it on his desk, “I will be back in… 5 seconds. And hey, this time, I will be re-appearing over there. Please clear that place, yeah?” with a smile and a wink, she seemingly snapped herself out of existence, and out to the other worlds and through other timelines in order to see what the Black Eagles are all about, if they are even named that there. other worlds. After a longer-than-usual checking that took her 23 years – a combination of not knowing the exact coordinates, as well as the exact timeframe, Gwen finally arrived at what appears to be the “old” Tumbra. Goldlion was the place that Gwen was looking at from a distance, through a non-intrusive window that made her look like a multi-dimensional fly on a multi-dimensional wall. She looked intensely, watching all of the events that have been unfolding right in front of her eyes. “So others know about the multiverse too!” she thought, “I mean, obvious, really. No surprise from me for this one!” A briefcase of sorts, a box, one that according to the multiversal inhabitants, put them in grave danger from the mere presence of the object. Fast-forwarding to the part where one elderly man and a young boy were huddled together amongst the piles of heavy tomes and books, with the former mentioning something about a book that gave them the means and instructions to reset their world. They were provided with options, and after much deliberation and hesitation, it would seem to be that the elderly gentleman has picked an option, one that would put them in “Stasis”, to freeze them. It would have gone according to plan, but what happened next was a spectacle even for Gwen. As the box hummed and started making a lot of unusual noises, the place and its components started glitching out, the cube phasing in and out of existence, along with a flurry of colour that momentarily blinded even the “Fate” herself. “Ahh, piss!” she exclaimed, her voice thankfully not going to be heard by anyone, let alone will freak anyone out. She could not look at it from the distance, and she certainly did not want to step into the world knowing that it might have rifted the timeline harder than a tower of Jenga. She will be fine if she stepped in, but the timelines probably would not. As a result, she simply watched from afar, soon witnessing the elderly man watching a room full of ashes, then sprinting over the window to reveal a night sky full of celestial wonders. Just as suddenly, all the gears snapped into place inside of Gwen’s head, knowing what exactly to tell Markus, and perhaps something that is not going to be of utmost importance for the rest of the Kittens.

She returned back 4.99 seconds later at that exact spot she mentioned earlier, back into Markus’ lounge. “Wow, you’re back already?” he asked, to which Gwen nodded, “Yeah, ahh… took a while. 23 years to find the darn place.”

“Oh dear, I’m sorry to put you into this trouble,” Markus apologised, offering to pour another cup of tea for Gwen, to which the latter refused, “Oh, okay then. So, what did you find? I mean, what did you see and have witnessed?”

“Well… a lot, that’s the short version,” Gwen replied, gathering up her thoughts and notes, “Long story is – they tried to put their world into stasis using some sort of an artefact. The only problem was that the thing either crapped out or that it was fated to do that- I don’t know, I never controlled that world, it’s not in my realms to do so. Anyway, it resetted their world, and this elderly guy, I assume he is the leader, was very, very confused when he was checking his computer. It seems like they got transported to another world, of another planet- probably, and they were just… there. Most of its history got rewritten, their geography changed, their neighbours were different. It’s a little too much even for me, really, and I am Gwen Gosh-Damn Tracer Allison. So.. yeah, there is that.” Markus took a while for it to process, but then he got more and more knowledgeable of the whole thing, at least to what Gwen has been telling him, “So their world has been… glitched?” “More or less, it would seem, yeah. The old world glitched out and was gone. This one… doesn’t seem to have much connections with the old Tumbra, if there ever is any.”

“So that means-“ “Yes, Markus. These guys are new and have not been around for far, far longer than we thought. Maybe they are just really good at it, you know? (Or some things carried over)- AHEM, I mean, yeah, go practice!”

“And mind you, I am not like threatening to erase you or do anything to you, but just do be careful, all right? I mean, we Valentians know about the multiverse, and I’m sure you can still tell the Kittens in theory and nothing would have changed. But if there is one thing I have learned from NSSCRA, is that news and all sorts of information can travel VERY far. Just assume everyone is listening. Plus, I mean, not all the nations know about the multiverse, at least, I don’t think so. Think of this as some backdoor information that is good to know, but we should not use it for everyone. (I wonder if I should just give you an amnesiac)- errr I mean, yeah! Good luck with the next match!”

[The last few parts involving Tumbra’s history has been written with approval, with absolutely no godmodding involved from the Valentians, and simply observing through. Sources for Tumbra’s side of the story are as follow:
viewtopic.php?p=38312401#p38312401
viewtopic.php?p=38324694#p38324694
viewtopic.php?p=38332780#p38332780]

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
The morning of World Cup 91 Qualifying Playoff Leg 2: Hapilopper v. Astograth
The morning dew was still present over much of Capital Stadium at this early hour of the morning. Outside, a handful of cars could be heard. It was Saturday, so much of Hapilopper City was still either asleep or getting ready to enjoy this wonderful weekend morning. Inside Capital Stadium, over 66,000 seats sat empty, with the exception of one seat near the east end zone. It was there that Nathan Ellis, the senior member of Team Hapilopper, contemplated life.

Nathan had seen Team Hapilopper in its highest of highs and lowest of lows. He had been there when the team had qualified for its first World Cup, and he had been there in the midst of a match-fixing scandal that ruined the team’s hopes for qualifying five years before. And several hours from now, he and the rest of Hapilopper would figure out if they would either be going back to the World Cup proper, or if they would go back to being relegated to Cup of Harmony Hell.

Nathan hated that tournament. He hated the words “Cup of Harmony,” which was, to him, the filthiest words you could say to him. He didn’t want to go to Tumbra, he didn’t want to go to Mertagne and he REALLY didn’t want to go to the subregion. He wanted to go to Graintfjall or Farfadillis. And for the first time, Nathan figured that he’d just rather not go if the team got relegated back to Cup of Harmony Hell. Maybe he’d retire. Maybe he’d just resign from the team entirely. After all, all this was his fault, wasn’t it?

That self-doubt dates back to the East Murbley match in the second half of the qualifying campaign, when just two minutes into the match, in an effort to get his team going, Nathan chased down and clotheslined an Eastie striker, knocking him cold, and sending Nathan to the showers with a straight red card. He was suspended for the next match against the Euran Oceania Territories, which ended up in a draw, a draw that probably wouldn’t have happened with Ellis on the pitch. The team racked three more draws during the second half, something which cost them that automatic qualifying spot in the group, a spot that went to Valanora instead.

Maybe this is my fault.

Maybe I should just get out of the way.

Maybe we need to get past that sort of cheap shit.

So many thoughts raced through Nathan’s mind as he stared out into space from that second-row seat at Capital Stadium. That self-doubt racing through his mind made him wonder if maybe he was the one to blame for Hapilopper’s failure in the qualifying, and maybe if it would be in the team’s best interest if he stepped aside. Maybe he was doing more harm than good for the team. Maybe he had gotten the wrong tactics against Astograth.

Maybe someone else would be better in my place.

I could go home and go fishing.

But am I good at anything else besides football?

When Hapilopper lost to Astograth in the first leg, many within the team pointed the finger at Nathan for selecting the wrong tactics against them. After the match, Thom Perkins and Dom Probst found Nathan’s notebook and figured he had made an adjustment the wrong way, which allowed Astograth to take advantage of those very mistakes and take a crucial 2-1 lead in the first half of this two-legged, 180-minute match. Following that discovery, Thom and Dom had a lengthy closed-door meeting with Nathan, asking how he came to those conclusions. But while there was significant frustration about being down 2-1, there was also some – and we repeat some – optimism.

“It’s not like 2-1 is an insurmountable hill to climb,” Thom said. “It’s still doable. It’s halftime. Plenty of time for us to make adjustments, plenty of time for us to battle back, and you know what? I think we can. Don’t lose heart.”

But Nathan had lost heart. He hadn’t slept a wink since the match, nor had he slept a wink since the first half of the Astograth match. It had weighed heavily on his conscience – the idea that maybe he was the one to blame for Hapilopper’s failures, the one to blame for the team not qualifying, and possibly the one to blame for being relegated back to Cup of Harmony Hell.

I don’t know what to do.

I don’t know how this is going to turn out.

I don’t know if I can take the aftermath.

In a few hours from now, this stadium would be jam-packed with 66,000 screaming Hapiloppians, probably a little rowdier than normal, probably a little more excited than normal. But for now, the only noise emanating from the old Capital Stadium were the thoughts racing wildly through Nathan’s head. Feelings of self-doubt, feelings of worry, feelings of fear. In his mind, those thoughts were drowning out the singing of birds, the cars driving past, life going on as normal outside the stadium.

It was so early that people hadn’t even started tailgating yet outside the stadium. They’d get there before long, but the parking lots were still closed. Nathan got up from his second row seat and made his way towards the concourses, where a few stadium staff were working. When they saw who it was, they waved and went on their way. Nathan wasn’t in the mood to talk to just anyone. He needed to speak to someone. So he pulled his phone out and dialed Ernie Stevenson, the same Ernie Stevenson that scored goal after goal for the Haps in years past, the same Ernie Stevenson that came in like a bull to fire his team up, the same Ernie Stevenson that Team Hapilopper might have needed at this point.

Ernie Stevenson’s House, King’s Row, Hapilopper City
A few minutes later
On the other hand, the feeling at the Stevenson house was so wildly different. Little Nate and Patty Stevenson, Ernie’s twin children, now having past their second birthday, were enjoying some of their shows on the television – shows geared towards toddlers that taught them about shapes, colors, letters, numbers and animals. And they liked watching those same shows over and over and over again. Instead of having memorized a proper tactic to how to beat a team like Astograth, Ernie had memorized every word of every video of Trippi, the most annoying person in Hapiloppian media, but yet the most popular among little children.

So imagine Ernie’s relief when he found an excuse to get away from it for a second. It came in the form of Nathan Ellis calling him. Nathan wasn’t in the best of moods, audibly bothered with the possibility of being relegated to the Cup of Harmony.

“I need to speak to you,” Nathan said over the phone. “I need that energy you gave us a few weeks ago.”

“I hear you,” Ernie said. “I mean, I can’t go over there now, Wendy’s at her parents’ and she’s asked me to watch the kids, and they don’t react well when I take them from Trippi.”

“Who the fuck is Trippi?” Nathan asked.

“Oh god…” Ernie started, trying to figure out the right words. “Educational shows, at best, you learn something, at worst you want to reach through the screen and grab him by the throat. He’s annoying as hell.”

“I see,” Nathan replied, almost unimpressed. “Look, I need to speak to you – if not now, later on, when you can.”

Capital Stadium
Several hours later
By this point, fans had started to make their way towards Capital Stadium. The tailgating scene at the stadium was, as was to be expected, as wild as it had ever been. Fans were throwing themselves and each other through tables, because why not? It was a wild party atmosphere in Hapilopper City. The bars and restaurants around Capital Stadium were as loud as they had ever been as fans hoped to get themselves up for the second half of this 180-match against Astograth.

And making things that much more wild? It was starting to rain. It was REALLY starting to rain, and in fact, it seemed like Capital Stadium was going to be a quagmire by the time the match got started.

And for whatever reason, that’s what Nathan Ellis wanted to see. He tended to get better when the weather went south. So did Team Hapilopper. And maybe that’s why the scenes outside Capital Stadium got a little wilder, a little more excitable, a little more feisty as the weather got worse and worse.

Maybe this is a sign.

Maybe all is not lost.

Maybe this is what we need.

Ernie Stevenson came into the luxury box, a smile on his face as he tried to shake off the mess from outside. He knew the rain meant something good for Team Hapilopper.

“Lovely day for a ballgame, ain’t it?” Ernie asked. “You wanted to talk, what’s up?”

“Yeah,” Nathan said. “I was wondering this morning if all this was my fault. You know, blowing the lead, missing the qualifying spot, hell, even being down in the first half. I just keep wondering if maybe I should just go away and let the team get someone else.”

“You think so?” Ernie asked. “Let me ask you a question then. Why do you think that? Where have you heard that from?”

“Well, I mean, I’ve… I guess…”

“TV guys getting to you?” Ernie asked. “Some asshole TV reporter ask you that? Why are you taking something from those pricks? How about you listen to your teammates? What do they say?”

“Well, you know, my teammates, they still look up to me, but I don’t know…”

Ernie put up his hand to tell Nathan to stop talking.

“That’s it,” Ernie interrupted. “Your teammates still look up to you. Your teammates view you as a pillar, someone they can depend on. They need you. You are their father figure, and without you, what the hell are they going to depend on? What I want you to do is think about this a little differently.”

Nathan looked up. He hated being interrupted, but he knew that Ernie had a point, so he wasn’t going to speak up. Ernie was speaking some truth.

“Rather than think about how it’s your fault the team didn’t win the group, how about think about how it’s your fault that you helped bring this team together,” Ernie started. “How about think about how it’s your fault that this team is still around. How about it’s your fault that Dom Probst didn’t break the god damn team up when he wanted to, and how it’s your fault that those kids stuck to your every word and as a result started winning football games.”

Nathan nodded his head.

“How about think about how it’s your fault that Team Hapilopper, a pot four team, who was projected to finish behind Kelssek and Savigliane, instead led the group for most of the run,” Ernie continued, getting more and more fired up as he spoke. “How it’s your fault that you led those kids to become the single best team in international football for most of the qualifying run. How it’s your fault that there’s still 90 minutes to go in this god damn match, you’re a goal behind and you and your boys are more than capable to get over that hump. You want to feel sorry for yourself? That’s just fine and dandy. But this team wouldn’t be nearly as here right now without you. Those kids wouldn’t know what the hell to do without you. So I say FINISH THE JOB.”

He's right.

We can do this.

We can beat Astograth.

[Vilita]

Rebels Hold Strong, Take Slight Edge Back to Vilita

World Cup 91 Qualification Playoffs, Leg 1, Cabo Azure :: By virtue of a very strong performance in the World Cup 91 Qualifying Campaign which included a victory over the dreaded team from the Empire, reigning World Cup Champion and #1 Nation in the multiverse, Endur Rotropii and the Vilitan Jungle Rebels were seeded 3rd overall for the World Cup 91 Qualification Playoff Draw behind only Hapilopper and Squidroidia. The Rebels reward in the draw would be a match-up against Rushmori side Cabo Azure who had the joint most defeats of any team that advanced to the playoffs with 7 defeats in 20 matches. Cabo Azure were a surprise entry into the playoffs as they had entered the final matchday of World Cup 91 Qualifiers sitting 5th in the Group 11 table knowing they would have to leapfrog two nations on the final match day - and could only do so if they won their final match while both of the teams they were chasing lost their final match. It was a highly improbable scenario considering that all three nations were playing teams lower than them in the Group 11 table with Cabo Azure on the road and HUElavia, the nation holding the third spot on goal differential heading into the final match day, playing at home to the 10th place team in the group. Somewhere along the way, however, a miracle happened in the little known nation of Stresia as Cabo Azure got the three points they needed and their fans waited nervously as scores came in from the rest of the group. Against all odds, HUElavia had been defeated 3-2 by Thibaea who made their exit from Group Play on a tear with two wins in their final two matches. Over in Kimi-Suomi, the Raikofans wrapped up a stunner of their own, denying Saterun what was there for the taking, a highly entertaining 4-3 result which left Cabo Azure as the only playoff-seeking team to claim any points on the final matchday.

While it was certainly a thrill for the nation to jump from fifth to third on the final match day and enter the World Cup 91 Playoffs, they would also enter those playoffs as the third lowest seed in the draw having accrued just 37 points over the 20 match qualifying run. Of course, it would not be the first ever meeting between the two sides as the Vilitan National Team were drawn against Cabo Azure during their ill-fated 89th World Cup Qualifying Campaign that ultimately saw the Jungle Cats fall short of the top spot in the group to Kandorith then miss out on the World Cup Finals on a playoff penalty shootout against Squidroidia. While Vilita were unable to qualify for World Cup 89, it was not for a lack of performances against Cabo Azure that did them in as Cavuna Aquafek's side scored six goals in two matches winning them both. The first match against Cabo Azure would also feature the first ever Vilitan National Team goal for Fyin Miateal. Now a star of Endur Rotropii's Jungle Rebels, Miateal broke onto the National Team scene with their spectacular strike. It would mark a run of three consecutive National Team games with a goal for Miateal but strangely the young midfielder would not feature much in Aquafek's side in the second half of that campaign, including the reverse fixture where Vilita traveled to then-199th ranked Cabo Azure and secured a 3-0 victory.

For the third ever World Cup Qualifying meetup between the two sides and first leg of the World Cup 91 Qualifying Playoff, it was no surprise that head coach Endur Rotropii elected to hand the starting goalkeepers gloves to Ukamai Talingri, the Baker Park based net-minder who had been a backbone of the teams best performances in Group 13 match play. The Rebels would be without one of the Tlikara siblings, however, as Kunaro Tlikara was ruled out of the match before kickoff and Takaara Milanzi would get the start alongside the Rebels leading goalscorer from qualifying, Treasvo Tlikara.

It would be Tlikara who would open the scoring for the Vilita National Team 22 minutes into the first half after the ball was distributed wide from Fyin Miateal to Khrusan Mlianko who then crossed into the area. Tlikara seemed to be able to form a circle around their body almost like a force field - or perhaps simply just demonstrating a keen sense of game vision to find the perfect spot to connect with Mlianko's cross before easily converting past 20 year old Azurean net-minder Ambrosio Gomez. While the Vilitan National Team had scored three goals on each of their two previous meetings with Cabo Azure, two full cycles had passed since those matches and Rotropii was well aware that this was no in-and-out sabotage operation. This was a two-legged battle and the second leg would take place at a stadium of Rotropii's choosing back in the Vilitan Cove Region. Rotropii directed the energy of the match into the midfield and urged their players to force the battle to be played between the penalty areas. Much of the remainder of the match would take place there - Rotropii using just two of their three allocated substitutes in the second half to introduce Sami Samii'i and Riku Kasslin but neither player would influence the scoreline any further. The full time whistle would come in Cabo Azure with the Rebels taking a slim one goal advantage back with them to Vilita where they would hope to be able to finish the deal and, for the majority of the players, secure a place in their first World Cup Finals.

 Vilita 1 - 0 Cabo Azure	
	Vilita Goals:	:: 22' Treasvo Tlikara              
	Stats :: Vilita	:: Possession: 55%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 11 :: Cabo Azure :: Possession: 45%:: Shots: 4:: Corners: 6
	Vilita Lineup ::	Ukamai Talingri, Awukchu L’bakka (Sami Samii’i 45'), Tero Alatalo, Hothat Iciiplak, Jakku’u Naboyavi (Riku Kasslin 61'), Fyin Miateal, Letirpsi Vulitn, Trezisi Rokopolis, Khrusan Mlianko, Treasvo Tlikara, Takaara Milanzi

Appeared in All 20 Qualifying Matches

Statistically Speaking :: Top Rebel Performers in World Cup 91 Qualifying :: Over the twenty games of World Cup 91 Qualifying, just one player appeared in every game for Endur Rotropii and the Jungle Rebels: Fyin Miateal. Unlike many of the players on the Vilita National Team squad for World Cup 91 Qualifying, Miateal was not directly extracted from Rotropii's Rebel Academy setup in the Old Tivali Jungle. However, Rotropii and Miateal worked together at Marine Coast's Ramzi Academy in Crosaibi where Rotropii was a coach prior to starting up their own facility following the disappointment of the 89th World Cup Cycle. After working with Miateal for two seasons at the Ramzi Academy, the young midfielder would sign a professional contract with Marine Coast United - Rotropii's old Vilitan League club and made an instant impact helping elevate the team to a Top 4 finish in the Vilitan Stellar Division as well as earning an Olympic Gold and Under 21 World Cup Trophy in the process. Miateal had made just 11 appearances for the Vilitan National Team since their debut on the second matchday of World Cup 89 Qualifying - a lopsided 0-4 defeat to Savojarna in what many believe is the last good result the Savojar National Team has achieved. Now, however, after two further seasons of professional experience, Miateal has become the centerpiece of the Vilitan National Team and many have tipped the youngster as a future National Team Captain.

Miateal would also lead all midfielders in goals scored during the campaign with six, with numbers behind only the Tlikara siblings who accounted for a near evenly split 15 total goals of the 53 that Rotropii's Jungle Rebels would score during World Cup 91 Qualifying. Of course, scoring goals had never been the problem for the Vilitan National Team who had previously scored a near-identical 52 goals over 20 matches during World Cup 89 Qualifying. The big difference would come on defense. During Vilita's failed World Cup 89 Qualification campaign they would concede a total of 42 goals. Under the leadership of former National Team defender Endur Rotropii during World Cup 89 Qualifying, the Vilitan National Team conceded just 25 goals with 9 goals - over a third of the total conceded, having come in the teams first two games of the cycle against the top two seeded opponents in the Group. From Matchday 3 of World Cup 91 Qualifying, the Jungle Rebels did not conceded more than twice in a single game and had six shutouts - averaging a shutout once every three matches.

Led Rebels with 4 Clean Sheets

That would also provide a factor in one of the biggest surprises of the campaign - the rise of Baker Park based goalkeeper Ukamai Talingri. The 24 year old who plays their club footsport for Monmouth Park was a part of the Vilitan Union's Olympic Gold Medal winning team as a youth but had not appeared for the Vilitan National Team under the previous coaching administration. Looking to ensure fresh faces in the squad and knowing that the Rebel Academy's own goalkeeper prospect, Altirii Touiniki, was likely too young and inexperienced to throw into important matches early on in the qualification, head coach Endur Rotropii turned to Talingri to help the team recover after heavy defeats to The Holy Empire and Geektopia in their first two matches of the campaign. Talingri would respond in order delivering a shutout on their debut during the 1-0 victory over New Eestiball that changed the tone of the World Cup 91 Qualifiers for Vilita and saved the Jungle Rebels from an early dismissal by the Vilitan Footsport Association. Over eight appearances for the Rebels Talingri would post four shutouts - keeping a clean sheet in exactly half of their starts for the National Team to lead all goalkeepers. Zelikki Milake Jr., the presumptive #1 starter for the campaign, had just one shutout and conceded 19 of the Jungle Rebels 25 goals against in just 11 appearances in goal - the only one of four goalkeepers that Rotropii used to have a goals against average during qualifications of greater than 1.0. The statistical performances over the 20 match qualification run have led many to believe that Rotropii had shifted the depth chart around to formally give Talingri the #1 Keeper Responsibility and that speculation was further emphasized when it was Talingri, not Milake Jr., who was in goal for the Jungle Rebels during the first leg of their Playoff matchup in Cabo Azure. Altogether, Endur Rotropii would give three goalkeepers their debut appearances for the Vilitan National Team with Talingri (@ New Eestiball), Reino Kononen (v. New Eestiball) and Altirii Touiniki (@ Aut-Ves-Nat) each pulling on the Jungle Rebels uniform for the first time.

Goalkeepers included, Rotropii would hand National Team debut's to thirteen different players with three of the five most capped players of the Qualifiers having made their debut under Rotropii in the opening match of World Cup 91 Qualifying against The Holy Empire in the dreamed realm. Midfield duo Letirpsi Vulitn and Jakku'u Naboyavi were near ever-present for the Rebels with both missing only a single game - Vulitn having sat out the 2-1 victory over Geektopia on Matchday 12 while Naboyavi would appear in all matches with the exception of the 2-1 victory over Garifunya on Matchday 10. Rotropii would rely heavily on the Rebel Academy trainees throughout the qualifications but did allow some former National Team players to give the opportunity to impress. Other than Miateal who Rotropii had already had on their shortlist from their time spent together in Crosaibi, Rotropii was most enamored with the effort shown by midfielder Trezisi Rokopolis. The 24 year old from Jlinal Cove FC was a major part of the Vilitan Union triumphs at the Under-21 World Cup and the Olympic Games and came highly recommended by Miateal as a hard working teammate who Miateal had played alongside at the Olympic Games and also served as a locker-room mentor for the younger midfielder. Rotropii would have a similar assessment of Rokopolis work effort once the midfielder arrived at the Rebel Base and would reward that effort with 19 appearances during the 20 game qualifying run - the only player without prior Academy ties to Head Coach Endur Rotropii to appear in more than 75% of the Qualifying matches.

[Brookstation]

Time is a cruel entity-which stops for no one. Ever since the dawn of humanity, the passage of time has been painted in a grotesque light-the Brook god of time, for instance, is known for scaring children at night. However the intention behind painting this picture was to teach us through this tale that time has no remorse for us mortals, who are mere toys to wax and wane and ebb and flow from one day to the next.

The Brookstation football was no stranger to the overwhelming lack of permanence throughout one's existence. The 90 minutes against Nyowani Kitara was not the only instance when the team had been shattered from inside and every minute passed faster than ever. The entire campaign of the team had been a roller coaster where time just played a pivotal role. If one actually had the power to control time, they would immediately fast forward Brookstation's first two matches and starting from their match against Lumbinipur , watch the rest of the matches with keen interest. And again he would stop time to capture the glorious expressions on the faces of every Brook present in the Pop Smoke Stadium the day Brookstation surpassed Banija. Sometimes it's just funny to imagine the value that time holds, something none of us even think about in our day to day lives. Billy Browne was one such victim of time. The manager who started his managerial career with a loss at home and the very manager who now gained the title of the most successful manager of Brookstation ever now started to see an empty road which led to somewhere, a place no one knew exactly.

Billy constantly kept looking at his watch and made some unpleasant remarks at times. " Fuck, we don't have time at all. Come on boys, just pull up something. "
If only Margaret had been generous enough to listen to the desperate old man shouting like a madman for the last 10 minutes of the match. The scene in the locker room was quite strange. In fact this was the only instance when the locker room had been so quiet. But at the end of the day, someone had to take the initiative to break the silence and as the manager of the team, Billy thought it would be best if he was the one to do the honours.

" Good job guys, you all gave your best."

This however failed to bring a change in the environment. The players were more disappointed than Billy. Even if Billy supervised each and every move of the team and guided them throughout the tournament, it was Robes and his men who actually ran throughout the pitch and scored the goals. They knew exactly what was happening and having reached so close, the events that occurred in those 90 minutes were enough to demolish their dreams. Thus no one knew how exactly to reply.

Five minutes passed and now silence was finally broken. Leon shouted, " Friedrich get us all a cup of coffee. We need something to cool down."

" We were outdone. That's all I can say for my part. Nothing worked on the field, no damn thing. Just a week ago , we sat at 2nd position and in this very dressing room discussed our tie against Banija and now ? And now, we have lost our second consecutive game at home. Well, I guess this is how the world actually is. Perhaps, I shouldn't have diverted my attention from reality. "

" Calm down , Leon we still have another leg. "

" Right. Only 90 minutes, only ninety minutes to prove hundreds of hours of hard work. Only 90 minutes."

Any ordinary man, unaware of the happenings of the match would easily mistake Robes for a drunkard but that was how everything went and all other players just fixed their eyes at Robes. Robes again sunk into silence. The events of the match rose before him, just as he was a few minutes ago ,after shooting a ball from close range which missed the goal. He recalled that feeling, the events which put him in his agony.

"Damn it, these thoughts again. I must put it away right now."

The team however was not the only ones affected by the outcome of the match. Thousands of people from all over the country who had gathered with the mere wish of seeing their team win and perhaps make it to the biggest tournament of all, were devastated and although they felt for the players, they had no way to express it other than bringing tears to their eyes.

" The year was 1993, if I am not mistaken. Most of you didn't even stepped into the world then and here your manager was playing for a Richmond side. Our club didn't hold an important place in the table and thus it was quite surprising when our Richmond side made it to the semis of the (Harrison) Shield. It was after a long time we reached this far and similar to you all, we didn't want to give up our chances either. But you see, one side had to lose at the end of the day and it was our time to bid goodbye to the Shield. That day, I was in a worse condition than you all. I was in such a rage that I refused to enter the dressing room again and that night I didn't get an hour of sleep. Just the mere thoughts of the match haunted me throughout and overall it had a disastrous impact on me. But that's not the point. The point is, Did I give up ? I am pretty sure that we won the Shield 3 years and I even scored a goal in the finale. But imagine what would've happened if I decided to hang up my boots that very day ? Imagine what would've happened if I broke all my ties with the sport that day. Well none of you would have to hear this boring advise of an old man today. "

This brought a smile in the player's faces after a a long time and some of them couldn't help but giggle. Friedrich, the ever faithful butler of the team arrived at the exact time with his tray of coffee.

" Friedrich you never fail to impress me, dear. Now all of you get up from your seats and grab a cup. The thing is simple, we have ninety minutes in our hands and in this ninety minutes, we go and spend our last drop of sweat. It's not the success that matters , it's the experience that does. We have made several mistakes throughout this campaign but we only have 90 minutes to prove everyone that we learnt from our mistakes. "

Everyone was back in their form and Billy with his brilliant oration skills managed to pull up an hour long conversation with his teammates where they joked about various things and discussed some football.
" See you guys then. It's high time you go back home. We still have those 90 minutes to play." Billy said, concluding the discussions of the day.
As soon as the team stepped out of the campus, a strange but yet graceful sight welcomed them. Around a thousand fans including women, children, young football fanatics and obviously the old population stood there with their banners. The security tried their best to keep them off the campus but they couldn't. Upon the arrival of the team, the fans shouted at the top of their voices saying , " Well done heroes, you have made us all proud. Show the Kitarans what we have got."

For once, life seemed to pop up within everyone and one thought occupied everyone's mind at that point. "Yes, there is still time. There is certainly time. We can certainly do it if we believe we can."

[Nyowani Kitara]

Note: This government owned media source is the most biased media sources in the entire country, so read this media source, especially the other news section, with a critical eye. Foreign media observers would call it a KPWC propaganda outlet, a charge that they would most certainly deny. They routinely charge the Free Press with straight up fabrications, something the newspaper rigorously denies. With recent legalization of opposition outlets within the country, its reach will inevitably decline, but in response it is doubling down on its loyalty to the President, and particularly, the party.

With President Akongo's electoral loss, their response has been to be more fanatically in support of the President. However, while more fanatical in the news section, they have integrated slightly less politics into their general sports coverage.

The Kitara People's Free Press
The voice for the working people of Nyowani Kitara

SPORTS- Huge 2-0 road win in Brookstation puts Nyowani Kitara on the brink of glory, on the edge of our first ever successful World Cup Qualification


The team celebrates Odede Angonga's goal in the 78th minute that put the match away and put Nyowani Kitara a huge step closer to the World Cup Finals

BROOKSTATION- Nyowani Kitara's manager, Liang Wei, started his press conference with a very measured response. "It's only halftime in this tie." He said, while admittedly grinning. "And you know what they say- the most dangerous lead in football is a 2-0 lead." Whether that's statistically proven or not, everybody agrees with that, it's basic fact. The logic is there- enough of a lead to cause players to relax, just a little bit, and yet, not enough of a lead where players actually should be relaxing about anything. And yet, Nyowani Kitara could not be in a better place. There aren't many better places to be after keeping a clean sheet at your opponent's house, while scoring twice yourself to leave it all to play for back home in Dewayo.

Let's get into this one, eh? With no away goals rule, both teams were opening up the game and getting forward, creating chances for themselves to try and score the goal that would start the final legs of their journey to the World Cup Finals. In just the 6th minute, our own goalkeeper, Oduor Bigombe, had to deny Johannes Kehr from point blank range, in a chance that he absolutely should have put away. He had basically a what was little more than a tap-in from 6 yards out, but somehow, Bigombe was able to recover and make a commanding save, knocking the ball out for a corner kick. The insipired home side continued to dominate the first quarter of an hour of the contest, before Nyowani Kitara could really settle in. Bigombe had a similar, spectacular sprawling save on a header in the 9th minute. And, of course, Louis Vassell bent a brilliant free kick in the 15th minute, one that Bigombe could only watch. Fortunately for our goalkeeper, the ball hit the top of the crossbar and bounced away, harmlessly, for a goal kick.

While they dominated those early proceedings, they started to slow down. A solid strategy when you are the underdogs- go for the quick goal and change the narrative. But thanks to brilliant reactions from Bigombe, and a little bit of luck, we were able to avoid that goal. And slowly, but surely, we worked our way back into the game. Wang Jiahui had himself a half chance in the 22nd minute that he skied, but it was the fact that we were getting forward that was the positive. Center back Tendenka Mutsekwa, at the half hour mark, actually had a great chance to take the lead himself. Wang Jiahui bent in a brilliant corner kick, and Mutsekwa's man fell, giving him the absolute most free header you've ever seen. He had been going for the near post, however, he could not curl his header enough, as his header was just wide, enough to go out for a goal kick.

It would be the 34th minute where we would score our opener. It was actually a great play all around by our own team. A pass by Ekberg to Owino Odede, who had his back to goal. Odede, feeling the Wang Jiahui run oncoming, made a perfect, no-look, backwards flick. timed perfectly to keep Wang onside, and yet leave his defender in the dust. Brookstation's goalkeeper came out, but it was far too little, far too late. A player of Wang Jiahui's quality was simply not going to miss a chance like this. He fired home with blazing pace on the ball, as Brookstation's goalkeeper did not stand a chance. That gave us a 1-0 lead, as he held up a finger while running to the bench to celebrate the goal, which he did to silence the Brookstation fans.

Striking first, on the road, in the playoffs? Always a good sign. Even without the away goals rule, this was a key goal, a crucial goal. "Wang's goal to give us the lead going into halftime was crucial for how the match would play out." Liang Wei told reporters. "If we had gone into halftime at 0-0, maybe things could tighten up, players get nervous, everybody starts playing not to lose rather than trying to go out and win... The intensity of the moment could have ratcheted further up for our team, and crucially, allowed us to lose our heads. That happened last time, of course." He, naturally, was referring to the first leg of the Qualification playoffs for the last cycle, when in the final 10 minutes, Nyowani Kitara went from being up 2-0 at home to a 2-2 draw, which led to a complete collapse when they went to Ethane. "So much of this is maintaining your composure in this high pressure in situation. Neither of our nations have any World Cup experience, so obviously it's a little different than normal. But that goal took away the nerves, allowed us to settle in a little bit, and really impose our will on this game."

For a lot of the second half, despite being both up and away from home, Nyowani Kitara had the better of the chances going forward. Nyowani Kitara, of course, is not a team that is necessarily built to sit back and hold leads, so in games like this, we can be a nerve-wracking bunch to watch. Angonga, Odede, and Ekberg all had chances to double our lead, but Brookstation's goalkeeper made some spectacular saves to prevent that from happening. On the flip side of the coin, Bigombe certainly showed us why he's got a contract in Mytanija, making a few high-quality saves of his own. The game was hanging in the balance, as Nyowani Kitara held onto a 1-0 lead until the 78th minute. That is, untill... Well, we'll show you the transcript of the TV Commentator.

Brookstation are passing the ball here, as they looked for a way to heave the ball into the center of the pitch and create chaos. For once, our defense is holding up against this kind of pressure. And the pass is.. Intercepted! Mhara Vera, who came onto the pitch a few minutes ago for Ekberg, has stolen the ball. ANd... Oh wait! It's a counter-attack! He's flung a great one donw the sideline to Wang Jiahui, as players from both sides sprint to join him. Olaf Svante and Angonga are making diagonal runs- Wang whips a brilliant ball in, towards the center of the pitch, to Olaf Svante. Svante flicks it backwards with his head... AND THERE IS A SLIDING ODEDE ANGONGA! HE HAS SCORED! HE HAS SCORED! ANGONGA HAS SCORED! GO-GO-GO-GOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!

WHAT A PLAY, WHAT A COUNTER-ATTACKING GOAL! The BEAUTIFUL finish from Angonga has turned this tie on its head, and it has changed everything!

We held onto the lead for the 2-0 road win, and it puts this team in a tantilizing position. Favorites coming home with a lead, in an environment that is going to be an absolute madhouse. Brookstation, our esteemed guests, will be forced to open things up and throw all sorts of numbers forward, since they need not just one goals, but to strike twice. Those forward numbers can leave open space behind them, and the counter-attacking opportunities are what give us a great chance to put this tie on ice. While some would call us big favorites at this point, many players adopted the attitude of their manager- the job is not done.

"Look, there is no ignoring this situation- we are on the cusp of the greatest sporting moment in Nyowani Kitara history." Said the goalkeeper, Odour Bigombe. "And with that, there is pressure. All sorts of pressure. But we understand, there is plenty to play for in this leg, in the business end of this tie. Our fans will be right on top of them, and we'll have probably our final ever match in front of our President." In reference, of course, to Nafuna Akongo, the great leader and outgoing President of the country. "But we understand- it's halftime. No celebrations, and we've got to come out with intensity and excitement. Great things are possible, but only if we are ready. We have to make sure that the pressure of the moment does not get to us, and I will personally ensure that the stakes will not be too big for this team."

Hopefully, he's right. Will this nation qualify for our first ever World Cup in national history? Or will the moment prove too big for us, once again? Only one way to find out- tomorrow night, at the Revolutionary Grounds.

[Flavovespia]

Wreckeria 1 - 4 Flavovespia

The big story of Group 14 was not playing out here in Wreckeria, but Flavovespia’s 1-4 victory was a major step in their bid to qualify for their first ever World Cup. Events elsewhere would give even more significance to this result, but even putting them to one side, Flavovespia showed their determination and skill with this result.

No changes from the Flavovespia side that hadn’t lost in 12 sides, as they travelled to Wreckeria for what was a crucial game for both sides. A point would secure at least a playoff spot for Flavovespia, but for Wreckeria, nothing but a win would be enough for them to keep their playoff hopes alive. It was no surprise to see Wreckeria attack the harder in the opening stages, and the Flavovespian defence and goalkeeper Aarif Muhammad did well to weather the early storm.

After some early pressure, it became quite a tense first half, and it seemed like a goal wasn’t all that likely. Then, in the 37th minute, Michael Cole broke down the left flank, and whipped in a low cross towards the centre of the box. Clive Carson stuck out a leg to just try and get the ball ahead of Adrian Jones, but could only divert it into his own net. Flavovespia had the breakthrough, and going in at half time 0-1 up filled them with a lot more confidence.

The second half had a feel of one where the next goal would be so critical in this game. And in the 64th minute, the visitors Flavovespia got their second. Jonathan Bagshaw made a darting run down the right, before cutting inside. His first shot was blocked by John Marlowe, but straight back at Bagshaw, who then made the second chance count. 0-2 now, and Flavovespia could sense the win was much closer now.

Just before the injury time mark, Flavovespia made it 0-3. Jonathan Bagshaw this time sent in a deep cross, to find Michael Cole on the header to steer the ball into the back of the net. A relatively simple goal, but one that seemingly wrapped up the game. Well that was until 2 minutes into a bit of a long injury time period. Bobby Belcher pulled the ball across the edge of the box, and Sig Justice with a first time shot found the corner of the net, to give Wreckeria a consolation goal and reduce the deficit to 2 goals. However it wouldn’t finish 1-3. Kieron Player sent in a long ball over the top, and substitute Scott Coleman with fresh legs was quickest. He got clear of the defence, before a silky smooth shot beat John Marlowe. 1-4 it was, and that was practically the last kick of the game. Flavovespia kept their unbeaten streak going to 13 now, and elsewhere there was huge significance.

The win for Flavovespia was eclipsed by The 14 Stars vs Turori result as far as the top of the table was concerned. The 14 Stars had won 4-3 over Turori. From a 2 point deficit at the top, Flavovespia would go into the final Matchday, a home game against The 14 Stars, knowing that a win would send Flavovespia to their very first World Cup as Group 14 winners. It was a huge result in the group, and suddenly the dream looked a whole lot more likely. Turori would play 3rd placed Juvencus in their final game. Juvencus themselves haven’t guaranteed a playoff spot, but a win in Turori and a Flavovespia loss, and they could snatch the group win on a goal difference swing of 4. Flavovespia vs The 14 Stars in Hornet’s Nest, Waldster, was already on paper a big game, it was now possibly Flavovespia’s biggest ever. Would the dream be realised, or would Flavovespia drop into the playoffs?

Flavovespia 4 - 1 The 14 Stars

It was the biggest game anyone in Flavovespia could remember. Any pub or bar with a TV screen was showing this game. Town and city squares were packed with big screens for public viewing. Even those with barely any passing interest in football were tuning in. And of course, a capacity crowd in the Hornet’s Nest were here to cheer on Flavovespia (away end aside). Flavovespia, thanks to their opponents on the final matchday, The 14 Stars, knew that a win would send them to the World Cup for the very first time. But, there was still a match they needed to win, and Turori or even Juvencus were right there to grab that spot if Flavovespia faltered.

The same starting eleven that was a major part of the 13 game unbeaten streak would start again. Aarif Muhammad in goal. David Lyons on the left and Andrew Dance on the right as full backs. Stuart Cookson and Tony Gardner the centre back pairing. A midfield trio of Kieron Player, David Clark and David Wassell. And up front, the terrific attacking trio of Michael Cole on the left, Jonathan Bagshaw on the right, and Adrian Jones in the middle. As they lined up and listened to the national anthem, and saw the sea of yellow around them, the importance of this game couldn’t be lost on them.

An early goal would settle the nerves, and an early goal Flavovespia got. The first big attack from Flavovespia saw David Clark angle a ball towards Michael Cole. He dummied past Olivia Salisbury, before pulling the trigger on a low shot. It flew past Calvin Princeton and into the bottom corner of the net. 6 minutes in, and it was 1-0 to Flavovespia. There was still a long way to go, but that goal meant, if things stayed the same, Flavovespia were into the World Cup.

The 22nd minute then saw the next big event of this game. Kira Blade had a free kick some 25 metres out from the goal, but potentially in shooting range. Instead of shooting, she sent in a looping cross towards the back post. Jude Redwood was there to get a foot to the ball and steer it at the opposite post. Aarif Muhammad had too much momentum travelling in the original direction of the ball, and couldn’t stop the ball from rolling over the line and into the net. 1-1 and the nerves of the crowd were ramped up. It was still goalless in Turori, a 1-1 at this stage would be enough, but Flavovespia knew they really needed to win to do it on their terms.

The first half was maybe on the balance of things in favour of Flavovespia, but the crucial detail at half time was that the score was 1-1. Elsewhere, the other key score at half time was Turori 0-0 Juvencus. It was still enough for Flavovespia, but nobody wanted Flavovespia to rely on Juvencus keeping Turori at bay, they wanted the certainty of winning at home. The key question was how they would handle the opening stages of the second half. That was answered within 2 minutes of the restart. A corner was whipped in by Kieron Player towards the penalty spot. Stuart Cookson got in the right position, rose well and with a firm header sent the ball into the net, beyond Calvin Princeton and defender Victor Rodriguez. A first ever international goal for Cookson, and it may very well be the most important goal the defender ever scores, not just for himself but for Flavovespia. 2-1 after 47 minutes, Flavovespia had the World Cup spot right in their grasp again.

Momentum was on Flavovespia’s side, and the crowd were in a buoyant mood. Of course there were nerves about a second equaliser, especially when the ball drifted into the final third from The 14 Stars. Then, on the 61st minute, Flavovepspia got players forward dangerously. Jonathan Bagshaw played in a through ball to substitute Robert Totten. Totten’s first touch was a little heavy, but Totten was able to get to the ball before Calvin Princeton, and lofted it over the sliding goalkeeper and over the line. The lead doubled, and Flavovespia had a 2 goal cushion and just half an hour or so to go, to hold that lead and go to the World Cup.

Every minute felt slower than the next, but slowly but surely the belief grew, as any attack from The 14 Stars fell short. The final minutes saw the two stalwarts of the attack, Scott Coleman and Steven Hall introduced in place of Adrian Jones and Jonathan Bagshaw. Anyone suggesting it was just a sentimental move were surprised in the 87th minute when Hall made a quick breakaway downfield, with Coleman and Cole in support. A great angled ball by Hall set up Michael Cole. Cole rounded goalkeeper Calvin Princeton who’d come out to try and close the angle, before scoring into the empty net. 4-1 and now even the most hardened pessimist had to admit, Flavovespia were set for the World Cup. Even news that came in a few minutes later that Turori had taken a late lead against Juvencus didn’t matter anymore.

When the final whistle blew, it was a moment that would never be forgotten. Confetti and fireworks set off in the stadium, and the players, coaches and manager celebrating together on the pitch. The crowd in the stands were a bouncing sea of yellow and black in celebration and ecstacy, flags, scarves, banners and even some of their shirts being waved in joy. Across the nation, parties and celebrations were breaking out everywhere where crowds gathered to watch this game. For Flavovespia, in their ninth cycle of World Cup Qualifiers, and in a group containing some football nations with so much history or so much potential, they defied the odds and the predictions, including many of their own, to win the group and go to the World Cup. And whilst the celebrations continued on even for several hours after the game, the feeling that this was the end of a big battle and a long journey was slowly replaced with the realisation that there was still another chapter to look forward to. That chapter being the 91st edition of the World Cup, with 32 teams, and amongst them for the first time ever, Flavovespia.

[Delaclava]

Anna Voss liked what she saw.

The Delaclava national soccer team didn't win its first game in the Voss Presidency. It went toe-to-toe with a very good Eura squad and the two teams put on a brilliant display for the 153,000 fans at Golden Phoenix Field, a show that the Eurans won 4-2. The Delaclava team fought hard, and while their opponents had better depth, the likes of Lukas Meyer and Kent Lindblad - who each scored goals - and Ben Romeijn, all players in the Euran League, showed the extent of the Delaclav talent and improvement since just years or even months ago.

As soon as the final whistle blew, Voss arose from her seat and a few security men quickly and furtively rushed her out of the suite. No one really saw her leave, most focused on showing their appreciation for the Phoenixes, who looked defeated but acknowledged the crowd with waves, some hand-hearts and blown kisses, and Meyer and Romeijn signed soccer balls offered by children on their way out, showing not even a glimpse of impatience or desire to be elsewhere.

Voss was making her way down to the tunnel underneath the stadium, where the Phoenixes would soon pass through on the way to the locker room. One of the first players to come through was the young center back, Marc Champagne. Voss saw him approaching and stepped into the center of the hallway, extending her hand and saying strongly, "Very good effort today, congratulations."

Marc, slightly bemused, accepted the handshake. "Thank you. Uh... have we met?"

"Likely not. I'm Anna Voss."

"Ah. Marc."

They stared at each other for a second before Marc asked, "Who are you? Are you from the DOC or something?"

"Oh no. Not really, anyway. I'm the new President of Delaclava."

"Oh!" Marc blushed. "I'm so sorry..."

"Never mind that, Marc! You all have been working very hard and have been focused on your job. You haven't had time for trifles like politics. I respect that very much."

"Uh, thanks."

"I hear you'll be around for years to come, I look forward to speaking with you again soon."

"Yes, ma'am. Nice to meet you."

By now, most of the team had caught up in the tunnel and were watching this interaction with mild interest. Voss turned her attention and began to exchange pleasantries with the rest of the team, who had varying reactions to her presence. Some were as unaware as Marc Champagne; others were enthralled to see her, with Damian Soto leaning in for a kiss on her hand that got the security guard's attention, before Voss told him to stand down with a chuckle. Martin Bartoš, eager to have a fellow anti-imperialist in office, was much more respectful but equally grateful to meet the new President. Some were less impressed, with Varlam Kovalev hellbent on getting away as soon as possible with a hurried handshake and a forced smile.

The last to come through was the captain, Lukas Meyer. Voss smiled, "Lukas, congratulations on a great game. You all have come a long way."

"Thank you."

"I was fortunate to come here against Ko-oren here. You really have built a team that can compete against the world's best."

"We can't beat them yet though."

Voss paused. "No, not yet. Perhaps soon." She continued. "You are a great leader. The team is in good hands."

"Thank you, Madam President."

Meyer would have left if it weren't for Voss' intense, expecting stare. Lukas raised his eyebrows slightly. Voss finally said, "You're not like Phoenixes at all, are you?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're the Phoenixes, but not really. You're not whimsical, mystical, mercurial. You're talented but incredibly hard-working, determined, loyal. You haven't gotten through your struggles by rebirth; you've done it by staying steady, putting your head down, and figuring it all out."

Meyer was stunned. Voss finished, "Think about it. You can't be something you're not, you know?"

"I guess not."

"Best of luck in Bastion. Perhaps your time is now."

"Thank you."

"We'll be in touch."

Meyer gave a confused half-smile to that last suggestion and walked away. Voss watched him leave, gaze like a hawk. She had big plans for him, for this team, for this nation.

[Turori]

Eels Outlast Cordia in Danvirk, Take 2 Goal advantage back to Cednia Beach

The Castle, Danvirk, The Cordian Isles :: With just one game left in their World Cup Qualifying campaign, the nation of Vdara was in full control of their World Cup 91 Playoff Destiny and still had an outside shot at Automatic Qualification to the World Cup 91 Finals. All they needed was a win against the bottom side in Group 11, Beepee. After 90 minutes at Beans Park, however, the celebrations had to be stuff back into the can as Vdara were held 2-2 as Beepee picked up just their second point of the World Cup Qualifying campaign and left Vdara exposed. The Cordian Isles had picked up a hard earned 1-0 victory in the Atlantian Oceania rivalry matchup against Qasden which was enough to keep Cordia within striking distance on 39 points. With Vdara having completed their 20 match schedule, however, The Cordian Isles had the luxury of knowing exactly what would - and would not be enough to see them bypass Vdara for Group 11's final playoff spot.

Cordia's opponent on the final matchday would be Bongo Johnson - the all-or-nothing side with the fewest draws of any nation in Group 11 having drawn just one of their 19 matches heading into their final matchday showdown with the Cordian Isles. With it all on the line, Cordia would give no quarter, pummeling the ball down the proverbial throats of the Bongo nation and catapulting themselves into the top three in style with a three-goal victory - outpacing Vdara by a single point to advance to the World Cup 91 Qualifying Playoffs.

Unlike most nations who could tell exactly who their Playoff opponent would be the moment the final-final whistle was blown on Matchday 20, The Cordian Isles were not as fortunate as it would turn out that both Turori and Jeruselem would finish with the exact same amount of points and the same goal differential in a tie situation that would have to be broken by a coin flip. In the end, the coin flip would decide that Turori and The Cordian Isles would play an all-Atlantian Oceania playoff matchup which was ideal for both the fans and the logistics coordinators for both National Teams. Of course, on paper, some would argue that it was a less preferably matchup for Cordia as they looked to advance to their first ever World Cup Finals. With the Turori National Team being the 2nd ranked team in the multiverse, it was, on paper, one of the most lopsided matchups of the playoffs, with only the Mytanija v. Srednjaci eclipsing the matchup in terms of rankings gap between two competing playoff nations.

Tarek Edgeli's Turori National Team would arrive in Danvirk having been fully warned that there was no such thing as an easy playoff match. They will have studied recent playoff upsets that affected similarly single-digit ranked sides who opened up their two-legged fixtures against double or triple digit ranked nations looking for their first ever World Cup appearances and returned home with an unexpected deficit that they had to fight uphill to overcome. In some cases, such as in that over neighbor Vilita against Squidroidia in World Cup 89 Qualifying, the hill was just too far. The Vilita v. Squidroidia fixture proved that ANY deficit in the first leg of a World Cup Qualifying Playoff match could be too big of a deficit. Vilita returned from Squidroidia just one goal down but despite winning at home it was not enough as they would crash out on penalty kicks. Turori will have been fully warned of the dangers of conceding which will have made head coach Tarek Edgeli all the more frustrated and anxious when the home side were able to get the opening goal of the game just 9 minutes after the kick off.

The goal came after Nicholas Eriksen had earned a corner kick putting in a difficult shot from a tight angle that Derizi Amatopa had no choice but to guide over the bar. It would be Eriksen who then stepped up to deliver the resulting corner kick and provided an inch perfect deliver that was met by the head of Redvin Chase. The 28 year old Jutland Cannons defender known for their ability to provide clinical headers on set plays had delivered once more and The Castle was in raptures as The Cordian Isles got a dream start, their fan base beginning to wonder if they could hold off the Eels and overturn the form book to qualify for their first World Cup Finals. As often happens in sport, it didn't take long for the Cordian Isles to diverge from their initial game plan that had gotten them the lead, and settle into a defense structure that allowed Edgeli's Eels to take penetrating shots at the Cordian defensive line. As the match rolled on, Turori were swallowing up more and more of the possession and challenging the Cordian defenders into conceding a multitude of corner kicks. Despite the increased pressure, Cordia would survive the pressure and reach the half time interval with their 1-0 lead in tact.

It was the worst case scenario that Edgeli had feared coming in to a hungry nation in search of a berth in the World Cup Finals. As the second ranked team in the multiverse, Edgeli knew that even as the manager who brought Turori its first ever World Cup title, it would be difficult to survive the shock of a World Cup Playoff upset - as tantilizing as the prospect of chasing a 5th Cup of Harmony title might have been to the most obscure of statistical savants. Edgeli would make one change to spark the team at the half, introducing Loala Inkabu and urging the team to score goals in the more-aggressive than usual 4-3-3 formation that the team was sent out for the second half into.

The move would work. The Eels would level the scoreline within ten minutes of the second half through veteran Jungle Strike FC attacker Nua'oma Aikiki. Then, less than 15 minutes later the Eels would earn a second through hard work and commitment from Aikiki's younger teammate and attacking partner Lutara Makakio. With 23 minutes left to play, the Eels had climbed out of the hole to take a 2-1 lead - but it came at a cost. During the scrum for the ball inside the area that ultimately resulted in Makakio poking into the back of the net to give the Eels the Lead, the challenge from Vladimir Demov came in just at the moment Makakios outstretched leg was making contact with the ball forcing the attacker into an awkward landing position. Unable to celebrate, Makakio was holding the knee as they were helped gingerly off the pitch to be replaced by Turakia Diijelhma.

With the Eels now holding a one goal advantage, Edgeli decided to make a second change, removing top goalscorer Nua'oma Aikiki from the match as insurance to ensure at least one of the two Jungle Strike FC attackers would be available for the second leg of the playoff fixture, sending midfielder Tulaki Rauogba in to help keep possession for the final twenty minutes as the Eels reverted to their standard System Turori formation. Rauogba, who plays club footsport for René Skaé in Farfadillis, would perform excellently in the role that Edgeli had outlined for the midfielder in the 4 minutes they had to strategize after Makakio's injury. As a bonus, it was Rauogba who, while holding up play near the sideline, spotted the ambitious run of Turakia Diijelhma who caught the Cordian defense sleeping. Rauogba found a lane to poke the ball ahead and Diijelhma had a clear path to the net, slotting under an on rushing Kristin Bergstrin to give Turori an all-important third goal on the deal as they would return home to Turori with a two goal advantage over their regional neighbors.

 Turori 3 - 1 The Cordian Isles	
	Turori Goals:	:: 53' Nua'oma Aikiki:: 67' Lutara Makakio:: 84' Turakia Diijelhma 
	Cordia Goals:	:: 9' Redvin Chase:: 
	Stats :: Turori 	:: Possession: 62%:: Shots: 6:: Corners: 11 :: The Cordian Isles :: Possession: 38%:: Shots: 3:: Corners: 5
	Turori Lineup :: 	Derizi Amatopa, Amakli Inuro'o, Biliki Rona'atu'i, Planio’o Nrujsa, Cusaram Sakeri, Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Daliora Toru'u, Kinabo Telioa (Loala Inkabu 45'), Nua'oma Aikiki (Tulaki Rauogba 71'), Lutara Makakio (Turakia Diijelhma 67')

----------------------------------------------------

Next Matchday Venue Information & Preview:

---

Cednia, Turori
Fixture :: World Cup 91 Qualifying Playoff Leg 2 v. The Cordian Isles

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

Capacity :: 103,000

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

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

Primary Tenants :: Cednia Beach AFC currently compete in the Vilitan Stellar Division. Cednia Beach AFC remain the only Turorian club to ever win the Vilitan Stellar Division Title and can also boast the UICA Globe Cup, Atlantian Oeania Champions League and Vilitan Cup (3x) among their honors.

Previous Fixture :: World Cup 91 Qualifying Matchday 3 v. Starblaydia - It was the match to set the early tone of the World Cup 91 Qualifiers for the Turori National Team as they faced off with one of the few teams that had been contesting the World Cup for exactly as long as they had. Both originating from the so-called "Class of '15", This day would belong to the Eels. Despite controlling just 40% of the possession in the match and being outshot by the Purple Peril, the Turori National Team scored on 3 of their 4 shots on goal to take a 3-1 victory and control of Group 14. Goals from Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, Daliora Toru'u and Lutara Makakio set the Eels up for a string of seven straight victories to kick off World Cup 91 Qualifying which included just three goals against total.

---

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Just Win, Baby
Salwan Mynhier

Anne-Sophie Groothuis and her Black-and-Reds have worked their way to a position that the best teams in the world long for. They have one match remaining on their schedule, and none of the past ones matter anymore. With the WCC’s abolition of the away goals rule, the 0-0 draw last week at Olympic Stadium in Centralis counts for nothing. Everything will be decided in Brantisvogan. Whether in 90 minutes, 120, or a penalty shootout, one team will one, and one will lose. One team will go to Græntfjall or Farfadillis. The other to Tumbra or Mertagne. One will have a chance to win multiversal sport’s greatest prize. The other will head to the consolation tournament.

The Black-and-Reds are fortunate to thus have control of their own destiny, and have no deficit to make up for. They are also lucky to be able to play in front of their home crowd, with no travel arrangements to distract from their preparations. Needless to say, failing to advance at this point would be a major disappointment, especially after the team's strong recovery over the second half of qualifying. Now unbeaten in nine matches, the Black-and-Reds just need one more well-executed performance to achieve the nation's first consecutive qualifications in the modern era.

Groothuis, as usual, remains tight-lipped about her squad selection, but it seems unlikely that she'd opt for any changes from the first leg. That would mean Shimski in net, with Nyberg and Malgos the fullbacks, Harkahn and Yarlut the halfbacks. Tabur, Hashemi, and Nisarizo will mostly likely start in midfield, with Bondarov and Yonte on the wings, and Gerstlauer up front.

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 4-1 MIL @ Overburg Arena (cap. 46,222), Damogran, Algolia, SRS
MD6:  EFK 1-2 SRS @ Lake Dal Stadium (cap. 55,900), Kebmot', Ssedbam, EFK
MD7:  SRS 3-1 ALR @ Eichlen Stadium (cap. 37,500), Rudlit, West Flania, SRS
MD8:  LMB 3-2 SRS @ TBA
MD9:  SRS 3-3 SRG @ Civic Arena (cap. 58, 300), Viltvodle, Megabrantis, SRS
MD10: BRO 2-5 SRS @ TBA
MD11: SRS 2-1 MNS @ Killough Grove (cap. 31,400), Han Wavel, Han Dold, SRS
MD12: SRS 4-3 ERM @ Striterax Cybernetics Arena (cap. 64,325), Striterax, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD13: BNJ 3-0 SRS @ The Stadium of the Restoration (cap. 91,835), Busukuma, National Capitol Region, BNJ
MD14: SRS 3-0 QUK @ Zenith Stadium (cap. 58,400), Stavromula, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD15: 	BYE
MD16: MIL 2-4 SRS @ TBA
MD17: SRS 3-0 EFK @ Synesoft Arena (cap. 46,950), Syneca, Sivolvia, SRS
MD18: ALR 1-1 SRS @ A field (cap. 100), Lahaira, ALV
MD19: SRS 3-0 LMB @ Smolak Systemy Stadion (cap. 31,200), Sjerezo, Molvania, SRS
MD20: SRG 2-3 SRS @ Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado (cap. 108,879), Soluca, SRG
MD21: SRS 1-1 BRO @ Emerald Coast Coliseum (cap. 31,200), Vassilian, Algolia, SRS
MD22: MNS 1-2 SRS @ TBA

P/O1: ETM 0-0 SRS @ Olympic Stadium (cap. 100,000), Centralis, ETM
P/O2: SRS  v  ETM @ Megabrantid Financial Field (cap. 69,245), Brantisvogan, Megabrantis, SRS

World Come Undone, Part 7
CW: The musical accompaniment for this chapter has a video containing graphic depictions of the Vietnam War. I personally think it adds to the overall experience and feeling of horror that war should evoke. I understand, though, that some people may not wish to view such images. The song can be heard without the video at this link instead.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

You know, as vilified as they are, and justifiably in many cases, it certainly isn’t easy or pleasant being a member of the Imperial occupation force. Soldiers’ letters and war journals, many written very much in violation of regulation, reveal a fighting force that is becoming worried and confused about their mission.

For reasons best known to themselves, the leaders of the Imperium have mostly deployed poorly trained conscripts, holding better experienced and equipped units out of the fighting. Fragmentary survival of records makes it difficult to puzzle out the precise line of reasoning taken by the army’s commanders, but it seems most likely that it was a combination of two main considerations.

First, certain voices in government including Minister of Security Anton Mechin, and Director of Information Management Markus Wallenstein are actually in favor of a protracted struggle. Mechin and those of like mind do not consider the rebellion in the west to pose any real threat to the Imperial government. Rather, they see it as an opportunity. The longer the struggle drags on, the more they can justifiably expand government surveillance and control in the west. Special security measures enacted for the war allow the Ministry of Security to openly arrest essentially anyone they please. This had been common practice for some time, of course, but now it no longer needs to be kept secret. It is the firm intention of Mechin and Wallenstein that these “special wartime measures” will never be repealed.

The other consideration is the concern voiced by Minister of War IlyaSoderberg, along with his close associates Army Chief of Staff Patr Osterbakken, Air Force Chief Holger Holmberg, and Grand Admiral Kennet Bogdanov, who commands the Navy and Marines. These military men are worried that a foreign power might take advantage of this distraction to make trouble for the Imperium. The navy, as the main arm of Imperial power projection, was especially worried about this possibility. Also, as the main arm of power projection, the navy held greater prestige and influence than the other branches. Strangely, though, their conclusion was that, rather than committing all available resources to stamp out the rebellion and resolve their vulnerability, that elite units should be held in reserve, and naval resources not committed at all to the fighting, against the contingency of foreign attack.

Not privy to any of this, the troops on the ground are shuffled from place to place, spending long days of tedium punctuated by moments of sheer chaos. They know they aren’t the best the Imperium has to offer. Most aren’t here by choice, and those that did volunteer did so mostly for lack of many other economic opportunities. Army work is, if nothing else, at least a steady paycheck. They also know they aren’t welcome. Nearly all the callups come from the Isle of Squornshelous, and the cultural and ethnic difference between them and the occupied population have only become more apparent with time.

Most concerning of all though for Imperial high command, is the fact that many are beginning to question their orders. Why have they been sent to occupy the cities if the rebels are all in the countryside? Why have the elite units been kept out of the fight? Why is resentment growing so much among the locals? After all, they were told to expect to be welcomed with smiles and open arms, and that the fighting would be quick and easy. All of this has proved false. Autumn is now well under way, with a second winter of war looming on the horizon. Far from being swept away by Imperial military might, the rebel forces are growing, their ranks swelled by people who have had enough of the armies camped out in their cities, eating their food, coercing their labor, and pushing them around in their own home.

At this rate, it’s going to be a very long war indeed.

[HUElavia]

Raspotochje 0-4 HUElavia
(Chanca 18', 54', Nascimento 27', Font 77')

HUElavia 2–3 Thibaea
(Honda 54' (P), Lavezzi 82' | Iturburua 47', 75', de'Verley 87)'
Hangul Stadium, Gyeongan, HUElavia

Final Result:
10-6-4
36 Points
51 Goals Scored
31 Goals Conceded
+20 Goal Difference
4th Place Finish

Back to the Cup of Harmony we go...

[Eura]

WORLD CUP 91 QUALIFYING – PLAYOFF FIRST LEG
Delaclava 2–4 Eura
Scorers:
Robson 16, Singh 27, Malone 60, Bowman 89
Lineup:
13. T Hammond
4. J Menard
15. K Sherwood
5. T Green (sub Phillips 73)
16. O Vincent
8. V Robshaw
11. B Malone
7. M Woakes (sub Stewart 82)
12. A Woodman (sub Bowman 65)
14. S Singh
9. S Robson

---

At a car dealership in Concord Heights, the capital city of Cassadaigua, a happy couple were purchasing their first car together. Lena and Carl were in love, and this was the latest step in their journey to road trips, screaming children in the back seat, and eventually? Happiness.
That was the cover story.
“Lena” was not a 34-year-old teacher from the suburbs, who just happened to be born in Marhead, Eura. “Carl” was not a 29-year-old personal trainer who she met on a cruise, who just happened to be born in Suttonville, Eura. Their real names were Laura Pallister and Mark Oldfield. They were not ordinary folk. They were intelligence officers.
A gullible Cassadagan salesperson gleefully accepted their cash, not a care in the world about who they were or where they were from and waved them off as they took to the road.
Just outside of the city, another Euran-born couple were doing the same thing, and within an hour both pairs would drive their cars to separate underpasses in separate quiet parts of the metropole, before abandoning their vehicles and getting public transport home.

When the time was right, a group of twelve began dripping out of the Euran embassy in the centre of the city, one by one, vanishing without a trace under different auspices. Off to the airport for a trip home, going shopping, getting lunch – what didn’t change between them was that they all left and then none of them came back, and that all worked for the Euran government in some capacity, with each coming from a different agency (and in two cases, military branches). They began a journey westward that would take them all the way to the western border of the country, carefully bypassing any towns or cities that, according to their briefing, were undergoing civil unrest due to the ongoing succession crisis.
Many hours later, two offroad SUVs pulled up at a border crossing from north-western Cassadaigua into terra nulius between the remote Cooper River and what Euran’s often called “the pink state”. Here, current events made themselves obvious; Cassadagan military helicopters came back and forth over the border, as did a variety of vehicles, from little wheeled scout cars to treaded armour. However, to the relief of the Euran dozen, there was no-one waiting on the border to find out who they were. Border posts were already being set up to the south, but the Cassadagan authorities had yet to establish any kind of border controls this far north along this lightly policed boundary.
Unopposed and reassured that they could move undetected, the dozen restarted their engines, and moved over the border.

No-one had ever given this region a name. It straddled a large chunk of land, cordoned off on the north and west sides by the massive Cooper River, which ran all the way from its source north of the central Cassadagan border to the Xandrian Sea in the Westlands of Valladares. Like many “undiscovered” (and by that we mean un-colonised) territories of Rushmore, there was little sense of a nation-state here, at least not in a sense that self-described “civilised” countries could understand. No flags flew, locations were generally not signposted, infrastructure was poor or missing altogether, and there was no sign of institutions such as emergency services or public buildings. There was farmland and forests, and plenty of it – but that was it. No cities and towns either.
Villages were another matter. Only a few miles across the border, the dozen passed one small village that defied any notions of this being virgin territory. It had what looked like a central communal building, something resembling a pub, and basic but sturdy housing, with a dirt road running through the settlement. Parked on it were Cassadagan armed vehicles with an easily recognisable pink flag fluttering off the back of each on a flexible wire.

The front car stopped. ‘Can they see us from here?’
‘We can see them, so probably. Pull up behind that bank there.’ The dozen parked their vehicles in a covered position and several of them dismounted while the others remained with their only transport.
‘Jonas, you’re up.’
‘Got it.’ One of the group went to the front, a man in his 20’s wearing a skull cap hat and hoisting a powerful camera on a chest strap, making him look more like a documentary crew than a Euran government employee. He began filming while the others observed and took notes. After a time, they stopped, having caught some good first-hand footage, and some useful observations.
‘The locals seem to have mixed views then.’
‘Yeah, maybe. One of them looked pretty happy to see the soldiers but their daughter looked ready to throw a punch.’
‘Like I said. Mixed. Fascinating material for consideration in Bastion though, eh?’
On they went, travelling deeper into this uncharted territory, picking up what they could from every interaction, observation and clue. They even stopped at one tiny settlement to trade for food, discovering that the people of this region traded in NSD, Cassadagan quarters and a variety of other Rushmori currencies, including a tattered old Euran pound note.

As was the case on the border, it was easier than they could have possibly expected to steer clear of the Cassadagan forces, who seemed disinterested for now in the apparent presence of foreigners, or who simply assumed the Eurans were locals who worked over the border and were already “one of them”. Nevertheless, the leader of the group was unwilling to take any chances. They ended their first day of investigation as soon as the sun started to set. Just a few hundred metres from where they had stopped was a non-descript hamlet of only a few weather-beaten houses.
‘This village…got a name?’
‘Uh…’ Their expert anthropologist was respected in their field, but even they had limits. ‘I don’t have the foggiest. In fact, the further we go into this place, the less I know.’
‘I would have thought that would excite you, Professor!’ quipped one of the pair of military personnel dropped into the group, who served a dual role as experts on the Cassadagan invasion and as a security detail, though everyone in the party was trained to fight and had at least a sidearm tucked away. Despite their government’s strong criticism of the regime in Concord Heights in recent days, these guns were mainly there to protect them from pirates or bandits, who reportedly were a common feature in the area. If the Cassadagan army stopped them they would have to comply and hope to not be arrested on a pretext.
‘These people are going to get some special visitors tonight’ the leader said, ‘let’s just hope they don’t get spooked.’

While the sun slowly dropped below the valley’s edge the two SUVs pulled up in the village and were greeted immediately by confused locals. They acted as they were hiding something, shifting around in the shadows and whispering to each other as the foreigners approached – or maybe they were just terrified that a group of Cassadagan soldiers were about to start looting, or worse.
The leader, despite a gentle tug on the back of his vest from one of the security team, dismounted from the first vehicle and approached with her hands raised, in more of a “I come in peace” than an “I surrender” fashion.
‘Hello! I’m Liz. Elizabeth. Does anyone here speak Terranean English?’
She was greeted by a suspicious chattering of voices in the background as two men approached. One of them had a shotgun. She took an ever so slight step back but didn’t yet reach for the machine pistol strapped to her back.
‘We’re not Cassadagans, not government. We’re Eurans.’ The men kept coming. Perhaps unwisely, she put her hand into the top pocket of her baggy plaid shirt, which prompted the man with the shotgun to raise it to a hip level. ‘Wooah, ok! Nothing to worry about, here, look.’
Slowly, she pulled from her pocket…a passport. She chucked it to the ground in front of him and kept her hands raised. He picked it up, inspected the coat of arms on the front and the photo ID page, then lowered the gun.
‘Come with us. No-one else – just you.’ His accent was unrecognisable.
He didn’t sound like any Cassadagan, that was for sure.
She nodded back to him and set off to follow, disappearing into the unlit darkness of the valley as her colleagues stayed behind.

---

If you live in Eura (or even many other places abroad), at any given moment, the Euran government might be watching you.
Out in the garden mowing the grass? Watching you.
Driving home from work and screaming at the traffic? Watching you.
In bed searching for “adult educational videos” on the seedier side of the internet? Watching you, although maybe they really shouldn’t be.
Eura’s intelligence services were infamous for their reach (and sometimes their dubious grasp of morality), and often seen as the brain to the brawn of Eura’s other treasured geopolitical strength, its armed forces. However, the military was far from incapable of going it alone in gathering and analysing information, particularly from locations that the OSI and other agencies could not reach.
The commanding officer of Euran Air Force Aerospace Command knew that better than anyone. Vaguely named but with a very clearly defined purpose, EAF-AC, or EURAERO to those in the know, was responsible for commanding Eura’s array of space-based military assets, chiefly its spy satellites. They could do things someone on the ground could not – such as a diverse group of Euran government investigators hiking through Cassadagan border regions, for example.

The commanding officer – not named in any public sources for security reasons – was given an instruction directly from the Chiefs of Staff and the political leadership at the same time those investigators were setting off on their unscheduled journey. They arranged for several different orbital “assets” to reorientate themselves into the required positions. Over the next few days, they would observe.
Bit by bit, they comprehensively scoured the new terrain that the Cassadagans were rolling into, taking photographs and scans from low orbit at a decent resolution and level of sensitivity to exhaustively cover the area. On a separate tasking, more precise and focused monitoring was carried out over areas that were flagged by the high-level observations as likely to be hubs of activity; newly deployed Cassadagan forces in camps and fortifications, anywhere showing signs of combat such as burning fires and unusual disruptions to the geography, and as many human settlements as possible. With caveats of extreme sensitivity being required and taps on shoulders of low-level operators from mysterious senior officers, those going through the material were instructed to immediately raise any suggestion from the data of untoward behaviour by the Cassadagan forces. Off the record, the commander told his underlings that if there was a mass grave or a burning village, he wanted a photograph good enough for a newspaper front page.
This would not reveal every detail or tell every story, but it was a start.

---

Lowering his copy of the Torgos Tribune, Tobias Webb - the Euran ambassador to Pasarga – saw a gaggle of Pasargan politicians come into his office. They were right on time.
‘Hello everyone. Thank you for coming.’
‘Ambassador, it is us who have you to thank! After the events outside parliament yesterday we feared you might not take our call.’
‘Oh, don’t be silly. The Euran government always has time for elected representatives. Me particularly.’ Webb was not just being courteous. Before his stint as Eura’s man in Torgos, he was a senior Euran government representative to the Common Rushmori Community and had written a book on what he described as the “democratic enlargement of a free Rushmore”. In his mind it was an important part of his role to spend his time working with parliamentarians rather than kings.
‘Thank you’ said the head of the group, ‘we won’t take up too much of your time.’ He was a recognisable figure to most Pasargans and those who follow the affairs of the country; the Minister of the Exterior, Nazik Sumer, equivalent in rank to Eura’s Foreign Secretary. Officially, his office was currently swamped under the load of official sympathies dedicated to the late King Jakob. Unofficially, the Minister himself wasn’t taking calls because he was too busy on political manoeuvres under the cover of the international reaction to Jakob’s untimely demise.

‘Ambassador Webb, I know you are a man who likes to cut to the thrust of a point. I will spare you any further pleasantries. As you will know, following the very sad passing of our dear King, Parliament has opted to make a decisive intervention on the matter of succession for the good of the Pasargan nation.’
‘Mmm, yes, some of Parliament has decided that’ chipped in Azad Günaydin, the Minister of the Interior who had been the focal point of the prior day’s events in the capital, ‘but we are of course seeking to win support from those who are not yet converted to the cause.’
‘Indeed, Azad, thank you. It is our view that the succession must go in favour of Ezid Majistar. It is the most just solution to a historical injustice that we must right to maintain confidence in the crown.’
Webb raised his eyebrows and pointed at the newspaper on his desk. ‘Uh-huh. Looks like there might be some dispute about that, though maybe I have misunderstood and need to start using reading glasses.’ Torgos’ most famous publication spoke of plot and protest, with disturbances reported across the dual islands.

Sumer brushed this off without hesitation. ‘Have we got everyone convinced? No, but the nature of democracy is to change minds and build coalitions in one’s favour. I am utterly confident we will do so in the coming days. The reason I am here is to canvass for support from our allies. We fear…’ Sumer paused and glanced at other members of the group, adjusting his tie in a way that conveyed an underlying nervousness. ‘…we, uh, fear that this may develop into a situation where it is not enough to simply rely on the good sense of the Pasargan people.’
Webb’s face scrunched up at that last comment. ‘You’re going to need to be more explicit with me I’m afraid.’
‘Backing from Bastion, we need it!’ blurted Sumer, overly keen to get his point across. ‘If this starts getting complicated, what will happen next? Complication will become violence. Violence will become instability. Instability will become…well…I dread to think and would rather not speak of it.’ The three-letter word he was thinking of was one that did not need to be said to be heard.

‘And how would our backing help you avoid that scenario?’
‘Diplomatic and political recognition right off the bat would be the ideal medicine for this problem. Your country did more than any other to drag ours out of the age of blackened chimneys and into the information era. If your government were to assert that, in their view, Ezid is the legitimate ruler, perhaps to our opponents in Parliament in private, that would be a huge help. If violence does become inevitable then this would be followed by Euran recognition of Ezid as the sole legitimate head of state of the dual islands, casting aside any other claims. We are the elected representatives of the Pasargan people, after all. Surely Eura would take our word?’
‘Absolutely. The will of the people and all that. We have no interest in keeping anyone on a throne and would back you wholeheartedly.’
Now it was Sumer’s turn to double-take slightly. ‘I don’t understand. We are talking about succession, not abolition.’
Webb quickly realised his error and lied splendidly to correct it. ‘Of course, I misspoke! Whatever you think is best, the elected representatives of your people, we will support. Provided you do manage to bring together a majority of those elected individuals, to be clear.’

A month ago, he might have said the same thing out of personally held anti-monarchy beliefs, which would have contradicted the ambivalent standard line Eura took on monarchies. Since then, Webb had taken a very revealing phone call from the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister a few days earlier, and now had reason to believe his disruptive instincts could become actual government policy. Either way, he had to be careful not to accidentally propose Pasargan politicians should start readying guillotines.
‘Thank you, Ambassador. I trust you are saying this in your capacity as representative of the Euran government, and not just personally?’
‘Yes. I have spoken to Bastion about some of the emerging possibilities, and they have given me very clear instructions that Eura will stand behind those who take a mandate from the people...’
As he was speaking a notification popped up on his computer. It was a classified communication from home, briefing him on the latest Euran intelligence assessments of Pasarga’s military capability; the country had a roughly 500,000 strong armed forces fielding a mix of indigenous and Euran equipment going back to a modernisation programme that started decades ago, including Euran built naval vessels and older models of Euran Air Force aircraft and Euran Army armoured vehicles.

The reformed Pasargan military had deeply entrenched contacts with their Euran counterparts and could be relied upon as allies internationally, but domestically their position was less clear.
‘…entertain my curiosity for a moment. Where do the forces stand on all of this?’
Günaydin weighed in now, having clearly studied the potential ramifications of what could happen if the crisis moved beyond parliamentary theatre. ‘Broadly speaking, the majority of the armed forces can be relied upon to do their duty and uphold the rule of law. And regardless of what the constitution might say it is representatives like us who do just that; make law and make sure it is enforced. The navy and the army in particular know where their loyalties should lie. I have my concerns about the air force, though I do not think they are sufficiently troubling to make any action necessary.’
‘Speaking hypothetically then, if there were to be a contested succession even after Parliament has a clearly chosen option…no-one is going to do anything stupid?’
Once again, the Pasargan politicians glanced at one another without looking fully confident, almost inviting one another without speaking to answer the hanging question. Only Günaydin seemed convinced of his position. He carried on. ‘No. As I said, the majority are trustworthy, and anyone else can be managed. If we did have a problem then there are alternatives. Private sector contractors, the police, my internal security department. All could ensure stability in the unlikely we reach that point.’
‘I would like to add emphasis to the “unlikely” part of that sentence!’ said an interrupting Sumer, who appeared keen not to say anything that would make the Eurans jittery about potential future backing. ‘Parliament at large will side with us. They must do.’
‘Well then’ said Webb, kicking back in his chair and smiling as if nothing were at stake, ‘that all sounds fine and dandy, doesn’t it?’

[Krytenia]

Insanity At The Isserson II: Electric Jerugaloo
By Rami Niblick in Emberton

WELL, that wasn't the result we were hoping for. A wide open encounter at the Isserson Olympic Stadium provided an absolute feast for the neutrals, but left the Dragons on the wrong side of the scoreline. Old defensive friendlies, thought consigned to the dustbin of history, reared their ugly head again as Krytenia ended up on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller in the first leg of their World Cup qualification play-off against Jeruselem.

Brelk-Xeral Erv's team had come into the game brimming with confidence following their seven-one drubbing of the CRC and a cathartic win over the Ochre Islands in their final two qualifiers, and looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck from the start. Krytenia moved the ball around quickly, looking for penetration in the opposision's third, with the trio of Savannah Quinn, Scott Stringer, and Cande Montalban flowing in motion in the middle of the park. An early chance fell to Carlos Senna, cutting inside Ceres Greenhorne before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box; sadly, though, the strike was too close to the 'keeper, and Baelz Helos gathered comfortably. Alexander Devereux caused headaches in the box as well, as the Dragons probed for an opener, but couldn't quite find a clear cut chance. The closest he got was a strike from around the penalty spot, but it was charged down by a quick-thinking Matt Gates.

At the other end, Jeruselem weren't exactly being slouches themselves. They, too, had the chance to take the lead in the opening twenty minutes, when a long Gates clearance was nodded down by Ina Ninomae into the path of Hind Site. Unfortunately for the Jeruselem striker, James Orwell was alive to the danger, and came out of the box to clear off Site's feet as he shaped to shoot.

As the half-hour approached, the question wasn't if somebody was going to break the deadlock, but when. As it turned out, it was a well-deserved goal for the home side. With Iroha Karma conceding a free-kick out wide in midfield, Simon Masari whipped the ball in towards the far post. Gavin Healey arrived first, heading the ball down to the feet of Montalban, whose rising first time strike left Helos in no position to attempt the save. The goal was just reward for the pressure that Krytenia had put on the Princesses; now, they needed to find a second.

This woud prove easier that you might have thought. The goal seemed to energise the Dragons, and they poured forward with abandon. It took just two minutes for Krytenia to double their lead, with a moment Jeruselem defender Amelia Watson would like to forget. Under pressure from Quinn, Watson scuffed a clearance into the Krytenian midfielder, with the ball squirming to Devereux. With only Helos to beat, the Casuals striker picked his spot and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net.

With the game in danger of slipping away from them, Jeruselem concentrated more on staunching the bleeding and not going into the break three down. Guwa Gaw dropped back to assist the defence as the Princesses sought to deny the Dragons a further score. The tactic worked, as the Krytenians struggled to find space in an ever more crowded Jeruselem third. The pendulum began to swing, and with Krytenia getting more frustrated, a few cracks began to appear. It allowed Jeruselem to begin getting in more attacking positions, and when a speculative effort from Ninomae deflected off Daniel Usher to give the visitors a corner, they took full advantage. Site managed to escape the clutches of Healey, finding space in the box to glance the ball past Orwell and pull one back for the team in pink. With the game delicately poinsed going into the break, the feeling was that whoever scored next would have the advantage of momentum.

The fans didn't have to wait long for the answer - and a disappointing one at that for the vociferous home faithful. Jeruselem came out for the second half with the bit well and truly between their teeth (no, not like that, even if it is Jeruselem), determined to get back on terms. Usher stumbling chasing a long ball down the middle didn't help matters, allowing Ninomae space to chip the ball over the onrushing Orwell to make to two-all. From being well in control of the match, Krytenia now found themselves back at square one...and it would only get worse from there. On fifty-seven minutes, Usher again put his side in danger, this time woefully underhitting a backpass to Orwell. Site pounced on the loose ball, taking it past the stranded Krytenian goalkeeper with his first touch before side-footing the ball into an empty net and giving the visitors the lead for the first time in the match. That would be that as far as the Bradwell centre-back was concerned, as before the match restarted, he was replaced by Sonny Chiesa.

The switch did allow Krytenia to reorganise at the back, with Quinn filling the role for Krytenia in the second half that Gaw had in the first. Krytenia looked to regain their shape, with enough time left in the game to take back control. Jeruselem, however, were still well and truly on top. Diplo Pharm was unlucky to hit the foot of the post with a fizzing daisy-cutter, Site was denied a hat-trick by a superb save from Orwell, and Healey almost turned the ball into his own net attempting to clear a Koyori Hatten cross. Eventually, though, Jeruselem found a way through. Kronus Balanov, on for a visibly tiring Site, carried on where his fellow striker left off, connecting with an excellent Hatten pass, smashing the ball first time out of the reach of Orwell to grab Jeruselem's fourth.

Krytenia, though, would prove they were not dead yet. Substitute Liam Hayes was the architect, jinking inside a Jeruselem defender before laying the ball off to Stringer. He found a return pass for Hayes, and though his well-struck shot was parried by Helos, it served only to push the ball to the feet of Alexander Devereux, who had the simple task of lifting the ball over the stricken 'keeper to halve the deficit. Sadly, though, there was not enough time on the clock for Krytenia to find an equaliser, and the Princesses will return home with what could be a crucial one-goal advantage.

All eyes, then, on the Dazza Dallas Arena. Krytenia's qualifying hopes are by no means dead, but the direction of travel is very much uphill at this point. The Dragons will need all of their mental fortitude - and BXE's tactical nous - to overturn the deficit and qualify for the last thirty-two. If nothing else, the opportunity to laugh long and heartily at the travails of the Men In Mauve and the Bulls should prove motivation enough. Onward!

KRYTENIA - 3
Montalban 29
Devereux 31, 90+1

JERUSELEM - 4
Site 42, 57
Ninomae 47
Balanov 81

[Mytanija]

EPISODE 1: DIRTY OLD TOWN
EPISODE 2: START AGAIN
EPISODE 3: BEYOND THE SEA
EPISODE 4: STEP ON
EPISODE 5: I’M FEELING IT (IN THE AIR)
EPISODE 6: BLUE MOON
EPISODE 7: DON’T STOP
EPISODE 8: THE SHARKS ARE CIRCLING

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 9: TRUE FAITH

“This was probably the point at which the manager decided to park the league and focus entirely on the two cups,” Mateja Stojkovic says. “We weren’t exactly sure of a place in the top five at that point, either, but Misel knew that if the team could focus on the two cups they could write their names in Mytanar football history forever. There was a lot more rotation for the league games after the pair of quarter finals, he wanted the first team to get minutes to keep them in their rhythm, but he also didn’t want them to pick up injuries.”

“It was all about managing it,” Pedja Kasun chips in. “It’s easy for me as a goalkeeper, particularly with the tactics the gaffer used, we never played a particularly high line so there wasn’t much need for me to go charging out. It was unlikely that I would pick up an injury. The intensity of his tactics wore a lot of outfield players down, though, so he had to bring players in and out whenever possible. I actually noticed a big difference with that once Mateja joined the coaching staff, actually.”

“How do you mean?” The interviewer asks from off-screen.

“Well Mateja knew exactly how much wear and tear players went through because he’d experienced it throughout his career under the gaffer. I think it helped having somebody that close to it all in the gaffer’s ear sometimes. Before he might not have seen sense, I think there was a tendency to try to draw everything out of players and that was sometimes detrimental. The gaffer respected Mateja’s input and listened to him. I think it helped.”

“Misel Ravnjak always wanted one hundred percent from every player out on the pitch,” Mateja adds in a serious tone. “But I think sometimes he needed to be reminded that we didn’t need everybody to run until they couldn’t any longer. He recognised that and changed, it improved his management and the team’s results. The fact he was willing to listen to those around him was important.”

“The results didn’t tail off in the league though, you ended up finishing in 4th place and held off 1896 Ebor, Litala ’93, CDSA and Tekstil. That’s no mean feat, how did you end up negotiating those final league games so well with the two big semi-finals looming?”

“I think a lot of it was down to the fact that the bench we had during that season was probably the best one we had under Misel Ravnjak’s management. Zelimir Apostolov, Goran Stojkov, Miralem Mazar, Mevludin Kadic, Maurizio Scianna, even Rajmund Krizman were all experienced Top League players at that time, whether their appearances had come for us or for somebody else. Then there was the likes of Petra Hall, Tine Prijatelj and Fernando Moruga coming through. These were all talented players too, young and inexperienced, but they all had a bit of quality. It meant the drop-off wasn’t as drastic when we wanted to rest players.”

“Yeah,” Pedja nods his head in agreement. “Even in training it was so noticeable how much the level had been raised that year, every session was competitive. It really helped having those players in reserve towards the end of the season. We could keep our key players – Lindse, Vido, Radovan – fresh and it even meant that the likes of Viggo Sjostrom, Vanja Vansek, Asmir Milosevic and Neo Susec could get a bit of rest too.”

“The only players the gaffer tried to keep in the team whenever possible were Pedja, Mingrong Yuan and Chloe Koppenol.”

“Why was that?”

“It just helps having a stable goalkeeper and pair of central defenders, to be honest.” Mateja says, shrugging slightly. “I think the gaffer was slightly reticent to rely upon Josip Cermelj and Zelimir Apostolov was 38 at this point. He could chip in as a sub sometimes but at the business end of the season you wanted the most reliable players out on the pitch.”

“Yeah. Zelimir was good coming on as a substitute, much like Mateja was in his final season the year before, actually.” Pedja confirms. “But there’s also just the fact that a goalkeeper and his two centre-halves build up a good understanding as the season goes on and I think the gaffer recognised that myself, Mingrong and Chloe all understood each other fantastically. You don’t break that up unless you really have to.”

“In the National Cup you had an FK Arsika team which ended up meandering to 10th in the league under Dzvezdan Kitanchev – a manager once considered the bright young hope of Mytanar coaching – how did you feel about being drawn against them?”

“It was always going to be a tough draw. They had arguably underperformed in the league for a couple of years. The loss of Kemal Gajic really hit them hard and then they had some off-field issues with the owner and all that sort of thing going on, but we still knew they could be dangerous. Juljana Chmela was a bit of a modern day Top League icon. Sefir Ajanovic was a brilliant creator in the middle of the park and of course they had big Usten Odonelec at the back. He was as physically imposing as his brother was adept at ghosting into spaces. That was a really strong spine and we knew that on their day they could cause any team problems.” Mateja explains.

“Yeah, Mateja is right. I also think Kitanchev was a bit harshly judged at the time. He had done a good job initially and was getting them to the latter stages of the cup a few times in a row… The league form tailed off but he was working in difficult circumstances.” Pedja says.

“The first leg was at Novi Zavej Park and ended up being a very cagey affair by all accounts, a 0-0 draw with only four shots on target in total, two for each team!” The interviewer reels off the stat with a degree of incredulity in his voice.

“We didn’t exactly want that to be the case when we had the ball…” Mateja laughs. “It was difficult. We had to give Kitanchev credit, he set FK Arsika up to be very difficult to break down and then gave us the ball. Even with Lindse and Radovan in the side we really struggled. I was amazed by just how tenacious Sefir Ajanovic and Vlado Arzhentinski were in that game. FK Arsika usually played a narrow 4-4-2 diamond sort of formation, so we felt we could get at them down the sides but Secujac started to drop in on Jonatan Rebernik and then Ajanovic and Arzhentinski picked-up whoever was nearest to them, usually Radovan or Lindse. We couldn’t get the overloads we wanted and it left their full-backs one versus one with Viggo and Vasja and they acquitted themselves well.”

“Vido had an absolutely torrid time of it up front too..” Pedja groans.

“Ah, yes, I had nearly forgotten about that.” Mateja smiles. “Vido could handle himself, too, but Usten Odonelec and Rasim Yevstigneyev were two of the most horrible bastards you could ever imagine at centre-half. Usten was about two metres tall and Rasim wasn’t far off it either—”

“Amazing to think he played right-back a little bit when he was younger.” Pedja interjects.

“Aye, he was absolutely massive when he was there too!” Mateja laughs. “But yeah, Vido got absolutely monstered by the pair of them all game. It was rough to watch from the sideline and of course, back then the ref gave nothing.”

“None of the chances for either team were particularly good, either.” Pedja says dismissively. “I think both of their on target ones were shots which ended up rolling through to me pretty easily and I think one of ours was a looped header which was the easiest catch you could imagine for a goalkeeper. Really a nothing game.”

“So that ended up 0-0, a reasonably good result to take back to Rauchnya or was the gaffer worried about the lack of an away goal?”

“He was a little annoyed about that but we also backed our defensive ability. We were so good at keeping clean sheets that I think he knew we had a really good chance of scoring one and keeping the door shut throughout. A perfect away performance would have the away goal, of course, but FK Arsika made it hard for us.”

“And of course you still had the small matter of a Rushmore Copa de Campeones semi-final against Gunzlach to worry about, too. Given the fact you had already played against them during IFCF qualifying, did you feel a bit more prepared for that opposition than other teams?”

“Of course.” Pedja replies confidently. “I think the first leg result demonstrated that, but we also had the advantage of a packed out Korecky Road baying for blood to help us.”

“Yeah, usually you want to be at home for the second leg so that you can make the decisive contribution in the tie, but weirdly it seemed to work for us the other way around in that semi-final. The fans managed to push us on to an absolutely fantastic result which, in the end, made the difference.” Mateja adds.

“Let’s watch it back.”

A sea of red-and-white greets the viewer, the stands of Korecky Road seemingly alive with movement as the camera shot pans across the crowds. A large flag adorned with the Ararat Severyan badge and the words ‘True Faith’ obscures an entire end of the stadium, unfurled proudly as the players walk out onto the hallowed turf. Each player goes through their pre-game rituals, some performing the sign-of-the-cross; others sweeping a hand across the grass as they cross the white line; others still, clapping the supporters as they prepare to line-up for the pre-match formalities.

“What an occasion for the supporters of Ararat Severyan! A first ever semi-final in an international competition for this football club and you can just sense the gravity of it from the supporters here at Korecky Road. It’s also a fantastic occasion for Gunzlach, the Graintfjaller side are well-acquainted with Ararat, the pair met in the IFCF qualifying rounds this season and Ararat managed to dispatch their rivals on penalties in the end. Misel Ravnjak will hope the lessons learned from those encounters can be put to good use in this rematch.” The now familiar voice of the commentator named Dino crackles across the footage, struggling to be heard over the noise of the raucous home support.

Pedja Kasun wins the coin toss, shakes the hand of the Gunzlach captain and the referee and two lines people. He cedes kick-off and elects to kick towards the end of the ground housing the Cirkusgrupa ultras for the second-half. The footage zips forward to the game kicking-off and Jonatan Rebernik wins an early midfield battle to keep the crowd going. The game zips forward again, the clock reading 15:43 and Lindse Kvasina has the ball in midfield.

“Kvasina dribbles forward here, crossing the halfway line. She only has Vido Mehic ahead of her, both Vasja Vansek and Viggo Sjostrom are breaking their necks to join her down the flanks. She’s looking for a bit of support. Kvasina, out to Sjostrom. He comes inside again, back to Kvasina. Pogaenik is here now, joining the attack, Kvasina uses him… Pogaenik, he chips it to the back post for Vansek, Ararat dangerous here. Vansek is one-on-one with the full-back, he taps it inside, Mehic!!! Mehic! Vido Mehic has opened the scoring! As he so often does! That’s his fourth goal in his last two Copa de Campeones appearances! He is on fire! Vansek taps the ball inside for him to run onto and Mehic has driven it first time into the back of the net! Ararat ahead!”

“The crowd has gone absolutely wild here, Dino!” Andrej, Dino’s trusty side-kick, chips in. The footage fast-forwards once again, the clock reading 43:26. Gunzlach have won a corner.

“This is very dangerous for Ararat,” Dino groans. “We all know about the Graintfjaller prowess for set-pieces and Gunzlach should be no different here, they certainly have some typically imposing players! Whipped in! And it’s there! As easy as that for Gunzlach! They’re level! A bullet header! Misel Ravnjak is furious on the touchline! Ararat undone by a set-piece goal.”

“Misel Ravnjak is absolutely fuming down here and it’s no surprise, he prides his teams on being experts at defending set-plays and they have made that really easy for Gunzlach.” Andrej’s upbeat tone has entirely deserted him and it seems to have taken some of the energy out of the crowd, too. A goal just before half-time can do that to a team and its fans. “Ravnjak will have a real job on his hands to lift these players up again at half-time.”

The players head down the tunnel, some looking slightly dejected. A young Mateja Stojkovic can be seen in his club tracksuit, clapping the players in and saving a choice word for one or two on the way past. Misel Ravnjak is nowhere to be seen, already well down the tunnel and in the dressing room. The footage jumps on again to the second-half, just after the hour mark. Asmir Milosevic has won the ball from the opposition in the left-back position and is being hounded for possession.

“Milosevic finds himself in a tight spot here… Great pressure from Gunzlach and they might just have won the ball back here— No! Milosevic has come away with it! And now he has a bit of space to run into… He has Sjostrom ahead of him for support and Pogaenik to his right but Milosevic will continue to drive on, into the Gunzlach half, is anybody going to close him down here?! He’s come such a long way with the ball… Finally he passes it out to Sjostrom, but he’s carried on his run, Sjostrom with a speculative pass through… Milosevic has it! Into the penalty area, he gets a shot off! Saved—No! It’s in! Asmir Milosevic! The Gunzlach goalkeeper has made an error there! It’s 2-1 to Ararat! A fantastic run by Milosevic and he is rewarded with a mistake from the keeper! Ararat back on top!”

“That is really unfortunate for the goalkeeper, they have actually made the save but then it seems to just go through their arms somehow… I don’t know. Ararat will not mind that at all, though!” Andrej yelps excitably. The footage shows the Cirkusgrupa conducting one of their coordinated movements in the stands, all bouncing up and down in unison, drum pounding and voices raised high. The clock ticks on, into the final ten minutes and Ararat appear comfortable in possession.

“I wonder will Ararat stick or twist here, Andrej?”

“Well, it’s not normally in Misel Ravnjak’s nature to gamble, Dino. But I feel in these knockout competitions you sometimes have to if you want to get the job done.”

“Here’s the substitute Hall, on for Pogaenik. She brings the ball forward and has Kvasina, Mehic and Scianna ahead of her. Ararat’s narrow formation has really strangled the game since the second goal, bringing off both wide midfielders has allowed them to control the centre of the pitch. Hall has done well since coming on.. She plays it into Scianna, the Ausonean holds off the centre-back and plays it off to Kvasina. Kvasina takes it past a defender, Kvasina, wow! That is exceptional! 3-1 to Ararat! Lindse Kvasina! An audacious lob from all of 20 yards out! The Gunzlach goalkeeper has been left stranded! They certainly didn’t expect that! Brilliant from Lindse Kvasina!”

“What a signing she has been for Ararat Severyan! She is writing herself into the folklore of this club every time she plays! How is she out on loan?! Sabrefell Athletic must be kicking themselves!”

“Lindse was unplayable in that game.” Pedja says firmly. “I don’t think anybody could have stopped her on that sort of form. She started the move for our first, her movement in the middle is what allowed Asmir to come so far up the pitch for the second after he had beaten the initial press and then the audacity to go for that for the third! The sort of performance which will go down in history, kids will remember watching that and talk about it as adults. If people didn’t know who she was before then they certainly did afterwards.”

“A 3-1 lead after the first leg, surely the manager was happy after that?” The interviewer asks.

“Not particularly,” Mateja chuckles. “His head was absolutely boiling over the goal we conceded from the set-piece. I think both Mingrong and Chloe lost the players they were meant to be marking and then the whole thing fell to pieces. That was such a rarity, I don’t think it happened before that and I’m sure it never happened again afterwards. Good header, mind.”

“Yeah, don’t think I even saw it.” Pedja grimaces. “Just flew straight past me, I didn’t even have a chance to move.”

“The fact they had a goal was dangerous too,” Mateja adds. “Gunzlach weren’t a bad team and we could easily see them produce the sort of performance we put in when they had home advantage. It was still a dicey position to be in. We couldn’t be comfortable, but that was something we were becoming more and more used to throughout this tournament.”

“The season as a whole, really!”

“Yeah, absolutely.”

“You had the second leg of the National Cup first, back at Korecky Road, did the crowd manage to keep it going from the first leg of the Copa de Campeones semi-final?”

“Yeah, they did in fairness.” Pedja answers. “You can sometimes have a bit of a step down when you experience a high like that, it’s only natural, but the atmosphere inside there was the same for both of those matches. It was a chance to get to the final of the National Cup, we’d never won that competition before, so it was huge for the fans and for the players too. It meant a lot.”

“And Petra Hall continued on from her cameo in the Copa de Campeones semi-final first leg…?”

“She really did, Radovan had picked up a slight knock and the medical staff advised us to rest him if we wanted him fit for the second leg of the Copa de Campeones semi. Misel was happy to throw her in from the start and I thoroughly agreed with him. She had grown so much over the course of the campaign. Still only 18 but you knew she was going to become a top player, she was committed and the fact she kept the ball well really appealed to the gaffer. Even when she was trying to be progressive and break a team down she would keep hold of the ball well.” Mateja explains.

“And it was her cross which led to the winning goal from Maurizio Scianna…”

The interviewers words give way to the footage of a delicately arced ball from outside the penalty area towards the back post. Scianna rises above the FK Arsika left-back, Danco Stavric, to power home a header. Fadil Okanovic is left stranded, bemoaning his luck.

“Ararat are ahead! Maurizio Scianna on as a substitute might well have sent his team to the National Cup final! Only ten minutes left for FK Arsika to rescue something! It’s so clever from Scianna, looping around to the back post and taking on the much smaller full-back rather than either of the two central defenders. Excellent centre-forward play!”

“Yeah, it’s easy to forget Maurizio’s importance to that season. Vido had been banging his head against a wall trying to beat Usten Odonelec and Rasim Yevstigneyev so the gaffer pulled me aside and told me to tell Maurizio to get warmed up. When that was finished we discussed it with him, ‘try to get onto the full-backs for crosses into the box’, the two centre-backs could head it away all day but Stavric and Toshev were a little bit more vulnerable from crosses. In the end it worked out well for us.” Mateja concludes.

“The scenes at the full-time whistle were magical, too, the fans rushing the pitch, knowing that we would be off to Radnika to play in a National Cup final. The chance to win the very first one for the club. It was amazing.” Pedja says.

“Do you think that really helped to strengthen the resolve of the team going into the second leg of the Copa de Campeones semi-final?”

“A little bit, perhaps subconsciously. But honestly that second leg might have been the most horrible game I ever played in, we got absolutely battered, Gunzlach were raining shot after shot down on the goal and I was having to work so hard to make saves. Sometimes I was relying on blocks or the woodwork, or just them missing the target… We rode our luck entirely.”

“It didn’t help that they scored so early…” Mateja winces.

“Gunzlach are ahead! A goal with only three minutes on the clock and Ararat could be in real trouble here! 1-0 on the night and now 3-2 on aggregate. Gunzlach have plenty of time to pull off one of the great comebacks!”

“A scruffy goal, too, but I Misel would always prefer to concede that – where the opponent get some luck – than to be beaten by something well-worked at a set-piece or whatever. He took those goals as personal insults.”

“Yeah, this footage is still hard to watch.” Pedja groans as another Gunzlach shot narrowly misses the target. “Yikes!”

“It didn’t help that both Radovan and Jonatan had poor games.” Mateja tries to chip in with some useful analysis. “I don’t think Radovan was fully recovered from his knock, I’m not sure Jonatan had any excuse. It allowed Gunzlach control of the middle of the pitch and with their quality they were more than able to do that. I think we also saw that the likes of Asmir Milosevic, Neo Susec and Vasja Vansek were all still very much young players who needed a bit more big game experience.”

“Aye… This one’s bad for that.” Pedja grimaces as the montage shows Susec losing the ball just outside his own penalty area.

“Yeah, see, that’s where Asmir did the same thing in the first leg and got away with it. He smuggled the ball out, broke their press and got us up the field and then ends up scoring. Fine margins sometimes.”

“How was the feeling at the end, the clock ticking down and knowing you just need to keep it out to go to the Copa de Campeones final?”

“Agony for me,” Mateja says, smiling. “Absolute agony. I couldn’t affect anything, once we had made our subs that was it for us, anyone who was religious uttered prayers and that was about it. Pedja was making save after save, it looked like hard work but at least he could do something about what was happening!”

“Yeah, I’m still not great at watching matches now because of that!” Pedja empathises with his former teammate. “In the moment you’re just thinking about the next time the ball might come near you, whether it’s saving a shot or dealing with your teammate passing the ball to you. If the ball isn’t near you for a bit it might cross your mind slightly… But I always tried to push it back out, I didn’t want it to distract me. It hit me once the match finished, we had survived, we had done it.”

A much younger Pedja Kasun can be seen setting the ball down for a goal kick, taking his time about it and drawing whistles from the Gunzlach crowd. In the end he hoofs it up the pitch, as far as he can, trying to get it far away from the Ararat penalty area.

“There cannot be too long left here. This has been an absolute ordeal for Ararat Severyan. They have been dominated from start to finish in this game and if they can survive it then it will show just how much mettle this group of players has. Scianna wins the header and the referee takes a glance at his watch. Gunzlach have the ball back and they might have a chance for one more attack if they can be quick about it… Up to the halfway line… And there it is! The referee blows his whistle! Full-time! Ararat are through! Gunzlach win on the night but Ararat win 3-2 on aggregate! They are heading to Jiangdong! What a story, Ararat Severyan in the Copa de Campeones final!”

The Ararat players have either fallen to the pitch or run over to the corner of the stadium where the Ararat away support have been housed. Misel Ravnjak can be seen, mobbed by his coaching staff, Mateja Stojkovic is tearful. Pedja Kasun, ever the captain, goes around the Gunzlach players to commiserate before joining his teammates in celebration.

“True faith was the slogan on the flag at Korecky Road last week!” Dino yelps in his nasally tone. “I think every single Ararat supporter will agree that this result required true faith tonight! They rode their luck at times, Pedja Kasun made some fine saves and there were some last-ditch blocks and tackles which might well have made the difference… But they will not care, Ararat Severyan are into the Copa de Campeones final!”

[Tikariot]

The mountains stand proud and majestic, strong, unmoving. Wispy strands of snow are blown off the peaks by the blustery winds, making it look as if cobwebs are trying to detach from their snow-capped tops. Nestled amidst these mountains lay a city, mining towers and warehouses dominating the industrial sectors, with large trucks marking much of the highway in and out of town: Bul Khungur, home of the Bul Khungur Miners and the legendary Temple of the Crow.

Despite the sun still in the sky, sending its warming rays down into the valleys of Dhaencunor, the town looks forbidding, like a shadow of itself, built almost entirely of black basalt, giving it this strange, dark aura of being unwelcome.

Bul Khungur. Black pearl of the Khazagh Range. Legend has it that it once was a bright and cheerful place, with white marble dominating its buildings until greed brought down the wrath of the Gods, turning the marble into basalt to mark the darkness that lay in the hearts of those putting their own wealth over everything else.

The sun is inching towards the edge of the peaks, their shadows reaching out towards the city and what lay beyond, like black fingers reaching out to grasp whatever lay in their path. As they reach Bul Khungur, it is almost as if parts of the city disappear into the shadows, save for some lights indicating its existence.

Savigliane, you fought admirably in the first game, taking the win, but do you feel the taint yet? The tiny pin pricks that the Dark Tide left behind, allowing it all to seep in? The seed is sown, the darkness taking root and slowly spreading out. And tonight you are coming right into the Heart of Darkness - the Temple of the Crow...

The picture slowly zooms in to the stadium, which is located in the outskirts of Bul Khungur, partially built into one of the steep mountains surrounding the town, just like most around it, built out of the ever-present black basalt. But the stone is not the most defining feature by far. As the image cuts to the actual entrance to the stadium proper, it shows the head of a crow having been carved out of rock above the entrance, lending its name to the stadium and feeling as ominous of a sign of impending doom as there can be.

Another legend says that the place used to be the scene of competitions both sports and gladiatorial with the murders of crows living in the forests and mountains around feasting on whoever was unlucky enough not to come out victorious... In modern times competitors live to tell the tail, no matter if in victory or defeat, but some say that the spirits still haunt the stadium sometimes...

Gliding into the stadium proper underneath the protruding crow's head, things do not get any less ominous with the cavernous hollow the stadium has been carved out of, the steep, looming terraces, everything held in black, be it basalt or plastic. The claustrophobic feeling is almost palpable through the camera.

Ask Huayramarca and how they felt and fared when they faced the Dark Tide in the playoffs for World Cup 87, for you shall share their inevitable fate. Forsake hope, Savigliane, for there is none left...

With that the words trail off and all that is audible is the cawing of the crows, invisible in the twilight that has fallen over the Temple of the Crow.

[Savigliane]

WC91 QUALIFYING PLAYOFFS LEG ONE: Savigliane 4 - 3 Tikariot @ Stadio del Piero, Acqui Bollente, SVG
Starting Lineup: D'Ambrosio; Garcia, Dutto (Tibère 71), Blanco; Palomer, Chastain, Arnaudo, Sauvageon (Vitale 55); Roux, Squarciafichi, Toscani (Barthelemy 68)
Goals: Squarciafichi 11, Toscani 39, Chastain 51, Vitale 84 // Castanheira 24; Nighthorse 71, 79

I cigni looked to be bottling it at times, especially after substitute Morris Nighthorse's late brace, but ultimately held on to secure a narrow 4-3 home victory. They're not through to the World Cup quite yet, as they now travel to Rushmore to face a team that is 10-0-0 at home during these qualifiers but have at least given themselves an advantage heading into the Temple of the Crow.

Both Ichi Tuzzio and Brian McAllister opened with their strongest eleven, although Tuzzio chose to start Tikariot City-based youngster Nicoletta Sauvageon ahead of Giovanna Vitale at right-back. The decision paid off early on, as Sauvageon shredded Ximon Bergstrand before crossing the ball perfectly to Squarciafichi for a headed first goal in the eleventh minute. However, the uglier side of Sauvageon's game reared its head later on, as the right-back and Chiara Blanco were dissembled by Fredriksson's devastatingly timed run and perfectly weighted pass that found its way to Castanheira from short range. Still, Savigliane continued to push for a goal, often finding themselves on the front foot despite their opponents' attack-heavy 4-3-3. Anne-Marie Roux hit the post from six yards out and both Xander Augstinsson and Gianmarco Dutto missed lightly-marked headers before Adrian Toscani finished a beautiful combination with Roux and Óceane Chastain by stroking the ball between Brian Merson's legs from short range.

The Swans found as much joy on the far side of halftime as they did on the near side, as Óceane Chastain sent Stadio del Piero into a frenzy with the third Savigliano goal of the night in the fifty-first minute. It was a sumptuous goal from the deserved Man of the Match - after Roux's speculative cross was punched clear by Brian Merson, the Nueva Avenida midfielder, apparently trying to spend more time in Farfadillis, took the ball on the half-volley and lasered it into the top corner. Tikariot pushed more after the goal, with Nico D'Ambrosio being called into action to save close-range efforts from Conway and Fredriksson, but couldn't find an immediate response. With just twenty minutes to play, Savigliane found themselves with a two-goal cushion and with one foot in the World Cup. Then Morris Nighthorse was subbed on.

The Baraldhur AFC winger, brought on to replace the relatively quiet Alan Castanheira, immediately ran wild on the right flank. Within three minutes, he had his first taste of glory, receiving the ball on the touchline, breezing by Roman Palomer before cutting inside and whipping a perfectly weighted shot between Garcia and Tibère that left D'Ambrosio with no shot. Three minutes later, another devastating run ended in a pullback to Gary Conway that the striker pulled just wide of the post. Four minutes after that, Nighthorse had leveled the match and Stadio del Piero felt like it was sinking into the ground again. This time, he'd gotten a bit of luck, as a deflected cross fell to his feet just inside the box, but the end result - a darting run and sidefooted finish off the far post - was impressive nevertheless. Suddenly, with all the momentum of the early second half gone, it looked like the tie would go the way of Ochre Islands.

But, unlike the WC90 team, Ichi Tuzzio's eleven managed to rally. It was the late substitute, Giovanna Vitale, who would score the goal to put Savigliane ahead for the fortnight. Her diving run coincided perfectly with Palomer and Roux's collaboration on the left wing, and the latter's cross was skillfully dummied by Squarciafichi and rolled right to the Dynamo Sjoederhavn right-back, who got some measure of redemption for her rough cycle by finishing past Merson. Savigliane have their home win, and will thank Margaret that Tikariot's three away goals won't claim any tiebreaker, but will still need to beat a tough team on the road to finish the job. Will the second leg be the match that ends the wait, or the match that ends the Ichi Tuzzio era?

---

WC91 QUALIFYING PLAYOFFS LEG TWO - STARTING LINEUP: (3-4-3) D'Ambrosio; Garcia, Dutto, Blanco; Palomer, Chastain, Arnaudo, Sauvageon; Roux, Squarciafichi, Toscani

[Saint Eleanor]

World Cup 91 - playoff, first leg
Juvencus 2 (Julio Campana goal 22', Joaquim Martell goal 65')
Saint Eleanor 2 (Harriet Williams goal 31', Melcheta Pazorzal goal 43')

---

Lydia Sharp: "I don't think I'd have survived a few weeks in today's game!"
Chief Football Correspondent Jamie Rodgers talks to one of Independence 1975's true greats about leadership, courage, success - and how it all began
Originally published on Sunday 16th April 2000

To the children of today, Liam West is Independence 1975 - a man who lives, breathes, eats, drinks, sleeps, thinks and does everything else for the glory not only of his club, but for Saint Eleanor as a whole. But go back a generation and that mantle would have been Lydia Sharp's by a country mile.

Sharp was born in 1955 in what was - and still is - Magna district. "I'm a second-generation immigrant! Most people don't believe it, but Saint Eleanor was a farming village of about three thousand before the Free Tinhamptonian Consortium decided to promote it as a nice, prosperous little place... eighty years ago? I have no idea how many people thought it was a scam, but the Consortium doubled the island's population by the time the Tinhamptonian government took it over from them once they won home rule, and then used it as an evacuation site for concerned subjects about ten years later." What were all of those people doing moving into the country after the war? "From what little I remember of Tinhamptonian history, the Tinhamptonian government reduced income tax rates there - so people moved there to get better value from all over, or something like that. They didn't find oil but once they did in 1973, they just stopped."

She adds that "my parents got on one of those boats - admittedly while they were fifteen or sixteen or something like that - went around a bit before settling in Magna, and I just spent most of my time here. Of course I don't live there any more, but I try my best to come back when I can and check up on my parents; they're boring, private-sector sorts but they still gave me the best start they possibly could." While attending Magna CS, she was "very much an introvert; I think I still am. I liked the more essay-based, perhaps even flowery, subjects and I always talked a lot whenever I got the chance but nobody really wanted to listen. PE was... good, but it wasn't that good and I had nothing to do with the old Schools League." Despite being a somewhat above-average student in most regards, "I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do after leaving school, so the day after the NLF blew up what's now the Ministry of Infrastructure headquarters and the war started, I turned up to an unassuming building to register for the NLF war effort. The first thing they asked me if I could use a machine gun, and I just said 'yeah, absolutely not!'"

After a bit of training, however, Sharp "got a couple of Tinhamptonians down and out, pretty much just operated in the Magna area, then the next thing you know, early June 1975, mission accomplished and we take over the capital a couple of weeks later. I was there, but I didn't do very much." She recalls that much of the then-Tinhamptonian administrative state were either doing their job unthinkingly or had just abandoned it, to the point that "the registry office were just nodding through babies with ridiculous names such as Insert Anglo-sounding Name Here because actually vetting them would be a waste of resources." Did she see any of it first-hand? "The Reporter was still in circulation; that's how me and my lot got to know. I made a couple of friends in the unit I was assigned to - the fact that they took to me was a bit strange, but I don't really think they had a choice in the matter. I haven't met any of them since... 1987, 1988? I'd still like to get in touch with the few of us that survived when the opportunity arises."

Rumours that the NLF engaged in off-hand kickabouts beyond the fighting are near-ubiquitous "and almost universally confirmed. There wasn't much else to do other than fight, sleep and fiddle about in the barracks, was there?" She insists that, while nearby units sometimes joined in the fun, "I hardly remember any of their names or what they were standing for. It was for fun mostly because we had to have a united focus on the war effort, partially because compiling a league table would never have been worth it." A week after General George Mitcham assumed the Presidency and with NLF barracks still operating out of undamaged, disused buildings - which are still used by the Eleanorian Army today - Sharp walked the three miles from what is now Magna Beta military base to the Central District Council headquarters. "That was the most exhausting part of the meeting - it wasn't even NLF business but I didn't bother to chance out of my old combat fatigues, although the war probably did more for my fitness than PE ever did. The biggest takeaways I remember was that they wanted us to be the nation's flagship club and decided that Independence 1975 would be the most appropriate name."

The founding meeting of Independence 1975 was advertised as a meeting of "a new football club in Central Saint Eleanor" in The Reporter at the time, but there was no guarantee that it would end up facing off against other clubs any time soon. "I was thinking, hold on a minute, there isn't even an official football league - and you're assuming there's going to be one now? Those of us who attended the meeting were, for the most part, told about trials for the new club we could attend. They were probably worse than the walk to Central the other week, but I made the cut for whatever reason, seven other clubs were formed and we could get a one-legged league in operation that autumn, with a view to a double round-robin in later years. We didn't win that season - I think we came something like two or three points behind Athletic Saint Eleanor, one of the other new clubs that had formed, and that was almost the beginning of our rivalry."

Does Sharp have any thoughts on rivals Army and Navy being founded around the same time, and in the same circumstances, as Indy - or, for that matter, about how Athletic came to be? "Yeah; we were civilians who wanted to work for the administrative part of the government, while Army and Navy, as if we actually had much of a navy, were the NLF diehards who wanted to carry on serving. I wanted to work for Charlotte Morgan's human rights department, if anybody wanted an idea of how out of step I was. People talk about Saint Eleanor's 'Big Four' being the four most successful clubs but really, they're the clubs with the most institutional backing: Sword and Shield were run by the University and Athletic Saint Eleanor, as they still are, were the club of business and the private sector. Athletic and us were the biggest teams, however. I'd say they still are, although the players have become much more advanced and generally aware over the 1990s. I played the first sixteen years of the league at Indy but honestly, I don't think I'd have survived a few weeks in today's game!"

What were the three games that she believes had the most impact on her career? "I know you've asked this of everyone but asking me to pick three games out of, what, three hundred? That's a bit harsh! If we're going in strict chronological order, the 1978 title decider at Parkside. Yes, Occidental Olympic didn't have a hope of winning that year, but if Army and Navy won at the Golden Unicorn - and, given how good those teams were, they should have - a draw here would have sufficed to give them the title. To know why this game was important, you do have to look at the starting lineup, I mean the rest of it. Joseph Perry was the captain and the big striker, Frank Walter and Jack Herbert the centrebacks, Patricia Barclay in midfield, Sally Mansfield and Keith Spencer out wide: all of them had war experience, although not as much as the challengers, and they just knew how to play football week in, week out, without much in the way of failure. If we lost, we lost fair and square because the other team were better prepared - not, as so many people nowadays think, because the referee wasn't paying attention. The refs were veterans, as well! We'd won the title in 1976 but most people were unready; this was full-on, eight-team action where everybody knew the stakes and we all knew everyone else - especially our teammates. The reason we won that day - 3-0, I think [correct] - was because we were organised, had a game plan, were generally coherent and just wanted it in general: this was the culmination of the first great season I ever had."

After some thinking, she brings up "the 2-2 draw at home to Athletic in '85. The 2-1 loss at Army and Navy is the turning point in the public imagination, but I think this one - maybe a month before that ill-fated game - was definitely where we felt as though we'd thrown it away. We'd taken the lead through Perry again, but Victor South had equalised a bit before half time, and my task was to stop Steve Elliott, basically. I definitely think I did a good job - he didn't have a lot of sniffs at goal, directly or not - but I was the only one really communicating with the rest of the defence. I sincerely believe that they were trying their best to listen, but it just didn't go through; the marking was poor, the tackling was inconsistent, the clearing was surprisingly commendable, and I'm rather astonished we only conceded once more. The story was no better up front, but when you pair a weak defence with a weak attack, you are going to get that kind of nonsense. I said Athletic were our biggest rivals and this is yet another excellent example of that: both teams fighting for an outcome they wanted and probably needed, neither of them actually getting it - of course - and both of them being easily exploitable one way or another. Technically, we won the title on the final day of my final season [1991] after winning against them, but don't tell anybody that."

Her final choice is 1988's 3-1 win against Sword and Shield. "After 1996, this was probably the easiest title 'challenge' we ever had. The link in those two seasons was an otherwise good team - Athletic in '88, Sword [and Shield] in '96 - biffing up and nobody else offering a serious challenge. Although Golden Unicorn winning the title in 1987 stung a bit for us, it hurt Sword and Shield more because they'd only ever won one title, they were desperately looking for another and then all of a sudden they get denied by a team that's gotten a lot of money from a hedge fund in the Novalk Peninsula dumped into it. And their captain wasn't appointed ad hoc at the beginning of the season when the manager said 'okay, Lydia, you're the captain now.' It was Mike Wilson: predecessor to John fucking Parkinson and Hugh Roanoke, fast as all hell, competitive, experienced, and demanded the very best. Going up against him the next year wasn't easy, either, and I'll happily claim responsibility for not chasing him down enough for the first goal. It wasn't just about him, however, and - unlike against Athletic in 1985 - the defence was co-operative, the midfield was fluid, the attack was surprisingly effective, and we were generally up to the occasion on a big game against a big side; our second goal even came because I won the ball off him and decided to set off a chaser. Perhaps it was my influence as the captain that made them listen, but I'm not that presumptious and we'll never know. We won all the remaining games, anyway, and then the title; all else I can say is that Sword's 1989 title win was cathartic... again, this may have been because we weren't involved."

When Sharp retired from playing after winning the 1991 title, manager Phil Farlane quit after a 1992 season that was much more mired in tactical controversy and incoherent performances. But after Derek Pittam, a fairly nondescript trainer, took over, he appointed Sharp as his assistant. "I figured carrying on with the game would be something fun i could do, but not this quickly. I've had to build a good rapport with Derek, but I've also developed a good relationship with all of the players. The situation is definitely better than it was seven or eight years ago: they're less complacent, more working to play together, better fit into our system, and - especially in the past couple of years - know when to stand aside and let the other guys in. Of course, they're winning more. I've strengthened my understanding of how Indy best play and how to just get the best out of players on top of that, and we've been working with them sometimes to ensure that our plans come together and we consistently play the best game that we possibly can; it's not exciting or innovating, but it's how I feel the system works."

Pittam turns 64 next month and will likely step down in the coming years; many believe that Sharp will take over his post. "I'd like to go into actual management one day and I think the Indy job is the most natural choice, really; I've already explained why. I'll happily respect whatever Derek wants out of his job, however - he's still the boss for now." Does she feel as though she has a favourite player in the setup? "West deserves to succeed me as captain. [Donald] Hutchings is also good - the only other regular rightback in club history - and I might have taught him a few things. But I wouldn't really say I have a favourite player: some of them I remember from pre-1991, but most of them I don't and, when worst does come to worst, I try to keep everything in check. As for the national team, I'm not too familiar with that, but I'm told everybody's pretty happy there and they're all revving to go, every game, just like we were in the late 1970s. Is the game against Juvencus tomorrow? Yes, it is - I'd like to wish them the very best of luck with that."

Astute, incisive and rigorous: Lydia Sharp could have been an opinionated television news anchor, an advisor to President Mitcham's post-war cabinet or a decorated figure in the modern Eleanorian Army. But, over the past quarter of a century, she has put those talents to astonishingly good use as a player, a coach, a leader - and, naturally, as an Eleanorian. At a time when Independence 1975 needed people on their side in the first place, she was there. And when they needed people to help get the club out of one of its worst spells in Saint Eleanor League history, she obliged to the very end. Some players are good, but Sharp was truly great; most people just never realised it.

[Astograth]

Previously

Grand Duke Gaxan was both furious and elated. His government was facing an extremely silly crisis of confidence by the public after accusations – on a podcast, of all places – against a footballer, which also implicated his Ministry of Interior. It was a mess. But, on the other hand, it was his Chief Advisor and Minister of Interior who had to take responsibility, and that was always a win. A rare one. Interior was all-powerful, and set up to be almost immune from the Grand Duke’s oversight. Yet here he was, the High Lord Gorka Irunkiaga, sat in Gaxan’s palatial office in an antique armchair of warm wood and dark blue velvet. For once he looked meek and powerless, dwarfed by his chair and its floral, silver-threaded embroidery.

“Give me the full story. Your version, for whatever that’s worth,” commanded Gaxan. He half-sat, half-stood against his desk, looking down on his minister.

Irunkiaga took a deep breath and started. “The facts are the following, Your Majesty. This man at the Ministry of Interior, a database manager by the name of Urtzi Odriozola, used his clearance to access the Civil Registry and alter the records of Astograthian citizen Itziar Lévêque. Odriozola replaced Lévêque’s information with that of a man known as Tipi Izotzubia, whom we now believe to be a Rulandese citizen. This identity theft was performed in order for Izotzubia, who is a professional football player in Ruland, to play for the Astograthian national team. This situation was revealed to the public by a so-called journalist, Urti Kirna, on a popular podcast titled Daineri Starting Goalkeeper-”

”No, wait a second,” interrupted the Grand Duke, “there were a hell of a lot more accusations on that tape.”

Irunkiaga swallowed. “Sir, Urti Kirna is a known subversive. At Interior we have known about him, and kept him under supervision, for a while now.”

“So HOW did this happen then?”

“We can’t be on top of every subversive 24/7, sir. We would need, and indeed I will request, more funding as a result. He eluded our protocols – we never expected him to go public like this, not after so long. He had until now limited himself to proselytising on the deep web, where conspiracy theories can be safely contained.”

“OK, but all of this is how it got out. I want to know how this happened. Who was this guy Odriozola working with? Who gave the order?”

“He was contacted by an accomplice at the Ministry of Sport, one Karmele Haretzun, whom we believe was approached by Izotzubia’s agent. Said agent is not an Astograthian citizen or resident, so out of our hands. Odriozola and Haretzun have both been apprehended and we have their signed confessions. They name no other collaborators.”

That was very convenient. “So you’re saying the accusations were made up, then. Because the whistle-blower claimed this went all the way up. All the way.”

“Naturally, sir. Like I said, the man Urti Kirna is a known subversive with an axe to grind against the government. He is not a ‘whistle-blower’, he is a stopped clock who is right twice a day. But we will be taking measures to further safeguard against rogue elements in the ministries.”

“Right. You have not thought to tender your resignation?” Gaxan dropped it casually, but it was a bomb. A Minister of Interior had never been asked to resign; that was a good way for the Grand Duke to get the state security apparatus turned against him.

Irunkiaga’s face remained inscrutable, though there was a tightening of his arms and legs that betrayed a disturbance. “No, sir. I have not thought to resign. It would be taken as an admission of guilt on my behalf, and it would be a great embarrassment to Your Majesty for the Chief Advisor to be involved in this.”

“Hmm. Yes.” Simpering coward. “I want their departments purged. Their bosses gone, screen the co-workers. Raise some hell in there and make sure it’s well reported.” Irunkiaga nodded to that, and was about to say that was already underway when Gaxan continued. “The whistle-blower. Leave him alone. Keep an eye on him, of course, and watch his associates, but it’ll look bad if anything happens to him.”

“Sir,” Irunkiaga began his protest, “we can’t allow subversives to walk. Though on this occasion he helped us root out a few rotten apples, we are talking about a dangerous man. He has been known to consort with anti-monarchists and separatists. Terrorists. This will embolden the worst elements of our society. Interior can take care of him.” Interior had the unequivocal talent to make things look like an accident while letting everyone know it was not an accident, and that you should watch out.

“No. Do as I say, not a finger on him. He’s a pot of honey now, anyway; he’ll surely attract more attention from the underground. Wait and watch, then grab them all,” suggested Gaxan.

Irunkiaga bowed his head. “An excellent suggestion, sir.”

“Good. Now this guy, Izotzubia - if that's even his real name - what are we doing with him?”

“He's not our problem, sir. Well, we could have him arrested for identity theft and so on, but it would be more trouble than it's worth. We'll have him deported back to Ruland, and that’s that.” Irunkiaga’s handwaving was literal.

“And Lévêque?”

“Well. He’ll get back his papers, naturally. That’ll be a quick fix.”

“That’s it? ‘Here’s your papers, sorry we ruined your life there for a bit?’” Gaxan raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t recall saying we’re sorry.”

“We’re not apologising?”

“No, sir. It would be unseemly, practically an institutional admission of guilt. And the man will be grateful for what he can get, he and his family are desperate. There is no chance of them suing the state or anything, and you are aware of Interior’s disposition in case he attempted it.”

“Yes, yes. Fine.” Gaxan’s word lingered for a moment. “I think that’s all, then, thank you.” To which Irunkiaga began to rise from his seat, only for the Grand Duke’s head to spring back up. He’d decided to have a bit of fun with his minister. “One more thing, hang on. Who’re they calling up instead of Izotzubia? Do you have that intel?”

“I’m sorry, sir?”

“The national team, who’s going to replace Izotzubia? There’s a playoff left, against Hapilopper. And who knows what next, the World Cup or the Cup of Harmony… we don’t have a lot to choose from at left-back, do we? Boneta from Gortz, maybe, or that girl from Olarria. What’s her name? Lizarra?”

“I’m not… privy to that information, sir,” said Irunkiaga, “and to be honest, I don’t really follow the football. I couldn’t say wh-”

Gaxan feigned ignorance of this. “You what? Come on. You must have a team, at least.” No, he knew his Chief Advisor to be a bore.

“Royal Rumiatzi” he coughed. “Naturally.”

Bullshit. A bore and a bootlicker. Royal Rumiatzi was the Grand Duke’s team, it’s what you said if you worked in government and didn’t want to offend anyone. Gaxan could, and probably should, have ended the meeting there, but though Irunkiaga didn’t like football he sure liked to play games. Gaxan could make him state a bit of his own medicine. “See, I think you’re just making that up,” he said. “Where are you from, Lord Irunkiaga?”

“Rumiatzi.”

“No, I mean where you’re really from.”

“With respect, sir, that’s classified,” said Irunkiaga with a twitch of his eye. Intelligence officers like him had their past carefully erased.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realise we were on the air for Daineri Starting Goalkeeper,” said the Grand Duke, “and not in MY GODDAMN OFFICE.” He slammed the palm of his hand against the perfectly smooth desk. It hurt, but it startled Irunkiaga. That felt good. “I’m declassifying it now, to me. Tell me. And don’t bullshit me,” he warned.

“A- Arexa. I’m from Arexa,” conceded the Chief Advisor.

It seemed true enough to Gaxan. In an instant his demeanour shifted from angry to conciliatory. He smiled and gripped the back of his desk chair. “Cool. Good town. So you have Arexa there, and Central. Which one’s your team?”

“Neither, sir,” responded Irunkiaga, but saw that the reply did not thrill Gaxan. “My father supported Old City Central, though.”

The Grand Duke clapped his hands together. “Central, then. Great! That’s your team. Must really suck being Second Division, huh?”

“I don’t-“

“It’s fucking terrible, I’d imagine! I feel sorry for you, Irunkiaga, I really do. You have my sympathies.” He couldn’t lie, it felt exquisite to jerk around his Chief Advisor for a bit. It was a rare opportunity to have the political and personal upper hand over the man who could easily have him couped. It emboldened Gaxan, perhaps more than it should.

“Now get the fuck out, we’re done.”

Please Note
The player Hurko Lapisonde – left-back, age 29, from Damogran (SRS) – will replace Tipi Izotzubia in the national team call-up for the second leg of the playoff against Hapilopper.

[Farfadillis]

Cut-offsies.

[TJUN-ia]

By Peter Davis

FT: Zwangzug (26) 4-1 TJUN-ia (34) [4-1 agg]
ZWG Scorers: Quincy Dulk-Fough (23', 34', 87'), Aimee Ginoud-Sachs (48')
TJU Scorers: Archer Andrews (11')

Pain.

Just pure pain.

Giving TJUN-ia any sort of hope is a bad call on everyone's part.

Zwangzug took advantage of our issues to crush our dreams to dust. Simple as that.

Maybe two years ago was a fluke after all.

Maybe the Gods will be happy now.

Because TJUN-ia is back in its rightful place in the world - the Cup of Harmony.

Mertagne and Tumbra, I hope you are ready...some sad souls shall arrive looking for some sort of salvation.

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 W 2-1 (4th)
MD6: @Ziwana (232) - Ziwanicell National Stadium, Birnin-Likulu L 1-2 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD7: vs Cardenao (277) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town W 5-1 (4th)
MD8: @República Guanacasteca (137) W 4-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD9: BYE
MD10: vs Bollonich (85) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu L 1-3 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD11: @Muralos (117) L 1-2 (4th/5W-0D-5L/15pts/+3GD)
MD12: @Kyhun (310) W 5-1 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD13: vs Pasarga (15) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-2 (4th)
MD14: @Barunia (55) - Memorial Stadium, Edwardton, Marion D 1-1 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD15: vs Tikariot (40) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 2-1 (4th)
MD16: @Schima Bas (89) W 4-2 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD17: vs Ziwana (232) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas D 0-0 (4th)
MD18: @Cardenao (277) W 3-1 (4th)
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD19: vs República Guanacasteca (137) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville W 1-0 (4th)
MD20: BYE
-----------------Boot It!-----------------
MD21: @Bollonich (85) W 1-0 (4th)
MD22: vs Muralos (117) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico W 5-0 (3rd/11W-2D-6L/35pts/+17GD)
---------------------------------------------
Playoff - vs Zwangzug (26/2nd in Group 3)
Leg 1 (@National Stadium, TJUN-ia City): D 0-0
Leg 2 (@Wayr Stadium, Rackham Range): L 1-4 (1-4 agg)

[Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom]

RekanSport
World Cup 91; Zeta Reka Wins
By Xaver Lulling

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A burial of the lead was impossible, Zeta Reka are in the World Cup for the first time ever. Football fever has hit it's metaphorical fever pitch. The celebrations in major cities were immense, and the nation was in many cases unified for the hours after the Mantis won in Chromia. For time it seemed like Zeta Reka would be eliminated. The final game of Zeta Reka would cup qualifying campaign was in no uncertain terms and no hyperbole the nation's most dramatic game since defeating Brenecia in regional play.

The home side was aggressive early, looking to have a definitive lead on aggregate. Kuznetsov was able to score early, not as early as Rekawić in the last game, but still within the first quarter of regular time. Zeta Reka couldn't find a good chance for many minutes, with nothing seeming to work throughout the first half. The Anomalies were well coordinated when it came to their shape and movement. Marko Desimirić was also schooled by the Hauser/Fillar pairing. Stanimir Rekawić began playing more down to account for the issues Aleiusia Capital's young lion was facing.

The half ended with Chomatika's goal the only goal. Zeta Reka would be down by a goal coming into what could be the final forty five minutes of play. The away side walked humbly to the back in they white red and yellow shirts. Captain Bogdan Rawić looked at a gang of Rekan fans and gave their section a confident nod. Reports from anonymous locker room sources state that Lu Jialan wasn't unhappy with Zeta Reka, but told them to “Shape up and move the game into extra time.”

RekanSport Minibox

---

World Cup Playoffs; Leg 2

---

Hapilopper 4–2 Astograth
   -Hapilopper win 5-4 agg.
Squidroidia 2–2 Yuezhou (3–2 AET)
   -Squidroidia win 5-4 agg.
Vilita 4–2 Cabo Azure
   -Vilita win 5-2 agg.
Nyowani Kitara 4–3 Brookstation
   -Nyowani Kitara win 6-3 agg.
Mytanija 4–0 Srednjaci
   -Mytanija win 7-3 agg.
Sarzonia 0–2 Trolleborg
   -Trolleborg win 3-2 agg.
Zwangzug 4–1 TJUN-ia
   -Zwangzug win 4-1 agg.
Saint Eleanor 2–1 Juvencus
   -Saint Eleanor win 4-3 agg.
Eura 2–4 Delaclava (2-4 AET) (4–5 pen.)
   -Delaclava win 6-6 agg, 5-4 pen.
Turori 1–0 The Cordian Isles
   -Turori win 4-1 agg.
Jeruselem 4–1 Krytenia
   -Jeruselem win 8-4 agg.
Chromatika 1–1 Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom (2–2 AET) (4–5 pen.)
   -ZR&H win 3-3 agg, 5-4 pen.
Tikariot 1–0 Savigliane (1-1 AET)
   -Savigliane win 5-4 agg.
Squornshelan RS 1–0 Electrum
   -Squornshelan RS win 1-0 agg.
Valentine Z 1–2 Tumbra
   -Tumbra win 5-1 agg.

The second half was different than the first. Zeta Reka would score under five minutes into the beginning of the second half. Zeta Reka got the ball back after a quick shot by Kuznetsov. Wukowić passed to Gabrielstein, who was able to get the ball vertical and into space. Rekawić had broken past the midfielders, and passed to Igorić. Igorić, like any flank player in Zeta Reka's system, had to deal with a wing and an opposing fullback. This time however, Igorić found just the right space to cut inside. Fen Scwartzhammer got the final touches of the scoring drive. His big boot was able to smash the ball and make the net shake over and over again.

Three Rekan backups came on in the second half. Desimirić and Djuradjić, the two Markos of the holding midfield spot, traded places. Marko Zup was the last Rekan substitution in regular time. Zup was able to penetrate past de Aea, but Juxon Fillar got the ball. Kaia Larriet-Cortes returned to again face the Rekans, and was able to keep Zup contained with good marking and around one hundred ninety six centimeter of size. In the end the sides would have to play the somber dirge of extra time.

The Mantis and Anomalies were clearly battle worn after a game of twists and turns. Marko Zup moved out wide roughly nine minutes into extra time. The run ended up pulling Larriet-Cortes. Zup was able to pass back to Rekawić, who then moved the ball to the feet of Rawić. Now Zeta Reka was leading the series for the first time since the home tie fell apart. RekaTV abandoned all pretenses of neutrality after the goal, “Big goal! Big goal! Big goal!” RekaTV commentator Nikolai Bubić shouted out.

The lead wouldn't last forever when Alicia Gainsbourg tied things up. Gainsbourg, the second highest scoring player with the Anomalies, received a pass from Kuznetsov, the top active scorer. The equalizer was something which rattled Zeta Reka, who had issues capitalizing on Chronatika's mistakes from then on. Zeta Reka wouldn't score again. The question now was if Chromatika would score, or if the game needed to conclude in a shootout.

Extra time substitutions came much later on, as Chromatika went to the flanks, while Barto Milosawljewić replaced a tired Yousef Iwanić, and was a better penalty taker if things got desperate. Chromatika were the more offensive team in the final minutes. The home side and the home crowd were not giving into Zeta Reka and were hungry to qualify. Much like the home tie, Wukowić was making a lot of late saves, racking the nerves of everyone.

The last chance of the game was when Baillaire Fillar got a pass to partner Haley Hauser. The duo were a reliable pair of attackers, with Fillar's playmaking creativity blending well with Hauser strong scoring record. The ball moved to the left, and after a calamity the box Lukas Skaaland cleared the ball away from the box. When the final whistle blew everyone was on edge for what would be one the World Cup's two qualifying penalty shootouts.

RekanSport Statbox

---

World Cup 91 Playoffs, Leg 2
Chromatika 1–1 Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom (2–2 AET, 4–5 pen.)

---

ZRH: Scwartzhammer 48', Rawić 99'
CMT: Kuznetsov 13', Gainsbourg 102'

---

Chromatika
Starters: J. Fillar (c) — G. Fillar, de Aea, Anbient, Ighv — Zuniga — Xhose, Hauser, B. Fillar, Kuznetsov — Gainsbourg
Substitutes: Régine (CB) -> Anbient (CB) (52'), G. Fillar (LB) -> De Saint-Pierre (LB) (73'), Zuniga (DM) -> Larriet-Cortes (DM) (84'), Xhose (LW) -> Kruetzberg (LW) (108')

---

Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom
Starters: Wukowić — Wendschuch, Iwanić, Gabrielstein, Skaaland, Igorić — Desimirić, Rekawić, Ulrich — Scwartzhammer, Rawić
Substitutes: Desimirić (DM) -> Djuradjić (DM) (56'), Igorić (RWB) -> Momirić (RWB) (73'), Ulrich (C/AM) -> Zup (C/AM) (80'), Iwanić (CB) -> Milosawljewić (CB) (111')

---

Penalties

Chromatika    Score?    Zeta Reka      Score?
Gainsbourg    Y         Rawić          N (1-0)
Kuznetsov     Y         Rekawić        Y (2-1)
Hauser        Y         Zup            Y (3-2)
Kruetzberg    N         Scwartzhammer  Y (3-3)
B. Fillar     Y         Gabrielstein   Y (4-4)
Ighv          N         Wendschuch     Y (4-5)

Zeta Reka's lineup had Rawić and Rekawić first. Rawić and Rekawić were major starters and had attempted at least one qualifying penalty. Both Alicia Gainsbourg and Kuznetsov were able to score, the Rekans would need to score. What a rollercoaster it was then when Rawić's shot was saved. Rawić used his reliable right foot, and was totally read, “He's always using that foot on penalties,” RekaTV's commentator said, “He has to have been scouted.” Rekawić was able to float the ball forward to the near post, and Chromatika's captain went the wrong way. Tim Ulrich was already out, and was a set piece king this time, but Marko Zup would kick third. Zup kept pace with Chromatika by plying the same way did Rawić, and it worked. No one would mess up on the home side it seemed as Haley Hauser walked up. The crowd was on Haley's side, and she got the ball in the bottom corner totally uncontested.

Emille Kruetzberg was a late substitution for Chromatika brought in to score a penalty. The youngster playing for Glemnount Town in Esportiva had her shot caught by Zlatko Wukukić. Fen Scwartzhammer was next for Zeta Reka, and the highest paid player in the Rekan league provided dividends for his country. Baillaire Fillar moved in and guaranteed Chromaika would finish with at was four goals in the shootout. Had Kruetzberg not been shoved away then Chromatika's most famous sporting surname would've dominated headlines. Usually the right back would go next, but Momirić took Igorić's spot. Ball playing center back Karlo Gabrielstein was up in the wingback's place. Rekan fans were nervous, but the Slaterport Bull alleviated tension with a powerful goal.

The drama continued on the sixth kick. Fullback Ha'nei Ighv was up and her rightward shot was a easy conundrum to solve for Wukowić. After the shot people Rekan and Chromatik alike were more silent than you'd expect. A raucous crowd for eleven shots, the building was breathing heavy when young Leo Wendschuch stepped up. Wendschuch has slowly become Zeta Reka's second choice left back, but he was the youngest Rekan to take a kick. The kid made a slow walk and kicked with his last stride. The ball flew across the ground, curving right. Fillar dove, but he was clearly tricked and was late. Chromatika lost. Zeta Reka won.

World Cup 91, Græntfjall/Farfadillis

---

Hosts
Graintfjall      Farfadillis
Group Winners
Ko-oren          I.A. Quebec    Pemecutan
Nephara          Drawkland      Banija
Adab             Brenecia       The Holy Empire
Baker Park       Pasarga        Flavovespia
Huayramarca      Kandorith      Valanora
Play-off Winners
Hapilopper       Trolleborg     Jeruselem
Squidroidia      Zwangzug       Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom
Vilita           Saint Eleanor  Savigliane
Nyowani Kitara   Delaclava      Squornshelan RS
Mytanija         Turori         Tumbra

The quiet dome wasn't silent anymore, and the Rekan stand was manic. Wendschuch had seven teammates and staff on him. Others were moving around giving high fives. Wukowić took a glove and tossed it to the Rekan seats. Coming back, Wendschuch was reportedly sucking air and his red face was noticeable to teammates. “He's a raw player, a good kid,” unused substitute Miloš Simeoniwić said to RekanSport, “I'd hate to see what he'd be like after a miss.”

The press conference was jovial, “We earned the win,” Coach Jialan told the press after the game, “Our opposition was tactically strong and they were strong compared to any team in the playoffs.” Jialan also made comments about players heading to the World Cup proper. Leo Wendschuch was confirmed as a player due to his, “Versatility, technicals, speed, and that kick.”


The atmosphere was the most triumphant at a Rekan press conference in a long time. Life was good, or at least the life of Zeta Reka's greatest footballers and millions of supporters was grand. “I think I've said it already these past months, but I'm Jubilant!” Bogdan Rawić said online in a public statement. Rawić gave thanks to the many supporters clubs and teammates Bogdan has had over the years. Zeta Reka's captain was also available for comments with RekaTV after the game. “It takes a lot of work to score late,” Bogdan said of his goal, “You have to pull out of a lot of physical pace to run like that. I'm not bragging, a lot of players do it, but it never comes naturally.”

Publicly the matchup was watched by an estimated seventy one percent of Rekan households, including many non fans of the game. “The game was massive business for TV and streaming in this country,” RekaTVsports programming director Stefan Tianić said to RekanSport, “Even the Baptism of Fire final wasn't this highly rater, and football in this country has only grown since then as a TV property.” Rekan supports at Renesansa Park in Aleiusia were in a euphoric carnival atmosphere full of red, yellow, and white. Meanwhile a viewing party in Porto Nowi at the IgorRade Park sports stadium ended with the joint essentially trashed.

The journey isn't over, as the World Cup awaits, with Zeta Reka undergoes against the best teams in the world. For now however Zeta Reka will rest up, comfortable knowing they were conquerers of a sort.

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RekanSport Top 6:

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• World Cup 91; Zeta Reka Wins Special Free Article
• Kožalopta Defenders Fight Attackers In Youth Game
• Inner Circle Claims Stani Gröss Is “Available” For WC91
• Preo Team Insolvent, Players Cut
• Banfigrade Lawsuit Against Platinastigrade Thrown Out, Fees Awarded
• ColaKolaCola Hockey Club Uniforms Unveiled

Free Articles remaining this month: 4

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[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
World Cup 91 Qualifying Playoff: Hapilopper 4-2 Astograth (and 5-4 on aggregate)

Billy Solomon looked at the huge clock near the top of Capital Stadium and saw it read “78:28.” At this point, Team Hapilopper led Astograth 3-2, but was tied 4-4 on aggregate. The team needed one more goal to avoid extra time, to avoid a chance for the Astograthians to get what they needed to make it to the World Cup and send Team Hapilopper to the Cup of Harmony. Billy had the ball in his hands and was about to give it to Jerold Dickman, who looked ready to start the relay – the relay to get that last goal that Team Hapilopper so desparately needed.

It had been a perfectly crappy day in Hapilopper City, weather-wise. It had rained since afternoon, and the fans, players and everyone else on the field were just hoping this game could end soon so they could get someplace warm and dry. But Team Hapilopper reveled in the shitty weather and felt it brought out something extra in them. Water dripping off of him, Billy nodded at Jerold.

“You know what to do,” Billy said.

Jerold didn’t need to say anything, it was assumed to be true. He started moving his way down the pitch as members of the Astograth side started racing his way. Hurko Lapisonde and Irakusne Hecharri bore down on him, and Jerold fired the ball to Nathan Ellis. Nathan alley-ooped it towards Maverick King who stared down Domiku Bergara, daring him to do something. Anything.

As the Haps moved their way down the pitch, the volume of the crowd increased that little bit. The fans were sensing something special, something spectacular was on its way. This was starting to feel like the moment – the goal.

Maverick held the ball and flashed that evil smile towards Bergara, before juking around him and passing the ball towards Herb Northrop, now past midfield. The clock read “80:05” as Northrop passed midfield. 10 minutes to go, plus however long is needed for stoppage time.

Herb scanned the pitch for his challengers, to read just what he needed to do to get the ball past keeper Echepare Rospide and into the back of the net. Fortunately for him, reinforcements had arrived, in the form of Team Hapilopper’s defensive corps – Jerold Dickman, Nate Ellis, Ace Boone and Lewis Pryor. They were mostly there to intercept any moves from Astograthian defenders, but if, by some chance, any of them just happened to be open, Herb, or anyone else, could fire the ball to them and score a shock goal.

The problem? Parker Mathis was tied up with someone. So was Pete Robson and Toby Bryson. Herb shook his head and figured the only way out was through, so he started on his way and figured someone was going to get open – maybe Jerold or Nate were going to force someone open. Herb scanned the field, and just in time, before getting intercepted by Lapisonde, Herb passed it to Nathan Ellis.

Now’s your chance to redeem yourself.

You qualify if you score.

You can do it. Send it.

Thoughts were racing through Nathan’s mind again, just as they were before the match started. This time, these weren’t thoughts of self-doubt. These were thoughts of hope, thoughts of optimism, thoughts of readiness. Nathan had positioned himself close to the goal, and close to Rospide, close enough that he could sense it. Nathan never really fancied himself as a good goal-scorer, but if the time was right, if the chance had presented itself, hell yeah he’d go for it.

And the chance was right here on the plate. The opportunity to send Team Hapilopper to its second straight World Cup proper was there, now Nathan had to make the most of it. He faked once, and Rospide responded to it. So as Rospide responded to Nathan’s fakeout, Nathan fired one past Rospide. It did not miss, and before anyone knew it, it was in the back of the net. The clock read “83:08”. Team Hapilopper led Astograth, 4-2.

You did it.

It ain’t over yet.

Hold these guys off.

Actually, Nathan could barely hear himself think. The fans at Capital Stadium exploded with delight, so loudly that it actually hurt the ear. Nathan didn’t know what to do, and acting on a goofball impulse, and strangely out of character, he decided he’d do “The Funky Parker,” the dance popularized by his teammate, Parker Mathis. And, just so you know, Nathan Ellis was never known to be a good dancer either, so he did it badly as he danced up the pitch.

The fans didn’t care how bad he was dancing. Neither did his teammates. The point was that if this stood, Team Hapilopper would be going to its second straight World Cup proper.

Not that Astograth didn’t try. The Astograthians were trying so hard to get one goal so it could go to overtime, but Team Hapilopper wasn’t budging. Those last seven minutes seemed like it would take forever, and heaven knows what the referee would decide was needed for stoppage time.

As Nathan stopped for a second, he looked at the board – three minutes.

That’s fine.

What’s another three minutes?

We can still do this.

The problem was, though, was that three minutes became more like six after some fans rushed the field on the west endzone when the clock hit “90:00” and they had to be herded off the pitch and towards the sideline. Members of Team Hapilopper rushed over towards the west endzone and gestured for the fans to get off the pitch.

“GIVE US A FEW MINUTES!” Toby Bryson shouted.

Those few minutes took an eternity, and it almost went to despair when it seemed like the Astograth Olives were on their way to a goal-scoring opportunity. Olentzaro Karazatorre seemed like he had a golden opportunity to put one past Billy Solomon in the last minute of stoppage time. But Ace Boone was there and seemingly kicked the ball out from under Karazatorre’s legs and away from danger. He turned and looked at the fans jumping up and down on the sideline and nodded his head.

“THAT ONE’S FOR YOU!” Ace shouted.

Seconds later, the final whistle blew, and the fans on the sideline, along with many, many fans from the stands, rushed onto the pitch to celebrate. Team Hapilopper had done it – they had qualified for their second World Cup!

As Nathan ran from the pitch towards the tunnel, he was greeted by a number of fans, all of whom wanted to thank him for what he had done. Nathan had walked over and hugged a number of people he had never met before in his life, so happy that he had proven his self-doubt wrong.

But as he prepared to go under the tunnel, he looked back and saw the pitch full of fans roaring with ecstasy. One fan rushed past, holding his cooler. He stopped when he realized who it was.

“Hey man, I got a beer left, want one?” the fan asked.

Nathan nodded his head, smiled and reached out for the beer. The fan went on his way toward the mob scene on the pitch as Nathan walked under the tunnel. Other players were whooping and screaming as they rushed towards the Hapiloppian clubhouse. To put it mildly, the fans in Hapilopper were blind with glee as they partied into the night and into the next morning. Team Hapilopper stayed in the clubhouse for the rest of the night, themselves celebrating the fact that, yes, they had made it, and they would be one of 32 teams in the most glorious event in all of sport.

We did it.

This is going to be good.

I wonder who we’ll get.

[Saint Eleanor]

OOC: Teletext source code, again.

---

Saint Eleanor 2-1 Juvencus (4-3 agg.): Winchester strikes late to deliver White Stars to the greatest stage
Chief Football Correspondent Jamie Rodgers reports on how Saint Eleanor held their nerve to make their first ever World Cup finals
Originally published on Monday 17th April 2000

Much-maligned leftback Cathy Winchester assisted Saint Eleanor's first goal and then scored the second as her White Stars came out not only with a hard-fought win - on the night and over two legs - but also with an inaugural World Cup qualification.

The second leg was a continuation of the first, not a break from it. It was not as feisty, not as likely to be written in the annals of simple infamy, yet no less potentially troublesome than the opener was. This time, it was Juvencus who had the big early pushes; Joaquim Martell, the Sonnelians' saviour in the first leg, could have scored within five minutes, but Liam West was there to block his dangerous inside cut. Joao Pereyra, who had been surprisingly quiet in the first leg - save for winning a free kick and missing an excellent rebound opportunity - had an even better chance shortly afterwards, which John Bailey fortituously swung at and most certainly had no right to get to. Even Josefina Portieri attempted a piledriver, although that was more easily claimed by Bailey.

Meanwhile, Saint Eleanor had no opportunities of note in the opening minutes. Dismantling their strike partnership from Friday may have been a reason for that: Dekamela weMexala started up front by herself, perhaps to throw off the Juven back three, with Steve Pilchard expected to shadow her - although it wasn't quite paying off. Harriet Williams and Bridget Coombe returned to central midfield, to contain Martell and friends earlier and prevent a repeat (or worse) of Friday's performance. The results of this were widely accepted to be boring, until they weren't. After Williams cut off an otherwise unassuming Michelangelo Santini pass, she took the ball to the halfway line and chipped it forward for any takers. Pilchard just got there first, but was wrestled away by Carlo Callejon; in a remarkable twist, he himself was rapidly dispossessed by weMexala, who thought she had set up Pilchard for the opener after a quarter of an hour before he was flagged offside.

Just after that, the White Stars were on the move again, with Pilchard onside this time but unable to get his shot past Pau Puig. The ball fell to David Newcastle, who forced Taddeo Bulgari into a reaction save with his first-time effort and set up a corner kick. Despite Cathy Winchester promptly swinging the ball outwards, Coombe - of all people - was first to the ball, heading it precisely past Bulgari, evading the best efforts of a couple of Juven outfielders, and putting Saint Eleanor within seventy minutes of a World Cup debut. This was a goal with all of the hallmarks of her infamous stoppage-time equaliser against Independence 1975 at the end of the 1998 season - but, if things got much different, not with too much riding on it.

Unlike the aftermath of Juvencus' first goal at home last week, there was no chaos and no disruption - from the stands, at least. The players were at it once again after play restarted when Sam Newbridge - as has become almost typical in recent weeks - decided to clock Julio Campana in a promising position. Not only was he given nothing more than a telling-off, but there were multiple pleas from the Juven for the resultant free kick to be retaken after it skimmed the side-netting due to a poorly-constructed wall, once more to no avail. During a short stoppage in play to allow for a Saint Eleanor throwin, too, Portieri rather unwisely decided to get in Coombe's face for a few seconds; she backed off after it became clear that the Eleanorian would give her the silent treatment.

It was not all doom and gloom. Despite a few physical challenges, the final fifteen minutes of the first half was possibly the most fluid and balanced segment of the tie. From the controversial throwin, a short but rapid passing play was initiated; the final recipient, Jessica Martin, inadvertently flicked the ball up and out fifteen yards from the box and shot as soon as she realised her mistake, but could only strike the face of the near post. Martell had at this point started to crack the Eleanorian code and had a couple of efforts from close range, both on target but smothered by Bailey, while Michelangelo Santini had an attempt of his own which was deflected well over the bar by Sam Newbridge. And although Williams had no promising free kicks before or after the break, she came fairly close from distance in stoppage time - but it finished just wide.

The second half, much like the first, began with Eleanorian dominance. Priscilla Evans' faith in Coombe was repaid through the goal; that in weMexala, if it hadn't been already, through a well-timed, well-positioned effort that had stemmed from Puig nudging the ball out too heavily. She got there first, tried her best to sidestep Puig, then - almost as a last resort - pinged one off literally from the edge of the penalty area which Bulgari just about managed to stop going in. Although Pilchard was there again to try and repeat his earliest successes, he found the back three too challenging and largely deferred to the Gladom Newion. Martin and, to a greater extent, Newcastle were fond of swinging in good efforts too. But all of that was to no avail.

This was not to say that Juvencus did not have their chances in this time: attempting to capitalise on his flagrantly obvious dispossession of Williams a few minutes into the half, Pierre-Didier Kouyaté moved the ball upfield to Pereyra, but he finished the counterattack by smashing it over the bar. They had much better luck just before the hour when Puig won a free kick just inside his own half, but - facing some resistance - could only kick off a move that shifted the play up to the right byline, thirty yards from goal. Júlien Cantù saw no problem, however, moving inside a bit before sending off a ridiculous long-range curler which Bailey simply had no acceptable reply to. Campana succeeded in nudging it further goalwards, but only when there was no need to do so; the moment, for posterity's sake, was Cantù's.

The choice, for both teams, was as simple as it was at the start: score or face the prospect of extra time. Juvencus were thoroughly amped up, as they had every right to be following the equaliser. You would expect Cantù to aim for at least a couple of other possible attempts but - besides from a wildly off-target attempt ten minutes after his first strike - was quiet. Instead, perhaps almost by definition, it was the famous front three of Martell, Pereyra and Campana who took the initiative. They were persistent, focused and targeted. The Ausharmuj Marusi legend kept on pushing forwards and had some efforts at goal, but hardly looked like making any of them count; the New Lakeland regular had taken metaphorical as well as positional centre stage, regularly worked his way past the Eleanorian defence, yet was once more either thwarted by Bailey or his own mistakes; the Brinemouth man, if anything, was more fond of setting up many of his colleagues' excellent opportunities. It could have resulted in a comeback. Perhaps it even should have. But it didn't.

It sometimes did not feel like Saint Eleanor had any interest in doing anything other than break down the Juven over the course of perhaps another hour, on the other hand. For much of the time after Cantù equalised, they were tepid, uninspired, possibly betrayed by themselves, maybe even inappropriately confident of their abilities to bring the tie to a penalty shootout. The fledgling opposition attacks they had broken down, intercepted, or marked out of existence were legion; credit must go to captain West for effectively commanding the back five - Pilchard had been taken off for his troubles after the equaliser and replaced by a typically free-spirited Laura Brown - and ensuring that they avoided getting into too many issues. Winchester had been largely quiet since setting up the first goal, but that meant she had almost entirely succeeded in shutting up Cantù and Pereyra. There were a couple of promising efforts, an attempted lob by Jessica Martin and yet another Williams free kick among them, but not too many.

That all appeared to change after a poor Santini through ball trickled out for a goal kick with mere minutes on the clock. Bailey chose to send the ball to Newcastle on his left, who won a throwin for himself after being jostled off it by a reluctantly backtracking Cantù. He must have been thinking about chancing his arm on a long throw into the pitch, but saw an onrushing Winchester and decided the opportunity to let her have the ball was too good to give up. But instead of gliding it into the box, Winchester delightfully exploited the swathes of open space in front of her and, with ten or twelve yards to go and nobody other than Callejon trying to pocket her, floated it above Bulgari to give her the second goal of her international career and the most important goal that anybody had ever scored for Saint Eleanor.

Juvencus did not abandon the final ten minutes to fate. Of course they didn't - they were Juvencus - but it hardly felt like it. Martell's fine but underwhelming streak continued, as his first effort was deflected upwards by Bailey, but his second - a good, if astonishingly close-range, header - was clutched more firmly, after a spot of panicking. He would proceed to force a corner in a later encounter with Exandra Davies, but that was easily prodded away, and the byproduct of that (a solo Martin run, followed by a low cross to nobody in particular which Callejon almost put into his own net before Bulgari bailed him out) was as good as anything the Juven came up with after Winchester's goal. And in the end, as another Cantù attempt to double his tally and deliver extra time - thirty more minutes to make a difference - sailed well over the crossbar, the day, perhaps even the year, belonged to Saint Eleanor.

No prizes for guessing the emotions on the Anaian side: jubilation, delight, relief, gratitude - perhaps a bit of snarkiness about Saint Eleanor's record in Cup of Harmony group stages. Nor for guessing Evans' broad plans: she will place her trust in the same twenty-three men and women who got them to the grandest, oldest competition of all. How it will all work out when the starting elevens need to be decided in late June and throughout July is yet to be decided, but that does not matter yet. For now, we should be perfectly justified in celebrating how they made it happen. We might even be tempted to relax in the knowledge that we'll get more performances like this when push comes to shove this summer.

One final word: In a little-remembered penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the fourth qualifying round of 1998's IFCF Challengers' Cup, Fyin Miateal scored his penalty for Marine Coast United to put them one step closer to progressing. Winchester - de-energised, on the verge of buckling, still only nineteen years old - struck the post for Indy immediately afterwards. She was out. Miateal was through. It would not be beyond the pale to argue that, in years recent past, both had more than their fair share of doubters. Yet both are now through to the World Cup. Between his uniquely and unapologetically consistent appearances for the Vilitan national team and her unpretentious but crucial heroics for Saint Eleanor, only the most ignorant of pundits would argue that neither of them were stars in the making. And neither, thank goodness, had to go through extra time today.

Saint Eleanor 2 (Bridget Coombe goal 19', Cathy Winchester goal 82')
Juvencus 1 (Júlien Cantù goal 58')

Saint Eleanor wins 4-3 on aggregate and progresses to the group stages of the World Cup

---

[Delaclava]

Phoenixes shock world, qualify for World Cup

Plenty of shocking moments have come and gone in the history of Delaclav football. The run to the quarterfinals of World Cup 51 on its first qualification. The 12-0 drubbing of Mossulia, still a record (now shared) for goals scored and margin of victory. Delaclava's 8-0 blowout of Jeruselem on home soil in World Cup 55, soon followed by the Pacitalian Superscorigami in the Delaclav-hosted AOCAF Cup.

None have been quite like what took place in Bastion.

Taking a two-goal deficit into enemy territory, the Delaclava team managed to close the gap in the final fifteen minutes of regular time, winning the second leg in Eura 4-2 and then the penalties 5-4, and improbably qualifying for its first World Cup in 70 years.

"I'm in shock," said Lukas Meyer, still in tears of joy after the game. "I don't know what to say... This was the goal all season, but how do you prepare for this?"

Meyer added yet another brace to his season total, including the 81st-minute strike that would tie the aggregate score at 6-all, and added a converted penalty to start off, but it was the final made penalty from Martin Bartoš and two saves from George Ross that would seal the deal.

Eura had shown success with an offensive-minded three-back formation, pulling ahead in the latter stages of the first leg in Catherina, and sought to employ the same strategy to close the series at home. But in a furious opening phase of the game, it was Meyer who struck first in the 14th-minute, setting up for a tap-in after Varlam Kovalev worked his way in the box near the end line and managed to get off a short, hard shot that Mick Key couldn't quite control. But just minutes later, Bobby Malone restored the status quo, catching the defense too far forward and taking a long pass from Kevin Sherwood before confidently chipping the finish over George Ross.

Delaclava again drew within one in the aggregate score after Mathias Gretler headed in a free kick served by Minotauro Meñica, and continued to press to draw level. The aggression came to a head in the second half and initially cost them, with the Eura squad charging back forward after a turnover by Varlam Kovalev. With the ball left at the feet of Moira Woakes, the veteran worked her away around a few lunging defenders, giving herself room for a 22-yard blast that left Ross standing still.

With time running short, manager Boris Ishutin opted for an aggressive 2-6-2 formation, removing Marc Champagne for the fiery Sargis Nazaryan. The move immediately paid dividends, with Nazaryan burning down the left wing with fresh speed and forcing the Eura defense to collapse inward, leaving Ben Romeijn room to time his run, control the pass and tuck it neatly past Key. Six minutes later, Meyer would finish the job with a mad rush down the field led by Nazaryan, again picking up a rebound after a brilliant reflex save from Key to deny Nazaryan.

Despite the high activity of the two teams, neither could break the draw in the additional thirty minutes, with another Woakes long-distance shot clanging the crossbar, on the other end Key making a diving stop to deny a header off a corner kick from Meyer. With the score still at six apiece, the teams entered the penalties. The Phoenixes had the opportunity to go first but fell behind early as Key managed a kick save on Josh Torres' shot up the middle. But Ross would soon return the favor, with Vincent Robshaw's shot a little too high to the left and within the 6-foot-4 Ross' grasp.

After five kicks each, there was nothing to separate the teams. Ishutin called on Martin Bartoš next, who converted a nervy shot into the upper right corner. This time, Malone could not counter; his shot was low and hard but ricocheted off the knee of Ross and away. The Phoenixes promptly spilled out from midfield to meet Ross, who first sat in the box in disbelief before getting up to celebrate.

Ross admitted that the team's morale had been low following the loss in Catherina. "When we left the stadium there, we were thanking the fans, and in my mind, it was thanking them for a season that was about to be over. We knew the situation we were in."

So what changed? How did the Phoenixes turn it all around?

"We knew we had one more game to play, and for damn sure we were going to make it competitive," Ross explained. "Then, there's a lot of nerves and anxiety thinking about what's ahead. Once we started playing, instinct takes over. Soon we knew maybe we could win this one game. Then it was, maybe we can catch them on the total. And it happened."

And Romeijn had another take on the team's success.

"We've played with a lot of heart and determination over the years. It gets you far, but not far enough. Sometimes teams are just better. I think we played with less emotion, but in a way where we knew how to perform. We had a strategy, to make this game fast and chaotic and get a lot of chances, and we executed to perfection."

And after this crazy turn of events, Delaclava are headed to the World Cup; they will be the lowest ranked team there at 80th. But somehow, it doesn't seem like that'll weigh too heavily for this team.

"I'm not even sure what we were ranked to start this all," said Romeijn. "It was low, of course. But never did we think that was a reflection of what we could do on the field. That wasn't true on Day 1 and it surely isn't true now."

"The World Cup Finals, they're a new game. We're ready to play."

EURA 2–4 DELACLAVA
Malone 20' Woakes 51'; Meyer 14' 81' Gretler 34' Romeijn 75'

(Delaclava shoots first)
      EURA 4 – 5 DELACLAVA
  Woakes  O --- O   Meyer
  Robson  O --- X   Torres
 Almwood  O --- O   Gretler
 Robshaw  X --- O   Lindblad
Atkinson  O --- O   Romeijn
  Malone  X --- O   Bartoš

GK:
     Key    ---     Ross

Editorial: This is the story of how Delaclava won, not how Eura lost
by Daniil Fesenko

As the playoffs unfolded around the world to determine the last 15 teams in the field of the 91st World Cup in Farfadillis and Græntfjall, headlines everywhere fixated on one event: that two-time World Cup champions Eura had lost, that Eura had failed to qualify, that Eura was headed back to the Cup of Harmony, that Eura had surprised us all and blown it.

And unless you had an intimate knowledge of the matchups at your disposal, you'd be forgiven for not knowing who caused this to happen - and that's pretty unfair.

This was an opportunity lost for the Eurans, but it was just as much - if not more so - an opportunity seized by the victors. And that's the story that deserves to be written, for two reasons.

First, it completely ignores how Delaclava got this far in the first place, and why they were able to come out on top.

The Phoenixes have a soccer pedigree leaving some things to be desired, but certainly not to be overlooked. Finishing fourth place in Baptism of Fire 34, the team steadily worked its way up the ranks until qualifying for the first time in World Cup 51, the first of six consecutive qualifications. In four of those trips, Delaclava made it past the group stage, most notably to the quarterfinals in its first trip, losing in extra time to Valanora. The name Delaclava is forever etched in the record books for its 12-0 victory over Mossulia, its 11-10 AOCAF loss to Pacitalia, and its hosting grand slam of the three WCC tournaments, including World Cup 55, and the AOCAF Cup.

When the team came back from nearly six decades of isolation, it did so with spades of unadulterated talent. It's been a bumpy road starting from World Cup 85, which was arguably the team's best modern campaign until now. The Phoenixes have developed and refined a high-speed brand of attacking football, and along the way they've mixed it up on the Atlantian Oceanian proving grounds and thrown wrenches into plenty of qualifying campaigns - notably Darmen and Jeruselem in WC85, Poafmersia in WC86, and Juvencus in WC90.

Going back to the halfway point of the WC90 campaign and extending forward to now, the Phoenixes carry a respectable record of 15-9-5 in qualifying matches. With the exception of Ko-oren, who has scored two tepid 1-0 victories, no team (Gnejs, Football Tiger, and now Eura) has beaten the Phoenixes without also suffering a defeat during that time. They foiled Poafmersia again from pursuing its own qualification hopes, and completely had the numbers of Sharktail and Nyowani Kitara.

Yet the majority of observers have been reluctant to recognize the merits of this squad, instead focusing on the teams that have fallen by the wayside while Delaclava passes through. The Delaclav victory was the biggest upset of the playoffs and a massive victory for AOCAF in its competitive rivalry with the Rushmore confederation, but respect has been slow to come from within the region. And that Nyowani Kitara squad that Delaclava had its way with for 180 minutes this season? Their press very well knew that happened and still not a single panelist at the People's Free Press could admit they'd been beaten by a better team, one that stood a shot at unseating Eura.

Shout-out to RekanSport, the outlet out of Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom, and its algorithm CompuSport for correctly observing the potential of the Delaclav team. Their team did a fine job themselves, similarly winning in penalties to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever. They've consistently mixed it up with some of the world's toughest teams and this result is a long time in the making. Yet most of the headlines and observers have chosen to focus on Chromatika. The team that didn't get the job done. And not ZRH, who have put in a lot of effort and dedication to achieve something great.

That long historical overture brings me to the second and more essential reason why the story of this match is being told all wrong. The best and truest narratives are the ones that are happening in front of our eyes, not the ones we think should be coming together. And when things happen that don't match our expectations, some people try too awkwardly to fit together what happened when they simply need to scrap their whole model and re-assess.

Eura is a high-quality football team that has won a lot of matches and a lot of hardware. It's been a good few years since they've made it deep in the World Cup bracket, but with the depth of talent and efficacy of development, you'd expect to see them mixing it up with everyone else.

And they have. They're a good soccer team that on any given day can beat one of the other good soccer teams or lose to one of the other teams. They mostly accomplished the former this season - two wins over Brenecia particularly standing out - but at the first chance to seal the deal, Srednjaci was looking for its own World Cup berth and played better on that day. Eura then learned they'd have Delaclava ahead, knew the Phoenixes' style, countered in kind. They gave it their all for 210 minutes and it was good enough to draw level, but no more than that - and from there, it was anyone's game for the taking.

The World Cup typically has a limited number of teams that seem to have a realistic chance of winning it all. We watch them carefully throughout qualifying, but we expect the preliminary stage to be mere foreplay to the "real competition". And when one of those teams stumbles before they can reach the final 32, it's normal to be surprised, to be fixated on that.

But no one's guaranteed or entitled to a spot in the finals, and when we get distracted by who's not here for the show, we're missing out on the new and thrilling success stories that emerge.

The Delaclava team has put in the work over months and years, assembled one of the best records in this qualifying campaign, and got the job done in the two games that mattered the most. Give credit where credit's due.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Daily 2022
Confident Bees carry momentum into Finals
by Mindy Cartwright, National Soccer Editor

The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team are heading to the World Cup Finals once again after a qualifying performance that combined a steady march to the eventual seven point margin over Jeruselem with a ruthless dominance that saw the side put together the first unbeaten home record in NT qualifying history.

On the strength of eight clean sheets recorded that provided the fifth best goal difference across the tournament, Baker Park will carry a 17 match unbeaten streak into the Group stage of World Cup 91 in either Farfadillis or Graintfjall where they will certainly be one of nations the bookmakers rate with favorable odds at capturing the title currently held by The Holy Empire.

With the field set following the 15 playoff battles that saw three nations punch their ticket for the first time--Saint Eleanor, Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom and Nyowani Kitara joining Flavovespia who won Group 14 on the final match day--and the return of several others after absences of varying lengths of time, all that remains is the Draw to decide who will play whom and where.

Baker Park are the top seed in Pot 2 as all of the six top ranked sides advanced joining the co-hosts in Pot 1, while numbers seven and eight, Cassadaigua & Audioslavia, failed to progress. The Bees are also one of eight Atlantian Oceania nations to make the Finals along with the Farves automatically qualifying.

If they can continue to strike the balance between their formidable defense and the wealth of scoring options available, there's no reason to believe that Baker Park won't reach at least the quarterfinal as they've done in every competition they've entered since the end of World Cup 89.