[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

by **Ceni** » Tue Sep 27, 2022 3:18 pm

Coffee now in hand, Luke Longstar uneasily settled in to the chair in John Asteem's office at the Cenian FA.

"So, you asked me if my father had anything to do with the Portal Incident," said Asteem. "He did."

Luke, suspicious that Asteem had an ulterior motive in admitting this, furrowed his brows. "Why exactly are you telling me now?" he asked. "In the climax of every single crime movie ever, the villain admits their evil plan, and it always comes back to bite them. So are you falling into that trope?"

"Well, I'm not a James Bond villain," Asteem said with a laugh that sounded just villainous enough to Luke. "My dad was, probably. We agreed on the goal, but disagreed on the methods. I don't like Andrew Arrowsword" — he seemed to spit out the name like it was a piece of gristle in an otherwise well-cooked steak — "but I didn't agree with the collateral damage that happened when my dad went to the portal to try and sabotage it."

"But you got your goal — Andrew didn't play on the national team as a result." Luke sipped his coffee.

"Yes, but I wanted there to be a national team!" Asteem said. "And of course, we didn't even manage to send Andrew into the future — we didn't find out until later that he had stayed behind in Drawkland to stay with his sister."

Luke shook his head. "So you sent the team — us, ME — into the future without even realizing that YOU DIDN'T GET YOUR TARGET? Why do we have such incompetent leadership?" Luke stood up to go. "I'm out of here." The edge on his voice was as sharp as an industrial buzz saw.

"Then go," said Asteem. "Let me say one thing: I may dislike Andrew Arrowsword, but I never would have done something as asinine as that whole portal stunt my dad pulled. I respect you and the other players too much."

"Well, thanks very much for that." The sarcasm dripped off Luke's voice. "Your dad ruined our lives, Andrew's lives, and the team's chances in the World Cup for decades. And now where are we? Who the fuck knows. So. Thanks. Very. Much." With that, Luke stormed from the room in the same fashion that he had stormed in the room.

On the way out, he caught a glance of Asteem's secretary's expression. It was if an Edgar Allen Poe madman had entered the room, sealed up Asteem like a cask of Amontillado, and stormed back out. Luke didn't care.

***

Luke didn't remember the journey from Asteem's office to the national team training facility in New Oxford — it had disappeared in a blur as fast as the TetTrans train had that brought him there.

He only remembered addressing the team there, and even that memory was far from crystal clear. The manager had told the team what exactly he knew about the Portal Incident: a rogue Cenian FA member had sabotaged the portal so that the plane carrying the national team would remain stuck in the portal for twenty years. The FA member had wanted to strike against Andrew Arrowsword; the rest of the team was simply collateral damage in that single-minded goal.

Luke told them about all the research that the physics professor Jaina Ende-Dogor had conducted on the portal, and how she had improved physics' understanding of how the portal worked. But Luke had absolutely no idea how the physics worked; he had no idea when Jaina explained it to him even in layman's terms, and he had absolutely no idea now.

And Luke tried to grasp the implications of Damian Asteem's actions, and John Asteem's continued jealousy-cum-hatred of Andrew Arrowsword. But he couldn't say: He remembered comparing himself unfavorably to Roman soothsayers and contemporary tarot card readers in that he could not predict the future. Supposedly, the FA remained committed to entering the team, pretty much the whole team from before, in the qualifiers for World Cup 91. Luke hadn't heard any information to the contrary on that front, so the team would continue to practice and prepare.

Where were they going from there? He couldn't say.

Luke might not have remembered what exactly he said to the team on that day, but he remembered their reactions as clear as Lake Cenial's waters: the color had drained from many faces, and ominous silence rather than vociferous clamor ruled the day.

Andrew Arrowsword finally broke the silence. "I say fuck the FA."

And Luke agreed with that.

***

After the speech, Andrew came up to Luke to chat about the whole situation. "That's a fucking bombshell, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." Luke assented. "Shall we go on a walk? The University Gardens are nearby."

The two friends and colleagues silently slipped away from the main group, which had begun drills under the leadership of one of Luke's assistants. "Where are we going from here?" asked Andrew.

"I know a great rhododendron grove near here that can give us some privacy," said Luke. "They're really beautiful this time of year, when they're blooming."

"No, I meant in terms of football. With all of this political stuff going on."

Luke shrugged. "We're going to do the same thing we've always done: try and qualify for the World Cup, Margaret willing."

"It's not like we did that well beforehand, to be honest," said Andrew quietly. They entered the gardens and Luke guided them through a forested path, away from the central greenhouse and manicured lawns. "I'm not sure I believe this at all, much less wholeheartedly, but is this a good opportunity for us to retire, to hand over the ropes to a new generation? Or to even give up football altogether as a nation?"

As the duo reached their destination, Luke stopped to take in the scenario. He inhaled for a moment. "Gets me every time," he said, looking pensive before answering Andrew's question. "Do I think this is a moment to give up, hang up our boots and move on? No. Do I think this is a moment for reinvention? Yes. Do I think the road ahead will be easy? Certainly not."

Luke paused for a second, clearly cogitating to try and find a flower metaphor that wasn't totally overdone. "In the language of flowers, the rhododendron means danger or beware. But to most people, the rhododendron is just beautiful, and I could wax lyrical about the way dewdrops linger on each flower." He paused, carefully choosing each upcoming word like a florist arranging the most beautiful bouquet. "Not to overdo things, but we have to beware, of course. There are certainly political undercurrents to watch out for. But on the other hand, we can still create something beautiful, play the beautiful game."

Andrew nodded, although he had looked confused at the whole flower language comparison. "I mean, though, doesn't it seem kind of pointless, for me, anyway, knowing that there's somebody out to get me personally?"

"Let me ask you a question in return," said Luke. "What do you know how to do best?"

"Play football," said Andrew without skipping a beat.

"And why would you let anyone stop you from doing that?"

Andrew smiled. "You have a point." The two turned around and walked back to the training ground, ready to take on whatever Margaret would throw at them.

Chapter 14: Epilogue

Ceni entered the World Cup 91 qualifiers as anticipated, finishing in fifth place in its qualifying group and receiving some international attention for its efforts to pick up the pieces after the Portal Incident. Led by Andrew Arrowsword, the team reached the Round of 32 in the Cup of Harmony and the quarterfinals of a Copa Rushmori held on home soil. But Arrowsword would never see the final glory of winning a World Cup: After that finish, he announced his retirement from international football, switching over to become manager of the Cenian U-18 and U-17 sides. Of course, Arrowsword immediately won the U-18 World Cup in Gortolekua, leading to (perhaps outlandish) rumors that he would eventually take over from his mentor Longstar and lead the Cenian NT to World Cup victory, someday...

On a more personal note, Arrowsword finally married his longtime boyfriend Liam Penderyn in a swanky ceremony in their own castle in Drawkland, although he'll have to contend with his husband being a politician...

Luke Longstar will manage the team in the World Cup 92 qualifiers. Hopes are high, although many were dashed when Ceni was thrown into Group 1 of qualifying along with Turori, the world's undisputed number one team by a long shot. Will Ceni defy the odds and qualify for the World Cup on their second attempt after returning from the dead? Probably not, but only Margaret will tell...

by **Chartistan** » Tue Sep 27, 2022 6:05 pm

THE BILLBOARD GAZETTE

FILLING THE PLANE

A record 34 players called up to Chartistan national team ahead of World Cup 92 qualifiers

The list of names chosen by Doctor Lucas Combbrush to represent the nation of Chartistan for the World Cup 92 qualifiers falls all the way to the ground. Holly Smier returns as captain of the national side and names like Cash Smith, Plasticium Amphibia, Saul Souza, Callie Deadbrush and others keep their places in the Hot 11 having proven themselves through national favorability on the charts. Other names, however, are less seldom seen to the public. Tiler Oscar, Terrance Huges and Rachel Lampona have been called up for the first time, the latter 2 placed as optional reserves should the worst come for the main 26 player roster.

Oh yeah, and manager Combbrush is playing as a shadow striker.

Indeed, the 34 players named to the squad for 22 grueling matchdays of qualification for the Multiverse's biggest event is the most ever selected for a Chartistan roster in the team's history. The squad, consisting of 26 main players (A new, optional standard for national sides) and 8 players on optional reserve like the aforementioned Huges and Lampona, comes as more players than ever have been viable enough to be considered for the team, whether on the main Hot 11 or somewhere like the AJR, where numerous other charts are compiled to select the final batch of players. In an interview in Billboard after the selection was announced, Combbrush hinted that there could've been even more players chosen.

"If I had my way I would've brought in 36, 38, maybe even 40 guys and girls to the qualifiers, but part of me said that it was a bit too much. Coles, Victoria and Zachary were already committed to GAT and knew very well that the midfield was going to be stacked. I'm welcome to bring them up for World Cup 93 if they and the charts want to. So yeah, that's how we ended up with 34 players this goaround."

Out of those 34 players, however, 2 of them on the AJR would likely see as much playing time as some Hot 11 members.

"I totally believe that Kylie Poe and Brianna Renhal will have their Olisa Rodgers moments during qualification," said Doctor Lucas, referring to the long-time Chartistan international and professional Arcticala Electrical Grid player. "Before I had to select my roster both of these players were popping off on the charts. First it was Renhal because she was humming some sort of reimagining of a song about being blue and Kylie Poe because, well, she's Kylie Poe, she was bound to have her moment eventually. By the looks of things I might pull myself out of the shadow striker role in favor of giving it to Smier and giving the captaincy to Poe. If she's all she's hyped up to be, she'll do something unholy on the pitch."

Chartistan's group, however, has been one with as much uncertainty as previous groups in qualification, with Valanora and Darkmania once again on the slate, joined by Mercedini, IA Quebec, Oberour Ar Moro, Baggieland and others. For a Pot 4 team in groups where first automatically punch their ticket and second and third go through the playoffs, Chartistan have a uphill battle if they want to make their first ever World Cup proper.

"I totally believe that we'll be in the hunt until the final matchday, no matter if we qualify or not," said Doctor Lucas on whether or not he saw the team making it to Vilita and Electrum. "Again, if Poe is all that she says she is, we might make it. It comes down to how we play against our opposition, although our opposition is not to be taken lightly. If we make it to the Cup of Harmony or to the World Cup proper, however, bringing Exnash back will be my #1 priority, because with him and with this squad we already have, we could make a run."

Chartistan's first match of the campaign comes against the aforementioned Darkmania in Billboard. From here, with how this roster is set up, anything can happen.

by **Baggieland** » Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:00 pm

With the multiverse now travelling here, there and everywhere for World Cup qualification, it is an opportune time for the submarine to go out on patrol in search of booty.

On Patrol with HMS Onslaught

Lieutenant Hamilton: "Capt'n, I be worried about Landsman Øye… he be a bit… weird."

Captain Fletcher: "Aye, he's the strangest pirate I ever did meet, but he be organis'd, something we be missing for a long time. Landsman Øye, bring me some food!"

Landsman Øye: "Here you go Captain, dehydrated potatoes and… drum roll… tomato sauce!"

Captain Fletcher: "Tomato sauce? That does make these dehydrated potatoes yummier and less dry. How did ye be finding room on the submarine for tomato sauce?"

Landsman Øye: "Well, while helping Able Seaman Joseph with his logistics duties, I realised that instead of storing the potatoes in their original crates, if we put them all into barrels, then the amount of potatoes stored per square metre increased by 11.4%. Therefore leaving us enough space for a few litres of tomato sauce."

Captain Fletcher: "Okay, good work there Landsman."

Landsman Øye: "One more thing Captain. How are you getting on with your Submarine Commander online game?"

Captain Fletcher: "Huh… it be frustrating. I never be getting past level one."

Landsman Øye: "I found out some information about your game, and if you enter this code into the credits screen, you get unlimited torpedoes."

Captain Fletcher: "Let me try that… By Neptune! Unlimited torpedoes! YAAAARRRR!"

Later

Captain Fletcher: "Landsman Øye, to the Control Room."

Landsman Øye: "Yes Captain?"

Captain Fletcher: "So, this be why you join'd us. Take a look through the periscope. What do ya see?"

Landsman Øye: "It's a small cargo ship Captain."

Captain Fletcher: "Right, now take that cutlass and prepare for boarding Landsman Øye."

Onboard the Merchant Vessel

Captain Fletcher: "Right boys, let's be having a look at the booty in the hold. What we got?"

Sub-Lieutenant Travis: "Sorry Capt'n, nothing but forks."

Captain Fletcher: "Damn it! You see Landsman Øye, the life of a pirate don't always be easy. Sometimes we get booty we can sell, sometimes we be getting booty we can use, but sometimes the cargo be no good, can't sell it nor use it. Who even uses forks? Let's be sending this useless cargo to Davy Jones's locker."

Boarding Party: "Yaarr!"

Landsman Øye: "Captain, I may have a suggestion. Before we torpedo this vessel, I have to tell you that in Gnejs we use forks all the time. They would definitely be interested in this cargo and I might be able to use my former government connections to find someone who will buy these forks from us. It won't be a huge amount of money, but something's better than nothing, right?"

Boarding Party: "Hooray for Landsman Øye!"

by **Chromatika** » Tue Sep 27, 2022 10:18 pm

MD1 @ (53) Juvencus and MD2 vs. (12) Ko-oren @ The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District (Cap. 144,000)
Predicted Starting XI (3-4-1-2): Fillar, J. (C); Ansov - de Aea - Anbient; Fillar, G. - Zuniga - Hauser - Ighv; Kuznetsov; Killian - Oveni.
Reserves: GK Kathie Begley, GK Lorée Bautista, DCR Ami Coulibaly, DC Klavida Régine, DC Cylie Nodis, DCL Ipati Aimée, WBR Emilie Kruetzberg, WBL Edith Fillar, BWM Kaia Larriet-Cortes, AP Baillaire Fillar, AM Alissar Phoen, BWM Mare Si, P Sandara Park, CF Candice Delaya, AF Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov

The Red League All-Decade Team
01: Preview

By: Jordan Lawless, Chief Correspondent

As the offseason began between the end of the Tenth Season and the beginning of the Eleventh Season of the Rainbow League System, Chromatik domestic football entered an unprecedented time. Never had they ever dreamed of a particular league system lasting more than five years (The League Chromatiks and Chromatik League both lasted five years), yet alone have one iteration that lasted longer than the previous two combined. The Rainbow League System had risen in popularity and prestige to the point where the Red League ranked as one of the best leagues in the world, the Orange League wasn't somewhere journeymen went to die any longer, and the league had expanded to twenty teams.

Let us look back at the first ten years of the Rainbow League System Red League and put together a list of a First XI and a Second XI of an All-Decade Team. Each team will consist of a Manager, a Goalkeeper, a Right Back, two Center Backs, a Left Back, three Midfielders, and three Forwards. The Midfielders and the Forwards can be of any position, like they were in each All-Star team. Players will be determined based on their individual accolades, their team's finishing, and the longevity of their careers in the Red League. International accolades will be used to determine tiebreakers, but will not be the basis of the selection.

The release schedule is this:
02: Goalkeepers - Second Team & First Team (2)
03: Right Backs - Second Team & First Team (2)
04: Center Backs - Second Team (2)
05: Center Backs - First Team (2)
06: Left Backs - Second Team & First Team (2)
07: Midfielders - Second Team (3)
08: Midfielders - First Team (3)
09: Forwards - Second Team (3)
10: Forwards - First Team (3)
11: Managers - Second Team & First Team (2)

Some of the names will be obvious, others not so much; who will be on the All-Decade Team, as decided by The Rebel?

*This is the opinion of just The Rebel, not of the Rainbow League System.

The Third Chromatik Premier Election

Meet the Candidates #1: Svyatopolk Tkacho, Red Party

He may be a new kid on the block, but Svyatopolk Tkacho is a rising star in Chromatik politics and someone who will garner some attention in the Premier race that is to come in the upcoming election.

Born from Eyrods, Myana Island, Tkacho is a thirty-three year old with a ten year career in politics, being the mayor of Eyrods for all that time. Born of two parents that were of the Red Caste during the days of the Chromatik Party, all Tkacho learned during his childhood was that of how the Chromatik Party kept his parents and his family down - away from wealth, away from status, away from having any kind of a dream altogether. After the Rainbow Revolution, he was amongst the first of the Red caste to pass the entrance exam to go to university - he went to then Chromatik City College University on the government's dime as part of the Lifting Red program - and went straight into Political Sciences, graduating with honors.

A year later, with a campaign built on seeking reparation, administering justice, and ruling with a fair yet iron hand, he took over the city of Eyrods with a landslide vote, winning 77% of votes in a race against incumbent Ivis Jornelly, who had lost some public image after being round to have violated a number of the environmental laws that Eyrods held dear. While staying true to his roots, Tkacho was strategic in his political dealings, often times working with Myana Island Commissioner Rudith Iszalai of the Rainbow Party. This tie to the Rainbow Party gave him political stability, and he has successfully defended his position four times, never winning by less than 20%.

Tkacho is an interesting candidate to call upon for this Premier Election, as he is not a member of the Chambers of the Legislature. However, he has the endorsement of all seven of the Red Party delegates before the expansion, and has been hailed as the "Future of the Red Wave". In fact, for a party as small as the Red Party, it makes sense that they've decided to divide and conquer, the seven incumbents trying to keep their seats while exerting influence upon the 162 seats being added to the CoL while asking for someone as charismatic as Tkacho to tank the Premier election and gain some public morale.

As expected, the major tenet of Tkacho's platform is that the programs being instituted by the Rainbow Party and the Saebitdang hasn't gone far enough in terms of forcing the previous elite to pay for their sins. The Red Party fervently believes that until every single wrong done by the previous administration has been taken care of, those that benefited from that regime needs to pay - starting with the ones that benefited the most, down to the ones that were aware of it but did nothing to stop it. The blood of millions of Chromatiks that suffered at the Chromatik Party remain why they are so passionate about this cause, and though the New Light Party is a bit more sympathetic to their cause than the Rainbow Party, the Reds believe that neither of them go far enough.

With the elimination of the Traditionalists and the rise of the Spades (Socialists), the Reds have an interesting opportunity in the election to come: they have the potential to work with the Spades to develop a bit of a coalition that can stand up to the power of the Rainbow Party and the Saebitdang. Sure, the Socialists don't care about the reparations as much as the Reds, but if the Reds concede to helping the Socialists obtain their goal of universal healthcare, universal housing, and power to the unions, perhaps the Socialists will come around.

Of course, there are those rumors about Tkacho and Socialist Party candidate Mariola Lemańska, but will the rumor be better or worse if it was indeed true?

Next: Mariola Lemańska, Spade (Socialist) Party

World Cup 92 Qualifying Preview: Five Things to Know about the Anomalies before Matchday 1

A new cycle is upon us, and with it, a slew of changes that has changed the fundamental nature of the Anomalies to the very core. It can be hard to know what things are the most important to know about the new-look Anomalies with all the noise going on. Here are five things that you must know about the change to the Anomalies before qualifying begins:

5. The Manager.

Diehard fans of Sandra Sybill will remind anyone that will hear them that Sybill will forever and always ben the first Manager to lead Chromatika to a major world title in football, and they would be correct. Sybill, along with her assistant Hellion, did lead Chromatika to their only ever football title at the world stage - the Cup of Harmony. However, for a nation that had reached the Semifinals once and was trying to reach the Quarterfinals again, two straight cycles of not making the World Cup Proper was too steep of a hill for the Chromatik duo to overcome. The fact that Richard Valens and Tim Landers were let go because they couldn't reach the Round of Sixteen, just to be replaced by a duo that couldn't even lead the team to the World Cup Proper? Shameful.

There was considerable talk about Lisa Amos, Aleksandr Ivanovich, Madison Bilboa... But in the end, the Chromatik Football Federation pulled a wild card and went with Lev Repin from Mytanija. The Mytanar legend, who not only has over 170 caps for his nation, had also led the team back from mediocrity to world relevance in the last few World Cup cycles; now, he would be given the keys to the Anomalies, signing an initial deal of three cycles with a possible extension of two more cycles. The CFF has charged Repin with making the World Cup Proper in two cycles.

However, whether it be because of the quality of the players on the roster or because of the trust in his own abilities, Repin has stated that he can make it this cycle. More on the players and the tactics later, but this confidence has been received favorably by the Chromatik media and the populace. Football remains the most popular sport in the country, and the people's morale have been diminished immensely by the play in the last two cycles.

Can Repin be the guy to drag the Chromatiks out of the muck? Or will he be the latest to promise what he could not pay up?

4. The Formation.

The switch from a 4-3-2-1/4-4-1-1 to a 3-5-2/3-4-1-2 will have a profound impact on the Chromatik roster, as well as the tactics used by the Anomalies to try to qualify for the World Cup. Gone are the days of the wingers and attacking midfielders running the show with the help of the side backs; now, Chromatika will utilize the dual striker system once more, with the side midfielders helping and the back three staying put to provide help to the defense.

Repin's system, to its credit, is highly flexible; the players will be expected to play a 3-2-5 or a 5-3-2, and even a 4-4-2, as the situation warrants. Thankfully, the roster that Repin has inherited and put together have many that possess the ability to play multiple positions, and flexibility was something that the previous regime had prided in, too.

Returning to two strikers proved to be the biggest change, resulting in many players being called for their first time this cycle. What did they find?

3. The Players.

Putting the formation change from paper to real life, it became apparent that one of Ha'nei Ighv and Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov will need to change positions; the wily Kuznetsov moved to Attacking Midfielder, which resulted in Baillaire Fillar once again being demoted to second string behind Haley Hauser, at least in the Starting XI. Moira Ansov joins the usual duo of Henri de Aea and Keira Anbient to form the back three, while the front two is taken up by Hank Killian and Kara Oveni - for now.

All eyes go toward the Wingbacks - Edith Fillar, Emilie Kruetzberg, and Martha Baum are household names while Elouane Christelle and Manda Iara will gain some fans this cycle - while Sandara Park and Candice Delaya have joined the striking corps - along with who will likely be the youngest player to ever gain a cap for Chromatika at striker, Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov. Xuen-Zhukov may only be eighteen, but he is the perfect fit for Repin's system, and it'll only be a mtter of time before the starting position is his.

2. The Group & The Schedule.

Chromatika has been drawn, once again, to Group Eleven - just like the last cycle. With fellow Anaian nation twelfth ranked Ko-oren as the top seed, Chromatika also faces forty-sixth ranked Sendhang, Juvencus (#53), Brookstation (#77), Cardenao (#101), Xanneria (#108), Gnejs (#125), Lisander (#198), Yakk (#236), and Atetancillo (#290). Ko-oren is a familiar foe, Chromatika having gone 3-2-5 against them all-time, but 2-0-2 in the World Cup, both losses coming during qualifying and both wins coming during the World Cup Proper. As for everyone else, Xanneria remains the only other team that Chromatika has faced, having defeated them twice during World Cup Qualifying.

The schedule is front-loaded, with Chromatika facing the fourth seed and the first seed before facing #9, #10, #8. Then, after a bye, Chromatika starts off against #3, followed by #6, #7, #11, ending with #5. As important as the matches against other teams in the Top Five will be, Chromatika failed to qualify directly into the World Cup Proper in prior cycles because it dropped too many points to teams in the bottom half of the table. Though a win against Ko-oren will go a long way, the Anomalies must do a better job holding their own against the bottom ranked teams.

1. The Mentality.

There is a new vibe about the club that hasn't been there since when the CFF let go of Valens and Landers. That exit, though needed due to the backlash of the fans and the media, wasn't very popular among the players; the move now to Repin has been met with applause from every level of the Chromatik fanbase, along with prior players and even the duo of Sybill and Hellion. It can be said that the country hasn't been this single-minded about their football team in a long while, and the only thing that they need now is the results to back up this kind of vibe.

There is nothing like football to bring Chromatiks together; that has been true since the days of the Revolution, and it remains the same way still. It's time to remind everyone why that is, and the power that football holds in this country.

by **Ochre Islands** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 1:34 am

Page 6

ANAIAN COORDINATED TIME PROPOSAL

The proposed Ochre timezones
Early test for Fairweather's Government

Bellflower, Mournhow Island In the past few days, regional efforts have seemingly pressed forward with a creation of a unified clock for Anaia, splitting the region into timezones seperated into hours forward or backward of a line running through the centre of the regional map. This will surely be an early issue for the Prime Minister - Senator Heather Fairweather - and her Government, on whether to sign up to the proposed timezones or not.

The Government has dismissed suggestions from ardent Ochre Islanders that the centre-line be moved to run through Bellflower as 'rewriting the map', though as the current proposals do split the Ochre Islands into three timezones, they agree that as it stands, Fairweather's Government isn't likely to support the idea at all without some changes being made.

A sourse from that Government was contacted by this newspaper and had this to say; 'Obviously it just wouldn't do at the moment where we would have Handsby Island an hour behind Bellflower, and then Callais, Jensee and Grand Ochre an hour ahead. It would be even more ridiculous that one of the three Chain Islands would be on a different timezone from the other two, when they are only seperated by a short hydroferry trip.'

There is some speculation that Fairweather is looking to distance herself and the new cabinet from the pan-Anaian elements of the previous Prime Minister, though whether this is a popular choice remains to be seen.

Page 58

CLASSIFIEDS

A very happy birthday to Mrs. H. Miggins from your loving husband Mr. P. Miggins
Project Alouette: All Stations Three - Alpha-Peter-Sierra-One-Six-Two Beta-Queen-Romeo-Tango-One-Six-Two Charlie-Uniform-Vulture-One-Six-Two Delta-Water-One-Six-Two Echo-Xray-Yahoo-Zigzag-One-Six-Two
FOR SALE: Bull. All enquiries to Farmer Louis Landtender, Hopkins Farm, North 42 C-2, Callais Island

by **Civia Welephilostopia** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 3:25 am

AS the days reduce in number before the Emerald Elephants's first game, hopes are high in Civia Welephilostopia and despite the relative inexperience of the team on the world stage the head coach of the EE has made sure that all the players have trained twice as hard as there competitors.

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:16 am

Hei siellä. Mukava nähdä teitä kaikkia taas. The last few years have certainly been good for football in Kimi-Suomi, hasn't it? What with finishing 6th at the last WCQ group and then, oh I don't know, MAKING THE SEMIS OF THE AOCAF! You know...good stuff! The good vibes that are surrounding jalkapallo in the Rogue Kingdom haven't gone unnoticed and Pesä is certainly ready to host 10 more teams in this WCQ format, this time hosted by Electrum and Vilita

Pot 1 - Pemecutan (7) - MD 10 (away) and 21 (home)
Manager: Surya Agung Pramana
Lineup: 4-3-3?
Style: +3.17
Really? Jalak Putih again?! The guys who won our group with 3-0 and 2-1 wins over us before making it to the Round of 16 and falling to Tumbra. Do we really have to play them again? Not much has changed, you know...but since we have played them before, maybe we can play them closer this time?

Pot 2 - Hapilopper (28) - MD 7 (home) and 18 (away)
Manager: Thom Perkins
Lineup: 4-4-2
Style: +5
Ohohohohohoh! Hi Hapilopper, nice to see you again. Daniel Marx inspired us to treat the Haps like a big threat 4 years ago and that turned ugly pretty fast after Assistant Coach Nathan Ellis gave Hannu Koivu a Rock Bottom. They beat us in both contests that time, 3-2 and 31, but now, it's finally time for the 3rd and 4th rounds. These guys made the Groups via the playoffs last time...so expect fireworks when they realise we're in the same group again.

Pot 3 - Perunanviljelijät [Poafmersia] (42) - MD 9 (home) and 20 (away)
Manager: Adnan Suliaha?
Lineup: 4-3-3
Style: +3.142
Ah yes, the Red Panijas - the team we drew 1-1 within our opening CoH game 2 years ago. These guys are ranked just behind JYK-inen (TJUN-ia) and they managed 4th in the WCQ group last time out, only falling outside a playoff spot by a single point. They will certainly be hungry for revenge so we must be careful.

Pot 4 - Omerikka [Omerica] (57) - MD 3 (away) and 14 (home)
Manager: Amaya Allen-Stone?
Lineup: 4-3-3
Style: φ (+1.62)
The first opponent we've yet to play before, Omerica is always a team that can do brilliant things but sometimes...it just doesn't go their way at all. Still, Pot 4 is pretty tough so no underestimation needs to happen here. They finished 6th in their last group, just like us.

Pot 5 - Kimi-Suomi (76) - Bye Weeks: MD 6 and 17
Manager: Esko Laaksonen
Lineup: 5-3-2
Style: 0
Oh look, it's us! Now up to #76 and Pot 5, a certain sign of our rise as a national team. Most of our players are now contracted to a club overseas, with Hannu Koivu and Tero Salo the odd ones out. Due to the size increase to 26 players that are now allowed in the rules, 3 new young prospects have joined the team - CB Amanda Angeldahl, CM Topias Maxhuni and ST Anne Marie Leppälä. Hopefully, these guys will help us push forward toward whatever promised land awaits

Pot 6 - Srednjaci (84) - MD 8 (away) and 19 (home)
Manager: Bojan Radulović?
Lineup: 4-1-2-1-2/4-4-2
Style: +2
Ah yes, Srednjaci - one of those countries that always looks like a pushover, but have no mercy punching you in the face at any opportunity. They're now in the Top 100 and only missed out on a debut WC via the playoffs 7-3 on aggregate, so this team may be one to watch this time around.

Pot 7 - Kuraita (103) - MD 5 (away) and 16 (home)
Manager: Eriks Liepinš?
Lineup: 3-4-1-2
Style: +1
The first nation outside of the Top 100 in this group is the Pot 7 team Kuraita, which only goes to show how stacked this WC is. Kuraita managed a P7 finish in their WC group last time out, with their 25 points a valiant effort all things considered. This team appears to be one that can find points from nothing, so caution is advised.

Pot 8 - Lakikieli [Legalese] (126) - MD 4 (home) and 15 (away)
Manager: Who Fucking Knows?!
Lineup: 4-3-3
Style: +3
No, this is not a nation of lawyers, this is Legalese...a team that hasn't produced an updated teamsheet in nearly 4 years. They did finish 9th in their group last time out, with only 14 points to their name, but their rank indicates they are certainly a better team than that. Potential danger indeed.

Pot 9 - Tecoinen [Tecoia] (192) - MD 11 (home) and 22 (away)
Manager: André Mendoça
Lineup: 4-1-3-2
Style: +1.4
Finally, concrete information about a national team! This is Tecoinen, the 4th best team from this cycle's Baptism of Fire, who call themselves Os Marítimos. This team has certainly shown its stuff in the BoF, so underestimating them will certainly be a mistake.

Pot 10 - Kethsi (257) - MD 1 (away) and 12 (home)
Manager: N/A
Lineup: N/A
Style: N/A
This team competed in the BoF but provided no information on themselves at all. What we do know is their record at that Baptism of Fire...1 win and 4 points. We should be able to deal with them but...be careful, too.

Pot 11 - Eteläiset Palmsaaret [Southern Palm Islands] (UR) - MD 2 (home) and 13 (away)
Manager: Jamu Ouattara
Lineup: 4-4-2
Style: +1.5
Information about an Ei rankingissa that is actually quite in-depth? What's the catch? Well, Eteläiset Palmsaaret (the Southern Palm Islands to our English readers) was last in the WC way back in WC86, nearly 12 years ago. From WC87-91, they didn't take part and instead focused their efforts on the recently rebranded CMFA Mandalanusa Cup. But after all this time, they've decided to come back and try to do some great stuff for their homeland once more. The Blue Palms are unranked in name only...we must take them seriously.

by **Mertagne** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:17 am

A while back...

"Is that it?"

"What do you mean 'is that it'? Look! Smell the wonderfully salty sea air, and imagine what this place will look like when we're done with it!"

"I cannot believe you've dragged me all the way out here to the arse end of the Ochres to show me a beachy spit of land."

The two people, dressed in far too formal business attire for the wonderfully balmy weather that was being enacted upon them, were stood on the beachfront of a small village, known as Oaktree, in the Ochre Islands. The coast, shimmering with the blue hues of a fine ocean, perfectly accented the fine white sands that bordered it. Just inland, a variety of Ochre construction workers and surveyors were setting up, architectural plans in hand, in the process of building several chic and stylish holiday homes for the tourist who utilises their time off of work to sit and get rather sunburned by a pool. All inclusive, of course.

The cynical businessperson eyed the less cynical one, a man with a bald patch on the back of his head and a tie that looked like gravel, as someone that had lost the plot. "I cannot understand how you got this venture approved. We've spent millions of ducats to invest in this holiday village, and for what? This is quite a lateral move for the business."

The man with the bold patch flipped the clipboard he was holding and gestured vaguely to a clause neatly tucked away several pages into a lengthy and verbose agreement on the investment into the holiday village. He leaned into his colleague and whispered, even though this far out on the pristine beach the nearest eavesdropper was a fish, or some kind of insect. "I noticed when the council put this one out to tender that they were remarkably lax on the extent of the property rights. Not only do we own the resort, but we also own the beach."

"The beach? Really? The Ochre Islands is usually so staunchly protective of their beaches." The cynical colleague raised an eyebrow, which poked over her rounded glasses.

"It seems that this one has slipped through the cracks. In signing it, this beach has become the private property of Qwiksh Aggregates, and thus is owned by Mertagnians."

"I think if you paraded that sort of thing about, it'd be quite unpopular. I can foresee some kind of legal challenge, or eminent domain issue that might crop up if we tip our hand too much."

"Perhaps." the man rubbed his bald spot, equally in thought and in worry that it was starting to singe a little. "But also, do you remember that mess at Kettle's Peak not too long ago? With the protestors? I say we chip in and get them back for that. There's certainly some joy to be found in parading that Mertagne has reach from sea to Sunset Sea..."

"What exactly did you have in mind?"

by **Sharktail** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 8:15 am

Sharktail Post EP64

Kota Lama: The World Cup Qualification 92 stage became a real testing ground for Yunos in testing the extent of his abilities in leading the Sharktail team for the coming years.

Yunos, who comes with the best reputation with Kota Jembal, is seen as the most influential and high-profile candidate. With success after success achieved at club level, it has indeed become one of the important features of the assessment at SFA level.

In the rapidity of SFA making changes and improvements, one thing is still a strong tradition, which is the selection of coaches among the citizens of Sharktail itself. Even though there are several opportunities and spaces for them to fish for popular trainers both in Sharktail and the multiverse, SFA is still trying to stick to their principles to continue using their own style in formulating plans and strategies for Sharktail for the coming years.

For the 92 edition, the significant changes that took place were the main tactical changes and the team's playing pattern. If the team previously focused on the offensive side, now the approach brought by Yunos is more of a balance both in terms of defense and attack. It was put to the test on MAC 11, with Sharktail stranded in the quarter-finals. 5 goals and 2 conceded, it looks good in the eyes of everyone. 5 goals, at least our striker can be trusted as always, and don't forget 2 conceded. Just hope, it's not a one time wonder but it will continue until the end of WCQ, or even stay like that forever.

Enjoy Brenecia's visit at the Blue Stadium before flying to The Karodin Tetrarchy for the away action. 3 points is a realistic target for Yunos and his men. Let's keep going and watch Sharktail on their another journey to the World Cup Final. The final answer to the question, "Is this the fruit of our hard work or just another of failure?" MD22 will give an answer.

by **Legalese** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:06 pm

A Very Questionable Preview

Going into qualifying for the 92nd World Cup, the only thing that’s clear and apparent for the Legalese National Team is that there’s a lot of questions. How did they fall down so far in the ranks? Why am I wasting ink on this?

Now, answering all of those questions would just waste more ink (Ed. note: don’t worry, this is digital-edition only), not to mention it could get uncomfortable. So instead, we’re going to turn the questions around. Today, I give you,

Previewing Group 5 as if each team were an Interrogative

Poafmersia: How, as in How many points can the pot 3 side get to make the playoff? Alternately, How many Poafmersian statisticians does it take to geek out on numbers? (Ed. note: Not that there’s anything wrong with that)

Pemecutan: What, as in What chance does the LNT have against a team that made the Round of 16 last cup? You don’t need to be Poafmersian number-cruncher to answer that (Ed. note: Seriously?)

Tecoia: Are, as in Are the kids for real?. Tecoia makes their qualifying debut off of a fourth-place finish in the Baptism of Fire, with some regional play as well. Just as Grant Management is hoping that inexperience (and the bravado that can come with it) will serve the LNT well, the Seafarers may also be looking the same.

Kethsi: Can, as in Can we get a break against a BoF non-entity? (Ed. note: That’s a bit rude.)

Southern Palm Islands: Who, as in Who the heck is this? In a Pot 11 with a lot of surprisingly familiar names (looking at you, Bears Armed, Boring Paradise, and [s]Fast Bus[/s]95X)

Omerica: How (Ed. note: You used this one already), as in How have we never played Omerica in qualifying?. That streak ends with the LNT making a road trip on MD 1.

Kuraita: Why, as in Why are there so many teams in each group? Qualifying may be a marathon over a sprint, but keep in mind that the first ever runner of the Marathon died at the end.

Kimi-Suomi: Whom should we send the corrections to? (Ed. note: Give them a break, the LNT roster was cutting it close.)

Hapilopper: Where do I even start? (Ed. note: Sigh)

Srednjaci: How will Legalese end up dropping all six points to them? (Ed. note: Please don’t do this ever again.)

by **Sarzonia** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:21 pm

Brady Reynolds has had a strong go of it in his early days as Sarzonia's national team manager, qualifying for the knockout rounds in his first two tournaments.

He understands that the World Cup is a whole different animal.

"The Cup of Harmony and AOCAF are both important, but the World Cup is the biggest event of all," Reynolds said. It's going to be different going in as a manager than as a player or assistant."

Instead of being subjected to the decisions of someone else, it will be Reynolds who sets the starting 11. That 11 will include Charlie King, whom Reynolds was able to talk out of retirement for one final cycle. However King admitted he didn't need much convincing.

"I missed it after it hit me that I was retired," King said. "I want to do everything I can to help this team succeed.

by **Cassadaigua** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:59 pm

Checking up on the World Cup,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Disappointment. In the midst of everything that was going on two years ago, with the questions of succession and the annexation of the Northern Territory, Team Cassadaigua failed to qualify for World Cup 91. What made it a little more difficult was the fact that all they needed to do was finish in the top three of the group to qualify for at least a playoff, and they could not even do that. Much has been speculated about why the team had such a poor result. The players were emphatic in remarking that the off the field situations involving the nation did not impact the result. The team has a strict “No Politics” policy, and there is no reason to think that they were not true to that. In the Cup of Harmony, the team rebounded pretty well, finishing third overall. There can be a thought that the Fillies should have won the Cup of Harmony, but given that they had to play Audioslavia in the semifinals, you can accept that result more. These days, the Cup of Harmony is a much stronger competition than it may have been a couple decades ago, and the next one will be as well.

Are we at a point where going to the Cup of Harmony is an easier pill to swallow? Not that it’s desired, but going there does not have to mean “you failed!” After all, prior to World Cup 91, the World Cup Committee passed a Constitutional amendment that would allow the hosts to permit 48 teams in the World Cup. Before the passing of that, the World Cup had to be 32 teams with no exceptions. While it is going to take a lot of courage, we think, for the first hosts to submit a bid to allow for more than 32 teams, there will come a point in time where it will happen. The allowance for World Cup expansion is a testament to how many great soccer nations there are in the World right now, and that is only going to continue.

As far as the team is concerned, the two biggest scapegoats for the failure to qualify will either not be here, or will not be in a prominent role. First, there is the case of forward Jenna Frontiera, who, in World Cup 91, was looking to rebound from a terrible period of qualifying in World Cup 90. The leading homegrown scorer in the Cassadagan Soccer League is expected to show the same ability at the international level, and Frontiera did rebound nicely from the poor qualifying effort to play very well in World Cup 90, itself. Therefore, there was a lot of hope that she was going to do a lot better in World Cup 91. She was only a little bit better, so if she wanted to be back on the team this World Cup, she would have had to have dealt with a lot of scrutiny. However, the 30 year old shocked everyone when she announced that she was retiring from soccer, entirely, after the last completed CSL season. In a statement, Frontiera commented, “The sport of soccer has been great to me, and I have done all that one can expect to do in the game. I wish to move on and start a family now. I don’t want to miss more time of my life to have this chance. I want to enjoy the thrill of having and raising children. My husband Stephen has been great for me, and the time is right now.” While many Cassadagan athletes will decide to retire a little earlier than perhaps other national athletes will due to the desire to start a family, the higher profile athletes like Jenna Frontiera will usually play into their mid 30's to make as much money as possible. But Jenna would be correct in, at the domestic level, she has achieved about all a Cassadagan would want to do. The international level would see her lacking trophies, but she is content to leave that behind her. There is speculation that her inefficiency in qualifying for the last two World Cups lead to her not having the same kind of motivation that one would need to start qualifying again. She would have likely continued to start more often than not. A person not starting is goalkeeper Cynthia Kerr, who took a lot of the scrutiny for the team’s failure to qualify. The team did give up, on average, more goals that we are used to seeing them allow, and that is not because of a new tactical system that was more offensive minded. When that happens, the goalkeeper is going to get the bulk of criticism, and that can be fair to an extent. But the fact is, you have to blame the entire team for that, especially the defense. The backup goalkeeper was Stacie Thornton, a player that many wanted to see be the starter last time out. Thornton is coming off an incredible season with New Lakeland SC, and Kerr not as much with Victoriaville South End. Therefore, the decision to start Thornton over Kerr in this World Cup is not really about the last Cup, but more about the current form of each player. Two others who were in defensive roles, Summer Speers and Tara Kriedel, are either off the team or not starters any longer.

We have also noticed that Brittany Byers will be implementing a new base 4-3-3 formation, instead of the 4-4-2 that the national team has always used. And, we mean that. Team Cassadaigua, since the beginning, has always been built with the plan being a base 4-4-2 formation. Now, there have been variations through the years, and the team has used the 4-3-3 on several occasions, but for the team to be structured this way is a little different. There are several reasons for this, but the crux of it is that the team wants to give Chloe Anderson and Rachel Bolden as much playing time as possible up front, while not taking time away from veteran Bayley Stanton. Therefore, instead of having to choose two out of three, the team gets to choose all three. There was also question about who the replacement midfielder would have been for Tara Kriedel, so by not replacing her at all and going to this structure, the team answered two scenarios with one move. Is this the best move for Team Cassadaigua, especially after coming off of a qualifying effort where they struggled defensively? Only time will tell.

The biggest impact from the failure to qualify for the World Cup was the fall in ranking, just enough to make Cassadaigua the first team in pot 2. Seeing that, there was a lot of anticipation in wondering who the pot 1 team would be that we would be drawn against. The answer to that is our fellow Rushmori powerhouse, Nephara. You know the eyes of the entire soccer world will be focused on our head to head matchups, and the way that things have been structured, those matchups will be the final game of each half. So yes, the final game of qualifying for Team Cassadaigua will be against Nephara (and it will be on the road). Other top nations were will be taking on include Kelssek. Mertagne, and Pluvia. Looking to make a name for themselves within this company are Tjorl, East Murbley, Koronavia, Xitizian States, Recuecn, and Saterun. Unlike past campaigns, CASE will utilize six different home stadiums during qualifying. Click on our roster link to determine the allotment.

by **Cardenao** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:35 pm

Mihaly's Machinations

Cardenaoan President Mihaly Otamendi walked out of the historic treaty signing room in the impressive Mujaguzo Palace of Banija with a sense of renewed determination, each step leading him into the new future he had just created with the stroke of a pen. Banija and Cardenao were now as close as two nations could hope to get with the signing of the new Busukuma-Cardonia Accords; the two nations were now riding or dying together. Well they were about to literally ride together as Mihaly and his wife Sophie Beumer de la Cruz Otamendi, Kabaka Mwanga of Banija, and their bodyguards piled into an open top car, sitting in comfortable elevated seats that helped them wave out to the crowds that had formed in celebration along their route. The destination? Mugisha III Memorial Stadium where the Cardenaoan and Banijan national football teams were warming up for a celebratory friendly match. The trio got set up and the convoy took off, with Mihaly sporting a genuine smile as he realized he had just immortalized himself in Cardenao’s emerging history.

The Busukuma-Cardonia Accords represented a much more active and purposeful relationship between Cardenao and Banija, and in many ways it announced Cardenao as an active international presence. It was, in essence, a Mutual Defense and Aggression Pact that bound the nations together in very meaningful ways. If the Federated Republic of the Kingdom of Cardenao were to be attacked by a foreign aggressor then the Kingdom of Banija would be obligated to come to her defense. If Cardenao were to be the aggressor in an international conflict, then Banija would be obligated to draw swords and charge the line with them. Similarly if the roles were reversed and Banija were the one attacking or being attacked, Cardenao would be involved. In a multiverse where all is linked by string that cosmic cats batter around (thus affecting our affairs), the treaty Mihaly Otamendi just signed created a binding connection between his Cardenao and Kabaka Mwanga’s Banija. He hoped the military aspect of this treaty would never be activated, of course, but the state of the multiverse and the total inability of the Cardenaoan military made this easy decision for him to make. All that being said, there was more to the treaty that benefited Cardenao in profound ways.

Within the Busukuma-Cardonia Accords was written a mutual general contribution to the betterment of the other nation, essentially an understanding that aid of all forms would flow between Banija and Cardenao. That could be fiscal aid in times of need, disaster relief, tariff free imports/exports, military contributions, resource sharing, football friendlies, and much more all with the intent of continually bettering the other nation. Mihaly knew this meant the incredibly resource rich Cardenao would be sending more of her natural wealth away and that was absolutely his intent.

100 years of being a backwater, Third World country. 100 years of a placid national existence where the Cardenaoan people just embraced being a bombed out country who’s only identity was self-pity because the vile nation of Eshan flooded so much of the country. And Mihaly understood that pain, it’d been the fire that lit his relentless rise through his beloved Cardenao’s political scene, and he hoped every Cardenaoan felt that pain in their hearts and USED it to strive for the next level. What Mihaly Otamendi hated about those who lived for the past 100 years was how apathetic and accepting they were of it, their attitude of woe is us, doing nothing to recover or improve while playing into this role of bumbling backwater know-nothings that don’t give a damn about the world because, well why should they? Mihaly loathed that, he detested that attitude and how the Cardenaoan people seemingly equally loathed progress and betterment. For 100 years all that land, all of that national heritage and pride sat submerged under that Eshan-created sea and nobody gave a damn enough to do anything about it, to try and fix it. No, it just became part of the image, part of the label, and that built a cycle of ‘well of course things are wrong, they’ve always been wrong and always will, come have a drink’ that caused the Cardenao to stagnate for a hundred years, crying about the pain into a beer while accepting foreign condolences yet doing nothing. So much lost potential that it pained Mihaly to his core. But now he had set things into motion for the betterment of Cardenao that could not be undone.

Now Mihaly had turned the first gear in the long and complex machine of modernization. Banija the nation itself was complex, a sprawling entity that demanded raw resources and human capital, two things Cardenao had in abundance. By signing this treaty, Cardenao was now obligated to help power this behemoth, help feed it fuel in exchange for military protection and access to systems and technologies far beyond what Cardenaoans would otherwise have obtained. That meant more mines would need to be opened, more coastal fisheries established, more refineries, more steel mills, more industrial actors would need to be created. That meant more workers, more education to create better workers. That meant more money, more disposable income being spent at local bars, halls, restaurants, stores, everywhere. That meant more brick and mortar stores and business fronts, which required more construction workers and materials, which meant demand for raw resources, which meant…more mines would need to be opened. Roads would need to be paved between all these new points to facilitate commerce, water sources would need to be cleaned for household consumption for new workers, new schools for students, and new communities to be built around all of this. A middle class of supervisors and management would start to form and the cycle would start all over but this time with the affluent option selected, and then all of a sudden Cardenao is a First World country and a major player in the world. By signing the Busukuma-Cardonia Accords, Mihaly had started this process of industrialization and modernization. Like it or not, kicking and screaming, Cardenao was about to be pulled into the modern world, decades of progress compressed into years as the country built itself up to be all that he knew it could be.

President Mihaly was pulled from his thoughts as the open top cruiser came to a stop at the entrance to Mugisha III Memorial Stadium. To tell the truth he was relieved, sure the open top cruiser was a pretty sweet ride and it was an invigorating to see so many smiling faces lined up to see the popular Kabaka Mwanga, but his arm hurt from all the waving and there had been a few bumps on the road that made him worry the elderly Mwanga would go flying out the back. All’s well that ends well though, and it was Kabaka Mwanga who was out the door and hurrying into the stadium first, his wry steps making Mihaly question whether the Banijan’s cane was necessary at all.

Of course it was now time to focus on things infinitely more important than mere military matters and national advancement, now it was time for football. Yes, a ceremonial football friendly had been scheduled between Banija and Cardenao’s national teams as a gesture of national partnership, good-will, and the need to win bragging rights through friendly competition. While Mihaly wasn’t able to follow football quite as closely as he would like, he still absolutely recognized the Cardenaoan players down on the pitch, even as high up in the Royal Box as he, his wife, and Mwanga were. How couldn’t he recognize them? They were all hugely popular in Cardenao and Mihaly, like every good citizen, had watched every minute of their legendary run in the 91st World Cup. Down there was captain Dylan Mathers at right back stretching with winger Ibai Acosta-Vargas, striker Juanma Saez kicking a ball back and forth with midfield maestro Haritz Larrainzar (the pair of them starring in the recent Tikariot B Team of the Season), Chímo Ventura shooting on a goal protected by reserve keeper Iñaki Pena, it was all lovely and Mihaly chatted with Kabaka Mwanga as the players disappeared down the tunnel, then reappeared a few minutes later.

President Otamendi felt his heart swell with pride as the Cardenao national anthem played before the match and the whistle blew with the 11 brave gladiators going to battle for ninety minutes. Despite being a friendly in name, the Cardenaoan team treated it as anything but and with good reason: the Banijan national team is comfortably in the top-15 globally and a win here would be a helluva bragging right to claim. The team from Cardenao emerged from a red hot maiden World Cup Qualifying campaign to claim the 101st rank in the world and their play on the pitch showed they were clearly eager to keep climbing up the ranks, pressing every touch and passing crisply between lines. They actually looked really good, Mihaly found himself slightly surprised at how good they were, it’s one thing seeing them on the screen but in person all the details were much clearer. All the deft touches, the subtle off the ball movement, and their HOLY FUCKING SHITFIRE GOALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!! Mihaly leapt to his feet yelling and pumping his hands in coordination with goalscorer Fabrizio Viscarra. GOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLL! God it was brilliant! It had all happened so fast, first a this from Jayful Archer, then a that from Zoltan Keidobikta, then Viscarra slotting it home from close range! 1-0!

What a rush! Mihaly remembered the eyes on him and, feeling embarrassed, brushed himself down as he retook his seat as his wife Sophie and Kabaka Mwanga laughed in good nature. A goal is a goal and by the Gods that was a goal! The game went on and when Mihaly expressed how impressed he was by the lads, an aide informed him three Cardenaoan players played in top 10 nations, six within the top 28. Maybe he needed to attend games more regularly, the Royal Box and all the fanfare was pretty sweet Mihaly said to Mwanga and the wise Kabaka informed him he must.

The game tread on and the superior play of the Banijan players became more and more influential on the match and it was no surprise when one of the no good lousy rotten bastards on the other team scored with a powerful header.

Mihaly put his head down in his hands in frustration and felt a tap on his leg. Peering through his fingers he saw the Kabaka’s cane and looking up he saw the old man grinning. “Now, my friend, it is my turn,” he said with a wink, shuffling his feet and pointing to the crowd to enormous applause. The Cardenaoan President couldn’t help but smile and laugh, and would never forget the day for the rest of his life.

by **Tikariot** » Wed Sep 28, 2022 5:45 pm

A few piano notes open up to sliding images of different areas of Tikariot, of restaurants, dishes, and more, before the logo superimposes itself over a collage of the various images.

The still then morphs towards a town square, where the host of Culinaria Tikariot, Susanna Wheymore, is sitting on a park bench.

Susanna Wheymore: Good afternoon Tikariot, and welcome to Soharr for a new episode of Culinaria Tikariot! I am here in beautiful Saevaroy, where we will also witness the first game of Tikariot's campaign to qualify for World Cup 92 not far from here at Lakebreeze Stadium against our northern neighbours, Græntfjall, but our focus is not on the football today, but on some of the delicious food that this country has to offer.

The camera slowly zooms towards her.

Susanna Wheymore: Soharr is one of the often overlooked provinces, sandwiched between Viljamark to the north and Paladon to the south, but there is some amazing food that you can find throughout the whole nation and beyond, that most people have no idea that it originated here. Soharrians like it comfortable and hearty, with plenty of stews, soups, and pies, going hand in hand with the climate, which can quickly veer towards fall even in September.

The picture now cycles through various images of savoury pies and stews, interspersed with pictures of forests and gently rolling hills before returning to Susanna, who is now sitting in a pub together with a dark-haired man, his skin wrinkled from many hours spent outside.

Susanna Wheymore: One of the specialities of Soharr is poutine and it can be a little peculiar. I have here with me one of Saevaroy's most popular food bloggers, Anthony Monassos, what makes poutine so special?

Anthony Monassos: Well, poutine is one of those dishes that is deceptively simple, as it basically is made up of only three elements, but it is amazing how much people are capable of screwing it up.

Susanna Wheymore: These three elements basically are fries, cheese and gravy.

Anthony Monassos: If you go the most basic, yes. But there are some highly important details that you have to add to this description to make sure that things are not going terribly wrong.

Susanna Wheymore: Let's start at the beginning, though. The origins of poutine are a little murky, with several places laying claim to being the birthplace of the dish, from at least two places in Quebec over Donnacona to actually Soharr.

Anthony Monassos: And each of them claims to be the one true inventor, yes. But it's been around for so long that I really don't think that we'll be able to get to the actual root of it, so let's have a look at the actual dish as a start and expand from there. The foundation is greasy potato sticks, also known as fries or chips, depending on where you are located, then cheese curds and brown gravy. Sounds simple, right? Now the first part, the fries, is the one that in general is the least contentious as it is the most straightforward. Cut potatoes into a stick shape, deep fry, and done. I could go into a discourse about the different ways this could be done, like how thick they are cut, peeled or not, but I don't think that your viewers would really be that interested in the finer details of frying potatoes, so let me just say that my personal favourite is Soharr style, where they are peeled, cut to about the thickness of your little finger and then at first blanched in boiling water, then soaked and finally double fried. It makes them a bit darker than what most places use, but the flavour and texture are just so much better, crispy on the outside, but packed with flavour on the inside.

Susanna Wheymore: Should I give you and the fries some time alone?

Anthony Monassos (laughs): Sorry about that, it just makes a big difference.

Susanna Wheymore: Haha, I must say that I did notice that difference indeed, they taste a lot more, well, potato-y, lacking a better word, while still maintaining the full character of a fry. They feel, however, also greasier than in some other places.

Anthony Monassos: They are, but let's be perfectly honest here, if healthy eating is what you're after, looking at poutine one way or another is really not the way to go, no matter how the fries are prepared.

Susanna Wheymore: True, true. So next up, the cheese.

Anthony Monassos: Oh yes, the cheese. And this is where the devil lies in the details. It's the fresh cheese curds that are the important thing here. For the best outcome, they have to be as fresh as possible, so that they still slightly squeak when you bite into them, so it's important not to have them refrigerated for long or they'll start to take in moisture and lose that characteristic. And then finally the gravy, which is usually a brown and fairly thin chicken gravy, slightly peppery, or a bit thicker brown gravy made from chicken and beef stock, which has to be hot when poured over the mixture.

Susanna Wheymore: I can feel my mouth watering just hearing about this. Now you mentioned before that a lot of people, or places, manage to screw up the recipe.

Anthony Monassos: Oh yes, unfortunately. Like I had said, the fries are what generally are the least of the problems, even though there are some ground rules that I personally apply, but as long as they are made from potatoes and in stick shape, they should qualify. I know of some places that replace them with sweet potatoes, which is pushing it a little, but I can still live with that as it's still within the potato family. The cheese is where things can go somewhat awry, however, because shredded cheese just doesn't cut it for me, sure, it's still tasty with, say, shredded mozzarella--and I'm not referring to the fresh round white balls kind of mozzarella, but the block cheese variant--but just don't call it poutine afterwards. Depending on where you live, it is acceptable, though, if you are making this at home and you live in an area that doesn't have curds available, but I'm talking official restaurant poutines here.

Susanna Wheymore: Noted. I know that the gravy portion is a particular thorn in your side.

AM (sighs): Yes. I have seen some true abominations on that end, but before that just to finish off the cheese side, a cheese sauce that some people have argued is not really more than shortening the melting process of the curds and leading to the same end result is NOT acceptable in any universe, if you want to even think about calling it poutine. But on the gravy. Both the kinds of gravy I had described are acceptable and are, again, a thing of availability and personal taste, similar to the fries, but I have seen anything from white sausage gravy [shudders] over different sauces and jus to chowder and I'm sorry, that again does NOT constitute anything poutine.

Susanna Wheymore: Some people might call this "artistic freedom".

Anthony Monassos: Well, they have the freedom, alright, but the point is that you can only deviate from a recipe so far and still call it the same.

Susanna Wheymore: Point conceded. Now, what is your take on add-ons to poutine?

Anthony Monassos: Now this is a completely different thing. I'm ok with people experimenting with additional ingredients if the basic conditions of poutine are met. I have seen chicken, sausage, shredded smoked meat, bacon etc and it works for variety. One particular variant that I actually enjoy, even though somewhat grudgingly given my comments earlier, is using a Sauce Sangiorgese, a pasta sauce from Grande Cucina with ground beef in it, instead of gravy. There have been some "haute cuisine" chefs that have been trying to "re-invent" poutine, like those dreadful "de-constructions", but for something that is meant to be greasy and hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon and eaten at two am after a bar trawl that is just pretentious and a desperate attempt to make something fancy out of something that most definitely and inherently isn't.

Susanna Wheymore: Any other cardinal sins that you could mention?

Anthony Monassos: Well, I think that most of what I mentioned is already sacrilegious enough, but something that I should maybe mention is that whichever way you look at it, the cheese goes UNDER the gravy. One would think that this is a no-brainer, but with time you can find all kinds of food-related crimes. For a dish that prides itself on ooey-gooey cheese, wouldn't you think that it helps a lot to have the food that's supposed to melt sits underneath what is the hottest?

Susanna Wheymore (laughs): It makes sense. But now that we have talked about it so much, I just want to try some!

Anthony Monassos: And we're at just the right place here, at the "Saevaroy Brewhouse", which is known for the right ingredients.

Two deep dishes with heaps of steaming fries are placed in front of them, smothered with a thick, dark gravy through which you can make out the cheese curds.

Susanna Wheymore: So just to be on the safe side here, is there a certain way to eat poutine?

Anthony Monassos (trying not to laugh out): No. Given what you're given is actual poutine, it is pretty much impossible to eat it wrong, unless you try to scrape off the cheese and gravy and only try to eat the fries.

Susanna pokes her fork into the fries and pulls it high, the cheese stretching the whole way. She attempts to roll the cheese around her fork, but by the time she gets back down to her plate and pulls again, the cheese does the same, so she just decides to eat it. Her eyes go wide and she looks at Anthony.

Susanna Wheymore: Wow! I've had poutine across Tikariot, but this is amazing, what do they do differently?

Anthony Monassos (smiling): They don't really do anything differently, they just do it right.

Susanna Wheymore: The fries are just perfect, still with structural integrity despite the gravy, the curds have the right gooey consistency and the ones that are a bit less melted squeak slightly and then that rich, velvety gravy... Folks, this cannot be properly described with words, so I'm going to sign off for today and focus on this, but I hope that our culinary paths will cross again next time, as I will continue to travel across Tikariot for the best food our nation has to offer!

by **Pemecutan** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 3:44 am

Wraspati Pon Wuku Wayang, Pawukon 1783

Commitment Needed

Mengwi - Less than 3 weeks to the end of 1783 Pawukon year in Pemecutan and it seems that many international sports competitions are taking their place in this range of times. From Global Athletic Tour, CMFA Champions League and to World Cup qualifying stage. While in domestic, another sport event is currently on going, Pekan Olahraga Pemecutan. With this many events take places at the same time, athletes and clubs commitment are needed especially for international event. Pemecutan National League director, Komang Jaya Subakti stated that the clubs has agreed to prioritize World Cup. He said the agreement is needed to prevent any dispute that might occurs. On the other hand, National Football team Manager, Surya Agung Pramana stated that he will reconsider many factors before deciding which players that he will bring to the match. Although he has announced a shortlist of players that he might be called for this World Cup cycle. From the shortlist, Pesub Ubung dominated the list with 5 players. The players shortlist is very diverse with even player small club like Pesedongan Kedonganan is added. While almost all players in foreign league are being listed except for players of U-21 and below that age.

The 92nd World Cup is Pemecutan 7th participation where the country have qualified 3 times before. In this qualifying round, the country is drawn into Group 5 together with several big names such as Poafmersia, Hapilopper, Omerica, Srednjaci and Legalese. They are also in a group with 2 neighboring countries, Southern Palm Islands and Tecoia. Only 3 out of 10 countries in the group that Pemecutan have been faced before. Southern Palm Islands and Tecoia are met in the regional event with Tecoia defeated Pemecutan in their first and only meeting. While the meeting record against Southern Palm Islands still in favor of Pemecutan (3 wins and 2 losses). The third country that they have faced is Kimi-Suomi. Both country were also in the same group last World Cup qualifying round where Pemecutan success to win both their meeting.

The first 2 matches of Pemecutan are against Srednjaci and Poafmersia. The country will be hosting their match against Srednjaci while facing Poafmersia in an away match. Manguwi Stadium is selected to host the home match for the first half of the qualifying round. A decision which was made to resolved conflicted schedule with Pekan Olahraga Pemecutan. The domestic event is using Tegeh Kori National Stadium as the main venue. And it is still ocuppy until early next month. Although the stadium might be use from the 7th match day of WC qualifying round, but PFA official committed to use Manguwi Stadium until the end of the first leg. With the confirmation of using Manguwi Stadium, the city of Mengwi is readying to accept foreign players and officials to their city. Several hotel accommodation are prepared and also the city's main gate, Mengwi International Airport. A private shuttle bus for the guest team is also prepared for the team's convenience.

On the other hand, the national football team manager, Surya Agung Pramana officially announced the line up for the first two matches. 23 players are officially called with 18 of them will be at the field (11 starters and 7 benches). Several famous names are listed like Rama Karyadi, Leo Olivando and of course the team's captain Satya Putra Laksamana. Laksamana have just recovered from injury which happened during Eagle's Cup competition. Pramana is glad for his fast recovery. And here is the official squad of Pemecutan for their first 2 matches against Srednjaci and Poafmersia.

by **Mytanija** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 4:30 am

Part 1
Part 2

“They’re a lot more sophisticated in how they operate than how the media paints them. People have this vision of senseless violence, but they are extremely keen on planning everything down to the last detail. When they do commit violent acts of a particularly egregious nature it is almost for effect, they want to scare people, they want to make sure people don’t act against them so it’s almost a ‘if you don’t comply then this is what will happen to you’. That’s what’s going on in Eura. I haven’t seen any proof of them kidnapping people from countries where there is a Mafija presence, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me, we know for certain that they already do a similar thing going the opposite way.” Dragomir Pesic, an experienced academic in the field of law and criminology at the University of Thessia, explained. It had been an illuminating conversation for Elena, the insight Dragomir could provide went beyond the newspaper reports and the current academic output because it was a permanent area of interest for him.

“So, human trafficking, I guess?” Elena asked.

“Exactly, these criminal gangs are notorious for it, they will promise a better life abroad – better wages, better accommodation, greater opportunities – to young men and women in poor communities here. Often it will be in Eura, Quebec, places like this, places that probably would have those things if the people were able to move there of their own accord. The gangs act as facilitators and the individuals will have to save up money to pay them for their assistance, this can lead to the individuals being indebted to the gangs before they even get to their destination.”

“I have no idea how some of these gangs get away with painting themselves as benevolent in places like Thessia and Ebor when they’re also exploiting people like this.”

“Well, they fund a new park or playground, and it generates goodwill. But that’s not all, when these poor people get to their destination the gangs will turn on them and say that they must pay the debt back by any means. This can often mean ending up working for slave wages in industries like construction or even operating within these gangs for men and – pretty much without fail – in prostitution for the women. It’s a terrible fate.”

“That is horrific. How do they get people across borders without authorities thinking something dodgy is going on?”

“The gangs will often use the idea that the individuals involved are part of the extended family of gang members escorting them to their destination, to avoid questions at border control. Obviously, the individuals being trafficked will be threatened with violence to prevent them from speaking out, but it will look to border control like it’s just a family, some uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins going for a trip abroad. So, from your tip-off it wouldn’t surprise me if something similar is happening coming the other way out of Eura.”

“Exactly how common is this?” Elena asked, aghast.

“Human trafficking?” Dragomir raised an eyebrow. “It has definitely decreased under Ana Mecava-Catic’s premiership. There has been less reason to seek out these opportunities and emigration in general has not been as attractive because of the growth of the economy here, but it is still a problem, particularly in the poorest areas of Mytanija’s big cities and in backwoods rural towns where there isn’t much opportunity too. And the fate of the individuals who are trafficked is invariably horrendous, a lot of the young women end up addicted to drugs and cannot find a way out of the situation they find themselves in. We know, anecdotally at least, that suicide is very common. It’s very difficult to do research into it, though, for obvious reasons.”

“Yeah, I can imagine, it also makes me wonder ‘what am I getting myself into?’” Elena laughed, although the laugh was a little hollow.

“Hey, look, I’ve been researching these organised crime groups for years and nothing has happened to me yet! And I’m a lot older than you…”

“The thing is, Dragomir, I’d quite like to get to your age… And I feel like they might have an issue with somebody trying to dig into and then widely publicise all these terrible things they’re doing.”

“They might well do, but I think it’s going to be an issue for them whether you investigate it or whether somebody else does. The Eurans in particular are getting quite antsy about Mytanar organised crime, their tabloids hate immigrants anyway, but the latest spate of gang violence in cities like Brigham and Callodown has been hitting the broadsheets too. Whether they have yet put two and two together and worked out that it’s all due to Mytanar gangs I’m not sure.”

“I think some have.”

“Well then, if they have then the tabloids will go crazy and will want to pin it on Mytanar immigrants and if the broadsheets get these same tip-offs that you have been receiving then they will probably do a bit of virtue signalling about these Euran citizens who Mytanar criminal groups are kidnapping and taking abroad and murdering. The fact that they’re Mytanar-Eurans and that the Euran state is failing to adequately integrate some immigrant communities probably won’t figure too much in their analysis, but it’s definitely part of the problem which leads to the criminal groups being able to do what they do in the cities where they have a degree of control in the underworld.”

“So, they’re going to hit the headlines whatever happens…” The cogs whirred in Elena’s head.

“Yes, and I’d be willing to make a large bet on the fact that this will become a key issue in the upcoming Mytanar election too. The Eurans will make a fuss of this over there and rightly so, but that will make it a major issue in our election, Mecava-Catic will be under pressure from the Eurans to crackdown on organised crime here to try to prevent the spread over there. Of course, some of this is occurring in the long-established Mytanar communities there, so whether a crackdown here will have much effect or not remains to be seen – but it might help in areas such as human trafficking. The MNK will go for a ‘tough on crime’ approach to try and highlight it as an area of weakness for the government. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eurans pile the pressure on for an extradition agreement, to try to make sure criminals can’t just return to Mytanija beyond the reach of their law enforcement. It’ll all be on the table if the criminal groups continue to be as bold as they are being.”

“Do you think that Mecava-Catic would go for that?” Elena scoffed.

“No, but the pressure will be unbelievable. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Eurans tried to do something economically to make things more difficult for her. There could be tariffs on some crucial Mytanar imports or something, I don’t know, but if the gangs continue to cause problems for them domestically, they might go to that sort of level. It’s difficult to know, there is a separation between the federal police and the local police in Eura, until you alert the feds then you can get away with a lot… I’m sure that the Mytanar gangs are getting on their radar with some of the inter-group violence, skirmishes for territory and all that sort of thing. They’re trying to scare one another, to put them off intruding on each other’s turf, but it seems like a never-ending escalation at times.”

“This territory will be for dealing drugs and that sort of thing, right?”

“Yeah, since the end of the conflict in Sameba the Mytanar Mafija – or the various groups which constitute a ‘Mafija’ – have had to ramp-up drug supply to make-up for the money they lost dealing arms in Eura. There are so many weapons which should have been decommissioned in the aftermath of the conflict in Sameba that have now flooded into the Euran underworld, Mytanar groups lost a natural monopoly from the weapons which weren’t decommissioned here after the Mytanar Conflict. That had been their main money-maker for a long time, though drugs have been rapidly increasing too. Now it must, or they don’t make as much money.”

“Where do the Mytanar groups actually get these drugs from?”

“MDMA is produced in enormous quantities in factories around Mytanija, sometimes they keep it as a powder and sometimes they press it into pills, that’s the easiest one to explain. They get raided by the Policija from time to time but they can’t get them all, they just don’t have the resources to do it. Cannabis is grown in warmer areas of the country, Nasto produces a lot and it is even grown in Visoravna, in the rural areas inland from Ebor and Snezhnaya. Cocaine – the most common hard drug in Eura – is a little more difficult to explain. It’s not native to Mytanija and it’s unclear where the gangs are getting it from, but what we do know is that they get it and supply it in enormous amounts. We’re talking seven tonnes at a time… There have been raids uncovering those sorts of amounts. There are rumours that it may be imported from Juvencus and Montaña Verde, but in truth nobody is really sure where it is coming from. You can be sure that the Eurans would like to know, stopping that supply line is probably the key to stopping the cocaine getting into the country. But this is where the professionalism of the Mytanar gangs comes in, they’ve covered it so well that law enforcement here is clueless, the Eurans might know a bit more, but this is what makes stopping it so difficult. If they don’t know that then the pressure will be put on politicians here.”

“Do they process the cocaine in Mytanija?”

“Sometimes, yeah. They’ll import the raw materials and then do the chemical processes to purify it and convert it into a powder here. Sometimes they’ll import it as the finished product. I think it all depends on pricing, but again this is a rather murky area that we don’t know enough about.”

“Do we know anything about the people involved in that?”

“It’ll usually be people from the lower rungs of these organisations in Mytanija, kids from the street, the fumes from it can be very harmful and people have ended up hospitalised from it before. But they’re looking to make quick money, to get a leg up the ladder. Abroad then who knows, but I can’t imagine the growers are particularly well paid. It might be better than growing fruit or whatever, but the Mafija groups want to maximise their profits.”

“And all that for some red-faced Euran investment banker or hedge-fund manager to put up their nose at a party after they’ve shorted stocks and made money as livelihoods are thrown into disarray…” Elena was disgusted.

“Yeah, it’s a sorry story and it doesn’t appear to be something which law enforcement either here or in Eura have properly reckoned with yet. Worse still, if I’m sensing your view of bankers and people involved in finance, is that with some Mytanar-Eurans becoming more integrated in Euran society there are even people involved in those sectors, as well as law and accounting, who are helping these criminal groups launder their money on an enormous scale. They might be Euran or have Mytanar ancestry, but everybody knows they need to have their snout at the trough. It’s something which is helped by the conflict in Sameba too, there’s lots of fronts and with the scale of Euran cities you can easily forge accounts – they can hardly go around and check the details of every single receipt. These groups are making a lot of money and unless the actual crime side is neutered then it’s difficult to see when that stops.”

Elena buried her head in her hands. There was definitely a story here, but she wasn’t sure how easy it would be to write it, the subject matter was hardly the lightest content to investigate. She thought of the poor girls trafficked into prostitution and shuddered. Somebody need to find out what was happening to them, somebody needed to tell the story.

by **Eraman** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 4:51 am

MAT BOLA'S BLOG
A team better than Tecoia but we expect an easy win?

Eraman's preparation for the 84th Cup of Harmony begins this weekend as the 92nd World Cup qualification kicks off. Yes, we are going to the Cup of Harmony. Whoever thinks that we will be in Vilita or Electrum for the World Cup must get their head checked. Our hope of qualifying for the World Cup ended as soon as the group draw was concluded as we were drawn alongside Graintfjall, Audioslavia, and Tikariot in Group 8. Let's be real, there is no chance Eraman will ever finish above those 3, at least not with the current squad.

But that doesn't mean that the World Cup qualification is not a big deal for us. In fact, it is a very big deal for us, a country that is so passionate about football. While we don't expect to win against the likes of Graintfjall, Audioslavia, and Tikariot, we still expect the players to win some games, especially against inexperienced sides such as North Cassadaigua, Ingont, and Loyo. Failure to collect 3 points against those sides may cause thousands of fans to turn towards the streets. We had enough of that and don't want it to happen again.

However, I'm afraid that could happen as soon as this weekend as we take on Loyo in the opening match of the World Cup qualification at the Daulapura Stadium. Judging from posts and comments on social media, most Eramanians are expecting an easy win over the debutant. People seem to forget that we lost to Tecoia, a more inexperienced side just 4 months ago in the recent CMFA Mandalanusa Cup. I don't think any Mandalanusan, not even Tecoian would have predicted Tecoia to go far in that tournament but they went on to surprise everyone and claimed the CMFA Mandalanusa Cup title in their first-ever competitive international football tournament.

Tecoia then competed in the recent Baptism of Fire where they managed to finish fourth, becoming the all-time best performing Mandalanusan country in the Baptism of Fire. Loyo also competed in the recent Baptism of Fire alongside Tecoia. Guess how they did? They won the tournament, a feat that no Mandalanusan country ever achieved, not even our mighty neighbor, Pemecutan. So do you still think we will get an easy victory over Loyo?

Deja vu. That's exactly how we all felt 4 months ago before the match against Tecoia in the very same stadium. We all know what happened next. Tecoia stunned us with a 3-2 victory. Will history repeat itself this weekend? I don't know. But I do know that the Eramanian players, as well as the coaching staff, will be under immense pressure to get a positive result in this match. Otherwise, they will be facing the wrath of the fans, just like what happened 4 months ago.

by **Acastanha** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 6:22 am

World Cup Cycle: Garbano's Last Chance

Federação de Futebol Acastanhada (FFA) announced their decision to retain Jorge Garbano as the national team manager for the upcoming WC 92nd qualifying round. The decision was made after a heavy consideration despite Garbano's haven't made any breakthrough. At least he was able to retain Acastanha position for the last 2 WC qualifying stages. The same thing happened for the country in Cup of Harmony. But of course, the association asked for a better result.

Garbano have managed the national team for more than 6 years. And he has been there to see the rise and fall of the team. He has also get numerous critics especially in the past few years. From using aging players to constant defeats at WC, he had passed it all. But in the recent years, he has proof his best results in all 3 main events that are joined by the country. But it seems that the association have had it enough. They will give one last chance to proof his managing skill. Although the fans feels the association demand for the country in WC cycle is too much. The 4th place in qualifying group in the last 2 seasons were seen as the most possible result for Acastanha. "Not being skeptical. But that is what's the country is capable in the moment. We need to improve beyond our expectation if we ever wants to advance further," Alfonso Irinjaki, sports critics.

For the 92nd cycle, Acastanha is drawn into Group 15. Some of the countries have been met before. Trolleborg, Huayramarca and Euran Oceania Territories are them. WC 87, Acastanhada first WC participation was when the country was drawn together with Euran Oceania Territories. That time Acastanha was defeated in both of their meeting. While WC 90 is when they met Huayramarca. A win and a lose were the results of their two meetings. And with Trolleborg, the country have met 3 times. Twice in WC when they were drawn together in WC 91 and once at Melayu Archipelago Cup or Mandalanusa Cup as we know it today. Yes, despite from a different region, Trolleborg was invited to Melayu Archipelago Cup in several editions. The record of their meeting are 1 lose and 2 wins. Aside from those 3, Garbano mentioned Pasarga, Eastfield Lodge and Montaña Verde as the main concern. While the schedule have been so tricky for Acastanha. The country will meet 5 out of 6 of their main concern in there first 5 matches. "It will be a tough start," says Garbano. Garbano has call for the players that will be use in their match against Eastfield Lodge and Pasarga, their first 2 matches. Some old names are still seen in the squad such as David Gothrado and Jorge Vidshav. While Igor Erdagh is being called again after several times absent from national team squad. New faces however can only be seen in the substitute squad. And Jorge Vidshav is once again given the responsible as the team's captain.

by **Cap Nord** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 6:24 am

“Would you like some sugar in your coffee, your Highness?”

Agnetha had been with the family for ages now and after all that time, she knew damn well that it was two teaspoons. But it was impossible to frustrate yourself in a woman of about a metre and a half with a grey dot and thick glasses. She too had known the glory days when lucious dinners got served on silver platters. Hordes of personnel would march around, impeccably dressed in tuxedos and with tophats on festive days. Limited to this modest apartment, only our last servant Agnetha had a hint of royal grandeur left as she wore the insigne on her skirt. I yawned. Some days, I was sick and tired of the fanfare with which she served breakfast but at other times it was the final thing that stood between me and a commoner.

“Honey, pass me the butter, I need to hurry.”

With her unwashed, curly hair and plucky bathrobe, there was little that implied that the woman with the cracked fingernails was Princess Sophie, Duchess of Veendermark. Or just Sophie Deprins, as she was known in the law business where she worked. To relations, I never mention she manages the incoming phone calls whilst emptying the trash cans before starting her shift. If I squint my eyes a little, I can still see her as she was, the sole woman with enough noble blood that was not repulsive, ignorant or a first cousin. Over the decades of exile, she had decried our situation only once. One morning she had walked in, declared that she found a job, grabbed her purse and set off to her first day. Since, I remained at home, dividing my time between campaigning the crumbled faith of the Capnordic royalty and painting tin soldiers. These days, I went through a lot of paint.

“And so do you, dear. Don’t you have your meeting with whatshisname?”

Herklotz. At a certain point in time Lieutenant Herklotz and according to current Capnordic sources Joachim Herklotz, second in command of the National Union Party despite rarely making it into the limelight. But for me, his name was…

“That is the kind of question that will be managed by Security Officer Herklotz, your Highness.”

A sardonic smile appeared around the lips of the man in the spotless blue suit. From the outset, he could be a harmless desk jockey but there was something in the way he clenched his fist that brought shivers down my spine. Those had been going back and forth all afternoon already, but this man truly stood out, even in this organisation. Why my father had brought me to this place had puzzled me for years. Only sixteen, I already got accustomed to the role of ‘Dauphin’ but this usually focussed on opening children’s hospitals, cheering at sports games and dull personal teachers in subjects of law. And, as any person in the country, I knew about the vast concrete building in Isbècque which housed the Security Services. The ‘Curvi’ was the colloquial name, both an abbreviation and a reference to the swooped logo. Said nickname was rarely used louder than a whisper.

Some things were better not to know, for example that the large main building with the ironic gate (“Nur das Heiligen Volk” was casted over it, a phrase which had an inherent threat to it) was only the tip of the steel and iron iceberg. If you know, you were either part of the security personnel (in the best case) or detained there (by far, the worst case). Or the young crown prince who was dragged along by his infuriated father. The assassination attempt had failed spectacularly, only mother had suffered some surface wounds. Yet, there was no way that King Edvard II was going to let this pass. The culprit had been a scrawny young man with a bewildered look in his eyes and a homemade bomb in his left hand. It had sizzled more than exploded. I say, the culprit “had been”. When we saw him there in that labyrinth of dimly-lit grey walls, only a heap of misery seemed left. Father looked him up and down shortly and only uttered a single word. ‘Who’. The young man opened his mouth to answer, revealing only remnants of bloodied teeth. It was more a gasp for air.

“He will answer, one way or another. That is the kind of question that will be managed by Security Officer Herklotz, your Highness.”

With a short nod, father turned on his heels and paced out the door. I followed, feeling the eyes of Herklotz peeled to my back and in a glance, I knew that suit would not be spotless anymore in a few minutes.

“You see, son. If they don’t fear you, they will mangle you. It is a matter of being first, with all means necessary.”

He passed away a few months after the uprising by those godforsaken democrats. To us, he had always kept up that it was just a short blimp in our monumental dynasty. But the eyes on his deathbed told me that he had seen his whole world crumble to pieces.

“Your highness.”

Herklotz folded like a pocket knife but did assume a seat without any hint of mine, carefully positioning his hat on my desk. His hairs had greyed and the eyepatch had given him a cartoonish appearance. But when he smiled, I still felt the same shiver going down my spine.

“Mister Herklotz, welcome. I hope your flight was not too unpleasant.”
“From Cap Nord to Taaglecht, it requires a few stops, but no major incidents. I landed at nine-hundred, exactly in time for our meeting.”

I nodded and an uncomfortable silence ensued. After all, Herklotz had invited himself over and I had accepted as by now, there were not that many people who bothered about an exiled prince in a nondescript apartment in Koronavia. To break the silence, I offered him a ‘Nordic Hand’, the sandy biscuit typical of our shores. Luckily he refused. It is quite difficult to get good ones over here and with the current rate of visitors, they have gone stale anyway.

“You wanted to see me?”
“Not just me. I believe the whole population wants to see King Harold again. Their true King Harold.”

He paused for a few seconds, trying to assess the impact of his words. It must be said that this was not what I had expected. Immediately after the so-called Silk Revolution, I believed that a counter resurgence of royalists would tip the scales. By now, I knew better. Those closest to us had swarmed across the globe in a diaspora and those who remained seemed to dwindle in numbers. The initial wave which had washed away royal symbols and emblems had died down. Some historians even protected a few sites of interest (but that had not stopped commoners from taking over the Chateau Villeneuve, the nerve!). The royal time was now treated in the handbooks of youngsters as a past tense.

“From my outlook that seems a bit of an exaggeration.”

Herklotz looked around. I had not really meant “in this shack” when mentioning my outlook but rather the distance between this place and home, but the point was made.

“I stand by my words but… Not everyone knows yet that they need you.”
“How so?”
“The people are finally seeing that the continuously switching coalitions, all circling in the kiddie pool of the centre of the political spectrum, are only bringing them closer to the brink. The economy is slumping, regionalism is rampant and at times even encouraged. There is a lack of guidance, a need for someone with a plan. Someone with a road and a destination. Someone who unites the nation.”

Whilst trying to follow the political news back home, I heard similar noises from other NUP members. The party barely scored enough votes for proper representation for years but their new leader, a fiery woman by the name of Annette Dalving, had lifted them over the threshold of significance. Still, they remained a marginal phenomenon, winning over just a few percentage points of the voters.

“Is the NUP not trying to change that through the election booth?”

Again that smile.

“It is a road but it has its limitations in… efficiency.”
“I believe, mister Herklotz, you have not come all the way to convince me to vote NUP.”

I said it with a meagre smile, well in the know that my passport had been taken away upon the expulsion. So far, the Koronavians did not ask for it and well, I couldn’t give them anything I didn’t possess.

“And in case you would worry about that, I have not even come for you to stand for the upcoming elections. That would be beneath your status, your Highness. But I believe we can unite our efforts and our forces and well… Then one and one becomes more than two.”

Another long silence. Herklotz was not a man to utter any unneeded phrases and I had been drilled only to speak in solemn sentences in public which forced me to overthink every word.

“Why would my force (if you want to call it that way) be of merit by your side?”
“The Capnordic are yearning for a unity again. A symbol of strength to rally around. There is pride in our people, authentic Capnordic pride but it is shunned by the governments. Politicians have abandoned all ideals, sacrificed it over the rule of the wallet. Their own wallet, usually. They don’t understand what they are playing with.”
“Yearning… That is a big assumption you are making, mister Herklotz.”

He rose and walked to the window. Even after all those years, I still got a little startled when people did that without asking permission, so used to being the starter of all movements.

“If I am not mistaken, the so-called ‘football protests’ also raged in Taaglecht. Maybe even on these very streets?”

I nodded. I had disapproved of the destruction and spraypainting ‘Nur das Heiligen Volk’ was uncalled for. Nonetheless, the loose interpretation and wishy-washy decision from the Baptism of Fire organisers had rubbed the wrong way with me as well. But there was no way that I would go out and voice that. An international incident with my name tagged to it could be missed if I at least wanted to be invited to the last row at marriages and funerals of related royal houses.

“They did happen here.”
“In the first instance the population at home barely bothered about what happened over in Koronavia, your Highness.”

No surprise. It was well known that most members of the diaspora had fled because they knew that the Silk Revolution could turn blood red once those around them realised their involvement. Even if their existence was acknowledged, the Fled were generally ignored in the papers. Maybe a short article at a back page would have been printed about it, naming the immigrants degenerated riffraff. Despite leaving the Capnordic shores more than two decades ago, it was clear that this generation of Fled (and maybe even the next) would never be at home anywhere.

“But then the government sent out a short statement to the Koronavian one. A formal apology, the suggestion to cover the damages and a declaration of friendship between the countries. I can tell you one thing, your Highness, then the masks fell off. For a minor trade agreement or token alliance, they will bend. The people noticed as well that there was no national pride. No reference to the unfairness which befell our national team, no acknowledgement of the incorrect treatment of our players and the right to protest of our fans. The government shamed itself for being Capnordic and that was something no one should ever accept!”

During his monologue, Herklotz had risen and the words had become louder, but there was no blush on his cheeks or tremble in his voice. I felt as if I needed to say something.

“Indeed.”
“If even something controversial as destruction on foreign grounds can rally the hearts of the people…”
“And their hands, if I am not mistaken. A second wave of protests, this time not aimed against the FMF and Mertagne but against Koronavian and governmental targets.”
“The NUP supported those wholeheartedly.”

Another one of those smiles that told nothing and everything at once.

“But I believe, and correct me if wrong, mister Herklotz, in a day or two, the news went on. The windows of the Koronavian embassy were replaced. Something else captivated the attention and that was that.”
“Truly. But it shows what a spark on a concrete floor can do. Imagine what can be reached with a bushfire.”

I hesitated. There was a lot of cryptic about what he was saying.

“I understand, your Highness, that the waters need to be tested more and better. But an occasion will soon arise, in Isbècque.”
“That is… Remarkably specific, mister Herklotz. Am I to worry about the safety of some of our citizens?” (I had almost said my citizens, but that reflex had been smothered years ago)

Ever since that day with the assassination attempt, I had gotten a repulsion against violence. His words had, admittedly, caught my interest, but not if it led to a bloodshed.

“Do not worry. We believe that the power of our word is strong enough. Or rather, of our song.”

This left me baffled for long enough for the door of the study to be slammed open.

“I’m home, daddy, I got an A for my maths test and Andreas from my class swallowed a bit of the frog during the dissection and then he cried and… Sorry.”

It had taken a few seconds before my daughter realised that I had a guest. Right, it is a Wednesday, school is out early at the international gymnasium. Our funds might be dwindling but no daughter of mine would need to go to a regular institute, even if it cost me my last penny.

“Princess Anne.”

Herklotz folded double again, remarkably fit for a man his age.

“Or should I say, future Queen Anne.”
“Daddy says I should just say Anne Deprins during the nameroll, mister.”
“Maybe not for long, sweetheart.”

The words from Herklotz ignited a small spark inside me. King Harold. Queen Anne. Was that a cause worth fighting for, by all means necessary? In the back of my head, my father nodded.

For those requiring more context, please find the backstory on the mentioned incidents in the final posts of mine and Koronavia in the Baptism of Fire thread.

by **Tjorl** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:09 am

A short examination of Tjorlish World Cup 92 inquiries

As the qualifying groups were drawn and the final 26-man lineup announced, many questions about Tjorl's second World Cup appearance arose. Let us examine some of these questions and try to answer them before the Krigerne trot out against Cassadaigua tomorrow morning.

What happened last time?

The Krigerne made their World Cup debut last cycle. In their first match, they were immediately involved in a 3-5 thriller with the Kittens of Valentine Z. Despite the loss, the Krigerne bounced back strong with an away win against Mercedini, marking their first ever win at the World Cup Qualifiers. Over the subsequent twenty games, Tjorl held firm as they duked it out against most of Group 2 in a race to take second or third, behind a dominant Nepharan side which grabbed 13 wins, 6 draws, and suffered only a single loss. Victories in both of their final two games helped boost their record to 9 victories, 3 draws, and 8 losses, good enough for fifth in the group. Not too bad for a squad which was ranked all the way down at 277 before the Qualifiers. Not too bad for a team which didn't even make it out of their BoF group. However, their decent run of form was quickly extinguished in the 83rd edition of the Cup of Harmony, where they were battered and only allowed five points in six games. Part of their struggles' cause was the shaky defense. While the Krigerne's offense was good, the amount of mishaps made by the defense unfortunately equalized any efforts from the offense to lead the team to victory. As we'll soon see, Tjorl's back line for this year has been retooled and reshaped, in hopes of a more solid defensive showing in their World Cup campaign.

Who are the new faces?

Not only did the most recent iteration of the Zentraliga provide us with entertaining battles both at the very top and at the very bottom of the table, but it also served as the breakthrough year of many young Tjorlish wunderkinds. Later, some of these wunderkinds were even recruited by a number of foreign clubs. With all the talent on the table, coach Viktor Mandel spent quite some time deciding which of them will be included on the final lineup.

Forwards: The main story of the Krigerne's attack is Albert Skarsgard's first-ever inclusion in the senior national team. Skarsgard proved his quality as a goal poacher as he was the fuel in Vadheim's early charge towards the upper half of the table last season. However, poor form on both sides of the pitch eventually came upon the Maroons, leaving them stranded at their final placement of 10th. Despite this, his efforts have been recognized by pretty much every Zentraliga club. With Torstein Sondrol departing Czujon 022 to play in Tikariot, it seems like the Great Reds just may get the 26-year old star to fill the now-vacant starting striker position. Alongside Skarsgard are wingers Finn Stiefel and Anna-Lisa Geijer.

Midfielders: While the additions in attack were waited by many, the midfield selection was much more anticipated. As Torleif Persson and Jan Thomassen have announced their retirements from international football, with the latter's being a huge shock to the Tjorlish footballing community, Mandel had to search for those who can potentially fill their shoes. He found a trio of players perfect for the job. Mathias Schärer, Tobi Krzanowski, and Ann-Sofie Hansdottir all had their breakthrough years last season, earning them the praise of fans, pundits, clubs, coaches, and fellow players. Another, their brilliant performances for their respective clubs also attracted multiple foreign clubs. News of their transfers to nations like Tumbra and Quebec & Shingoryeo immediately spread throughout the nation, and they were considered easy picks for Tjorl's WC92 roster.

Defenders: Despite the significance of Mandel's new additions to Tjorl's defensive unit, it was probably the least talked-about in discussions about Tjorl's final lineup. Undoubtably, the most notable new inclusion to the Krigerne's back line Eduard Rebrović, one-half of Tjusto's reliable centre-back duo. With current skipper Franz Kaufer possibly nearing the end of his international career, Rebrović is introduced into the national side with hopes that he can help lead the team to success in the future with his aggressive tackles on the ground and leaping prowess in the air. The other major additions were Isak Aarvold and Harald Teufenauer. Historically, it has always been the right-back position which Tjorl has never been able to provide with talent at the same quality as the rest of the national squad. However, Teufenauer has proved that he can be the short-term solution to the Krigerne's right-back struggles.

Defenders: After missing out on previous international events due to injury, Lewisohn finally appears as the main man between the sticks for the Warriors. However, he will have to contend for his place in the starting lineup against Stefan Johanssen, who is just as good as he is. Even third keeper Alois Tollefsruud has the talent to succeed as the starting goalkeeper.

What are the Krigerne's ambitions this time around?

Of course, Tjorl is aiming for a World Cup berth, just like every other team. However, if we were to thoroughly examine what the national team can do and what they might do, we can see that the most basic goal the Krigerne has is to improve from their previous World Cup campaign. If not, they should at least be able to match their WC91 qualifying record. Both of these goals are definitely easier said than done, especially when involved in a group including Nephara, Cassadaigua, Mertagne, Kelssek, and more. Another objective for Mandel's squad is to keep a positive number on the goal differential column. To do so, they must improve on the defensive end, which they have worked on doing so in preparation of the Qualifiers. Considering how they are currently ranked, it will be a huge triumph if they manage to accomplish all of the aforementioned goals.

Lastly...

Can we take a quick peek at some of Tjorl's qualifying opponents?

Sure. Here are some teams that the Krigerne will face at WC92 qualifying and how they.

Nephara - A familiar opponent; the Krigerne have also faced off against the Cormorants in WC91 qualifying. In their first match-up, Tjorl managed to salvage a 3-3 draw. Their next match-up was much more one-sided however as Nephara massacred Mandel's squad four to nil. Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself this time.

Cassadaigua - This campaign will be the first time Tjorl meets the Cassadaiguans in international football. Cassadaigua is looking to rebound from a heartbreaking WC91 qualifying campaign, in which they finished off the top three by a single point.

Kelssek - Out of the five highest-ranking teams in the group, it's Kelssek who are most unfamiliar among the Tjorlish. While some Tjorlins have heard their name thanks to the WCoH, they have zero idea on how they play football.

Mertagne - While the two nations' senior national squads haven't collided just yet, Mertagne is definitely a name most Tjorlish football fans have heard before. Their U18 sides have met before, in the final of the 16th iteration of the U18 World Cup. Ultimately, the underdogs were unable to take home the gold medal in their debut appearance as Mertagne emerged victorious by a single goal.

Pluvia and the Saxean Isles - Tjorl's senior national team definitely remembers who Pluvia & the Saxean Isles are. The two nations have met thrice before: twice in World Cup Qualifying and once in the Cup of Harmony. In their first match-up, Pluvia & the Saxean Isles handily beat the Krigerne. It wouldn't be the same story in the return fixture, however, as Tjorl was able to snatch a point. As for their bout in the Cup of Harmony, an already-eliminated Tjorl was at least able to go out on a high note as braces from Nikolaj Eriksen and Kevin Olssen were enough to snag the 4-3 win for the Krigerne.

Koronavia - As Baptism of Fire runners-up, Koronavia has already shown a ton of potential on the international stage. En route to the final, they prevailed against opponents such as Cap Nord, Talannua, and Tecoia, all solid squads. However, their 2-1 win against Cap Nord was overshadowed by a controversy involving the substitution of defensive midfielder Yannick Siewart. Despite this, they didn't let this stop them from progressing all the way to the final, where they were defeated by Loyo on penalties.

by **Tumbra** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:30 am

HANSARD
Federal Parliament of Tumbra > Hansard > House of Representatives: 12 December 2029 > House Chamber > Prime Minister's Questions

Prime Minister's Questions

Volume 50130: debated on 12 December 2029

12.30pm

Madam Speaker (Sarah MacLean, Fontwell East, Labour) Order. Questions to the Prime Minister. [Hon. Members: "Hear."] Alexandra Cresswell.

Alexandra Cresswell (Lackenby, Liberal) Number One, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker The Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister (Stephen Williams, Yarwood, Liberal) Thank you, Madam Speaker. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further meetings later today.

Madam Speaker Ms. Cresswell.

Alexandra Cresswell Can the Prime Minister explain how the newly-announced Western Innovation Plan will help to close the gap between the east and west in this country?

The Prime Minister I thank the Hon. Member for her question. Helping the West of the country get on its feet amidst the yawning gap towards the east of the country has, and will always remain, a priority of this government. The Government's Western Innovation Plan will see $165 billion over the next five years invested in our great cities throughout the west of our country — cities like Ridgewell, Millsburgh, Fontwell, Shepperton, Hoxford — to spur new industries in those cities. The money, provided directly to the governments of the cities, will be put to providing subsidies for businesses, strengthening business infrastructure, establishing funds for young entrepreneurs, and boosting small and medium enterprises. The West and its people are an untapped resource that Tumbra can tap on — and it is the objective of this Liberal government to bring them into the national conversation. [Hon. Members: "Hear."] For the people of the West have been ignored for too long by the previous Labour government, and it is our intent to set this right. [Hon. Members: "Hear."]

Madam Speaker Order. The Leader of the Opposition.

The Leader of the Opposition (Bertram Andrews, Serrapince Rainford, Labour) Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the Prime Minister explain why the Government is intending to suspend habeas corpus in the Northlands, as part of the newly-proposed Northlands Security Bill?

The Prime Minister Madam Speaker, The Northlands has become a part of the country's strategic imperative for the future of this country. As I'm sure the Hon. Opposition Leader will know, this Government has taken steps to begin prospecting the Northlands for valuable resources like crude oil and natural gas which can be extracted both to ensure our energy independence and provide a steady stream of additional revenue if the gas is exported. As the Opposition Leader may also know, given that he used to work in our country's energy industry, prospecting for this takes valuable time, and resources. Time and resources we currently do not have, thanks to the previous Labour government's hemming and hawing on the issue of whether to commit to the Northlands or not. The bigger our fiscal hole gets, Madam Speaker, the less time we have to pull ourselves out of a hole of their creation.

While I do not like to admit it, Madam Speaker, the truth is also that our country's military operations in the Northlands have so far failed to wipe out the terrorist group known as the United Clans. Our efforts, however, cannot afford to be stymied by them; we will have to push forward and begin asserting control over the Northlands and incorporate it into our country like it was in the days before the Federal Republic. The Northlands Security Bill is meant to be a temporary measure, Madam Speaker, that has an automatic repeal function that will take shape when it joins the Federal Republic, either as its own state or as part of another. These measures inside — including, as the Leader of the Opposition has pointed out, the suspension of habeas corpus for those arrested for certain crimes — may seem harsh, but these are measures that are acutely needed to ensure the safety and security of hardworking, upright Tumbrans and others who have chosen to join us in the Northlands. Those caught on the basis of crimes against our country and the integrity of the Federal Republic — treason, abetment of terrorism, as one of those caught and killed in the Linehan Street Raid was Tumbran — and other crimes on that level of seriousness — will be the only ones subject to these punishments. Other crimes, as established in previous legislation, will go through the regular court system.

The Leader of the Opposition Madam Speaker, will the Prime Minister inform us how much of the proposed enterprise — from prospecting for material, to establishing the wells, pumps, to piping it to Tumbran homes or overseas, will be undertaken by private companies and how much will be undertaken by his Government?

The Prime Minister The Rt. Hon gentleman on the opposition benches seems to be labouring under the assumption that the Liberal government is intent on allowing private companies, the bugbear of the Labour Party, to take the helm and steer the wealth and resources generated by the Northlands into their own pocket rather than that of the good of the country. To which I say, Madam Speaker, this is absolute nonsense. The government will take the lead, the government will ensure everything is safe and provide as safe an environment as possible for the extraction of our country's future, the government will ensure that workers are paid their fair share, and the government will ensure that the benefits from the Northlands are given to the country as a whole. But we cannot be responsible for everything, Madam Speaker.

We cannot be responsible for the day-to-day extraction of the oil or gas; we cannot be responsible for the piping of the resources to the country as a whole. To intefere in that with our lack of knowledge and manpower, Madam Speaker, would leave us no different from the old Græntfjaller government, which attempted to command its entire economy and collapsed under its weight. No, Madam Speaker, we will share the burden of responsibility; for it is a far more responsible and logical thing to do than to try and take it all on ourselves.

The Leader of the Opposition The Prime Minister, in his brief time in office, has been insistent that slashing government spending to raise its credit rating back to AAA will return international credibility to the country. Given that the Tumbran Central Bank recently raised its interest rates to four percent, how is the government planning to stoke enough confidence in the country's venture to ensure it keeps its finances in the black?

The Prime Minister Our costings, Madam Speaker, of our entire manifesto for our August campaign were designed in such a way that they would be able to withstand changes in the interest rate. Our economy still has a-ways to go before it can return to its booming years of recovery under the Hayes government, but coupled with smart spending in the correct places and slashing some of the more bloated aspects of government, like welfare — which, as I will remind the Leader of the Opposition, only grew to become such a monster under the previous Labour government. We will not interfere in the workings of the Central Bank, Madam Speaker; we only give it a target to keep inflation and unemployment in check. We are not like some other governments, Madam Speaker, who actively work against their central bank and propose nonsensical fiscal and monetary policies; we propose common-sense, logical, fully-costed policies that can and will improve the lives of the ordinary Tumbran. [Hon. Members: "Hear."]

Madam Speaker Order. Order. I am sure the hon. Members will be able to listen and make their opinions known on the Prime Minister without obstructing the business of the Chamber. The Leader of the Opposition.

The Leader of the Opposition The Prime Minister, during his election campaigns, accused the former Prime Minister, Michael Kirkland, of not speaking directly to the populace. Yet once he got into office he began speaking of such truisms such as "New Federalism" and firing what sounded like warning shots at the feet of the state governments. Will the Prime Minister expand more on the concept of "new federalism" that he kept bringing up in his two election campaigns?

The Prime Minister Madam Speaker, this government will release more specific details on New Federalism when it is ready. For now, the Leader of the Opposition, and the House, will have to be satisfied with a more broad strokes' explanation of what New Federalism entails. I have always believed that the relationships between the federal government and the states has needed re-defining. The federal government is too limited in what it can do; the states are all fighting against each other for a greater slice of the pie, unsatisfied with the share that they already receive from us. The states believe they can spend profligately, because the federal government, regardless of colour, will always make up the shortfall. They tax too little; and take too much. Now that is not to say, Madam Speaker, that I do not believe in the concept of federalism. I am a member of the Liberal Party exactly because I believe in federalism, and I fear what a too-powerful central government will do to the country. Along those lines, Madam Speaker, New Federalism will be the basis for a new relationship between our states and the federal government. It will see the states taking on more individual responsibility, while being able to better provide for those under it. And it will also see the end of endless bickering; though politicians being politicians, I am not as sure about that part.

The Leader of the Opposition The Prime Minister, on day one of his Premiership, announced that he would be head of a global-facing Tumbra, with Esportiva at the core of all foreign policy, despite subsequently making cuts to the Foreign Ministry's budget for the next three years. Will the Prime Minister attempt to play the hero in Brenecia and try to navigate that murky swamp, despite our Foreign Ministry's reduced capabilities under his watch?

The Prime Minister Allow me to begin, Madam Speaker, by mentioning that Brenecia is a much-valued ally on both the regional and international stage, and it has been heartening to see the country move beyond the days of the authoritarian Clarisse Ward government. Now, it seems, the country has found itself in yet another wave of uncertainty; less-than-prudent financial policies in the days of Randall Kearney have set off another wave of troubles in the country. The government of the day very rightly expressed its dismay towards the Blackwood military government in the Esportivan Parliament, but in the belief that the country was best-placed to sort out its own issues, and a reluctance to step on Euran or Nepharan toes, left it at that. Should another crisis in the country erupt, this Government believes that this can no longer be the case; it must provide help from within the region to keep the country steady, and prevent it from falling it into the hands of zealous anti-capitalist rioters — [Interruption.]

Justin Spearing (Palling, Social Democratic), and several others rose —

Madam Speaker Order. I am not recognising anyone at this time, the Prime Minister is to be heard in silence. Order.

The Prime Minister As I was saying, Madam Speaker, the country cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of anti-capitalists with no respect for economic orthodoxy, nor can the country be allowed to lapse back into the iron fist of military rule, with or without the legitimacy granted to it by the Brenecian royals. The only proper recourse in the Brenecian case is for a democratic, legitimate government, elected by the people of Brenecia to take charge of its own affairs, and the country will work through and closely with the Esportivan Union to ensure that it happens. There will be no such incident of Tumbra "playing the hero," as the Leader of the Opposition churlishly thinks that we will do, merely to satisfy the whims of rhetoric made during the heat of an election campaign! Nor, as he is seemingly implying, are the Foreign Ministry's capabilities similarly harmed. I can assure all the hon. Members of this House that our Foreign Ministry remains actively seized on matters in Brenecia, and Tumbra will work together with the current government of Brenecia and the Esportivan Union to ensure that stability and democracy, no matter how fragile — [Interruption.]

Justin Spearing (Palling, Social Democratic) Stability and democracy in the right-wing, imperialist mold, he means — [Hon. Members: "Shame."]

Madam Speaker Order. If the hon. Member for Palling does not wish to be named, he will desist now. Order.

The Prime Minister We will work together with the current government of Brenecia, and the Esportivan Union, to ensure that stability and democracy remains as the means of government in Brenecia. And this government will not accept any non-democratic means of transfers of power, be it via the military seizing power, or through the unshackled, dangerous leaders of the left. The government led by the current Prime Minister, Esther Smetona, and the heads of state of the Brenecian Kingdom, Madam Speaker, will be the only leaders that the Federal Republic speaks to, and will remain so until after democratic elections occur, at which time we will talk to the next democratically elected government and their representatives.

[...]

TUMBRAN SQUAD FOR GAMES @ CABO AZURE and vs. ANCHERION - WORLD CUP 92, QUALIFYING
Goalkeepers: 1 - Nick Barker [FC Inter Nantwich, TMB], 12 - Victoria Jones [Lakewood City, TMB], 13 - Richard Russell [Lakewood United, TMB]
Defenders: 2 - Nicholas Moss [Miruan City, TKT], 3 - Nigel Harris [Lakewood United, TMB], 4 - Stephen Kerr [Chromatik, CMT], 5 - Ian Ashburn [Lakewood City, TMB], 14 - Wendy Pritchett [Grande Mountain, CDG], 19 - Tracey Mercurio [Kingston FC, QUE], 25 - Chris Finney [Serrapince, TMB], 26 - Harry Henderson [1923 Esca, MYT], 32 - Belinda Proudfoot [Clyde Park, TMB]
Midfielders: 6 - Trudy Harrison [Chromatik, CMT], 8 - Vincent Hicks [Lhor, CMT], 10 - Phil Cole [Osarese Marcadia, AUD], 15 - Mark Finnemore [Couno Rangers, TMB], 16 - Andrew Fisher [FC Inter Nantwich, TMB], 23 - Susan Monaghan [Sabrefell Athletic, NPH], 38 - Natalie Coleman [Couno Rangers, TMB]
Wingers: 7 - Valerie Wells [AFC Treason, NPH], 9 - Robin Vaughn [Lakewood City, TMB], 17 - George Hilton [Serrapince, TMB], 29 - Duncan Silverwood [Pyathora Miners, TKT]
Strikers: 11 - Nick Riordan [Sabrefell Moths, NPH], 22 - Bruce Nolan [Couno Rangers, TMB], 33 - Charlotte Henshaw [Lakewood City, TMB]

by **Savojarna** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:06 am

Timeline note: According to the Savojar calender, this happens IC'ly towards the very end of the WCQ campaign. However, as it is very recent OOC, I decided to post this now.

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Champions League Final: Liveblog from Alikki-Corra

Before Kickoff - WELCOME TO THE SAVOJARSPORTS.SJ LIVEBLOG
Welcome to the 12th IFCF Champions League Final, live from Tivali Ring Stadium in Alikki-Corra, Vilita! CASK Thorsborg from Savojarna will be taking on Chromatik of Chromatika, with kick-off scheduled in about fifteen minutes. The conditions are splendid, although a bit warm; it is dry and clear with almost no wind.

Before Kickoff - Chromatik slightly favoured
Chromatik are probably slightly favoured before this game. The Red League champions were slotted directly into the group stage, where they topped a group with Mar Sara FC and Eastfield Lodge’s VLC FC, as well as the Brenecians of North Hall. They then beat Sterling City United and Tannenberg FC in extra time, before winning both legs against Montreal Koreana to make it here.

Before Kickoff - CASK Thorsborg comfortable as underdogs
Savojar Champions CASK just seem to be unwilling to lose. The Army Men have been on the verge of dropping out of the competition as far back as the third qualifying round, when they only progressed over Adab United on penalties. However, they then came second in a death group behind Shearwater, beating Jinja City FC and another Chromatik team in Wirr Tsi; following this, they defeated three big names in CA Paulinthal, AC Izotz Zubia, and Tanrısal.

Before Kickoff - CASK in near-best shape

CASK Thorsborg Football EN ✓

@cask_football
Lineup for #CLFinal for our boys and girls!
Our bench: Gravesen / Pohjanainen / Loeseth / Antonov / Prosdocimi / Tuomela / Jagerby / Larsson / Sjavopalov

#HEJACASK

The only player we could possibly miss from this lineup is Lauri Anttakari, who is injured. His experience could be valuable for CASK but there is more than enough skill in this side.

Before Kickoff - Chromatik are in full force
The favourites from Chromatika are playing in their common 4-1-2-3, with the same formation as in their semifinal second leg against Montreal Koreana. Young Sophie Singh up front will be a challenge to Brynjar Hatun and Rasmus Vikborg, but there is no shortage of talent at all in this side - no CASK player gets an easy matchup today.

1’ - KICKOFF! The ball is rolling as CASK forward Rasmus Medberg Hansen tips it backwards to Arnar Jonsson, and the Savojar side are building up first. We expect the Thorsborg side to drive the ball forward rather quickly, although Chromatik seem to know that and stand deep.

3’ A first whiff of a chance for CASK! After a quick run by Sauthier, the only non-Savojar player in this lineup crosses the ball long towards Medberg Hansen, but Stephen Kerr clears it into the midfield.

6’ The game is slow to begin. Chromatik control the ball in midfield, but don’t push up too much, scared of losing it as it seems. Still, they keep CASK on their toes, prodding at the defence of the Savojar champions.

7’ Free kick for Chromatik. The prodding went on a bit too long for Alexander Ilikin, who went for a rather optimistic tackle - and mostly hit the ball, but also made contact with Cixin Nguyen’s ankle, leading to a free kick from about 28 metres out.

8’ NEAR MISS FOR CHROMATIK! A stroke of luck here for CASK. Owen James sets the ball for this free kick, twisting it into the box beautifully, and Tiphaine Jauffret, who came up for the free kick, rises over Vikborg for a header that goes just a little bit wide. I don’t think Olga Valujev stood any chance to stop this, had it been on target.

10’ Things calm down a little again, with both sides losing the ball multiple times in a row in the midfield. Both teams put a lot of pressure on a single defensive midfielder in building the game up, and it seems to be a weak point for both sides.

13’ Arnar looks for a through ball to Smolov, who has been running deep and escaped Kerr for a moment. But the ball is a little too long, and Medusa Strand reaches it just before the striker can. Smolov elegantly jumps over the Nepharan, receiving some encouraging applause from the audience for the try.

15’ No great divisions yet between the sides. Chromatik had one more attempt on goal, but the Savojars had two dangerous passes that were denied. Possession is nearly equal at 53% for Chromatik and 47% for CASK.

17’ A good chance for CASK! Out of nowhere, Ilikin cuts into a sloppy pass and immediately plays a long ball onto the left side towards Hartikainen. The winger crosses in and Medberg Hansen heads the ball back towards Arnar Jonsson, whose shot from the edge of the box is deflected over the bar. First corner of the game for Thorsborg.

18’ GOAL CASK THORSBORG! Chromatika 0-1 CASK Thorsborg, scored by Henrik HALVORSEN!
Sometimes the least expected players score goals. After the corner by Klaey, Medberg Hansen uses his big body to knock the ball on, but Coulibaly blocks the header - only for the ball to bounce off her body into the way of Henrik Halvorsen, who only has to tap it in from six metres!

20’ Chromatika immediately try to respond. Lili Marinca has a great chance for a dangerous cross, but rightback Halvorsen shows that he is defensively strong as well and slides into the attempt, deflecting it up into the air where Valujev collects it.

21’ Yellow Card for CASK Thorsborg: Alexander ILIKIN (foul)
Valujev sees a need for a long ball towards the midfield, where Ilikin has moved up to collect it - but the defensive midfielder uses his arm a bit too intensely and hits Rebecca Anne Wawanolett in the face. It was clearly no malicious intent and not very forceful, but the referee still books him.

24’ Following a bit of a lull state, Trudy Harrison lobs a gigantic pass down the left side of the field, where Ansgar Klaey has not expected it and is blindsided a bit by Owen James’s sprint for the ball. James crosses in flat, aiming for Singh, but the pass is a tad too sharp and Singh misses the ball, which is cleared by Hatun.

25’ The throw-in that followed was cleverly used for another pass down the flanks, and this time, Marinca doesn’t go for the cross. Instead, she passes to Nguyen, and the midfielder cleverly spots a late run by Harrison. The Chromatik captain takes aim from midrange, but Valujev catches the ball cleanly.

27’ Chromatik are extremely stable, and CASK struggle to get through. Smolov in particular hasn’t quite arrived in the game yet and plays very deeply seeking for a battle with the defence, but her attempt at beating Tiphaine Jauffret in a 1v1 backfires as she loses the ball.

28’ Arnar provides backup and retrieves the ball! Briefly, CASK have a three against three as Jauffret moved up to stop Smolov, but Jet McBride backtracks well and can stop Janna Sauthier from delivering a good cross, giving Jauffret and Harrison time to come back and cover in the centre. Sauthier’s crossing attempt is cleared before ever reaching Medberg Hansen.

30’ Chromatik up the pressure. Nguyen manages to draw Hatun a little bit out of position, and Sophie Singh proves faster than Vikborg - but also a bit too trigger happy, as she has run straight into an offside position. The replay shows it was only by a narrow margin; starting half a second later, she might have been alone before Valujev.

31’ Ilikin plays a terrible pass right into Trudy Harrison’s feet. The young Russian seems to struggle with the pressure in this game and is lucky his clumsy challenge doesn’t connect with the Tumbran; thankfully for CASK, Klaey can clear out her pass.

34’ The game settles down a bit again, as Chromatik control the ball in the centre of the pitch. They revert to their prodding method, and amass more control of the game, now sitting at 56% possession. However, until now, the defence covers a lot of ground and makes it tough for the Chromatik side to find openings!

35’ If you don’t find an opening, just try with violence! Trudy Harrison fires from 24 metres, but Brynjar Hatun deflects the ball over the bar. Corner for Chromatik!

35’ Corner again! McBride chips it in towards Kerr, but the centre-back is beaten to the ball by Hatun, who can only clear it out over his own goal line.

36’ GOAL - no, it’s waved off. Marinca was waiting on the second post and got over Ilikin, but the referee immediately indicates a foul from the Nepharan. A quick replay confirms what the ref already saw in real time: Lili Marinca uses her arm to push forward Ilikin right as he jumps off, breaking his balance and giving her access to the ball. Chromatik protest, but the referee remains calm and firm, telling off Marinca who leaves the scene before he decides to card her.

38’ There is really no need for Chromatik to be angry at that goal, as they keep being the stronger side. Singh dances around Vikborg, who cynically puts out his leg right before the box and gets her to tumble, but the ref decides on advantage as the Euran finds Owen James on the side. However, James doesn’t hit the ball quite right and sends it a good metre over the crossbar.

41’ WAWANOLETT! Out of nowhere, the Quebecois suddenly appears in the box to take down a chipped pass by James and turn her body around Hatun, but her shot from about ten metres bounces off Valujev’s thigh and misses. A parry through sheer reflexes and luck, leaving Chromatik with their third corner of the night.

43’ GOAL CASK THORSBORG! Chromatik 0-2 CASK THORSBORG, scored by Kimi HARTIKAINEN!
A goal that only a team like CASK can score! After almost fifteen minutes of nonstop pressure, Valujev picks off a corner and gives her side a few seconds to move before dropping a massive kick down the centre, where Arnar knocks the ball on down to Sauthier. Faced only with two defenders, she plays a diagonal ball to Hartikainen, who escapes everyone and beats Medusa Strand through her legs. A clean, simple counter brings CASK a second goal!

44’ Frustration seems to set in a little bit for Chromatik. Nguyen lets go a pretty hopeless shot from 21 metres, sending it wide, and gets an earful from Wawanolett for her effort.

45’ Two minutes of injury time in the first half!

45’+1 Singh! The Euran reaches a through ball by Wawanolett a tad earlier than Valujev and tries to chip it past the keeper, but the Northlights’ Number Two rips up her arms and stops the attempt. Fourth corner of the game for Chromatik.

45’+2 This time Chromatik don’t dare to move up as aggressively, leaving more players behind as a safety - and opting for a ball to the edge of the box, where Harrison takes aim for the top right! The ball whistles over the bar by about a hand’s width.

45’+3 Half time: Chromatik 0-2 CASK Thorsborg
Valujev takes her time to allow everyone to regroup and then plays a long ball that gets knocked about a little bit in the midfield, and then the ref blows his whistle for half time. CASK take a somewhat flattering two goal lead into the break.

Half time - CASK lead with some luck
It is not all luck, of course, that put the Savojar champions in this position, but Chromatik are the controlling team in this first half. Only a deadly efficiency in front of the goal and a strong defensive showing manage to give CASK a lead they will have to defend heavily in the second half. Incidentally, both goals came off a corner; a corner for CASK converted by rightback Halvorsen in the first case and a corner for Chromatik leading to the counter Hartikainen converted in the second. Alexander Ilikin is going to be a key player for the Thorsborgers, but the young Russian has shown some signs of nerves and conceded the only yellow card in the first half.

Half time - Chromatik need to keep their head together
The Chromatika side have shown a good first half, but were denied by some bad luck and a really, really good performance by Olga Valujev. It’s important they keep calm in the second half, as CASK showed they can punish any over-aggression easily with their good counterplay. Doubtlessly, Jannick Kontiola will know what the adjustments are that need to be made - the most obvious option would be to have the fullbacks push higher to exploit CASK’s tendencies to stand a bit high on the wings.

Half time - No changes as of now
Both teams return to the pitch with the same formations as in the first half. With the score as it is, and the game being more pitched towards Chromatik, extra time is all but out of the question, meaning that both coaches are probably cautious to make sure their team will be ready for an additional thirty minutes if needed.

46’ - Kickoff to the second half!
Chromatik have the ball and send it back to Trudy Harrison, charged with building an attack. Let’s see what they throw CASK’s way!

48’ So far, not much. The ball circulates but doesn’t get sent deep yet, although Cixin Nguyen is entertaining us with a beautiful feint against the challenging Kimi Hartikainen, eliciting applause from the audience.

49’ James and Klaey just came together in a frontal collision as the Euran winger had his eyes probably elsewhere, and Klaey didn’t even attempt to move out of the way as his opponent rushed into him. The ball moved over the sidelines, and after quickly affirming both players can continue, the ref gives a throw-in to Chromatik.

50’ What a chance! Wawanolett has been holding the ball on the side, under pressure from three players, together with James, until finally Ami Coulibaly moved up enough to be given the ball for a long cross. But Vikborg reached it a tiny bit ahead of the charging Lili Marinca and clears for a corner.

50’ Vikborg and Hatun both seem to believe the other will take care of Owen James, and the Euran moves up completely alone to head the ball a few centimetres to the wrong side of the left post! Valujev would have been chanceless, and angrily berates her centre-backs after this terrible bit of defending.

52’ A sign of life from CASK. Hartikainen, who has been barely visible in the first half aside from his goal, gets past Coulibaly and cuts to the inside, where the backtracking Cixin Nguyen stops him on the edge of legality, but the referee sees no foul.

54’ Substitution CASK Thorsborg - in: Arturo PROSDOCIMI / out: Alexander ILIKIN
It’s a swap that is not surprising anyone. Ilikin has struggled with the pace of the game all day long, and after yet another clumsy challenge against Wawanolett, he is taken off the pitch before risking a red card. Arturo Prosdocimi was probably the most prominent man on CASK’s bench as well, making this a natural substitution.

55’ Arnar Jonsson hasn’t been all that visible, especially not in the second half - but now he is in the worst ways, playing a ball directly into Tiphaine Jauffret’s feet. CASK need to be careful to not make things too easy for Chromatik.

57’ Yellow Card for CASK Thorsborg - Henrik HALVORSEN (foul)
We thought the danger was over as Wawanolett did not drive the ball forward following the mistake made by Arnar, but she waited cleverly to let the rest of her team move up. With Sauthier not backtracking enough, Halvorsen suddenly ended up overwhelmed between McBride and Marinca, and cynically fouls the latter.

58’ Injury: Rasmus VIKBORG (CASK)
A dramatic loss for CASK! After the free kick from Jet McBride, both Vikborg and Marinca go for the ball, colliding in mid air, and leaving them both lying on the ground. Marinca can continue after a quick break, but Vikborg is heavily bleeding from a cut over the eye and is taken for a concussion assessment. No foul has been committed, and play continues with a goal kick as the ball flew out over the line untouched.

60’ With Vikborg still out getting taped together, Chromatik use the moment to send Singh down the middle! The ball finds the diminutive Euran, but the assistant signals an offside position. CASK increasingly appear to hang onto a thread.

60’ Substitution Chromatik - in: Adrijana JORDAN / out: Owen JAMES
James has been working a lot today, but been rather unlucky against a very disciplined Ansgar Klaey, who shows why he is a hot commodity for the Northlights leftback slot. The Euran is replaced by the 30 year old Jordan of Chromatika.

61’ Jordan already has her first contact with the ball, but she doesn’t fare much better against Klaey either, as the wingback blocks her crossing attempt and clears it to a throw-in about 35 metres up the pitch. The interruption in play means Rasmus Vikborg can return, now wearing a thick turban around his injury.

64’ STRAND! CASK are still dangerous on the counter, as Janna Sauthier demonstrates with a beautiful ball that Smolov accepts, twists herself around Tiphaine Jauffret, and bangs a shot towards the top of the goal. But Medusa Strand rips up her arm and punches it over the bar in extremis.

65’ Substitution CASK - in: Urho TUOMELA / out: Kimi HARTIKAINEN
Goalscorer Hartikainen is taken off following the corner, which is headed far off the goal by Prosdocimi. He is replaced by the more defensively minded Tuomela, a holding sub to try to conserve CASK’s lead.

67’ Penalty for Chromatik!
CASK’s constant defence finally results in a mistake. Singh has escaped Vikborg, and the defender uses his shoulder to disturb the Euran in a desperate attempt to get her off balance - an unnecessary foul that leads to equally unnecessary discussions with the ref.

67’ Yellow Card for CASK Thorsborg - Arnar JONSSON (unsportsmanlike conduct)
Jonsson overdoes it with talking back at the ref, and is booked for the trouble. At least Vikborg escapes the same fate, getting away with a stern talking to. The referee finally manages to clear out the penalty area, and allows Sophie Singh to step up herself to take the penalty she has coaxed out from the CASK defence.

68’ GOAL FOR CHROMATIK! CHROMATIK 1-2 CASK Thorsborg, scored by Sophie SINGH!
Wow. Confidence is justified here as Singh steps up calmly, takes back five steps, and slots the ball deep to the left side right by the post. Olga Valujev gambled, and got it wrong as she went to the other corner. We’ve got ourselves a real nailbiter of a game on our hands now!

70’ CASK finally show some will to move forward again. Arnar finds a way past Harrison and sends Tuomela down the left flank, and in the centre Medberg Hansen heads it - but over the bar.

73’ Chromatik’s pressing provokes a lot of mistakes and difficult to use long balls. Harrison manages to head down a long ball towards Nguyen, who carries it all the way to the box before dropping it wide to Jordan, but her attempt to cut inside is not decisive enough to get past Brynjar Hatun.

74’ Substitution for Chromatik - in: Gilbert LEVETT / out: Cixin NGUYEN
One-to-one substitution for Chromatik. Nguyen, who has been putting in a lot of work and looks increasingly gassed, is subbed out for Gilbert Levett in attacking midfield. Will Kontiola also pull his big joker Cande Montalban?

74’ Chromatik are taking a corner and seek to beat Valujev in the air, but the CASK keeper controls her box well and punches the ball out towards Tuomela. The attempted counter does not amount to anything, however.

75’ CASK are holding on like lions, but they are clearly outmatched in offence. Chromatik lead the possession statistic with 63% and have a lot more shots, but they can’t get past Valujev in the game!

76’ Or can they? Jordan draws her opponent deep and Wawanolett launches a long ball from the corner of the box that finds Lili Marinca at the second post; the outside of the post is the end of it.

76’ Substitution for CASK Thorsborg - in: Timo POHJANAINEN / out: Rasmus VIKBORG
Perhaps the knock to his head was a bit much for Vikborg. Looking not nearly as sharp as in the first half, the centre-back is replaced by the experienced Pohjanainen. Centre-back for centre-back, but with a lot more fresh energy and nine centimetres taller.

78’ Sauthier loses a ball almost amateurish! Thankfully for her, Halvorsen clears the ball towards Marinca, but it’s still in Chromatik’s feet.

79’ Big chance for Chromatik! Levett heads a long ball forward to Singh, who appears in the box, but Pohjanainen gets a foot in between. Corner again.

80’ Substitution for Chromatik - in: Cande MONTALBAN / out: Tiphaine JAUFFRET
Desperation in Chromatik’s lines: With the corner cleared to a throw-in and only ten minutes to go, they shift to three at the back and bring in Montalban. A makeshift 3-5-2 shall now bring the equaliser for the side that has looked stronger for much of the game.

82’ It almost works! With the first attempt, 34 year old Cande Montalban gets off a shot, but it goes right at Valujev, who launches a quick counter.

83’ Jekaterina Smolov has the decision on her foot! After a long ball, she escapes Kerr and stands alone in front of Medusa Strand, but sends the ball far over the crossbar. That may come to haunt her.

86’ Chromatik are not panicking. The ball is circulating well, and CASK are chasing; just the last pass hasn’t come quite yet. The cross attempt by McBride is headed out by Pohjanainen; Harrison collects it in midfield.

87’ GOAL CHROMATIK! CHROMATIK 2-2 CASK Thorsborg, scored by Lili MARINCA!
The fortress has fallen, in a hectic manner no less. From the midfield, Harrison chips the ball long past the lines, where Montalban beats the backtracking Hatun in the air. He heads it down to Singh, and her shot is saved by Valujev, but bounces away to the side, where Marinca reaches it ahead of Hatun and Halvorsen and pushes the ball into the empty goal. Unlucky for CASK, but justified the way the game went.

89’ CASK try to react, as Klaey snipes a ball off Jordan and launches Arnar, then sending Sauthier down the line. But Coulibaly remains calm and clears out the ball.

90’ Three minutes of injury time in the second half!

90’+1 It doesn’t look like either side wants to open up anymore. A lot of fighting in the midfield as both teams appear to have settled for extra time. After this very intense second half, it appears that Chromatik are a bit out of steam.

90’+2 Right as I say this, Adrijana Jordan attempts to prove me wrong. The right winger aggressively pushes past Klaey and tries to swing in a cross, but Valujev has paid attention and comes out to snatch the ball.

90’+3 Full Time
Exactly on the dot after 93 minutes, the referee blows the whistle. Extra time between Chromatik and CASK Thorsborg!

Full Time - Can CASK switch out of their defensive stance?
CASK have moved into defensive mode a bit too much and too early perhaps, failing to move up in any threatening manner at all. But it almost paid off, with only six minutes separating them from winning the Champions League in regular time - and now, they have another shot. The question will be if they can move away from this defensive stance and mobilise themselves again mentally, or if they are too deflated after that equaliser.

Full Time - Chromatik have to be careful at the back
With now only three defenders, Chromatik have to watch out not to over-push. Of course, Kontiola didn’t have a lot of options, needing to force an equaliser; but it does leave them in very dangerous waters now that the game is wide open again. I’d expect them to keep pushing forward with the advantage they had in the second half, but CASK proved they can be deadly on the counter.

91’ - Extra time kick-off
We’re off for the final 30 minutes of this Champions League season! No changes to the teams, of course, since they both took three subs already. CASK are on the ball and build up slowly.

92’ It’s a cagey, slow beginning, with neither team wanting to take many risks. Chromatik’s wingers are playing very far back, allowing a lot of space to Sauthier and Tuomela, but they can’t really find a way of using that yet.

93’ Tuomela finally managed to get the ball to the centre by passing back to the edge of the box, where Arnar Jonsson has dropped back to! But the midfielder doesn’t hit the ball properly and sends it a good metre over the goal.

95’ CASK are more lively than in the second half, surprisingly. Katya Smolov manages a deep run after a pass sent beyond the Chromatik defence by Sauthier, but Strand reaches the ball a tad earlier and grabs it.

96’ What is going on here? Chromatik pull out the counter this time! Strand plays a long ball all the way to the front, where Montalban retrieves it and heads it down to the advancing Levett. A long ball towards Singh, and Valujev is forced to show a reactionary save from close range!

97’ Corner for Chromatik, and a brief moment of chaos as three players go to the ball and fall down in a tangle, and Marinca bashes the ball into the empty net. The game was already paused, however, as Levett had committed a foul in that tangle.

97’ Yellow Card for Chromatik - Lili MARINCA (unsportsmanlike conduct)
Oh no. The referee goes to Marinca to talk to her about shooting after the whistle, and the Nepharan winger uses this moment to argue, probably a bit confused about the situation. The ref pulling out yellow is very, very strict as a reaction, although within the rules. A referee in a CL final extra time should perhaps be a bit more careful.

99’ Sauthier! The right winger takes aim from about nineteen metres and tries to curl the ball over Chromatik’s defence into the top left corner, but misses by a bit.

102’ The game is much more open than it has been before, with both sides seeking for openings, but also a lot of missed passes. The length of the game appears to be getting to the players.

103’ Prosdocimi comes a little late on a pass by Wawanolett, and can’t stop the ball going through to Singh. But the Euran doesn’t see Cande Montalban in a better position, and instead aims for the goal herself - and shoots right at Olga Valujev.

104’ Trudy Harrison appears to not be in much better shape than Prosdocimi, as she’s completely unable to stop Arnar getting past her. But Sauthier’s cross for Medberg Hansen is a tad too high, he can only mildly deflect it instead of putting pressure behind the ball.

105’ Extra time first half ended
The first half of extra time ends just a few seconds after the regular time has passed. There haven’t been too many incidents in a game where both sides seem rather tired, and it looks like the referee wants to give both sides a bit of a break in the hope of more energy coming through in the second half.

106’ Kick-off second half of extra time
Chromatik open the last fifteen minutes of this game. Both sides had their chances to score in the first half of extra time. Will we see a fifth goal or are we going to penalties?

107’ Sophie Singh doesn’t want penalties. The striker swiftly beats Prosdocimi and seeks a direct drive to the goal, but Pohjanainen is well placed to intercept her dribble. Maybe she’s playing a tad too egoistic today.

109’ The game goes back and forth now. Halvorsen comes on a heroic overlap after a long game and still has the energy to beat Marinca on the defence, and is then cut down by McBride. The Chromatik leftback is lucky to get away with a verbal warning; yellow would have been alright here I think.

110’ Medberg Hansen has the lucky punch on his head! The free kick is twirled in by Halvorsen and the tall striker gets his head onto it, aiming for the high corner; however, Coulibaly heads it out on the line and Stephen Kerr clears to a throw-in.

112’ A flat pass by Jordan searches for the outstretched foot of Montalban, but Brynjar Hatun has been attentive and sweeps out this low cross.

115’ Yellow Card for Chromatik: Trudy HARRISON (foul)
Unlucky moment for Harrison. The Tumbran midfielder slips a little as she turns and has to let Arnar go, allowing a three against three for CASK. Her decision to grab for his shirt and pull him back is cynical and earns her a booking, but not doing it could easily have resulted in a goal!

116’ CASK can’t do much with the free kick. It’s too far for a direct shot and too central for a really good cross, so they try to simply set up possession; but this goes nowhere as Levett backtracks well and clears out the ball. Throw-in for CASK deep in their own half.

119’ CASK pass it around for a long time, and then finally Tuomela finds a gap for Smolov. But she is too far to the side, and Strand can close the angle down easily, parrying that attempt.

120’ 1 minute of injury time in the second half of overtime

120’ The following corner almost leads to something as Strand comes out but underestimates the cross, being able only to knock it on rather than catch it. However, on the second post, Klaey is not quite in time with his reaction and Coulibaly sweeps it away.

120’+1 Final whistle
Nobody really tries anything anymore and the game fizzles out in midfield. Penalties will decide the Champions League winner!

Full time AET
The game has been surprisingly open in extra time, but defensive stability was a priority for both teams, leading to a stalemate that results in penalties. CASK have reacted well, with some good chances using the more open defence of Chromatik, but Singh could easily have set up the winner for the Chromatik side as well. Now, it’s all been reset to zero. Of course, Chromatik already scored a penalty in what might give them a slight mental edge.

Penalty shootout
The teams are congregating around their respective benches. Olga Valujev is under the most pressure in her career right now, probably; despite the situation she is stoically sitting on the grass looking calm while goalkeeper coach Fredrik Hemsberg is giving her some last minute instructions. On the other side, Jannick Kontiola is bouncing between players, feeling the mood. His counterpart MacDonald has clearly already decided on his order.

Penalty shootout
The captains come together for the coin toss. Harrison wins it, choosing to begin the shootout. CASK will be able to have their fans closer to the goal than Chromatik.

Sophie SINGH - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 1-0 CASK Thorsborg
Singh, who already scored from the spot during the game, opens up the shootout with a dry shot to the bottom left. Valujev had the right corner this time, but she can’t reach the shot as it was well-placed and strong.

ARNAR Jonsson - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 1-1 CASK Thorsborg
Arnar opens for CASK and opts for the exact same spot as Singh. Calm, collected, and precise, the ball lightly touches the post and goes into the goal. Strand was trying to react, and arrived at the corner much too late.

Cande MONTALBAN - Penalty SAVED! Chromatik 1-1 CASK Thorsborg
The veteran comes next, and he tries to fool Valujev with a faked shot to the left and a chip a bit to the right of centre; however, the CASK keeper sniffed it out and waited long! She was already moving to the fake-out, but held herself back and stops the ball.

Janna SAUTHIER - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 1-2 CASK Thorsborg
Sauthier has the balls to go high, and slots it into the top left corner. Strand was opting for the left side, but expected the shot to go low; she doesn’t get her arm up in time to react. This tremendously increases the pressure for Chromatik.

Lili MARINCA - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 2-2 CASK Thorsborg
No questions here. Marinca does not go for any frills and just sends it to the right, halfway up the goal, and bangs it in. Valujev’s attempt to react was futile as Marinca’s bullet of a shot lands in the net far before the goalkeeper can react.

Jekaterina SMOLOV - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 2-3 CASK Thorsborg
CASK’s best scorer does not hesitate. Four steps back, a quick feint that sends Strand left, and a simple shot to the now open right side. If Valujev saves the next attempt, CASK have a match point at their hands!

Rebecca Anne WAWANOLETT - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 3-3 CASK Thorsborg
Wawanolett takes the cool route. Seeing her opponent jump a bit fast, she chips the ball into the middle. The Quebecois sold the attempt beautifully, fooling Valujev, but she might have been a bit too quick to react.

Arturo PROSDOCIMI - Penalty MISSED! Chromatik 3-3 CASK Thorsborg
Is it all going wrong again now? Prosdocimi aims for power over precision, but he sends it over the bar! It looks like the nerves have gotten to him there, and we’re back to zero with one penalty to go for each team!

Trudy HARRISON - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 4-3 CASK Thorsborg
Harrison secures her side at least sudden death with a shot to the bottom left that Valujev touches, but can’t stop. Strand now has victory in her hands if she can stop the last penalty for CASK.

Rasmus MEDBERG HANSEN - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 4-4 CASK Thorsborg
Powerful to the top left, although not really placed - still, no chance for Strand, who was choosing late and can’t quite reach the ball. What nerves on a young striker handling what could have been the final penalty for his team! Now, order reverses for the extra shots.

Urho TUOMELA - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 4-5 CASK Thorsborg
This time, we go for precision again as Tuomela aims for the left bottom side, but does so from an unconventional approach that had Strand fooled and going for the bottom right. Now Chromatik have to score!

Adrijana JORDAN - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 5-5 CASK Thorsborg
Valujev was there to the left side, but failed to stop the ball! It bounces up off her hand and ends in the goal to give Chromatik more hope.

Brynjar HATUN - Penalty SCORED! Chromatik 5-6 CASK Thorsborg
What a hammer from Hatun. Straight down the centre, he scores a massive shot. Strand, probably with no information for a player this far down the shootout hierarchy, opted to go left and is chanceless against the powerful shot.

Gilbert LEVETT - Penalty SAVED! Chromatik 5-6 CASK Thorsborg
THIS IS IT! CASK THORSBORG ARE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS! Levett takes aim to the left side, and before he even touches the ball, Valujev is already flying there on pure speculation. The keeper blocks the shot and runs towards the fan section to celebrate.

End of game
The CASK team celebrates Savojarna’s first IFCF title, and it’s straight to the big one, the Champions League. A historic and dramatic victory that is well fought for, coming off of fourteen penalties. They will receive the cup in a moment, but for now, it is pure ecstasy here on the pitch. I wish you a great night and GO CELEBRATE!

by **Kelssek** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:26 am

Analysis of potential for spectator capacity increases for Torbay Thunder Football Club
HONCKER & YATES ASSOCIATES, Kirkenes

Key findings
Background
Torbay Thunder Football Club (‘TTFC’) is a registered non-profit society, incorporated under the province of Kewatin’s Societies Act. Under the TTFC constitution, the purposes of the society are a) to participate in competitive football, b) to provide enjoyable match-going experiences for members.

TTFC directors have commissioned Honcker and Yates to study the economic feasibility of increasing spectator attendance capacity. The scope is to include feasible solutions the consultants identify, as well as any costs and benefits, and excludes logistical and other arrangements not directly related to costs that the Club would incur as a result of pursuing the proposed options.

Context of the study
TTFC compete in the highest level of competitive football in Kelssek, the Kelssek Football League Championship (KFL-C). In recent years, thanks to the team’s on-field success, attendance at matches has grown along with membership subscriptions and public interest in the club. Notably, for two consecutive years the first team has qualified for International Federation of Club Football (IFCF) tournaments, bringing in significant prize money and revenue to the club.

The first team’s home matches are played at Armidale Plain Stadium, a facility owned and operated by the City of Torbay with a spectator capacity of 10,800. In the past season, average attendance increased by 7% over the previous year to 8,744. Six of the club's 19 home matches sold out, accounting for two-thirds of all sold-out matches in the club's history.

Another indicator of growing interest and potential is TTFC's memberships sold. KFL-C clubs generally sell annual memberships which are required to buy match tickets. Exact policies vary by club. Many fans buy memberships as a way of supporting the club without expecting material value in return. In practice members are usually given inexpensive (costs far below the membership fee) club-branded merchandise at the time they purchase or renew their membership, e.g. keychains or scarves with designs not sold to the general public.

The Big Five
Burnaby SC
Kirkenes FC
Latrobe Athletic
Océanic Langlois
CF Outineau

Membership numbers also give a rough and ready estimate of the number of people interested in attending matches. For KFL-C clubs outside the ‘Big Five’ (see box 1.1) who have significantly larger memberships and sell out almost all home matches, average attendance is typically about one-third of club membership. This past year, the club’s number of ordinary members has reached this benchmark of triple the capacity of Armidale Plain.

Furthermore, social media monitoring and television ratings suggest that TTFC is attracting small but significant international attention. Factors include the increased international profile of the KFL-C as a whole, TTFC’s playing in IFCF matches, and its signing of star players from Græntfjall and Krytenia.

In one marketing success, shortly after signing a Krytenian player the club launched a new jersey design with a lighter shade of blue than it had worn in the past which was closer to the traditional colour of the Krytenian national team. This sparked social media engagement.

Marketing considerations
The Torbay metropolitan area has a population of 248,775 (estimate as of 187 FE). This is one of the smallest in the KFL’s top two divisions. The catchment area for TTFC can be compared to Wynleth Flyers. This should be considered distinct from similarly “small” clubs located in or adjacent to major metropolitan areas, such as Association Ariddienne (in Outineau), Saintsport Heath (Redswyth adjacent), Passerine (in Kirkenes), or Hamiltonian Cambria (Kirkenes adjacent).

The most popular sport in the Torbay region is rugby. Many residents hold attitudes that football is an elitist or middle-class sport, and/or that associating with it harms their masculinity and may lead to societal degeneration. This is a perception that TTFC needs to work to overcome.

Interviews with club employees and fans suggest a widespread perception that TTFC has been “lucky” in recent years and cannot expect to sustain IFCF qualification and top-ten league position. Interviewees were unanimous that the Club can expect to remain in the KFL-C indefinitely, which should thus be considered the baseline scenario for forecasting Club revenue. This implies that the current surge of interest may not continue.

During one visit members of the consulting team were accosted outside a pub by members of the public expressing concerns that we were “Kirkenes toffs” visiting Torbay to negate their vaccines with 5G chips and spread measles in the community. These persons were aggressively insistent they’d had so many boosters that they were now completely immune to disease and being “real men”, have no fear of needles, even “the big ones they stick in your bum”. While outside the scope of this study, this may be useful information for future social media marketing strategies.

[report continues]

by **Adab** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:19 am

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 69: Moving the Pieces

November 12, 2036
AFA headquarters
Adab City

He knew that sinking feeling in his stomach, a feeling that came rather uncommonly but, whenever it came, it came with a full, quiet, yet undeniable force. To the man sitting across the desk he tried to cast a solemn look, as if he was not feeling in an entirely different way inside. But inside, he knew this was something remarkable. This feeling only came when truly remarkable things were happening, and that hadn’t happened to him in some time.

So drowned was he in his own thoughts that he nearly drifted away – in the mental sense – without offering a reply to Naram-Sin. The old man himself did not quite know how to proceed, shifting uneasily in his seat in a vaguely concerned way as Rashid’s suddenly blank eyes struck deep into his own, but at the same time appearing as if staring at something far away in the distance. It was only when Naram-Sin attempted something of a wave, weakly raising his hand towards Rashid’s face, that the latter returned to his senses. “Oh…” he started slowly, his voice dry and markedly flat. “…well, I must say this is… unexpected.”

Naram-Sin clenched his lips, hardening his face in an attempt to assert control over the situation. “I believe in you, and I know there are people out there who feel the same. Kaykali is old, his time has come and gone. You, on the other hand,” he raised a finger to point at Rashid’s chest, “will take us to the next level.”

“Have you talked to Mr. Kaykali?” Rashid inquired.

“What?” Naram-Sin shifted his head back in his seat, as if the question took him by surprise.

“Have you talked to Mr. Kaykali?”

“Why should I talk to him?” Naram-Sin made a show of throwing his hands up. Then he leaned forward across the desk, his hands holding on to the edge of the table as he brought his face somewhat closer to Rashid’s, who kept his lips tightly shut as he wiped his teeth with his tongue, not sure what Naram-Sin wanted from him.

“Because people like him,” Rashid warily opened his mouth, “and I mean everyone likes him. I mean, you’ve seen the people out there who want your head on a pike. What good do you think will come from sacking him? You think people will accept me?”

“Why won’t they?” Naram-Sin countered. Again he rested his back against the seat, sinking down a little as he softly scratched his jaw. “I met with Kaykali. He was with them. He tried to set himself up as some sort of mediator, but he refused to repudiate those people. He could have done that long ago, but he didn’t-“

“Maybe he’s genuinely trying to, you know,” Rashid shrugged, “calm things down.”

“By supporting them?”

“Has he ever said he’s supporting them?”

“His inaction pretty much says so at this point. Decisive on the pitch, toothless off it. There must be a reason why.”

“Well, we…” Then he trailed off. At that moment he saw the situation in a whole new light. Suddenly he found himself grasping an opportunity, an unexpected turn. Maybe this would make things easier. “…sometimes we just lose our minds I guess. We just don’t know what to do sometimes.”

“At best it’s negligence and ignorance on Kaykali’s part. At worst it’s outright betrayal.”

“And I agree with you.” Now it was Rashid’s turn to put his body forward over the desk, taking on Naram-Sin with a renewed look of cold determination. “I will be your manager, if that’s what you want. If you want to sack Kaykali, remove all those players, whatever. But I will ask one thing from you.”

“Which is?”

“You will guarantee me free rein in choosing my squad. Once all this is over, I want no interference in the selection of my players. You have my word that I will choose only the… loyal players.

“And lastly,” Rashid continued before Naram-Sin could speak again, “we will have to… intensify our communication. Present a united front. Let everyone know that the manager and the AFA president stand together. We must stand strong together against the wolves out there.”

November 11, 2036
Taymour Frangieh’s house
Adab City

“The truth is,” Emma Arthur sighed, a thin haze of steam gently rising from the cup of warm tea in front of her, “maybe Alu and I have just drifted too far apart.”

Taymour Frangieh listened intently, nodding in understanding at intervals, while beside him Enlilbani Yargab occasionally craned his neck up, then let it sink in contemplation. “You know, most couples go through their fair share of trouble,” Taymour said, “and usually communication is key. Like, you know,” he shifted his hands back and forth, trying to make some sort of gesture, “if you can talk things through, maybe we can-“

“I’m not sure we can do it,” Emma cut him off flatly.

“Sometimes just talking about things isn’t enough,” Eni solemnly turned to Taymour. “Sometimes they’ve really reached the end of the road and, well, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“But this didn’t happen because they hated each other or stuff. The whole fucking media and Arasqadah and the AFA…” Taymour countered, then sharply turned his head to Emma. “Emma, do you still love-“

“Taymour, I don’t think we should be asking her that right now,” Eni raised his voice over his teammate’s. “Emma, will you be staying here for now?”

“Well, yeah,” she replied weakly. “It’s not like I want to go home to my parents, you know. You know we barely even talk to each other lately.”

“Does Alu know you’re here?”

“No.”

“Okay,” Eni nodded. “You don’t have to tell him, of course.”

“I don’t want to get out right now. Like, anywhere.”

“That’s totally fine,” Taymour said. At the far corner of the room, his housekeeper appeared, gesturing vaguely at the direction of the phone downstairs.

“Mr. Tabira called again. He’s asking if you want to continue… talking with him,” the housekeeper announced, sounding rather concerned. Taymour whispered something in Eni’s ear, who nodded and nodded as Emma silently watched on.

“I’ll take the call,” Taymour said and rose to his feet, taking the time to adjust his collar. “There’s one more thing I need to discuss with him.”

Adab lineup for WCQ MD1 (October 1, 2040, vs. 95x at home) and MD2 (October 8, 2040, vs. United Adaikes away)

Starting lineup: Shulgi, al-Tikriti, Hadad, al-Maliki, Anwar, Samanu, Emmita, Khoury, al-Amin, Abbas, Barzani

Substitutes: Chandrasekar, Altun, Enmerkar, Akshak, Thomas, Arthur, Sinmuballit, Orlev, Akaptaha, Yissakar, Yargab, Sarsur

by **Nephara** » Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:22 am

THE HERALD
FIVE KEY ISSUES FOR THE NEW CORMORANTS BOSS
Sisi Sharpe Football Correspondent

1. Find the right balance in midfield
Midfield has been the issue for ages, and is surely the highest priority for resolution. Cantor has many fine players... at club level. But how best to fit them together for her country? Kvasina is an awkward fit, Constantine and March have been competent but not Cup-winning exceptional, and the disastrous Eagles Cup was not a good look for pretty much anyone else. Constantine Southsea has been a consistently strong player who will only get better, but where does he fit best? And can Tasha Sauber, given the number 8 in Cantor's first named squad, be rehabilitated?

2. Settle on a rightback
Much of Nephara's starting XI picks itself. Provost, Clevinger and Lind - the defensive pillars of the past years - have been joined by Anaximander Scales, whose integration is one of the triumphs of Koeller's brief reign. Tanith Xu appears Lind's obvious successor, with Copperhead primed to replace Clevinger in time. But there is a question over rightback, still. Big NRI clubs, yes - Schrader of Treason, Kovac of Crisisbless, Meadows of Brinemouth - but not stars, and nobody has looked truly settled in the role since Rovena Stride. Kovac is uninspiring going forward, Meadows is prone to defensive errors, and Schrader is steady without offering variation in attacking play. Rightback has traditionally been a problem position for the national team, and it seems this tradition will continue.

3. Rejuvenate the attacking flair
So, Nephara has arguably the world's best player in Felixe Vetiver, and if not, then certainly on course to become it. But she only scored once throughout the Eagles' Cup, and that a mere cherry on top in injury time. Koeller's inclination was to keep tight at the back; her big-scoring games were on times when the game went out of control, reliant on individual brilliance to get the best out of the anarchy. Graintfjall silenced Nephara's guns twice in as many years, the first time masterminded by Cantor; how then to make the most of the talent on offer? Five strikers have been called up in the first squad, suggesting a front two is at least under consideration; perhaps Vetiver will be given a more free role behind a spearhead like Harper. But Harper hasn't fired lately for Nephara either, while Vasya Reisinger was one of many to fail at the Eagles' Cup. One can only imagine there is a plan beyond putting faith in Vivi to get the job done on her own.

4. Integrate the new generation
Vetiver was the most notorious example, only called up for last World Cup due to injuries elsewhere, but Koeller held her ground on many of Nephara's stars, too. Many got their chance at the Eagles' Cup... and got hammered by five straight defeats. But perhaps Koeller could not get the best out of this slightly odd selection of players; a physically unremarkable but gifted playmaker in Madita Brewer is not a systems player, but one who can unlock doors. Arachne Loeher is a classic winger, honed to its finest edge. Tall, battling Chandra Rosziter might be the answer to the holding midfield woes, while Tanith Xu has the cool head of a veteran, a perfect fit for international football. And perhaps surprisingly little has been made of Kurtis Swainsona, an energetic midfielder who excels at crashing late into the box to score, a standout in the second tier before being picked up by high-flying Revolutionaries, a club with plenty of history developing Nepharim (Lovelace, Thorn, Matalin...). But the EC showed that integration has to be more subtle than hurling them together into the firepit at the same time. While that side improved as the tournament got on, memories of being eaten alive in Turori and Baker Park will linger.

5. Navigate the tough schedule
Of course, a prerequisite for success is to qualify for the World Cup, and while one imagines Cantor would receive a lot of grace... she must be biting her lip at this group. Only one automatic qualifier, with the rest consigned to the lottery? Mertagne, Kelssek, reuniting with Tjorl and Pluvia? But one name dominates everything: Cassadaigua, who have enjoyed significant recent successes over the Cormorants. Nephara ends the campaign with them, and starts with a bye; unless the rising stars of Tjorl can do the Cormorants a favour, the Cormorants will be playing catch-up for at least the start of the campaign.

NEPHARAN NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION - FORTNIGHT 1
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Spartangrad, EUR), 12 - Medusa Strand (Chromatik, CMT), 20 - Toxothea Sebring (Crisisbless)
Defenders: 2 - Ophelia Schrader (AFC Treason), 3 - Radeka Lind (Jinja City FC, BNJ), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), 6 - Anaximander Scales (Brinemouth), 17 - Tosca Meadows (Brinemouth), 18 - Sven Copperhead (Crisisbless), 22 - Ettard Mitteager (AFC Treason), 25 - Kyri Levering (Northern Union, BRE)
Midfielders: 4 - Cassander Southsea (Brinemouth), 7 - Kestrel Anharbour (Crisisbless), 8 - Tasha Sauber (Spartangrad, EUR), 11 - Arachne Loeher (Wirr Tsi, CMT), 13 - Madita Brewer (Northern Union, BRE), 15 - Tamara Ulmer (Algolia SC, SRS), 16 - Isolde Reader (Myana, CMT), 19 - Sonya Belltower (Sabrefell Athletic), 23 - Kurtis Swainsona (Revolutionaries, EUR), 26 - Lindse Kvasina (Istria City FC, BNJ)
Forwards: 9 - Davor Kurtishi (AFC Corvistone), 10 - Bravura Harper (Ulsa, EUR), 14 - Idina Slazenger (Tihon, CMT), 21 - Felixe Vetiver (1830 Cathair, AUD), 24 - Vasya Reisinger (West Cuono Rangers, TMB)

BYE
Nephara vs. Tjorl @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
East Murbley vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Koronavia @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Xitizian States vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Reçueçn @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Kelssek vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Mertagne @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Saterun vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Pluvia SI @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Cassadaigua vs. Nephara
BYE
Tjorl vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. East Murbley @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)
Koronavia vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Xitizian States @ Phoenix Rise (Corvistone)
Reçueçn vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Kelssek @ The Gauntlet (Treason)
Mertagne vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Saterun @ Eagle's Club (Brinemouth)
Plusiva SI vs. Nephara
Nephara vs. Cassadaigua @ Farham Arena (Sabrefell)

[Roleplays] :: World Cup 92

New Nation on the World Stage

Time For Another WC Journey

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