Baptism of Fire 80

by **Ile de Richelieu** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 4:37 am

Independents Cup Recap

Port Saint-Jean, Île de Richelieu - Île de Richelieu concluded the Independents Cup 17 on a mixed note, finishing the tournament with a win, two draws and a loss, good for the 3rd place in the group but it wasn't enough to make the round of 24.

The Cardinals drew 2-2 with a more experienced team, Poafmersia, on matchday 1. Rose-Émilie Bouthillette scored on a penalty in the first half and Jean-Christophe Gouin scored in the 2nd half. The 2nd match was a 0-0 draw against Britonisea at Stade national de la montagne de l'ours.

On matchday 3, Île de Richelieu lost 3-2 against Geektopia, Rose-Émilie Bouthillette and Valkyrie Dahlen were the goalscorers for Île de Richelieu. Then on matchday 4, the Cardinals travellled to Quintessence of Dust and took on Fjalsherred. The final result was a 3-0 win with goals from Rose-Émilie Bouthillette, Tristan Charbonneau and Marc-Antoine Desgroseilliers.

Baptism of Fire 80

The Cardinals only have a two weeks rest and they're already heading to Mertagne for the baptism of Fire 80. Manager Ragnarok Wahlberg is sending the same exact squad to play in the BoF 80. Île de Richelieu is in group A with 8 other nations who are debuting like us. At first glance, Archalit, Obrela, CONGOlese Republic, Aureumterra III and Illiryja seems to be our biggest threats.

Our flight have already left Aéroport Jean-René de la Sablonnière and we should land in Claviers, Mertagne on wednesday morning following a 24 hours flight with 3 stopovers because, unlike Mertagne, Île de Richelieu is not easily reachable. Looking at the players on the same flight, I see some of them playing board games, chatting with a family member, listening to music, reading a book or just sleeping.

Jean-Guy Laframboise

by **Lozho** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 9:19 am

LOZHO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION presents...

The Lozhoan National Football Team!

A History of Lozhoan Football

Association football is one of the most popular sports in Lozho. During a daily five minute factory break one day, Lozhoan workers decided to kick a leftover bottle of Sozha Soda around in an improvisation of football. The bosses of Ghezhan Pens and Paper Inc. were so impressed that they decided to establish the first football club in Lozho, Ghezhan Pens and Paper FC, later shortened to Ghezhan City. The Lozho Championship (since renamed) Lozho First Division was later established, all between teams that had been established by factory bosses. Lozhoan football is a very lucrative venture, but most players play out of love, and thus are more than willing to sign four year contracts for a few Lozhons a month.

A while back, the Lozho Football Association decided to formally select a team to represent the nation on the world stage, inspired by the previously isolationist and sports-unfriendly nation of West Barack and East Obama's foray into international cricket. Lozho's dark red and blue kits will shine as they participate in their first ever World Cup Committee-sanctioned tournament. After a very disappointing Campionato Esportiva, the Lozhoans will be hoping to rebound and prove their worth amongst the other newcomers.

The Coaching Team

Head Coach: Gezald Ponzo
Assistant Coach 1: Thomas Bluefield
Assistant Coach 2: Francis Clarke

Gezald Ponzo is the 61 year old former head coach of Langhan Town, with whom he won the Lozho Championship with 12 years ago in one of the biggest upsets in Lozhoan history. He has since been inbetween coaching and pundit roles, as well as filming a few commercials for Langhan & Zangzan Accountants. He brings a wealth of experience to the job, and his special expertise in team unity and morale boosting makes him perfect for the role. In spite of this, this Baptism of Fire will be make it or break it time for him, as his job teeters on the balance after an early exit in the Campionato Esportiva.

He will be assisted by two assistant coaches - Thomas Bluefield and Francis Clarke. The two have been loyal assistants to Ponzo his entire career, and will stay on for the Baptism of Fire even with constantly swirling rumours that the assistants would be offered head coach roles in LFD and LSD teams.

Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Bonzo De Jong, 31

The current goalkeeper for Gosport Pelicans, De Jong has had a long and esteemed career. Starting his career as a Pelican mascot holding up a sign to fast food restaurants, De Jong quickly rose up the ranks with his signature jumping technique. Despite being only one metre tall, De Jong can jump to anywhere in the goal and make a save, earning the nickname 'Bonzo the Guy Who Can Jump Really Far and High Which Saves Shots on Target'.

Left Full Back: Fazj Srejzjajk, 23

This fast-paced left wingback has been making waves ever since her debut for Langhan Town two years ago. Having recently been signed by Lozhoan titans Protchen United for a lucrative deal, Srejzjajk is looking to make her impact on the international stage as well. Her speed makes her a dangerous wingback who can strike opponents on the counter.

Left Centre Back: Zoufal Cerezaki, 25

With stellar performances at the club level, Zoufal Cerezaki's inclusion over Penny Butterfield was a no-brainer. Even if the decision to partner him up with anyone other than defensive partner Zadim Ferzhai in the starting lineup may be a head-scratcher, the defensive stability Cerezaki provides might just be the missing puzzle piece for a successful tournament.

Right Centre Back: Drew Zaratrianias, 32

Often called "The Old Gentleman", "Zaratrianasaurus", or even "South Ghezhan Nursing Home FC Hall of Fame Inductee", this old dog Zaratrianias knows all the new tricks. Motivated by the chants that "chasing this fast will impede your arthritis", Zaratrianias intimidates any forwards that try to get past him by simply being faster. Genius!

Right Full Back: Cartzon Zohzo, 21

Another young wingback, Zohzo and Srejzjajk make up what's called 'Lozho's Finest Pair of Wings: Sponsored by Lozho's Finest Pair of Wings Fast Food Inc.'. While he is one of the younger members on the team, Zohzo is proving his worth with his outings at the Gosport Pelicans, having broken into the team as a teenager. He has the potential to be amongst the all time greats.

Left Central Midfielder: Henry Blyth, 29

The captain of the team, Blyth has both experience and a passion to improve. A one club man for Shezhen Athletic, Blyth has developed a reputation for his strong leadership and passing skills. He's also an avid online gamer, and regularly plays Valorant with his teammate Obamovich, developing his skills as a captain by strengthening his vocal cords when he has to insult "useless teammates".

Right Central Midfielder: Pazron Droozle, 27

Nicknamed "The Droozler", Droozle is known for his "droozling" skills, or in layman's terms "dribbling". Droozle can droozle a ball all around the pitch in an exhilarating display of end-to-end football. Rumour has it there's no defender he hasn't droozled past.

Left Winger: Fatrouza Smith, 22

Fatrouza Smith may come from a wealthy family of the Smith Textbooks and Notebooks and Notepads Company wealth, but he's a golden boy on and off the pitch. Speedy, crossy, and shooty, this winger can get a ball in the box any time of the day, no questions asked.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Pazrick Zouzal, 27

Zouzal is the playmaker that makes the Gosport Pelicans attacking force tick. Always able to create chances even when there doesn't look possible, Zouzal conjures a ball out of thin air. Oh, and he used to work part time as a magician. Might be related.

Right Winger: Zed Zoan, 31

A pacey right winger, Zed Zoan runs up and down the flanks of the pitch in record time. Whilst his crossing may have room for improvement, he makes it up with his ability to cut deep into the opposition boxes to attempt long shots.

Striker: Paxton Obamovich, 29

A refugee from West Barack and East Obama fleeing persecution for his love of football, Paxton Obamovich has taken up citizenship in Lozho and has already been banging in the goals. A target man that always makes the ball connect with his head, he just needs to jump a little bit and boom! You've conceded again. Yes, there are a lot of people who can head well on our team.

Reserves

GK: Percival Obamahama
GK: Faj Zhaozhamhra
LB: Frozone Drezhon
CB: Romulus
CB: Zadim Ferzhai
RB: Zorro Zakaria
CM: Harron Stanisic
CM: Marc Benson
LW: Chill Zane
AM: Herezoikaokaza Forrozonich
RW: Hector Zoomfield
ST: Shinji Nakajima

Set Piece Takers

Penalties:

Obamovich
Drezhen
Nakajima
Droozle

Left Free Kicks:

Smith
Zane
Blyth
Srejzjajk

Right Free Kicks:

Obamovich
Drezhen
Nakajima
Droozle

Left Corners:

Smith
Srejzjajk
Zane
Drezhon

Right Corners:

Drezhen
Nakajima
Zoan
Obamovich

OOC Stuff

RP Permissions: As long as you TG me beforehand about any potential serious wackiness, do what you like. Red and yellow cards should not be issued too liberally though.

Style Mod: +0.5

by **Saperetia** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 11:20 am

National Football Squad of Saperetia
Kinda misjudged my amount of time, so things are gonna be added once I have more time

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but please keep it realistic.
Godmod other events: No
Generate stadium happenings: Yes

by **Naixi** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 12:30 pm

THE FIRST JOURNEY ON THE TRANS-NAIXI RAILWAY

119 YEARS AGO

They all heard it, it was that loud. The mighty clang of the great bell atop the face of the iron monster, that colossal thing which promised to magnificently christen their labors of the past years. Yi-Fu was in the maintenance shed some ten meters away from the brand-new wooden Grand Station, stowing away the last of the unused railroad ties. Shi-Fa was aboard, meticulously preparing the last of the doily-adorned silver trays he would be serving caviar from. And Xing-Jiang was inside the Grand Station, tucked away in a dark room, her aching arms reaching forever down into a wet vat of soiled linens. All craned their heads upward toward the sound. It was impossible to be unaware of its significance.

It rang out again, somehow louder, as if the bell had mistakenly come to believe it had not been heard the first time. They all heard it again, then again as it continued ringing.

Cheers rose from the crowd of Golden People on the platform. Costumed for a rousing occasion, the Golden People were bedecked in their finest suits and dresses, the gentlemen waving silly top hats and the ladies twirling pastel umbrellas. "I do say, this is bound to be the thrill of my lifetime!" one particularly large and sonorous old man shouted for all to hear. They - the Golden People - were all mightily thrilled. This was to be the first voyage of the new rail line, reaching from the sunny expanse of the western hills to the misty coastal forests of the east. The Trans-Naixi Railway, they called it, and they were quite proud of the name and that which the name signified. The steam locomotive stood before them on the freshly-laid track, hissing arrogantly.

Building this marvel had certainly been trying at times. This wild land (it would eventually be called Naixi, in a different time by different people) possessed no rough terrain, but it was empty. That is, it was empty after the local population "decided" to depart northward. It was all the same to the Golden People, the indigenous tribes had been terribly violent towards the settler communities along the coast. But it solved one problem, while creating another. You see, for the west to be linked with the east by rail, as was the great ambition of the time, someone had to build the railroad! And such taxing labor couldn't be performed by a Golden Person. No sir.

The situation was resolved, in the end, to the great satisfaction of all (the Golden People). There were workers who wanted work, somewhere in the world! Perhaps they weren't local savages from the area. And perhaps they wanted to work for shorter periods of time, and for better wages, and in a locale not half a world away. But "we all must make sacrifices to achieve great things," or so the Golden People told themselves. The importation of Chinese indentured servants began at once, and their helpfully lengthy and strict contracts guaranteed that thousands of laborers were working on the new line, day and night.

There were minor dilemmas along the way, of course. Here a group of Chinese servants would be crushed to death by a collapsing bridge, there a nascent Rail Workers' Union would try to sabotage the triumphant beat of progress with their improper demands for better wages and conditions. But there were always more laborers to import, and the unions were always quelled before they could assemble a strike of any meaningful size, and so meter by meter the railway was assembled.

The iron steps into the first class car, lit romantically by the ornate lampposts of the platform, showed the Golden People the way up onto the train. Veritably shivering with excitement, they queued for the steps. "Mind those hems, dear ladies!" the same loud windbag thundered. Yi-Fu, having stacked the last burdensome chunk of metal, turned to gaze with wonder through a crack in the wall of the shed. Shi-Fa, respecting what he understood were deeply-held traditions, stayed in a dimly-lit area of the carriage, out of sight, watching the boarding dignitaries. Xing-Jiang was too weary to peer out the window of the laundry chamber, and instead sat herself upon a metal bucket to briefly rest.

The bell clanged once again.

Some things have the air of inevitability about them - this was the received wisdom shared by the Golden People. Some races have certain, unshakable, intrinsic characteristics, and these slaves... well, of course it would never do to call them that! But these... servants had certain characteristics which made them innately useful when applied to hard labor.

This is what Yi-Fu, Shi-Fa, and Xing-Jiang were all taught about themselves. As a boy, Yi-Fu had once been told he had a brain the size of a parrot, and that he'd have to lift ties or shovel coal his whole life. Shi-Fa, that he couldn't be friends with a Golden People boy, because he might corrupt the lad with his morally unnatural tendencies. Xing-Jiang, that her eyes were so naturally hideous that she wasn't to make eye contact with any Golden Person. As far as any of them knew, it was all true. All they knew then was their work.

If, by some impossible clairvoyance, they could know, they would have known that a great conflict would someday rage over the cause of national self-determination for their people, a conflict that would disrupt and damage this very railroad. If they could know, they would have known that a revisionist monarchy would be instituted, placing the children of a great national hero upon a majestic Celestial Court. If they could know, they would have known that their race was not in fact incurably stupid, but capable of assembling both a sense of ethnic pride and a massively successful political party agitating for their liberation. (Nationalists for Naixi, it would be called.)

And if they could know, they would have known that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren would one day be ferried up the steps of another great metal beast of transport, the airplane, to be conveyed across an endless ocean to a city called Claviers, walled in on all sides by splendid silver mountains. Yi-Fu would have known that his great-great-grandson Lao-Che would don gloves of some as-yet unknown fiber, reaching out with his fingertips to bat away a ball. Shi-Fa would have known that his grandson Gan would be named something called a head coach, leading and teaching a team of athletes in front of the global stage. And Xing-Jiang would have known that her great-granddaughter Pei-Hsi would become a terror on the football pitch, a ferocious fighter for her country, a wicked avatar of vengeance for legions of ancestors wronged.

But none of these things were things they could know. Yi-Fu removed his cap to wipe his smudged brow with a cold rag, Shi-Fa stepped into the light to begin obediently serving his masters, and Xing-Jiang rose once more to lean over the vat. The bell mockingly sang out one last time, then the pistons began to heave against the steam locomotive's great wheels. Happy cheers rose once again from the Golden People on board. Their journey across the coppice-dotted plains of Naixi had begun.

by **Patriotlandia** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 10:14 pm

The man sat down in his airplane seat, he had a long way to travel in order to reach Mertagne. While he tapped away on his work laptop, the stewardess came to get his order of drinks. Anticipating a long flight ahead, he ordered a rum as something to sip when he eventually starts a more leisurely read. He boarded this flight for business but he looked forward to when he could close the lid of his computer and relax for it was a long travel ahead. As the newly announced commentator to Patriotlandian Sports Network for the upcoming Association Football tournaments, he had to prepare and research the team's players and coach as well as the opponents who had released their rosters. The national team was heading into their first international competition and it was with great pride that he would bring all the excitement of the beautiful game. He wondered how much other nations thought of Patriotlandian soccer. Even if a handful of players had transferred in and out of the country, the national league was pretty much a closed ecosystem and this event would be the first real test against other nations.

As numbers, formations and tactics slowly merged into one unrecognizable blob, he decided it would be time for break. Just before his departure, his wife told him about a new discovery of the long lost journals of captain Jean-Marie Patriot in the marshes around the St-Charles River. While the text were heavily damaged by years of humidity, cold and harsh environments, the text were slowly getting released as experts used different technologies to decipher the pages. In a bid to promote the discovery and share national historic documents, the government launched an app to distribute the pages as they were unravelled. He got out his personal tablet and opened the app finally read to take his first sip of rum and transport back to the age of discovery.

The following texts encapsulates the very birth of our nation. From discovery, exploration, turmoil and triumphs, The Patriotlandian Nautical Research Council are proud to bring to you Memoirs of Patriot: Tales of Exploration and Discovery. New stories will be released periodically as soon as pages from the manuscript are able to be converted numerically. Please note that the text is being release integrally. Reader discretion is advised.

ENTER/ENTRER

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by **Al-Tamazgha** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 10:20 pm

Nation name: Kingdom of Al-Tamazgha
Trigramme: TMZ
Denonym: Tamazghan
Nicknames: Mountain Lions

Brief national information
Heads: Ismail IV (head of government), Soufiane Niasse (prime minister)
Population: 31 million
Capital City: Kajaïa
Major Cities: Maisonbleue (largest city/economic capital), Khenikech, Sakane (two of three Imperial cities alongside Kajaïa), Cap-Vert (port city)
Ethnic Groups: 41% - Ismailites (Arabs), 37% Tamazghans (Berbers), 14% Lamanes (Wolofs), 5% Jewish, 3% others

Introduction to Al-Tamazgha (OOC note: This section comes from my AOCAF RP)

Al-Tamazgha, officially the Kingdom of Al-Tamazgha, is the northernmost country in the southwestern region [that is commonly named as 'The Glorious Southwest'] of Atlantian Oceania. It is part of the Tamazghan region of the southwestern Atlantian Oceania, and it shares land borders with Sunset Shimmer to the south, while a strait of dense, deep waters separate it with Nojika to the east. In terms of waters, it faces the Sea of Wonders to the west and the Vilitan Cove to the east, which have contributed to its historic reputation as the 'Celestial Gateway'. It is also located near the archipelago of Zafran Islands, an overseas territory of Quebec and Shingoryeo located two hundred kilometres from Al-Tamazgha. Currently discussions are being in place for the Zafran Islands to join Al-Tamazgha.

Featuring ancient archaeological sites dating back to the classical antiquity, Al-Tamazgha spans a large area of 580,500 km2, with a population of 31 million people. Geographically Al-Tamazgha spans from extensive coastline on the west and the north, the rocky Sebou mountains for most of the inland territories, and the desert on the southeast that directly border Sunset Shimmer. Its territory is largely arable, though environmental conservation remains a challenge and a work in progress. The southwestern tip of the country, Lamaneland, is tropical and is considered to be culturally and ethnically different from the Ismailites or Tamazghans predominant in the east. Al-Tamazgha's official religion is Sufi Islam, and there are two official languages in the country - Arabic, Tamazghan (Berber) - while French, Tamazghan-Arabic and to lesser extent Judaeo-Arabic dialects, are used on regular administrative and educational capacities. Tamazghan culture and identity derives from geographically diverse nature of the state, as well as centuries of conflicts and influences from historically intersecting forces. Its capital is Kajaïa, one of the three ancient cities of Al-Tamazgha, while the largest city and economic capital is Maisonbleue.

Dating back to the early antiquity period, Al-Tamagzha was inhabited by various ethnic groups, in particular, the Tamazghans to the east and the Lamanes to the west. Over the course of the centuries, it was ruled by various dynasties, with Islam arriving in the 9th and the 10th centuries through the Malikid Dynasty, which set the brand of pluralism and tolerance commonly found in the Tamazghan religious traditions. From the 16th to the 19th century, Al-Tamazgha had to fight against external forces that threatened its sovereignty. The dynastical change from the Sharifian to the current Ismailite Dynasty in 1712 coincided with economic and cultural prosperity, which saw a Quebecois-aided expansion foray into the Lamaneland on the early 19th century. The strategic significance of the Al-Tamazgha's location, as well as the increased expense to maintain a much larger Banija, had seen the Quebecois interests resume in the state. From 1894 to 1948 Al-Tamazgha had the Protectorate status under the Shingoryeoite Empire, under which its sovereignty had remained, but the foreign affairs handled by the Quebecois. In 1948, Al-Tamazgha regained full independence after a series of negotiations following year-long riots that included a blockade of the Maisonbleue Port, as well as the post-war realities of maintaining the expanses of the Shingoryeoite Empire.

In the contemporary era, Al-Tamazgha remains a relatively stable country. Al-Tamazgha is a semi-constitutional monarchy with a Monarch, a Prime Minister and the two-levelled legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Commons. Traditionally the Monarch, elected under Male-preference primogeniture, enjoys significant legislative and executive power and is technically the Commander of the nation's three armed forces. The Privy Council, consisting of the members of the Cabinet, the Parliament and significant members of the community, also holds significant power and offers advice, though their overreaching power, alongside that of the monarch, is being reduced in an effort to further democratise the country. Considered to be an economically-emerging market with significant middle power influence relative to its economy, Al-Tamazgha holds significant power in both the Quebecois Commonwealth and its southern bloc of nations in Atlantian Oceania. It holds significant economic and cultural ties with Quebec and Shingoryeo, Busoga Islands and Banija, and enjoys amicable to growing relations with fellow Arabophone nations across the Multiverse.

Staff
Federation: Federation Royale Tamazghienne de Football (FRTF)
Manager: Laurent Assidon - M - 44 - Olympique de Rimouski (formerly of Taqwaa AC)
Assistant Manager: Moussa N'Diaye - M - 46 - Père-Benjelloun AC (associate manager)
Style Modifier: -5
Formation: 3-3-2-2

Laurent Assidon returns as the head coach of the Mountain Lions for the second of a three-AOCAF, six year contract. The Maisonbleue native, who comes from Jewish parentage, has served as a youth team and senior assistant for Olympique de Rimouski after a decadelong career with Olympique, St. John's Arsenal and Jolbonopolis United. He then embarked on a three-year tenure with Taqwaa AC of Maisonbleue, before returning to Quebec to manage the Olympique side that saw their manager, Sam Oronhyatekha, sign with the Leaside Lions after a couple of strong seasons. In his first season with the Q-League club, he had led them to a solid, sixth-place finish and the Coupe de la Reine title.

He is a defensive specialist with penchant for devastating counterattacks, something that the Tamazghans have been long infamous on the Quebecois Commonwealth for, and is considered a mild-mannered, reasonable manager who could hold a diverse locker room. He is married to Soraya, a lifestyle writer working in Joongyeong, with their son Clement playing for RC Khenikech and the national team.

Starting XI
GK - Jules Ekoko - M - 33 - Taqwaa AC
CB - Serge Amrouche - M - 21 - Perce Town (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
CB - Arnaud Carcela - M - 30 - Pere-Benjelloun AC
CB - Samara Laroui - F - 23 - Montreal City (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
LB - Souleimane Soumare - M - 26 - Jeunesse Tan-Tan
CDM - Mustapha Benzakour - M - 18 - Mipojoseon (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
RB - Nesma Elalamy - F - 27 - Keloudjm Sakane
CM - Shukriya Benzakour - F - 24 - Avanaroch White Wings (Tikariot)
CM - Yassine Yaktine - M - 31 - Karagi Jets (Acadiana)
CF - Nouria Diouri - F - 18 - St. John’s Arsenal (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
SS - Muaz Joumari - M - 24 - Olympique de Rimouski (Quebec and Shingoryeo)

Substitutes:
GK - Presnel Kweon Haldane - M - 18 - Swangard Athletic (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
GK - Lubaid Salem - M - 26 - RC Pont-Rouge (Acadiana)
LB - Morgan Rose - M - 20 - Etoile-Rouge
CB - Fahimah Lamrani - F - 31 - Keloudjm Sakane
CB - Remy Cizeron - M - 24 - Pere-Bellejoun AC
CB - Hakima Bourkia - F - 20 - Jeunesse Tan-Tan
RB - Lounes Belkacem - M - 28 - Baie-Verte (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
RB/LB - Ayham Gallab - M - 23 - Raynor City FC (Valanora - League One)
DM - Florent Boudiaf - M - 35 - Murranbulla Hearts (Acadiana)
CM/DM - Laila Trabelsi Mangane - F - 22 - Club Internationale de Kajaia
CM - Clement Assidon - M - 17 - Racing Club Khenikech
CM - Barkad Assaraf - M - 28 - Daedonggang 3.26 (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
FW - Rachida Wafula-Hadjif - F - 24 - l'Etoile-Verte
FW - Mamadou Abderrahmane - M - 30 - Keloudjm Sakane

RP Permission: Flexible. I'll be fine with most things, but just ask if you have anything specific in mind. Best bet would be to TG or PM Quebec and Shingoryeo on Discord as he responds quicker there.

by **Lozho** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:30 am

Welcome to VisitLozho.com!
Presented by: Lozho's Superb Hospitality, Hotels and Hostels Board

ABOUT

Welcome to Lozho! A large country in Esportiva with bustling cities, exquisite countryside and friendly citizens, we have everything one looks for in a tourist trip. Whether you're interested in hiking up the Mazerati Highlands, relaxing on the sunny beaches of Shezhen, or even catching a prestigious game of football in the Lozho First Division, you'll never be disappointed by what we have to offer.

With the upcoming Lozho's Premium Huts and Shacks Inc. Presents: The 1st Annual President's Birthday Cup being hosted in Ghezhan, many of you would be focused on Lozho's biggest city. However, while you're here, we also want you to visit the rest of our fantastic nation! With that, VisitLozho (Presented by Lozho's Superb Hospitality, Hotels and Hostels Board: is formally launching the Get to Know Your Counties campaign. Each one of Lozho's eight counties (and one autonomous territory) are unique and worth a visit, so in this campaign we will explore them in depth.

OURMAP

(OOC: Really sorry for the low quality image and crudely made borders ;_;)

Here's our wonderful map! Here are the names of our counties:

This is the autonomous territory of Kings Park. A tiny crown dependency far off the rest of Lozho, it is home to passionate sports fans and cattle farmers.
This is the Isle of Alcatraz. Home to a large population of Pelicans, our national animal, the Isle of Alcatraz is home to many holiday resorts, casinos, and pelican reserves.
This is Shezhen. Home to Lozho's second-biggest city Shezhen, this county is one of the most developed regions in the area. Home to Lollywood, 18th-century Lozhoan architecture and a poet every ten metres, the 'cultural hub' of Lozho is one you shouldn't miss.
This is Langhashire. A rural area with many factories, farms and factory farms, most famously the Langhan Chocolates factory. To experience unique Lozhoan cuisine, this is a must-visit!
This is Buttland. A very rural area consisting mostly of pig farms, Buttland is home to various 'new towns' such as Catroza and Barzwich which are rapidly growing. The county is also home to the Mazerati Highlands, a group of picturesque mountains with many hiking trails and rich histories.
This is Drezhainzhire. Home to steel mills, coal mines and call centres, Drezhainzhire is the go-to place for cheap hardware and other Lozhoan products. The Zelda P Pumzey Natural History Museum in Drezhain is also one of the major tourist attractions of the nation, with the only fully-completed Pozzosaurus skeleton found here.
This is Xaxlan. The only place in Lozho where the Xaxls are the majority ethnic group, Xaxlan is renowned for its architecture, jewellery and affinity for badminton.
This is Ghezhan. Home to the sprawling metropolis and capital city Ghezhan, this place is an amalgamation of everything you love about Lozho: sports, money and Sozha Soda. Also the political centre of the nation, this county leads the others in shredders-per-capita.
This is Gubldyz. The origin of famous brands, come check out the infamous Pazklub Nightclub, catch a game featuring Lozho's most successful football team Protchen United, or even munch on the signature Gubldyz Nuts. Fun for the whole family!

In the coming days, in-depth profiles will be created on each of the above places. Watch this space!

by **Aureumterra III** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:23 am

Aureumterra 1

Aureumterra’s Football Team Heads to Mertagne

January 10th, 2023

POTENS - The Aureumterran national football team set off to travel to Mertagne early this morning. The team will be participating in the 80th Baptism of Fire, which will also be the first international Association Football competition that the team has participated in four years. Due to the breakout of hostilities with neighboring countries and sanctions over recent events, the Empire has not found the opportunity to participate in recent regional Association Football leagues, and makes its first appearance on a global scale now in Mertagne.

Despite the gap in competition however, the team has continued their regular training schedule while the players have continued playing for their clubs. "I don’t believe we are at any sort of disadvantage due to our hiatus in competitions. The guys have been working hard, and we have made it a point not to slip up at all." Manager and head coach Magnus Thrane commented at he airport before leaving. "We are more than just a sports team - we represent the Empire, our Faith, our way of life to the world, and this is a sacred duty that we hold dear to our hearts."

The team captain is once again Fritz Dalgaard, top scorer in all of Aureumterra, who will be playing as a forward in the starting eleven, "I’m mostly just pumped to be back on the field in that checkered shirt at last, it’s been a while since we competed, so it’s an exciting moment for all of us." When asked about the team’s prospects against countries which have actively participated in many previous international competitions, he commented, "It doesn’t matter who you compete against, football is football. We have been hard at work practicing the entire time, and all of us have been dedicated to our clubs as well. It will only take the first whistle and we’ll be back in our jive again."

The first game against Varavel is expected to be one of the most viewed television events of the year, as for many football fans it is the return of their beloved "Checker Boys" after a long hiatus. However, there is undoubtedly a tough road ahead for them as they square off against numerous adept teams in the group stage. Nevertheless, they are followed by their most dedicated fans, traveling to Mertagne right behind their team, giving them a feeling of home abroad as they face off against the world. It seems the world will finally once again hear the enthusiastic chants of "Mål mål skakbræt!" once again.

by **Kirungabi** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:42 am

Understanding Kirungabi: What’s In a Name?

IMISOZI - Detail-oriented sports fans across the multiverse might have noticed how varied the etymologies of Kirungan athletes' names may be, with Anglophone, indigenous, and Francophone names all coming together to paint a unique picture of Kirungabi's past and present. What viewers may not realize, however, is how telling a Kirungan's name can be to describe their ethnicity, age, place of birth, and even their family's history. Though rapid regime change, periods of forced Barebare exile, civil war and genocide, and changing legislation have stunted the natural evolution of Kirungan naming customs across the past century, the names of Kirungabi's people have become, as a result, more personal, diverse, and descriptive than ever.

"Kirungan given names are most commonly Anglophone, Francophone, or Kinyabirunga, and whichever one is given to an individual greatly depends on their ethnicity," describes Sara Nyamutembe, a Kinyabirunga Studies professor at University of Imisozi. "By extension, a person's ethnicity can usually reveal a lot about their background: their family's occupation, their time during the Ikzozimbi¹, their place of birth, et cetera. For these reasons, a Kirungan's name is almost like an identity card: knowing their name and some details about their lives, it's sometimes possible to get a clear image of what kind of person they are, and what kind of family they come from.

Anglophone names

According to Nyamutembe, this is the fastest growing name group in Kirungabi, after President Innocent Uburiganya scrapped a 1976 law, drafted by the genocidal Fupi government of Siwazuri Ubwenge and Grégoire Gicumuro, which outlawed the assignment of Anglophone names to newborns. "The government of the People's Republic of Democratic Kirungabi prohibited Barebare parents to honor their customs by giving their children Anglophone names," says Nyamutembe. "They were seen as 'anti-Kirungan' for evoking memories of the brief Barebare-Anglophone period of rule in the Dominion of Thousand Hills, and it was legislation which contributed to the rise of Fupi and Barebare tensions during the eighties." Nowadays, the Kirungabi Bureau of Statistics (KBS) estimates that 74% of all Fupi born since 2000, the year the law was eliminated, have been assigned Anglophone names. The remaining percentage is almost entirely comprised of Kinyabirunga names, with a near-insignificant portion corresponding to Francophone-origin names. "The recent change in legislation essentially guarantees that a Kirungan with an English given name is at most 23 years of age," Professor Nyamutembe says. "A Kirungan with an English name who is older than this was either registered late in their local civil registry office, or was either born before 1976 or somewhere abroad." The Barebare professor confirms she was born outside of Kirungabi in the PRDK period, and adds: "what an English name can very certainly suggest, in any case, is that the person is Barebare."

Francophone names

This name origin, on the other hand, is very often associated with the majority Fupi ethnicity, and it is the largest name origin in the country by a significant margin. "The Dominion of Mille-Collines, which was the Francophone administration of what is today Kirungabi, was the first and longest-lived period of colonial rule in the country, and it was marked by an intensive period of cultural assimilation with the colonizers' customs," Nyamutembe says. "Even though the First Kirungan Revolt, against the Francophones, was mounted by Kirungan independence forefather Mutoni Mwanzilishi, a Fupi himself, Fupi Kirungans were also responsible for the bloodier Second Kirungan Revolt against the Anglophone-Barebare administrators of the Dominion of Thousand Hills. This animosity towards the Anglophone settlers and the Barebare meant that Francophone names always prevailed among Fupi." Though the popularity of Francophone names is waning as Anglophone names return to Kirungabi, Nyamutembe assures that Fupi almost exclusively continue to give their children almost Francophone names. "If somebody has a Francophone name, they are most likely Fupi, even considering the existence of legislation before the year 2000; if they are younger than 23 years of age, then they are most certainly Fupi."

Kinyabirunga names

Kinyabirunga is a rapidly growing name origin, though during and since the civil war, these names have taken on new cultural meanings. "Historically, Kinyabirunga names were often qualitative, and evocative of the person one's parents wanted them to be," explains Nyamutembe. "Names such as Mutoni ('kind'), Siwazuri ('the good one'), or Munyentwali ('warrior') were not uncommon before the start of the civil war; they were commonplace among Barebare under the People's Republic of Democratic Kirungabi, and were indiscriminate among urban or rural populations. Having said this, it was also common, but only among rural Barebare, to give children descriptive names according to current events. For instance, the name Mukobwajana, meaning 'you brought a girl', is a good example of this, and a name which a family with all-male children would give to their first-born daughter."

However, as ethnic tensions rose from Fupi against Barebare, and living in Democratic Kirungabi became more and more hostile for the minority ethnicity, naming customs began to change. Barebare Kinyabirunga names became more and more descriptive as time went on and hostilities continued to rise, and the urban-rural divide between qualitative and descriptive names faded. "Nowadays, as Barebare and Fupi alike have enjoyed over two decades of peace under President Innocent Uburiganya, Kinyabirunga names have slowly returned to their qualitative roots, but the effect of the civil war is plain to see among young adults," Nyamutembe claims. "A lot of Kirungan athletes sponsored by Kirungabi Itangira Guhera have names which illustrate this: think of Yaradukijije [Rutaganda, WGP3 Auruna], meaning 'he saved us', or Nsengiyumva [Umuhoza, athletics]: 'I pray to a God that hears'." Oftentimes, Barebare received Kinyabirunga given names and surnames, when one or both parents did not wish to retain the family name. "These names are more uncommon, but most widespread among families most affected by the Ikzozimbi, and are usually seen in rural areas" Nyamutembe says. "For instance, men's runner Ngabo Kubohora, whose full name means 'they freed us', describes his mother's rescue by the Kirungabi Barebare Liberation Front during the end of the civil war, when Ngabo was a newborn and his mother a recent widow."

In short, a Kirungan with a Kinyabirunga name cannot be assured to be of a particular ethnicity, affirms Nyamutembe, but the meaning of their name can suggest the context of their birth, their family, or the experiences of their parents. "A Kinyabirunga name should be studied in the context of a person's age and place of birth to identify significant information about them," she assures. "These factors could suggest a person was anything from born into wealth to poor, rural, and a victim of ethnic violence." Characteristics such as these mean that most descriptive Kinyabirunga names are given to Barebare individuals, but when considering qualitative names, "anything goes."

Understanding Kirungabi is a series devised by the Kirungabi Itangira Guhera Cultural Commission, with significant input from the Sporting, Tourism and Recreation, and Societal Affairs commissions, destined for the enrichment of Kirungan culture across the multiverse. Join Radiotélévision publique de Kirungabi in exploring the culture, customs, and traditions which the Barebare and Fupi people of Kirungabi keep dear.

Muhanga Kampororo, KIG Cultural Commission undersecretary

¹Ikzozimbi, lit. 'nightmare', is the colloquial Kinyabirunga term for the Fupi genocide of the Barebare.

by **Obrela** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 1:05 pm

Breaking News and Line Up
A group of players in the Obrelan side have been discovered to have been taking performance enhancing drugs. They have been excluded from the team for the whole group stage, including a very important midfielder: Hana Chasey. With no other midfielders available for the game, Obrela have had to switch players, with youngster forward Rowan Langstaff coming in to play in the midfield. Zachary Miyashimo returns as captain. The full lineup is as follows:

And the strip:

Back home in Obrela, things have reached fever pitch, with gatherings in front of large screens occurring up and down the island in city centres. The atmosphere is just as good in the streets of Mertagne, with blue and yellow faces being seen all around the city, usually accompanied by the chant of “Seafarers, seafarers, tutu'u, tutu’u,”

by **Tanirinthia** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 1:06 pm

Tanirinthia Baptism of Fire 80 Roster

The Mighty Oaks

Style Mod: +2

Goalkeepers	Defenders	Midfielders	Strikers
Elmer Marshall* Vanessa Burke Jacqueline Cress	Percival Manning* Alma Menzie* Raven Medina* Davy Barrett Regina Newman Nancy Fleming	Ferris Dixon* Viola Wheeler* Sophia O'Brien* Bud Barnett* Edmond Barker Roderick Woolery Jack Bell Derick Burgess	Violet Bacchus* Bridget Payne* Lark Holt* Erin Rodgers Pat Hancock Hayden Bishop Lonnie Wolfe

* - Denotes likely starter

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: No
Generate stadium happenings: Yes

by **Ascvalion** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:59 pm

George Asano exhaled as the Team's plane lifted off the runway; he could not wrap his head around the past three months. He's still in High school but has made it to his state team Eastwood United, and is now on the National Team. The Japanese-Ascvalian had a modest childhood like most other Ascvalians; with his parents earning a healthy amount of Credits to live on, his dad worked an excellent job in engineering. Despite that, the young boy's footballing life began with his friends making homemade footballs out of socks, then dribbling said ball through their town to ensure it did not touch the ground. However, what truly cemented his desire to play Football was when he was 6, and he saw his grandfather tearing up; it turned out to be an international final that Ascvalion had lost 5-2. Asano promised his grandad that he would join the Ascvalian National Team and win the world cup.

Asano unknowingly made a name for himself in High school earlier this year after winning a county Tournament final, scoring 5 goals, which caught the attention of Jurgen Schlieffen, the Manager of Eastwood United. While at Eastwood, Asano didn't win that year's championship; but he caught the attention of Connor Brooks after giving Mark Hale, the star player of Vallengard United, a run for his money. Brooks was recently selected to be the Co-Coach of the Ascvalian national team and suggested Asano for the roster to newly appointed Coach Jean-Pierre Chaufourier.

Jean-Pierre wasn't easily convinced; his main concern was Asano's young age and lack of professional experience. That was his concern for many of the players, and he genuinely wanted the best of the best that Ascvalion could offer. So Jean-Pierre made a Call for an Audition Tournament with lightning rounds to pick the Members. The following month was hell for the players, with barely any breathing time between games, it got so bad that Asano was excused from school work by Southton High, and his classmates and neighbors sent gifts galore and words of encouragement to help him through the stressful time. The results were picked on goals scored, intercepts, saves, and so forth, depending on the player's position.

The month passed, and Asano sat with his friends and family in front of their tv, watching the Ranking ceremony. He then received a call from none other than Chancellor Anthony McCarthy informing him that the coach expected him at practice the following week at Vallengard but didn't tell Asano What Rank he got. The ceremony went as follows.

Jean-Pierre: Rank 1 in forward positions is….
He unwraps a piece of Paper
Jean-Pierre: Mark Hale #10 from Ithilgard
Connor Brooks: Rank 2 in Forward Positions is….
He unwraps a piece of Paper
Connor Brooks: Saul De-Paul #8 from Vanwick
Jean-Pierre: Rank 3 in forward positions is….
He unwraps a piece of Paper.
Jean-Pierre: George Asano #7 from Riverside-

Asano couldn't even hear the rest, for as Jean-Pierre finished saying his name Asano was suddenly swarmed by his Friends and Family congratulating him. His Father, John Asano, Cheered his son's praises, his Mother, Kim Asano, Wept with joy for her son, his high school team broke out the drinks in celebration, and his childhood friend Susan Coulthard smothered him in a kiss. And, if you were unaware of the context, you would have assumed the town of Riverside had seen the messiah returning; they cheered so loud. But his Grandpa's reaction was the most precious to him; Kano Asano said, "Oh, Great Commonwealth that gave me a new start and has shed for my family and me. May my Grandson Spread your glory outwards!"

On the other hand, George Asano knew he did okay but thought he was going to the reserves, not ranked 3rd next to Hale and De-Paul. Those two were (and still are) his favorite players back in Freshman year; those two getting on the Team? Obviously! Asano being their teammate? What?!
After spending the rest of the year training, Here Asano sat on the plane, Mark Hale on his Right and Saul De-Paul on his left; they not only just called him their teammate but as their friend on top. Amano was initially intimidated by them and the 7' 4" tall Hakeem, who towered over the 5' 11" Riverside native by quite a margin. But had been put at ease with their easygoing attitude off the pitch, which made him feel welcomed.
"Don't be afraid to stumble; we'll pick you up just like you pick us up when we stumble." Mark Hale had told Asano one of those days

Asano had also seen a video from his friend Susan Coulthard showing flights from Ascvalion being swarmed with countless Football fans. Chanting a new song that apparently had added the entire starting team to a familiar tune, as well as the national anthem 'I Vow To Thee.'

Hale had seen this and smiled at the overwhelming support of his countrymen, who were estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of fans just going to Mertagne alone. The Team held their heads high with pride for their Country and Countrymen and immediately went to sleep because it was going to be a long flight.

by **Mertagne** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 3:02 pm

Matchday One Scores

Group A
Obrela 2–1 Inkwellistan @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00. Scientists were conducting Turtle Communication Experiments on the away stand, displacing fans of Inkwellistan to other seats in the stadium.
CONGOlese Republic 3–5 Archalit @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00.
Aureumterra III 1–0 Varavel @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00.
Illiryja 0–1 Naixi @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00. Promoters for a local nightclub handed out free entry passes to fans entering the stadium.

Group B
Lionsroar 0–3 Novaros @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00.
Patriotlandia 2–1 Depivik @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00. A tugboat accidentally pulled a cruise ship past the stadium during the match. Cruisers were able to watch the match from the port side of the ship.
Greater Kamilistan 1–0 St Saratoga @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00. Students were peacefully protesting about the injustices of the multiverse outside the stadium before the match.
Oflia 0–3 The Cannaland Islands @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00.

Group C
Gran Saguaro 2–2 Ryfenia @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00.
New Portland Republic 1–0 Al-Tamazgha @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00. Huayramarcan fans filled the neutral stands to support New Portland Republic.
Kirungabi 1–1 Aeragny @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00. Second half delayed due to lightbulb change.
Saperetia 2–0 Super Top @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00.

Group D
Srubnaya Culture 1–2 Lozho @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00. One young person from Lozho was interviewed by local television, and they mentioned that they were terrified of the gargoyles on the gothic wall of the stadium.
Ascvalion 3–0 Okerne @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.
Katterimunk 6–3 United Bongo States of America @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00. Katterimunk successfully 'captured the arch' by scoring more than five goals, becoming the second international team to do so in WCC competition.
Bubiyan and Warbah 0–1 British Covelandia @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 17:00. The match was delayed due to a torrential rain storm.

Matchday Two Scores

Group A
Varavel 0–3 Illiryja @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00.
Archalit 4–3 Aureumterra III @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00.
Inkwellistan 2–3 CONGOlese Republic @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00. During halftime, a large disturbance occurred in the stands as two fans got married.
Ile de Richelieu 1–0 Obrela @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00

.   Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Archalit                         2   2  0  0    9   6  +3    6
 2 Illiryja                         2   1  0  1    3   1  +2    3
 3 Ile de Richelieu                 1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
   Naixi                            1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
 5 Aureumterra III                  2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
   Obrela                           2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
 7 CONGOlese Republic               2   1  0  1    6   7  −1    3
 8 Inkwellistan                     2   0  0  2    3   5  −2    0
 9 Varavel                          2   0  0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group B
St Saratoga 0–0 Oflia @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00. The national anthems for each team were swapped by accident.
Depivik 0–1 Greater Kamilistan @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00.
Novaros 2–1 Patriotlandia @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00.
Tanirinthia 3–1 Lionsroar @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00.

.   Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Novaros                          2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6
 2 Greater Kamilistan               2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
 3 The Cannaland Islands            1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
 4 Tanirinthia                      1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
 5 Patriotlandia                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
 6 St Saratoga                      2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
 7 Oflia                            2   0  1  1    0   3  −3    1
 8 Depivik                          2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0
 9 Lionsroar                        2   0  0  2    1   6  −5    0

Group C
Aeragny 0–2 Saperetia @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00.
Al-Tamazgha 0–1 Kirungabi @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00.
Ryfenia 1–4 New Portland Republic @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00.
Borisuelo 2–0 Gran Saguaro @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00. Canvas on the stands designated for Borisuelo’s fans were being washed, and therefore the stand appeared ‘naked’.

.   Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 New Portland Republic            2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6
   Saperetia                        2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6
 3 Kirungabi                        2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
 4 Borisuelo                        1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
 5 Aeragny                          2   0  1  1    1   3  −2    1
   Gran Saguaro                     2   0  1  1    2   4  −2    1
 7 Ryfenia                          2   0  1  1    3   6  −3    1
 8 Al-Tamazgha                      2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0
   Super Top                        1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group D
United Bongo States of America 4–4 Bubiyan and Warbah @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00. Neutral fans burned a Mertagnian flag during the match as an act of protest against the tournament.
Okerne 2–4 Katterimunk @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.
Lozho 2–3 Ascvalion @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.
Strayan Rus 0–3 Srubnaya Culture @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00.

.   Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Katterimunk                      2   2  0  0   10   5  +5    6
 2 Ascvalion                        2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
 3 Srubnaya Culture                 2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
 4 British Covelandia               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
 5 Lozho                            2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
 6 Bubiyan and Warbah               2   0  1  1    4   5  −1    1
 7 United Bongo States of America   2   0  1  1    7  10  −3    1
 8 Strayan Rus                      1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
 9 Okerne                           2   0  0  2    2   7  −5    0

Your prompt for matchdays three and four is a little… EMBARRASSING. Mertagne is no stranger to looking foolish on the world stage. Have key figures in your nation ever done anything to embarrass themselves in front of their peers or the international community? How did they react to this? An explosive outburst, or perhaps a quiet resentment? Have members of your nation perhaps suffered others embarrassment instead?

by **Obrela** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 4:06 pm

Matchday 1: Obrela 2 - 1 Inkwellistan

The Dolphins started the tournament on a high in front of a nearly full crowd at the Ring Tank Stadium. There were a few grumbles in the crowd about having to make room for the dislocated Inkwellistan fans, but they were too excited about the game to care. The game started with an Inkwellistan goal at 22 minutes when a through pass slipped its way between the two defensive midfielders leading up to a clean strike at the edge of the penalty area by no. 9 that Hiroki just couldn't reach.

After a few chances gone wide for Obtela, halftime came and went and the atmosphere started to flag slightly. It had only just set in how big of a challenge this would be for the island nation. No. 11 of Inkwellistan gets a yellow card which leads to the Seafarers closest chance of the game, just tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.

Then, finally, at 74 minutes Yuko Miyura gets a much needed goal with a solo run down the wing and a sensational crossed shot. The crowd went wild. Still no-one knows if it was a cross or a shot, but the fans don't care. It was a crucial goal.

Two minutes after that, the Inkwellistan goalkeeper gets a card for foul play, which starts a small fight between the two sides. Shira is dragged away by his teammates and also carded.

Then to their surprise and delight, a second goal comes from Miyura in the 89th minute! The Obrelan end goes into orbit. Surely they've won it now!

After a card for Inkwellistan no. 9 in the 91st minute, the final whistle blows and the players celebrate with their fans.

Matchday 2: Ile de Richelieu 1–0 Obrela

Still riding the high from yesterday's win against Inkwellistan, the Seafarers arrive in the mountain city of Claviers with a cautious enthusiasm.

Compared to yesterday's game, today's isn't as action packed on paper, but there is quality football being played from both sides, with it being an end to end affair. Frances picked up a yellow card in the 25th minute for foul play, and the half concludes with Richelieu peppering Hiroki with shots, most being deflected.

After signs of an Obrelan comeback started to show in the second half, a tap in from Dahlen from 6 yards out took the wind out of their sails (no pun intended). After a yellow card for Grendahl-Kalberg and one for the youngster Langstaff, the final whistle was blown and it ended 1-0 to Richelieu.

by **Srubnaya culture** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:27 pm

Match Day 1 (2-1 Loss)

The first two match days had concluded, and the Srubnayan Soccer team had gone 0.500 to start, much better than the first tournament, but it wasn't the best Srubnaya could do. As the team went to their hotel rooms the GM had logged onto social media to see many srubnayan fans showing their love for the players.

He thought about how the backfields and goalie allowed Paxton Obamovich to score two goals on Srubnaya in the game agianst Lohzo. One at the 43-minute mark and another at the 89-minute mark. If the second goal didnt happen there would have been a chance to win overtime, as Uxtamazata Neapolis had scored a goal at the 47-minute mark, not long after half time ended. There were things that could have been done to avoid that final goal, like the back fielders not charging forward when the ball was contested, which would have stopped Obamovich from being wide open in those crucial moments of that game.

Match Day 2 ( 3-0 Victory)

The game against the Strayan Rus was different however, Uxtamazata Neopolis scored two goals, one at 9:57 and the other at 30:46 while Amatticus Saulius scored a goal at 84:27. During this game the defense didnt make the same mistakes that they made in the previous game, and the Goalie Ariapeithes Kozlov ended up having 2 saves to show for his effort. That game is what many Srubnaya fans had been robbed of in the independent's tournament, so seeing it here made many forget about the horrible performance against Lozho. Many at home celebrated the fact Srubnaya had finally won a game and national pride skyrocketed.

Srubnaya Culture vs Lozho 1-2

Srubnaya Culture vs Strayan Rus 3-0

Training/Recuperation Day

Srubnaya Culture vs Ascvalion

Srubnaya Culture vs Katterimunk

Srubnaya Culture vs Bubiyan and Warbah

Sruvnaya Culture vs Great Britain (Covelandia)

Srubnaya Culture vs United Bongo States of America

Srubnaya Culture vs Okerne

by **New Portland Republic** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 7:00 pm

A letter to the Mertagnian Government

From: The Portlandian House of “Elected” Officials, 539 Klamath Street, Klamathia

To: InterestingStreetNameInMertagne, Dannin, Mertagne

Hello,

First of all, we thank the Mertagnian Government for allowing us to ~~beat the living shit out of Ryfenia~~ participate in this tournament. It has truly been an honor to show our presence as ~~a world force in football~~ a new football association with a blossoming squad.

However, we were queried by Mertagnian editors on whether we have embarrassed ourselves on the world stage. ~~The answer is a resounding yes~~ We have not only never been beaten on the international stage, but the “Elected Officials” would like to reinforce that we can simply, not be embarrassed in front of any other nation.

If Mertagne would like to imply that Portlandia has ever been embarrassed, then the leader of the “Anarcho Fascist Party” of Portlandia, who currently holds a majority of seats in the house, would like to challenge Mertagne to a friendly match after the conclusion of Portlandia’s 1st place finish in the Baptism of Fire. Of course, we would prefer Mertagne to bring their national team at full strength, we wouldn’t want anyone to be too embarrassed.

Once again, thanks for letting our men come to Mertagne. We would like to note that our banks have noticed a large amount of transactions from our reserve midfielders to men wearing tracksuits and beanies with hair transplants, but we are sure it is nothing to worry about, our players have very clean records back at home, due to ~~every policeman in Portlandia being on the FA’s payroll~~ Zubeldía’s tight control of his squad.

Thank you once again, and we hope that Mertagne supports Portlandia on their glorious run to win winning the Baptism of Fire.

New Portland Republic 1-0 Al-Tamgazha
New Portland Republic:
 McBride 23’
 Williams 61’
 None
 Blair 58’ Bush 87’
 Howard 58’ Buchanan 67’

Al-Tamgazha:
 None
 Laroui 57’
 None
 Yaktinne 59’ Soumare 81’
 Assidon 59’ Rose 81’


New Portland Republic 4-1 Ryfenia
New Portland Republic:
 McBride 11’ Williamson 53’, 59’ Padilla 81’
 None
 None
 Williamson 83’
 Howard 83’



Ryfenia:
 None
 Midfielder 1 57’
 None
 Midfielder 3 78’
 Midfielder 5 78’

by **The Cannaland Islands** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 7:36 pm

Oflia 0–3 The Cannaland Islands @ Crater Field, Claviers.
Thlima "23
Thlima "45+1
Young "62
(idk if i am able to set goal scorers or times yet so please lmk if i'm doing anything in this post match summary)
Yellow Cards: 2 (Wyaçis-Çaskïwy, Cannaland, Defender 1, Oflia)
Red Cards: 0
Subs: Seçå > Oqaç "21 Matsorëm > Young HT Robinson > Jeresk "80

Recollection of Etsordz Thlima, Striker who scored 2 goals against Oflia.

As the players arrived in Claviers and set up shop in their hotel rooms, Etsordz Thlima couldn't help but recollect on his past. He is the highest scoring player in the (quite short) Cannalandic soccer history with 17 goals since the foundation of the team in 2021. He has appeared in all but 3 matches tying Dharqas Óstsmçel (Forward), Gyäësk Wyaçis-Çaskíwy, and Qaskaz Matsorëm for most caps at 20.

Star striker for añ'Äçomthlge of the Diamond League, he has lead the team to 2 wins and 1 draw by Matchday 5 and sitting comfortable even above FC Casea. He has brought a team so close to relegation last season to glory. His trade from Westland FC of the Ostrali Premier League was one of the greatest decisions of añ'Äçomthlge's management.

Thlima was born in 1998 in Peak Island, a rural and mountainous city boasting a population of just around 120 thousand, still making it the 5th largest city in Cannaland behind Jrok'k (4), Lakeand (3), Mowalortth (2) and Casea (1). He was signed by Peak Island FC of the then National League in 2013 onto their youth squad. He was promoted to first team in 2015. and led the team to a league title in a thrilling 1-1 match against FC Casea ending in penalties. He moved to Westland and retired shortly from Soccer after the death of his father and after 3 years was signed by Westland FC. He played in Westland from 2018-2021 until his signing by añ'Äçomthlge.

Thlima is to be awarded the Kaàl I Award for Civil Excellency for "Being a great inspiration for all Cannalandics and people around the world via their talent in the sport of Soccer. Scoring 2 goals in our first non-regional match against Oflia, and for showing sportsmanship and dignity on the pitch." -Ëkòmaç I

Message to the Fans, and to the Players of the Confederation of the Cannaland Islands, and the Kingdom of Oflia

From the Head Coach of the Confederation of the Cannaland Islands Men's National Soccer Team, Thleq Ïqaal.
Well done boys. What a show that was put on today. It is unfortunate how early Wygàld Seçå was substituted but i understand what had to be done, had to be done. Well done to Oflia for putting up outstanding effort even if it didn't seem like it on paper. This is truly a great moment for Cannalandic Soccer. Etsordz Thlima will be awarded with a medal from the King himself for his outstanding job and cultural contributions during this game. Yeo Yongsun and Young Jeong-Hae will return home as the first Rehandic players in an intl. tournament; Johnathon Daniels , and Tyler Simmons will also go home as the first Ostrali and Scedic players respectively.
Ynak Gyesmeçïqjáñ is recovering nicely and will be fit to play by the end of the group stage.
Thank you to Mertagne for hosting such a tournament, thank you to the players of Cannaland and Oflia, thank you to the match officials and the hotel staff and everyone who has helped us along the way, as i have said before, to make it as far to get a win in the International stage, is a huge milestone for Cannaland and this one win is cause for celebration nationwide.
-Thleq Ïqaal, Head Coach of the Cannaland National Team.

by **Archalit** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:34 pm

CONGOlese Republic v Archalit
The first game started off with a bang, as Congo's John Messi scored a goal in the first minute of play with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box. Archalit quickly responded, with Duke Sondas delivering a perfectly placed cross to Kanoa Faye, who headed it into the back of the net in the fifth minute. The game continued with both teams trading blows, with Louis Zuarez scoring another goal for Congo in the 27th minute, and Hazy Marbula scoring a goal for Archalit in the 35th minute.

As the game progressed, it seemed that Congo was gaining the upper hand, with John Messi delivering a beautiful assist to Peynar Hernandez in the 41st minute for the third goal. But just as Congo was about to take control of the game, Archalit's Ethan San scored an incredible corner kick in the 44th minute to reverse the initiative.

The second half was just as intense, with both teams fighting hard for the win. Congo's defense seemed to falter, as Archalit's Duke Sondas scored a goal off a brilliant free kick in the 63rd minute. Congo's Louis Zuarez tried to respond, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced out. Archalit sealed the win with a goal from Hazy Marbula in the 80th minute, who finished off a beautiful counter-attack.

The game ended with a 5-3 score for Archalit, in an intense and exciting back-and-forth match.

Archalit vs Aureumterra III

The second game started off with a strong defensive showing from both teams, with neither side able to find a way to score in the first half. However, in the second half, things began to heat up. Archalit's Kanoa Faye managed to score the first goal of the game in the 55th minute with a powerful header, off of a well-placed cross from Hazy Marbula.

Auremterra III quickly responded, with captain Fritz Dalgaard scoring in the 62nd minute with a stunning long-range shot that beat Archalit's goalkeeper Roland Baker. But Archalit's Terry Yang struck back in the 65th minute, with a brilliant solo effort that saw him weaving past several of Auremterra III's defenders before slotting the ball past Mikkel Jensen.

The game continued to be a back-and-forth battle, with both teams creating numerous chances. However, in the 75th minute, Archalit's Kanoa Faye managed to score a bizarre goal, when a pass from her teammate Nyx Phantasma deflected off of Faye's back and into the net, catching Mikkel Jensen and the rest of the Auremterra III defense off guard.

Auremterra III continued to push forward, and in the 83rd minute, Artur Royse scored a goal with a shot that looped over Roland Baker's head and into the net, Archalit's defense was caught off guard by the unexpected strike.

But Archalit was able to hold on and secure the win with a goal from Jose Gee in the added time. Gee was able to make his way into the box, and put the ball into the back of the net with a well-placed shot that sailed past Mikkel Jensen's outstretched hand.

The final score was 4-3 in favor of Archalit, leaving the memory of this wild game in the heads of the fans.

-----

Embarrassment

Kanoa Faye: "Oh god, did you hear the news about the king?"

Duke Sondas: "What? What are you talking about?"

Kanoa Faye: "Apparently there was footage of him after the game against Auremterra, right?"

Duke Sondas: "Sure, and?"

Kanoa Faye: "THEY GOT FOOTAGE OF THE KING MAKING MICKEY MOUSE NOISES"

Duke Sondas: "what"

Kanoa Faye: "It's the funniest thing, he was like laughing in joy or something and he was going like 'OHOHOHOOOOH LOL'"

...

Duke Sondas: "Oh my god, it's real."

Kanoa Faye: "It is, and it's hilarious."

Duke Sondas: "God, I'm getting second-hand embarrassment just watching it."

Gina Ellis: "Hey, are you guys talking about the video?"

Kanoa Faye: "Yep. Great, isn't it?"

-----

Reporter: "Kanoa, congratulations on the win today. Can you tell us about your second goal? It seemed to come out of nowhere."

Kanoa Faye: "Yeah, it was definitely a lucky one. Nyx sent in a pass, and I was just trying to get a foot on it, but it ended up deflecting off my back and into the goal. I'm just glad it ended up helping the team in the end."

Reporter: "How would you describe the team's performance against Aureumterra?"

Kanoa Faye: "I think we had a strong showing. We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we were able to keep our heads in the game and grind out the win. We had some good opportunities and we capitalized on them when they came."

Reporter: "You guys are on top of group A as of right now. How do you see the rest of the tournament shaping up for your team?"

Kanoa Faye: "We're taking it one game at a time. But we're feeling confident and we know that if we can keep playing like we did today, we'll be able to make a strong run in the tournament."

Reporter: "One last question. Have you seen the video of King Bruscius?"

They share a chuckle.

Kanoa Faye: "Yeah, uh, I was just talking about it with Duke. I think we can all understand the energy he had at least."

Reporter: "Well, thanks for your time, Kanoa, and good luck in the next match."

Kanoa Faye: "Thanks! Appreciate it."

by **Patriotlandia** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 10:09 pm

Page 6
The seas were eerily calm this morning. The crew had already started to prepare for the day. As I enjoyed the morning air and walked the deck. I needed to relieve myself. I looked around and saw noone. With my business well underway, the morning fog lifted and I suddenly found myself in full view of our sister ship, the Bételgeuse. To a myriad of laughter and insults, I hastily buttoned my garments hoping none had recognised me.

The winds were low, sails could be inspected and repaired as the voyage could be difficult. The trip could last from a few to several months. The cryptic woman at port wasn’t really precise. We would have more information if she hadn’t talked in nonsense. “Far away, beyond the eternal storm. A land of gold and opportunity” what in tarnation did she mean? Anatole, my Timonier told me there is no such land on any map of the region but if Captain Crotay is going after it so shall I. He will not beat me again. The people by the dock assured us that the Farnham Fox had only left a few days ago. With some luck and clever navigating we plan to claw our way back.

The Flambeau is still in great condition despite the years and mileage doing a number on the old barque. The masts and hull have seen more than enough storms but here we are going on another journey. We have never heard of any other crews sailing this way. WIth no maps and no guidance God only knows what we will find.

Results
Patriotlandia 2–1 Depivik

B. Langlais 34', 67'
Unknown, 56'
A brace from Bertrand Langlais led Patriotlandia ahead of Depivik in their opening match of the event.

Novaros 2–1 Patriotlandia

L. Graham 17'

Unknown, 25'
Unknown, 79'

Despite securing an early lead, the defense was not strong enough to keep the Novaros attackers at bay.

Upcoming Matches
----------------------------
Patriotlandia vs Tanirinthia
Lionsroar vs Patriotlandia

by **Naixi** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:11 am

Kian-Zhi Yuan frowned as he lifted the ice pack up off his aching right hip. Something wasn't right. He just had a funny feeling.

Splayed on his side on his hotel bed with a local Mertagnian television show loudly blaring in the background, he knew he had no real cause to feel a sense of doom. Here he was, in a very nice luxury lodge in the mountains just outside of the Claviers city limits, the late-summer indigo night sky glowing ever so faintly outside his window. He had, just 24 hours ago, captained the Naixi national team in its first ever competitive fixture here in Claviers, and the Blues had beaten Illiryja one-nil. To boot, he himself had bashed in the game's only goal in the 24th minute, finalizing a hectic scrum near the goal mouth. The ball had just lightly bounced out to him at the top of the 18-yard-box, so he put his laces through it and that was that.

But still, something was nagging at him. Maybe it was the hip? He'd badly injured it a few years back. His full time job was as a luggage handler at the Chumeichang International Airport, and three years ago he'd slipped on a slippery bit of pavement while carrying a particularly massive suitcase. He'd had pain and stiffness ever since, affecting his play style on the football pitch significantly (he just couldn't run like before). Or maybe it was the way things had gone in the second half last night? Sure, he'd scored the winner, but the second half was dire. Illiryja had actually had a man sent off for a second yellow card, but somehow that didn't translate into more possession for Kian-Zhi's side. Instead, the Blues found themselves desperately defending, against ten men, for large parts of the final half hour. Gan Liang hadn't liked that, and Kian-Zhi thought it was likely he'd be asked to say something about it to the team, as captain.

Neither of those are the problem, he thought to himself, nearly out loud. It was as though an omen of something strange and ghastly to come was descending into his thoughts from some dread realm. He turned up the volume on the show, hoping that would help. The TVs in this hotel had great sound systems.

Suddenly, he felt a nauseating vibration near his feet. What could it be? Some ghoulish hill creature of Mertagnian legend? An apparition come to warn Kian-Zhi of all that which would one day befall him? Perhaps, he wondered grimly, this awful spirit was here to tell him of the time and date when he would perish.

It was, in the end, only his cell phone, displaying an incoming call. Still, Kian-Zhi reckoned, this could yet be very bad news. Who calls anymore? Surely this was a doctor telling him his hip was getting much worse, or worse, Gan Liang telling him he was to blame for the bad second half.

KIEN-LUNG YUAN

Kien-Lung? That was Kian-Zhi's younger brother. He'd come along to the Baptism of Fire - most of the players had brought along family of some kind. But Kien-Lung was supposed to be out at a nightclub right now. He'd bumped into some kind of promotions intern for a local Claviers nightclub outside of Crater Field on his way in to the stadium to see his brother play, and apparently had scored a free entry pass. Kian-Zhi didn't know much about the place, aside from the fact that it was back in town, but then he hadn't bothered to ask Kien-Lung anything about it. Nightclubs weren't really Kian-Zhi's thing. Serious, detail-oriented, and sometimes anxious, he didn't care for the undulating crowds and eardrum-thudding baselines. Kien-Lung, on the other hand, fit the classic trope of a 23-year-old frat boy. A university graduate, Kien-Lung was good-looking and charismatic, and he knew it. Often prideful, he had a complicated relationship with his older brother, and it had only gotten more complicated since Kian-Zhi had been named captain of the national team (an honor Kien-Lung was inevitably envious of).

So why was Kien-Lung calling? Did he need a ride or something? Kian-Zhi picked up the call.

"Hi, what's up."

The cell phone emitted a harsh blastic of electronic static. A voice was there, garbled in the static.

"Kien-Lung? You there?"

"Did you-" ***KSSSHHHHH*** "-my texts?"

"Did I get your texts? No, I haven't gotten any texts from you."

***KSSSHHHHH***

"You there, Kien-Lung?"

"Yeah, I'm here but I'm-" ***KSSSHHHHH***

"There's a ton of static and you sound like you're calling through an illicit VPN, what's going on?"

"I know-" ***KSSSHHHHH*** "-but this is kind of an emergency, so I need you to-" ***KSSSHHHHH***

"What? There's an emergency?" Kian-Zhi reckoned that he should have trusted his gut earlier. "Where are you?"

***KSSSHHHHH***

Kian-Zhi tried again. "Kien-Lung, where are you? Are you at that nightclub?"

"Yeah! I'm at the nightclub but I had to-" ***KSSSHHHHH*** "-and now I can't-" ***KSSSHHHHH***

"You can't what? You can't breathe?"

***KSSSHHHHH*** "-very, very serious and I-" ***KSSSHHHHH*** "-you to come help me."

"You're at the nightclub you told me about? The nightclub where you got a free entry pass?"

"Yes." The line was clear for once.

"Okay, so tell me what happened? Is this like a drugs emergency or what?"

***KSSSHHHHH***

Then the dial tone started ringing. The call had dropped.

"Okay," Kian-Zhi said out loud to himself with audible concern in his voice, "okay. Let's get dressed."

And he did, quickly. His brother was an annoying, overconfident "bro" most of the time, but he was still his brother, and clearly he needed help. "Serious" was the word used, if Kian-Zhi remembered correctly. He grabbed his hotel key, his phone, and his wallet, and hurried out the door. As he bustled into the hotel elevator, he looked up the address for this nightclub on his phone. He saw on his maps app - it was located directly adjacent to some natural granite terracing. Maybe there had been a rockslide and people were hurt, or something? But then, he thought, Kien-Lung would probably have just called the police.

He caught a cab right away, and headed back into town. The taxi took him back down a short but very steep stretch of road, with cliffs and peaks reaching up into the inky blackness above on either side. Kian-Zhi got out his phone to send Kien-Lung a text. "Everything okay? You inside the club?" it read. He got no response.

Soon, the cab was driving down lit city streets and headed for the small but very trendy downtown area. The driver was forced to slow a bit as crowds of merry pedestrians became denser as they neared the nightclub. This must be a really popular district for nightlife, Kian-Zhi thought.

Finally, they arrived. Kian-Zhi glanced out the window when the nightclub came into view. It wasn't on fire, or flooded, or buried under a pile of mountainous rock, that much was clear. It was a long, one-story building, with a stylish corrugated metal wall exterior modishly splashed here and there with black paint. Directly behind the club, a nearly-vertical wall of gray stone rose infinitely upward - it seemed as though the place was built into the side of a mountain.

Kian-Zhi paid the driver and hopped out. The night air was pleasant. A line of optimistic patrons stretched out along the side of the building, dressed scandalously. Kian-Zhi gave them a quick look - did any of them look like the type of person who would be doing dangerous nightclub drugs? Ehhh, he thought, not really. These people just look a bit like Kien-Lung, he mused: young and rambunctious.

Then something occurred to him. What was the plan for how to get in? Was he going to have to just wait in this line?

Happily, the question answered itself. A young woman in a short dress near the front of the line cried out, "You! Hey, you, dude! Are you the guy who just scored for Naixi yesterday? What's up? Come say hi!" The other line-waiters also began to shout out. "Wow, what a hit, man!" "Great goal!" "Can I have your autograph for my kid?"

Kian-Zhi would have taken a moment to thoughtfully examine why 1) a man with a child was waiting in line for a nightclub packed with 22-year-olds, and 2) he was suddenly, out of nowhere, the type of person who got asked for autographs. However, his period of reflection was interrupted by a large man dressed all in black. "What're you doing out here, sir?"

"Oh, hello, I apologize for loitering, I'm just looking for my brother."

"Out here in the regular line? Why would he be out here?"

"Well, he called me a few minutes ago-"

"You're supposed to go in through the VIP door, man."

"I don't want to actually go to the club, though, I-"

"Move it!" The black-clad man looked somewhat menacing, so Kian-Zhi just did as he was told, but the interaction did nothing to calm his nerves. Again, a pall of dread seemingly hung directly over his head as he trudged toward a small but very neatly painted dark blue door around the corner. He was just sure his brother was in very big trouble. Someone had died, or gotten hurt, or arrested... something was up.

The blue door said "VIP" on it. Again feeling a powerful case of impostor syndrome, Kian-Zhi slipped through the door. On the other side was a bumping, thumping den of chaos. Incandescent purple and pink lights were flashing on and off.

"Welcome," a host yelled coolly, from his post near the door, "let us know how we can help you have a good night." The guy was wearing wraparound sunglasses for some reason.

"Yeah, so I'm actually looking for someone. My brother. He's in here somewhere, he, uh, he wanted me to meet him."

"Oh, cool. Super cool."

"Have you seen him?"

The host looked blankly at Kian-Zhi. "No," he said smoothly but unhelpfully.

"Okay," Kian-Zhi said with frustration. "Can I just, like, look around?"

"Oh," the guy said with a stupid smirk, "absolutely."

Dimly aware that the host was trying to communicate some unknown message, Kian-Zhi pushed into the crowd of VIPs. These all seemed to be rich locals, as he heard lots of English and German, and every once in a while caught clips of something weird (a language with words that all sounded like Astograthian place names, maybe). He also saw a guy who he could have sworn was a player for the Illiryja national team, but he wasn't sure. Either way, there was no trace of his brother. This was no surprise (how would Kien-Lung have gotten into the VIP section?), so he moved towards the part of the room where a half-story overhang looked out over the rest of the club.

The crowd in the main area was very dense, and rowdier. The patrons were screaming, and dancing, and swilling back various cocktails. He couldn't see Kien-Lung at first glance.

Then Kian-Zhi remembered that he hadn't checked his texts in a while. Maybe Kien-Lung had finally gotten through? As luck would have it, Kian-Zhi looked down at his phone to see several glowing white orbs on his phone. He read his brothers messages.

Hey can u meet me at the nightclub
Have a slight problem
Find me in bathroom

The bathroom? This has to be drugs, Kian-Zhi thought with a shake of his head. He's overdosing in the bathroom, he thought with panic. He looked around for a way down to the main floor. Off to his right, just behind a booth full of hollering girls all dressed in green - a bachelorette party? - he saw a very narrow and small circular staircase. He dashed towards it.

He had to talk down another overzealous security guard at the bottom of the staircase ("sir, these people are beneath you" was the choicest phrase Kian-Zhi heard uttered) in order to be let onto the main dance floor, but once he did, he was pushing through the crowd of thrashing lunatics. Where the bathroom was, he had no idea, but he saw a small group of men leaving the dance floor through a door that seemed to lead out the back, toward the mountain face. He followed, pushing and dodging as he went.

He then emerged into a very small outdoor lounge area. Patrons looking for a breath of fresh air sat back on benches and chairs, looking up at the star-dotted sky. The most notable thing back here, though, was the face of the mountain. Appearing as sheer a cliff as it had from the outside of the nightclub, Kian-Zhi could now see that it was in fact one of the vertical planes fencing in the courtyard (the other being the exterior wall of the nightclub). Carved into the mountain stone was a low passageway. Above the passageway, in an industrial font, was the word "Toilet."

At last! Hopefully Kian-Zhi wasn't too late to get Kien-Lung to a hospital. He ducked into the passageway and let his eyes adjust. It looked as though there were no men's and women's restrooms, but instead there were two coequal mixed-use bathrooms. He tried the door on the left first. It was locked. "Kien-Lung?" There was no answer. He tried one more time, calling out, "Kien-Lung?" before trying the other one on the right.

"Kien-Lung? You in there?"

A muffled voice replied through the metal door. "Hey, Kian-Zhi?"

"Hey, bud. Yeah, it's me. What's going on, can you unlock the door for me?"

"It's just a situation in here, man."

"How long have you been in there?"

"Like... an hour."

"An hour?! What did you take?"

"Huh?"

"I said, what did you take?"

There was silence. Kien-Lung didn't seem to understand the question.

"Just tell me what drug you took, Kien-Lung."

"Drug? What are you talking about? I clogged the toilet, bro."

"You..." Kian-Zhi's voice trailed off. "You clogged the toilet."

"Yeah I like, went number two in there like an hour ago and I can't get it unclogged."

"You called me because you clogged a toilet."

"Yes! God, are you deaf? I told you over the phone like six times. I clogged the toilet and I need you to come help."

"You said it was an 'emergenc-'"

"Yes, an emergency!"

"Why don't you just have the staff unclog it?!"

"Because there's hot girls here, bro! It's embarrassing!"

"Are you fucking kidding me?! It's embarrassing?! I got out of bed, my hip aching like a bitch, because you are too embarrassed to ask staff at the nightclub you got a FREE TICKET TO-"

"THERE'S! HOT! GIRLS! HERE! BRO!!!! CAN! YOU! NOT! HEAR?! I AM NOT - I REPEAT, NOT - GOING TO ASK THEM FOR HELP GETTING MY LEAD-PIPE-ASS POOP OUT OF THE TOILET! ARE YOU GOING TO GET YOUR ASS IN HERE AND HELP ME UNCLOG THIS?!"

"No! I have to be at training tomorrow at the crack of dawn! Ask for help from someone here!"

"NO! Are you seriously not going to help me?!"

"No! I'm going to go back to the team hotel, and you're gonna have to solve this problem on your own!"

"Fine! I'll just stay locked in here! ALL! NIGHT! LONG!"

"Grow up, man!"

"Screw you!!!"

"No, screw you!!!" Kian-Zhi stormed off, beet-red in the face. He angrily brushed shoulders with a group of partiers in the courtyard lounge area, then disappeared into the shuddering, flashing crowd on the main floor inside.

It was silent for a moment. A few jolly chuckles emanated from the people resting on the benches by the rocky cliff. The scraping sound of a cheap cigarette lighter flicking on came from a guy smoking a cigarette against the side of the building - who knows if it was allowed or not. A Mertagnian owl of some kind hooted pleasantly, off in the distance.

Finally, a young Mertagnian man stumbled off the main dance floor and into the courtyard. "Woo!" he shouted drunkenly, "I have had a few." He looked up. "Toilets! Woo!" He stumbled down the cave-like passageway and tried the handle on the door to his right.

"Ocupado, bro."

Matchday 1 (Crater Field, Claviers)

Illiryja 0 ⇨ Xoxha, Bes. Kadare, Martin, Beh. Kadare (Pandurević), K. Kadare, Kastrati, Mehmedović (Gjonaj), Kovačević, Nešust (Obradović), Qupi, Gujić
Naixi 1 ⇨ Cai, Yep, Shao (Geng), Dong, Tian, Xun, Dai, Ti (Ling), Yuan ⚽x1, Cao (T.H. Jin), Hsieh

12' Yellow Card ⇨ Qupi (ILR)
23' Yellow Card ⇨ Mehmedović (ILR)
24' Goal ⇨ Yuan (NIX)
33' Yellow Card ⇨ Martin (ILR)
47' Yellow Card ⇨ Hsieh (NIX)
55' Second Yellow Card ⇨ Qupi (ILR)
56' Yellow Card ⇨ Beh. Kadare (ILR)
57' Substitution ⇨ Ti OFF Ling ON (NIX)
63' Substitution ⇨ Nešust OFF Obradović ON (ILR)
67' Substitution ⇨ Cao OFF T.H. Jin ON (NIX)
71' Substitution ⇨ Mehmedović OFF Gjonaj ON (ILR)
88' Substitution ⇨ Beh. Kadare OFF Pandurević ON (ILR)
94' Substitution ⇨ Shao OFF Geng ON (NIX)

by **Gran Saguaro** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:32 pm

LA SELECCIÓN SAGUAREÑA

Trigram: SGU
Nickname: "La Pomona" after their colors — the rich, dark green is known in Gran Saguaro as "Pomona Saguareña"
Denonym: Saguareño/a ("Saguaroan" or "Saguaran" makes you sound like a tourist but won't ruffle too many feathers)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Gualberto Andrade

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

OFFENSE. Focused around the "spear point" duo of Solomon Odio, the aggressive offensive formation has its upsides and downsides. As a plus, it allows for rapid, forward-moving attacks out of almost thin air — before the other team can respond, five people are already upfield in a tightly coordinated pattern. Additionally, this formation reduces the need for risky, long passes; in an ideal situation, the center midfield acts as a transit hub for sending balls to any part of the field, with many options and less danger. The downside is that the formation is pretty rigid, at least the way Gran Saguaro plays it; if all becomes chaos, only a few players will be close enough to respond in time. This can mean a high rate of turnover by the offense and an inability to score from improvised, less than ideal situations — or more dangerously, an isolated, confused defense with no better options than to kick it out of bounds, regroup, and hope for the best.
DEFENSE. Gran Saguaro's biggest defensive problems look less likely to stem from a lack of player talent — they have that in spades — but the defense frequently looks stunted and disjointed, and their main goal is just to pass the ball to the midfielders rather than try to make plays from the back themselves. This stems partially from Gran Saguaro's soccer culture — which reveres and invests heavily in the offense, far more so than the defense. No little Saguareño dreams of being a great center-back — so the base of the formation is often ignored. That said, the Saguareño defense has been trying to figure out what works and get rid of what doesn't. Their hopes rest most on the experience and leadership of Toro Martínez, who reportedly forced his two younger side defenders to play paintball together as a duo against 20 people in order to build chemistry, and he has adapted their formation a little bit to make it more robust. In the even that the defense are able to play upwards, Lazaro Kirkman will de facto become a sweeper.
MIDFIELD. The midfield may be the most important part of Gran Saguaro's team. They are the largest in number — nearly half the team are midfielders — and serve as the core of the Saguareño formation. Expect the midfield to play a possession-heavy passing game among themselves, and if an attack falters out and Gran Saguaro needs to retreat — they'll more likely knock the ball back to Xoc and Gonzi rather than the defense. The biggest issue with the midfield is that it is bloated — in perfect synchronization, each piece would work together like a clock, but that almost certainly won't happen and if the midfield gets sloppy or frightened, there's a lot of opportunity for a turnover. Not to mention the relative inexperience of players like di Zappi and Xoc, the midfield is liable to make rookie mistakes. And that likelihood will only increase if the bench thins out due to injury; the Saguareño squad is not known for its depth.

MANAGER AND STAFF

The manager of La Pomona is, obviously, himself a former player. Gualberto Andrade was a short striker, who spent much of his career at Rojo Amarillo. He now serves as the manager of C.F. Mesa Rosa, and is only holding the head coach job in the interim until a new one can be found. Loud, emotive, and blunt — he has become beloved by the fanbase for his entertaining press conferences and social media rants, although there is doubt over whether he can do the job this world cup, and if he was the right selection.

Assistant Coach: Melchor Mallen
Goalkeeping Coach: Douglas Pessoa
Fitness Coach: Bruno Ferraz
Chief Analyst: Edwin Avila
General Coordinator: Pandora Costas

-

NOTABLE RESERVES

Yuan Rosado is a 20-year-old midfielder — another star of Indíginas like Xoc (though they did not play together), his career has been frustratingly below expectations. Many believed he could be a breakout star, and even a Delgato contender — Rosado has not looked like either of those, which makes him bitter and jealous, especially of Xoc. In the offseason, Rosado transferred from Moab to take the lead role at Misión Real.

A Yerba Buena defender, Felix Farooq is perhaps the most talented player sitting on the bench. Technically skilled, Farooq is part of a young cohort transforming Yerba Buena into a rising football powerhouse. If he ends up starting — which is not unlikely — he would be the first Muslim player to represent Gran Saguaro.

A left-back in Mesa Rosa, Hidalgo McCormick is more known for his effusiveness than his talent. Nevertheless, McCormick also played for Indíginas — although he is not Native, he was born on the Diné State Union Territory, which grants him eligibility. At Indí, McCormick befriended Xoc — and he is more than thrilled about playing alongside his friend in the national colors.

A veteran of the defense, this is not Diego MacQueen's first selection for La Pomona. His playstyle is cautious and methodical — not suited for the rapid attack development that Andrade plans to implement. MacQueen is thought to be the "understudy" for Toro Martínez — in case Martínez in injured, there is no one more suited to take command. Diego MacQueen is also a 2374-ranked chess master.

Enrique Chong also plays for Yerba Buena — Chong is short and quick, and a versatile player most at home anywhere in the midfield. He wears number 80, the highest in the squad. He is likely to be swapped for Jonay or di Zappi.

GK: #45, Jaime GÁLVEZ, F.C. La Sonora
GK: #30, Benito LAGUNA, C.F.C. El Rancho
CB: #12, Diego MACQUEEN, Imperial San Armando
CB/LB: #16, Marcos ANDINO, U.D. Moab
LB: #24, Hidalgo MCCORMICK, C.F. Mesa Rosa
CB/RB: #17, Abel GAYOSO, Exploradores S.C.
RB: #3, Felix FAROOQ, Exploradores S.C.
DM: #28, Juan David OCAMPO, Atlético Gila
DM: #41, Malcolm PALAS, Atlético Gila
DM/AM: #80, Enrique CHONG, Deportes Yerba Buena
AM: #18, Jefferson MONTES, Dos Cruces
AM/LM/RM: #52, Cristóbal ZOIDO, Pampañero
LM/RM: #14, Yuan ROSADO, Misión Real
RM: #23, Nilo O'TOOLE, Platanita
SS/AM: #33, Pascual SANZ, San Vidal
SS: #18, Brigamo GARCIA PEREZ, U.D. Moab

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by **Strayan Rus** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 1:11 pm

Goalkeepers
01:Styopa Chalupník,23,Blidyy United
02:Isaak Filipović,19,Dynamo Tsirkuni
17:Daviti Kędzierski,20,Slavia Blidyy
Defenders
16:Elīna Kašpar,21,Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK
20:Tobiasz Krakowski,18,Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK
13:Mare Stawski,16,Pinmoha FK
06:Krzysztofa Vrubel,19,Sparta FK
19:Asylym Stanković,18,Blidyy United
21:Cristina Hruška,20,Dynamo Tsirkuni
18:Natali Łaska,17,Slavia Blidyy
Midfielders
15:Valéria Jeż,28,Slavia Blidyy (C)
22:Drago Parsamyan,17,Pinmoha FK
23:Pranciškus Gevorgyan,23,Menay FK (VC)
08:Daniela Kaluža,16,Pinmoha FK
03:Mirka Moździerz,20,Dynamo Tsirkuni
00:Radoslav Nowakowski,15,Pinmoha FK
04:Romualda Stojanovski,17,Pinmoha FK
Forwards
07:Tomislava Krejči,17,Pinmoha FK
09:Katya Krall,22,Blidyy United
10:Hagop Šimon,17,Blidyy United
11:Evangelija Babič,16,Pinmoha FK
06:Əhməd Kozel,21,Dynamo Tsirkuni
24:Janka Svoboda,18,Pinmoha FK

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes
Generate stadium happenings: Yes

by **Ascvalion** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 2:21 pm

Ascvalion 3–0 Okerne @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.

A master class performance From Hale, Asano, and De-Paul each scoring throughout the game with Mark Hale and Asano respectfully scoring in the early minutes back to back with De-Paul scoring the last one in the last minute, mid way through an Okerne player tried to make a run for it but was stopped in his tracks by Andrew Takashima. Asano would end up having an embarrassing moment this match but we'll get to that later

The fan reactions were electrifying hopeful for what was coming next, with Chancellor McCarthy being the first to congratulate the team for their efforts, but also asking what was going on with the Okernans as they weren't in that match it seems

Lozho 2–3 Ascvalion @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.

this match, Asano scoring a hat trick much to the sheer delight of the fans, would be slightly overshadowed by with several incidents. Obamovich managed to get to head a goal in the 75 minute, much to the fury of Hakeem Olajuwon who swears he saw Obamovich handball it in. Zed Zoan managed to get the Ascvalian recognition as the worlds biggest P###y when he basically dove into the Ascvalian box after being slightly tapped by Jonathan Ayawamat, then much to the Ascvalians fury was awarded a penalty which Obamovich took full advantage of. Jedidiah Anderson would get the first yellow when he swiped the ball away from Fatrouza Smith but in the process accidentally punted the ball straight into the Lozhoan bench, nearly starting an all out brawl between the two teams. the second yellow came for Zed Zoan cause he tried to take a penalty and ref didn't buy it the second time

Prompt 2

Asano ran down the field, the goal was wide open, Hale and De-Paul flanked him for support, Asano braced and shot the ball.....

straight into the Keepers face, and if that wasn't bad enough it deflected off into Hale's face, much to Asano's horror. Hale got back up as if that didn't happen, but Asano could see the headlines; "What the Hell was that Asano!?" "Asano's aim ain't True?!" "Asano you absolute Pra-"

Hale: George! you okay?
Asano: I f#$ked it. (he mumbled)
Hale: don't say that! you'll get your shot!
Asano: but they got the-
Referee: Ball was kicked out by the Okeran defense, free corner given to Ascvalion.
Hale: you know what to do George! (he tapped Asano's head and sprinted to the corner)
Asano thought: Take position, right!

De-Paul gave a thumbs up, Hale waves in response
Asano thought: Steady! gives his thumbs up

Hale punts the ball to De-Paul, De-Paul dribbles then slips briefly but gets is back on point, Robert Smith is covering two of the opponents, Jedidiah Anderson is somehow covering three, and Jean-Paul Auclair is being a nuisance to the Keeper. De-Paul baits the defense, passes it to Asano, Asano dribbles through the box, kicks, AND IT"S A GOAL!!!!!! His first international goal in his career! the entire team rushes and throws him up in the air, absolutely deserved for the Riverside native while the fans go wild!
Asano can only beam with joy as Hakeem lifts him on his shoulders.

(OOC this probably isn't the most embarrassing thing ever but it's on the world stage so I thought it should work. I also thought a happy end to the moment would be nice)

by **Novaros** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 3:00 pm

Novarosian News Agency

Match Day 1

Today, the Islamic Republic of Novaros won 3-0 against Lionsroar. The Novarosian fans, excited, started chanting the Novarosian national slogan while carrying flags.

Goal 1: Ayoub Fallah
Note: Ayoub Fallah scored with a header.
Goal 2: Sohel Leel
Goal 3: Ayoub Fallah

Back at home, 600 million Novaars went to celebrate in the streets, with both the Riot Police and the Armed Forces dancing and celebrating too.

Match Day 2

The Novarosian Football Team wins once again, this time against Patriotlandia.
"I hope we win, I just want to feel the pride in my mother's smile when she knows that we are having a great performance!" Said Goalkeeper Ali Jaafar

Goal 1: Ayoub Fallah
Goal 2: Abdallah Kobeissi

Message from the Supreme Leader of Novaros, Ahmad al Kormaani, to the Novarosian Football Team:
"You have put smiles on people's faces. The Novaars are marching, united, happy, and proud, because of your outstanding performance. Great job!"

May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you.
End

by **Illiryja** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 8:37 pm

Matchday Two Score

After left winger Pëllumb Qupi received two yellow cards in the match against the Serene Republic of Naixi, worries were high among fans at home in Illiryja that without Qupi, the feisty and tenacious offense would struggle against Varavel in their second match. Although the team battled hard after his ejection with ten men on the pitch against Naixi's eleven, Illyrja battled in the second half of the game, falling short 1-0 with a goal from Naixese captain Kian-Zhi Yuan.

In his play would be youngster Kristaq Gjonaj. In addition, Zejd Martin, the center-back, was caught at a Claviers nightclub right outside of Crater Field, which violated the term curfew of game nights, nights before a game would occur. Due to this, he was benched and Enver Dauti took his place. Early in the morning a statement was released on Twitter after the game by benched Zejd Martin.

I sincerely apologize to my teammates in my nation for going to a nightclub the night before a game. It was good to see Kian-Zhi Yuan though! Strong guy. Great shot. I wish he said hi to me though....

Anxiety was high for Illiryjans at the start of the game against Varevel at the Ring Tank Stadium. Nearly 4 minutes into the match Varavel striker [UNNAMED] laser beamed the ball off the cross bar, resulting in a corner that led to a phenomenal header by Varavel player [UNNAMED] with an even greater save by Zef Xoxha. Varavel continued to hold dominant possession up until 27 minutes into the match, when Kristaq Gjonaj rushed up the field with an amazing cross through two defenders to the wide open captain, Fahrudin Nešust, who buried it, putting Illiryja up 1-0. The game continued in Illiryja's favor, with another strong rush by Gjonaj, who passed it off to Danis Gujić in the left midfield. The ball went further down the pitch to Nešust who then flipped the ball to a streaking Gjonaj. He burned by the defender [UNNAMED] and potted a beautiful top right corner shot past the netminder [UNNAMED] at 35 minutes. With Illiryjan domination in full swing at 43 minutes, Kristaq Gjonaj stripped Varevelian winger [UNNAMED] and with a beautiful through pass to a streaking Danis Gujić who scored to put Illiryja up 3-0 on Varavel.

In the second half, Illiryja calmed down, but continued with strong possession, but without the previous aggression in the first half. Varavel did not come close to scoring, as they only putting one shot on netminder Xoxha in the second half. At the final whistle, the team celebrated and swarmed Gjonaj, who was named the first star of the game. The second star was Fahrudin Nešust and the third was Danis Gujić.

In an interview with Illyrjan state media, IlliroŠtampa/IliroShtypi, after the game, sports reporter Asja Dizdar spoke with left-winger Kristaq Gjonaj.

Dizdar: Hey Kristaq! How're you feeling after an incredible match on your part?"

Gjonaj: "Yeah, you know I'm feeling crazy. It was very nerve-wracking honestly, at first, but once the game started. I felt good and I knew I had to battle."

Dizdar: "How do you feel this game has an impact on your camaraderie as a team? And how proud are you for helping the Illryjan team win their first ever international match?"

Gjonaj: "It's very important to me and uh, really important to the rest of us that in the locker room and on the pitch, we are Illiryjan. It can be difficult. Our manager doesn't speak Albanian too well and I really don't speak Bosnian, but we work through our differences. We are Illiryjan before we are either Albanian and Bosnian. This is important. "

Dizdar: "Wise words. Thank you so much for speaking with me Kristaq."

Gjonaj: "Of course. Thank you."

Asja Dizdar spoke with manager and Illiryjan Sports Minister Nastasja Josipović as well.

Dizdar: "Congratulations on the win coach, how important is this to the team and Illiryja?"
Josipović: "With our first international victory as a nation behind us, we believe that we will truly reach the stars and so will our children. We showed that we are unified together. Illyrja has a bright future as a football superpower."

Dizdar: "What do you think about the incredible performance by Kristaq Gjonaj? Will he start at the next match against Archalit over Pëllumb Qupi?

Josipović:"He had a very fine match. He is young and experienced, but has a solid head on his shoulders. But, we need to show cooler heads will always prevail, both on the pitch and at home. We like to reward success, so Kristaq will be part of our starting eleven. I want to make this clear, as our team and family already know, this isn't meant to be a punishment of any kind for Pëllumb."

Dizdar: "Thank you coach, and congratulations on the win."

Josipović: "Thank you, Asja."

Baptism of Fire 80

Baptism of Fire 80

Obrelan Results

First win in a tournament

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