Baptism of Fire 80

by **Greater Kamilistan** » Thu Jan 12, 2023 9:03 pm

Match Day 1

The first day of the match was intense for the Kamilistanis, with the whistle blow, it's kickoff. The Kamilistanis fans began to cheer on the players, with their chant "Waving the flag of the Five Colors" was heard throughout the stadium, back home in Kamilistan, crowds of supporters began to gather around the big screen where the match was live, some even camped at the site if they ever get tired. The players got the upper hand defending, but in attacking, they were lower then the St. Saratoga.

For the first 35 minutes, none of the sides got their goals, but just a minute before halftime, Badarshanke almost scored a goal, but failed to do so as he miss his shot, missing the goal by 10 inch. As the 2nd half started, the ball was pass to #21 Vadim Izaragrov as he then pass to #09 Tavit Manakian and then pass to Aburahim, he pass the ball to Yunis but the opponents got the ball as one of them rush into the middle. For the whole match, it was just "Passing to Almost Goal but Failed" mostly, but by the time of 87 minutes, the ball was passed to Badarshanke before he scored a goal just before he fell to the ground.

The team celebrated, with the fans cheering of Badarshanke's goal, back home, crowds of supporters began celebrating throughout the streets of the country.

Greater Kamilistan 1 - 0 St. Saratoga

Match Day 2

As the 2nd day of the match arrived, hundreds of Kamilistani fans began to flock to the Keers Dock Pitch to see the 2nd day's match, although they were high in spirit, they are still pessimistic about the day's match. The Kamilistani were running against Depivik, they are still high on their guard, making sure not to slack off during the game. The blow of whistle marks the start of the match, with the ball being pass to #15 Yunis Azadsoy, the team captain then began rushing forward, Badarshanke followed behind him as he slide through the fields.

The match was more intense then the previous, with being the most viewed match by many. By the 67 minute of the match, Centre-Back Player #32 Petre Hajarze was switched to pitch player #29 Ismail Mosselimania. Yunis was seen chasing a ball as it was rolling out of the pitch, but soon he was seen sliding into the flagpole, tipping it over before putting back in place. Depivik's player went for a corner kick, with Imeda smacking it with his head as the ball flew, it flew backwards and into Yunis

At the 80 minute, Yunis Azadsoy kick the ball through the goal, with this being marked as the 2nd victory of the tournament. Yunis, the captain was interviewed by a reporter.

"How was the 2nd win?" Asked an interview

"It was, it was intense, very intense, we almost felt like we almost lose, but inshallah we won." Said Yunis

"Since you guys have won the 2 matches, how do you feel when it comes to the next match."

"We don't celebrate early, we only celebrate after the win, yeah."

The Kamilistani players began to enter the hallways again, some rested for the night while others continue to talk about the next game, while drinking beer.

Greater Kamilistan 1 - 0 Depivik

by **Tanirinthia** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 10:12 am

Diary of Violet Bacchus

It had been a few hours since they had told me why I was there and I’m still not entirely convinced that a camera crew isn’t going to jump out and I find out it’s all a prank. Was that really the Prime Minister, or just a good look-a-like? Everything they’ve told me sounds so ludicrous, that this is not the only Terra, not only not the only Terra but that there are an infinite number of cosmoses some with Terra some without, even a cosmos which apparently is a realm of dreams populated by monks.

But the most ludicrous thing of all wasn’t that, it was why I was there. I’m a football player not a scientist after all, but they assured me that was precisely why I was there. Apparently in this Omniverse all cosmos are connected to each other and where they have found the strongest connection is through sport.

Somehow sports tournaments are held throughout the Omniverse, and they need me to captain the team so they can investigate further as to how on terra sport can be linked to the omniverse and travel through it.

They brought me in first so that I could help with bringing the rest of the national team into the fold, and had the whole range of reactions from Roderick’s complete stoic acceptance to Lonnie’s breakdown in crying laughter that was only stopped when he saw the gate.

There is stood in front of us now humming ominously, an unfamiliar landscape through it’s ring, a place apparently called Mertagne and they call their world Anaia where we would enter a tournament called the Baptism of Fire, which only added to the ominous feeling growing in the bit of my stomach.

I pushed that feeling down and gathered myself together.

“Right you lot, last one through’s a rotten egg!”

by **Kirungabi** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 11:55 am

SPORT | SIPORO
(A)irannia 1 - 1 (K)irungabi
(A) Gary Goppré (26')
(K) Pascal Mutabazi (84')

A modest start for Cyril Kamembe's Kirungabi National Team, starting off slow and disorganized and conceding to Aeragny in the first half. A delay before the second half revitalized the winded Kirungan team, and together with midfield swaps for George Nyrininkindi and Felix Mugabe, in place of Chitundu Sindikubwabo and Patient Habimana, respectively, the squad was able to break through the organized Airannian defense to score in the concluding stages of the match.

(A)l-Tamazgha 0 – 1 (K)irungabi
(K) Rungayindo Gatabazi (67')

Redemption for Patient Habimana was in store in the second match for Kirungabi, as a perfectly placed assist to halftime substitute and debutant Rungayindo Gatabazi, drafted in after Munyentwali Niyonzima reported leg pain, sealed the fate of the frustratingly stop-start, and at times emotionless, match. "A solid victory is just what we needed," assured manager Kamembe, pleased with leading Kirungabi to its first international football victory.

Understanding Kirungabi: Planes, Automobiles... and Boats

Kirungabi is a relatively small nation, sprawled over 100 thousand square kilometers, but the vast expanses of thick jungle, steep hills, and the imposing size of Lake Uruforo in the center of the territory — together with the lasting effects of the 11 year-long Kirungan Civil War — make intercity transport in the country a true challenge. Though a lot of the transport infrastructure still in use across Kirungabi has been retained since the colonial era, proactive development policies implemented by the Kirungan Development Front since the year 2000 have re-established languishing ferry connections, revitalized the domestic air transport sector and, most importantly, refurbished around 70% of roads left impassable after the civil war.

Road travel

According to Minister of Transport Walter Uwera, the most popular form of intercity transport in Kirungabi remains road travel, even despite the challenges presented by the country's winding and sometimes treacherous roads. "Kirungans are aware of the challenges and dangers of road travel, but airline prices and the availability of ferries means that road transport is the cheapest and most widely available option," says Uwera. "To travel between cities, Kirungans will usually assemble at the center of their town or city at a bus terminal, and from there, they board one of many available ibibisindogobe¹ to take them to their destination." Ibibisindogobe are generally marked according to the roadway they travel on, and there may be buses traveling on the same road in opposing directions, in which case they are identified by their chosen route and their destination. "Often," explains Uwera, "ibibisindogobe make multiple stops along their route to their final destination, picking up extra passengers and cargo as they advance." It is not uncommon to see overfull bisindogobe; usually homologated for transporting between 12 and 16 people, some buses regularly make their trips with over 20 people inside, plus their cargo on the roof — a practice Uwera admits is "hard to regulate", and which poses a risk to their passengers. Additionally, as with all passenger vehicles in Kirungabi, ibibisindogobe are usually not four-wheel drive, and it is common for everything from small passenger cars to large lorries to become stuck or bogged down on improved gravel roads or damaged asphalt tracks. "Some things, like the rain and the fog, are impenetrable," admits Uwera.

Despite these setbacks, road travel remains the most accessible method of transportation across Kirungabi, and the reconditioning of the existing road network by the KDF has contributed to creating safer conditions on long and difficult journeys across land. "Not only has the KDF invested in signage and roadway repair, but the entire network of lakeside roads: NR-A 1, NR-A 3, and NR-B 10, are equipped with street lighting, in some places off-the-grid and using small methane-powered micro-generators maintained by the local population." To make road travel more accessible, the KDF subsidizes fuel prices, and offers incentives to motorists to convert their vehicles to CNG, a cleaner, cheaper, and more readily available petrol alternative.

Air travel

Air transport in Kirungabi essentially confined to cargo operations before the rise of the People's Republic of Democratic Kirungabi. The state airline company Transports aeriennes du Kirungabi was founded in 1977 by the government of the PRDK, but rife corruption among the ranks of the People's Party of Kirungabi meant that operations did not start until 1981. Additionally, the planned fleet of ten Yak-42 jets and ten propeller-driven Britten-Norman Islanders eventually only spanned four and eight of the types respectively; after a series of incidents, fatal accidents, and a difficulty to obtain spare parts to maintain the fleet, the airline suspended operations in 1995.

"The Kirungabi Development Front revitalized the air transport sector in 2001, with the re-founding of Air Kirungabi," Uwera says. "One Yak-42 jet and three Islanders remained airworthy after the war, and these were incorporated into the new Air Kirungabi fleet alongside three mixed-use ATR-72 turboprops and one 757 long-haul jet — today, Air Kirungabi operates to nine domestic destinations, and the construction of a new airfield in Impangabiyaga should soon expand the domestic network to ten." The smaller Islanders in the fleet operate commuter routes across the northern towns of Mihango, Mutembe, Butare and Abongereza, in addition to touristic ferry flights between Mwanzibashi and Gukingira; the Yakolev and ATR-72s are employed on routes between Imisozi and the larger paved runways of Gusohora, Impangabiyaga, Mwanzibashi, and Ville Amahoro, with the latter aircraft often chartered on cargo flights to Butare. The sole 757 jet operates international flights between Ville Amahoro and destinations across Rushmore, with a previous stopover in Imisozi.

Despite the efficient Air Kirungabi route network, and the high occupancy of flights to remote settlements, air travel remains prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of Kirungans, and still leaves millions in remote settlements disconnected from the rest of the country. "The KDF subsidizes commuter flights for passengers in the isolated northern settlements, and attempts to keep flying costs low for the average Kirungan, but the reality of the matter is that air travel and expenses related to maintenance and compliance with regulations are still too high to allow for flying to become truly accessible."

Water travel

When demand permits, the most popular method of transportation between Imisozi and the lakeside commerce towns of Mwanzibashi, Kawakiyambu, and Gufungura is undoubtedly via boat or ferry. "The aquatic transport sector is challenged by excessive demand and insufficient offer," considers Uwera. "Most vessels traveling across Lake Uruforo transport almost exclusively goods for export or trade in the bustling markets of the capital, and there are often very few officially authorized passenger transport routes between these cities: the transport of goods for export, be it legally or as contraband, is often more lucrative than transporting passengers." The lack of passenger services across Lake Uruforo are a side-effect of relatively recent legislation imposed by President Innocent Uburiganya, which introduced safety regulations for all vessels operating on the lake. "A series of accidents and large-scale sinkings in the early days of the post-war period forced the KDF to replace the standing transport minister; that is where I took office, and I immediately implemented strict legislation to stop the tragedies from continuing." Since Uwera's appointment in 2005, incidents on Lake Uruforo have reduced by 69%, fatalities by 84%, and the number of illegal or unregistered vessels encountered by authorities has gone down by over 72%. Still, the legislation had the unintended side effect of reducing the prevalence of passenger travel via ferry, a niche which has been covered by lengthy road journeys and, occasionally, stowaways on cargo ships. "It is frankly impossible to fully stamp out illegal passenger transport," Uwera admits. "But we have taken the necessary steps to reduce it as much as possible."

In the northern inland settlements, far from Lake Uruforo and often inaccessible via road, river travel reigns supreme. Low-capacity canoes and midsize vessels transport people, and especially goods, downstream towards the cities of Kawakiyambu and Mwanzilishi, for selling in the local markets or further transit towards Imisozi and out of the country. Larger capacity vessels also move goods between Imisozi and the less-hilly eastern part of Kirungabi, funneling large quantities of goods towards Imyuzure, Impangabiyaga, and Ville Amahoro. Some larger towns, such as Gufungura, which was disconnected from NR-A 1 during the civil war, depend almost exclusively on river transport from Gusohora and the lakeside trade hubs for supplies and the transport of passengers in and out of the city, especially when R300 towards NR-A 3 has endured rainfall or has fogged over. "River travel is considerably more safe than traveling on Lake Uruforo, so this method of transportation is not usually regulated. For almost all rural Kirungans, traveling by boat between settlements or cities is essential to their livelihoods — and by far the cheapest way to travel, full stop."

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

¹Bisindogobe, lit. 'mule bus', are small to medium-sized vans and minibuses which transport goods across Kirungabi's roadways.

by **Saperetia** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:31 pm

First Game, First Win
Saperetia 2-0 Super Top

We come off a tough WCoH, but we don't have time to grief. One tournament might be over, but another one is fast upon us: the Baptism of Fire! With Football being more popular in the nation¹, the presence of pride was by far more noticable. It wasn't crazy, this ain't the world cup, but it's still a tournament that we can play, we can win, or we can lose. Whatever will happen, we'll have a great time.

Our very first game of the tournament was against Super Top. Everyone in this tournament is new to the WC so there isn't much we can say about them. They were the more offensive team, that was know because of the different style of coaching between Mouthenio and Maximiliano. Both teams went in with a 4-3-3 formation, but our was a more defensive variant. Anyway, the teams lined up as follows:

Saperetia: GK Yakim (C), DEF Ipatiy, Celso, Diyan, Achille MID Lacy, Knobes, Vilfredo ATK Gordie, Antoon, Titus

Super Top: GK Beére, DEF Ret, Bond, Henrique, Steel, MID Cid, Zezo, Rossi, ATK Pereira, Marcelano (C), Borrachudo

With this being the first game of the tournament, there was no reason for the coaches to differ their starting 11s.

The first half of the match was the more offensive Super Top attacking our defensive team. A few counters did happen, but Super Top mainy possesed the ball. Celso got a yellow in minute 36 for a foul on Zezo. Zezo looked to be injured, but after a few minutes he was back again running at full speed. In the second half, the game was more even with both sides attacking the same amount. The first goal came for Saperetia in minute 66, a beautiful free kick from on the left Lacy went in, with Beére just short of the ball. This brought some vigour into Super Top, who proceeded to pound the Saperetian goal for some time, but the defensive style of Mouthenio prevailed. After about 20 minutes, Super Top calmed the attack down to regain their breath. However, Saperetian players saw this as a sign of weakness and in the 89th minute, a counter on the left wing (of Saperetia) saw Lacy passing the ball over Cid to Gordie who put the ball high in the box for Antoon to head it home. This basically sealed the game and after 3 minutes of injury time, Saperetia celebrated it's first win and condoled the Super Top team.

The first win has been a big boost of morale for the Crimsonites, who will next face off against Aeragny (Airannia). They have tied their game against Kirungabi 1-1, so our team hopes that the boosted morale can carry a second win in the BoF!

1: With the excpetion of the island of Islea

Second Game, Second Win
Aeragny (Airannia) 0-2 Saperetia

The next clash is gonna be defense vs harder defense as Airannia, with a -2 style modifier take on Saperetia, with a -4 style modifier. The Blue-Whites shall battle with the Gold-Crimsonites, to see who has more might. Not much depends on this fight, but it's fun to win, ain't I right? God then said: Let there be light, and turn this text white! And while he tried, a man on the ground got accidentally striked. [/stopmemessingabout] Anyway, lineups, SAP 4-3-3 and AIR¹ 3-4-3:

Saperetia: GK Yakim (C), DEF Ipatiy, Celso (Y), Diyan, Achille MID Lacy, Knobes, Vilfredo ATK Gordie, Antoon, Titus

Airannia: GK ja Dony, DEF Décibeq, Kezhinár, Colminge, MID Choréls, Allbhy (C), Brittagny, Fichomcéls, ATK Trofois, Goppré, Garyabh

Not much reason for the coaches to change the lineups, so both teams went in with their standard formation.

In the first half, the game came in "waves" where every first, the players would spend 10 minutes on one end then 10 minutes on the other. Antoon tried to make a few solo runs but his shots were stopped by the (nearly) two-meter tall ja Dony. Right from kickoff in the second half, a one-two between Knobes and Vilfredo sent the latter flying past Décibeq towards the end of the pitch, where a quick turn sent Décibeq, who had come running after to prevent a cross, flying past Vilfredo who passed it to Knobes to hit a ball from just inside the box for the first goal of the game, 46th minute. Mouthenio then decided to park the bus and await Airannia's response. They tried to get past, but Saperetian defense was too strong for the attacking side. One beautiful strike from Goppré did hit the woodwork in minute 57, but the ball bounced away from the goal. Once again, an exhausted team took their foot off the gas and Saperetia hit it with full speed, with a sprint from Antoon in minute 78 seeing him getting past ja Dony and scoring to bring the score up to 2-0. This goal took the steam out of Airannia, and the game played off uneventfully further, giving Saperetia their second win in two games, putting them tied on GD for the top of the group with New Portland Republic.

For the next two matches the Crimsonites will face off agianst Al-Tamazgha and Ryfenia, tied for 8th and 7th in the group respectivly. Two for two might get our team too cocky and a win should not be taken for granted. We have to fight for every point, because anything can happen in football.

1: OOC: No trigram was submitted by Aeragny/Airannia, so I took the first 3 letters. TM me if you want me to change it.

by **Strayan Rus** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:42 pm

Previews
Blidyy United
United is one of the most experienced teams in the league,with a total of 1700 games played between the 30-player squad,they have more of a defensive style,where if they score, the bus is parked for the rest of the game
Dynamo Tsirkuni
Tsirkuni mostly has an even attack and defence,with neither outshining the other on most occasions,with this paying off in previous regional premier cup seasons,with 10 trophies in the past 4 years
FK Blidyy
pereniall underperformers,not even getting a single player into the Regional cup tournament since 2013,don't excpect big things from them
Menay FK
another underperforming team,with barely any wins outside of their regional league championship
Pinmoha FK
The Youngest team in the league,with the oldest player being only 22,they have the best front line in the nation,with 52 goals scored in 20 matches last season,at an average of 2.6 goals per game
Slavia Blidyy
usually the team to challenge Blidyy United at the top of the Blidyy Super League
Sparta FK
essentially a cavaliers team selected from regional leagues
Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK
another team of underperformers,with not that many high level players

Matchweek 1
Pinmoha FK 4–3 Menay FK
PNM:Svoboda '22,'49,'88 + Krejči '76
MNY:Akaliko '8 + Likaj '71,'82

Dynamo Tsirkuni 0–0 FK Blidyy

Blidyy United 0–0 Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK

Slavia Blidyy 1–0 Sparta FK
SLV:Jeż '86

Menay FK 0–0 Sparta FK

Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK 0–2 Slavia Blidyy
SLV:Jeż '22,Pavaleko '61

FK Blidyy 0–0 Blidyy United

Pinmoha FK 1–1 Dynamo Tsirkuni
PNM:Svoboda '90+2
TSR:Kozel '29

Standings

*  Super League         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Slavia Blidyy          2   2  0  0    3   0  +3    6
2 Pinmoha FK             2   1  1  0    5   4  +1    4
3 Dynamo Tsirkuni        2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
4 Blidyy United          2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2

5 FK Blidyy              2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
6 Menay FK               2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
7 Sparta FK              2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
8 Vuhilʹnyy Bereh FK     2   0  1  1    0   2  −2    1

by **Aureumterra III** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 1:16 pm

Ministry of Imperial Security, Potens
What sunlight the Imperial Capital got in the winter months, only for a few hours in the afternoon, filtered in through the window of the office. It fell onto a wooden desk that lay scattered with papers located at the end of a wall, opposite to an oak wood door. The walls of the office were lined with maps covered with marks and pictures, seemingly of random, unrelated people, with notes next to them.

Josef Aalberg raised an eyebrow as he looked over his reports in this office. The director of Aureumterra’s feared intelligence agency, I9, was rarely if ever surprised by information given to him. After all, someone with tabs on everyone has little room for surprise at all. He put reading glasses on, not that he needed them ordinarily, but the information seemed remarkable enough to give a close, attentive look.

He opened a folder that was beside the report he was reading, which contained a long list of names, some of them crossed off with red ink, some with a question mark next to them, and some with no markings. He ran his finger down the list until he reached one that was crossed off, a mark that appeared to be relatively fresh compared to some of the others on the paper. Trygvar Gunnarsson.

He picked up a telephone that lay on the desk and pressed a button, "Tell Wiland to come to my office as soon as possible."

He turned on the TV, switching to a sports channel. He had little interest in football, despite the competition having enamored many citizens for the last week. He picked up the phone again, this time pressing a different button, "I need you to print out the roster of the football team - yes our football team. The entire roster - yes even the substitutes. I need every single name on the team, this is important."

Right then, a knock was heard on the door, "Wiland come in."

A tall, man with neatly combed brown hair walked in, wearing a suit with a small pin on his coat. He didn’t take a seat, “You called me in?”

“Yes.” Aalberg responded, holding up the sheet of paper. “When was he added here and when was he disposed of”

“We added him a couple months back, we believe he went out in the counterterrorist operation on Ísafjörð." Wiland answered, referring to an event that had been one of the main catalysts for Aureumterra’s global ostracization thereafter.

"And what did we know of what he did prior?"

"He was a forward for Helsing FC - before he left his football career to "fight for his people" as he put it…"

Aureumterra 1

Victory, Then Defeat in the BoF

January 12th, 2023

KEERS, MERTAGNE - The Aureumterran national football team has finished playing its first two games in the 80th Baptism of Fire in Mertagne. The first game, against Varavel at Blackave, was a somewhat quiet opening for the team. It was visible they were still getting used to playing on the international stage again after their hiatus, as most of the first half did not have many shots taken by either side. Towards halftime, Fritz Dalgaard managed to land the ball into the net, but was caught offsides and hence lost the point. However, it seems the team had a surge in energy as the whistle ending halftime blew and they began playing again. This time, it seemed they were clearly back into the comfort of playing following the icebreaker that was the first half. Multiple attacks and multiple shots taken were blocked by Varavel’s defense and goalkeeper, when finally, out of a corner assisted by Arvid Osterholt, Dalgaard headed the ball into the net in the 72nd minute. More attacks were made following that, while Varavel’s offense managed to get a dangerous shot in blocked by Mikkel Jensen in the 80th minute. When the final whistle blew, it was a jubilant atmosphere as the fans saw their team not only return, but win in their first game back.

The second game against Archalit, however, was more intense than anyone could have likely expected. Much like the first game, neither side scored in the first half with iron solid defenses on both sides. Following halftime, however, each side ramped up its attacking in order to rack up goals and attempted goals in quick succession. Archalit’s Kanoa Faye scored in the 55th minute, leaving some fans worried. However, Dalgaard scored an equalizer not too long after in the 62nd minute with a long range shot from outside the goalkeeper’s box that managed to curve around Roland Baker. Archalit’s offense struck back with another goal in the 75th minute, with Aureumterra striking once again in the 83rd minute with Artur Royse’s shot. Archalit managed to score another goal close to the final whistle in the 85th minute with Kanoa Faye scoring a second goal, followed up in quick succession by another goal by Dalgaard in the 85th minute. The wild game moved into added time, with Archalit scoring the winning goal with Jose Gee in added time. Despite the loss, manager Magnus Thrane said he was impressed by the team’s performance against another well matched team, and looks forward to their next games against Richelieu and Inkwellistan.

by **Al-Tamazgha** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:04 pm

Basement of Origas Arena, Kurtz, Mertagne

As a football manager, Laurent Assidon wasn't exactly known to be a man of many words. If anything, he was rather the opposite, preferring to let his more proactive assistant, Moussa N'Diaye, speak to the media and on occasions whenever possible, and N'Diaye, who was a national team captain until the end of the 67th AOCAF championship at age 44, was happy to do so.

This was no different during the Mountain Lions' Baptism of Fire 80 campaign in Mertagne, as the early struggles of the tournament have caused the local media, ever tenacious and closed-world in nature, to bombard him and the Mountain Lions. Laurent once again chose to speak little to the media, addressing in French, his first language as a man from the Jewish community from Maisonbleue who moved to Quebec for the Olympique de Rimouski's renowned academy at age 14, that 'early losses were early losses, and that if applied properly, could be used for a good preparation for years to come'. That stance, while very much in line with what Assidon had said in past, did not exactly help quash the flames either, and Laurent knew that at some point he fucked up on delivering the very nuance of what he's intended, as he would end up finding VousTube clips and RougeTube livestreams of his fifty word remark erupting all over his home country.

'Well, that's not the easiest way to start the tournament,' said Laurent, as he lit a ta3leb [تَعلَب, also means fox] cigarette from his packet inside the smoking room at the basement of Kurtz's Origas Arena. A self-defined 'football-mad city' in its own right, the run-down nature of the southern city and its redbrick 50,000-seater were all apparent to the Tamazghan, who himself had become more accustomed to them than a lot of his teammates. Fifteen years in Quebec, where he had played for l'OR, St. John's Arsenal and Jolbonopolis United before a youth managerial career with Rimouski, had allowed him to become more accustomed to the stadiums that held old-world charms of their own.

'Probably a sign that you should stop taking up smoking as an option, Laurent,' answered Moussa N'Diaye, as the assistant manager, whose tall, skinny frame were all evident with a pair of tracksuits worn, stood next to him for a chat. They knew that it was a good time, after all the news about early-tournament disappointments following a strong AOCAF tournament, to take a moment off from all of it. 'Isn't your wife a lifestyle columnist at The Songakian? Who routinely covers celebrities that propagate healthy way of living and shit?'

Laurent didn't budge, inhaling the smoke for a few seconds before blasting it to his right. 'A man needs a vice or two to get over it. We make commitments all the time, but a couple of clauses exist to be grandfathered,' Laurent said, his voice low and slowed down. 'Soraya and I first met when we were what, twenty? Twenty-one? She knows the deal about what it means to be a footballer both here and home, and we look away from our respective vices and faults to keep our lives and family going.'

'I suppose so, though I think you are stressing yourself out over all this,' Moussa said back in French, nodding along to what Laurent had said before. Long knowing each other since their twenties as Tamazghan internationals, both sides knew that they held fundamental agreements that's going to make it different, but likely had no other option but to cooperate - the Federation Royale Tamazghienne de Football (FRTF), unlike in past occasions, preferred to have a domestic-based manager in charge. 'It's probably a good idea for you to stop overthinking all this. You and I know how much the nation's proud of us for having performed well on the AOCAF, and it's going to be a matter of time and adequate investment before we take it up.'

'It's a matter of pride too, Moussa mon cheri,' Laurent shook his head. 'Poor early starts don't bode well for the narrative's sake, as you too remember back in the AOCAF. We had lost out on second-round progression on what, by a point, due to starting out with three consecutive draws. And now we are already behind with back-to-back losses, though admittedly, Portlandia and Kirungabi were the group favourites anyway - perhaps the Baptism By Fire was the right way to describe it.'

'Laurent, you are speaking in coefficients again,' Moussa's voice got louder, the older man feeling frustrated. 'Nobody gave a darn when the Quebecois had crashed out of their Cup of Harmony sixteen years ago because they knew that the best were yet to come during the Qualifying Round. They eventually finished third, and barely missed out of automatic qualification. You are overthinking through all this.'

'Am I?' was all Laurent asked. 'Because I think that you are the one who speaks coefficient based on the sounds of it. No team manager, as you know well being one with Pere-Benjelloun, would want to lose. That's coefficientspeak in the hopes that players will give up short-term gains for something bigger, like having a better rank to find ourselves a more favourable group. Even with better ranks, there is no future without a culture, that being of a winning culture. That's what I'm talking about.'

'I think we are thinking about two different meanings of coefficientspeak. Running around in circles for sure.'

by **Aeragny** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:07 pm

An unfortunate circumstance

The Airannian team had entered the field of the Nine Star Arch stadium shyly; as always when entering an entirely new stage of competition, it is hard to judge where one's skills will match up. However, after roughly half an hour of struggling to find their footing, on the field against an opponent with, undoubtedly, similar struggles, that reluctancy turned into a much more relaxed, confident atmosphere, as the team quickly shifted into a counter attack after a corner kick by Kirungabi, resulting in a 1-0 lead for the Aerá, off the foot of Goppré. However, this release of tension in the squad did not relax the Airannian team, and momentum was great coming into half-time. The team were left (partially) in the dark, however, and as such, the half-time rest was nearly twice the length it ideally would have been; allowing the Kirungabi to regain themselves. Stéven Lédn came on for Colminge - but this still did nothing to go up against the huge weight in terms of possession the Kirungabi team had in the second half; in spite of the Airannian lead. At 80 minutes, Eric Brittagny was taken off the field in favor of Galho Éram, in an effort to bring some defensive power onto the field, to defend this lead, but to no avail: in the 84th minute, Pascal Mutabazi scored the equalizer thanks to a gorgeous cross pass by Felix Mugabe. The remaining minutes were played in an all out Airannian offense, but to no avail.

---

Not the brighest moment

After the draw snatched from the jaws of victory in the previous match, one might think the Airannian squad is ready to give it all in the next match -- nothing to lose after all. Clearly the squad can match up, but in order to be a fierce competitor it would be necessary to at least win a match, too. And while the teams would battle back and forth in the first half, the Airannian team seemed distracted in the Cop Limy Stadium. Right from the kick off of the second half, the Saperetian squad pushed the offense, with Filip Vilfredo passing the ball to Jeffrey Knobes at the edge of the 16 meter zone, turned his body away from Kezhinár, and into a shot, which caught ja Dony by surprise entirely: SAP 1, AER 0. Following this, the morale of the team flared up briefly, with potent attacks set up by Trofois, shot on goal by Goppré, and saved not by Yakim, but by a wooden pole. In the 70th minute, an ill timed tackle by Choréls also led to the first international red card for the Airannian squad. Saperetian pressure mounted further, and a second goal by Antoon was inevitable.
After his dishonorable departure, Choréls was interviewed, and admitted that he, and a few other Airannian players, had been distracted during the match, as he'd heard rumours just before kick-off that a man had supposedly "been struck by a light". As he explained, it wasn't until after he had hit the showers that he discovered this was nothing more than an unconfirmed hoax. For the match against Super Top, Marcell Choréls will be replaced by Pelleç Vánu.

---

Discover Aerágny, the greatest country, especially by land area, on the island of Cabélie!

Okay... there's not much room for other countries on Cabélie, as Airannia takes up roughly 97%, but there is nonetheless, a lot to see and do in Airannia. Each matchday, let's take a look at a themed map of Airannia, and talk about some notable facts. Today, we talk about the most popular tourist destination in each of Parzhinia's 6 provinces; next time we will talk about the other 6.

Click for image!
The grayed areas are different countries; the blue is water (naturally), and the provinces are named. The four kingdoms of Airannia are also colour coded through the province names. The stars are the tourist attractions listed below.

Fourobá: The name Fourobá literally means "old home", as it forms the cradle of modern Airannian society. Until 1967, the city of Vilvéque was the capital of the nation, and today still a lot of old government buildings, the national museum, and in general, a very beautiful old city can be found. While in Vilvéque, one would also have the chance to visit the islands of Bielvél and Sihronnique; which are wonderful natural walking trails.
Iscaperá: In Cucuaddás, one can find two theme parks, right next to one another. The first, NuoMundo, is quite impressive, with various coasters and a lot of action rides. However, for the true Airannian experience, visit the less thrilling option: Ceilingirby Gardey (National History Garden). A spacious park, with a lot of entertainment, most, almost all, of which is entirely quaint and meant to provide an educational experience about the history of Parzhinia and Airannia, for children and adults alike. Maybe it's better to visit NuoMundo, after all.
Joura: The Sqiperá, coast of Sqi, is a long stretching beach, which is also lined with spas, hotels and, curiously, aquariums. I'm also unsure why one would want to visit fish in captivity, all of whom have freedom right on the doorstep, but nonetheless, perhaps all the great pescetarian restaurants in the area will get you in the mood for some live fish action.
Raukharre: The city of Sanne Armande (note that sanne/sanna is Airannian for "saint"), is almost a museum in and of itself. But apart from an impressive downtown, full of old taverns and a huge cathedral, in the centre of the city also stands the Old Castle of Saint Armand, one of the largest castles in all of Airannia. Of the ones that's still standing, at least.
Ártrique: Visiting the city of Ardoux isn't something the average Airannian would recommend you; a former colonial port, today the city is depressingly industrial. However, the city's location at the estuary of the river Bugenna also lends the city as a perfect starting point for hikers, mountainbikers, and other nature-likers. And the beautiful Ardoux Colonial Harbor Museum is worth a visit, despite its position next to a relatively busy and loud highway.
Sannpiérter: The capital of Vorácy is a must-see for every tourist to Airannia, but those up for a treat should travel to Ploury gran; and visit the elaborate Margatos station, designed by renowned architect Baross Mergatos. The station is so elaborately designed, it stands as the city's primary sight... but unfortunately due to its design, does not have the required throughput - so another station, the Forum station, had to be built less than a kilometre away.

EDIT: Fixed incorrect province name.

by **Mertagne** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:13 pm

Matchday Three Scores

Group A
CONGOlese Republic 1–1 Ile de Richelieu @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00.
Aureumterra III 1–0 Inkwellistan @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00. Merchants were selling replica shirts outside the stadium, but for other teams in the group instead of those that were playing.
Illiryja 3–1 Archalit @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00.
Naixi 4–0 Varavel @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00. It was unexpectedly cold during the game, and a light mist began to settle around the field.

.   Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Naixi                            2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
 2 Illiryja                         3   2  0  1    6   2  +4    6
 3 Archalit                         3   2  0  1   10   9  +1    6
 4 Aureumterra III                  3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6
 5 Ile de Richelieu                 2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
 6 CONGOlese Republic               3   1  1  1    7   8  −1    4
 7 Obrela                           2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
 8 Inkwellistan                     3   0  0  3    3   6  −3    0
 9 Varavel                          3   0  0  3    0   8  −8    0

Group B
Patriotlandia 2–2 Tanirinthia @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00. All the ice cream machines in the stadium were broken.
Greater Kamilistan 4–4 Novaros @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00.
Oflia 0–1 Depivik @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00.
The Cannaland Islands 1–0 St Saratoga @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00.

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

Group C
New Portland Republic 1-0 Borisuelo @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00. The stadium bar suffered an exchange rate error where if you paid in your nation’s native currency, drinks were 90% cheaper than they would be if you paid in ducats.
Kirungabi 1–1 Ryfenia @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00.
Saperetia 0–0 Al-Tamazgha @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00.
Super Top 0–2 Aeragny @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00.

.   Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 New Portland Republic            3   3  0  0    6   1  +5    9
 2 Saperetia                        3   2  1  0    4   0  +4    7
 3 Kirungabi                        3   1  2  0    3   2  +1    5
 4 Aeragny                          3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
 5 Borisuelo                        2   1  0  1    2   1  +1    3
 6 Ryfenia                          3   0  2  1    4   7  −3    2
 7 Al-Tamazgha                      3   0  1  2    0   2  −2    1
   Gran Saguaro                     2   0  1  1    2   4  −2    1
 9 Super Top                        2   0  0  2    0   4  −4    0

Group D
Ascvalion 1–0 Strayan Rus @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00.
Katterimunk 3–1 Lozho @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.
Bubiyan and Warbah 0–0 Okerne @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.
British Covelandia 3–1 United Bongo States of America @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00. Fans had trouble entering the stadium as rigorous searches for firestarters were conducted.

.   Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Katterimunk                      3   3  0  0   13   6  +7    9
 2 Ascvalion                        3   3  0  0    7   2  +5    9
 3 British Covelandia               2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
 4 Srubnaya Culture                 2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
 5 Lozho                            3   1  0  2    5   7  −2    3
 6 Bubiyan and Warbah               3   0  2  1    4   5  −1    2
 7 Okerne                           3   0  1  2    2   7  −5    1
   United Bongo States of America   3   0  1  2    8  13  −5    1
 9 Strayan Rus                      2   0  0  2    0   4  −4    0

Matchday Four Scores

Group A
Archalit 0–1 Naixi @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00.
Inkwellistan 0–2 Illiryja @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00.
Ile de Richelieu 2–3 Aureumterra III @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00. Students from a rival university in Quebec and Shingoryeo had bleached the grass of each pitch with an inflammatory message. Nobody noticed until the evening, when the floodlights revealed the message.
Obrela 2–0 CONGOlese Republic @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00

.   Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Naixi                            3   3  0  0    6   0  +6    9
 2 Illiryja                         4   3  0  1    8   2  +6    9
 3 Aureumterra III                  4   3  0  1    8   6  +2    9
 4 Obrela                           3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6
 5 Archalit                         4   2  0  2   10  10   0    6
 6 Ile de Richelieu                 3   1  1  1    4   4   0    4
 7 CONGOlese Republic               4   1  1  2    7  10  −3    4
 8 Inkwellistan                     4   0  0  4    3   8  −5    0
 9 Varavel                          3   0  0  3    0   8  −8    0

Group B
Depivik 0–3 The Cannaland Islands @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00.
Novaros 4–2 Oflia @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00
Tanirinthia 2–2 Greater Kamilistan @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00
Lionsroar 4–4 Patriotlandia @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00. Annikki Sivaleinen, national fashion mogul, attended the match.

.   Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Novaros                          4   3  1  0   13   7  +6   10
 2 The Cannaland Islands            3   3  0  0    7   0  +7    9
 3 Greater Kamilistan               4   2  2  0    8   6  +2    8
 4 Tanirinthia                      3   1  2  0    7   5  +2    5
 5 Patriotlandia                    4   1  2  1    9   9   0    5
 6 Depivik                          4   1  0  3    2   6  −4    3
 7 St Saratoga                      3   0  1  2    0   2  −2    1
 8 Lionsroar                        3   0  1  2    5  10  −5    1
 9 Oflia                            4   0  1  3    2   8  −6    1

Group C
Al-Tamazgha 1–0 Super Top @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00.
Ryfenia 0–2 Saperetia @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00. Origas adopted an aggressive advertising campaign after it was revealed they had been snubbed for a high profile extraction contract in Tumbra.
Borisuelo 0–1 Kirungabi @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00. The arch was switched off at the end of the first half, to the disappointment of many of the city members as they couldn't see the score at a glance.
Gran Saguaro 0–0 New Portland Republic @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00.

.   Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Saperetia                        4   3  1  0    6   0  +6   10
 2 New Portland Republic            4   3  1  0    6   1  +5   10
 3 Kirungabi                        4   2  2  0    4   2  +2    8
 4 Aeragny                          3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
 5 Al-Tamazgha                      4   1  1  2    1   2  −1    4
 6 Borisuelo                        3   1  0  2    2   2   0    3
 7 Gran Saguaro                     3   0  2  1    2   4  −2    2
 8 Ryfenia                          4   0  2  2    4   9  −5    2
 9 Super Top                        3   0  0  3    0   5  −5    0

Group D
Okerne 1–2 British Covelandia @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00.
Lozho 3–0 Bubiyan and Warbah @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00. Environmental protestors were in attendance at the match and displayed flags with climate change messages on them.
Strayan Rus 3–3 Katterimunk @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.
Srubnaya Culture 2–2 Ascvalion @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00.

.   Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Katterimunk                      4   3  1  0   16   9  +7   10
 2 Ascvalion                        4   3  1  0    9   4  +5   10
 3 British Covelandia               3   3  0  0    6   2  +4    9
 4 Lozho                            4   2  0  2    8   7  +1    6
 5 Srubnaya Culture                 3   1  1  1    6   4  +2    4
 6 Bubiyan and Warbah               4   0  2  2    4   8  −4    2
 7 Strayan Rus                      3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1
 8 United Bongo States of America   3   0  1  2    8  13  −5    1
 9 Okerne                           4   0  1  3    3   9  −6    1

Your prompt for Matchdays Five & Six concerns HABITS. Different cultures give way to odd rituals and habits, and this is equally true in Mertagne. For example, when invited into someone's home, many older Mertagnians will trace a circle with their right foot before entering, which stems from a secret coded signal to designate safe houses during the Corvidae War. Does your nation have any particular habits or rituals that its citizens undertake? Are there any interesting things your players will do for luck before a match? What habits do your citizens have that would be considered strange, or even abhorrent, to other nations?

by **Novaros** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 4:33 pm

Azban TV, Novaros

Matchday 3 of the Baptism of Fire
The Islamic Republic of Novaros played today against our brothers, Greater Kamilistan. The match ended with a spectacular 4-4 draw.
Fans were shouting Novarosian Slogans, and one fan was spotted flying a Suronian flag.

"This match was amazing!", said Head Coach Ahmed Karimi

Goal 1: Habib Habiben
Goal 2: Sohel Leel
Goal 3: Sohel Leel
Goal 4: Ayoub Fallah

Good game, to our Kamilistani brothers!

Matchday 4
Novaros had a crushing 4-2 win against Oflia today.
Fans in Novaros marched in the streets while firing fireworks, which led to a small forest fire in Azban. Everyone was united while celebrating. Police and civils, Suronians and Novaars, and Muslims and Christians.

Ayoub Fallah also achieved a record of 3 consecutive goals in a single match.

Goal 1: Kaed Ali
Goal 2: Ayoub Fallah
Goal 3: Ayoub Fallah
Goal 4: Ayoub Fallah

Arrest of notorious Suronian terrorist

Joseph Bazzeh, the Suronian Terrorist responsible for the assassination of supreme leader Ali Hafiz, was arrested during a raid on his house near the Novaros-Suronian border.

More informations are redacted.

Good evening, Azban TV out.

by **The Cannaland Islands** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:26 pm

Breakdown of the first 3 International Matches Cannaland has Played

Oflia 0-3 Cannaland
Roster:
Myo Seok, GK
Qaskaz Matsorëm, CB
Ñanke Bhailjon, CB
Sam Robinson, LB
Johnathon Daniels, RB
Ïq Zetsmaskéqq, DM
Gyäësk Wyaçis-Çaskïwy, CM
Tyler Simmons, CM
Yeo Yongsun, LW
(CAPTAIN) Wygáld Seçå, ST
Etsordz Thlima, RW (goals: "23'10, "45+1)

Subs
Seçå > Oqaç
Matsorëm > Young (goal: "62'55)
Robinson > Jeresk
Notes:
(KAN) Gyäësk Wyaçis-Çaskïwy, CM recieved a Yellow Card for "Unsafe Play"
(OFL) Defender 1 recieved a yellow card for "Unsportsmanlike Conduct"

Cannaland 1-0 St Saratoga
Roster:
Myo Seok, GK
Qaskaz Matsorëm, CB
Ñanke Bhailjon, CB
Sam Robinson, LB
Johnathon Daniels, RB
Ïq Zetsmaskéqq, DM
Gyäësk Wyaçis-Çaskïwy, CM
Tyler Simmons, CM
Yeo Yongsun, LW
(CAPTAIN) Wygáld Seçå, ST (goal: "76'02)
Etsordz Thlima, RW

Subs
Yeo > Olaygyeq
Wyaçïs-Çaskïwy > Kasmes II
Simmons > Marshall-Kelley
Notes:
(STS) Forward 1 recieved a yellow card for "Unsafe Play"

Depivik 0-3 Cannaland
Roster:
Myo Seok, GK
Qaskaz Matsorëm, CB
Ñanke Bhailjon, CB
Sam Robinson, LB
Johnathon Daniels, RB
Ïq Zetsmaskéqq, DM
Gyäësk Wyaçis-Çaskïwy, CM (goal: "10'32)
Tyler Simmons, CM
Yeo Yongsun, LW
(CAPTAIN) Wygáld Seçå, ST (goals: "38'40, "81'27)
Etsordz Thlima, RW

Subs
(INJ) Thima > Oqaç
Daniels > Young
Notes:
Etsordz Thima, RW was subbed out @Halftime for a strain in his hamstring, he is expected to be back by Matchday 6. Ïq Oqaç will replace him in the roster for the time being.
(KAN) Ïq Oqaç, RW received a Yellow Card for "Unsafe Play"
(KAN) Wygáld Seçå recieved a Yellow Card for "Removing their shirt after scoring a goal ["38'40])

The Future of Cannalandic Football in the Baptism of Fire and the World Cup

Upcoming Matches:
Cannaland v Novaros (MD5)
Tanirinthia v Cannaland (MD6)
Cannaland v Lionsroar (MD7)
Patriotlandia v Cannaland (MD8)
Cannaland v Greater Kamilistan (MD9)

Cannaland is currently 2nd in their group which was expected among Cannalandic journalists after their stunning victory against Randovbhaile in the Sceniverse World Cup Dukradi Final just a month ago.
Cannalandic Journalists are expecting Cannaland to make it out of Group B and to hopefully make it past the Round of 16
With Etsordz Thlima injured, fans are wondering how Ïq Oqaç is going to handle such a position that Thlima held.
In a press conference with Cannalandic and Mertagnian news stations, Oqaç said "I am grateful for the work that Thlima has done, and I am wishing him well in his recovery. I am glad I was chosen to take his place after being subbed in during the Depivik match and I will continue to contribute to our lead against these most talented teams in our group. The camaraderie in our locker room and theirs is unmatched and it is great to see how all of these nations come together in peace to play some soccer."

Cannaland hasnt seen a single goal scored against them yet and are hoping to keep that streak running in the upcoming matchdays

Excerpt from KNT Channel 4 Açawyäë zaj English 2023-1-13 @1825 Local Time

by **Obrela** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 6:42 pm

Obrela 2 - 0 CONGOlese Republic

No other notable events occured in training this week for the Dolphins, and having had a bye for the first game, they went into their only game of the night refreshed against the CONGOlese Republic. On the eve of the game, a video was posted on social media of Garza falling backwards over a football. It went viral overnight, and he got a laugh from the fans as the bus pulled up outside the stadium.

Obrela 2-0 CONGOlese Republic
Obrela:
 Minoru 2' Frances 41'
 Miyashimo 33'
 None
 
 



CONGOlese Republic:
 None
 Hernandez 25' Hossain 87'
 None

((OOC: I'll add more details about the goals tomorrow, its half 1 in the morning and I need sleep.))

by **Greater Kamilistan** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 6:45 pm

Match Day 3

The 3rd day had just began, they have already make good progress throughout the previous 2 days. Kamilistan's sports channel, World Tournament Channel was broadcasting the 3rd day of the match, getting around 28 million views live, with hundreds of Kamilistani getting ready to see the 3rd day of the match. With the players ready, they head towards the field, with their opponents being a fellow Islamic nation of Novaros, a first ever match with another nation alike.

Throughout the match, it was Novaros getting their goal first before the Kamilistanis, halfway through the match, #26 Vlad Seregorsk - CM was force to be dragged out of the fields after he was seen falling down and hitting the ground hard, he was then replace by reserve-in pitch #36 Muhammed Abu Bin Kabar, a well known player chosen from the East Azerbaijan F.C. By the end of the match, the score was tied of 4, with no sides winning

The interviewers decided to ask Badarshanke about the match, a crowd of them surrounded Badarshanke, with cameras flashing onto him

"Is this your first time, or first time in years since you have played against a fellow Muslim nation"

"First time in years, we last played against our neighboring country down south"

"Okay....but how was the score, i-it's a draw between the two of you, are you satisfied."

"They were a tough one, we were able to win with Vlad with us, though he was not feeling well...but okay, that's all I would tell"

As Badarshanke went, the press followed him and continue to ask question, his teammates got annoyed and surround Badarshanke as they went into the hallways, trying to block the press.

Match Day 4

The 4th match day, tensions were high for them, who's the opponent today, Tanirinthia. They never heard of this country before, but is a tournament, maybe they will know. Outside, the Kamilistani Ultras were gathering around the stadium entrance, waving the Kamilistan flag and banners with them. With the whistle blow, it was kickoff, Vlad Seregorsk didn't played for that match, only watching it from treatment room as needs to rest for 2 days 1 night.

The Kamilistani fans on their part of the stadium were chanting loudly, back home in Kamilistan, more people began to gather around the Big Screens across the country, with more began to camp around it. All of the digital billboard featured the match, and the football team, with clothing store selling the Kamilistan's football team jerseys. Some schools were close due to the tournament.

It was the same as the previous day, a tie score, the players were already confuse enough, they had the upper hand but it was their defense that keep them opened. Some of the Kamilistani players were already, you can say almost got themselves dehydrated from the match, with multiple water bottles pouring on their head.

"In just two days, we got ties..." Told the Goalkeeper himself

"I know right, damn it's weird, but I'm thirsty as hell, and my legs hurt..god"

The nation's name on the billboard had dropped from 2nd to 3rd place, hearts were beating fast, with the players getting more stress as they try to think of a new tactic. Many news stations outlets broadcasting Kamilistan's drop in ranks in the Group B billboard. World Tournament Channel of Kamilistan reporter was able to get a glimpse interview with Yunis, the only thing Yunis told about the match was "dissatisfied with the match, and he feels that he didn't try hard enough"

Building the spirit, famous Kamilistan accessories manufacturers Baxrix have began selling their new "Top-Down Spirited Designed Wearing" with hoodies, long-sleeve shirt, pants and including shoes have the same style as the Kamilistan national teal jerseys, including football-style designs.

(( OOC: Sorry if this feels rushed, I am a bit busy with my exams ))

by **Srubnaya culture** » Fri Jan 13, 2023 11:39 pm

Match Day Three (2-2 Tie)
Before the game the Srubnaya team engaged in a prayer session asking god to help them at least tie with a foe that seemed superior to them. Their prayers were answered in a 2-2 tie, which meant Srubnaya was now playing .333 but their win and loss total stayed the same.

In game three Srubnaya and Ascvalion were pretty evenly matched. Uxtazmata Neopolis scored the first goal at 9:05, while the opposing Mark Hale scored a header after a shot from George Asano had been deflected into the air by our goalie at 11:07. At minute Twenty-five Saul De-Paul was given a yellow card after fouling Palacus Konstantinidis. For the next seven minutes possessions switched around frequently and a total of 4 shots were taken by both teams, 3 by Ascvalion and one by Srubnaya.

At 32:58 George Asano scored a goal after a well-placed pass from Saul De-Paul which gave the Asvalion team some momentum, although it wasn't enough to score them anymore goals, their defense against Srubnaya improved. Even with this momentum boost the defense still allowed Chersonesus Lapadasues to score at 65:02 after Uxtazmata Neopolis managed to find him open on the right field.

From then on, the two teams combined would attempt a total of 5 more shots, 3 from Srubnaya and 2 from Ascvalion, but do no avail. Neither team managed to take the winning shot as the overtime clock expired and the match concluded with a tie. The two teams would congratulate each other and go back to their hotel rooms. While Srubnaya fans were disappointed that they didn't get another victory, the majority of them agreed that a tie was still better than loosing.

Srubnaya Culture vs Lozho 1-2

Srubnaya Culture vs Strayan Rus 3-0

Training/Recuperation Day

Srubnaya Culture vs Ascvalion 2-2

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 **Saperetia** » Sat Jan 14, 2023 8:33 am

Thriller match ends in disappointment for both sides
Saperetia 0-0 Al-Tamazgha

With Saperetia getting 2 wins in 2 games, many fans hope they can keep this streak going until the end of the tournament. However, only a fourth of the group stages are gone and we haven't played any other team who are currently in the top 4, which could trouble our chances. Many fans hoped that in the next two games, against the tied for 8th Al-Tamazgha and 7th Ryfenia, Saperetia would beat both and top the group. The first of the two, against Al-Tamazgha, would be the more difficult one as Al-Tamazgha were a defensive team, jsut like us. They were slightly more defensive, seen in their lineup, as against the SAP: 4-3-3 they lined up as TMZ: 3-3-2-2

Saperetia: GK Yakim (C), DEF Ipatiy, Celso, Diyan, Achille MID Lacy, Knobes, Vilfredo ATK Gordie, Antoon, Titus

Al-Tamazgha: GK Ekoko (C)¹, DEF Amrouche, Carcela, Laroui, MID-DEF Soumare, Benzakour, Elalamy, MID-ATK Benzakour, Yaktine, ATK Diouri, Joumari

In the first half, with Saperetia getting some good chances off of counterattacks and the Mountain Lions known for their big counterattacks, no team wanted to attack as it would allow the other to counter, so the first half came and went with only a yellow for Celso again. In the second half, Al-Tamazgha came off of kickoff with an immediate attack by Laroui making a run on the right, passing it off to Diouri who passed it to Joumari, who shot from 6 meter and hit the bar, after which the ball bounce off of the line and it was cleared by Diyan. The ball was then picked up by Vilfredo who made a sprint towards the other side of the pitch and subsequently hit the post. This set the tone for the second half, which was more intense than the second. Both teams were attacking and then counter attacking, but nobody could find the back of the net. In the 72nd minute, Achille got himself injured while passing and he was subbed off for Eugene, who proceded to get a yellow card five minutes later. In the 85th minute, a Soumare tackle on Titus saw Al-Tamazgha getting their first yellow of the match. The game ended 0-0, dissapointing both sides as great chances were wasted.

With Achille out for an unknown amount of time, Eugene will have to show what he can do. His debut against TMZ wasn't too great (he got a yellow, after all) but it wasn't terrible either. Fans look now at the match against Ryfenia with less optimism than before the match. But, they still keep hope as a draw is better than a loss.

1: No Captian was specified by TMZ, so they gave it to Ekoko

Recap so far: 2-0, 2-0, 0-0, 2-0
Ryfenia 0-2 Saperetia

Despite the tie against Al-Tamazgha, the close chances of that match left morale high in the Saperetian camp. But, Achille got injured in that game for 3 weeks (3 matchdays), so Eugene will have to take his place vs Ryfenia + the next two matches. That game also saw Celso getting a second yellow card this tournament and so Mouthenio decided to give Pascal a try. Pascal is a less agressive player than Celso, so the positives are that he has a smaller chance to get a yellow/red card, but he might not defend as well. With those changes, under the giant screens that say "ORIGAS", SAP line up 4-3-3 against the RYF 4-4-2.

Saperetia: GK Yakim (C), DEF Ipatiy, Pascal, Diyan, Eugene (Y) MID Lacy, Knobes, Vilfredo ATK Gordie, Antoon, Titus

Ryfenia: GK ?, DEF ?, ?, ?, ? MID ?, ?, ?, ? ATK ?, ?

The first half wasn't too exiting. Both sides took some shots on goal, but nobody actually scored. The second half saw a corner from Knobes being headed in by Antoon, to bring Saperetia to 1-0 in minute 56. Vilfredo brought the Crimsonites up to 2-0 in minute 78, to end the match at another 2-0 win.

The next two matches for the Saperetian team wil be against Borisuelo and Gran Saguaro, 6th and 7th respectively. Of course, they can cause an upset and we most likley aren't gonna be undefeated this group stage, but many are hoping that those good results would put us in a spot where we can't fall out of the top 4.

Column: About Our Manager

Name: Jos Mouthenio
Age: 45
Current Occupation: Manager of the Saperetian National Football Team (And manager of 19'22)

Jos Mouthenio began his sporting career at age 10 at the club FC Seaside, where he was playing in the junior divison as a CB. He showed talent and was picked up by scouts for FC Punto at age 17, when that club was relegated to the 3rd division. He made his debut in a 3-0 win over Devron Hill. He wasn't a main pick for FCP and after 2 seasons, he got loaned to division 4 side 19'22, where he became a regular starter. After two seasons on loan, 19'22 bought him for €10.000. He becme a big part of the defense. The season in which he joined, 19'22 endend up getting 4th, but got eliminated by FIVO in the playoff semi-final. The next season though, they own the league outright and secured promotion to division 3. The next season, the 23-year old was crucial in a few matches that managed to get 19'22 in second place, promoting 19'22 to the second division. This is where 19'22 stalled out for three years, with Mouthenio being by far the best player on the team. After three years of playing in Division 2, interest sprung up from four division 1 clubs: Capitum United, Capitum City, Maksiwood FC and MSC. Mouthenio ended up choosing Capitum United for a transfer fee of €12.500.000. Capitum United wasn't the best team in division 1, but they had a good attack and decent midfield, just a bad defence. Mouthenio hoped that he would bring CUN to a title, but it took two seasons before CUN finally topped the league, having an 5-point advantage. The 28-year Mouthenio got "Defender of the Year". The next season, while coming 3rd in the league, CUN did win the Saperetian Cup (A bracket tournament where all football clubs in Saperetia are allowed to participate and Winner's Trophy (League winners vs SapCup winners. If both are the same team, take the league runners up). The next season, CUN lost the league by 10 points and got defeated in the SapCup semi-finals, but they did win the Winner's Trophy. For the next 5 seasons, CUN won the league twice, SapCup once and Winner's Trophy thrice. By this point, Mouthenio had gone past his prime and CUN were looking to replace him. After one more year of looking, they found a replacement and they brought him in for €17.000.000. Now, CUN were looking to sell the 36-year old. Eventually, he waited a year, won a SapCup and let his contract expire. Even though he was 37 and past his prime, one club that was very interested in aquiring him was 19'22, who just barely survived relegation the previous year. Mouthenio joined them and stayed there for 4 season, during which 19'22 was relegated once but they won the second division immediatly. Then, at the age of 41, Mouthenio announced his retirement and left 19'22....for three months as their manager got fired and everyone wanted Mouthenio to give it a shot. Mouthenio agreed and since then, he's been managing 19'22. In the four years that he has been manager, 19'22 have been punching above their weight and have even scored a 10th place finish. When the Saperetian Football Federation offered him the job of manager of the Saperetian national team, he couldn't say no. A temporary replacement has been installed in 19'22 for the time Mouthenio is away for the BoF.

Player Honours: 3x Division 1 Champion, 3x SapCup, 4x Winner's Trophy, 1x Division 2 Champion, 1x Division 4 Champion, 1x "Defender of the year."
Manager Honours: None ...yet

by **Katterimunk** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:19 am

Allsports Katterimunk

Unbeatable still

The Baptism of fire kicked off in Mertagne 2 weeks ago, and with this began Katterimunk's WCC campaign for this season. Playing against 36 teams, the Katteri looked forth to make it through to the knockouts in the top 16 in the Baptism of Fire, a good mid-table finish in the WC Qualifiers and a chance to play the Cup of Harmony. And as the team played it's first game, Katterimunk showed greatness, winning 3 of their 4 games and the drawing the other, being unbeaten in the tournament yet. The debuting striker Preistiv dominated with 8 goals has been the highest scorer for Katterimunk, making the team the highest goalscoring team as of the tournament yet.

The first game was an amazing game for the newbie WCC team, as they set a record by capturing the 'Arch' and scoring more than 5 goals, becoming the second team ever to do so in WCC football. The game had a not-so-subtle start as the first goal came in from Ahiko's shot in the 13th minute. The first shot from Katterimunk, taken from a beautiful through pass from Shinoda. The lead, however, was short-lived as the Bongo striker dribbled past 3 of our defenders- Khan, Akimov and Shayar, and took a low shot in for a goal. Then? Well, the Bongo took a lead with their second goal in the 23rd minute. The Bongo had their midfielder fouled by our defenceman Akimov, earning him a yellow, leading to a close scorable free kick. And in it went. The wall was too low and the Keeper's hands were too short to stop the inevitable goal. And then came the next shocker as the bongo increased their lead with a volleyed goal scored from a long lob from the midfield. As all seemed lost in the very first game for the Katteri, Preistiv showed his magic. Brushing past nearly all the midfielders, he one by one dribbled the defenders, before reaching a one-on-one with the keeper. There he went in for the shot, as the keeper redyed himself to save- but it was a feint! Preistiv took the shot in the other direction for a goal. That was the last goal for the half though, as the next half was going to be a domination. The game restarted quite calmly as the Katteri built up to take the ball up to the penalty box, only for Lorenz to be on the left by the Bongo defender. It was a Penalty! Lorenz took a deep breath and went in for a high corner shot, that struck the nets for a goal. The score was tied at 3. And before the Bongo States team could digest this goal in the 61st minute Preistiv scored another by a header off of a corner giving Katterimunk the lead again. And from here it was more uphill for the team. The leading Preistiv completed his hat-trick by a passing build up between the strikers, Shinoda and Lee as Preistiv was assisted by Ahiko to score his hat-trick. The last goal was scored in the 82nd minute by Lee ending the match 6-3.

Katterimunk   6-3   The United Bongo States
13' Ahiko           19' Bongo Player
41' Preistiv        23' Bongo Player
57' Lorenz (Pen)    31' Bongo Player                               
61' Preistiv
73' Preistiv
82' Lee

MOTM: Ankor Preistiv

In their second Game. the Katteri faced Okerne. Another debuting team like Katterimunk, Okerne was not really expected to be a threat for the Katteri. And as expected the Katteri took an early lead with 2 consecutive goals, both coming from Lorenz. The first was scored with a great cross in from Robbs as Lorenz shot it in for a score giving the first for Katterimunk. About 10 minutes later, Lorenz scored again hitting the ball back of the net, getting his second goal, this time assisted by the playmaker Garf. There was however a protest to this score from Okerne, as they got a neat goal from an amazing shot from outside the box. However the happiness was short lived, as Preistiv got his fourth in the tournament, scoring with a clean shot that struck the keepers hands, but was too powerful to be deflected by it. The half ended 3-1. The second half was quieter as the Okerne striker got an early goal at the 54th minute, but then the game stood for quite some time with the final icebreaker coming from the captain Yuzman Aftar as he got his second international goal, of off a neat pass to the right by Preistiv allowing Katteri a 2 goal lead victory.

Katterimunk   4-2   Okerne
23' Lorenz          38' Okerne Player
33' Lorenz          54' Okerne Player
44' Preistiv                                   
83' Preistiv

MOTM: Ahan Khan

In the third game, the Katteri were to face Lozho, a fellow esportivan. Even though the teams never met on the football pitch, they faced one another in the field of field hockey at the sporting festival, where the team managed to defeat the 'Unbeatable Amateurs' of Katterimunk. And all that the fans of the nation wanted was sweet revenge. In football, both teams were comparatively weaker and newer, making this an even field for both. Yet on the day of the game, Katterimunk proved themselves to be superior. The Match began with the Katteri striker Preistiv kicking the game off. The first few minutes were quieter as no team could get close to the goals, and most of the game was slow and limited to the midfield. And amidst this slow game, Katterimunk medfielder Lee found a gap moving the ball up to the strikers who kept the ball at one touch making use of their closely packed formation to build a passing play up. And in it went. Preistiv scored his goal, and the Katteri led. This was all the score for the first half, as the second period began with a quick build up and increament of the lead from the Katteri striker Ahiko, who scored another goal allowing the Katteri to lead by 2. Lozho, however were not to keep quiet. With his footwork, Droozle managed to go past all the modfielder beating the likes of Lee up the field passing the ball to Zouzal, who with his quick thinking dribbled a bit up to give an amazing through to Obamovic, who only had to flick the ball in. And he did as expected, giving the Lhozoans hope. And this hope was present throughout the game until the final minutes caved in. With close to 5 minutes on the clock, Katteri Captain Yuzman moved the ball up the field going past Zozho, Zaratrianias and Zoufal Cerezaki in a close one on one with the keeper. And right when De Jong though he was gonna shoot, the clever skipper flicked the ball sideways, where Preistiv pulled his leg forward to give a touch in for a goal. The game ended, 3-1.

Katterimunk   4-2   Okerne
31' Preistiv        62' Obamovic
44' Ahiko           
87' Preistiv                                  

MOTM: Garf Shinoda

by **Naixi** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:19 am

TOP OF THE GROUP

PAIR OF WINS THRUSTS BLUES INTO GROUP A FIRST PLACE

Though many fans back home are vociferous critics of national team head coach Gan Liang, it has been hard to find a fault in his squad thus far at the 80th Baptism of Fire. Two more wins (and two more clean sheets for goalkeeper Lao-Che Cai) have sent Naixi to a total of nine points in Group A, which is good enough to tie for top honors. A reminder to our readers: teams that finish top of their group receive weaker opponents when the octofinals begin.

The first game, a ruthless demolition of Varavel, was a display of uncharacteristic attacking verve. It began with a bit of controversy as Yue Hsieh scored a decent header from what seemed at first glance to have been an offside position. Varavel's players were furious in the aftermath - one was booked for dissent - but replays showed the assistant referee had got the call exactly right.

It was at the start of the second half that Naixi really began to dominate their opponents, though, with Kee Tian having a particularly brilliant 45. The controversially-selected left back (who supposedly isn't a great crosser) provided two splendid assists from the flank in the course of four minutes. Cao toe-poked the first home from just to the left of the penalty spot and Hsieh got herself a brace from point blank range four minutes later. To round off the rout, Tian scored himself 75 seconds after Hsieh had, and Varavel were finished.

The second game featured Naixi's first departure from their home base in Claviers - to the northern coastal city of Ostosaide. It was a win, too, though perhaps it should have been by a wider margin. Hazy Marbula started things off with a first-minute shirt-tug on Tan-Hung Xun, which was perplexing because Marbula had Xun beaten for pace. It would ultimately be a very consequential event, for multiple reasons. The resulting second-minute free kick, a long ball down the flank for Tian to chase, was cut back inside to Cao, who eventually laid a ball off for Kian-Zhi Yuan and which was then played right back to him as Cao exploited the channel between two defenders. The finish was simple in the end.

But could the Blues hold onto a lead against a very good Archalit for an hour an a half? Ultimately, yes, they could. The match seemed to loose any rhythm for long periods, as Archalit would try to build a move before Pei-Hsi Dai would show up to interfere. Matters were made worse for the Pirate's Kingdom as Jose Gee had to be taken off in the 53rd minute after suffering some kind of lower back injury. Although the news would later break that he was merely having muscle spasms, his replacement Lyndon Nightmare simply didn't cause the same problems for Naixi at the back.

The deciding event, sadly, was a red card. Marbula had been on thin ice for a good while, back-chatting with the referee since half time. Finally, a nasty little stud left on the top of Dai's foot was what put the ref over the edge. Marbula was cautioned a second time, and Archalit's chances of an equalizer drifted away.

NIGHTCLUBBING SCANDAL FOR ILLIRYJA

RUMORS SURROUND NAIXI CAPTAIN TOO

We at the Naixi Enquirer are certainly not averse to rumors and gossip about issues surrounding scandalous behavior on the domestic front. But perhaps we can, at least this one time, delve into the realm of international disgrace. Other tabloids are already talking about it, why can't we?

It has come to light that Zejd Martin, a defender for the Illiryja national football team, was photographed at a trendy nightclub a few days after his side lost to the Blues of Naixi, and just hours before his team's next match! Much opprobrium has been raised back home in Illiryja, as his professionalism has been called into question. Whether he continues to appear for the Balkan nation is completely unknown.

Though there is no photographic evidence to support the claim, there are allegations that Naixi captain Kian-Zhi Yuan was also present at the same club, on the same night. If the rumors are true, it would be somewhat less scandalous as, at the time, Naixi were on a bye fixture. However, it would not be exactly the sort of news fans of the Blues would want to hear!

More in the GOSSIP section on page E1.

STILL BARRICADED IN MERTAGNIAN TOILET

NAIXESE NEGOTIATORS SUMMONED

In a seemingly unrelated but nonetheless bizarre event, an unknown man, confirmed to be of Naixese descent, has barricaded himself inside a restroom at the very same nightclub Zejd Martin was seen at. The man has not provided any reason for his decision to hole up in the lavatory, but instead has chosen to only utter the phrase "ocupado, bro" in response to police and hostage negotiators.

A complicating factor is that the bathrooms are built into a man-made cavern against a Claviers cliff wall. It could take weeks or even months of work by contractors to safely drill a new passageway into the bathroom space, as apparently the man has damaged the door lock beyond repair.

An odd smell seems to be emanating from the area, say local Mertagnian police. Initially, it was believed to be from a gas leak at a neighboring business, but after shutting off the gas lines to the entire neighborhood did not solve the problem, authorities now suspect the smell and the man in the bathroom are related. Who knows what to believe?

More in the CRIME section on page D1.

OUR WORST HABIT

A HARD LOOK AT OUR NATIONAL PIZZA CRAVING

It's no secret that Naixese love pizza. Our nation's pizza delivery industry is ranked in the 9th percentile in our region of Rushmore. But with no international acclaim heaped upon the quality of that pizza (in fact, some food critics have even described our slices with unpleasant words like "appalling" and "revolting"), we at the Naixi Enquirer think it might be worth asking: why do we love pizza so much? Why are highways choked with pizza delivery sedans, adorned in red, white, and green? Why is it that every fourth meal served in Naixese homes is a tasty pizza pie?

It's not as though pizza has some long history in the traditions of our people's cuisine. Our ancestors survived on fish and grapes for decades when they were lowly indentured servants to the Golden People. But Naixi has modernized, and the international community has breathed new life into our cultural heritage.

Perhaps, of course, it has also breathed the bad habits of other nations right into our faces. Pizza, it is known, is a very addicting food. It is easy to eat, easy to clean up, and easy (at least in Naixi) to have delivered to your doorstep in minutes. And, of course, it is full of many greases that doctors say could damage your health! This is certainly borne out by recent WA figures that show obesity in our great nation has been lurching upward at an alarming rate.

More in the SELF-CARE section on page C1.

Matchday 3 (Crater Field, Claviers)

Naixi 4 ⇨ Cai, Yep (Lin), Shao (Geng), Dong, Tian ⚽x1, Xun, Dai, Ti, Yuan (Yuen), Cao ⚽x1, Hsieh ⚽x2
Varavel 0 ⇨ Player A, Player B (Player N), Player C, Player D, Player E (Player Q), Player F, Player G, Player H (Player T), Player I, Player J, Player K

9' Goal ⇨ Hsieh (NIX)
10' Yellow Card ⇨ Player H (VRV)
32' Yellow Card ⇨ Player A (VRV)
50' Goal ⇨ Cao (NIX)
52' Yellow Card ⇨ Ti (NIX)
54' Goal ⇨ Hsieh (NIX)
55' Goal ⇨ Tian (NIX)
56' Substitution ⇨ Player B OFF Player N ON (VRV)
66' Substitution ⇨ Player H OFF Player T ON (VRV)
68' Yellow Card ⇨ Player J (VRV)
72' Substitution ⇨ Yuan OFF Yuen ON (NIX)
85' Substitution ⇨ Shao OFF Geng ON (NIX)
89' Yellow Card ⇨ Yuen (NIX)
92' Substitution ⇨ Yep OFF Lin ON (NIX)
93' Substitution ⇨ Player E OFF Player Q ON (VRV)

Matchday 4 (Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide)

Archalit 0 ⇨ Baker, Note, Magica, Phantasma, Yang, Armburst, Sondas (Mizuki), San (Hart), Gee ✚ (Nightmare), Faye, Marbula
Naixi 1 ⇨ Cai, Yep, Shao, Dong (Geng), Tian, Xun, Dai, Ti, Yuan (Yuen), Cao ⚽x1 (T.H. Jin), Hsieh

1' Yellow Card ⇨ Marbula (ARC)
2' Goal ⇨ Cao (NIX)
8' Yellow Card ⇨ Tian (NIX)
22' Yellow Card ⇨ Armburst (ARC)
53' Substitution ⇨ Gee OFF Nightmare ON (ARC)
59' Substitution ⇨ Dong OFF Geng ON (NIX)
70' Second Yellow Card ⇨ Marbula (ARC)
80' Substitution ⇨ San OFF Hart ON (ARC)
89' Substitution ⇨ Yuan OFF Yuen ON (NIx)
92' Substitution ⇨ Cao OFF T.H. Jin ON (NIx)
95' Substitution ⇨ Sondas OFF Mizuki ON (ARC)

by **Lozho** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:30 am

Welcome to KINGS PARK!
Presented by: Lozho's Superb Hospitality, Hotels and Hostels Board, as part of the Get to Know Your Counties campaign

History and Etymology

In 1782, Lozhoan explorer Percival Xijinping discovered the then-uninhabited land that would later be known as King's Park far off the coast of Shezhen. As the only land in furlongs nearby, King Bob X of the Lozhoan throne declared it as Lozhoan territory. In its first few years, the tiny island remained barren and desolate. It was known as 'King Bob's Park', as the King was reportedly 'obsessed' with the island and made regular visits. In 1789, King Bob X vanished at sea en route to King Bob's Park and was never found.

For the next one hundred years, King Bob's Park was mostly forgotten about. In 1892, King Humdeedum II ordered the construction of a naval base on the island. The island was renamed as 'King's Park' and the construction of the King's Park Naval Base was completed in 1900. Many military officers moved to the island with their families and lived there. Over time, King's Park became more than just a military base and the island towns of Parkhurst and King's Town grew livelier and in size. King's Park location makes it ideal to farm tomatoes, and thus many of The Golden Tomato's premium fruits are handpicked in King's Park's farms.

In 1988, the cost of running King's Park Naval Base was too high, and thus it was closed down. However, due to the unique culture and identity of King's Park, the crown dependency was granted autonomy and has remained as such ever since.

Politics and Governance

As an autonomous territory, King's Park has a fully functional local government, which operates in the capital of King's Town. The current President of King's Park is Jared Lynch, elected in 2019. King's Park's government consists of an executive branch, a small legislative branch made up of local councilors and one part-time judge. King's Park also elects one Member of Parliament to represent it in Lozho's government. The current MP for King's Park is Harry Burger, who is part of the 'Sozha Soda' ruling coalition.

Demographics

King's Park has the unique distinction of being the only region in Lozho where the majority ethnicity is not Lozhoans or Xaxls - rather, the Tipes. Around 92.3% of the 10,320 or so inhabitants of King's Park identify themselves amongst the Tipes, with just 5.2% being ethnic Lozhoans, 1.3% being Xaxls and the rest being of other ethnicities. Similarly, King's Park is the only region where most people do not identify themselves with a religion (common with Tipes), with around 90.3% of the inhabitants not practicing a religion. 8.1% practice Lozhoroastrianism, and the rest practice others.

Geography and Landmarks

King's Park is a very flat nation, with a maximum elevation at around 12 metres. It consists of two islands: Loftus Island and Eze Island. Loftus Island is significantly larger than Eze Island, and the latter only consists of Eze Lighthouse and a few small houses. Kings Park does not have many unique geographical features, with the tiny islands mostly covered with good old grass. This has made the islands very suitable for people to play sports out in fields.

Heavy rain often befalls Kings Park, so make sure to bring an umbrella when outdoors. This is especially useful during the Monsoon season of October-February, where heavy rain and winds can drench you. Be wary of the occasional tropical storm that floats past.

The old Kings Park Naval Base has since been converted into a military museum, with many retired Lozhoan military aircraft, vehicles and equipment on display. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island and a must-see for any military buff.

Economy

The biggest industries on King's Park are tomato and cattle farming. Dairy, beef and tomatoes from King's Park are highly treasured by mainland Lozhoans for their unique tastes and pay top dollar for the items. However, increasing unpredictability of the weather and the lack of space has made it more difficult to farm the two goods, so King's Park's economy is slowly shifting towards tourist attractions. Many locals earn livings off running farmer's markets, museums and sports matches.

Kings Park uses the Lozhon, Lozho's national currency.

Transport

King Bob Airport is a small airport located in King's Town. Formerly a military airport, King Bob now serves commercial flights from Lozhoan cities such as Freiburger and Shezhen. Lozhoan Airlines such as Flying Planes from Lozho and Lozhoan Comfortable Flights fly out to the island around once a week, so those super eager to check out the beautiful islands can hire chartered planes.

To get around the islands, many use tuk-tuks, bicycles and minivans. As attempts at building a bridge between Eze Island and Loftus Island have been historically unsuccessful, a boat is required to get across.

Sports and Recreation

Residents of Kings Park are known to participate in many sports. The three most popular sports in Kings Park are football, rugby and cricket. All the sports clubs in Kings Park are amateur, which has become a tradition on the islands. King's Park most successful football team, Kings Park Rangers, has won the Kings League ten times in the last twelves years. Attempts made by Shezhen businessman Dang Xosha to turn Kings Park Ranger professional and allow them to play in the national leagues in 2012 was met with strong resistance from locals. Canoeing is also a popular sport on the islands, with many tourists canoeing back and forth between Loftus Island and Eze Island.

The Kings Park National Football, Rugby 7s and Field Hockey teams recently represented the territory at the Esportiva Sporting Festival 2 hosted in South Newlandia. Whilst they finished bottom in all of their groups, the little islands can be proud of how far they've come and will certainly cherish the opportunity to be represented at such a major tournament.

by **Gran Saguaro** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:59 am

A Franchised Business Hotel in Papillio
Ballroom C
13:30 — The Day After the New Portland Match

A melancholic Saguareño team sat on folding chairs in the back of the cavernous room, gathered around a large screen. The players avoided eye contact with each other, and especially with their frowning coach. They still bore the marks of the last game — Solomon Odio elevated his foot, tied to an ice pack, on another chair, and di Zappi sported a black eye, the result of a missed header. La Pomona's manager gave his team a glare and started the film.

3:04. Gran Saguaro is playing a timid, high-possession match; keeping the ball close as if clutching their pearls in a bad neighborhood, with small touches back and forth in the midfield. A frustrated yell from Odio, alone in a sea of Portlandian jerseys, spurs the team into action — Gonzi to Jonay, Jonay to di Zappi, and di Zappi floats the ball in front of Odio — Odio loses his defender, he readies a shot — tackled, awkwardly, outside of the box. He is writhing in pain, trainers come on — Odio struggles to stand, but walks off under his own power. Di Zappi shifted to striker — Chong, #80, on for Odio, #9, in the attacking midfield position. A yellow on New Portland (Blair, #3), and a free kick for Gran Saguaro — the opportunity is wasted over the bar.

11:42. Gran Saguaro has the ball in the lower midfield. Xoc is under pressure from three attackers — Jonay is open to his left, and Gonzi to his front, beyond the attackers; Xoc panics, and sends a sloppy backheel to Martínez which is intercepted before it gets to him. New Portlandia's Lindsey, #11, is wide open inside the box; shot is knocked over the top by Dante Cruz.

Andrade, the manager, paused the film. The whole team looked at Xoc. It was potentially a very costly mistake. No words were necessary; he got the message.

37:17. Gran Saguaro inside the opposing goal box. Jonay has the ball in the upper left corner, facing pressure; he curls the football into a big clump of players, hoping one of them gets a head on it. Di Zappi does! The ball bounces into the goal — but the referee calls a penalty. An agonizing wait for the VAR check...and the goal is removed, di Zappi pushed down a New Portlandian center-back while jumping for the header. Yellow card. Di Zappi buries his head in his hands. A rookie mistake.

45:00. Felix Farooq starts for Rillo in right-back, making history; other than that, the lineup from the first half remains the same. Gran Saguaro kickoff, and immediately they begin a ferocious attack; but perhaps a hasty one, and Chong, who has less experience in this formation and with this team, slips up on an attempted pass to di Zappi. Intercepted by New Portland.

59:38. New Portland corner; they deploy a set piece, with a short pass to Amos Shaw, #11. New Portland's Shaw sends the football over Martínez, who's guarding him, and into the crowd — di Zappi jumps for the header — but he misses, and the ball smashes into his face. Di Zappi rolling on the ground, and New Portland gets another shot — blocked by Kirkman, but it's a handball. Play is stopped while the trainers come on for di Zappi, but he's alright and will continue playing. New Portland takes the handball penalty with Padilla, #7. He sends it over the top, and collapses onto the ground in anguish. La Pomona is saved, temporarily.

81:07. Gran Saguaro on a dangerous attack — Dayton has the ball, and he has Jonay and Chong with him. There is only one defender, running alongside Chong — Dayton slices a pass horizontally to Jonay. Chong expects the ball to come to him — he keeps running, and is called offside. Gran Saguaro's momentum strangled. Chong drops to his knees and slams his hands on the turf; yellow card for language.

93:39. At the end of the four minutes of stoppage time; more than likely Gran Saguaro's last chance to tie things up. Kirkman has the ball in deep Saguaro territory; he sends it long to Jonay, who manages to keep it in bounds with a leaping header. Jonay to Gonzi, Gonzi to di Zappi, di Zappi passes to Dayton, who beats his defender; but Dayton has a bad angle, and Jonay is open. Dayton takes it himself — saved comfortably by the keeper. The referee whistles for the end of the match; Dayton has some tough conversations waiting for him in the locker room.

Jonay gives Dayton a nasty look. The two have served on international duty before, and reportedly have decent relations; but they play for bitter rivals, and represent two polar opposite ends of the Saguareño football spectrum. Surely that can't have anything to do with the pass?

Sitting in an uncomfortable seventh place in the group, Gran Saguaro faces an uphill battle to make the next round. They have yet to win — even with quite a talented team, it is apparent some very large kinks need ironing out.

by **Ascvalion** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:37 am

Ascvalion 1–0 Strayan Rus @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00.
An intense game was played where the ball swapped hands a whopping 93 times and a total of 50 shots taken at the goal 20 for Asvalion, 30 taken by Strayan Rus, Asano scored the winning goal at the 89:57 mark much to the sheer delight of the fans.

Jean-Pierre Chaufourier and Connor Brooks however had concerns. They were hoping for at least three goals to give them a bigger advantage in the group stage rather than being stuck as second of the group. During the match Jean-Pierre was captured on camera doing what was identified as a prayer, but was wildly confusing the hell out of the foreign media as it wasn’t in english, rather French. This is largely due to the sheer size of Ascvalion and the roughly one hundred languages that inhabit the land, such as the state of Quben, the home state of Jean-Pierre and Co-captain Jean-Paul Auclair which traditionally a bilingual state speaking English and French fluently and they tend to rant when frustrated preferably in French. Regardless of state and preferred languages, all Ascvalians have chivalric and religious traditions, which leads to the Ascvalian team and fans staying behind to clean up both their own side, and the opponents sides of the stadium as well as the locker rooms.
Srubnaya Culture 2–2 Ascvalion @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00.

(already roleplayed by Srubnaya Culture)
In game three (game 4 for Ascvalion) Srubnaya and Ascvalion were pretty evenly matched. Uxtazmata Neopolis scored the first goal at 9:05, while the opposing Mark Hale scored a header after a shot from George Asano had been deflected into the air by our goalie at 11:07. At minute Twenty-five Saul De-Paul was given a yellow card after fouling Palacus Konstantinidis. For the next seven minutes possessions switched around frequently and a total of 4 shots were taken by both teams, 3 by Ascvalion and one by Srubnaya.

At 32:58 George Asano scored a goal after a well-placed pass from Saul De-Paul which gave the Asvalion team some momentum, although it wasn't enough to score them anymore goals, their defense against Srubnaya improved. Even with this momentum boost the defense still allowed Chersonesus Lapadasues to score at 65:02 after Uxtazmata Neopolis managed to find him open on the right field.

From then on, the two teams combined would attempt a total of 5 more shots, 3 from Srubnaya and 2 from Ascvalion, but do no avail. Neither team managed to take the winning shot as the overtime clock expired and the match concluded with a tie. The two teams would congratulate each other and go back to their hotel rooms. While Srubnaya fans were disappointed that they didn't get another victory, the majority of them agreed that a tie was still better than loosing. (end Srubnaya Culture Role play)

When Saul De-Paul(RW) got the yellow card for fouling Palacus Konstantinidis, the Mertagne authorities grew concerned of any backlash from the Ascvalian fans (Keep in mind, Ascvalians are used to rugby style tackles being allowed in Football, so being fouled over a push is just BS to them), thankfully it didn’t devolve into violence but they were presented with a charming chant,

“Palacus! He’s Shagging The Ref!!!;
He’s Shagging The Ref, He’s Shagging The Reeeeeef!!!!;
Palacus! He’s Shagging The Ref!!!”

This ‘charming’ show of the fans feelings didn’t last long however, as 7 minutes later Asano scored Ascvalion’s second goal sending the fans into a frenzy, until Srubnaya got their second goal, however Chersonesus Lapadasues and Uxtazmata Neopolis were sure to not celebrate long and get back to their side as soon as they can, due to the 7’ 4” tall Hakeem Olajunwon (GK) and Sean O’Niel (RB) looking wildly pissed at the fact that they let that goal in.

Despite the disappointing draw Ascvalian fans and team stayed behind to clean the stadium per tradition and kindness. Stories also started emerging about Ascvalion fans stopping harassments, muggings, due to their tradition of Vigilance towards evil deeds and other stories of them helping the homeless and the destitute with wildly generous charities had spread. They intended to keep it secret but the locals proceeded to tell everyone else about it anyway despite that.

Phoenix Sports Presents The Group D Standings
Team Ascvalion felt these two match days were disappointing as while they did not lose, they didn’t get the desired three goal minimum in either match nor were they pleased with the draw against Srubnaya in particular. The only positive they got so far is that they have retained second place, and can still reach the top of the group if they can just get more than three goals. Tune in on Match day Six where Mark Hale will lead Team Ascvalion against Katterimunk

by **Patriotlandia** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:01 pm

Page 8
As we approached the edge of our maps, we stopped in one of the last inhabited islands in the known world. The population was unsure of our arrival. The island’s leader, describing himself as a Marquis, wore an outfit that went out of fashion a century ago. His black gown was kept in good shape but a keen observer could see the marks of repairs after enduring years of island life. We were invited to a feast that night. Our hosts welcomed us in a hall of sorts and ate a seasonal stew. The meal was full of harvest vegetables and a kind of meat I had never tasted before. When I asked the Marquis, he told us they had a rare breed of golden deer on the island and that they only hunt on rare occasions. We talked about their situation on the island. The Marquis explained some of their policies to make life easier on the island. He told me buildings are usually made of local stones in order to save on wood for heating and building fishing boats. I asked about farming because it seemed like they had a good harvest but we did not see any arable fields while we sailed around. The Marquis said something about mushrooms and indoor farming but it didn’t make much sense. As we talked through the night, we managed to come to an agreement to resupply before heading back to sea, in exchange we would help around the island for a few days.

As the crew helped build storage for the town, I sent my second to look for those golden deer we ate. After a few days, Gérard came back empty handed but the men were done with their work so we went to the Marquis to say our goodbyes before heading out. As we came out of the hall, we were surprised to see that the crew were taken hostage by the villagers. We quickly realized that we were going to be the next harvest unless we acted swiftly. We were all guided back into the hall. As our captors removed themselves no doubt to decide what to do with so many people, one of the crew, Joseph Alassin, a cook, had managed to sneak a blade in and cut his binds. The escape plan was that a small group would create a diversion big enough for the rest of the crew to prepare the ship. As the group set a few thatched roofs on fire, our captors quickly ran out to control them which gave us enough time to sneak out of the hall and make our way to the ship. Because we had no way to use the wind or tide to get away from the dock, the crew tied all the available row boats to get to open waters. While the ship finally got going, our favourite arsonists ran down the dock and managed to hold on to the ladder to complete our escape. It’s clear to say that we marked this spot on the map now.

Results
Patriotlandia 2–2 Tanirinthia
A. Desrives (23')
Lark Holt (41')
W. Ranger (57')
Bridget Payne (58')
IN: H Hopkins OUT: D. Rodin (63')
IN: H. Graham OUT: L. Graham (63')
H. Graham (73')
IN: A. Palmer OUT: E. Lachapelle (79')

A late goal by substitute striker Heather Graham help the team salvage a point out of Tanirinthia. A free kick strike from Alexandre Desrives was the other highlight for the Blues.
Lionsroar 4–4 Patriotlandia
L. Graham (11')
E. Lachapelle (19')
Sir Hugo von Aengla (37')
D. Rodin (45'+1')
Oliver Ibra (56')
L. Laflèche (62')
Oliver Ibra (71')
IN: B. Langlais OUT: E. Francoeur (71')
E. Francoeur (76')
Michael Alexander-Arnold (85')

A high scoring affair ended with both teams looking for more as another draw slides Patriotlandia down the group table.
Upcoming Matches
----------------------------
BYE
Patriotlandia vs Greater Kamilistan

by **Aeragny** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:47 pm

Careful celebrations

After the disappointing performance against Saperetia the previous match, according to Nicklas Brodan, there was no reason to keep anything the same. However, as an old proverb states, Eplongett'ossimia je cost fourey je costiciol vojey. - an old building has stood for longer than a new one. One change in the team's default configuration is inevitable, as Choréls was sent off with a red, and therefor is unable to participate. The result is a newly constructed squad, for this match, in the 4-3-3 configuration, with Gérand Brassa joining Kezhinár in the centre of defense, and with Pelleç Vánu taking up the left wing of the midfield over Choréls, and with Galho Éram taking the right wing -- in place of Bardeus Fichomcéls. Eric Brittagny is the casualty of the formation shift; something which he did not take lightly, clearly providing his vision on the subject on social media. Asked about this, Brodan's response was that he does not doubt Eric possesses the skills to make it on the Starting IX in the future, but that he's also trying to give a chance to the more veterna Éram, who has now had two excellent substitute appearances.

At the start of the match, the Airannian players appeared only very mildly excited -- all too painfully aware that, as Super Top has also lost its previous match, against Saperetia, for either team, victory here could restore team morale, but defeat could possibly drive the team into a dark trajectory. As such, even while the minor crowd in Il Tendone cheered, the team paid little heed to this. And as the game went ahead, a sobre playstyle showed. In the first 20 or so minutes especially, the teams mostly partook in passing the ball between one another. This pattern lent itself for a rather boring game, until in the 24th minute, such a meaningless pass by Samuel Cid back to David Bond wound up a little too fast for the defender to , leaving Khriss Garyabh chasing after it, running head first into a 1-on-1 confrontation with Beére. With a nifty lob, he manages to score his first goal of the tournament, hopefully of many more yet to follow.

The rest of the match turned into a much more bubbly game; with offensive attempts left and right, though only the Airannian squad was able to put any serious threats into the penalty box. At half-time, Eric Brittagny appeared on the field rather than Galho Éram. Brodan's intention was immediately obvious, as the Super Top defenses begun showing cracks, and the sharply motivated Brittagny would be able to hopefully push through. And, as if like clockwork, this worked! In the 51st minute, Trofois was able to fumble a corner kick versus two defenders - Pelleç Vánu kicked the ball high in front of the goal, where it found the head of none other than Eric Brittagny - Beére could touch the ball, but could not prevent it from hitting the net; proving in Eric's mind once and again that he is the superior option on the midfield.

The remainder of the game was, by all definitions, less than interesting: after a tough defense by the Airannians for the next half an hour, incurring a yellow for Vánu, the Super Top team decided to minimize its losses, as the goal differential might wind up having a large influence at the end of the road. Pélie and Tillabois would get some playing minutes in the closing minutes of the game, and in the end, despite the fact that the Airannian players' morale couldn't be higher, Brodan wasn't yet satisfied. He was quoted saying "Dhylcatt'ice obh sté gochnanice lei chádece... arra styce icas gammoyque acy mence deche. Acioson, Al-Tamaçghaotte, sollé so-tranche capplice. Laivé, uáctruirá, édmine Saperéciotte. Qué édhcein ottádhotte dármey gánne - adre simy futcus." Words such as those silenced the rowdy crowd of journalists, and indicated to everyone that Brodan believes the morale must be kept high, by hopefully putting up a good game versus Al-Tamazgha.

Airannia 2 - 0 Super Top
24': Khriss Garyabh 1-0
45': Galho Éram <> Eric Brittagny
52': Eric Brittagny 2-0
78': -- Pelleç Vánu
83': Pelleç Vánu <> Férex Pélie
87': Viveró Décibeq <> Uillten Tillabois

---

Discover Aerágny, the only Airannian country there is since 1967!

That's entirely due to the way Airannia didn't even exist until 1967, when the two countries of Parzhinia and the Southern Cabelian States voted to unify. And that was only about 15 years before Rellebois joined with Parzhinia, this time as a result of a military coup. Last time, the 6 Parzhinian provinces and one of their primary tourist attractions were mentioned, and this time the other six provinces will have their selected attraction be outlined.

Click for image!
The grayed areas are different countries; the blue is water (naturally), and the provinces are named. The four kingdoms of Airannia are also colour coded through the province names. The stars are the tourist attractions listed below. Also this graphic has one error - the province labelled as Uigéter is named Ártrique instead.

Ajurton: Of all of Airannia's provinces, Ajurton is probably the most polarized - the southern coastal part is the richest part of the former SCS, housing the former capital of Klujo, while the northern, inland half mostly consists of a jungle, where some of the poorest people living in Airannia reside. It's obviously no surprise the selected attraction therefor is in the south - on the edge of the Himmer peninsula, in the town of Himmer. There, one can find the "Vortury Ceilingadi Cabeliey Agnaquey", the Museum of General Cabelian History - where the trials and tribulations of the early Aerá kingdoms are outlined. Uniquely, this museum is divided into four seperate sections: Ajurtoni Hall, Hmalan Building, the Parzhinian Gallery and the Rivagien Wing. The latter's name refers to the Rivagien Empire, the colonial Franquese empire which ruled over what is today Parzhinia.
Eldanvan: The name of Eldanvan literally means "flower-side"; and it is no surprise that growing flowers for exportation is a major industry in this province. So much so, in fact, that the selected attraction is the harbor of Siewontour, the city through which 90% of Airannia's flowers are shipped to the rest of the world. That might not speak to the imagination much, but this does mean the entire city lives breathes flowers. One of the largest buildings by footprint in the entire country in fact is a flower warehouse located here, which has tours daily.
Vieck: The smallest province of the country is also the country's most eccentric, with its own culture, and a dialect which treads the further from regular Aeránanue (not counting Hmalan of course, which is an entire other language). Despite its small size, a significant portion of which is taken up by the city of Vixoque, a national park lies in the north, known as the Viekstikkier. This park, on the estuary of the Khépis river, is home to a unique biosphere, with various animals not otherwise found on Cabelia living here. The swampy lands are home to many birds, and the province of Vieck, whose government is slightly more authorized than other provincial governments in the country, has enstated a specific birdwatching entity, which oversees tourism and ornithologist-enthusiasts alike.
Tyénhmale: The second train station on this list, the Catsfér station building isn't the most intriguing necessarily, but its inclusion is due to lying exactly on the border between the Ajurton and Hmala rail services - the two railway companies still are horribly aligned with one another. The result is that there is an excess of people not local to the area waiting for a connecting train here. Because of this, a small mall, full of shops has formed between the platforms on either side of the border, and along with it, art galleries, which are rotated often. For the average tourist, it's not exactly recommended to travel through here by train, but it is also possible to visit the station without a train ticket, just to admire the arts.
Cocláty: In Cocláty, and also in Hmala as a whole, the city of Téselqut is the centuries old centre of power. And at the very heart of Téselqut's power stands the Drájgwirdéy. In the times of the Hmalan kingdom, this building was the courthouse where none other than the king would hold the primary position. And in addition to that, below this monumental 15th-century building is one of the largest royal tombs of the continent. History oozes through all of Téselqut, but in the Drájgwirdey, it could almost be tasted.
Étrique/Duché: As the only Franquese province, the doubly named province of Étrique/Duché (Aeránanue and Franquese for "duchy") is often the butt of many an Aéra joke. That's probably also why the selected tourist destination for this province is the border patrol office near the village of Chrayetta, in the country of Ulo, which entirely consists of exclaves into Airannia (the grey areas on the map, barring the northernmost two). The Ulo village of Chrayetta (locally written as cäayeta) is probably more of a tourist destination than anything in Étrique, though, especially among Airannian tourists. The reason for that lies in the law; in Airannia, gambling is so highly regulated that it might as well be outlawed. In Ulo, however, that ruling is used as one of the primary means of income - and as a result, the village of Chrayetta (population 1800) houses 7 large scale casinos, to give a way for Airannian elite to gamble their cash away. That doesn't mean Ulo doesn't have any other notable tourist destinations; those who appreciate cultural/natural sights could also visit the micronation to enjoy the Granite Forest, or perhaps the Purple Garden.

by **Kirungabi** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:12 pm

SPORT | SIPORO
(K)irungabi 1 - 1 (R)yfenia
(R) #9 (P) (80')
(K) Pascal Mutabazi (P) (82')

In a parallel to the first matchday, Kamembe's squad was first to concede in a frustratingly seized match, after a mistimed dive in the box by Rugira Rurangwa awarded the Ryfenian team a shock penalty. However, just a minute later, a similar mistake by one of the Ryfenian defenders, in their case aiming higher than the ball, awarded a penalty to the Kirungan team and a send-off for the leaders. A skillful kick by youngster Pascal Mutabazi of Garçons du Port equalized the match, though Kirungabi was unable to break through their 10-man rivals with an extra goal in time.

(B)orisuelo 0 – 1 (K)irungabi
(K) Umunzimukuru Nzafashwanimana (35')

Loyal to their playing style, the Kirungan squad managed a steady run up to the goal in the 35th minute and landed the ball squarely in front of Umunzimukuru "Umuku" Nzafashwanimana, who scored his first international goal for the team. Kirungabi's strategy quickly shifted to maintaining the slender lead: well-timed substitutes in the lower half of the field kept an increasingly aggressive and organized Borisuelo at bay throughout the second half, despite four shots on goal against keeper Bugasera.

Understanding Kirungabi: Ikirunga Bibi

While not greatly diverse, the geography of Kirungabi and the vibrant ecosystems that live within are fascinating in their own right. Rolling, thickly-forested hills blanket the territory alongside lush vegetation on the shores of Lake Uruforo, and marshy lowlands and valleys frame the western half of the country, as wide, varicose rivers decorate the landscape and form the backbones of local economies. Okapi, the national animal, roam freely among the trees and wildflowers in the rainforests, together with everything from gorillas to hyenas in the thick bush of the Vilima and Igimbakirwa natural reserves. All the while, visible from any vantage point around the massive lake, the towering dome of Mount Biteye looms ominously over the landscape (and above the clouds) like a monolith. Across decades, the physical characteristics of Kirungabi's landscape have played different significant roles in the country's history, from defining cultural amulets to offering vital refuge to rebel armies during the civil war. Today, Yvonne Amashyamba, Geology and Biodiversity professor at Mwanzilishi University, explains the two most prominent geographical features of Kirungabi ― and the hidden dangers that lie within.

Mount Biteye

The most iconic geographical feature of Kirungabi, considers Amashyamba, is the active stratovolcano in the center of the territory, towering above the shores of Lake Uruforo and the capital, Imisozi. "The name "Biteye" means terrible in Kinyabirunga, and the volcano is the namesake of Kirungabi, which comes from "ikirunga bibi": bad volcano," she explains. "Records from before the colonial era are essentially nonexistent, but Mwansilizhi University has collaborated with University of Imisozi to set up a geological science base in the village of Ubuzima, high on the slopes of the volcano and overlooking Vilima Natural Reserve. According to our investigations, the last major eruption of Mount Biteye was approximately 2,000 years ago, which is not very long ago, and which explains the abundance of mineral-rich soil across the country." Both the fertility of Kirungan soil, and clues left behind by pre-colonial Kirungans, help unveil the volcano's past activity. "Archaeologists have discovered, from studying the ancient Fupi clay sculptures and vases of Mugugu, that these crude art forms, at one point, began to depict more dramatic scenes and simpler shapes. Crucially, however, the clay used to form these sculptures shifted in hue and texture: they went from a smooth, polished, ashy gray, to a coarse, rough, deep obisdian black."

The start of the colonial era, assures Amashyamba, made it easier to trace the activity of the volcano, and she reports that, as late as 1957, large ash clouds and a deep, burbling lava lake in the caldera of the mountain were a regular sight. "1957 is the year of the last recorded ash cloud 'event'," she says, "where volcanic activity blanketed large swaths of Kirungabi in thick ash, and mixed with rainwater to produce acidic precipitation; the crater continued to spew a column of smoke for months after the first sighting." Since then, however, major events on Mount Biteye have not happened again. "The base in Ubuzima has recorded little seismic activity since it was installed in 1988, while the crater very seldom houses small lava lakes. At times, the smoke column from the summit is visible, but it only presents a minor meteorological challenge when mixed with rainwater, which causes the smoke to thicken and the rain to become acidic." The greatly reduced activity of Mount Biteye means that tourists can safely flock to the hundreds of trails along the slopes of the mountain on guided walking tours and 4x4 expeditions, staying at the various lodges and villages along the way before they reach the crater at 15,251 feet. "The economic effects of the civil war were exacerbated by the collapse of the tourism industry as the conflict worsened," Amashyamba explains. "Thousands of people visit Kirungabi every year and make excursions along the foothills and slopes of Mount Biteye: it's an essential part of the local economies of Mugugu, Ubuzima, and other smaller settlements around the mountain.

Lake Uruforo

Perhaps even more prominent than Mount Biteye, at first glance, is the massive Lake Uruforo, an oblong horsehoe-shaped body of water intimately tied to the existence of Mount Biteye. "Lake Uruforo's name literally means 'bubbles'," explains Amashyamba. "It may sound silly, but it's a centuries-old name which stems from its very unique composition: underground thermals and thousands of years of volcanic activity have festered rich, supersaturated deposits of carbon dioxide and methane gas at the bottom of the lake. These gases rising to the surface, and observed by the local populace, gave the lake its name." The presence of these gases are both a blessing and a curse, Amashyamba sustains. "On one hand, the large deposits of methane mean that Kirungabi has a massive and readily-exploitable deposit of natural gas, obtainable without disrupting local ecosystems or necessitating large and expensive drills. Instead, small siphons have been implemented across villages on the shores of the lake, such as Kunuka and Gukingira, which offer local residents the possibility to microgenerate their electricity off the national grid."

On the other hand, these deposits pose a very real and catastrophic threat to life on the shores. "The huge mass of carbon dioxide and methane gas is an unstable phenomenon, and seismic disturbances to the lake could potentially trigger an apocalyptic limnic eruption. This means that the lake would 'turn over', as the gas trapped at the bottom rises suddenly to the top, displacing megaliters of water and flooding even the entire capital of Imisozi." Even worse, Amashyamba warns that a massive lake tsunami isn't even the most dangerous result of this disaster. "Kilotons of displaced carbon dioxide gas would hang over the surface of Lake Uruforo in the aftermath, and would smother every town and village along the shore," she informs. As the gas is denser than oxygen, it would displace the oxygen in the atmosphere, and effectively suffocate millions of Kirugans and hundreds of endemic species. "We haven't identified indicators of a mass-extinction event on or around Lake Uruforo, and no recorded limnic eruption has ever been as large as what we believe the lake is capable of," reassures Amashyamba, "but the presence of bubbles on the surface of the lake, particularly as prevalent as they are around the warm and foul-smelling waters of the village of Kunuka, indicate that a small-scale disturbance could potentially cause deadly consequences."

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

by **Al-Tamazgha** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 3:09 pm

Maisonbleue, Al-Tamazgha

'That's more like it!' Iyas Rabi, former youth coach and currently an agent, shouted as he raised in the domains of his one-room, Maisonbleue apartment as the final whistle rang on the match between Mountain Lions and Super Top, him drinking a cup of mint tea with sweets on the dinner table. The cameras would quickly shift to the sights of players celebrating in the background and Laurent Assidon, the team's beleaguered coach, feeling a little bit happier today.

'A win is still a win,' said Iyas, on a much lower, calmer voice, as he took a couple of pieces of Atay to accommodate with the tea. He wasn't particularly inclined to hear what the commentators were going to say about the match, especially considering that it had ended a boring, somewhat predictable 1-0 outcome thanks to a Muaz Joumari goal on a Moustapha Benzakour assist. A win's a win, sure, but finishing with mere one point on first three games during their time in Mertagne was still less than ideal especially considering the level of opposition.

Iyas knew that well because he, as a youth coach for Taqwaa AC and Keloudjm Sakane for much of past twenty years, had coached a good number of the players on the national team pool. The potential's always there for the players and individually they had played well, but putting it together under one team, especially when considering the task ahead of them, were never going to be easy with the current availability of resources and internal politicking across the federation. That's also why he knew Laurent Assidon were up to a tall task.

Laurent Assidon, also shortened as 'LA' or 'Larry', was good friend of his. They had grown up just blocks away from each other on Saint-Jacques neighbourhood of the nation's biggest city, and played for the Taqwaa AC academy together. Eventually they would drift away, with Laurent was offered an academy scholarship with the Olympique de Rimouski, and Iyas staying a bit longer, before deciding to transition into a coaching career and attend school that he had missed. It was strange how their career pathways, even if they had both ended up in significant roles within their home country, and Laurent and Iyas enjoyed how coincidence came to bring both of them back into the fold after all this time from their encounters time to time. Even in a particularly tight-knitted Tamazghan society, where communities were forged through familial connections and neighbourhoods, this was a rare feat.

Iyas then closed his eyes for a little bit, thinking about what was next on his agenda. Hearing the final whistle blow had reminded him about his next travel to Quebec next week, when he's going to help his son Farid move into Lakeland College School for his sixth-form year, before negotiating a new contract for Lounes Belkacem, backup rightback who was playing with Baie-Verte for last four seasons.

Iyas knew that Lounes, who had quietly established himself as a favourite among the Gracelands faithful, was happy to stay on a negotiated deal. But Baie-Verte's relegation from the Q-League a season ago, and them struggling in their first year back with the Quebecois Championship, he would either need salary increase or look to head elsewhere in the league. This was in their favour considering the high demand to fill the Commonwealth quota spot at the big league. Not to mention the long history of the Tamazghans playing in the league dating back to the 1970s, almost 80 years ago from now, which extended all the way to eight members of the Desert Lions playing in the twenty-team league.

'All of this means that there will be more to cover, but nothing new,' he said to himself, 'Maybe I will have a check on Clement and other players unless the Desert Lions make it further.'

by **Mertagne** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 3:15 pm

Matchday Five Scores

Group A
Aureumterra III 0–0 Obrela @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00.
Illiryja 1–2 Ile de Richelieu @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00.
Naixi 1–0 Inkwellistan @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00.
Varavel 1–4 Archalit @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00. Club promoters for a rival club to the one etched into the cliffside were handing out promotional flyers.

.   Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Naixi                            4   4  0  0    7   0  +7   12
 2 Aureumterra III                  5   3  1  1    8   6  +2   10
 3 Illiryja                         5   3  0  2    9   4  +5    9
 4 Archalit                         5   3  0  2   14  11  +3    9
 5 Obrela                           4   2  1  1    4   2  +2    7
 6 Ile de Richelieu                 4   2  1  1    6   5  +1    7
 7 CONGOlese Republic               4   1  1  2    7  10  −3    4
 8 Inkwellistan                     5   0  0  5    3   9  −6    0
 9 Varavel                          4   0  0  4    1  12 −11    0

Group B
Greater Kamilistan 2–1 Lionsroar @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00. One of the children that was walked out onto the pitch during the anthems cried a lot.
Oflia 0–1 Tanirinthia @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00.
The Cannaland Islands 3–4 Novaros @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00.
St Saratoga 1–2 Depivik @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00.

.   Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Novaros                          5   4  1  0   17  10  +7   13
 2 Greater Kamilistan               5   3  2  0   10   7  +3   11
 3 The Cannaland Islands            4   3  0  1   10   4  +6    9
 4 Tanirinthia                      4   2  2  0    8   5  +3    8
 5 Depivik                          5   2  0  3    4   7  −3    6
 6 Patriotlandia                    4   1  2  1    9   9   0    5
 7 St Saratoga                      4   0  1  3    1   4  −3    1
 8 Lionsroar                        4   0  1  3    6  12  −6    1
 9 Oflia                            5   0  1  4    2   9  −7    1

Group C
Kirungabi 1–1 Gran Saguaro @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00.
Saperetia 1–0 Borisuelo @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00.
Super Top 2–2 Ryfenia @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00. Prolific Mertagnian rapper “White Motif” appeared during the post match interviews and criticised both nations.
Aeragny 1–0 Al-Tamazgha @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00.

.   Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Saperetia                        5   4  1  0    7   0  +7   13
 2 New Portland Republic            4   3  1  0    6   1  +5   10
 3 Kirungabi                        5   2  3  0    5   3  +2    9
 4 Aeragny                          4   2  1  1    4   3  +1    7
 5 Al-Tamazgha                      5   1  1  3    1   3  −2    4
 6 Borisuelo                        4   1  0  3    2   3  −1    3
 7 Gran Saguaro                     4   0  3  1    3   5  −2    3
 8 Ryfenia                          5   0  3  2    6  11  −5    3
 9 Super Top                        4   0  1  3    2   7  −5    1

Group D
Katterimunk 2–3 Srubnaya Culture @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00.
Bubiyan and Warbah 0–1 Strayan Rus @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.
British Covelandia 2–4 Lozho @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.
United Bongo States of America 4–1 Okerne @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00. A paraglider made an emergency landing onto the pitch just before the start of the second half, delaying it. They apologised profusely for the inconvenience and were forced to pay a fine.

.   Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Katterimunk                      5   3  1  1   18  12  +6   10
 2 Ascvalion                        4   3  1  0    9   4  +5   10
 3 Lozho                            5   3  0  2   12   9  +3    9
 4 British Covelandia               4   3  0  1    8   6  +2    9
 5 Srubnaya Culture                 4   2  1  1    9   6  +3    7
 6 United Bongo States of America   4   1  1  2   12  14  −2    4
 7 Strayan Rus                      4   1  1  2    4   7  −3    4
 8 Bubiyan and Warbah               5   0  2  3    4   9  −5    2
 9 Okerne                           5   0  1  4    4  13  −9    1

Matchday Six Scores

Group A
Inkwellistan 1–0 Varavel @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 10:00.
Ile de Richelieu 0–0 Naixi @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 14:00. One camera on the side of the pitch erroneously had a filter applied which gave everyone fish heads. Sadly it was one of the best angles available for the bench so it was used for some of the television coverage.
Obrela 1–0 Illiryja @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 18:00.
CONGOlese Republic 0–0 Aureumterra III @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 22:00

.   Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Naixi                            5   4  1  0    7   0  +7   13
 2 Aureumterra III                  6   3  2  1    8   6  +2   11
 3 Obrela                           5   3  1  1    5   2  +3   10
 4 Illiryja                         6   3  0  3    9   5  +4    9
 5 Archalit                         5   3  0  2   14  11  +3    9
 6 Ile de Richelieu                 5   2  2  1    6   5  +1    8
 7 CONGOlese Republic               5   1  2  2    7  10  −3    5
 8 Inkwellistan                     6   1  0  5    4   9  −5    3
 9 Varavel                          5   0  0  5    1  13 −12    0

Group B
Novaros 2–3 St Saratoga @ The Ring Tank Stadium, Ostosaide, kick off 22:00. It was revealed that the ‘pygmy kraken’ imported during CAFA V was not a pygmy kraken, but instead a baby normal Kraken. This caused quite a stir among staff members.
Tanirinthia 1–1 The Cannaland Islands @ Keers Dock Pitch, Keers, kick off 18:00.
Lionsroar 2–0 Oflia @ Spire Campus, Blackave, kick off 14:00. Students were outside the stadium collecting for satirical charity "The Human Fund". Donations made by gullible fans were seized by campus security and donated to charities in both nations.
Patriotlandia 3–0 Greater Kamilistan @ Crater Field, Claviers, kick off 10:00

.   Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Novaros                          6   4  1  1   19  13  +6   13
 2 Greater Kamilistan               6   3  2  1   10  10   0   11
 3 The Cannaland Islands            5   3  1  1   11   5  +6   10
 4 Tanirinthia                      5   2  3  0    9   6  +3    9
 5 Patriotlandia                    5   2  2  1   12   9  +3    8
 6 Depivik                          5   2  0  3    4   7  −3    6
 7 St Saratoga                      5   1  1  3    4   6  −2    4
 8 Lionsroar                        5   1  1  3    8  12  −4    4
 9 Oflia                            6   0  1  5    2  11  −9    1

Group C
Ryfenia 0–2 Aeragny @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 10:00.
Borisuelo 0–0 Super Top @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 14:00. Orion Garstern Jr. turned up to the stadium and demanded photographs with each team prior to the match.
Gran Saguaro 0–2 Saperetia @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 18:00.
New Portland Republic 1–2 Kirungabi @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 22:00. It was a windy match, and one of the canvas stands flapped about in the breeze as it hadn't been secured properly.

.   Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Saperetia                        6   5  1  0    9   0  +9   16
 2 Kirungabi                        6   3  3  0    7   4  +3   12
 3 New Portland Republic            5   3  1  1    7   3  +4   10
 4 Aeragny                          5   3  1  1    6   3  +3   10
 5 Borisuelo                        5   1  1  3    2   3  −1    4
 6 Al-Tamazgha                      5   1  1  3    1   3  −2    4
 7 Gran Saguaro                     5   0  3  2    3   7  −4    3
 8 Ryfenia                          6   0  3  3    6  13  −7    3
 9 Super Top                        5   0  2  3    2   7  −5    2

Group D
Lozho 0–0 United Bongo States of America @ Cop Limy Stadium, Neorudo, kick off 22:00. Hundreds of paper airplanes were flown into the stadium during the match. Unfolding them revealed leaflets protesting an expansion to Neorudo AquAirport.
Strayan Rus 1–0 British Covelandia @ Origas Arena, Kurtz, kick off 18:00.
Srubnaya Culture 1–0 Bubiyan and Warbah @ Nine Star Arch, Webster, kick off 14:00.
Ascvalion 2–1 Katterimunk @ Il Tendone, Papillio, kick off 10:00.

.   Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
 1 Ascvalion                        5   4  1  0   11   5  +6   13
 2 Katterimunk                      6   3  1  2   19  14  +5   10
 3 Srubnaya Culture                 5   3  1  1   10   6  +4   10
 4 Lozho                            6   3  1  2   12   9  +3   10
 5 British Covelandia               5   3  0  2    8   7  +1    9
 6 Strayan Rus                      5   2  1  2    5   7  −2    7
 7 United Bongo States of America   5   1  2  2   12  14  −2    5
 8 Bubiyan and Warbah               6   0  2  4    4  10  −6    2
 9 Okerne                           5   0  1  4    4  13  −9    1

Your prompt for Matchdays Seven & Eight concerns POPULARITY. What does it mean to be popular in your nation? By this time, many of your players will be becoming household names back home. Is this getting to their head, or are they acting cooly about it? Who is the most famous person to come out of your nation, and what are they famous for?

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