OOC: Before I check out of Hotel Harmonia to find out whether I've accidentally forgotten to pay my parking ticket or I get a free promotion to the executive suite the next time I stay at any Wright, Collins and Carter-owned hotel, I have a few people I'd like to thank for the good times. Credo and Del, thanks for facilitating this particular outlet (and Del in particular for helping me get to grips with his geography). Wightseaquilte, thanks for making me giggle in the most obviously football way possible. Mert, thanks for the feedback on Education Beyond Saint Eleanor; I appreciated it. Card, thanks for the encouragement throughout - and for letting me see the letter J in a new light.
And you, Llama. You've been a helpful, generally awesome RPer for years, and that hasn't changed over the course of this tournament: so thanks in advance for being a worthy final opponent, both in an IC and OOC sense. Even if I'm entirely convinced I'm going to lose 2-1. Let the game begin!
Oneshot: Halcyon Days
Half an hour before kickoff - Sunday 1st September 2002
A deathly silence had descended, however slowly, on the away dressing room. People were looking at each other, focused, but confused. Well aware they had to win this match, this one match, against Yuezhou to seal their names in history, forever, like their manager did. But not too confident that they could deliver on the promises, the expectations, of half a million people tucked away on a frantic little island in northern Anaia.
Then... what happened? The most familiar face of all entered. The one they had known for years; the one they had come to with questions, concerns, commentary for weeks. The one who knew what this felt like.
"I have submitted the teamsheet. None of you have any reason to panic." Priscilla Evans' voice was a bit coarse - as it always was - but no less calming; no less authoritative.
"Why... shouldn't I panic?" asked a sceptical Tim Brandon. He shouldn't. I'll sub him on around seventy minutes in.
"Because I know you, and everyone else on this team, can deliver for us. I accept this might seem hypothetical: you might look at your successes against Wang Jiahui of Nyowani Kitara, or - for some of our more experienced players - various successes against Yue club sides, only to brush those aside when you realise that neither Wang nor any of the club players who you vanquished have any place in the Yue roster today. But, as you are all aware, past glories are no guarantee of future glories; nor are uncertain pasts set to lead to rocky futures. Think of all the times you have played an unfamiliar team before, not knowing what in particular to expect, only to then deliver victory. This outcome is not out of the question today."
"I've lost a few before." I won't ask Harriet if she was thinking about Southbay Riveria.
"As I have said, the only thing that matters is your attitude right now. The fears that may have come before are immaterial; hopes as to what could come next are useless. You need to make sure that you fight for every single square inch, for every iota of possession, and for every last chance. If you do not, we will not win."
"I'll put my body on the line, alright, but fighting... how can I do that without getting in trouble?" Lydia's learned her lesson from the Poafmersia game. She won't get in trouble.
"Stephen, myself, and our coaching staff have offered personalised instructions over the past couple of days. The system is key and all of you know how it works, although it'll be a bit more conservative than normal. Two changes: Esther's in for Sam, who could have proven a bit of a liability, and Katie's up front for purely pragmatic purposes."
"And how will the system be more conservative?" I meant Sam would have racked up cards. He's asking the big questions here, don't worry.
"I was going to explain that. The defensive triad - John, Liam and Esther - should stay back, as normal, and go long. I know long balls are out of fashion these days, but the Yue front three want you to go short so they can win possession. Don't fall for it."
"Thank you. I will do my best to ensure a good outcome," said Esther Launceston. Right frame of mind. No uncertainty, no concerns; just determination. She's even smiling a little bit.
"Don't fuck up, lads." Liam is always right; he's the captain. Mr Bailey's silent, but he normally is.
"Cathy and Exandra, I'm going to ask you not to overlap as much as you did in the semi; that nearly cost us. Look to passing forwards as a first resort, but be sensible. Cathy, please keep in mind you'll have to get stuck in a bit; Luo Nanwei plays the Jessica Martin role."
"I fear Tim more than Jess, honestly. But I know how to look into space, think about where the opposition's going to go... and so on," declared Cathy Winchester. This woman is very, very good.
"I can control myself!" swore Exandra Davies. Typical Sandy. A bit exuberant, but on balance, she'll be a professional tonight.
"I was thinking a bit about this earlier today, but I've decided to stick for the normal midfielders in their normal places. And if the ball is in midfield, something wrong has happened. Bridget, you should be leading the line and trying to right that wrong. I don't really need to tell you how to act: you should try to look after Li and Wen, prevent effective interplay and drop a bit deeper if necessary, but push forward as soon as you can."
"Understood. Although it's worth noting I'll get a bit of help with that." Eleanorians like being understated like that. No egos. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.
"Indeed you do. Sylvia, you need to look after the attacking midfielders, too; we need to keep this a two-on-two contest. But you're more responsible for physically moving the play from defence to attack when you have the ball, moving past the Yueren and setting up the more attacking players - and when long passes emerge, you need to go forward and try and mitigate against Wan Sheping in the air."
"Alright!" The princess definitely isn't normally this excited.
"Steve, I know you might feel a bit left out, but you still have a job to do. When you get the ball, think strategically: a forwards pass to Katie is usually a good idea. Attempting a shot from distance is another option, although that'll come about rarely. Yes, I know about Sylvia, but you'll be Katie's last line most of the time, so make use of it and see us through."
"Dutifully obliged, miss." I'm not Steve's teacher. That's Bridget's job, if anything.
"The wider midfielders need to be attentive; they could decide us this game. David, beware Dong Xiaowang. Yuezhou are easily stronger on the right flank - your left-hand side. If he gets the ball off you, there is a risk that he will push forward, supply Luo, and put us in danger. If in doubt, an early cross is safest; I expect the centrebacks and Wan in midfield to be relatively immobile and easier to break down than a sudden wide attack."
"Better an early cross on time than a timely cross too late." David IS clockwork - he doesn't just work like it. Looking forward to seeing what he can do.
"And Jessica, given the situation, you have about as much free rein as you'd normally expect. Jetting past Lu or even moving to a more central position, within reason, would be good if it means you get to squeeze out opportunities. If you're stranded, however, you should have enough room to fire off a normal pass to a teammate or - again - to pump it long for Katie."
"I can't guarantee anything, but I'll immerse myself in the task at hand." More likely a cannonball into the deep end than a dignified climb down the stairs. Jess has almost seen it all by now.
"Katie, this might come as a surprise, but you're going to be our starting striker again, even if for a day. We won't be all defensive: we need a bit of attacking sparkle when it comes to it, too. You know how to make your own luck, but remember to pay attention to balls coming in, too - and don't get caught offside. We've had a bit of an issue with offside traps this tournament."
"You forgot the most obvious point!" Hahahahaehehehe. Nice one, Katie. You're going to do just fine.
"I was a striker myself... I should know."
"Funny. How can I make a difference?" wondered Alan Eldridge, much-maligned, barely-fielded and his time with the national team almost over. You won't.
"You've been paying attention - which is good. If you can do the same on the field, like I know you've done far too often for Army and Navy, that'ld be brilliant. It shouldn't surprise you in the least to realise you'll be on the bench and you'll probably stay there - but please don't just sit down watching the match. Offer moral support to your teammates; think like a fan, act like a player, and you're well on your way."
"Are you thinking of actually using any subs?" asked an overly-eager Adam Denby. If we're desperate, you're on for Steve.
"I'll be using all three substitution opportunities in the ninety, but it'll depend on what the situation is. If Lu poses a big threat on the left, Tim's coming on for Jessica; he's younger, faster and a bit less afraid of a scrap. If he gets cut out of the attack or we need more goals, I'm open to taking off Steve for one of the strikers; no matter what happens, it'll create a good partner dynamic between power and finesse. I'll be keeping two defensive midfielders in the setup: Bridget is safe, but if we need to secure the lead, Lydia will most likely be replacing Sylvia to facilitate that. And, of course, emergencies could happen - although I trust that they won't."
"This reminds me; I must pray," said Lydia Nicholls, somehow not the most devout Christian in the squad. She respects everyone and vice versa during prayer time. No wonder she likes it here.
"We must pray!" Exandra couldn't care less about religion, but at least she has a good memory. "And a full satsuma this time, thanks."
"Dear Lord, we have prepared well for the upcoming football match. Please help us to discharge our responsibilities while we are playing with the utmost care and focus, and to be graceful, dignified and respectful after the match, whatever the result. Amen." Most people prayed. Only a few amen-ed. Bridget, Cathy, Aaron and Sylvia, the Catholics. Dekky and Narry, the Gladom Newion. Liam, the captain. Denise, out of habit and a desire not to offend. That's the biggest fault-line in the squad.
And then Priscilla lobbed the satsuma towards Exandra. Good call. "I'll take the rind... thank you. It normally takes Sandy about three minutes to finish half a satsuma, so I'll give you seven minutes before going out there at least; no more than fifteen. Does anybody have anything else to say?"
"What's the general approach?"
"That's a good question, Arielle: hold the line when necessary, keep a good defensive structure; but don't be afraid to attack when the stars align, and try and go direct if needs be."
"Yuezhou have been playing a 4-3-3 a lot, although the main striker, Liu Huiying, likes dropping back. Jordan Huerta was a deep-lying striker and he caused problems in the last sixteen. How do we plan to keep her under control tonight and avoid the basic mistakes we saw against Poafmersia?" Bridget Coombe. Future Saint Eleanor manager.
"The marking plan today will be pragmatic. The fullbacks will have their own wide midfielders to worry about. The more central defenders - including the defensive midfielders - should take stock of the situation and go after whoever they believe poses the greatest threat on the ball, but not overzealously. I've seen zealous marking lead to free attackers pose a real threat far too often. No moooooore hands? Yes, Melcheta."
"You said we shouldn't worry about our past fears or about the final. But you haven't said we shouldn't take any examples from the good games we've had in the past?"
"I quite honestly believe we should. We are Saint Eleanor. You are Saint Eleanor. Some of you remember the Baptism of Fire, the awe and wonder and untested players from everywhere, and how we knocked off the Ochre Islands on our way to the quarterfinals. About as many will remember that inaugural Cup of Harmony, where we held Banija - once and future World Cup finalists - to an excellent goalless draw. It might not have felt like it, but it gave us a massive boost of confidence." A look around: attentive, willing to listen. Even Exandra.
"With good reason... even qualified successes were few in the coming years. But not for too long: we emerged from one of the biggest, messiest arguments in our nation's history to grab points off all the big teams come the 91st qualifiers - whether they be Elephants, Dragons, the Rising Sun, or just plain old Ochre Islands. And when the time came to prove yourself in the playoffs, you fended off a far more experienced Juvencus side in the most marginal, hard-fought way possible. So did our opponents tonight. And they, too, proclaim themselves Dragons. As I've said, look at the positives." They're looking more confident, happier... readier, dare I say it.
"I'll consider my job done when we win the World Cup for a second time!" She said that two years ago. Still saying it now. Why?
"First things first, Exandra. We picked off Nyowani Kitara in the World Cup itself, and again on the first day of qualifying last year, with powerful, effective performances. Over the course of the coming months, you put Cordia to the sword, drew The Holy Empire both times - the second-best team in the world, at last count - and dragged them from being hot favourites to a playoff defeat against Geektopia. As a result, we are in the Cup of Harmony final. Juan Tzimisces' hyperactive hamsters are not. You know how; you know why."
"Go ooooooooooon!" Thanks, Jessica. I needed that.
"Those days, certainly, were iconic. They all had one thing in common: we worked to exploit weaknesses in other teams, kept together under pressure, focused on the task at hand and succeeded. But these days, the ones coming ahead of us, will truly be remembered as the Halcyon Days. Not only because this is the much-feted Cenial Halcyon. Not only because this is a major tournament final. But, on top of that, because you are in a well-rounded, well-developed and well-connected team. This is your time to show the doubters - almost every pundit in almost every country - wrong. This is your time to underscore your quality, and the quality of your teammates, in the biggest game of your life. This is your time to make an impression; your time to show the world, once more, what you can do. And, most importantly, your time to stick to the plan and claim the biggest triumph in your history. I can reassure you that you are ready."
For a few seconds, she wasn't quite sure if everyone got the message. "Hell yeah, I'm ready!" Aaron again. He's normally much more sober and he isn't even starting... But I think it's starting to click. "Come follow me out here - we'll show them!"
THE BEGINNING
