World Cup 95 Roleplay Thread

by **Hapilopper** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:46 pm

(OOC Note: This is part of a continuing series called "Nathan Ellis's Quest," a long-term storyline dedicated to one man's crusade to bring Hapilopper to the top of the footballing landscape. You can read the complete series here, which will be updated as the competitions unfold.)
21: Momentum

“This place is rocking!”
There had been some level of criticism for Nathan Ellis’s decision to place his base of operations in Garvinson, far away from Hapilopper City, near the nation’s border with Star United States. That far away, it seemed like the football team would be hidden from the spotlight in a comparatively small town. But what the critics didn’t realize was that Nathan knew what he was doing. Garvinson was seemingly the only place that still gave a crap about football when the sport was dying elsewhere in Hapilopper. And he knew from his days playing in the HFA that there was no place in Hapilopper like Garvinson City Stadium. It may have been a smaller stadium than a place like Capital Stadium, but it was louder, more intimate and more intense than any other stadium in the league.

Some time during the team’s second match against Baker Park, Nathan knew he had made the right decision. There had been a definite party atmosphere in Garvinson the whole day – and it showed in the stands. Garvinson had turned match days into party days – on a level that wasn’t even seen in Hapilopper City. The area around the stadium had become a place for fans to tailgate, party and enjoy themselves – even fans not going into the stadium were partying. But inside the stadium, the fans were on a whole different level, dancing and singing and cheering to their fullest extent. There were some that felt like this wouldn’t last forever – after all, the way they were playing, they had to go back to Hap City, right? But they were going to make the most of it.

And Team Hapilopper had a lot to be excited about, too. It seemed like there was a bit of momentum going their way. After the so-called experts on television and radio had written the team off, the team made it a point to shove it in their faces. They wanted to show those so-called experts that they were a hell of a lot better than people were giving them credit for. So what you had was one of the most exciting combinations in all of international football – a high-octane offense playing smashmouth football – the kind of football where the players would send the ball up the pitch with all due speed while they punch you in the mouth and not letting up until the final whistle blew.

That kind of football was becoming more and more evident as the qualifiers played out. And it was becoming more evident as the team played Baker Park. In their first match together, it seemed like the two sides had everything for each other and then some – leading to that celebrated 5-5 draw still considered the most exciting single match of the entire qualifying campaign up to that point. But on this night, it seemed like Nathan’s boys just plain had it. They had what they needed to top their former regionmates and take a massive win.

For much of the match, the match looked like it would resemble another Baker Park match from this campaign – a draw. But in the 72nd minute, Dylan Deporte broke through. Deporte, known for his less-than-intelligent antics like the infamous “own goal toss” incident last year, was questioned by critics as to why he should even be on the team in the first place. And more than anything else, Dylan wanted to silence those critics and make them forget about what he had done. There was no better time to do that than now.

Meanwhile, off to the side, Stan McLamb was shouting at him as he ran down the pitch. “OVER HERE!” he roared.

It’s possible that Dylan hadn’t heard him. After all, Garvinson City Stadium was so loud that you could barely hear yourself think – and it was only getting louder and louder as Dylan rushed towards goal. But what Dylan saw – and what Stan was starting to see – was that he had a clear shot to goal and he was going to make the most of it. He stared down goalkeeper Rose McCormack, who had a pinpoint focus on him, and he knew that he’d have to resort to some trickery to fool her. She was a great keeper and he knew he couldn’t get the ball past the net using some elementary tactic.

He shifted his head hard left – signaling to Stan to prepare for a pass. Stan got himself into pass mode, caught the ball, rushed a little bit downfield and then – shockingly – passed it right back to Dylan, who alley-ooped it past McCormack and into the back of the net.

There was no explicit communication needed. Stan and Dylan knew what they were going to do. And while Stan prided himself on scoring as many goals as he could, he also acknowledged that – for the good of the team, for the good of the qualifying campaign and for the good of everything – sometimes it was just best to take a supporting role. So he was more than pleased to just offer a helping hand for the alley-oop shot that put Ellis Football ahead 2-1.

And, almost on a goofball impulse, thinking back a few years, Dylan had a dance in mind. It was a dance made famous by Parker Mathis a few years back, which went perfect to the tune of a popular dance hit at the time that Team Hapilopper had adopted as their unofficial theme song. And as the 25,706 at Garvinson City Stadium went absolutely wild, Dylan Deporte broke out the Funky Parker. It was a sign that – while Team Hapilopper was not on the top of the footballing world just yet, they were getting there. And oh boy oh boy, were they getting there in a hurry.

They could very well get there quicker than Nathan had expected.

“Funball”
After Nathan shook the hand of Baker Park manager Will Barnard and wished him and the Bees better luck for a hopefully better rest of the campaign – “you guys are so much better than your results show,” Nathan told him – he went to the media room to face members of the Hapiloppian sports media, including a few people who had openly questioned his ability to coach a football team. Nathan knew it, too, and wanted a very little bit to rub it in the faces of the media that had doubted him.

According to Nathan Ellis, head coach of the Hapiloppian team, this type of football sucks.

But there was a larger part of him who thought that was churlish at best. There was no sense in rubbing it in the faces of the media when he could, instead, build up his boys that he had fought so hard for, and they had repaid him in kind. The team was building some heavy momentum for a possible shock appearance in the World Cup playoffs – for a run at actually qualifying for World Cup 95. You know, the proper?

Almost immediately, a reporter asked him about Ellis Football’s style of play – heavily offensive, heavily physical, gritty and lots of emphasis on goal scoring.

“What do you call that?” the reporter asked. “You know, the style of play your team has been exhibiting.”

“I call it Funball,” Nathan said. “Football is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be entertaining for the fans, it’s supposed to be fun for the players to play and it’s supposed to be fun to watch. A 90-minute defensive skirmish where no one scores? That’s no fun. It’s no fun seeing a bunch of players passing a ball around not even trying to score. We want to attack. We want to send the ball up the pitch and past the head of the opposing team’s keeper. We score goals and we want to keep the other team on their toes. I know there’s another school of thought that thinks the exact opposite of what we do, but the last time I checked, doctors were giving insomnia patients videotapes of Ko-orenite matches to help cure them.”

More than a few reporters laughed at the unwarranted cheap shot towards Ko-oren – which seemingly came out of nowhere.

“What’d they do to you?” one reporter asked.

“Nothing, they’re one of the worst offenders when it comes to Post-Football,” Nathan responded. “We’re the chief practitioner of Funball. We want to have fun doing this. I want to see my boys running down the pitch, taking shots on goal, sending bullets past the keeper and dancing their way back. What I saw with Deporte and McLamb? That’s Funball at its finest. That’s what I want to see in my football teams – a team that kicks ass and takes names. If I could sum it up in a few words, it’s ‘Just score, dammit!’”

But there was another question that came up during the presser – one that went beyond Funball and its exciting style of play.

“You have mentioned the five year plan – get back to the World Cup by World Cup 97, and win it all by World Cup 100. Do you think you may be ahead of that plan?” a reporter asked.

Nathan thought about it long and hard. A lot of his swagger went away as he contemplated the question. It was clear that he was taking it seriously.

“It’s too early to know,” Nathan responded. “I will know the answer to that question when we’re done with the qualifying campaign. But to suggest that we’re ahead of where we planned for ourselves, that… it discounts the other teams in this group. To suggest that we’re going ahead of anyone, I’m not going to do that because that’s disrespectful to every other team in this group. There’s teams we’ve got to play again, you remember the Aleirave game? It’s just like when Banija beat us in the AOCAF. At that time I said that Banija ran through our asses like shit through a tin horn, man, and we could not stop them. Aleirave did the same thing. I say that to say that there’s six other teams in this group that we could get tripped up by – well, five, since we just went through Baker Park – but the fact of the matter is that every other team in this group, with the exception of one, has a very real chance to trip us up.”

Nathan stared out at the rest of the reporters with a serious look on his face. This was less the Nathan Ellis that had been such a violent, frightening force on the pitch and more the Nathan Ellis that was coaching a team of men through a tough campaign.

“If you can say we’re ahead of where we should be, then obviously you know something I don’t,” Nathan continued. “And I’m sure as hell not going to go into the Aleirave game feeling like victory is assured. Same with Cardenao and Myrtle Beach, Eshialand and Brusseldorf. All of those teams are strong teams that could trip us up like that. It’s bad for us to think that and it’s disrespectful to them. That’s why they play the games.”

by **Kelssek** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:54 pm

Goh-Lemaire nets winner for Kelssek in Bastion Arena classic

Kelssek was able to take a big step towards World Cup 95 after an away win against Eura in one of the most storied stadiums of international football. Zoé Goh-Lemaire scored the winner in the 86th minute with a well-timed run to meet an excellent cross by Julius Heer that got her behind the defence.

The match had been heading for a 2-2 draw at that point and most would have seen that as a fair result. Eura’s team were visibly frustrated to have gotten nothing from a strong performance as they sought to avenge their defeat in Burnaby earlier in the qualifiers. This won’t have done any good for the pressure on manager Glen Merson.

Yet it could have all gone very differently. Goh-Lemaire’s goal gave Kelssek its first lead of the match, and they’d been hard-pressed by their hosts for long stretches of time. Jenas Maraipu was beaten twice, but his performance was also a highlight he made some vital stops, including a fingertip save off a dipping howitzer from Sophie Singh to prevent Eura taking the lead on 70 minutes.

Kelssek manager Calen Reamsey emphasized the “cauldron” atmosphere of Bastion Arena as something the players had to contend with. “It’s a privilege to play in a stadium like this. We started with the right attitude. We had to be hungry for the challenge of it, so to have the mental and physical endurance to see this through, I’m very proud of my players.”

Kelssek has now won six matches in a row and are three points ahead of second-place Koronavia with five matches to go in the qualifying campaign. Captain Loïc Maçon-Petrault wants his teammates to keep up the determined attitude to the end.

"It's the younger players who really impress me. Easy to be captain when you have this kind of team spirit. It's just the same kind of focus that we need to keep going, and they all have the right kind of mentality."

EURA 2 – Singh (26’), Vincent (60’)
KELSSEK 3 – de Landa (39’), Maçon-Petrault (67’), Goh-Lemaire (86’)
Maraipu, Buené, Lambert, Thomsen, Usher, dí Völará, Breault (Younes 77’), de Landa (Mann 89’), Heer (Bream 89’), Maçon-Petrault (Maradrogba 72’), an Deòir (Goh-Lemaire 77’)
Bastion Arena, Bastion (attendance 106,162)

by **Pemecutan** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:49 pm

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 I Part 4 | Part 5

The lunch break of the fourth day of the meeting held in relatively silent atmosphere. After the report from the economic forum and the question arise by Toluiwan President, everyone seems to be full on their mind. The leaders are gathered in their groups to discuss about the lingering question although there is also some that having a cross talks between leader. In one table we can see Kusumajaya seating together with Toluiwan President, Abdul Qadari and Rarungani Prime Minister, Gusti Ngurah Agung Kelakan.

"That question is really spot on, Mr. Qadari," comment Kelakan as they start to eat their lunch.
"Thank you, Mr. Kelakan. I realize it when Mrs. Aksajandi mention it in her report which is a very thoughtful mind," answer Qadari who enjoying his meal. He eats yellow rice with shredded chicken in tomato sauce accompanied by fish satay and some shrimp-based crackers.
"I have to agree with you. But have you really thought about this?" ask Kusumajaya.
Qatari nodded. "In the previous meeting, I asked about your commitment. All of you so we can have a smooth transition from 7 different countries into a single unified country with lesser obstacle," Qadari explain. "The commitment from all of you, I believe could fasten the process. And also set the timeline of when we want to finally united. It prevent us from delaying process too long. But yeah, the meeting was failed," says Qadari.
"We're sorry about that," remorse Kusumajaya.
"No need to. In fact I'm glad that it was failed. Or we can't have this better meeting," comment Qadari.
"I'm in the vision as Mr. Qadari on this. If ever the previous meeting wasn't failed then we don't have this meeting where we have a thorough discussion. We have agreed on many things in this past 4 days than what we have all this time within the Council," says Kelakan.
Kusmajaya nod.
"Then, I believe both of you are ready for a complete unification in the end of this meeting?" ask Kusumajaya.
"I think it is not a question of ready or not," answer Kelakan. "Because if we always think about it, we won't be ready in the end because there are so many things that we've afraid that we might loss after the unification," add Kelakan.
"That's true. The unification is there. We have agreed on it several years ago. That's why we have made all of this regulations that ease the process. I think this meeting is the last piece of that process," comment Qadari.
Kusumajaya nods again. He turn his view to the outside through the big glass window. The sky is pouring their rain again. His mind wander about the situation within Pemecutan itself. The domestic issue with Kanginan and Petang Islands. Then this unification. He wonders how will the country be after this. He feels like this time around, Pemecutan is really put in a heavy test and the Sang Hyang Widhi wants to see how will it survive from this huge change.

As the second session of the meeting started, the delegations are on a fuss about the continued discussion about the complete unification in the end of the meeting.

"Can't we create some document first that acknowledge about the unification which will then be ratifies by the Parliament of all members?" suggest Subrata as the tension rise.
"That's a good idea actually. But we need to set the deadline of the ratification so we can fully unified and continue to the next step," comment Kelakan.
"A deadline? That's too much!" argue Wiradarma with a high voice.
"The deadline is place there so the member's Parliament won't drag the unification far too long and disrupt the process," explain Qadari.
"Agreed. If we're not setting the deadline, then the Parliament might just shelved the document and only look for it when they remember it. It can be for what? A year? Two years? Or maybe even 5 years from now," comment Kelakan.
"Okay. I get the point. But how long would the deadline be?" ask Wiradarma.
"3 months!" exclaim Kusumajaya which shock everyone.
"That's too soon," argue Darma Puja.
"I mean, this meeting will be pointless to continued if we drag the time too long. And our precious times will also be useless. And we drain our brain to discuss these issues for nothing if we keep making excuses," say Kusumajaya with a stern voice.
Everyone in the room become silent. The long uneasy silent.

"I think I have the solution," say Kelakan who break the silence. "We keep the 3 months timeline. And after the timeline, countries that already ratified or adopt the unification documents will finalized the process and establish the new institution formally and officially. Other countries will be added into the new institution after the ratified or adopt the documents at a later time," suggest Kelakan.
A murmuring comes across the room as they talks about the suggestion.
"It's a good plan, Mr. Kelakan," comment Qadari.
"Indeed. I'm agree with it," says Anggarjahia.

Kelakan smiles as everyone is agree with his suggestion. He shares the smiles with Qadari and Kusumajaya. While Wiradarma grow suspicious over the closeness of them three. He is still on his mission to get Kanginan separated from Pemecutan. And he will pursue it for sure. While Anggarjahia believe that the Parliament will be able to adopt the documents in 3 months time.

Kusumajaya notes

Institution name:
Suggestion 1: Mandaran Union
Suggestion 2: United Mandaran States

Executive:
Council of Ministers, 7 person, 1 from each state, 4 years term of office.
Use Pawukon for Presidential office rotation. 120 days per rotation.

Legislative:
Unicameral. Name maybe The Mandaran Council.
20 MPs per state (140 members)

Judiciary:
Same as Council of Ministers.

Capital:
Gili Tangkong and Jading

~~Big question mark: Complete unification after the meeting????~~

Unification documents to be ratified in 3 months time.

by **Recuecn** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:26 pm

Franky Adams, Reçueçn's star striker, had invited his friend Malick Goita to one of Les Licornes' home games. Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom was visiting, and Franky had gotten Malic front-row seats. The match was about to start in a few minutes, but Franky had managed to find a moment to slip out of the locker room, come find his friend, and catch up with him briefly before the game.

"Thanks so much for the tickets, man," Malick was saying. "I really appreciate it. With all the hype and "The Spirit of 83", it's not as easy to get tickets for a qualifying game as it always used to be."

"My pleasure!" Franky said. "I'm just glad you could make it. How have you been?"

"Oh, you know, same old, same old. What about you?"

"I guess you already know what the big exciting thing for me is. These games for l'équipe nationale are always a ton of fun, and I'm excited for the next season of le championnat too."

"I can imagine," said Malick. "It's been a while since the LNRF has had a season, hasn't it?"

"Yeah... you know how time gets in the NSS multiverse," said Franky. The last season had technically taken place only a year ago in Reçueçn, but even Reçuecians seemed aware that a lot more time than that had actually passed. "What about your brother?" Franky asked. "What's he getting up to these days--still racing?"

"Yeah, like you said, time has been weird, but he's getting back into it. He's over in Saint Kanye right now, working with an NSSCRA team from there, but I think he's planning on jumping back into the WGPC the moment he has a chance. There's even a line written into his contract with GFR--that's the NSSCRA team--that the moment a WGPC opportunity opens up, he'll drop the whole stock car thing. But I think he's just happy to be driving again."

"That's awesome."

Malick glanced toward the field. "How you feeling about this one?"

"I think we can do it," Franky said. He thought back to the three-two loss to Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom Reçueçn had suffered to open its qualifying campaign. "It was a close one last time, but we've come a long way since then. No one trains like the Reçuecians do. Coach Tremblay was that way, and Coach Relié is the same. I really think our program is one of the most intense their is."

"That's intimidating."

"Well, it's worth it, when you see the improvement in the team after we train together. Obviously we're still not quite a world-class team--practice and training can only get you so far with the talent you have--but we do have some bright prospects I think. Laurent--the new midfielder--is really a gem. We've been working together a bit lately, and he's really something special."

"I can't wait to see him play then," said Malick.

"Yeah, you're in for a treat." Franky stole a glance at the time, displayed on the jumbotron, which was counting down toward kick-off. "I have to go," he said, "The ceremonies are about to start."

"Break a leg!" said Malick.

"Don't say that!" Franky called over his shoulder as he jogged away to rejoin the team. "It could actually happen!"

by **Xanneria** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 12:47 am

Xanneria gains 6 crucial points in chase for Playoff.
http://www.xtrasports.xan

SARZONIA - After a 1-0 win over Sarzonia, the Xannerian Maroons are now close to making it to the qualifiers if not the World Cup itself. While the Sarzonia game was a slugfest in the scoreboard, the Xannerians did take a somewhat slower approach to the game, by trying to do a more possession based play. In reality though the game most people will be talking about during this cycle is the win versus Farfadillis. A 5-3 thumping of the established Arrosian power saw the Xannerians close in after the mistakes of the first half of qualifying.

Ok so maybe they didn't thump Farfadillis as much as they want you to think, but the fact is we took 3 key points off of the Farves. Ok so when I say Rain it was more or less a summer storm, the typical rainfall you see in this time of year for long periods of time. For most of the time the Maroons are typically lucky to avoid those long term week long grey sky events, but this time they weren't. The unlucky competitor was a Farfadillis squad still trying hard to keep the Kandorith and Xannerian teams behind them.

The Farves are known for having a play style that is wildly aggressive, but usually compensated by fine performances by top of the line athletes. But with the cool seasonal rains moving through, any rhythm they had could possibly be messed up. It was clear that from the beginning things wouldn't be normal. Evan Jefferson Jr tried to clear out a ball and pass it toward Colton Boyd-Church but he was ambushed by Farfadillian forward Valën Pídí. Pídí took a shot hoping to have caught Jefferson Jr out of place, and for all intents and purposes, he did just that, but the ball bounced off of the cross bar and right into the waiting feet of Adama Akandinandas . Adama is young 19 year old half Farf/half Banijan whose speed is their most promising attribute, and thus the perfect player to put in against a up tempo aggressive team like Xanneria. A pair of 19 year olds giving Farf an early glimpse of what could be. ALso Denis Robeneau was there, in all his flamboyances as he got a goal shortly after and it looked long it would be a strong performance for the Farf NT.

But the problem there was very apparent. Even though the Farfadillis team got up to a quick 2-0 start, the rain, the rain kept coming down. And if anyone felt effect by the rain it was sweeper keeper Básilió Fórténté. Very soon after the Robineau goal, Fórténté saved a ball and went out to pass it to Dîgö Üwársá, another youth who was put in to counter the "Basketball on grass" style of play that Xanneria has been sucessfully using. The issue was Üwársá got jumped by Robbie Gordon. While Gordon, is an OM a position traditionally seen as pass first in Xannerian footballing strategy, the was absolutely no way that he wasn't going to pass up a shot on goal with an out of place sweeper keeper.

And that's realistically how most of the game went, Xanneria played aggressively and the rain slowed down the speed Farfadillis had been hoping to use. One note though was that this was a rare game in which Allison Burnes did not start. While Burnes, the "Goddess of the Goal" as she is known in Xanneria, has been the biggest scoring threat for the Maroons the FAX kept her out of this game, leaving Sequin, and the red hot Pete Ross in as starting strikers and giving Dillon Hailey a chance later on as a substitute. Meanwhile this was later confirmed to be in due part to Farfadillis having a rather tall centerback by the name of Tôsgo Türrângel.

Now the Maroons are going into the next month with games versus Polar Island States in a matchup not in Dominica City buy rather at the larger City of Hawthorne stadium out west, and a key away matchup versus Kandorith who the Xannerians only could clame one point off of during a matchup in Dominica City. versus Polar Island States, Xanneria looks to avenge a rather tough 0-0 draw as Terns back five known as the "backstreet boys", so named for the sound an arctic tern makes., staved off Xanneria and gave the Maroons a 0-0 draw. Kandorith also wants to avenge their own draw, knowing a loss to Xanneria would possibly doom them.

XANNERIA - 5
Ross 30' 65'
Gordon 19'
Sequin 25'
D. Hailey 86'

FARFADILLIS - 3
Robineau 15' 70'
Akandinandas 9'

XANNERIA - 1
Burnes 80'

SARZONIA - 0
NONE

by **Ko-oren** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:10 am

Pinta, Gelogathingun, and Laurderinthen had spent most of the week in meetings - many of them involving just the three of them. In between, they were getting briefed by their staff from their ministries, respectively Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Domestic Affairs. It wasn't easy to arrange everything, as Ko-oren's four capitals meant that ministries were divided more or less evenly across the four, and despite each of them being barely a 20-minute train trip away via intercity rail, it was still a hassle to get everyone at the right location at the right time, but they managed, more or less. Plenty of work was being done on those trains, be it couriers taking documents from one ministry to the other - the interdepartmental postal service being implemented directly into the national railway services but requiring its own subset of employees and security measures. Interns, policy makers, staff, both junior and senior, all travelled between Maethoru - Laurderinthen's prime ministerial seat - and Majara - Gelogathingun's foreign affairs. Pinta, for the occasion, was given a floor of a hotel for him and his staff, as there was no way that anyone would repeatedly make the long journey all the way from the four capitals to southeastern Thelesra (Santa Teresa).

During the mess in the Ochre Islands, Pinta had spent half his time in the capitals as well, sharing his attention between the cabinet members there and his military staff in Thelesra. The hotel wasn't new to him and he knew it came with the job, but he still didn't like how there was no 'coming home from work' - even his down time (which there wasn't much of) he spent among colleagues in some way or another.

The Ko-orenite press also noticed how Pinta was spotted nearly every day in the capitals, and journalists quickly followed the scent of a good story. It was nearly impossible to keep an operation of this size invisible - not that the government had any intention of covering it up anyway: we didn't have the massive security complex of, say, a Starblaydia or a Krytenia. It's moments like these that make it painfully obvious that Ko-oren, in the grand scheme of things, is a pretty small country. It was common for ministerial staff and journalists to hang out after work, in restaurants and bars, either to talk shop or to take on each other in numerous games and competitions - darts, snooker, hell, even Jenga. Hey, you're Ko-orenite, you're competitive.

There's an inherent security risk there, mitigated by the fact that staff know not to say too much, but journalists know not to report too much either. If you do, you risk losing your 'in' with the staff. A delicate balance of the interpersonal and business, of normal governmental operations and press, of truth and working relationships. Paired with the nation's reputation to not do anything out of the ordinary, it's a good foundation for cooperation.

"What's up with Pinta in town?" Marie-Thérèse Rithsakhagun, from the Majara Observer, asked, as she aimed for a triple 20 but, hitting the wiring, ended up with a measly 5. "I'm hearing he has a lot of staff with him too, and his office in Thelesra is near abandoned." This time she sunk the triple 20 along with a regular 20.

"All still related to the Ochres."

"That was months ago - why would you get half of the ministry up here now? I'm all for evaluation, but why now, and why here." Across two sentences, three more darts landed.

"Probably a final report - you know, do the people still support our navy after actually being used, does it still sit well with Laurderinthen's plans, etcetera. His re-appointment isn't that far away, he must be gunning for that. Or matters surrounding the current conflict over the Bekk."

"Do you think they might come to Mertagne's aid and send ships over there?"

"Who knows - but that's probably a good way to lose everyone's support. The navy was supposed to be a deterrent at best and a well-defended exploration and surveying service at worst. Just happened to be a bit close to the Ochres at the exact wrong time."

"Wait, was that even an armed vessel we sent?"

"Yes, one of our largest vessels was caught in there. Definitely armed. They were supposed to help out in that naval exercise off Cardenao for reconnaisance and surveying, and definitely to fire a few rounds to see how it all works. I doubt it would have impressed the Banijans and Cards, but vital for our own security anyway."

"Story worth pursuing?"

"Might as well. Probably not going to be on any front page, but it might play up later for Laurderinthen's third term. Creating a navy is probably his biggest gamble this term. Doesn't sit well at all with a decent part of parliament. Actually, doesn't sit well with half the cabinet, mind."

by **Nephara** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:16 am

Fort McKinley 0 - 1 Nephara
(4-4-2) 12 - Sebring; 17 - Swain, 5 - Roback, 22 - Brehmer, 3 - Xu (25 - Arconada); 13 - Brewer (7 - Drake), 4 - Gale, 24 - Sebold (8 - Anhope), 16 - Serval; 9 - Kulesza, 10 - Tjaden
Goal: Brewer 38'

Trolleborg 1 - 3 Nephara
(4-4-2) 12 - Sebring; 17 - Swain (2 - Holden), 5 - Roback, 6 - Scales, 3 - Xu; 13 - Brewer (7 - Drake), 4 - Gale (15 - Rothvogel), 24 - Sebold (8 - Anhope), 11 - Loeher; 9 - Kulesza, 21 - Vetiver
Goals: Vetiver 18', Loeher 42', Vetiver 77'

THE HERALD
NEPHARIM WARNED OFF BRENECIA VISIT IN NADIR OF RELATIONS
Rickard Lauren Esportiva Correspondent

In what represents a spectacular erosion of relations between Corvistone and Rozelle, the Nepharan foreign office have put forward a recommendation that Nepharim do not travel to Brenecia for the upcoming World Cup qualifying fixture.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justinian Draper spoke to press shortly after the announcement was made. "In truth, we are greatly concerned by the anti-Nepharan sentiment coming from Brenecia, including from quite a high level in their coalition government, and we're just trying to encourage caution. Emotions are going to run high, and part of our job is, even when something has a certain romance or allure, to see these things with clear eyes."

Draper did express a desire to stress that this "is not a blanket advisory, nor will it be enforced in any way. It merely reflects our feeling that that particular occasion could rapidly and unpredictably become unsafe for any travelling Nephar, and we may not be able to guarantee their safety in that environment."

A Nationals MP insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, was more blunt. "There's a far-right psycho in government who [Prime Minister Esther] Smetona has long since lost the ability to rein in. They went rabid when they beat us in Sabrefell, and pretty much whatever happens in the second leg is going to be red meat to the mental-cases. People are going to go, it's going to go bad and we're all just bracing ourselves."

The powerful and influential Nepharan Fan Trust made a guarded statement in the wake of the decision. "If we lose, the locals will want to twist the knife. If we win, the locals will be angry. In Brenecia's recent atmosphere, it's hard to imagine the safety of travelling support can be guaranteed. Some people are going to go anyway, but it will be at their own risk."

Brenecia's Minister for Sport, one of the representatives of the White Cross minority party, scoffed at the news, characterising MFA Draper as a 'gutless shag' and a 'hypocrite', citing the incidents of fan violence in the aftermath of the home leg of the tie.

Regardless, though there is some anticipation of this tie in a sporting sense - as Nephara's form has picked up with five consecutive victories, a run of four clean sheets in a row from Toxothea Sebring ended only by toppling Trolleborg 3-1 to take top spot for the first time - there will be significant anxiety regarding events off the pitch.

Nevertheless, in truth, it is overwhelmingly likely that Nepharim will travel, and in force. There can only be hope that cooler heads prevail, and most likely, diplomats on either side would settle for a placid 1-1 draw in Rozelle.

by **Jeruselem** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:54 am

Jeruselem Manager Rennala Lunar and Princess Stella Annabelle Dallas in Britonisea after beating the home team Britonisea 4-0 on qualifying round ...

Stella: Thank God for that, losing 3 games in row was not a good thing
Rennala: Yes well, our loss to Natanians and Nosts at home was unnecessary. The other two, one was expected and the other was a shock.
Stella: So Britonisea beat the StrayaRoos 3-2 at home and then ... lose to us 4-0 at home
Rennala: They did do us a favour by beating StrayaRoos so I'm not complaining
Stella: But they beat a team that scored 6 goals against us and then we beat them by 4 goals
Rennala: I guess it's hard to repeat such wins for such a team in a lower position

Stella: And then StrayaRoos played Archalit in Archalit, got destroyed 5-1 ... I guess they only win if they score lots of goals. If they don't, they get wrecked.
Rennala: We can learn a lot from those teams beating StrayaRoos.
Stella: Except now Archalit have strung together two big wins, 6-3 against Bigpipstan and 5-1 against StrayaRoos
Rennala: Well, they are a good team. They just had a slow start.
Stella: Even Natanians and Nosts aren't out of it, they got a few wins.
Rennala: This group is far from settled, we got competition

Stella: The only certainty is Valanora winning the group if they keep on winning as they are
Rennala: I'm just working on keeping our position, if they beat our rivals as well - helps us in the long term.
Stella: They haven't lost a game, just one draw so they'll be fine ...
Rennala: Would be nice we pinch a win from them near the end, we'll needed the points
Stella: We're somehow 2nd on the table but that's due to StrayaRoos suddenly losing two games in row. StrayaRoos 3rd and Archalit 4th.
Rennala: We only have 5 rounds left, we can't afford anymore losses like recently

Stella: Next we host Glazgo and are away to Archalit. I'm worried about Archalit game, we have to win that one.
Rennala: We pretty much have to win all our games as we play 3 of top 4 in the 5 games. One of the top 4 is of course, us.
Stella: These shorter qualifying rounds are more unforgiving indeed, 3 losses of 9 games is already too much for us at this stage
Rennala: Actually the entire format is pretty cutthroat anyway this time round anyway
Stella: Let's see 32 spots, two for the hosts. 30 between the others ... 20 groups, group winners automatically qualify. 20 second played team play off for 10 spots in 2 rounds.
Rennala: So finishing 3rd means you're out, second spot will only get you to play an equally good team.

Stella: Those three losses also put minus 8 on our goal difference
Rennala: I guess it could have been worse
Stella: Weird thing, our GA is 10 ... six from one game. 4 goals from the other 8 games.
Rennala: Yes that 6-3 loss kinda threw a spanner in the works there ...
Stella: We got 5 games to make the playoffs, it's going be hard but not impossible
Rennala: If we can claw 4 wins from 5 games, we'll be good. I'm not expecting us to beat Valanora but I'll take a draw from them.

Stella: I guess we never do things the easy way
Rennala: Yes well, it would be nice if we qualified by winning the group but I really don't think that's going to happen.
Stella: Like World Cup 93, but yeah I can't see that happening either.
Rennala: We did qualify via the playoff in World Cup 91 so there's hope
Stella: Except we got knocked in the group stage by ... Valanora
Rennala: Oh well.

by **Audioslavia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 5:55 am

Kilometre Zero
Kilometre Five
Kilometre Ten
Kilometre Sixteen

The Beltzarga stadium had been a tragedy the first time the Audioslavian national team had played in it. Only partially finished, with a single corner of its vast square glass exterior finished, the national team had laboured to a 1-0 defeat to Qasden (of course) in front of a crowd of increasingly embarrassed Audioslavians. Now, the stadium's glass exterior had been entirely finished, and onto it was projected an advert for an expensive watch, plus a short animation of a silhouette running on a treadmill of words that spelled out 'Humans Are Unlimited!', with the logo of the Kirola Cathair Marathon in the background. Gallingly, a screen on the outside wall of the stadium was showing live footage of the finish line, through which a number of long, slender types in colourful vests were racing. Two and a half hours gone. Jeremy looked at the board in front of him with '20km' written on it as he and a few hundred other less long, less slender and less colourful types jogged through along beside the stadium.

Jeremy fished a gel pack from his pocket and tried to open it, a tough task when every pore of your body is sweating. Finally managing to open a small gap in the plastic, he held it to his mouth, squeezed, and managed to get more than half of its contents in his mouth, the rest taking refuge in his beard.
"Bleugh!" Said Jeremy, reaching for a bottle of water to wash his face and hands down with, and seeing out of the corner of his eye a photographer.

Snap.

There was a feeling in the depth of his soul that he needed to find that photographer, destroy his camera and slap him about a bit, but Jeremy quelled the urge. To be fair, that was just a natural urge humans had around most photographers, at least among those who had ever met one before.

Ten minutes down the hill (down! What a direction! Never in his life had Jeremy appreciated it so much), the dregs of the race would pass the Half Marathon mark. 'We have to do this all again?' thought Jeremy, looking down at his legs. "Why on earth did I sign up for this shit?"

-- Some Months Earlier --

Stumbling Bulls Look to Maintain Charge
Brookstation Victorious, Shieldstan Curious

After a triumphant victory over Qasden, the Bulls slumped to two disappointing results in a row. First, in the side's hardest game on paper, the Bulls were comfortably second best in losing both the game and the lead of the group to Brookstation, for whom the five-pronged forward-line of Tudorache, Riccobono, Wague, Johnson and Robes, roared on by a partisan home crowd, was too much for the Bulls' defence to withstand. So too was Lance Logan, first choice keeper at 1830 Cathair, in nets at the other end, denying each of the two glorious opportunities Audioslavia had to score, tipping close-range effort from Roy over the bar with a reflex save and getting down low to hold a downwards header from Cappadonna in the dying moments.

Four weeks later, a second nil-all draw with lowly Shieldstan saw the national side drop three points further back behind Brookstation's Dreamers. Victory over Ancherion, coupled with a Dreamers draw against Qasden, pulled that gap back to one point, and from here on the task will be to stay in as close contention as possible to the leaders. A two point gap come the final matchday will mean victory in the return leg over Brookstation would be enough to automatically qualify. To do so, the Bulls will not only need the full force of the Beltzarga behind them, but to first navigate a tricky slalom of fixtures without dropping points. Zenic and Oberour Ar Moro come first, before the unnerving prospect of a trip to Qasden to test that curse once more. With Qasden just four points back, defeat there will mean the Bulls' fight on the final day may not be to overtake Brookstation, but simply to survive in that final playoff spot.

by **HUElavia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 7:03 am

United States of Devonta 2-1 HUElavia
(REDACTED 49', REDACTED 83' | Ricci 40')

Aquatian 0-1 HUElavia
(Catalá 66')

Xkorinating the FIFA World Cup

Episode 5:
2010 FIFA World Cup

The year is 2010. The World Cup has finally been awarded to Africa, and the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup is hosted by South Africa. Jacob Zuma is the President of South Africa. Toy Story 3 and Alice in Wonderland are the highest grossing films of 2010. Tik Tok by Kesha is the No. 1 song on Billboard in 2010. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira is the official song for the World Cup. Italy entered this tournament as the defending champions IRL, while France is our defending champions in the simulation.

10 stadiums in 9 cities were selected throughout South Africa to host matches. The venues were as follows:

Soccer City Stadium (84,490), Johannesburg
Ellis Park Stadium (55,686), Johannesburg
Green Point Stadium (64,100), Cape Town
Durban Stadium (62,760), Durban
Loftus Versfeld Stadium (42,858), Pretoria
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (42, 486), Port Elizabeth
Royal Bafokeng Stadium (42,000), Rustenberg
Peter Mokaba Stadium (41,733), Polokwane
Mbombela Stadium (40,929), Nelspruit
Free State Stadium (40,911), Bloemfontein

32 teams qualified from all 6 confederations, third time in World Cup history it has happened. The groups were drawn as follows:

Group A:
South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Group B:
Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group C:
England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D:
Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group E:
Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group F:
Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group H:
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Thus, we continue with our 5th simulation:

Group Stage
MD 1:

Group A
South Africa (RSA) 2–1 Mexico (MEX)
Uruguay (URU) 1–0 France (FRA)

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 South Africa           1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Uruguay                1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Mexico                 1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 France                 1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group B
Argentina (ARG) 1–2 Nigeria (NGA)
South Korea (KOR) 2–1 Greece (GRE)

  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nigeria                1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
  South Korea            1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Argentina              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
  Greece                 1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group C
England (ENG) 2–2 United States (USA)
Algeria (ALG) 0–2 Slovenia (SVN)

  Group C              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Slovenia               1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 England                1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
  United States          1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4 Algeria                1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group D
Germany (GER) 2–1 Australia (AUS)
Serbia (SRB) 0–2 Ghana (GHA)

  Group D              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ghana                  1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Germany                1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Australia              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Serbia                 1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group E
Netherlands (NED) 1–2 Denmark (DEN)
Japan (JPN) 1–0 Cameroon (CMR)

  Group E              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Denmark                1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Japan                  1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Netherlands            1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Cameroon               1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group F
Italy (ITA) 1–1 Paraguay (PAR)
New Zealand (NZL) 1–1 Slovakia (SVK)

  Group F              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Italy                  1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  New Zealand            1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Paraguay               1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Slovakia               1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1

Group G
Brazil (BRA) 1–1 North Korea (PRK)
Ivory Coast (CIV) 0–1 Portugal (POR)

  Group G              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Portugal               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Brazil                 1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  North Korea            1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Ivory Coast            1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group H
Spain (ESP) 3–0 Switzerland (SUI)
Honduras (HON) 1–0 Chile (CHI)

  Group H              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Spain                  1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Honduras               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Chile                  1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Switzerland            1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

MD 2:

Group A
Mexico (MEX) 1–4 France (FRA)
South Africa (RSA) 2–0 Uruguay (URU)

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 South Africa           2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 France                 2   1  0  1    4   2  +2    3
3 Uruguay                2   1  0  1    1   2  −1    3
4 Mexico                 2   0  0  2    2   6  −4    0

Group B
Nigeria (NGA) 1–1 Greece (GRE)
Argentina (ARG) 2–0 South Korea (KOR)

  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nigeria                2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
2 Argentina              2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
3 South Korea            2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
4 Greece                 2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

Group C
United States (USA) 1–0 Slovenia (SVN)
England (ENG) 2–1 Algeria (ALG)

  Group C              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 England                2   1  1  0    4   3  +1    4
2 United States          2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Slovenia               2   1  0  1    2   1  +1    3
4 Algeria                2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group D
Australia (AUS) 2–2 Ghana (GHA)
Germany (GER) 3–2 Serbia (SRB)

  Group D              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Germany                2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6
2 Ghana                  2   1  1  0    4   2  +2    4
3 Australia              2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
4 Serbia                 2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0

Group E
Denmark (DEN) 1–1 Cameroon (CMR)
Netherlands (NED) 2–0 Japan (JPN)

  Group E              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Denmark                2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
2 Netherlands            2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
3 Japan                  2   1  0  1    1   2  −1    3
4 Cameroon               2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1

Group F
Paraguay (PAR) 3–3 Slovakia (SVK)
Italy (ITA) 3–0 New Zealand (NZL)

  Group F              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Italy                  2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4
2 Paraguay               2   0  2  0    4   4   0    2
  Slovakia               2   0  2  0    4   4   0    2
4 New Zealand            2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1

Group G
North Korea (PRK) 2–2 Portugal (POR)
Brazil (BRA) 2–1 Ivory Coast (CIV)

  Group G              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Brazil                 2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
  Portugal               2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 North Korea            2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2
4 Ivory Coast            2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0

Group H
Switzerland (SUI) 1–0 Chile (CHI)
Spain (ESP) 2–1 Honduras (HON)

  Group H              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Spain                  2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6
2 Honduras               2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
3 Switzerland            2   1  0  1    1   3  −2    3
4 Chile                  2   0  0  2    0   2  −2    0

MD 3:

Group A
Uruguay (URU) 1–1 Mexico (MEX)
France (FRA) 2–3 South Africa (RSA)

  Group A              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 South Africa           3   3  0  0    7   3  +4    9
2 Uruguay                3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4
3 France                 3   1  0  2    6   5  +1    3
4 Mexico                 3   0  1  2    3   7  −4    1

Group B
South Korea (KOR) 1–1 Nigeria (NGA)
Greece (GRE) 1–1 Argentina (ARG)

  Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nigeria                3   1  2  0    4   3  +1    5
2 Argentina              3   1  1  1    4   3  +1    4
3 South Korea            3   1  1  1    3   4  −1    4
4 Greece                 3   0  2  1    3   4  −1    2

Group C
Algeria (ALG) 1–1 United States (USA)
Slovenia (SVN) 0–1 England (ENG)

  Group C              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 England                3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7
2 United States          3   1  2  0    4   3  +1    5
3 Slovenia               3   1  0  2    2   2   0    3
4 Algeria                3   0  1  2    2   5  −3    1

Group D
Serbia (SRB) 1–1 Australia (AUS)
Ghana (GHA) 1–2 Germany (GER)

  Group D              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Germany                3   3  0  0    7   4  +3    9
2 Ghana                  3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4
3 Australia              3   0  2  1    4   5  −1    2
4 Serbia                 3   0  1  2    3   6  −3    1

Group E
Japan (JPN) 2–2 Denmark (DEN)
Cameroon (CMR) 1–3 Netherlands (NED)

  Group E              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Netherlands            3   2  0  1    6   3  +3    6
2 Denmark                3   1  2  0    5   4  +1    5
3 Japan                  3   1  1  1    3   4  −1    4
4 Cameroon               3   0  1  2    2   5  −3    1

Group F
New Zealand (NZL) 1–1 Paraguay (PAR)
Slovakia (SVK) 1–4 Italy (ITA)

  Group F              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Italy                  3   2  1  0    8   2  +6    7
2 Paraguay               3   0  3  0    5   5   0    3
3 Slovakia               3   0  2  1    5   8  −3    2
4 New Zealand            3   0  2  1    2   5  −3    2

Group G
Ivory Coast (CIV) 2–2 North Korea (PRK)
Portugal (POR) 0–1 Brazil (BRA)

  Group G              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Brazil                 3   2  1  0    4   2  +2    7
2 Portugal               3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
3 North Korea            3   0  3  0    5   5   0    3
4 Ivory Coast            3   0  1  2    3   5  −2    1

Group H
Honduras (HON) 0–2 Switzerland (SUI)
Chile (CHI) 0–2 Spain (ESP)

  Group H              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Spain                  3   3  0  0    7   1  +6    9
2 Switzerland            3   2  0  1    3   3   0    6
3 Honduras               3   1  0  2    2   4  −2    3
4 Chile                  3   0  0  3    0   4  −4    0

Round-of-16

South Africa (RSA) 0–0 Argentina (ARG) (1–1 AET) (3–5 pen.) Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

England (ENG) 3–2 Ghana (GHA) Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg

Netherlands (NED) 3–0 Paraguay (PAR) Durban Stadium, Durban

Brazil (BRA) 2–1 Switzerland (SUI) Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Nigeria (NGA) 2–1 Uruguay (URU) Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

Germany (GER) 1–1 United States (USA) (1–1 AET) (4–3 pen.) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Italy (ITA) 1–4 Denmark (DEN) Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Spain (ESP) 1–1 Portugal (POR) (3–2 AET) Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Quarter-Finals

Argentina (ARG) 2–2 England (ENG) (2–2 AET) (3–5 pen.) Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

Netherlands (NED) 2–2 Brazil (BRA) (2–2 AET) (6–5 pen.) Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Nigeria (NGA) 0–0 Germany (GER) (0–1 AET) Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Denmark (DEN) 1–2 Spain (ESP) Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

Semi-Finals

England (ENG) 0–1 Netherlands (NED) Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Germany (GER) 0–1 Spain (ESP) Durban Stadium, Durban

3rd Place Match

England (ENG) 0–2 Germany (GER) Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

The Final

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 7:14 am

After 4 points ended our 1st half, the Huuhkajat of Kimi-Suomi entered the 2nd half of this WCQ process with everything still to play for and a lot of points still on offer...for which everyone was grateful for. This group stage had gone pretty well so far for the Huuhkajat and they were certainly appreciative of the position they found themselves in but everyone knew that the toughest battles were still to come...and things would get harder before they got easier. Esko Laaksonen knew this fact well...but could he and his team navigate the waters ahead?

Up first was the big one, at Kelssek in the Exhibition Place of Kirkenes. This was always going to be the toughest of battles we could face in this WCQ group and we were hoping to make our intentions clear in enemy territory...and we certainly did. This game was an absolute clash, with both teams having brilliant chances with the ball at their feet and both goalkeepers certainly had their work cut out with it all...but in a game like this, it takes one moment for things to be decided. That's what happened in the 66th minute as enough space was given for Thor Ibrahim Ahmad to make sure the points were staying in The East Pacific. It was a hard-fought battle and while we could be proud of our performance, we still fell to 4th in the group just like that.

After that, we had to go to Pimeämaninen [Darkmania] to try and bounce back...but just like the Kelssek game, this one would be a bit of a tough one. Both GKs were once again having a busy day as both teams just pushed and pushed and pushed for some all-important 3 points...but this time, it would be us who managed to snatch the points away as Valtteri Nordström completed the heist in the 77th minute of the game. Live by the 1-0, die by the 1-0 - because that's how football works.

6 behind 1st, 3 behind 2nd - we have work to do, and 5 games to try and make it happen. Senterus allows us to finally head back home and after that? Euran Oseanian Alueet on the road. Simple as that. We need points. And fast. NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

by **Barunia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 8:16 am

Emmanuel Carter
Emmanuel Carter breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a good few weeks for the Suns, gaining their first win and following it up with a draw. He could relax a bit. Even the new matured Carter, with the support of his teammates and a good psychologist, still felt the weight of the nation on his shoulders. Today, it felt a little lighter. Ironically, the nation’s decline to the bottom of the rankings had helped. Along with Barunia’s rank went any realistic expectation of the Suns qualifying, and now all that was left to play for was national pride.

There was still pressure of course. Already the media was calling for Talbot’s head. They said the team was weak, that bringing Emmanuel back was a mistake, that he would crumble again. The win against Starblaydia hadn’t done much to improve the mood of media. Normally, a win over such a giant would be huge news. Emmanuel thought about a poster that hung in the club room of his old under 15’s club. Sjors Van Der Svenne scoring that goal against Eura. A moment, almost two decades gone, still immortalised and remembered. A goal so immortalised not just because of its individual brilliance, but because it meant a win against the best team in the world. Starblaydia no longer occupied that position, were no longer the same powerful force to be reckoned with, had even dropped below Barunia on the table. But they were still ranked more than 200 places above the Suns, and the victory had come at a moment when it was needed most.

There were no goals that would live on in legend, no moments that would stay more than a week or two in the minds of the public. There had been individual moments of brilliance. Carter thought of Morgan Brooks, from deep in their own half, ducking and dodging through a sea of purple shirts. And then a pass. Carter hadn’t expected it, he’d expected Brooks to take their shot on goal, but he reacted on instinct. A flash of purple appeared in his peripheral vision and he charged forward, no time for control, play it on the volley. He connected on the full and saw, even as the defender knocked him flat, the ball sailing past the goal, past the keeper, and into the side netting. 2 nil up, and when Barunia won a corner, he thought he scored the third when the header landed for him. But the keeper saved it, and the ball was cleared…but only as far as Perez, who hoofed it back in from beyond the box, and buried it in to the top corner. A goal worthy of a celebration beyond the pitch, but one that Carter knew would be soon forgotten by all but the most dedicated Barunian fan, watching endless replays on MyTube.

Not that any of that mattered. This campaign was never about winning. Emmanuel truly believed Talbot when he said that this was about rebuilding, that this was the beginning of a resurgence in Barunian football. The World Cup and a return to the top ranks were on the cards, even if they might be ten or more years away. It all had to start somewhere. Emmanuel Carter was happy just to be a part of that.

by **Eshialand** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 9:09 am

A Today For Tomorrow

"Krupp Carroll Carey, Carroll 2 and Meilling..."
"Uh Josh?"
"Carroll hatter then Krupp 2, and Harran on the substitute!"
"What are you doing?"
"Listing out Eshialand's scorers against Rea San Vegas! Didn't you hear, the Owls got eight goals!"
"Eight??"
"Smashing their record! Isn't that incredible news?"
"Certainly a lot better than the game in Myrtle Bea--"
"Shhhhhh we don't talk about that Karsten... now, on to the rest of the show!"

"I'm Karsten Rhodes,"
"And I'm Josh Seametzle reminding him that my name should ALWAYS go first on this show..."
"And this is ENN Tournament Report!"
"That is also my line..."

"So eight to two Josh?"
"Indeedy, and the Seagulls beat them 5 to 2 the previous game..."
"Wow Rea San Vegas is not doing so hot out there..."
"Nope, and to add insult to injury, that 8-2 was what formally eliminated them from contention."
"Oh ouch... that's not a good way to go out at all."
"Nope... speaking of contention, now sounds like a good time to check the table..."

Group 2                                      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1     Eshialand                                9    7   0   2    30   16  +14    21
2     Cardenao                                 9    5   2   2    18   16   +2    17
3     Hapilopper                               9    5   1   3    28   20   +8    16
4     Brusseldorf                              9    4   1   4    15   13   +2    13
5     City of Myrtle Beach                     9    4   1   4    10   14   −4    13
6     Commonwealth of Baker Park               9    2   5   2    25   21   +4    11
7     Aleirave                                 9    3   1   5    19   22   −3    10
8 (E) Rea San Vegas                            9    0   1   8     9   32  −23     1

(E) indicates a team is eliminated from playoff contention

"What are the Seagulls doing in seventh..."
"This is just not their cycle... meanwhile look at Baker Park in sixth, they might be going to their first Cup of Harmony!"
"Jeez, this table almost looks like it would make more sense upside-down... at least Cardenao is performing up to standard, and Hapilopper's doing quite well for themselves now!"
"Got any ideas about Eshialand's next road trip? Aleirave and Brusseldorf, both away..."
"Well with how Aleirave's doing, that had better be a win or I'm asking Kenny Morgan a lot of questions in the post-game interview... Brusseldorf can go either way, but a win would definitely be nice... still gonna hedge and call it a draw."
"So 4 point trip?"
"Sounds about right there..."
"Well, we wish them luck... and until next time, thank you all for watching Tournament Report!"

Eight goals?

No matter how much Kenny Morgan looked at the scoreboard, he couldn't believe what he was seeing on it. This was a team that made national headlines for losing games 8-1 at the start of the year, but now they were winning games 8-2... what had changed??

If you asked the team, their answer would be that they weren't too sure what had changed... these were the same players, playing the same game, against an easier opponent, sure, but enough to break national records? However, if you asked Kenny, he had another idea. This team had finally figured out how to work better together.

Every single team is different, and the players on every single team are different. For the first time in the better part of a decade, this team had a different look than it did the previous year, and it was going to take time to adjust to that. Working together with new players is always going to be a tough thing to figure out, as you don't have that internal sense of what they're thinking and doing at any given time. Over time, however, things change, and you start to figure those teammates out, and become that one coherent unit you and the old teammates once were.

Now, they were that unit, proving to everyone that this was the best version of the Owls the world had ever seen... but the true test for these new look Owls would be coming up over the horizon sooner rather than later, as they'd be squaring off against a struggling Aleirave side in Lahaira.

Obviously, another win in the Eshian Derby would be what everyone wanted, but it was still far from guaranteed. Kenny would be making sure that the team got plenty of training beforehand, and hopefully their training, plus their sky-high morale from the game against Rea San Vegas, would be enough to carry them over the line... but he did have one last ace up his sleeve, just in case they needed a little more.

Of course, that ace up his sleeve was an order of celebratory pizzas from Papa Ginos in downtown Eshialand City. Nothing quite hits the spot like the best pizza in town and your best friends to enjoy it with.

by **Flavovespia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 9:42 am

Flavovespia 3 - 1 Sudilia

Flavovespia recovered from recent setbacks to get their 6th win of the campaign. Whilst there were a few shaky spells, ultimately Flavovespia made sure their quality shone through to get 3 points.

There was some rotation after the shock defeat to The Dictatorship of Vanilla, with the likes of Stuart Cookson, Michael Cole and Amrik Singh starting again. It was nonetheless a tentative start for Flavovespia. Whilst they seemed the better of the two sides in the opening 15 minutes, that didn’t manifest itself in any particularly good chances. Amrik Singh tested Eliot Boulay from range, but it wasn’t the best of long range shots and was easily saved. Sudilia were unphased, and in the 24th minute came very close. Sara Carbonneau opened up the Flavovespia defence with a very well weighted lofted pass, and Luca Dubois was clean through. He was one on one with Nathan Crewe, but put his shot too central, with Crewe parrying away. There was still the rebound, but Jordan Lyle snatched at it, and put it wide of the near post. A let off for Flavovespia, who needed to get the ans off their back.

After a close shave for Flavovespia, they were able to respond a few minutes later and open the scoring. Stan Scott-Wilson made a run down the left, and with an early cross found Michael Cole. His low volley was good enough to catch Eliot Boulay off guard, and it snuck in the near post. Flavovespia were 1-0 up, not their most convincing start but it was a lead. They thought they were 2 goals up within another few minutes, but Jonathan Bagshaw had gone offside before Michael Cole got the pass away too him, the video referee upholding the on field decision by the linesman.

Despite Flavovespia’s improvements as the half wore on, Sudilia would end the half with an equaliser on the very last kick of the game. A corner was half cleared by Nazir Hussain, but the ball was quickly whipped back into the box. Luca Dubois was just onside, and was able to shoot hard and in, the ball hitting the underside of the roof of the net. One apiece at the break, and adjustments needed the half time team talk for Flavovespia it seemed.

Flavovespia came out in the second half looking up for it, and they would regain the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Charles Adams picked out the run of Amrik Singh down the left. Amrik Singh then cut inside to open up the shooting opportunity, before rifling in a shot across goal, out of reach of Eliot Boulay and backtracking Jordan Brockhous, and into the net. The lead restored for Flavovespia, who looked more confident now of holding the lead.

Jonathan Bagshaw was finally back in the goals in the 79th minute. In an otherwise quiet game for him, he was picked out by Michael Cole who’d drawn the defence up out of the box. Bagshaw’s run off the shoulder was perfectly timed, leaving him with a clear cut chance. No mistake with the finish into the bottom corner, he put the game almost certainly beyond doubt.

Flavovespia had a lapse in concentration in the final minute before injury time. A loose pass by substitute Paul Amos allowed Ariane Mongrain a run at goal. Quickly, Mongrain was nearly able to round Nathan Crewe, but the fingertips of the goalkeeper pushed the ball out of her feet. Mongrain then failed to regather before Amos made amends with a hasty clearance away. A sigh of relief was had, and that spelt the end of any key attacking play for the rest of the game.

Flavovespia 1 - 0 Savojarna

Flavovespia ended a streak of 3 homes games with a win, although it was left late to do so. Savojarna were valiant opponents, and will feel hard done by to not leave Flavovespia with something.

It was an unchanged lineup, with Augusto Rinaldi favouring continuity as the team looked to get another win on the board. They had an early chance to do so in the 9th minute, when Kieron Player had a free kick in a dangerous spot. Player stepped up confidently, but got under the ball and absolutely skied it, to the amusement of the travelling fans. The obligatory “look for a divot” was done, but the usually strong free-kick taker had to take that one on the chin.

Outside of that early chance, it was hard going for Flavovespia in the first half. Savojarna had set up well tactically, a side adept at defending, they were stifling Flavovespia for room. The centre backs in particular had the measure of Michael Cole, anytime he dropped back, they didn’t take the bait, and Amrik Singh and Jonathan Bagshaw found it hard to make runs. That’s not to say that they were never successful, and Jonathan Bagshaw had a few shots, but ultimately the attack was struggling.

At the other end of the pitch, Savojarna also found that in attack vs defence, defence was looking stronger. Stuart Cookson and Nazir Hussain were having a good day, and any crosses were seemingly sent straight back out of the box with ease. Savojarna had some shots from a bit further out that tested Nathan Crewe, but he had the answers, his form looking good now in the Qualifiers. Unsurprisingly, it was 0-0 at the break, not a dull game, but one both sides would need to work hard to breakthrough in.

The pressure was on in the second half for either side to find some sort of breakthrough. For Flavovespia, a switch up saw them try and get their full backs, Stan Scott-Wilson and Andrew Dance further forward, and drop a midfielder deeper, almost playing a 3-4-3. Bagshaw was able to cut inside more easily now, and forced a great save from just 10 metres out in the 62nd minute. The change left the Flavovespian defence a bit exposed however, and Stuart Cookson was forced into a good block on the 67th minute. The game was opening up, but the defence and goalkeepers were standing firm. As the minutes ticked on, everyone was wondering if there coukd be a breakthrough?

Finally, with just 2 minutes of normal time left, Flavovespia broke through for the only goal of the game. Plenty of bodies were forward for al long free kick taken by Kieron Player. Swinging wide to the back post, Andrew Dance did enough to head it back towards the danger zone. Richard Birmingham was there by the penalty spot, and muscled his way forward before a waist high volley that steered the ball over the line and in. It may not have been the most elegant of finishes, but Flavovespia and Richard Birmingham didn't care. It was enough to give Flavovespia a vital lead.

Savojarna threw everything forward in the final minutes for an equaliser, but Flavovespia were strong enough for a 1-0 win. Flavovespia also benefitted from Valentine Z drawing twice in the previous 2 matchdays. Flavovespia are 1 point in the lead in Group 5 with 5 games to go. Anything could happen, but Flavovespia will know good results against United Hawkland and Tzvi will be important to keeping up momentum, and aiming for the group win.

by **Cassadaigua** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 9:55 am

Needed points, but still...
By Caitlyn Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Over the last two games, played at home in Victoriaville and Winchester respectively, the Fillies erupted for thirteen goals, something that will make the individual stats look a lot better. In the grand scheme of things, this did not accomplish much of anything except for the fact that Cassadaigua kind of controls their own destiny now to at least get into a playoff. That is, indeed, a better situation than the team was in prior to the last two contests. We can’t say, entirely, that the team would be at least second if they won out because they still have to make up two points on Yakk, and don’t play them again. However, what does look a little bit better is that fact that the team has pulled up to be just one point behind Saint Eleanor with one game remaining, which will be in Brattleboro.

As nice as it sounds, it is not realistic to just feel like the team can “win out” for the simple fact of not playing well enough up to this point. When you have scored thirteen in the last two games, those thoughts can get in your head, but this squad still has won less than half of the games that they have played thus far. The next game for this team is against last place Starblaydia. That sentence doesn’t seem like something that would ever be stated in World Cup qualifying, doesn’t it? Then, if there is a revenge tour for this team, it will be the four games that follow because they would be the four games that we went winless in during the first leg. Somewhere, someone is preparing to post a gif saying, “so, you’re saying there’s a chance” in the comments. Yes, there is, but I don’t want to get excited about it.

In looking at the last two games, fans poured into Cassgo Stadium in Victoriaville looking for something to get excited about. Yakk would be the opponent, and they got us started out on the wrong foot fresh from the start in a defensive minded 1-0 result. Many fans in the stands groaned when the official starting lineup was announced, since once again Chen Huikang was going with the regulars, putting the likes of Carly Patterson in the game over say, Rachel Boldin. While we have campaigned for either Boldin or Chloe Anderson to get this start, Boldin in particular seemed like an obvious, perfect fit for right now since the forward plays for Victoriaville South End. No, Cassgo Stadium is not Rachel’s home stadium in the CSL, as this is where Victoriaville City plays, but naturally, Boldin had plenty of people in the stands who see her as one of their favorite players.

Rachel was instead on the sidelines as the game began, and six minutes into the game, the team was in a hole as Tsagaantsoojiin Oryaangabar got one for the visitors. When this contest began, fans were looking to energize the team, but the quick deficit saw that enthusiasm turn to boos. Chants of, “We want Rachel!”, as in Rachel Boldin, soon started to ring out, and were especially loud when Carly Patterson touched the ball. For a while, the game was evenly played, but a powerful shot by Tiffany Brown in the 22nd minute even the game right up at one. The most dangerous fullback on this team in terms of scoring showed why, and that helped to get some of the negative energy in the stands to settle down.

It would be a storybook answer to say that Carly Patterson responded to this with goals, but her struggles were all the more apparent in the 30th minute, when she missed an open net with Egered Khad well out of position since the keeper was expertly faked out by Lexi McGregor. Lexi showed her ability by instead passing to Carly, and this was a no brainer finish. Not to be the case, as the ball went over the bar. That would see the “We want Rachel!” chants start up again, but a Kaitlin Millikan 40th minute goal, off a great assist by McGregor, meant that Cassadaigua was up 2-1, and that’s where we were at the break.

Lexi McGregor’s strong game continued in the second half, as she scored two quick ones, coming in the 49th and 53th minutes, making it a three goal advantage and letting the fans in the stands relax with the negativity for a little while. Yakk, though, is a very resilient squad and with Cassadaigua guilty of getting complacent, we suddenly found the advantage back at one on goals by Sohkmaat Tsedinaat and Mihkeal Boryozov in the 62nd and 68th. Three minutes after, the fans would get their wish as Rachel Boldin was substituted into the game, albeit for Shannon Cunningham and not Carly Patterson. Krystal Sherwin came on for Chrissy Engle, and the aggressive Michelle Lawson would add a defensive presence, coming in for Tiffany Brown. This stabilized the game, though the Yakkians did all they could to get the equalizer. In the counter attack of one of those pushes, Lauren Engle capitalized for the final goal of the game, in the 85th.

A 5-3 win that might not have been pretty and may not have seen any of the players who needed to see a form reversal actually do that, but it was three well earned points. Three more would be needed against West Kharakia. This game would see Carly Patterson taken out of the starting lineup, and Chloe Anderson entered into it. Chrissy Engle was also taken out, in favor of Krystal Sherwin, so it had more of a look of the team that qualified for World Cup 94, instead of the adjustments that were made on the team for this competition. However, there was one other change, with Stacie Thornton starting in goal over Stacey Schalberg. This was little more unexpected, but for the player who got injured in MD6 of World Cup 94 qualifiers and did not return, it was a heartwarming move, if nothing else.

It was all Cassadaigua right from the beginning, with Shannon Cunningham scoring in just the second minute of the game. More goals poured in, as Chloe Anderson scored in 9th, Lexi McGregor in the 14th, and Lauren Engle in the 23rd. In the 42nd, Anderson got her second of the game to make it 5-0 in favor of the Fillies. The second half began with a miscue and a goal against in the 49th, but the team responded in a big way, with McGregor’s second in the 57th, Cunningham’s second in the 66th, and McGregor finishing off the hat trick in the 69th. West Kharakia got their second in the 88th after the Fillies had already gone into run out the clock mode. For Lexi McGregor, this was her second career hat trick in a World Cup qualifier, and she now has five goals in her last two games. We know the team needs more than her to get going, but if she’s about to get on one of these particular hot streaks, then just maybe we can have a shot at the second spot.

McGregor downplayed the significance, which for her is unusually modest, “This is a nice win, but it’s against a country that does not even exist anymore. It’s a nice result, and if goal differential means something in a tiebreaker that we get into, it will be nice to have this in our pocket, but much more needs to be done.” Lexi was also asked about playing her first professional game in Starblaydia, one of the greatest soccer playing nations in the world that is on a stunning downturn for their program. “I respect their tradition. Even when they were better, a lot of those teams were before I started really getting into it, but I am excited about the trip. It’s not really to play Starblaydia in Starblaydia, but more to visit the nation, and see some of its history.” Lauren Engle, another youngster also making her first appearance told us, “No time to get caught up in all of that, we can vacation here another time. Starblaydia is a sleeping giant right now, and I don’t want to poke the bear.”

by **Aleirave** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 11:44 am

The Last Breath

"Just face it Haulafo..." Ivan told his boss sternly, "you've messed up this time."

The loss to Hapilopper wasn't exactly unexpected. Although they were seventh seeds compared to Aleirave's third, they were having an incredibly good cycle after their slow start, and the two actually had flipped positions on the group table; it was Hapilopper in third and Aleirave in seventh.

This seventh placement put them 11 points back of first and 7 back of second, with 15 points left on offer... the writing was on the wall. This team would be going back to the Cup of Harmony this cycle, if there even was going to be a Cup of Harmony at all, which as it turns out is not necessarily a given.

They only had one last chance to make a comeback and maybe snag second, and it all relied on getting a win in their next home match, which would be... ah yes, the mainlanders.

Unlike them, Eshialand were having an absolutely insane run this year, and neither Haulafo nor Ivan really had any clue what Kenny Morgan was doing right. Something just clicked in them that led to them having their best cycle in history while the Seagulls suffered through arguably their worst.

"I know Ivan, I know... it's not like there's really anything I could've done, was there? I tried my hardest and nothing ever worked."
"If you had listened to me--"
"I don't wanna hear that Ivan, not now at least..."

To Haulafo, this wasn't about coaching differences between him and Ivan. Sure, maybe there were differences between the two of them, and maybe one of them could've done a better job than the other, but the fact is that, despite Haulafo's best attempts, this team was absolutely down in the dumps, in more ways than one. Morale-wise, energy-wise, and standings-wise. This cycle that had started so promisingly was now in absolute shambles, and they really only had one last chance to breath some life into their ailing cycle.

"Team?" Haulafo asked. He didn't really get much of a response from this, as really, the team had better things to think about than the shitshow they were dealing with in this tournament.

"Listen, I know things aren't going so hot right now... but we're coming back home soon, right? This is always a good thing. And you know who we're bringing home? Eshialand. We're playing Eshialand at home."

Again, no response. What he was saying simply wasn't getting through to this team.

"Together, I absolutely know we can win this, and show Kenny who the better team is... but I'm going to need your help for that, okay? I'm gonna need you guys to give it absolutely everything you've got left in the tank."

Still, no response.

"Please?"

by **Graintfjall** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:15 pm

Posted on the In Brief section of the GS SuperSports+ website.

Marshlily scores on emotional Snow Wolves return

Also in SPORT:

Hermione given chance to lead for first time as Finnvarðsdóttir skips Carahue fixture
Náttúlfsson suspension clouds scoring form
“i forgor”: why Græntfjall will not be at this IBC

by **Delaclava** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:20 pm

OOC: Today's bit of worldbuilding inspired by American Thanksgiving...

Kewlz 0–1 Delaclava
Gretler 29'
Bullrich; Egan, Champagne (Grosskopf 46'), Gouin, Barry; Heilprin, Kraulis, Bartoš (Demirjian 71'), Anagnakis (Temirkanov 46'); Khautov, Gretler.

Astograth 0–3 Delaclava
Egan 8', Heilprin 49', Khautov 55' (pen.)
Mercier; Egan, Champagne, Gouin, Barker; Heilprin (O'Galvin 74'), Kraulis (Brouillard 46'), Lindblad, Atkinson (Anagnakis 46'); Khautov, Gallant.

Waringpost
This year's Summer Day an invigorating success

Millions around Delaclava enjoyed clear and pleasant weather as they celebrated the annual Summer Day in various festivals, events, and family reunions.

Summer Day is a Delaclav holiday, typically falling in the first week of June, that marks the end of school years for primary, secondary, and university students. It provide a de facto deadline by which schools end their terms as a matter of practice (although many schools may choose to conclude their sessions earlier). It is intended as a celebration of families and friends spending more time together during the summer months, rewarding the academic accomplishments during the school years, and encouraging community recreation. Even those who do not have schoolchildren can revel in the start of a more restful time of the year. The exact calendaring of the holiday is the first Monday of June, although communities have discretion to observe the holiday on a more convenient day of the week, and as a matter of practice the entire week is one of leisure and light (if any) work.

Summer Day was instituted as a national holiday by declaration by Laura Mennick, Delaclava's first dictator at the beginning of the Isolation. Mennick and her right-hand woman, Kate Russo, came into power at a time when national morale was at an all-time low, and Mennick sought to formalize a time when families and communities could spend time with one another, without interference of school or work.

Families and communities may choose to celebrate the occasion in many different ways. Some families, grateful to have their children back home and/or exhausted from a long school year, may opt for a more intimate family night—dinner, games, and other entertainment. However, arguably it's a lot more fun to get out with a larger crowd of people for the occasion. More informal gatherings might include picnics, football games, hikes, or beach days. More formal events may be hosted by secondary schools, welcoming back their university students for reunions; recreation centers, offering various game days or carnivals; or often times, the cities themselves, complete with parades, musical performances, sing-a-longs, and concessions and food trucks. Although it is first and foremost encouraged to enjoy the festivities of one's own locale, the staggered nature of celebrations around Delaclava means that tourists may travel from one place to another, turning Summer Day into an invigorating vacation week.

Not shockingly, the largest cities, like Manchester and Catherina, have the most robust Summer Day celebrations. However, the largest Summer Day gathering each year is the Athens Summer Day Carnival. Taking place on the Friday after the official Summer Day, vehicular traffic is closed off citywide and the Carnival is part street party, part beach party. This year's celebration had an estimated 3.4 million, surpassing Athens' own population of 2.55 million, with many visitors staying through the weekend or even beginning their summer vacations in the picturesque seaside city.

A statement from the President's Office read: "We are pleased to declare this year's Summer Day another resounding success. It was a record year for overall citizen engagement, recreational activities, and support of small businesses in Delaclava. We are proud to see our population once again embody the Delaclav spirit of compassion, unity, loyalty, and togetherness."

Summer Day is not without its downsides, however. With the fun of Summer Day lying ahead, it can be hard for teachers to keep students motivated, and for students to fully focus on their final exams and projects. On the flip side, the pending celebrations help instill the notion that exams are not life, and that final tests are not the best pedagogy to measure learning and performance.

And the more introverted members of society aren't exactly in favor of the holiday, choosing to stay indoors as much as possible as the children of Delaclava take to the streets and parks. But in these times, it is so easy to be alone and lonely—much as it was in a more strenuous time decades ago. And a dedicated day of community building helps foster the bonds that encourage togetherness and wellness for the whole year.

by **Trolleborg** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:52 pm

Greetings, compatriots!
It’s TTV with new set of films shown on the Second Sporting Films Festival.

The first today will be “Riddle of Skovdal”, a comedy that plays on the phenomenal superstitiousness of our people. In a certain club, designated as “Reds”, since its founding there has been an old computer, wooden one, on which the general accountant always makes the last of the calculation of the payroll before signing it. This is what general accountants have been doing for four generations now. This computer is a kind of talisman of the club, which systematically fights for high places in the championship, and desperate fans of the “Green” team, who are in fierce competition with the “Reds” and are constantly losing, are making an attempt to steal holy relic of competitors in the hope of ruining their luck. After serious preparations, they steal computer in the end, and the entire film revolves around the consequences of this act and the police investigation into it. Although one might expect interactive sequences, the film is entirely shot in a traditional manner, the viewer here is just a viewer. But even unchangeable ending of this is truly exciting.

As the second film today lot gave us “Unbowed Stronghold”, showing our country from the outside, another attempt by Trolleborg cinematography to take the point of view of the “other”, to show how we look in the eyes of strangers. The film takes place in a country stricken by a severe economic crisis, compounded by political instability and recent national humiliation. The film is silent about what exactly happened, but traces of this event are clearly and skillfully shown in the faces of the country’s inhabitants, appearance of buildings, roads, and nature. The country's football team is participating in the qualifying tournament for the World Cup and must compete with the Trolleborg team. The frantic desire to somehow prove to the world that the country cannot yet be written off as scrap, that it, even if ruined and humiliated, can compete with foreigners in sports, is multiplied by psychological trauma from learning how live is looked like in Troll Country and the appearance of cheerful and wealthy fans from there. Interacting in the day before game was thus both intense and charged, and this was very convexly and persuasively shown by filmmakers. The moment when a barely plodding old bus, full of home fans up to the brim, with people standing literally on each other, on the way to the stadium was overtaken by a comfortable transport with Trolleborg fans, and the accompanying collisions, such as the roll call of fans from each side and their reaction to each other, should rightfully be considered one of the best psychological studies in history of Trolleborg cinema of recent years. The ending of the film is not only unexpected, but also paradoxical, but we won’t reveal it to you.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 1:58 pm

TWO POEMS

By Isaac, Prince Imperial
(the worst poet in the multiverse)

FIRST POEM

An Ode to Two More Wins!

Behold!
Our mighty warriors set forth to gain two more victories!
The empyrean orb of leather is kick'ed forth for five more goals!
While our opponents hath scored but three.
Truly this is a credit to great Tzimisces
Who hath outmatch'd and outwitted his opponents
Despite fielding the same team, albeit in formation new.

Alright, look, I know that two single goal victories
Isn't actually necessarily the best of histories
Against the two teams at the bottom of the group.
But still, look at that table! There's no need to regroup
Because we're at the absolute tippy top.

I think back to the last qualifying campaign
When the Holy Empire ended up feeling a lot of pain
Because of the bizarre combination of last day results
That forced us out in a way that seemed cursed by the occult
So unlikely did that combination of results seem.

But now we're seven points clear of Indusse at the top
And surely now it would take a spectacular bellyflop
Of unprecedented proportions to not at least make the playoffs
And if we do fail now a lot of people will scoff
Because that really would be embarrassing.

So let's celebrate another two victories even if
We're not quite naive enough
(Does 'even if' actually rhyme with 'naive enough'; must check)
To think we can yet avoid the dismal wreck
Of failing to qualify; but it's surely unlikely now, right?

SECOND POEM

An Ode to Santa-Barbara Camel Dung

Hello there, Mr Poopyhead
And how are you today?
There's some questions I must ask
Upon this lovely day.

Why's there so much camel dung
Across your sunlight land?
Why hand it out so carelessly
At someone's quick command?

Do gifts of soft brown camel shit
Win you many friends?
Or win you many football games?
If not, then why pretend?

Do you bathe in camel dung,
Or smear it on your face
Or only send it out as gifts
In hope it might disgrace?

So fear not, Mr Poopyhead
We really do not mind
It's just that gifts of camel shit
Are really quite unkind.

Except here in the Empire
Where all things we control
And dung becomes sweet caramel
That's served up in a bowl.

by **Bostopia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 2:53 pm

External publishing permitted

Mertagne refusing to give Bostopia details on downed pilots
Mertagne sternly reminded that while their war is illegal, servicepeople still have rights

The Bostopian Air Force has today confirmed the distressing news that Bostopia has been left in the dark on the fates of pilots downed whilst on missions over Mertagne. This newspaper has seen the messages sent by the Bostopian Government directly to their counterparts in Mertagne, as well as those sent via foreign intermediaries as well, showing the Bostopian concern for their citizens who are fighting against the aggressive Mertagnian & Ko-orenite expansion in the region, who lack both moral values and respect for the rule of law.

It is understood that the Air Force has-

The Emperor threw the newspaper down on his desk, which was apparently how you summoned a tea trolley to come in these days. It had just hit eleven o'clock in the morning in Newford, and the smell of a hot cup of tea and a light snack of sliced pork pie, a slice of decent cheese and a pot of piccalilli at least brought some joy to the Emperor in these dark times.

Whilst the Emperor tried to think of what was next on his calendar, his mind couldn't help but give in to his olfactory sense. Just what was the tea in that pot? It certainly wasn't a Lapsang Souchong. The Emperor would know a Lapsang Souchong anywhere. His extensive time with Lady Heatherington at the top of the tea drinking socieities of Bostopia had taught him that much. He was no tea philistine. An Earl Grey, perhaps? A breakfast tea? Perhaps it was an oolong?

The Emperor could resist no further, lifting the lid of the teapot to find, to joy of joys, it was in fact a lovely pot of cold bubble tea, with less ice and standard sugar, as well as those delightful tapioca balls. The Emperor always loved the texture of fluids and balls in his mouth. And what's more was he knew the oolong was coming from somewhere. Someone had helpfully left a straw, which he stuck into the spout of the teapot and took a good slurp before picking up the phone to the Air Force Commodore. 'Commodore' he said, once the phone was answered. 'Our conversation earlier...' the Emperor took another slurp. 'Next time he's in the air, I want him bringing here, or bringing down.' 'Yes, Sire.' The Commodore replied, adding 'Also, Sire, our fast jets are approaching Keers now. It doesn't look like they're expected either.' 'Excellent.' The Emperor hung up the phone, took another suck of bubble tea and enjoyed the tapioca balls.

Meanwhile, Keers (a city on the northern Mertagnian coast) wasn't expecting a delivery either. Although this delivery wasn't bubble tea and certainly wasn't coming via a tea trolley. Being on the other side of Mertagne to the Bekk, and therefore Bostopia, had left Keers feeling safe and secure, far removed from the war and the devastation being wrought on coastal cities on both nations Bekkside coasts. That was to change though, as the Bostopian delivery would open a new front in the war.

Bostopia's Fourth Carrier Group had had to go around the entirity of eastern Calania (for a nation that had always been in Anaia, the idea of a "Nova" Calania was rather foreign) to reach their target, going around the offshore islands owned by Legalese and Starblaydia rather than spark any controversy by crossing through neutral waters. The Fourth had been accompanied by another fleet made up of three squadrons, preparing to blockade Mertagne's northern approach and stop vital supplies reaching the enemy.

While it was only one Bostopian carrier, it was of course stocked with somewhere around 75 planes and 15 helicopters. Or at least, it had been. The meanwhile was when the air had filled with the screams of twin engined fighters taking off from the deck of the BDNS Jackpot, most armed with air to surface missiles. The flight technicians on deck watched the first sortie rise into the air then turn towards Mertagne, glinting in the early sunlight before disappearing into the clouds.

by **Mytanija** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 3:05 pm

TIKARIOT 2-2 MYTANIJA

TKT: Nighthorse 16’, 40’

MYT: Ovsyannikov 13’, Kovacec 78’

MYT: 1. Besak; 24. Beganovic, 3. Pestotnik, 4. Mbala-Ekakia (c), 5. Koshkin (sub. F. Mlinarevic 65’), 17. Lusamba (sub. Mytnjak 81’); 7. Papez; 8. Ovcina (sub. Vukdelija 81’), 10. Ovsyannikov (sub. Hajdarpasic 81’); 9. Skara, 11. Papic-Papratovic (sub. Kovacec 65’)

MYTANIJA 0-1 BOSTOPIA

MYT: 1. Besak; 2. Jesenko (sub. Papic-Papratovic 70’), 3. Pestotnik, 4. Mbala-Ekakia (c), 5. Koshkin, 6. Mytnjak (sub. Kovacec 70’); 7. Papez (sub. Atsev 55’); 19. Skenderovic (sub. Altikulac 55’), 10. Ovsyannikov (sub. Hajdarpasic 82’); 9. Skara, 33. Prokopljevic

BOSTOPIA DEFEAT SEES RAVNJAK AXED
FIVE POINTS FROM PLAYOFF SPOT & EMBARRASSING HOME DEFEAT LEADS TO SACK;
IVICA SVOK SHOCK APPOINTMENT UNTIL END OF CAMPAIGN

by Nevenka Planinc

The shock 1-0 defeat to Bostopia at Mejastadion in Kiznha Nepuc was the final nail in the coffin for Misel Ravnjak’s tenure as Mytanija national team head coach. The 66-year-old stood on the sideline in the driving rain and watched as his team lost out to Lyle Northwich’s goal, a result which leaves the Hoops with a mountain to climb in the last five games in qualification, five points down on Naixi in the sole playoff spot and seven behind Tikariot who now look set to top the group. The nature of the defeat to the Bostopians, losing in such limp and turgid fashion, appeared to be the straw which broke the camel’s back for the FSM, and it is understood that Ravnjak was told of the decision mere minutes after the final whistle – after which he informed the players, wished them goodbye and good luck and departed.

It is a quick change of fortunes for both Ravnjak and the team. Only a few days before they had come through arguably their most difficult remaining fixture relatively unscathed, taking a point off the Tikariotians over in Tikariot. Group 3 has been extremely competitive, so whilst it meant Mytanija were three points behind second-placed Reçueçn in the play-off position and a further point behind rivals Tikariot, it was not regarded as a bad result by Ravnjak or by many in the media. However, things can change quickly in international football and this defeat was one too many for Ravnjak, following equally disappointing results in the 1-0 away defeat to British Covelandia; and the underwhelming home draws against Reçueçn (0-0) and Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom (1-1). The 4-3 defeat away to Naixi, always a difficult place to go, isn’t quite in the same category, but it still amounts to a stinging result which leaves the team with a very narrow route to qualification.

Mytanija’s performances during this qualifying campaign have been extraordinarily inconsistent, particularly given the standard which many of the players compete at with their club sides. Ravnjak, usually so abrasive in the media, was never prepared to criticise any of his players for their lukewarm showings with the national side. It seemed out of character for a manager who was constantly demanding more from his players in his famous Ararat Severyan sides, and it does beg the question whether the FSM’s approach to appointing Ravnjak – a rather long and winding, reluctant rigmarole instead of the full-throated backing of previous national team coaches – may have played a part in giving us a different Misel Ravnjak in his time with the national side. One of the major reservations some at the FSM had about the manager was the way he handled the media and the comments he was prone to make as Ararat manager, and we never really saw that same man in charge of the national team despite the shortcomings of the players.

Bigger Mbala-Ekakia, the current national team captain, was less diplomatic in his assessment of the current squad, providing explosive commentary on some of his colleagues following Ravnjak’s sacking:

“It’s difficult to put into words how disappointing it is. Misel is a great guy, a fantastic manager, he’s proven how good he is at club level by winning so many trophies with Ararat Severyan. I think quite a few players need to have a good long look at themselves. There aren’t any bad players in our squad, in the pool of players named before qualification. Everybody plays at a good level, usually playing IFCF football as a minimum. There’s no excuses. I think some players have sold out a really good coach, a really good guy who wanted to see Mytanija succeed. I don’t think it’s a personal thing for them, but it’s difficult to see why the level we see a lot of these guys show with their clubs isn’t being shown with the national team. The tactics are no excuse, Misel’s a great tactician, you don’t win the trophies he has without being one. As I say... (sighing) It’s really disappointing. I’m furious to be honest, it’s difficult to see where we go from here.”

Mbala-Ekakia’s comments could prove incendiary for a squad which is already at a crossroads with Ravnjak’s departure and may cause further aftershocks as the dust settles. The FSM did make the point in their statement that the decision isn’t one that they came to lightly, but that this particularly poor run also follows a pretty sorry group stage exit at World Cup 94, leaving Kelssek with a solitary point; as well as two rather predictable exits from the Copa Rushmori, going home after defeat against Cabo Azure in the quarterfinals of Copa Rushmori 44; and after a 5-2 Round of 16 beating at the hands of Græntfjall. In total Ravnjak oversaw 49 competitive matches as Mytanija head coach, winning 27, drawing 8 and losing 14 and this latest poor run of form has somewhat sealed his fate.

Ravnjak is yet to comment in the media, but it is clear from everything he has done in his time in charge that this job meant the world to him and that it was, essentially, what he had been working towards throughout his managerial career. He often wondered aloud if his outspoken style might have limited his opportunities earlier in his time in coaching, potentially stopping the FSM from appointing him years before he eventually got the role he craved. When appointed he called the gig ‘the job of a lifetime’ and ‘something which [he] would never turn down’, and there is no doubt that this outcome will be deeply painful for him. His commitment to Mytanar football, believing that our domestic league can produce the solutions we need, has always been resolute and he will surely support the team like any supporter going forwards.

What comes next for him is perhaps a conversation best left until Ravnjak himself has had a chance to comment, but the 66-year-old’s track record at club level will make him an interesting proposition to teams at home and abroad and at his age he perhaps has one last big job in him and for once it could even be a short-term project. That will be interesting to monitor.

What comes next for the national team is similarly interesting, with the FSM deciding to make a slightly unexpected and unusual appointment by selecting current Nyva Zvornik head coach to oversee what is remaining of the qualifying campaign. Svok has only been a coach for four years, going straight from playing to managing the club where he was already an icon. The 39-year-old has led Nyva to two promotions under his leadership, the first in his debut campaign as a coach and then an immediate return following a disappointing relegation. That failure to keep Nyva up will be a red warning light to some people, but Svok was working with extremely limited resources and appears to be a manager who can develop players – something which may appeal to the FSM given that qualifying from the current position seems unlikely and attention may be turning towards the Copa Rushmori and World Cup 96 qualification on the longer-term horizon.

Svok completed his coaching badges through the FSM whilst still playing and it is that familiarity which may have encouraged them to plump for him on an interim basis until they can secure someone else for the longer-term. Svok is not expected to give up his job at Nyva in the meantime, with the five remaining games thought to be manageable alongside his club commitments. Whilst Svok was never a Mytanar international he comes with a wealth of 1. Prvenstvo experience and was always a highly respected professional during his playing days, captaining Nyva after a spell at CDSA and coming through the ranks at 1923 Esca. This will be quite the leap for him though, with the vast majority of his matches as a manager coming in the Mytanar second tier at the time of writing – a potential cause for concern amongst supporters who perhaps still have faint hopes of Mytanija rescuing a play-off spot.

The new manager will be hoping that he can avoid the precipitous fall which Ravnjak has experienced, with Ravnjak nominated for the Testiculos International Manager of the Year following the conclusion of the World Cup 94 cycle and then facing the sack mid-way through the following qualifying campaign. The old adage remains true: you are only as good as your last result. Unfortunately for Ravnjak that was one of the more flaccid, lethargic performances in the past decade.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:19 pm

Zwangzug 2-0 TJUN-ia
Goals: Stephen Marcus (23', 66')
Mood: A tough pill to swallow...and the gap grows again.

Eraman 1-3 TJUN-ia
Goals: Era Hitam (22') | Jackson Smith-Scott (33', 87'), Jose Lozano de la Cruz (50')
Mood: Back on track via a comeback...but are we too far back now?

After going through a speech, it was finally time to enter the Region of the Fictional Realm. Last week, the Book of Atlantis started with the Speech of Westminster, wherein the TJUN Regions were first spoken about and explained with the intention of adding Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Cornwall into TJUN as the first admitted Regions. It was a slog that Jason McGovern knew they had to get through, one that was so important to the foundation of the NAU as a whole...but let's pick up right from there.

Chapter 3 focuses on the Aftermath of that famous speech and the visit to the governments of the 4 new Regions. Holyrood, the home of the Scottish Parliament, greeted the news "with smiles on most faces, as those who seek an independent Scotland felt one step closer to their goal (Atl 3:6)" while the Welsh Senedd was "more than happy to see the Cymru's place in the world truly represented (Atl 3:8)". Stormont in Northern Ireland was suspended due to political issues but while The Jaguar had to meet the MLAs informally across all 3 Political Communities - Unionists (pro-Union and Pro-London), Nationalists (pro-Unity and pro-Dublin) and Others (those who do not pick a side) - they all came away with the sense that "the inclusion of the Province into TJUN as a Region would help in withholding the peace process on the Island (Atl 3:11)". Cornwall's response could be described as follows:

"The visit to the Cornwall Council in the Lys Kernow of Truro was met with high praise as the councillors never expected the County to be elevated to such a position.
Nevertheless, the Leader of the Council wholely understood why Kernow had to be included and was honoured with the role it now held within the newly-formed TJUN. (Atl 3:12-13)"

Chapter 4 was the big one as The Jaguar and Frieden would enter the Realm of the Fictional World for the very first time...and would be met by what they did expect at all: a reception area. From the words of the Jaguar himself:

"I entered a dark room cautiously. It looked...actually quite normal, to be honest. I was expecting an unfamiliar setting, but instead, it was...a reception area? It looked surprisingly normal: it had a waiting area filled with sofas; it had tables filled with newspapers and books; it had a reception desk. If you took away the fact that this room was located on the other side of a multi-dimensional wormhole, this was just like any other reception area back on Earth. And that was a good thing because I was nervous as all hell."

From here, we first meet the Arcade Bunny at reception and The Jagaur asks to see the Manager on the orders of the lead TJUN Scientist, Dr Robinson (who had already visited this area in order to prepare The Jaguar for what he had to do beyond the Portal). Once things were explained, the Bunny led The Jaguar into an elevator where the true scale of this area could be appreciated. "The first 20 floors were dedicated to video games, the next 20 to TV, the next 20 to movies and finally the last 20 to books and comics, meaning this building had 80 floors dedicated to the doors. (Atl 4:15)" At Floor 81, labelled only as "STAFF ONLY", would be the Manager...only for the Arcade Bunny to sit in his seat, revealing that he himself was the Manager all along. The Arcade Bunny welcomed The Jagaur to The Portal Zone, "a place where anywhere and anytime, across all of fictional reality, can be accessed - even if retcons have caused certain aspects to be written out of the canon. You wonder why crossovers like Super Smash Bros. or the Olympic Games can happen? It's because of this Zone right here - and I was trusted with it by the gods themselves. (Atl: 20-22)". TJUN had provided a Bunny an explanation of its purpose with the Region of the Fictional World and agreed to help out the cause of finding all the reps...starting with the famous recommendation that ended the class:

"I'd say that if you want to start on the right track...then head to Unova. (Atl 4:30)"

SCHEDULE (Group 4)
Revert to this post for stadium information.
MD1: vs Zwangzug (3) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia City L 0-1 (6th)
--------------------------------------------------
MD2: vs Eraman (58) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky W 4-0 (4th)
MD3: @Ragdollia (UR) - The Ragdollia Super Dome, ???? D 0-0 (3rd)
--------------------------------------------------
MD4: vs Brannfjord (250) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu W 3-1 (3rd)
MD5: @Eastfield Lodge (80) D 1-1 (3rd)
--------------------------------------------------
MD6: vs Boring Paradise (147) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong W 4-3 (3rd)
MD7: @Josifovo (128) - Ljubomir Hrebeljanović Stadium, Bijeljica W 1-4 (3rd)
--------------------------------------------------
MD8: @Zwangzug (3) - Janaki Gardens, Guariday L 0-2 (3rd)
MD9: @Eraman (58) - Arupura Stadium, Arupura W 3-1 (3rd)
--------------------------------------------------
MD10: vs Ragdollia (UR) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico
MD11: @Brannfjord (250) - Blekebakken Stadion, Grimnes
--------------------------------------------------
MD12: vs Eastfield Lodge (80) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville
MD13: @Boring Paradise (147)
--------------------------------------------------
MD14: vs Josifovo (128) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas

by **Cap Nord** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:45 pm

An Esportivan Dream

With only five games left in the qualifying campaign, the cards are dealt for the final sprint: nothing is set in stone yet, but a handful of nations want to stop the clock now whilst some are praying for a miracle. Our Whalers fall into that second category ahead of the decisive double-header against the Ochre Islands and Tanirinthia. Two successive victories bring them back in play-off contention, a loss means an inevitable reorientation to appear in a fourth consecutive Cup of Harmony. A shame as for the second time in three cycles, the largest carnival in international football settles its tents in Esportiva as Sylestone hosts the World Cup 95.

A good number of fans aspire to visit the World Cup as it might take decades before the renowned football tournament takes place as close as Avondale again. And whilst most hope to see the Whalers there, an additional aspiration is to connect with and support various Esportivan teams. The tournament proper will mark thirty years since an Esportivan nation held the trophy. It is telling that since that Brenecian triumph, only the Patriots themselves managed to pick up a single further medal. In those days, a large and strong representation from the ‘orange’ region took its spot at the starting blocks post-qualifying. By example, World Cup 82 had five Esportivan teams (Brenecia, Bongo Johnson, Apox, Nova Anglicana and Damukuni, for those at home taking notes) and as recent as World Cup 89 saw a quartet of Esportivans in a debuting Tumbra, South Newlandia on their third appearance, a returning Ethane and eternal stronghold Brenecia.

Said edition, which took place in South Newlandia no less, unfortunately has been the start of a downwards slope. The next two editions had to do with just three participants (among which our south-eastern neighbors from Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom) and an all-time low was reached six years ago, when a surprising absence from regional behemoth Brenecia caused the Tumbrans to fly solo. In subsequent editions, the Black Eagles got the company of respectively Brenecia and Sylestone, but with just two nations going into the pots, Esportiva became the weak link in the chain of renowned football regions.

Yet a new, rekindled spirit appears to take hold of the region. Whilst some nations such as Zeta Reka and South Newlandia, who guarded our pride during the darker years, have scaled down their footballing programmes, new blood took the stage. No less than twenty CE-eligible nations started the current qualifying campaign and so far, two of them maneuvered themselves into a prime position to snatch a direct ticket. Newcomers Eshialand showed impeccable attacking form and our regional number one only dropped points on the ninth match day. What would complete the festivities would be the qualification of a third nation, as such ensuring to equalize the largest haul of representatives since World Cup 82.

Prime candidates for this task are Hapilopper, who got their eyes on the play-off spot after three consecutive wins, Xanneria, who managed to beat Farfadillis and Sarzonia in a genuine group of death, and the inevitable Brenecians, even if the loss against Sea Dome hurt their chances on success. For others, this campaign seems to come a bit too soon but positive signals for the future were shown: Dod Rava holds themselves after a rough draw, Josifovo surprise with a solid fourth spot, Natanians and Nosts try to turn around a difficult start and even Bongo Johnson is not too far adrift from second. Whether Cap Nord can make their way into this group of contenders will be determined in the upcoming week: two duels against direct opponents can show whether the current three-win streak is just a blimp on the radar or rather a signal that the Whalers could pull another last-minute stunt to reach the play-offs.

There was something grim about the atmosphere during the team talk ahead of the crucial duel against the Ochre Islands. Whilst Bellflower had all the elements needed for an entertaining capital with a touch of flair, some character and a bit of couleur locale, the instructions ahead of the game had shown the painful reality of arriving in a post-war nation. The clear hint to stay in the vicinity of the hotel to avoid unwanted encounters with UXO’s made quite an impact on the group. And yet, it was not that which determined the ambiance in the dressing room.

“... and so, as long as we keep possession and keep it wide, we will wear them down. It is an aging squad and we can take advantage of that. Of course their crowd will be ferocious, but it is nothing we’ve not seen before. Any further questions?”

It was not the complete overlooking of the current home record by the former Anaian champions (four consecutive wins) that raised question marks. One could taste the anticipation in the air. Eventually, it was Jorgen Bjerkness who made the mistake to bite. He should have waited for someone with the seniority, such as Brymsaeter. Or with the authority, such as Williams. Or, if there really were no alternatives, with the quirky attitude of a Finn Mickelsen. But Bjerkness only managed to keep his long, wobbly history with the captain on the down low with a lot of effort and now that energy had been smashed to waste with a simple question.

“Who takes the penalties?”
“I will.”

Simon Carstensen did not even wait for the reply of Pazron Finchley. Or did the answer from the gaffer come a second too late? And as if Bjerkness was not aware of his blunder, he went in for the double-whammy.

“Oh, ok, sure. I just thought, you know.”

Even Finn Mickelsen wouldn’t whisper awkwaaaaaard now anymore.

“I know what?”

Some soft coughing, people watching the door and wondering whether they could escape as Simon and Jorgen practiced their death stares on one another. There was no way back now and definitely not for Jorgen.

“Just… The last few had been… I mean, not that I think you won’t score but, you know.”
“I will take them when we get one. If we get one, of course.”

Spotting strange sentence structures had never been the prime job of footballers but Simon Carstensen knew why he initially used ‘when’.

He had seen the run-up. He even believed he had seen the reaction from the goalie.

But why would the Writer never show him the rattling nets?

by **Ochre Islands** » Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:54 pm

There had been some debate in the Ochre Senate about re-opening the Ochre quarter of Koroa City, but it was eventually decided that spending what money could be spared on sprucing the place up a little to attract visitors to the quarter and the Islands themselves. The end goal was of course that the Ochres were quite literally open for business on Koroa and ready to receive visitors again, especially on the beautiful Sunset Coast on the delightful Sunset Sea.

On the first day of re-opening though, the Ochres had had an unexpected guest. Theodore Shashkin wandered through the dramatisation of the Ochre country village square that had been built, which had been surrounded by homes, shops and restaurants which looked typical to the islands and served typical Ochre fare. There were, for good measure, one or two small fields growing Ochre maize, which was ground into flour and used in the small café on the square to bake a round kind of unleavened bread into which various fillings were made for and sold to anyone lucky enough to wander in. [Ooc: see 'Arepas' - I discovered these in the Canary Islands, upon which the Ochre Islands are based climate and landscape wise]

Theodore, or Fyodor as he had once been known, preferring the 'Theodore' spelling as it made it easier for the foreign bourgeoisie to understand, managed to avoid the temptations of the capitalist class and instead found himself at the door of the Ochre administration in Koroa, nearly tucked rather unassumingly between a restaurant and a storefront, granting access to the floor above both of those. Theodore opened the door and climbed the stairs, before politely greeting the girl at the desk, identified by her nametag as Elena Christie.

'Good morning, Elena. I am Theodore Shashkin and I represent The Plough Islands here on Koroa.' 'Good morning Theodore. What brings you here?' 'A few of us pooled some money together and wanted to present you, the Ochre delegation to Koroa City, with this celebratory pack of biscuits' Theodore told her, hastily thrusting an unopened packet of the Plough Islands finest oaty biscuits at Elena. She took the packet and noted that the oats had been grown 'In the darkest soils of the Plough Islands' and 'Checked for freshness by Freshness Unit 2 or Factory Number 5'.
'Well... Thank you! This is certainly an unexpected surprise!' Elena reploed, still looking with unrestrained curiosity at the foreign packet of biscuits which was now in her possession.
'I will be honest though, this has wiped out all our savings from this month' Theodore said, subconsciously running his fingers over the outline of his wallet as it sat in his pocket, 'but it has been worth it as you beat the fascists in Bostopia.'

Theodore nodded, then left as quickly as he has come in.

World Cup 95 Roleplay Thread

Life And Death By The 1-0

The Book of Jungles (2-2)

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