World Cup 95 Roleplay Thread

by **Milchama** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:58 pm

"Should we talk about Farf political philosophy?"

"Probably, it's a little crazy and also doesn't make sense metaphysically"

"I mean why would metaphysics have anything to do with politics?"

"Fair enough except that all Farf political philosophy, apparently, justifies itself through a metaphysical lens"

"Yeah that is weird because most political philosophy usually makes a moral or ethical claim and doesn't talk about metaphysics much, if at all"

"I mean some metaphysicians make a politics like an Aristotle or a Kant (never Heidegger thank god!) but metaphysics doesn't usually work great with politics"

"Yeah, because politics is all about mass movements and the justification of the masses for doing things while metaphysics is about how reality functions itself so there's no real need to talk about how reality exists when the major question is to say 'how should we run the government?' or 'how should we think about the nature of helping mass groups of people?' like the question of 'why are we something rather than nothing?' doesn't really enter into it that much"

"Exactly, though, I do think it's important to point out that metaphysics can be political. I mean, it's important to note that the way in which you believe reality comes from does create a lot of questions about how you think the world should work which include governance"

"Sure, that's why metaphysicians also write political books but political philosophy is different from metaphysics for a reason because there are barriers between them"

"Well no, that has to do with common assumptions and the nature of academic fields"

"Alright, fair enough but the line still runs from metaphysics to ethics to politics"

"Correct"

"I think it's also important to note that with Olivera it's pretty clear that he didn't know what epistemology was"

"Yeah so much of his beliefs boil down to an extremely weird epistemology that is just never explored or created"

"I bet the whole character was written by a math guy who didn't know the field of epistemology in philosophy because math people are just bad at epistemology"

"Now that you say that, that sounds right, just like the sort of thing one would expect to happen from a math major writing about philosophy, just leaving off a whole school of thought because they were never exposed to it in the first place"

"Wait, but doesn't epistemology also influence political philosophy?"

"I mean, I guess, but like whether chairs exist doesn't really matter for political philosophy, it matters for politics because what is 'true' clearly matters or determined truth clearly matters but Truth itself doesn't really matter. Right, like all politicians lie?"

"But isn't that an epistemological claim?"

"I guess it is but it's more of a political claim and one that assumes certain things about politics more than epistemology. Like when someone says 'all politicians lie' they don't mean in the sense of 'and there is a Real Truth out there' they mostly mean in the sense of 'this person said they would something and then they did not' there's no deeper statement there."

"I guess but we can't totally discount epistemology in this"

"Why not?"

"Because there are still questions about the way the world works, wait that's metaphysics and we already went over that my bad"

"Ok, yeah, I was about to say that the argument you were going to make didn't make sense"

"But it's still weird for Farf philosophers to spend so much time on unearned, strange, and frankly wrong epistemology"

"True, I just think it's the culture"

"That makes sense, Farfadallis is a weird place"

"It definitely is"

"Also Brett Favre still sucks"

"Yeah fuck the Packers"

"Fuck the Packers!"

"Fuck the Packers!"

by **Brannfjord** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 10:01 pm

Blekebakken Stadion – After the match against TJUN-ia

“These are the nights that will never die,” said Harald Norvik. His voice was weak, as he had screamed through the match in a crazy way. “I swear I didn’t saw this Qualifier being that good, despite I always was an optimistic guy… I fucking swe…” Managed to said as he lost his voice.

“I’m about to concede, I was wrong and I had to admit it bro.” replied Torstein, then continued “Despite Zwangzug is now four points away from us, being almost in the zone for the World Cup Qualifier automatic berth, we have a nice five-pointer as advantage for the play-off. That’s completely unbelievable.”

“You’ve got to believe, guys.” Said Kjartan Martinssen as he approached and thanked the Norvik brothers for their effort on cutting the grass for the match, then he continued saying “Aside that the grass has been mowed to perfection, I have got to say that we have a dream and we want to make it real. We have the right to dream, and we have the obligation to turn that into a reality. Brannfjording have the thrust, that confidence boost, that will be key for achieving it.”

“Mister!” said Torstein, then he added “I’m really sorry for doubting at you. You’ve convinced me that you’re the only good person coming out from Senja!”

Martinssen was shocked, but laughed, then continued “I know that we don’t have a good reputation to say the least, but we all are Brannfjording, don’t we?”

“Yes, we are.” Said Torstein.

“Oh, come o…” Harald tried to say, then attempted to continue, coughed, and resumed “Leave the region dogfight for la… *Cough*”

The doctor of the De Selene noted that Harald was struggling to talk, so he gave him a bit of medicine for his sore throat, then a pint of beer to hydrate him. “This will make you feel better” said while laughing the doctor.

Harald nodded. He just drank the pint despite being 16 years old only, not legally allowed to do so, but he came and said “Oh, fuck it!” then drank the pint in celebration, threw a bit to Kjartan Martinssen to celebrate the match.

“Hahahaha” Said Martinssen as the players came and threw on him an entire bucket of enegy drink to celebrate the match. “Well deserved” added Torstein.

Then Harald said “Do you think we have a chance to get first place?” Martinssen nodded, then said “First, let’s secure the gap for second and wait for the Zwangzugites to fall, so we can do our very best while visiting them and hope for the best… It isn’t over ‘till it’s over!”

As Harald was checking his phone, reading publications from the Zwangzug’s e-lipogram, he said “Holy fuck, we got roasted in the Zwangzugite national media. Torstein read the post and said “That we aren’t able to do lipograms?” Oh, come on! We are a couple of young guys wanting to have fun, we’re just silly.”

Harald then said “Aren’t we the Norviks known for that all over Brannjord?” Then continued “We are supposed to roast and not to be roasted. We just want to have fun.” Then sobbed and laughed wildly. “Anyways, nothing will change my smile after this match, we are so proud of the boys!”

Torstein then continued and said “Goodness gracious! Guess what? Hope springs eternal. I do hope to qualify in first, so I’ll really hope for everything to go in our favour.” Harald was shocked and said “Bro, now you’re being overly optimistic. I do hope to finish second, that’ll do more than enough for us. We are a surprise team already, so that does.”

Harald then said “Oh, come on! Don’t conform yourself with little, if we can do, we will do it. Mr. Kjartan already said, they’ll fight and do their best to pull off the miracle.” Then Torstein said “Miracle or not, we will do.” Harald then replied “It will be difficult, as Zwangzug has barely dropped some points…” Then said Torstein “Look at others, we are in a far better situation when it comes to the fight for glory.”

“You know what? Let’s go to the pub and drink some soda” said Harald, then Torstein nodded and the brothers walked towards the pub, knowing that sodas will be enough for them because they won’t be served beer for being under eighteen years of age.

by **Nephara** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:04 pm

Nephara 2 - 0 Havynwilde
(4-4-2) 12 - Sebring; 17 - Swain (2 - Holden), 18 - Copperhead, 6 - Scales, 25 - Arconada; 7 - Drake, 4 - Gale (15 - Rothvogel), 26 - Fang (8 - Anhope), 11 - Loeher (16 - Serval); 9 - Kulesza, 10 - Tjaden
Goals: Kulesza 27', Gale 45+1'

Brenecia 0 - 0 Nephara
(4-4-2) 12 - Sebring; 17 - Swain, 5 - Roback, 6 - Scales, 3 - Xu (25 - Arconada); 13 - Brewer, 4 - Gale (8 - Anhope), 24 - Sebold (26 - Fang), 11 - Loeher; 9 - Kulesza (14 - Berenguer), 21 - Vetiver

What happened on the pitch was an anticlimax.
Granted, it was never going to be an exhilarating game. Since the reverse fixture, Nephara had conceded once in six games, while Brenecia had ratchetted up five 1-0 wins and a 1-0 defeat. Breathtaking stuff. The kind of people betting for over 2.5 goals were the kinds of people who threw five-dollar bets on La Querida to win the S-PFL because 'they're due'.
It was a bitter, foul-tempered match. The referee handed out yellow cards freely but was too chickenshit to ever seal the deal with a red; the game started rough and, when the players twigged onto the referee's cowardice, only got rougher. If the ball had ever actually hit someone's net, there would inevitably have been a brawl to claim it quickly.
It started lively enough. On one side, at least. Nephara kicked off and it became quickly apparent were going to dominate the ball, not through any particular desire, but because Brenecia - home tie be damned - were sitting deep with six men back, unchanged since their last great victory. Stokes, Byrne and Wake lurked, waiting for a chance to counter against the white shirts. Alaoise Rourke meandered disinterestedly.
It was Rourke that Seona Gale had to keep an eye on. She knew - it had been emphasised to her, underlined over and over again - she had to stick tight to her, not let herself get dragged away. Because the moment she left Rourke completely free, some fucker would get her the ball, and she'd release the perfect pass in a split second. Fans screamed at her constantly to get around and put some stick about, but she remained loyal to her objective, taking the most sudden Brenecian threat out of the game at her own expense.
And there were fans. Despite the advice of the foreign office. Many were expats, or else a particular brand of distant disaffected descendant who identified more with the mainland to annoy their fathers, but others had taken the advisory as a dare. Queen Etain had decided not to help matters, and had attended herself, graciously waving when the camera fell on her. The Nepharan fans lustily sang death threats at her, forcing a pained message from the PA; Etain herself did not look phased by it.

In truth, neither side wanted to overextend, both sides content enough to pick up a point; and, oddly, both sides would hope Brenecia would beat Trolleborg at the next international break. But there was too much competitive edge and, at this point, too much resentment to ever be truly happy with a draw. It was just channelled into hard challenges and gamesmanship instead of suicidal charges. Toxothea Sebring, Nephara's goalkeeper who had traditionally struggled to bring her club form to the Cormorants but was now on an exceptional run that had secured her place as first-choice, was flattened in the aftermath of a corner, burly centre-half Ruadri Wheater ploughing straight through her. A lot of rutting-stag behaviour followed; another couple of names in the book. A long throw from Swain, trapped on Vetiver's chest and taken past Cheschon, then into the box; a leg stuck out from Wheater, Vetiver shifted her weight inside and tried to induce the contact, going down easily. A poor attempt at drawing the foul, and she bit her lip as she rose, not even looking at the referee to try and give the impression that, yeah, she definitely wasn't just diving. But that got the home crowd in her ear, jeering her every touch. In response, the away fans started jeering Erin Camden, then her fellow Nepharan 'turncoats' Alyce Kearney and Logan Murdoch when they arrived off the bench. Kearney replaced the silent Rourke, gave Gale a more complicated job but also made her life easier in a way; she just wasn't capable of the same moments of magic. She didn't get to enjoy it long; hooked within minutes for Petra Anhope, who had more to offer going forward. A couple of late arrivals into the box almost threatened, and she did thump a shot heavily into a blue shirt, but one of those runs did lead the way for Brenecia's one clear breakthrough. The ball slipped through quickly to Kearney, then down to Byrne, a big switch to Maerhen Wake on the other side, coming in hot, bearing down on goal, shifting outside of Xu and thumping the ball on goal. Sebring sprung to her left and pawed the ball aside, the only save she'd have to make all game.
The game slipped away into injury time, with little to remark upon. Vetiver came close another couple of times, before a free kick was won in a dangerous position. Madita Brewer stepped over it, sizing up the angles; Arachne Loeher to one side, offering another threat. But it was Brewer who took it, and the ball sizzled over the blue and white shirts and straight at Cessair Meade, who quickly tried to start a counterattack with a throw. Too late. The final whistle blew, and the problem children, no matter how little they wanted to, would be made to share.

by **Brenecia** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:04 pm

Al-Tamazgha 0 - 1 Brenecia
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Meade; 17 - Hadley (2 - Cooper), 5 - Wheater, 6 - Jeong, 22 - Riordan; 4 - Briggs (25 - Rajskub), 8 - Kearney; 15 - Wake (7 - Wakering), 11 - Rourke, 10 - Byrne (16 - Fetch); 13 - Stokes
Goal: Kearney

Brenecia 0 - 0 Nephara
(4-2-3-1) 1 - Meade; 17 - Hadley, 5 - Wheater, 6 - Jeong, 22 - Riordan (3 - Culpepper); 4 - Briggs, 14 - Cheschon (24 - Slivka); 15 - Wake, 11 - Rourke (8 - Kearney), 10 - Byrne; 13 - Stokes (9 - Murdoch)

What happened off the pitch was a firestorm.
It started with rhetoric, as it always does, and was always bound to do. The Nepharan ambassador's refusal to kiss the Queen's ring had been everything and anything people wanted it to be. To the revanchists, it was more confirmation of Nepharan arrogance, a refusal to do as the Romans do when in Rome, and confirmation that Nepharan overtures of diplomacy were nothing but talk. To the centrists, it was another sign that there would be no salvation in the west; Corvistone was only growing further and further from Rozelle, and now, its food security assured by Rushmori trade deals, felt no need to even give lip service to Brenecian customs. And to the rare, quiet republicans, it was a rallying cry, emboldening voices to call out against the monarchy as Etain, despite her more progressive, modernising credentials, looked to consolidate her power. Headlines piled up, not helped when Brenecians got wind of Nepharan reactions; occasional voices advocating for discretion as the better part of valour, but for the most part a celebration that Hearn had been willing to flout Brenecian tradition and stand by her own principles.
By the time the Nepharan side arrived, emotions were at fever pitch. The government prudently offered a security escort to take the Cormorants to their hotel, but did little to stop fans from letting off fireworks all through the night, and after a relatively quiet period, activating the fire alarm. Little wonder that, when the Nepharim took the field, they looked exhausted.
It was a decent match from a Brenecian perspective; a point kept them in the fight and above a Sea Dome side that had beaten them home and away, though a win would have been a decisive advantage in qualification and pushed them into second place.
But the match ended scoreless, and the visitors couldn't get off the island quickly enough, leaving their hosts to gossip. But things were bubbling. Tightly policed, there was little trouble in the streets through the game, but things kicked off when attention slackened. Nepharan ultras started trouble here and there, and more often, random people were picked out for talking too western, looking too raven-haired or tattooed, and the frustrations pent up over centuries of humiliation were vented out on them. No fatalities, mercifully; none that could be directly drawn to that, in any case. But people took their flared tempers and nursed resentments on into the coming days regardless.

It wasn't lost on Erin Camden; in truth, it was troubling her. She was, after all, Nepharan-born and -raised herself. She was a figure who kept her public face concerned with football; a former captain, she'd always been a leader, but it was more about getting the group together, not so much about rallying for any great social cause, and she had little desire to get involved with it now, either. Though some had tried to get her to weigh in, with her conspicuous Westermark accent. An accent that at times got her into trouble, people in pubs grumbling about another bloody money-grubbing shag with her hand out, taking all she could get... and, fine, so her wage bill was immense. More than the BFA could really afford. But whatever.
She made a few vague statements about unity, but really, she felt she could do her best work on the pitch. Brenecia needed to feel good about itself again, not torn up with resentment - or with spite. They needed a victory, and for all her stoic demeanour and her tendency to come across as above it all, she was trying desperately to win them that, scrapping for point after point.
Two more fortnights - most likely, three - and they'd find out if she'd get them. And then, they'd all have to see if it would be enough to stop the rolling ball.

by **Graintfjall** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:21 pm

Who is your NT’s most famous player?

Who is your NT’s most valuable player?

Who is your NT’s most underrated player?

Græntfjall’s most famous player is either Jason Þórhallursson or Sara Kristoffersdóttir. At least in terms of domestic renown, no other player comes close to Jason. He was the country’s first great star, scoring a hat-trick in the Baptism of Fire 73 final (having been flown in as a substitute by a then relatively unknown junior sports minister named Kaija Michaelsdóttir); ten years later, he scored the winning goal in the World Cup 91 final. In between, his career spanned highs (MVP and Golden Boot honors in the GPL before setting a national transfer record and moving to Banija where he forged a highly successful career with the Busembe Timberwolves and Herzegovina City FC) and lows (being red-carded in the first Copa Rushmori game on home soil, being banned for taking recreational drugs and thus missing the Cup of Harmony victory, almost getting Princess Jessika eaten by a kraken) but either way he was rarely out of the headlines. Even now, he’s winning Olympic pickleball tournaments, for some reason. The knock on him is twofold. Firstly, his name, variously marketed as “Jason T”, “Jason D”, and “Jason P” in foreign markets who simply can’t spell his surname. Secondly, talismanic strikers who are their NT’s best player at 20 crop up all the time. That he has stuck around and made good on his promise, unlike so many who fade out before the end of a first World Cup qualifying cycle, helps his legacy – but not enough to rise above the pack.

Sara K is a very different proposition. She is certainly the better player of the two. She served as national team captain for years. She has won international renown: she could, at her peak, claim to be among the best players in the Red League, the best league in the world. Jason was never more than the third best striker in the SFPL. And yet, at least among the Græntfjaller public, Sara’s relative lack of popularity remains an enduring puzzle. Still going strong for Wirr Tsi – her strike against Tihon, a contender for goal of the year, a reminder of her potent talent – but ‘retired’ from international duty after being ousted as captain, at times it seems a question of whether she’s more famous, or just more infamous, than Jason, about whom almost no Græntfjallers (except for a large support group of aggrieved husbands and boyfriends) have anything bad to say. Her icy personality, difficult politics, and the professionalism of Wirr Tsi’s media operations, have all rather insulated her from warming the heart of the Græntfjaller footballing public.

Among current players, Kæja Finnvarðsdóttir takes the lead. Following a Jason-like path of scoring lots of goals and being paid lots of money for doing so has served her well, though she’s mostly avoided his controversies. Her extensive endorsements – she’s been the face of face cream, the feet of shoe deals, and the various body parts in between the two of many other products from financial investment products to devotional worship candles – ensure she’s never far from sight as she pops up on internet ads and roadside billboards. Her supporters claim she’s the player Sara K never, quite managed to become. Her detractors criticize her mercantile approach, forgetting her roots as the daughter of an Altendalur longshoreman, and what was initially perceived as a timid approach to captaincy, which she has grown into. And no, AI image makers, not in the sense of growing whacking great tits. After his sophomore Zenith season and move to Crisisbless, Járngrímur Náttúlfsson is making a name for himself, while Hermione Hui has frequently featured in the running for the best right back in the world. Hjörleifur Reynarsson, Emeli Vilbertsdóttir and Amanda Guttisdóttir are inducted in the World Cup Hall of Fame, but they wouldn’t be first off the lips of anyone outside Græntfjall when recalling players past.

While Kæja might be the team’s best player, the most valuable is arguably the most irreplaceable. Were – krakens strike me down! – Kæja to go down injured tomorrow, Græntfjall has produced a surfeit of good central and attacking midfielders in recent years. There is a good argument that Sara Vatnarsdóttir or Lotte Leonardsdóttir is their most valuable player precisely because either could step in and run the midfield while barely losing a step from Kæja, and yet are happy to contribute as support while she is playing, unlike Sara K. Similarly Náttúlfsson would be an obvious choice: he is, with his transfer to Crisisbless, quite literally the team’s most valuable player after all. He scored his 9th goal of qualifying as he completed his hat-trick against Abanhfleft. 9 is an auspicious number for a player who refuses to wear the #9 shirt, in deference to his idol Jason. His best friend Benjamín Ísarsson has no such compunction and has scored 7 goals this qualifying, all of them wearing the 9 shirt, and three of them against WAYIH as he feasted in his strike partner’s absence for a one-game suspension. Ísarsson might well be “Grimi with worse hair” but having such a potent striker as their second choice option gives the team flexibility and options that Thor has clearly unlocked this cycle.

Their cover at other positions is less certain, though, and it will be tested for the remainder of qualifying with first choice goalkeeper Ásólfur Nilsson out. He injured his shoulder against Abanhfleft: diving to save a penalty, he jarred his outstretched arm badly against the ground only to suffer the double indignity of having the penalty retaken owing to encroachment by defenders and thumped past him as he cowered in the net clearly in pain. He was substituted moments later to be replaced by Hanif Anwar, who will be a good test of the theory that the true measure of a top team is not their starters but their reserves. (Lothas Ludwig began World Cup 94 as a reserve for Valanora and ended it as perhaps their best player as they made their way to the final, where they met Banija, who got key performances from Sarafina Ikpeazu and Odongo Kagenda off the bench; Græntfjall and Farfadillis, both arguably more dependent on their starters and with less bench strength, both fell in the semifinals.) Nilsson has been Græntfjall’s rock in goal since Björnólfur Ernestisson retired, though it’s been a slightly crumbly rock this qualifying as the Snow Wolves have conceded 20 goals in 11 games. (Helpfully, they’ve smashed in a world-leading 42.) Taking the #1 shirt for the remainder of qualifying should be a good test for Anwar, whose form in Mytanija has always suggested he should get more chances for the NT were it not for Nilsson.

But really, for most Græntfjallers, Asbjørn Vilbjörnsson would be the obvious MVP. The best centerback the country has produced since Reynarsson (and the first second generation Snow Wolf, son of the BoF winning captain) he is the heart of the team’s defense, a leader on the field even if his controversial political stances (though he is quick to protest that he does think they are good dancers) mean he will never be captain, and wildly popular with the Snow Wolf Pack fans, as could be seen when he slammed in a header against Abanhfleft. The scoreboard read 4–0 after 40 minutes but the visiting fans celebrated like it was a 90th minute winner in a World Cup final. Anarr Ebergsson appears to be every bit as talented as him but lacks maturity, and missed the last CR after drunkenly injuring himself in a prank; after them, there is a drop off and a lack of experience among the next contenders. The Snow Wolves’ defense might hold together without Nilsson or Hui; it probably cannot survive losing Vilbjörnsson.

After such a lengthy bit of onanism over the glories of our own players, neutral observers might wonder whether there’s anyone left to be ‘underrated’. The thoroughly healthy opinion Græntfjallers have of their national team suggests not, but there’s something to those players considered underrated relative to their international standing. As well as Anwar, two names stand out: Rebekka Kajsdóttir and Amandara Navinsdóttir Thakur. One of the best right wings in the Nepharan Zenith and one of the best strikers in the Mytanar 1. Prvenstvo, yet they haven’t made the impact on Græntfjallers back home. In both cases, moving abroad so young, as teenagers, has understandably dulled their domestic acclaim, and both have also been slight victims to the talent around them. With Hermione Hui as a marauding right wing-back, and with Náttúlfsson and Ísarsson scoring for fun, there’s precious little room for either to squeeze in.

Which is unfortunate, because they’re great players. Both scored goals of sumptuous quality against WAYIH: Rebekka sweetly striking a volley with the outside of her boot to curl it in from a tight angle, Amandara with a beautiful bit of control to bring down a long ball over the top, calmly cut inside wrongfooting Anthony Raven, and unleashing a perfect half-volley that ripped into the corner. Rebekka’s goal, cycling backwards and off-balance, was the more spectacular, Amandara’s a perfect bit of coolheaded composure. It would be a shame if neither were given more opportunities to show the audacious talent they can bring to a team once known for its lumpen route one belligerence. A previous column suggested Justiina Dannysdóttir for Græntfjall’s most underrated player ever, a function of being stuck behind Jason in the rotation. Other contenders would be Johanna Álvgeirsdóttir, the star of the Di Bradini Cup 49 team who has forged – is still forging – a magnificent career in the SRS; Tom Ernestisson, the forgotten third scorer from the Cup of Harmony 80 final; and Eiríka Jonathansdóttir, another victim of the logjam at striker but who excelled in both Nephara and Mytanija.

by **Cardenao** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:26 pm

The Bostopian Affair (Part I)

“Flight time is six hours and 17 minutes, conditions calm and clear. Signal if anything is needed, sir,” and the intercom clicked off.

Mihaly nodded to nobody in particular and looked out the window as Reacher Airport quickly became a distant speck. He settled into his office chair in the Presidential Suite, though suite might be a bit generous to describe a room that leaned towards cramped rather than spacious. Still though, Mihaly pressed his back into the leather and his feet into the soft carpet, this was luxury in the air on a level no Cardenaoan had ever known.

The Cadellian 117 was a one of one medium sized airplane domestically produced for Mihaly himself, and it was a flying testament to the growth of Cardenaoan manufacturing capability that they would be able to produce such a half-way decent plane. Beyond the modern avionics equipment, the flight management and traffic collision avoidance systems, and the host of defensive measures, the C-117 also boasted a well-stocked bar, two conference rooms, no less than 15 television screens with some set to news channels, others following Cardenaoan sports, and, most remarkably, a 20-yard long stabilized football pitch for Mihaly to really work on those tough decisions when onboard the 165-foot long plane.

‘No tough decisions to be worked on now though’, Mihaly remarked to himself as he got up from the wooden desk and climbed onto the soft bed. Now was time to relax after a straining but productive time doing business with the Krytenians. Prime Minister Baker had proven to be just as amicable and willing to find a mutually-advantageous agreement as he had hoped, so things had proceeded pretty quickly. It eventually came down to what he suspected it would, divvying up some of his resources, notably bauxite and various products from Cardenao’s world-class fisheries, in exchange for a friendly contract for aircraft and aerospace equipment. Mihaly allowed himself a small smile as the two turbofan engines roared to their fullest, delivering just under 30,000 pounds of static thrust to each engine, hurtling him away from the southwest corner of Krytenia towards Cardenao. That the cyan-blues wanted to discuss an expansive free trade agreement came as a surprise, but it was a positive development and Mihaly was always eager to develop strategic relationships with other nations.

The intercom clicked on,

“Crossing into international waters now.”

Perfect. The architect of modern Cardenao closed his eyes. This was the perfect time to relax and get some shut eye, there was much more to be done when he landed, so might as well take advantage of the down time now.

Time to relax.

**BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

WARNING WARNING

UNIDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT

160 NAUTICAL 6 O’CLOCK

WARNING WARNING**

“What the hell…?” Lieutenant Craig Ragland, the radar technician on C-117 muttered to himself. There shouldn’t be any other aircraft on this flight vector, not for a couple hours at least. The Krytenians had agreed to hold their air traffic for several hours, allowing President Mihaly’s plane plenty of time to safely clear their airspace. So there shouldn’t be any aircraft, ‘Maybe it was just a glitch in the Early Warning Threat Alarm System,’ Ragland thought to himself, not fully trusting this new Cardenaoan tech. At this point there probably wasn’t much he could do, so Lieutenant Ragland tried to put his mind to rest as he kept both eyes fixated on the radar.

A few seconds passed, followed by another……then some after then. And then?

Blip. A mark on the radar screen flashed before Lieutenant Ragland’s eyes a half second before his ears registered–

**BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

WARNING WARNING

INTERCEPT VECTOR

UNIDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT

150 NAUTICAL 6 O’CLOCK

WARNING WARNING**

The EWTAS was fully blaring now and other monitoring stations were starting to light up in quick succession. The defensive systems officer immediately broke into a full sweat as several instruments started lighting up to varying degrees of brightness as the unidentified airplane turned on its radar and started pinging the defenseless Cardenaoan plane.

“Shit shit shit shit, JORDAN,” he yelled out to the commanding officer, “Code red, bogey closing 150, scratch that 145 nautical miles 6 o’clock closing on an intercept vector.”

To his credit, Captain Jordan Hailodro wasted no time as he sprung into action. He commanded the pilots to hit full military power and change course to Küsbon, a port city on Eastern Cardenao, while simultaneously ordering the communications officer to send out messages to their closest situational allies, Krytenia and Mertagne, and an automated distress signal was broadcasted to allies bound to Cardenao by treaty, Banija and Quebec and Shingoryeo, informing them of the situation in hopes that they might have some immediately accessible aircraft to scramble and ensure Mihaly’s safety. While the beeping of the EWTAS was quickly becoming a background noise, the increasingly shrinking nautical mileage between the planes was very clear in everyone’s ears.

125 NAUTICAL 6 O’CLOCK INTERCEPT VECTOR
...
100 NAUTICAL 6 O’CLOCK INTERCEPT VECTOR
...
90 NAUTICAL 6 O’CLOCK INTERCEPT VECTOR

Whoever it was, they were closing on the President’s plane and fast. One of Mihaly’s aides popped into the room, “Sh…should I tell him??” he barely managed to get out as fear painted his face.

“Yes fucking tell him he probably already knows likes always… fuck!” Captain Hailodro fired back, his words hitting like a 20mm aircraft cannon as the aide shot out of the room.

“Ragland, update on the bogey,” he asked of the radar technician.”

While the silence that followed couldn’t have been longer than two or three seconds, to everyone inside it felt like an hour.

“…Bogeys, sir,” he replied as one radar signature became three.

DEE DOO DEE DOO DEE DOO DEEDOO DEEDOO DEEDOO DEEDOOOOOO

BEEP BEEP BEEP DU DU DUUUUUUU

Captain Camila Koronia risked a half second to wipe the sweat threatening to cascade down her face as she jockeyed with the 117 controls. With her radar and missile lock alarms blaring in her ears like that, a half second could be the difference between life and death, but she’d been assured that the three hostile aircraft weren’t quite hostile enough to shoot her plane down, doubly so after they’d taken the perhaps risky move of transmitting that they were carrying President Mihaly of Cardenao. No, the nerds sitting in The Brain monitoring radar and warning systems said that these mysterious foes were just toying with her, they were just having fun.

WARNING WARNING

COLLISION ALERT

6 O’CLOCK 1000 FEET CLOSING

She sighed to herself, ‘Fuck’s sake they’re actually going to do it, just like Mihaly said they would,’ she thought to herself as she turned a knob, changing her Heads Up Display to an externally mounted camera with augmented features. On this screen she watched as the three intercepting jets, highlighted and enhanced with Pyazhnayan technology, split up and started to overtake the defenseless Cardenaoan plane, which had long since scaled back the power on the engines, no point trying to outrun their pursuers. Two of the jets split forward, one pulling up on Camila’s left side and one on the right, slowly coming into line with the cockpit, so close she could make out far more detail than she would like.

The twin-engined interceptors were painted gray, sporting an impressive array of air-to-air missiles on their wings, with the burn marks on the leftside of each plane’s fuselage indicating that their cannons had been recently fired. The planes kept creeping forward and soon enough Captain Koronia could make out a white, red, and blue roundel; she didn’t recognize it but, as an indicator started flashing that there was an inbound communication, she figured it was only a matter of time before things became clear.

“President Mihaly, the Emperor is hoping you will join him in Newfort.”

Bostopians. Mihaly sighed, this was equal parts comforting and headache inducing.

Comforting as Cardenaoan President realized he wasn’t in much immediate danger as the Bostopians wouldn’t risk damaging one of the best cards they could stumble on, but this similarly brought on a headache as things that were sure to transpire would be anything aside from easy.

No, this was not part of his plan but it would seem he had no choice but to direct Captain Koronia to follow their new escorts.

This was not part of his plan.

Here We Go, La Furia Azule Enter Crucial Stretch

As we enter the critical period of the World Cup Qualification period, the players of the Cardenao national team are all too aware of the expectations thrust on their shoulders. With three games left to play, the pressure is on as La Furia Azule tries to overcome a four point deficit to storm to first in the group. Second place will leave us fighting in the playoffs, a fate we hope to avoid after a painful 4-0 loss to Audioslavia in the 94th edition of the World Cup, so the pressure has been turned up to 11 going into a pair of must win matches.

First off is the reverse fixture against Rea San Vegas, the 287th ranked team in the world who the Blue and Golds disposed of 1-0 last go around. The fact that we only scored a single goal was and remains disappointing, and fans will be hoping for a smashing this go at it. It’s hard to imagine manager Ramon Lamberti sending out anything other than his usual starting 11 playing his usual ‘aggressive possession’ brand of football, even though the national team could perhaps be doing even better if we returned to a more familiar style of play. Personally, I would love to see Juanma Saez score a hattrick, he deserves one for going 110% every second he’s been on the pitch representing Cardenao, and with his tenure with the national team surely coming to a close, what better way to send off for a legend? Of course, if I’m asking for hatties, then I hope all our players get one next game! This should be an entertaining match, if nothing else. Despite only securing two points going into this fixture, the Rea San Vegas team has earned some respect for never being afraid to try taking it to their opponent, always playing progressive football and trying to score. It’s not worked out but, hey, respect! After that, we roll into another game you really would expect the Blue and Golds to come away with the three points.

The City of Myrtle Beach. Are they a nation that is a city? A city nation? Or are they such a large city that they stand alone from the rest of their nation in competition? Things to think about! Similarly to Rea San Vegas, the City is ranked 206th and we beat them 1-0. Hopefully the lads will carry their hot streak, extended with the victory against Rea San Vegas, into this match and really show Myrtle Beach what La Furia Azule is all about. What’s really frustrating about our current position in the table is that each of our three remaining games are must wins, there’s zero room for error, so there’s going to be very little rotation happening in the team between fixtures. If we were in first with a few games in hand, Ramon Lamberti would have much more flexibility to let some of the alternative and younger players get a shout in. But alas, our current predicament is what it is, and nine points from nine is what we need so it’s time for the starting XI to truly prove their status.

by **Xanneria** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:32 pm

Whose National Team is it Anyways?
Where everything's made up and the goal doesn't matter!

HOST: At Striker it's Dillon Hailey
At Midfielder it's Italo D'Arcy
At Defender it's Jamal Akron
and At Goalkeeper Evan Jefferson Jr!

Come on down let's roleplay some sports!

Welcome to Whose National Team is it Anyways? the show where everything's made up and the scores don't mater, thats right the scores don't matter, like a matchup between Pot 6 and Pot 7 teams on the last day of Qualifiers! Anyways let's start off with a game called QUESTIONS ONLY! In this game Evan and Italo will start off a scene, but they can only speak in questions and if they dont I'll buzz them off like a balding barrister from Tumbra. And Evan, Italo the scene I want you to enact is "You two are in the locker room after a big loss"

Italo: Why did you give up six goals?

Evan: Why did you not help Allison score more?

Italo: Why should I have?

Evan: Isn't that your job?

Italo: What IS my job?

Evan:...

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Dillon: Whats the Score?

Italo: Whats New?

Dillon: Whats Old?

Italo: Your dad!......wait.....

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Jamal: How hard should I tackle this dude?

Dillon: Do I look like a ref?

Jamal: Aren't you wearing a ref's uniform?

Dillon: What if I told you this is a Halloween costume?

Jamal: Why are you wearing a Halloween costume in July?

Dillon: Why not?

Jamal: Why so?

Dillon:.....

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Evan: Ya like the Kit?

Jamal: Ya like the Kilt?

Evan: Are we the Vdaran national team?

Jamal: Speak for yourself.....

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Italo: Hungry for some Jaffacake?

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

HOST: Good Job guys, I give a thousand points to everyone! *Thumbs up* Just dont waist them all against a pot 8 team ok?

XANNERIA - 2
Burns 19' 89'

POLAR ISLAND STATES - 0
NONE

XANNERIA - 3
Burns 35'
D'Arcy 84'
Ross 90+2

KANDORITH - 6
Tanaka 10' 45+2' 55' 62'
Saito 18'
Takahishi 31'
NONE

by **Saterun** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:39 pm

Hans-Jürgen Becker eased himself down onto his chair. Saterun had just drawn 0-0 with Sendhang at Estadio Blanco Oro, and it had been a particularly demanding match. The Claws had played full tempo the entire time, hoping to build off of their previous win against CRC. This time, however, Sendhang had proved to be a worthy opponent, with the game finishing scoreless. At least Saterun were third in the group now, just two points behind Drawkland. The next couple of matches, against Newlandiq and Svalbardycity, were crucial. On paper, both would be an expected win. Saterun had beaten Newlandiq comfortably last time, but had shockingly lost to Svalbardycity at home. Now both of these matches were away, and it would be a real test of the Claws to drag some points out of them, especially against Svalbardycity. Their main rivals, Drawkland, would be taking on CRC and Sendhang. That last game was a real chance for the Claws. Either Sendhang would out themselves of the race, Drawkland would lose crucial points, or they would draw, giving Saterun a chance to jump Drawkland. All outcomes gave the Claws opportunities, but they would still have to work for it. And if they slipped up in any of their games, they could almost garruntee a loss of any potential play-off berth.

With those happy thoughts in mind, Hans-Jürgen got up to get something to eat. His apartment in Fontecoro was spacious, with room for at least four people. However, he and his girlfriend were the only occupants, and he was often away. Kameron had let the players go back to their respective homes for a little while due to their upcoming road trip, but they all had to be back in Anasb the next afternoon. Saterun wasn't a massive country, with an area of around 230,000 miles squared, but driving could easily get very ardourous, and so some players would have to take two flights in two days to get from their home city to Anasb and then to Newlandiq. Hans-Jürgen was really quite lucky to live so close to Anasb. It was about a two-hour drive between the two cities. He walked over to the couch and clicked the TV on. Highlights of the game were still rolling on some of the sports channels, and there was also some punditry on Saterun Sport TV. The door to the master bedroom opened and Paula walked out. Known to most Saterunalians as Birdie, a pop singer with two platinum albums and over 6 million song copies sold, Paula Calleni was Hans-Jürgen's girlfriend. She was Agrillistic, and it showed. Dark hair against olive skin was the most dead giveaway, but her name and accent also made it quite clear. She softly told him to get some sleep before going into the bathroom. Hans-Jürgen supposed that she was right. After all, he was about to be on a long trip. Better rest up.

by **Barunia** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:44 pm

Emily Barnes
A shut-out against the top seeds, and a single goal to seal the win. Emily could barely believe it. As a defender it wasn’t about scoring goals, although she always dreamt that one day, she might get one to her name. She had a few in the X-League from corners, but an international goal would be amazing. The next best thing would be to hold the opponent scoreless, to build the impenetrable wall around the goal and challenge the might of giants to knock it down. The Eleanorians threw everything at Emily and the Suns defence, but it wasn’t enough. The defence held.

It had been a game for the defenders on both sides. Many good scoring opportunities were snuffed out by the backlines. Emily was especially proud of herself and her teammates. Leah, always in command, had played tremendously. Rodrigues on the right, dominant along the flank. Herself, sending every loose ball away from the danger area with a flick of the right boot. Steering the Eleanorians away from Rippin’s goal, forcing mistakes, forcing turnovers. It had been one of the best games of her life.

She hadn’t expected to win the player of the match award, even if she’d had a great game. Emily believed that there were others who had played better, that she was the last defender who should have been recognised, even after Morgan Brooks and Aurora Costa, who were only half defenders. Surely even Essie Dunning, who replaced Rodrigues in the 75th minute, had a better claim than she did. Emily knew that she was selling herself short, that anxiety and imposter syndrome were running rampant through her head. But it was almost impossible to shut the voices out.

The negative thoughts made it onto the pitch sometimes too. As the game wore on with no movement on the scoreboard, her anxiety grew. Someone was going to make a mistake, she thought. She prayed that it wouldn’t be her. As they ticked into the 80th minute, as the draw loomed, the idea of a last-minute mistake began to terrify her. Keep it together, Emily told herself. She just had to survive the last ten minutes, focus on keeping the Eleanorians at bay. Giving in to her mind now could be the very thing that made her slip up. Her legs were burning, fatigue setting in, but the game tempo was shifting, both sides desperate to score. Then the mistake came.

Emily breathed a sigh of relief. It was not her that had made it, or any of her teammates. Robotham, charging into the box – a run set up by one of her clearances, no less – was brought down by Exandra Davis. The referee’s whistle sent an explosion of cheers around Sun Stadium, followed by an almost deafening silence as Emmanuel Carter placed the ball on the spot. Now it wasn’t just Emily holding her breath. The same could be said of all the players, the coaches, the fans in the stadium, those watching on television in Barunia, in Saint Eleanor, across the world. Then an exhale, of jubilation or despair, as Carter, simple and clean, slams the ball with power into the roof of the net.

There was little relief for Emily’s anxiety now though. Victory might be in their grasp, but there was still ten or more minutes to go. One little mishap, and the victory could slip through their fingers. Thankfully, Talbot was thinking the same thing. Now it wasn’t just Emily, Leah, and Essie in defence. Aurora and Morgan had dropped back as well, and Harry Wilkie as well, brought on for Robotham. The signal was clear: Barunia were going to park the bus. With a six-person defensive line, plus the rest of the team falling back, the Suns withstood the onslaught of the White Stars. It was an unexpected win, perhaps one that would go down in Barunian history. For Emily, who could finally breathe again, it was a personal victory. Mentally, she had finally earned her place on the Suns team.

by **Brookstation** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:44 pm

Leon Michael Robes stormed into the dressing room, uttering words which couldn't quite be interpreted by anyone. He was clearly disappointed by the way his team had played all that while. What could've been a turning point in their qualification run was now ruined. There was a chance to take the lead against Shieldstan, had he not carelessly missed the goalpost by almost a metre.

When he walked in, he could see Liangde moving his hands quickly over the board, trying to draw a formation.

Jesus Christ, screw your formations. This team is undefeatable. Audioslavia couldn't do it, we can't either.

Well, its not much of a change but I would like to bring in Butterfield and Dolphin and put them at a frontal position, so the formation is going to be somewhat of a 4-2-3-1.

That's something unusual but are you sure it is gonna change things a bit ?

I mean, there's nothing wrong with trying it, is there ?

Whatever, I don't care.

The second half started with better coordination among the Dreamers but luck still didn't seem to favour them. Both the teams looked more fresh and the match just kept growing more and more intense with time. Johnson had managed a shot right on target but the Shieldstan goalkeeper would be steady enough to stop it.

The field was flooded with chances but none of it could be converted to a goal, not a single one. Nobody, not even Liangde He was able to understand what was going on. At least last time, his side had managed to net thrice but this time the scoreline was as dry as ever. Liangde He was always a very rational man, who always kept himself out off all the jargon and jokes. But for the first time ever, an irrational thought crossed his mind, " Is there actually bad luck associated with Shieldstan ?" Then suddenly, another realisation hit him: it was Friday- Friday the 13th.

Liangde would receive his answer soon enough in stoppage time. Butterfield would meet Wague's low cross from the right with a first touch shot right at goal but defying all logic, the ball would just go spiralling over the top most, to bring Brookstation to disbelief. It was unbelievable, but everyone has witnessed it right in front of their eyes. 60% possession, six shots on target, and yet not a single goal scored. If this was not bad luck, then what was ?

In Glory and Grit

As the qualification window comes closer and closer to the climax with the Dreamers hosting Oberour ar Moro in their last home game, the side, which has lived up to the expectations of the crowd, suddenly finds themselves in a vulnerable position, not quite being in control of the group despite being the leader of the group for quite some time now. Surely, the team is yet to suffer a loss in their qualification run but the main issue arises from the several disappointing draws throughout the qualification campaign. For instance, the tie against Shieldstan was something that no one expected but the results were major enough to inflict a fatal blow to the team and put them in second place. The main question that arises here is- how can a team like Shieldstan comprising of veterans whose identities still remain a mystery to the entire world, possibly upset both Brookstation and Audioslavia ? Perhaps, that is the beauty of the game that one fails to recognize, perhaps the notion that the better and more popular teams are bound to humiliate weaker sides, has become a flawed one.

The results however, had an adverse effect on both the squad and the supporters, for the unexpected draw saw Liangde He, who is usually known for maintaining is composure, lose his temper in the midst of a post match interview, calling his team a "bunch of fucking no brainers who were there-just to toy around". It was the fourth draw in the Dreamers' campaign and although the side continues to be one of the unbeaten sides till now, these series of draws is not something that the team could possibly boast about now. In fact, this draw was enough to cause a massive stir in the team's overall confidence.

Luckily enough for the Dreamers, the 11th matchday would greet them with a win again while ensuring a loss to their main counterpart, Audioslavia. That was definitely quite satisying for the Brook side, to register their biggest win in this qualification window. Liangde He was still adamant on admitting any sort of satisfaction over their results but it was evident from the side's performance that they were aware of each and every consequence of their actions. They had a high score in their mind since the beginning of the game, which was evident from the way they played. It was definitely good to see the coordination and agility of the players. It was definitely the comeback the team needed and more importantly, one which the team deserved. Having finally been able to break the deadlock in their seventh cycle, Brookstation were expected to make it this time as well. Sooner or later, the team had to make a comeback and following the early stages of disappointment, the team had reached a clinical stage, where one mistake could take them back to square one.

This win was a relief but not an end to the team's worries. Upon examining the Dreamers' remaining fixtures, one still can't nearly be sure of direct qualification. Both Zenic and Oberour ar Moro are going to be quite the challenge for the Brook side, especially after the Oberour side silenced the Bulls in 1-0 away victory, which made space for us to regain lead once again. Although, we are heavily indebted to Oberour ar Moro for allowing us to regain lead, we can't undermine the side who has been improving with every matchday. And of course, let us not forget our most worthy opponents, Audioslavia themselves. Having already survived last year's thriller against Nyowani Kitara, my spines are not developed enough to bear yet another last day qualification madness. However, in all probabilities, that is going to be one heck of a match, with the winner taking it all.

Jokes aside, the Audioslavian side is chasing its ray of success and they will continue to be a looming threat to the Brook side until the very last day of qualification- one Dreamers loss and an Audioslavian victory could entirely turn the tables. We all know that our side has the potential but it needs to be displayed on the field. The team needs to regain their momentum, under the leadership of Leon Michael Robes, who might as well be playing his last World Cup and channel their inner confidence while facing opponents like Oberour ar Moro and Audioslavia. We must not forget that we are the ones still leading and thus the possibility of a direct qualification might be bleak but is not quite impossible but it will require hardwork, determination and leadership. This situation reminds me of the story of the two frogs which fell into a tin of oil; there are two choices: Either be the one who has given up on all hopes of survival or be the one which fought till the end to break free. It is still anybody's game but nothing is impossible.

by **Kandorith** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:56 pm

Hikari Kyoyu

Illuminating Today

World Cup

Back In Control
by Natsumi Miyasaki | Sports - Football |

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As we continue with the qualifiers and arrive at the aftermath of matchday 11, the final landscape of the qualification is starting to take shape. While there have been quite the unpredictable results, the current standings are pointing towards a tight race between Kandorith and Farfadillis for the number one spot in group 6, who are leading the group with 26 and 23 points respectively. Right behind these teams is Xanneria who are still hoping to secure either spot, as they are trailing very closely with 20 points and second place still in very realistic sight or even a number one spot might both teams fail to impress in the upcoming matches.

The group stage has been nothing short of a thrilling series of games, with some matches turning into absolute goal-fests. Games between Kandorith and Xanneria, Semarland versus Darmen, and Farfadillis against Basel-Triesen for example are just mere examples of such games where the total goals scored were 9, 8 and 7 goals in total. With a total of 39 goals scored, Kandorith currently holds the second spot for most goals scored, only behind Graintfjall's tally of 42 goals out of 11 matches. While for the Kandorese this is not a record of goals scored, it is a very healthy posture for the team after the disaster which marked the previous qualifiers for Mekahi. With only three matches to go, Kandorith has a 3-point advantage on Farfadillis who they still have to play in one of their upcoming games.

The home game for Kandorith against Sarzonia while low in goals scored, was an absolutely thrilling match from the first whistle and onward. Kandorith faced a determined and valiant Sarzonia side at the Empress Masumi Stadium. The Kandorese were relentless in the pursuit of victory, while Sarzonia tried to exploit any weakness in the Kandorese side. While the game was nearing the end it would seem that it would end in a draw were it not for a small mistake from the Sarzonian midfield which led to a breakout from Tanaka, Nakamura and Takeshi Honda who saw their chances and in an instant mounted a lightning-fast counter-attack which left the Sarzonian defence trailing behind them as Honda faced Carlton Sandt one-on-one and finished the counter-attack with ice-cold precision, sealing the game with a 2-1 victory for the Kandorese.

A whole different story unfurled against the number three in the group, however. While Xanneria took off with a good start as soon as the whistle blew, disaster would follow after the Kandorese team found their game and levelheadedness back. With absolute remorseless and relentless attacks, the Kandorese side bombarded the Xannerian defence with counter-attacks and attempts at goal, even from long range. When in the second half it started to look a lot like Mekahi wanted to top their previous top-scoring match in the qualifiers with even more attempts at goal, while either unlucky or just inaccurate, the team and fans can be very happy about the scoreline. With a third game with 9 goals scored in total, with the 6-3 victory Kandorith took 3 points to stay ahead of Farfadillis.

  Group 6                                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kandorith                                   11    8   2   1    39   23  +16    26
2 Farfadillis                                 11    7   2   2    27   22   +5    23
3 Xanneria                                    11    6   2   3    28   22   +6    20
4 Darmen                                      11    5   2   4    30   28   +2    17
5 Sarzonia                                    11    4   0   7    19   23   −4    12
6 Basel-Triesen                               11    2   5   4    23   24   −1    11
7 Polar Islandstates                          11    1   4   6     7   15   −8     7
8 Semarland                                   11    2   1   8    15   31  −16     7

Kandorith

Political Tsunami Hits Tenkyo: CDP Shakes Constitutional Foundations
by Kei Yamamoto | Politics |

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At the centre of the rock-solid democracy of the Empire, a scandal has shaken the foundations of the Upper and Lower-House in a way that could have lasting effects on the long-standing democracy of Kandorith. While details are unfurling just now, the effects are already rippling through the city's layers of the powerful and influential.

What We Know

The scandal centres on Hiroshi Takahashi, vice president of the main opposition party, the Conservative Democratic Party (CDP). Takahashi is known for his charismatic speeches and populist style of politics, often attacking the ruling coalition at every opportunity. He is now under investigation for a possible breach of the Kandorese government’s digital security, which could redefine his political career and the future of politics in Kandorith.

The controversy started when a security alert was triggered at Shogun, the corporation responsible for the security of the Kandorese government’s digital infrastructure. The corporation’s systems detected an unusual data access pattern within the Tenkyo City Building, the seat of the metropolitan government. The automated security system, which was developed to counter so-called Demons and Daemons, flagged the anomaly and alerted Shogun, who immediately shut down the affected layer of the network and rendered most of the direct digital network of the government unusable for a few hours.

The subsequent investigation revealed a series of documents which were allegedly gathered, harvested and stored by Takahashi for unknown purposes. The data contained confidential and sensitive information of multiple members of the ruling coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Shogun also noted that the information had already been transferred to multiple third-party devices and might be in the hands of malicious actors. If this is the case, the CDP could face serious legal consequences as the breach also involved data which had not been deleted after the legally allowed time to store the data.

The reaction

The scale and even the possibility of these happenings have sent a shockwave through the political landscape of the Tenkyo government and the national government, leading to an emergency debate set for later today and multiple other parties requesting direct clarification from not only Takahashi but the entire CDP. Mika Yoshihara, Minister of Justice, stated that if the investigation shows that either Takahashi or the CDP had knowledge of the stored and distributed data, they have made themselves guilty of undermining the democratic process and the digital security in which the Kandorese nation takes great pride.

Takahashi has denied all allegations and dismissed every statement on the matter as politically motivated attacks to undermine the CDP and Takahashi as a politician. Takahashi added that “Yoshihara has been on a crusade to silence him and critics, to avoid Kandorese citizens from learning about shady deals and corrupt happenings surrounding the LDP and the DPP”. While Takahashi seems to defy the allegations, a small faction within the CDP has called for his immediate stepping down and awaiting the results of the investigation.

As the Kandorese government grapples with the implications this could have on the rulemaking process and current government, the future of the current political landscape might be in grave danger. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of the current ruling coalition and the fate of the Tenkyo Metropolitan Government, which is headed by the CDP.

by **Qasden** » Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:57 pm

As Good As It Gets
Swell of Successes Leave Self-Proclaimed 'Rexperts' Puzzled
By Wallace Wallows
Under new management, a third place finish midway through qualifiers by all means should be regarded as nothing short of a miracle, save the experience accrued amongst the XI; yet, with rematches in its horizon, there was little to no expectations to convince the myriad of faceless thumb twiddlers that this cycle would be anything more than a continuation of the Munson years: lots of hype for no end product.

The Vans' newfound avoidance of a 'Cat Attack' strategy stumbled out the crate, giving up goals in 4 of its first 5 games in action, ultimately costing points against the 3 teams we desperately needed to avoid dropping points to. Such struggles were emphasized due to their dedication in abandoning all hopes of offense, with gameplay persistently abandoning a boot-clutching Jaylyn Bone as the only man on the field contractually tasked to get the ball to the opponent's net rather than vice versa. Sure, the strategy was able to mark some high margins against smaller opponents, but come critical encounters with the likes of Audioslavia or Oberour Ar Moro, the best it could muster was applying a small cushion below the keester as it gets surely kicked.

The story seemed more desperate than the statistics made it appear, but in the few brief moments spent in the eye of the campaign, the Vans found a way to get themselves into a new level. Not by Akimbo's insistence for reporters to shove shotskis up their noseholes, but through the trickle-down logistics of the underground management hell. What is it? Beats me, it never quite reached trending on social media, so by policy, I can't fully explore it until it's been milked dry beforehand. Regardless, things seemed hopeful for the better, and what better way to prove this level of hope than by almost creating serious injuries for charity!

That's right, the QasCup Charity Match returns to the multiversal public eye since the 93rd World Cup, bringing its tax write off extravaganza to the mountains of the nation's southwest corridor. The event is propped up by the QAFA Kids Initiative, whose spiel about having a big tent 'save the kids from themselves through soccer' motive makes them sound a lot more special than giftings of offbrand club jerseys and photo-ops with Qasden's finest has-beens. Smug as that sounded, that mission scores numbers as the showdown brought a bigger name than the IPL and TabbyChat influencers combined could even make. The pirate paradise of Archalit makes its QasCup debut at the Stade de Solis, becoming the 3rd international team to have a go at the prized 'Colorco' trophy. The swashbuckling silver medalists of the 80th Baptism of Fire have been among the fastest rising competitors across the football scene, having bronzed at the 86th Cup of Harmony and entering their current qualifying campaign ranked a respectable 46th. Given the only major encounter with the country in the past ended up being the sole blemish in an otherwise stainless DBC 55 run, the battle between ocean anarchists and river royalists was keen to put butts in seats and specially marked-up matchday scarves on necks, if not already alluring just to see Qasden attempt a hardware claim at home.

The match was wrought with insane maneuvers and catchy chants that were completely and totally family friendly. The defense, for its part, held firm for much of the match, though the ball did find the notice the back of Thurstan's head on one occasion. Bone was subbed off in favor of aptly-named-for-this-situation Ander Galleon, who kept the game equal with a belter early on. Ultimately, however, the lukewarm offense of the home crew would prevail, with a golden goal from aging star Shug de la Fontaine earning Akimbo his first piece of hardware, even if it happened to be made of rather breakable ceramic that'd instigate a PR nightmare, should it shatter.
With chromatic medals dangling from the necks, the Qads, now realizing that the game plan can work against bigger teams if molded a bit more properly, found themselves in a state of hunger. Starved for redemption, the low-stakes victory lit a lonesome wick that allowed the Blue-Reds to hit the ground running at the commencement of the rebound campaign matches, an effort laying its groundwork in the nation's Interior.
The Vans hosted a 'Best of the Rest' Zenic side under the bicolor awnings of Merellin Park, a stadium which has weirdly got the best bang for their buck in terms of results all-in-all. Masterclass defense dominance from the Blue-Reds spotlighted the match, as a slurry of goals from Starcutter, Otero, and Lane overwhelmed the Survivors and garnered a much needed ego boost heading into a dreaded battle with Brookstation away from this plane of existence. The seemingly unstoppable Dreamers team served as the first true major roadblock in the waxing leg of the race, denying a win from the biggest crowd a Qad stadium could hold. Now in their own backyard, the still-lossless group leaders kept to their wits and immediately made problems for the Third-kit clad Qads, making a goal happen out of a well seen nowhere. The fight wasn't fully won, however, as the Brook reality turned into a minor nightmare with the clapback of Vans evening the field and settling for a draw, the first of the quali-run for the River's End. A fairly quick return to the Stade de Solis would continue the lucky streak as Qasden exacted revenge against close competitor, Oberour Ar Moro, with a convincing 3-1, while abroad again saw them hold their tongues against a surprisingly persistent Shieldstan, whom would get shutout 1-0.

While not the most in form, Calcio Calico has yet to see a loss in a record 7 matches, including the fateful return of the competitive QasCup. It's wild to think, but it seems like only yesterday we had just lost our long-standing flex trope over...wait, who do we play next?

Oh dear.

9 points are all that's left to garner for the Vans, who've made themselves rather well acquainted with the 3rd place position all campaign. The next leg features an exciting visit to the lusciously mysterious Ancherion, though not before having to deal with a Rumble at the Royal against bovine enthusiasts and sole untarnished record holders against Rexball, Audioslavia. The Bulls, for their part, have a rough road ahead, as a final day forecast lines them right up against the remarkably impenetrable Brookstation, keen on locking up their first place auto-qual. Qasden, meanwhile, sees Saperetia at Hotchskarth on the last scheduled matchday of the event, giving off the illusion of favor towards a team 1 point behind playoff positioning (with help from the Dragoons, of course). With old streaks dead and new ones to uphold, all throttles must be ignited for the Clash at the Capital if the Blue-Reds want to keep themselves level with their dreams of returning to the big dance. Can the Vans bring back the 1-0 to their side of history? Will Akimbo's uncanny leadership be pursued beyond its initial expiration date? Stay tuned, stay updated, and stay alert for more reports, live from beyond the last gas station on the road to World Cup 95!

by **Flavovespia** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:14 am

United Hawkland 3 - 2 Flavovespia

United Hawkland pulled off an upset with a great defensive display in the second half to hold on. Flavovespia were made to pay for an error strewn first half, conceding 3 in the space of 20 minutes.

A trip in Anaia meant that there was a good contingent of away fans in the ground and the wider area, as Flavovespia aimed for another win. It was a solid start from Flavovespia, as they moved the ball around nicely in the key areas. Their early pressure would pay off in the 12th minute, when Jonathan Bagshaw sent in a lofted cross to the back post. Michael Cole beat his marker and headed the ball down, beyond the goalkeeper and in to the net. 0-1, a start that deserved a goal.

However Flavovespia failed to capitalise on their lead, and United Hawkland woukd equalise with their first big attack of the game. Some steady passing moved the Flavovespian defence around, and eventually their key striker charged down the gap between Stuart Cookson and Nazir Hussain. Through on goal, a calmly composed finish beat Nathan Crewe and went in. 1-1 after 16 minutes.

Only 22 minutes in, and United Hawkland had the lead. It was their main striker again, this time holding firm against Nazir Hussain, to swivel around in the box and bury a driven shot into the corner of the goal. Flavovespia had been undone by some good attacking football from the hosts, combined with too many gaps between midfield and defence.

2-1 became 3-1 in the 34th minute, and it was a hat trick for their star striker. A lot of the good work came from their left winger, making a darting run, and keeping his head up to stop Stan Scott-Wilson dispossessing him. The winger’s shot was parried away by Nathan Crewe, but reacting quickest was the striker to smash home the ball, and to take a hat trick.

Flavovespia had a few half chances after their first goal, but were second best in the first half. The 3-1 scoreline left a lot to be desired from their perspective. They started the second half fired up, which paid off in the 54th minute. Kieron Player’s long ball out left found Michael Cole. A body feint took his marker out of contention, and he opened up the space to shoot. All things said it wasn’t a great shit, but the keeper was too weak in his attempts to save it, it deflected off his palms and in. 3-2, Flavovespia saw a route back for a point or three.

For 36 long minutes, it was largely defence vs attack. Momentum on their side, Flavovespia charged forward, with Michael Cole and Jonathan Bagshaw the main instigators. But, the United Hawkland backline and particularly their goalkeeper stood firm. They were an impenetrable brick wall, and nothing could get past them. Even when Flavovespia threw forward midfielders and defenders, there was no fractures in the defence. 3-2 it finished, United Hawkland pulling off a well fought victory, Flavovespia meanwhile wondering where it all went wrong.

Flavovespia 4 - 0 Tzvi

Flavovespia ran rampant in the first half to ensure a victory to get back on track. There was no upset this time, as Michael Cole showed real class with his hat trick.

Flavovespia needed to bounce back, and they only needed 4 minutes for their first goal. Jonathan Bagshaw made a great run down the right wing, and with a pinpoint cross, found Richard Birmingham who glanced his header past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Tzvi were under pressure, and cracks further appeared in the 18th minute. Jonathan Bagshaw was again the supplier, via a very similar run, he got wide on the right, before a cross across the box to Michael Cole on the back post who volleyed in. 2-0, Flavovespia looking firmly in control this game.

It was another goal just 4 minutes later. A terrible clearance by the goalkeeper saw the ball fall to Michael Cole just outside the box. Steadying himself, he ran in and took the gift presented to him with no mistake, a driven shot into the left of the goal. Only a quarter of the game was complete, and it was all Flavovespia.

In first half injury time, Jonathan Bagshaw again got the better of his marker. Cutting inside, he was fouled inside the box by a loose challenge that sent him tumbling. It was no surprise Michael Cole stepped up to the spot. With power, he hit the ball to his right, the keeper dived correctly, but was beaten for power. Michael Cole had a hat trick, Flavovespia had four, and the whistle blew for the break with this game already looking all but over as a contest.

Tzvi had their best chance in the 56th minute when Malcolm Beresford fwas judged by the video referee to have blocked a cross in the box with his hand. He wasn’t happy, and it was a marginal call, but on the wrong side of the margin for Flavovespia. The striker stepped up, but took the penalty too low and central, Nathan Crewe moved across and with an outstretched boot, hooked the ball away.

Tzvi looked defeated by that point, an it felt like much of the second half became a containment exercise to avoid a rout. Flavovespia didn’t completely ease off, but used the chance to rotate with substitutions ahead of upcoming key games. Christopher Hill came close to a 5th in the 75th minute with a long range shot that dipped just a bit too late and landed on the roof of the net. In the end, the second half drifted to an end with no more goals, but a comprehensive 4-0 win.

With 24 points at the top of the group, and with Savojarna on 22, Valentine Z on 21 and Milchama on 20, Flavovespia have 2 absolutely crucial games away at Milchama and at home to Valentine Z coming up. Avoiding losses will be so important at this stage. By the time Flavovespia get to their final group game their next 2 results could be the difference between qualifying outright, or a huge battle to make the playoffs. Group 5 could well go down to the wire and be decided on some tiny margins.

by **Beefsteak City** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:36 am

"I don't like this," said Carey Leclerc, the mayor's assistant. "Haven't you ever heard of Chekov's gun?"

"Well sure," said Mayor Ato. "But this isn't a gun. It's a RT-2PM2 «Topol-M» class-equivalent cold-launched three-stage solid-propellant road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile."

"I'm with Carey," said the manager of the national soccer team, Jerome Salisbury. "It feels like the way it's parked right in the center of the open space here just puts the focus on it in an uncomfortable way. Kid of like you might find Chekov's gun as a pistol on a table in the middle of an empty room." The space in question was the center of the "Coliseum", the arena being constructed in southwest Beefsteak City to host WCC games--not the ideal location for a missile launcher perhaps, but the only open space in the city.

"Don't be ridiculous," said the mayor. "We have a very clear objective here. This isn't foreshadowing of any kind at all. We're merely establishing a national defense. Modern warfare is all about deterrence."

"Defense? Against who?" asked Leclerc.

"Against the nation we plan to invade."

"And how would that be deterrence?" asked Salisbury.

"Well, a missile strike would deter them from existing. And the invasion will deter them from not being part of Beefsteak City," said Ato.

"I don't think that word means what you think it means," said Salisbury.

"Well I don't give a damn," said Ato, "so if you know what's best for you, you'll deter from contradicting me."

"Since when do we have missile launchers?" asked Leclerc.

"That's no mere missile launcher," said Ato. "That is a homegrown, Beefsteak City born-and-bred, locally manufactured, MZKT-79221-equivalent, eight-axle, diesel-powered, ICBM-capable Transporter Erector Launcher, and ever since those useless Mertagnian soccer players failed to get me in touch with their government, every single one that's rolled off the assembly line at Stanley-Taylor Steel has been summarily marked as military surplus." It was easy to tell from Ato's tone that he was still quite bitter that his budding career as an arms dealer had been cut short.

"Every single one!? How many do we have!?" asked Leclerc.

"Just one," said Ato. "When I found out we didn't have anyone to sell them to I told them to suspend production."

"Did I just hear you say 'suspend' and 'production' in the same sentence?" Salisbury ventured the courage to ask.

"Yes, and don't remind me, or I'll suspend you!" said Ato. "Now. The reason I had them finish production on at least the one missile launcher was that after our conversation about the Pierce situation and a possible annexation, I thought a show of force might be useful."

"I'm not going to question your judgment, Mr. Mayor," said Leclerc, "but may I ask a clarifying question?"

"I'll allow it."

"When you say 'show of force,' the 'force' bit it very apparent. But how exactly do you plan to show it off?"

"Great question. This is a very targeted annexation we're doing--ideally, we only want to wind up with one more citizen."

"Right, we need an eleventh person living in Beefsteak City or the WCC is going to disqualify our soccer team from competing."

"Correct," said the mayor. "So we don't need to piss off the entire Federation of Unfree Republics. If the F.U.R. realizes what we're doing, they could wipe us off the map. After all, they're a gargantuan, powerful nation, and we're just four city blocks square. So ideally, we want to get the attention of only the people on the exact plot of land where Miss Pierce lives, and the F.U.R. won't notice we've invaded at all."

"I think it's just her parents' family home," said Leclerc.

"Perfect," said the mayor. "Get in."

Salisbury and Leclerc looked at him in confusion, but Ato, assuming his instructions were clear enough to need no explanation, marched to the center of the clearing and clambered into the cab of the MZKT-79221 (equivalent, produced by Stanley-Taylor steel) and got into the driver's seat. He stuck his head out of the window. "You two can get in the other side," he yelled. "You should be able to squeeze."

Sure enough, the missile launcher had two cabs on either side, divided by each other by the huge missile lying between them, which gave the vehicle the appearance of a bug-eyed frog whose noggin had been caved in by a fallen tree. Salisbury and Leclerc dutifully climbed into the cab on the other side and tried to squeeze onto the single seat within. They held on for dear life as the mayor drove confidently out of the construction site, the bumpy earth rattling and shaking the vehicle like a cup of dice.

They emerged onto the street and were promptly halted by the notorious Beefsteak City traffic, at a dead standstill like usual. Every street in the city was crammed chock-full with cars idling their engines as they waited for the cars in front of them.

Mayor Ato laid on the horn. Confused motorists looked up to find a missile launcher vehicle in their rearview mirrors. The mayor leaned out the window again and produced a megaphone from somewhere. "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" he yelled. "THIS IS A MILITARY OPERATION! CLEAR THE ROAD OR WE'LL OPEN FIRE!" The drivers in front of him didn't bother to wait around and figure out how exactly the mayor meant to open fire cars that were bumper to bumper with his own vehicle using an intercontinental ballistic missile. They managed to pull to the side of the road.

It was a forty-minute commute to the Pierces' house, although the drive took a bit longer in a 16-wheel, 132-ton transporter-erector-launcher with a 43-yard turn radius. The mayor managed to back at least the rear half of it into a driveway across the street from the Pierces', so that the front of the vehicle, with the intimidating warhead on full display, was pointed right at their home. He pulled out the megaphone again.

"COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP! WE DEMAND YOUR SURRENDER!"

No one answered.

The mayor heaved himself out of the driver's seat and walked across the front of the truck to the cab on the other side and tapped on the glass. "Salisbury!" he said. "Go knock on the door."

Coach Salisbury walked across the street and up to the door while the mayor got himself back in the driver's seat of the missile launcher (to be ready, in case anything happened). No one answered when Salisbury knocked, so he rang the doorbell, and eventually the front door swung open. It was Emily.

"Hello coach," she said, "I didn't expect to see you today. I thought practice was tomorrow."

"It is, and I expect you to be there," said the coach, "but right now you're being invaded."

"What?"

Salisbury pointed behind him at the missile launcher. Emily could just make out Mayor Ato gesticulating wildly through the windshield.

"You're being invaded," Salisbury repeated. "Are your parents home?"

"They're actually at work right now. Can you come back tomorrow? I have to head to my shift at GoGo FroYo in a few minutes anyway."

"I'll see what the mayor says," said Salisbury. He returned across the street to confer, leaving Emily to get ready for work.

"What do you want to do?" he asked the mayor. "Do we just blow the whole place up?"

"Well, then she still wouldn't have a place to live, that doesn't help us either," said Ato. "And it doesn't feel like laying siege really makes sense either. She said her parents would be home tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, guess we'll have to come back then. Go get in."

Salisbury trotted back over to the passenger cab and stuffed himself in with Leclerc, explaining the situation as he did so.

"I still don't like it," said Leclerc. "Chekov's gun, Chekov's intercontinental ballistic missile launcher, whatever. I can't imagine this thing doesn't get fired off by the end of World Cup Qualifiers."

by **Acastanha** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:52 am

Peace Come to Kolanos Gulf

With the surrendering of Kieraha, Association of Mandalanusa Nations (AMAN) finally took position on the event. AMAN Secretary General, Ms. Ratna Salim from Samudera Darussalam, enforce the involved parties to withdrawn their armed forces from the occupied land and to bring the issue into negotiating table. She urge for countries to open their border for aid and peacekeeping forces from combine AMAN members. Some countries have raise their commitment to the peacekeeping forces such as Samudera Darussalam, Biyambi (the successor state of Ziwana), Pemecutan, Sendhang, Eraman and Southern Palm Islands. The peacekeeping forces is officially name AMAN Keise Islands Temporary Authority (AMAN-KITA). She also stated that Keise Islands will designated as a free zone under the authority of AMAN-KITA. Any military personnel from Acastanha, Leihitu and Kieraha are banned from the islands. Acastanhada President, Miranda Garbuno welcomed the peacekeeping forces in their area. Aside from Keise Islands, neutral zone will also established in the border of the three countries. Marin-Mangole Area in the border of Kieraha and Leihitu and Baaskan-Gane Area in the border of Acastanha and Kieraha are designated as the neutral zone. The establishment of the neutral zone is to control the military withdrawal and refugee movements between borders.

On the other hand, refugee are prevent to come back to their places. It is estimated that around 1.5 million people have lost their home. These affected people are from cities/towns that were occupied during the war such as Labuha, Soasio, Namlea, Bandar Ketam, Baaskan and Tual. Most of them have lost their home because of the bombings. While Acastanhada Government ask for AMAN to investigated Tual Massacred incident. Around 10,000 people were believe to be killed in the massacre including innocent women and children. While Leihituan Government suggest to held the peace talks in a neutral ground. In response, Kierahan Government not allowed Sendhang and Pemecutan to host the talks because of the two indirect involvement in the war. Samuderan Government then suggest to held the peace talks in their capital, Bandar Raja, to everyone agrees.

Following the announcement from AMAN, Acastanhada forces begin to withdrawn from Soasio and occupied Bacan. Leihituan forces are also move back to their border from Sofifi. However, Acastanhada navy is still patrolling in the area together with Pemecutan navy. Food and medical have been distributed in Keise Islands and Soasio. While Pemecutan still ban their citizens to travel to the area. And because of the war, the oil price in Mandalanusa increase significantly. Kolanos Gulf Area is the second largest oil producing area, the other being Madya Sea Area. The disrupt in production and distribution have made the supply of crude oil and refined petroleum dwindled. Pemecutan urge the oil producing countries in the region to increase their drilling capacity to meet the demand.

The peace talks in Bandar Raja will be held under the supervision of AMAN. Five sides will be seated in the planned peace talks. 3 are from the parties involved, 1 is representative from AMAN and the last one is representative of Samudera Darussalam as the operator. Bandar Raja International Convention Center is selected as the venue.

Back home, the end of the war is welcome with joy from the people. Acastanha damage some of their border cities and towns such as Bandar Ketam, Baaskan and Praia do Emerita. Bandar Ketam and Baaskan are the most damaged with 80% of the cities infrastructure are collapsed. Several buildings are also damaged in Tabeira and Arrachai from the aerial bombings. The government estimated around 7,000 deaths and around 200,000 refugee from the affected cities. While people evacuated from Tabeira and Arrachai are permit to go back to their home, it can't be applied to citizens of the other 3 cities, Bandar Ketam, Baaskan and Praia do Emerita.

However, the people opinion over the war have been mixed. Some argue that the war was necessary to help the oppressed Keise people. While the anti-war said that the war have bring more losses to them. Despite the mixed opinion, the government popularity is not move at around 63% with a decreasing trends. Political expert, Andrea Aramde say that the people are waiting for the result of the peace talks. They will see how much is Acastanhada diplomacy power from this talk. And will the talk bring more benefit to the country or not. Actually, the decreasing trends is already there following the Ketampi issue in domestic Acastanha. The government coalition party who is the same as Palidas leading party are seen has failed to bring equality to their people. As the anti-war said that the government should have to focus on Ketampi issue first before drag the country into an open war. They deemed the government as rampage, immature and endangered their own citizens by involving in the war. Although the war ended with a win for Acastanha but the negative opinions are higher. "We can only hope that the result of the peace talks with help increase the government popularity rating," he said.

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:09 am

Independent Athletes from Quebec (IAQ) - World Cup 95 Team
WINDOW 7 - @ WBEO, v. HUElavia

26-PLAYER ENTRY

Expected XI vs. WBEO (3-4-3): M. Brown; McKinley - Salihamidzic - Higgins-Mah; Mariano Kang - Bouck - Wawanolett - Watson-Lukwago; Korniloff-Kouyate - Salihamidzic Beckie - Woodcarver
Expected XI vs. HUElavia (4-2-4): Sheppard; Delisle - Cizeron - Goh H.S. - Yabusele; McTavish - Dyxkeson; E. Kweon - M'bah-Pinho - Hamisi - Hong Y.S.

GOALKEEPERS (3):
Mederick Brown (West Couno United, TMB), Marianne Oh-Ntare (Litala '93, MYT), Innes Sheppard (Urrheddiao, CMT)

DEFENDERS (9):
Pierre-Karl Cizeron (Liria, MYT), Alain Delisle (Mipojoseon), Goh Hak-Seong (Herzegovina City FC, BNJ), Coralie Higgins-Mah (Alnio, CMT), Mariano Kang (Rulandea Kosta, FFD), Noel-Hercule McKinley (West Couno United, TMB), Sinisa Salihamidzic (Montreal Koreana), Donovan Watson-Lukwago (St. John's Arsenal), Frederic Yabusele (Atletik, MYT)

MIDFIELDERS (6):
Mathinna Bouck (Rulandea Kosta, FFD), Joelinton Dyxkeson (Brantisvogan, SRS), Samuel McTavish (Lakewood City, TMB), Pyo Seung-Hye (Avondale City, SYL), Vegeta (Brantisvogan, SRS), Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett (Chromatik, CMT)

FORWARDS (8):
Billie Blue Hamisi (Urrheddiao, CMT), Hong Yeong-Sahm (Lhor, CMT), Anna Korniloff-Kouyate (Atletik, MYT), Oberon M'bah-Pinho (Tihon, MT), Corneille-Theophile Poulin (Avondale City, SYL), Amina Salihamidzic Beckie (Frenei Tor, CMT), Odette Tsioui (Perce Town), Zinaida Woodcarver (Crisibless, NPH)

OOC: My old high school, which would come to inspire the IC creation of Erskine Collegiate, had a concerto competition that would run daily. Consider this a variation, though altered by fair bit for narrative purposes, and homage to the vibrant musical culture it had in the early-mid 2010s when me and my brother attended it.

Funnily enough, I was never the instrumentalist on those orchestras or bands. I was a vocalist who also doubled up with two years of instruction in Double Bass, but my brother did play Clarinet with the school's renowned Symphony Orchestra. The year they did Mozart's Requiem.....I was a freshman at my undergraduate institution. I did feel a great deal of envy.

Ahead By A Century

PART 7 - Eye of the Needle

'Ah, Miss Lundrigan.' Jason Davies opened his mouth, as the band and orchestral director had asked Claire Lundrigan to stay in the Auditorium after the final Orchestra practice of the year. Most of the chairs and musical stands were already organised and sorted into rows by the students in last fifteen minutes, with the next week's music exams set to be held on individual music classrooms instead. 'Thank you for coming. I'm sure you are here for the news about the Solo competition which, as you know, will be a start to the Concerto Competition the Orchestra will be holding for the Maytime concert.'

'Yes, sir,' answered Claire, as she swallowed the spit from the anticipation of hearing the results back. While Claire had not exactly checked the specific number of those who had auditioned, which also included those outside of the ensembles themselves, the long row of students waiting to participate in a ten-minute audition of each their own had left a firm image into her mind as to how intensive things were, even if this section of the curricula did not always suggest so, here. Even then, however, there was a sense of hope that Claire ended up successful in the chase. 'I'm sure that's why I've been asked to stay.'

'Well,' said Mr. Davies, as the balding man in his mid-forties tried his best to word it. Sometimes the students here would interpret his responses or gestures, which had come from spending most of his previous lives in his native Delaclava, home to significant film music industry, the wrong way. 'Yes. Congratulations on being named the soloist for the Avon-Gillespie School's Solo Competition,' He said, initially with a bit of emotionless delivery, before continuing on with crescendo of anticipation. 'Your originally requested piece, the horn solos at the Tiger and the Lark Suite, and the Kiwanis Overture, will be our symphony orchestra's piece for the Legion Festival in Oakwood, and also the independent-school orchstras' concert at the Dongnae Opera House.'

'Oh my,' Claire remarked, as she clinched both her fingers in joy, before opening them to place them over her cheeks. This was a news she had needed, even though Claire did have light hopes that she would win the solo competition, which would at least provide a good foray into further opportunities. The practices weren't going to be the issue - the material seemed straightforward anyway - but to make it, was a sheer joy. 'Thank you, thank you, thank you,' she said, trying her best not to repeat the words. 'Sorry I'm just really glad...'

'Relax, Miss. Lundrigan. Now, it's not over yet,' said Davies, before gesturing Claire to relax. 'We have a special guest for you, who have asked to come visit you when she phoned in this morning.'

It was obvious who it was. 'Mum,' Claire Lundrigan turned around, only to stop and take a couple of steps backwards, as she looked back at her mother Eileen de Ramaut, who stood on the other end of the auditorium. She, whose curly, brown hair had remained at relative mid-length since moving back to Battersea Woods, appeared eerily similar to Claire. Maybe a blessing, maybe a curse, one could say, as she wore dark jeans and long, green jacket made out of light hemp. On her right hand Eileen brought a bag of gifts and foodstuff, in particular those from their old delicatessen in Downtown Twin Cities, she had brought from home.

An immediate smile sprung out of Claire, as she leapt to embrace her mother. 'Why are you here? I swear to god, you weren't heading out until the trip to Topanga County out west in January,' Claire asked, her voice slightly held back by the unexpected surprise right in middle of the exam period.

'Why, I thought it would be nice to see my baby girl doing, especially after all that had happened back in November,' Eileen gave her another hug, this time a bit shorter, before letting go. 'Mr. Davies asked me to come see you after the practice when I phoned into the school earlier this morning. He wanted you to be every bit joyful over the news.' There was a sense of relief in the mother of three, which both Claire and Davies had noticed, right at that moment. 'I hear that you have been doing very well at horns, do you think you could nail the solo at the Legion Festival and then in Dongnae Opera House?'

'Oh, that I'm sure will all go alright mum,' Claire smiled back at Eileen, as she quickly gave her horn case a light brush. 'It's just a couple of solos for 'The Tiger and The Lark' suite, and Kiwanis Overture.' She tried to downplay the importance it played, mostly as a measure of humility. 'Nothing particularly out of ordinary, especially at this level.'

'Ma'am, Claire's one of my finest pupils I have had, arguably among the best horn players I have had the pleasure to orchestrate,' Davies stepped in, his glasses shining. 'Already with right amount of time, and the mindset to succeed in her craft evident, I think that she is more than capable of a strong career. The first step of which would include the Conservatoire de Joongyeong, or the Soochang College of Music, or she could be studying abroad, such as the Yanovsky Conservatory in Petrograd.'

For the band and orchestra teacher of Avon-Gillespie, who had regularly travelled for his cinematic works, the Delaclav had certain confidence that Claire could succeed. Every year he would accept four to six students on musical scholarship, and usually they would start early, but to accept a transfer, espcially on a cohort like hers where nobody had been accepted up to that point, was a rare choice. Needless to say that it had required weekslong discussions with the admissions office, which only proceeded after a timely interruption by a certain Dr. Allard. So for Davies to feel this proud of a student, especially after a cycle, was enough to suggest his valuation of her potential, though the breadth of repertoire remained one in progress, something that he would have to persuade her and her parents in due time. Easier said than done considering relatively lax approach Eileen had taken when she was growing up with piano before finding her way into a musical career.

'I'm really glad to hear about this, Mr. Davies,' said Eileen, as she looked at Claire's teacher briefly before turning around. 'I know it...wasn't the easiest of decisions for us, and her father, to send our daughter here, and I know that the school hasn't had the easiest of times, but thank you for your best efforts teaching my daughter, and her classmates.'

'Mum, please don't say that,' said Claire. 'I've made my own decision to come here, and have asked you over and over not to worry.' This was a lie, for whatever the fear and the isolation she had handled mostly alone were left untold back home. And it wasn't like Claire wanted to do so, if anything's to go by her father's reaction on the days leading up to it - it was almost as if she was asked to come here, though for what reason she's yet to know.

'All I will say is that if you have any questions or urgent query about Ms. Lundrigan, ma'am, please do not hesitate to contact her own house, or Dr. Allard, her academic advisor. I'm sure they will say the same with the level of promise she holds as a pupil, as long as she continues to open herself up to the AGS school community,' Mr. Davies did his best to assure both of them that there was nothing to worry over, but the final sentence felt slightly forceful. Then he brushed his hair a couple of times as a gesture of departure. 'Ma'am, and Claire, I will be back in my office to mark music history tests, but please do not hesitate from staying here a while if need.'

'Thank you, Mr. Davies,' Eileen calmly responded. They then watched as Mr. Davies took his orchestra folder, before heading back to the office the same way Eileen had entered. Having witnessed the band and orchestra teacher depart, Eileen looked back at Claire and asked in her usual, calm voice in the lower registry, which concealed the higher-range she had often used in concerts and records. 'Are you actually okay, darling? The school sent me and your father a newsletter about the homecoming incident. We were so worried about you, even more because you didn't respond to our texts nor calls...'

'It's fine mum,' Claire nervously smiled back. 'I'm okay, I'm doing my own thing and me and my girls were nowhere near the ravine. The Heos could tell you that nothing went wrong - I got tired by the end of the night and just crashed early when the festivities got postponed to the next day.'

'The Heos seemed happy enough, at least,' Eileen answered, remembering that Myeong-Shin had just visited the Silverhills estate just the previous week. 'Myeong-Shin would tell me how bummed young Seung-Geon was in not being able to see you the whole weekend, saying that while he seemed not bothered by most girls there, including Princess Adelaide, and yet it would be our hornist of his childhood, who he wanted to see..'

'Awe, did he really?' Claire knew there was a bit of that complicated dynamic between the families which began from Seung-Geon, who was three years older than him. The young Lundrigans, in continuation from the fathers' generation, would often vacation with the Heos and the Lautners during summers and winters, with the Pinsons and others occasionally joining as well. This had meant natural for Claire, who still remembered how tall the boys had looked in those cottage days just north of Kingston. 'I'm sure he just wanted to see an old friend who had spent childhood together in Concord Heights.'

But there was also the separate arc with Alexandre and the Heos. They, after all, went to the Royal School at Concord Heights, just two grades above in the same time period as Alexandre (Queen Mother Elizaveta had refused to let go of Adelaide or two younger princes). As asked by the Palace, and more importantly the Heo patriarch, both Myeong-Shin and Naomi were more than welcome to have the young Prince of Abitibi, who was one of few boarders on his grade, join them for some weekends. Their friendship, especially with Alexandre the Tubist looking up to Seung-Geon early on, would continue when both the expats would return a year apart about seven to eight years ago, and would now include more-impressionable Adelaide and his cousins as well. 'Are you sure that he wasn't looking to see Prince Alexandre, who everybody's talking about in the campus?' Claire asked, hoping that this would at least put some distractions.

'That's silly, he said that the young lad could see him anytime he wishes to,' Eileen gave an even bigger smile. 'Enough with that talk, in any case. I'm sure you must be hungry, and a bit annoyed to see your mother out of blue. Shall we head to the town for a dinner before you drive back in town?'

'Sure, mum. I think there's a nice restaurant just next to the theatre there. The Van Damme's - they change up the menu every week, usually good for burgers on weekends but they prefer to run with steak and milkshakes,' Claire then took a deep breath and asked Eileen. 'How's father? And the young H. Richard and Maude Sophie?'

Eileen took a brief second, trying to figure out the very wording of it. 'Everybody's doing fine, Claire.' Eileen answered, remembering that the two months back in the house, with young Richard still in year seven of his local middle school, which was a public unlike the one Claire had gone to, and young Maude Sophie only nine years old. 'Your father, the younger ones, they are all okay. Your father's just being careful containing his breath at times, but you know, he hasn't been breathing well for years now.' Sir. Asher Lundrigan's illness, mostly the respiratory complications and numbing of his tips both finger and toe that had been degenerative for decades now, was a well-documented one, and while the family has yet to deal with worst case scenario, there always existed some form of fear that Claire was uncomfortable telling to her friends.

Claire closed his eyes for a second, trying her best to think. 'You know, the fear of it all...' she said, trying her best not to be reminded of the way they had driven without a war in the country road from their home to Avon-Gillespie. 'He felt so powerless over it. Having to send me away here, and back home, where he's just with you, Maude Sophie, and H.R, who's mostly in his wheelchair. Don't you know how worried I get here, over what might happen back home?'

Eileen hugged Claire quickly, before letting go. She knew her daughter's very pain, but did not want to say. 'There was never a day in my life, since I have known you were arriving that night sixteen years ago, that I was not proud of you, Claire Lundrigan.' Eileen said, trying to hold back her emotions at same time. She had been there before, watching Asher trying to leave her many times without telling her a single word, her coming back from coma, and the recent years where the situation, even when stabilised, just felt like a drag. 'But don't let that stop you from dreaming.'

by **Tumbra** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:46 am

Tumbra 2–0 Acastanha

TMB (4-3-3): 13 - M Hahn; 2 - A Renton (28 - S Kemp, 65'), 4 - I Ashburn (20 - C Whitfield, 65'), 5 - S Kerr, 3 - T Mercurio; 32 - L McCormick (16 - I Robertson, 79'), 8 - V Hicks, 10 - P Cole; 7 - V Wells (36 - E Robertson, 82'), 11 - N Riordan (26 - E Maddison, 79'), 21 - A Pearson

TMB scorers: Valerie Wells (65'), Audrey Pearson (78')

Player of the Match: Audrey Pearson [TMB]

The Republic of Covelandia 0–0 Tumbra

TMB (4-2-3-1): 13 - M Hahn; 28 - S Kemp, 20 - C Whitfield, 5 - S Kerr, 3 - T Mercurio; 32 - L McCormick, 16 - I Robertson (8 - V Hicks, 74'), 23 - S Monaghan (10 - P Cole, 65'); 7 - V Wells (36 - E Robertson, 82'), 21 - A Pearson (9 - L Crossley, 74'), 26 - E Maddison (11 - N Riordan, 65')

TMB scorers: None

Player of the Match: Lucas McCormick [TMB]

"Bostopian blockade must end" — Foreign Minister McKenzie Weighs In On Bostopian-Mertagnian War

Speaking in Parliament over the Bostopian-Mertagnian conflict in Anaia — which took on a new, deadlier dimension as reports of blockades and chemical attacks in the Calanian conflict have slowly made their way over to the wider world — Foreign Minister Paul McKenzie reaffirmed Tumbra's strong ties with the Anaian nation of Mertagne, and called for the Bostopian Empire's illegal blockade of, and usage of chemical weapons on the nation of Mertagne, to end. "The rules of war, worldwide, are unclear, but this crosses the line of acceptable conduct in the realm of war," said McKenzie in a ministerial statement. "The situation over the Ochre Islands may be geopolitically fraught and complicated, but war must not harm innocent civilians. This blockade — and, I am hearing, the use of chemical weapons — contravene both of those principles. I call upon the Bostopians to cease the usage of such tactics, and allow for food, humanitarian aid, and care for innocent civilians to reach the civilians of Mertagne." McKenzie announced that the Foreign Ministry was in talks to set up an aid package for Mertagne to the tune of $1.5 billion dollars in humanitarian aid.

Young: Federalists "would work with new Liberal leader" — Spill Imminent?

On a televised interview in Kingsbury media, former Georgia premier, presidential candidate, and leader of the Federalist Alliance Max Young declared that he would be "open to a right-wing collaboration" with the incumbent, centre-right Liberal party; but would not do so under the leadership of the current Prime Minister, Stephen Williams, intensifying discussions of a leadership spill against the incumbent. "I don't think the Prime Minister can work with anyone; he's always intent on working on his own way, and I don't think he's interested in winning, but doing his own thing. But I think that's just him; if the Liberals had a new leader, then the possibility changes." The Prime Minister's favourability ratings have taken a slight dip, but he still remains broadly popular; with a surprising 23% of likely or leaning Labour voters approving of the Prime Minister's more centrist mode of governance. Candidates to replace the Prime Minister should the Liberal party choose to spill him include the incumbent Foreign Minister, Paul McKenzie, and the leader of the conservative wing of the party, the former Law and Justice Minister Lawrence Newell.

"We cannot afford to be complacent" — Campbell

Speaking after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Covelandia, in which the Tumbran national team's offense squandered several chances, national team manager Michael Campbell emphasised that the team "could not afford to be complacent," noting wryly that the team could have basically secured qualification had they scored just one goal against the sixth seeds, Covelandia (not to be confused with British Covelandia, albeit both with little to no information on their national teams in the several times they have entered World Cup qualification). Campbell refused to answer questions on his future, instead choosing to focus on the game; which, while admittedly placid, did give some entertaining moments at either end of each half as Tumbra had a goal disallowed. "It's not my place to comment on the standard of refereeing," the manager said, "but I think most Tumbran fans will feel hard done by; while the Covelandians, if any of them even came to the game, will be feeling happy about this." Tumbra remain six points ahead of surprise seventh seeds Vdara with three games remaining.

by **Tanirinthia** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:55 am

Multiversal Sport Match Report

Category
Association football
Location
Unknown Stadium, Unknown Settlement, Filonian State, Universe M7804

Scoreline
Filonian State 1 [1] – [0] 2 Tanirinthia

Filonian State Scorers
Unknown - 3'

Tanirinthia Scorers
Holt - 78'
Wolfe - 90+2'

Archivist's Report
Our second visit to a nation and world as shrouded in secrecy as our own and more so, their paranoia extends further than our own in so far they have not provided nor were our own intelligence services able to provide us even the names or location we were playing at, the squad and staff were driven to the match wearing bags over their heads. The only thing we have been able to gather is they appear to be trying to explore the multiverse via sport in a similar way to us, even going so far apparently as trying to create their own version of a World Cup before agents of the WCC shut it down. They appear to have invested in their sports infrastructure though and have managed in a previous match to hold Ochre Islands to a one a piece draw and even managed to score two goals against the second ranked team in all the multiverse Græntfjall. They certainly came out of the gates showing that with an incredible goal in the third minute with an unknown player thomping home an unstoppable bicycle kick into the top corner which Vanessa Burke (our second choice keeper in the game due to Elmer Marshall's suspension), was unable to do anything about. This really did seem to put a shock into the Tanirinthian squad and Filonian State ending up dominating the first half and were it stop for some fine stops from Burke we may have gone into the second half at least another goal down and without having troubled the Filonian State goal. redacted obviously gave a fiery speech as the players came out with that fire in their bellies, however they were met with an equally fiery defence from Filonian State, that was unable to be cracked until the seventy-fourth minute with a wonderful team effort allowing Lark Holt to send home his first goal of the campaign. This however caused Filonian State to go into full lockdown mode, substituting in what we must presume were defensive players for their strikers in order to attempt to salvage a point, and it would have payed off if not for the scorching effort of our own substitute Lonnie Wolfe from fourty yards out in the dying moments of the match, I'm not ashamed to say I jumped up off my seat and roared in rapture!

Post radiation levels
Levels stabilised at normal levels.

Archivist
William Fowler, Chief Secret Archivist

Clearance level
Gold

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Baker Park down to its last stand
by Fiona Devlin, National Team Reporter
for The Times

Reporting from Eshialand City:

The Baker Park National Team will face the very real possibility that their streak of qualifying for the World Cup every time they've entered could come to an end as soon as the final whistle against Eshialand on matchday 12 of the World Cup 94 qualifying tournament should they fail to take all three points from the group leaders.

The Bees are seven points from the top spot and three points in arrears of Cardenao for the playoff berth, with Hapilopper and Brusseldorf also tied on 17 points from 11 matches; BP will host the latter nation in the final home fixture of the campaign following the trip to Eshialand and will need to come away with a victory in that match as well should they take care of the business in Esportiva.

Manager Will Barnard knows that worrying about permutations from other results is meaningless if Baker Park doesn't handle what's in their control.
"We don't think about the what-ifs and various scenarios involving other teams. We need to do what we have to and then let other things play out in whatever manner that occurs. We all understand that there wouldn't need to be this added pressure if we'd played up to our capabilities earlier."

Group 2 has produced the second highest goals per match average with 190 tallies in the 44 fixtures played to date, with Group 13 having just a single goal more over the same span; by contrast, Group 8 has produced a total of 92 goals from the eight nations so far.

by **Recuecn** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:12 am

Bonheur Relié, manager of the Équipe Nationale de Reçueçn de Football (ÉNRF), sat in a conference with his assitant coach, Ägidius Heissler. In the past weeks and months, as Reçueçn had played its qualifying games for the World Cup, hoping for another chance in the prestigious tournament which they hadn't attended in so long, Relié had embodied les licornes' team spirit. He was the one who had coined the term "The Spirit of 83", a slogan which had now spread like wildfire among Reçuecian soccer fans. (The motto was a callback to World Cup 83, hosted by Equestria and Banija, in which Reçueçn had qualified for the first time despite being unranked.) Through everything, Relié had been the one constantly urging his players on to new heights, always asking for their maximum effort as he tried to push them toward greatness. When the qualifying campaign exhausted and discouraged his players, he was the one who helped them find back their morale. But now it was Relié who needed reassurance.

"I'm not going crazy, right?" he begged Heissler. "We're stronger now than we were at the start of qualifying."

Heissler nodded firmly. "Without a doubt, yes. The training regimen you used has got the squad back in practice again. We're playing better football now than we were last year."

"It's the training regimen Tremblay taught me."

"I remember it from when I was a player," Heissler said with a smile. "You talk about the Spirit of 83, but it's literally the same techniques Tremblay used back then that got us into the World Cup."

"So then why aren't we seeing the results now?" pleaded Relié. "Half-way through qualifiers, we were sitting pretty. Second place in the group, somehow. Since then, we've only won a single game, and we'll need a miracle if we're going to make the play-off spot."

"Okay, but consider the nations we faced in the games we lost," said Heissler. "Naixi, Mytanija, Tikariot. All very strong teams."

"Yes, and all teams we needed to beat to fight for a place at the top of the group," said Relié. "Even if we can win the rest of our games, we're counting on them dropping points."

"It's possible," said Heissler. "Mytanija and Naixi still have to play each other. Naixi still has a game against Tikariot. We may be fifth, but we're only one game out of third place. Two out of second. It won't be easy, but making a play-off is still possible."

"Only if we start getting results," insisted Relié. "Which brings me back to my point. We were in second place half-way through qualifying. Now we're down in fifth. What happened? Why did we start losing to teams where we managed draws before? Hell, we even beat Tikariot the first time we played!"

"Well, we played Naixi and Tikariot at home the first time," suggested Heissler. "Maybe them having home advantage for the return leg was enough to make the difference."

Relié waved away the idea. "That's negligible, especially compared to the improvment I know I've seen in our boys since the start of qualifiers. Most of these other nations we play against are at a plateau in their quality. They may be good, they may be better than us, but in terms of the threat they present, they're holding steady. We, on the other hand, are growing rapidly. We've just come back from a long hiatus, and a lot of the players were seriously out of practice when we began having games. I know most of them haven't seen league play in years. We're getting back into shape, improving quickly, and we're still doing worse now than we did at the start! What gives!?"

"Coach, you can't beat yourself up about it like this," said Heissler.

"I'm not beating myself up, I'm just confused! If it's my fault our last results were all garbage, so be it! I'm still proud of what I've accomplished with this squad over the last eleven games. We've made great strides. I just don't see why we haven't been able to make it count."

"Let me point something else out," said Heissler. "You can't compare us to where we were half-way through the qualifying schedule. The front and back halves aren't the same. We're four matchdays into the second half right now. If you compare our position to where we were four matchdays into the first half, we're actually doing better. We're fifth now, but we were sixth then."

"Yes, but only two points out of second place, not six," countered Relié.

"I'll suggest something I said to the players a lot back when I was still paraclete," Heissler said. "It sounds like you know what the problem is. It's stressful for you, but you're still thinking about it rationally. You're not at the point where the stress and anxiety about the results, for example, is paralyzing you or preventing you from taking reasonable steps."

"I should hope not," said Relié. "This is my job."

"Well, you know what the problem is. Dwelling on it won't change the situation. You're already doing the best you can with the team. So keep doing that. Keep doing your best, and focus on that. The outcome is out of your control."

Relié nodded. "That makes sense. It's just frustrating."

"Valid."

"Let me take some time to think this over. We can pick up again tomorrow."

"Absolutely, coach." Heissler grabbed a couple stat sheets that were lying on the conference table and slipped out of the room. Relié remained in his seat a minute or two, lost in thought. Then he, too, got up and left the room.

He made his way out of the training facility where they'd been meeting--it was built into the Stade National in Reçueçn City, and grabbing his coat, headed out into the street for a walk. He found himself making his way downtown--not a short walk from the stadium in the banlieue. It had been a mild winter, and although there were still dirty piles of snow here and there, by and large things were beginning to thaw. He stepped over puddles as he traversed the uneven cobbled streets leading to centre ville.

A café caught his eye, and he took a seat at a table outside, facing the road where he could watch the people coming and going. "Un café, s'il vous plaît," he requested when a waiter approached. He found himself wishing he smoked so that he could light a cigarette while he waited.

Bustling would have been an exaggeration, but the street was fairly lively with shoppers and restaurant-goers. Relié noticed quite a few wearing licornes jerseys. A shop across the road was selling football memorabilia and a large "Spirit of 83" banner was draped across the shopfront. Relié sighed. He'd conceived this spirit, a symbol of determination against the odds, but at the moment, it had entirely left him.

The waiter returned with his coffee.

"Merci."

"Je vous en prie, monsieur."

The waiter was still hovering. Relié looked up.

"Excusez-moi, monsieur, but are you Monsieur Relié, coach for the ÉNRF?"

"C'est moi."

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you're doing. It's been such a pleasure having games to watch again. Please keep doing what you're doing."

Relié grunted. "If we keep doing the same thing, we're not going to be in the World Cup."

The waiter raised his eyebrows and blew a little raspberry, a typical Reçuecian expression, as if he were surprised Relié was even thinking about the World Cup. It was textbook Gallo-Reçuecian fatalism.

"Mais bon," he said. "You can't have everything."

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:12 am

The Black-and-Reds attack remained strong despite resting much of the first team. Recording three goals in each of their last two matches, they kept pace as the fifth-highest scoring team in qualifying through 11 matches, trailing only Græntfjall, Kandorith, Pasarga, and Banija. That distinction didn't help them make up much ground in the hunt for qualification, though. As expected, Pasarga defeated Sajnur in Torgos, and extended their goal differential advantage with a dominant win away to Ceni. They maintain a three-point lead over the Black-and-Reds, while Sajnur easily handled Equestria at home to avoid dropping any further back, keeping themselves two points up on Pasarga, and five ahead of the Confederates. One of those teams needs to drop points in the next couple matches for the SRS to even have a chance to qualify. Can't control any of that though, so the Black-and-Reds will just need to keep their focus, and get strong wins against Ceni and Attestaltarragaby, just in case then end up needing to beat Sajnur on goal differential. The miscues that allowed late goals in each of the last two matches saw the Black-and-Reds surrender ground in that category, something that needs to be brought under control. The match is 90 minutes, not 85, not 75, but 90.

SRS: 3
SLR: 2

Scoring:
SRS: Shakhnovich 10', Hjort 12', Maksimov 85'
SLR: Striker 41', 89'

SRS Lineup: Krusan; Drenel, Titov, Jagdish (Yarlut 90+1), Musta; Bernat (Hashemi 87'), Saigir; Shakhnovich (Nyberg 90+1'), Byqvist (Sevet-Ibilx 87'), Koshelev (Maksimov 74'), Hjort

SRS: 3
MAR: 1

Scoring:
SRS: Nedeljkovic 17', 75', Volam 25'
MAR: Grosjean 77'

 Heiskanen; Kamgang (Bakken 88'), Tirel, Van, Boesch; Hashemi (Bernat 81'), Amjol; Stern, Volam (Tatsinan 81'), Ditou (Koshelev 72'); Nedeljkovic (Dubynin 88')

[b][u]Qualifying Schedule and Results

FRND: SRS 0–1 SYL @ Slavnareczpospolitastadion (cap. 61,230), Lublova, Molvania, SRS

MD01: SRS 3–3 PAS @ Vogsphere Arena (cap. 90,000), Vogsphere, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD02: EQS 4–7 SRS @ TBA
MD03: SRS 4–0 SLR @ Zenith Stadium (cap. 58,400), Stavromula, Isle of Squornshelous, SRS
MD04: MAR 2–3 SRS @ TBA
MD05: SRS 1–0 CEN @ Raftel Park (cap. 59,870), Chalesm, Megabrantis, SRS
MD06: SRS 3–0 ATT @ Olympiastad (cap. 47,550), Arkintoofle, Megabrantis, SRS
MD07: SAJ 3–2 SRS @ National Stadium (cap. 102,000), Javoser, SAJ
MD08: PAS 4–3 SRS @ Stade de Torgos (cap. 90,000), Torgos, PAS
MD09: SRS 3–0 EQS @ Pheldagrif Stadium (cap. 45,620), Yassaca, Sivolia, SRS
MD10: SLR 2–3 SRS @ TBA
MD11: SRS 3–1 MAR @ Castle Street (cap. 57,300), Jaglan, Algolia, SRS
MD12: CEN  v  SRS @ TBA
MD13: ATT  v  SRS @ TBA
MD14: SRS  v  SAJ @ Albrechtsson Park (cap. 65,400), Damogran, Algolia, SRS

by **PotatoFarmers** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:29 am

Cabo Azure 3–2 Poafmersia
Goalscorers: Dagur Lawrence 69', 82' (assisted by Shea)
Lineup (4-3-3): Nicole Potts; Kilikina Lee, Cindy Oriol, Nacro Astro, Emma Henderson; Erle Sartini, Sylvia Fusco, Aapeli Shea (c); Tessa Bjarnesen, Florent Rivera, Jackson Handris
Substitutes: Taliah Alcock (Bjarnesen 55'), Min Berg (Fusco 60')

Poafmersia 1–0 The Kytler Peninsulae
Goalscorers: Dagur Lawrence 84' (assisted by Shea)
Lineup (4-3-3): Nicole Potts; Kilikina Lee, Cindy Oriol, Nacro Astro, Xenophon Robson; Erle Sartini, Min Berg, Aapeli Shea (c); Tessa Bjarnesen, Dagur Lawrence, Jackson Handris
Substitutes: Michael Jackson (Sartini 76')

Vielfaltig 0–0 Poafmersia
Goalscorers: None
Lineup (4-3-3): Nicole Potts; Kilikina Lee, Cindy Oriol, Liadan Holmström, Xenophon Robson; Erle Sartini, Sylvia Fusco, Aapeli Shea (c); Tessa Bjarnesen, Dagur Lawrence, Leontiy Seet
Substitutes: Sakari Cantù (Seet 70'), Michael Jackson (Shea 83')

Poafmersia 5–3 Delaclava
Goalscorers: Leontiy Seet 15' (assisted by Bjarnesen), Michael Jackson 51', 90+6' (pen.), Bogdanic 74' (assisted by Jackson), 82' (assisted by Shea)
Lineup (4-3-3): Nicole Potts; Kilikina Lee, Cindy Oriol, Liadan Holmström, Xenophon Robson; Michael Jackson, Sylvia Fusco, Aapeli Shea (c); Tessa Bjarnesen, Dagur Lawrence, Leontiy Seet
Substitutes: Suada Bogdanić (Lawrence 60')

While some people around the multiverse may not believe in the Theory of Evolution, the Poafmers pray to it like its the one true saviour of the country.

Because as the Poafmersian saying goes, "Its the fallout from failures that helps us evolve."

The moment the team failed to get all 3 points against Vielfaltig, who basically placed 11 man behind the ball in front of their home crowd on matchday 10, they knew that their journey to the World Cup playoffs was over. There was no way they could catch a 9 point lead behind runners-up Huayramarca over 4 matchdays, and while the team continued to keep their glimer of hope alive with a statement in front of home fans against Delaclava, there was nothing much they could stop. It was a miracle at this point, something along the lines of 1 in a million, if we were to put it bluntly. The more important point for the team was that they had to really use this as a learning lesson - that truly, you can't make mistakes at the World Cup Qualifiers, if this is the kind of format and the kind of difficulty we will face as a Pot 3 team for the next few Qualifiers.

The rumour circulating around Poafmersia these days is that the Football Association is part of a group of nations that want to submit a very radical proposal to the World Cup Committee, which could see the team move away from the fair play-oriented "Cup of Harmony" into an expansion to the "exclusive" World Cup proper, and changes to the current rank formulas that place a stronger emphasis on the World Cup Qualifiers. The so-called "proposal", which has been denied by the members of the FA, would apparently include a joint-bid by Poafmersia with 2 other nations for a 48-team World Cup, with 3 direct spots allocated to hosts. Of course, the rumours gave detractors extra fuel to argue that the national team now is a shadow of their former self, having to rely on backdoors to get themselves into the World Cup. Not to mention that the number of unreasonable draws that the team had to collect in the first half of the qualifiers that led to the team's awkward position at this stage.

Lu, as the team's head coach, had approached the FA to ask about the rumours, and asked the FA to give a clearer justification and not get the team distracted away from their immediate target of winning all remaining World Cup qualifier matches. The FA was clear - while some of their members, notably former national team head coach Adnan Suliaha, who has been quite vocal on social media site chirp.er saying that the 32-team version of the World Cup is "outdated" and "a relic of the top-heavy days of multiverse football", have been making such comments, the unified stance across the entire Football Association is that they will not support a 48-team World Cup bid before the WCC's commission on the football ranking system gives their report. And its the exact same details that the FA has provided over and over again to the public - minus the WCC's commission thing, because the commission has generally been kept as a more secretive thing due to the complicated nature of the current World Cup ranking system. Still, it has continued to create a shadow over the heads of the team, because of the minority group who insist that "hosting" the World Cup is the "only way" the national team in its current form can enter the World Cup proper.

Within the closer circles of the football community, they know the stagnation of the national scene is an issue that has been around and yet hard to address. The FA has made a number of changes to the Professional Development League, and included more regulations to encourage youth players to step up. While this has happened in the Supreme League, where it has slightly gotten on the more chaotic side because of all the youth players and their "aggressive" football, the effects haven't really sept through to the Apex and the national team, because the call-up list has continued to remain as stagnant as this. Nicole Potts, on account of her strong performance with St. John's Arsenal up till her current age, has continued to remain as the top-choice keeper, and her leadership of the backline has helped the team's defence improve vis-a-vis during her absence in the first 2 matchdays of the season. To put it simply, even our opponents were praising Potts on using her experience to continue to make crucial saves to avoid a disaster in Cabo Azure. The players playing alongside her in the Quebecois domestic league also gave her high praises, which showed why she could never really be replaced between the posts till she hits her 40s. To put it in Lu's words, "its not that I don't want to call a longer list of players, its because nobody really reached a point of taking over." There would be no handover if there was no one to hand over to.

The world around them, however, continues to evolve. For all the controversy surrounding the discussions of a 48-team World Cup proper, it is clear what happened - that the world has evolved past an era of top-heavy football. Gone were the days where the title simply rotates among a few football powerhouses. World Cup qualification groups have became smaller and qualification timespans shorter, because the weakest of the lot have not managed to survive the evolution, and the stronger few ones have arisen to attempt to upset the balance. It has became a constant churn of teams trying to qualify for the World Cup. Baker Park might be missing out on their first proper in decades, as they battle a 5-way fight for the top 2 spots in the group. Starblaydia is sitting in 7th spot in Group 14. Banija is 4 points behind Indusse in Group 13 with 3 matchdays to go. World Cup 83 champions Equestria are out in Group 12. Meanwhile, Brannfjord has risen out of nowhere to claim 2nd spot in Group 4 with a 5-point lead on TJUN-ia. Cabo Azure almost secures a direct proper spot with 11 conseuctive wins. Sajnur is narrowly edging out Pasarga in Group 12, while the top 3 in Group 17 is Delte, Juvencus and Sargossa. The times have changed. Gone were the days where the proper might be a procession for some teams. Top 5 ranked teams can fail to qualify for the World Cup. And they slip down into the Cup of Harmony, which as the players may put it, "the shark pool". The players have given lots of blood, sweat, and tears (literally) just to prove their worth and prove their capabilities of making it into the World Cup. And its continuing to evolve. While the impact is not overnight, it eventually comes through.

The most important factor that the new generations of players in Poafmersia are missing is their mindset. Their understanding that results in football is hard to come by. That with the multiverse changing much like the colors of chameleons, the standards are being brought higher and higher and that teams need to put in 150% more effort than they would 20 years ago. Or twice that of 40 years ago. Current players are trying their best, but age is slowly catching up to them, and there is no way you can out-run Father Time even if you put in your max effort. The hard truth in physical sports, as they put it. The changes put through in the Professional Development League was an attempt to correct that mentality. Back to 24-team double round-robin tournaments, as they say. The bounty-based system being implemented in the Apex was extended to the PDL as well. All the carrot dangling for the teams to work hard and for players to train how it is to play at the most competitive level of football.

And the national team players right now? Tired from the amount of travelling, and physical football they experienced against some of the opponents. But its a smaller group now. They just have 3 more matches to go. They have paid the price of taking too long to warm up to the tempo of the qualifiers. Now that they have adapted to it, there is nothing more than to go for 3 straight wins. 3 wins.

The end does not matter, its the process.

by **Elmyia** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:36 am

The Beaucester Gazette
Out of Speight?
Gritty midfielder appears to have failed her audition

It was games, and moments, like this that Speight had been drafted in for. 3-1 up at Mosse Park against Pemecutan, first place in the group in sight. This was the moment where Vita Speight was supposed to inject a bit of bottle. A bit of shit housing champions mentality. Sure she can't appear to pass and move particularly well, but Yusuf Wiryajaya's day looked to be ruined and Pemecutan couldn't build there way through the phases as she snapped at their heels.

But then came the other thing Vita Speight seems built for. Opposing fans in Elmyia might think she gets away with it more than is warranted, but she does receive yellows and reds at auch higher rate than comparable midfielders. A yellow picked up early in the first half had already put her on shaky ground. Then, with Porras' side pressing high, Rian Kusuma looked to have beaten her. A clip of the back of the boot sent the midfielder sprawling and 60inutes into this most crucial of qualifiers, Speight was heading for an early bath.

Given the lead and the situation, criticisms of Porras shouldn't be entirely negated by the difficult situation she put the side in
Elmyia still ambled forward without a key part of their defensive cover. The high line was maintained even when Pramana got on the end of a ball whipped in behind the defenders. Given the onslaught endured, most probably felt Elmyia were lucky to get away with a draw.

Porras had already compromised by bringing Speight into the team. In what's an otherwise exuberant side, she'd bring the street smarts to kick Elmyia into the next level. She does excel at winding oppositions up and clipping the wings of creative midfielders. But at times she can simply look clumsy and short of the required level. In games like this she was supposed to offer the rest of the side a platform to perform. Yet against both Adab and Pemecutan at home she's offered comparatively little to her sides efforts.

Compared to Depel or Marakakis in midfield she offers very little on the ball. There are now comparatively few games where Elmyia don't see the majority of the ball. When the ball finds its way to her she often looks slightly offended to be put upon in such a way. There have been very few occasions where it has not then been passed backward or sideways. This would make sense in a side looking for settled possession, but as Beaugemont and Beresford bomb ahead down the channel and the wing she's putting the ball back inside to Kit Simmons to distribute. It doesn't help that she also is required to often press very high to get on the oppositions deep lying playmaker. From this position, if the balls turned over, she then can't do much to exploit this position.

Speight has been an excellent player for an Italia Mosfleet side playing a very different game to the national team. The gamble to bring her into the national side doesn't appear to be paying dividends currently. The best coaches try to evolve their sides, otherwise their flaws are readily exploited and predictable. Elmyia possibly we're heading that way, their weakness on the counter was clear. But with any change you leave the potential for a new weakness, one that has been repeatedly exposed with Speight's pantomime over aggression.

With two key fixtures left, and everything on the line, the question is who would come in at this point? Marinos best fits the profile of a second 8 in midfield, but is lightweight off the ball. Marakakis is an impressive technician, and presser, but her best positioning likely replicates Benedetti's. That leaves Aaron McLoughlin, an impressive defensive midfielder with a decent range of passing, he could slot in quite readily, whilst being less of a magnet for on field controversy. This would go against most of Porras' instincts, but to anyone else it might seem the obvious answer.

by **Carpathia and Ruthenia** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:46 am

Pride comes before the fall

Lucia Vinci looking like how we all felt on the final whistle

Unknown Stadium, West Kharakia I spoke of humble pie before and unfortunatly it is not me that has to be digging in to it today, it is our players and our manger as we were humbled today 107 places below us. I will say that again a team ranked 107 places below us and within the nation of West Kharakia association football is so looked on with disinterest that I don't believe I even saw a single member of the West Kharakia even here to cover the event. And yet when the final whistle blew it was the West Kharakia players and their fans in elation with three goals giving them all three points.

If you had switched off at half time you would have been forgiven for wondering what on earth happened, as we came out with confidence and the cohesion we had been getting used to seeing from our players putting our early performances firmly in the rear view mirror. Gaining control of the midfield as we had done before, we were able to orchestrate two fine team goals with Bassi and Fabbri sending their efforts into the back of the net, and our captain Acconci unlucky not to have all our strikers share the honours just mistiming his run by a microsecond meaning his great effort was all for naught with VAR showing him to have been offside. And I would not have blamed your dear reader had you switched off assuming another three points in the bag. This was however not to be.

The second half is where it all started to unravel, Lucia Kovács clearly confident of victory decided to change up in the second half with Selmone, Vinci and Büki all getting their debuts. However this is where things started to fall apart, the cohesion that had been so clearly worked on and displayed in the past two and a half matches started to fall apart, perhaps the inexperience and youth of the substitutes or perhaps a training focusing only on the starting XI started to show as the unforced errors began. West Kharakia must have smelled blood in the water as what was a subdued squad thundered into life and an unknown player (Editors note: We must apologize again the West Kharakia FA were at time of publishing unable to confirm the names of the squad) on the fifty-sixth minute began a hattrick that spelled a loss for our players in red. Only six minutes later we had gone from coasting to an easy victory to only scraping a draw, and despite a concered effort from Carpathia & Ruthenia they were playing on the back foot and the hattrick was finally completed twenty-six minutes later, a last minute corner gave us hope as our final subsutite Pék rose above the West Kharakia defenders but was headed agonisingly wide.

Our next oppenents Baggieland are third seeds of the group and ranked just shy of 100 places above us, are currently sitting comfortably top of the group and given our sloppy performance here we are unlikely to be the ones to dent their superb start to qualifying. Tonight's performance has shown that despite two good performances the dæmons that plagued our team beforehand still lurk just under the surface and that we shouldn't have let those performances go to our head. Lucia Kovács should be facing strong questions over her substutions as well as what appears to be a lack of squad depth cohesion, those new players looked more lost out there than you would have expected even with the lack of experience.

By Margita Ongaro
CBC Ruthenia

..............West Kharakia 3 - 2 Carpathia and Ruthenia.
Unknown (56', 62', 88') .......FT....... Bassi (18'), Fabbri (32')....

by **Brusseldorf** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 2:48 am

Lunch break in Casablanca, a golden autumn afternoon with the scent of spice lingering in the air. The café patio hummed with the rhythm of conversation and the clinking of cutlery. With three glasses carefully secured in my grasp, I arrived at the table to find my colleagues deep in discussion.
‘What are you two talking about, perchance? Work? At the luncheon hour?’ José broke eye contact with Amina, and smiled at me. Amina stopped talking and looked at me too.
‘Yes, we were talking about work. Thank you for the water’, Amina said. She reached across to the glasses I had placed on the table, and took one for herself. ‘I was just telling José that my posts are doing better for engagement now than round one, even though we've lost the last couple of games.’
‘Huh, that is interesting,’ I said, as I eased into my seat. Amina took a sip of water and glanced at José.
‘I think there is a bit more global attention on the team this cycle,’ José proposed. ‘Usually it’s mostly Brusseldorf and then like other Australialian countries that show up in the analytics, but I’ve seen a lot of views coming from nations in our group, from Eshialand especially.’ He pulled out his phone and flicked through his different apps, occasionally closing one. ‘One sec’, he said.
‘Did you see the package on my desk this morning?’ Amina asked, looking back at me.
‘I was the one who signed for it, remember?’ I replied, tilting my head in mirth.
‘Oh! You're so right! Well, do you know what it is?’ Amina asked.
‘No? What was it?’ I said with a tone of curiosity. José looked up from his phone excitedly but reserved his intrusion.
‘What was it?’ José asked, closing his phone.
‘Well, I was thinking of getting one last year, but I couldn’t justify it at the time,’ Amina said excitedly. ‘I got myself the Alrededores home shirt, with Khelifi on the back!’
‘How good!’ I said.
José laughed, ‘That’s fantastic, I love that!’
‘I haven’t opened it yet, but I’ll send you a photo tonight. I can't wait to try it on!’ Amina looked back at José. ‘What were you going to show us?’ José turned his phone screen back on, and faced it towards Amina and I.
‘Look here, under the map. It reckons over 20,000 engagements this week from people in Eshialand. And here too, Hapilopper with a few thousand.’ He swiped right a couple of times and a graph appeared. ‘And look at this spike here, that's from Cardenao on Saturday.’
‘Woah, why did it jump so high on Saturday?’ Amina asked. ‘Didn't we play them on, what was it... Thursday?’
‘No no, you're right, but one of their players was spewing nonsense on a podcast on the weekend and incited a small raid on our socials’, José explained.
‘Who was it?’ I asked.
José replied, ‘Uh... Haritz... I think. Yes, Larrainzar.’
‘Oh, I thought he was really nice,’ said Amina, her face a sight of disappointment.
José laughed. ‘I think he was just having a bit of fun... or that 4-2 battering might still be playing on his mind.’

*Michael Hernández was injured in the match against Baker Park, and is unavailable to play against Eshialand and Aleirave

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