World Cup 96 - Roleplay Thread

[HUElavia]

HUElavia 2–1 Kamijiro
(Watanabe 15', Kuramoto 70' | Kanazono 90')
Takoroyama Kyougijou, Takoroyama, HUElavia

HUElavia 3-0 Socialist Republic of Lower Tranmere
(Lobo 10', Uchee 40', Alves 88' (P))
Bolovets Olympic Stadium, Bolovets, HUElavia

Dubnia

The State where Eastern and Western Euroan Culture Meet.

Located in Southest HUElavia is the State of Dubnia. Dubnia is 32K mi2 in size, making it the 2nd smallest state in the country. Although, there is 25.4 million HUElavians in the state, making it the 13th most populace state of the country. The state is where the vast majority of Rus-HUElavians live in the country, and the only state where four languages are set as the official language of the state, with English, Spanish, Ukranian and Russian.

Dubnia is a state known for where several thousands of Rus from Eastern Euroa fled to during the 1950s to the 1990s in order to escape the dictatorships in the region. Over time, it has resulted in millions of Rus-HUElavians residing in the area, making it a mix of the culture from the East, while mingling with the modern society in the west. For the most part, most cities are situated along the coast, where most Rus-HUElavians enjoy spending their time at, but there are some cities into the interior of the state where people reside.

Bolovets is the state capital and the largest city of the state, with 12 million HUElavians calling this city their home. The buildings are a mix of Rus and Western Architecture, but have recently taken some influence from surrounding Aestellian culture to bring a unique blend of buildings for one to look at. The beach is the main attraction of Bolovets, where thousands of people spend their time in the area nearly every day of the year (except for the occasional rainy day where people flock indoors to avoid the weather). Besides the beaches and the waterfront property, the most notable areas of Bolovets includes: The Rus-HUElavian National Museum (details the history of the Rus and their immigration and their contributions to HUElavia), the Bolovets National Park (a nature reserve dedicated to plants and trees not only in HUElavia, but in Eastern Euroa), and the Bolovets SuperMall (one of the largest malls in HUElavia, filled with mainly luxury goods for one to purchase).

Chetka is the 2nd largest city in the state, inhabiting 4.2 million HUElavians, having a calmer atmosphere and vibe compared to the state capital. The city serves more as a resort town for people looking to escape the city life in the north and more populace areas of both the state and country. Chetka has plenty of restaurants, mainly serving in western Rus dishes (OOC: Ukranian), as well as more rustic villas, cottages and shacks (depending on how close one is to the beach) that people use to rent or to stay during the holidays.

Close to the border of the state is the Dubnia National Park, which mainly serves as a nice and small camping area for people to enjoy. The park is known for its more luxurious cabins and public dining areas where one could do BBQ or cook stews, which are popular pastimes in the Fall and Winter. It also serves as a Jaguar Sanctuary, protecting the felines before releasing them to more natural areas and away from civilization.

[Adab]

Monday, October 26, 2048
Adab 2-0 Delitai
Adab scorers: Al-Amin (9’), Barzani (33’)

---

Monday, November 2, 2048
Adab 4-3 StrayaRoos
Adab scorers: Barzani (24’), Akaptaha (55’, 90’+1), Arthur (67’)

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here. To read all the chapters in one go click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 79: With the Times

Imperial Palace
Adab City

“I do not know, I do not know,” the Emperor sighed, the unkempt white hair and lines on his face betraying his otherwise imposing frame. Hunched over in his seat, all his nine decades came into the forefront – and he suddenly looked much less than the man whose presence had graced the imperial throne, sittings of the Privy Council, and the minds of millions of his citizens over the last decade.

His eyes shot upwards – towards that small window which opened to the dark sky. “My father, his father before him, my grandfathers before me ruled over a great nation,” he lamented in a drawl. “I… will not be the one to watch it all go up in flames, or so I hope.”

“You will not, sir,” assured Belu Adamu, Private Secretary to the Emperor, standing solemnly across the desk from his master. “The situation is very much under control.” Unable to hold his gaze at the Emperor – still imposing, even when a hunched-over man, worn down by age and the storms of government – he found his gaze involuntarily dancing down towards the desk, as if he himself was unsure of what he was about to say. “The police has everything under control. They will not resort to force as long as Tabira remains peaceful, and so far he has remained peaceful. I have been assured that projectiles will not be used, only tear gas and such, and that would be only if things spiral completely out of control.”

“I do not want bloodshed,” the Emperor’s voice settled in a guttural, growling tone. Belu and the third man in the room found themselves perking up their ears to hear the great man’s words. “Order and authority will be restored, but I do not want bloodshed.”

“And bloodshed will not come, Your Majesty,” announced the third man in the room. From a far corner echoed the voice of Bashar Nawwaf, Lord President of the Privy Council. He stepped forward tentatively, edging closer to the Emperor. “For all our disagreements, the Privy Council and – I think I can speak on behalf of them – the Adabian people want peace above all. Let Tabira do his thing and we’ll just wait for the storm to pass.”

“If you call this thing a storm, then this is one outrageous storm,” the Emperor retorted, tilting his head upwards through ragged breaths. “These people – his people – want this entire institution abolished. They want to do away with the monarchy, with this entire government. When we are gone he will be standing on the ashes, declaring himself the new king or emperor or whatever the hell he wants to call himself.”

“The people will not-“

“You can continue to babble on about the people or whatever,” the Emperor cut Bashar off. “The fact is that the people are out there on the streets, on the streets of our cities, marching against us, demanding the abolition of this thing and probably wanting me out of the country. I do not know, I know I am not quite with the times, but what will be my- our replacement? This institution has worked well for centuries. Why should we change it?”

“We shouldn’t,” Belu said. “The people will realize it.”

“And I want the most important people in all this to realize it – which is why I intend to call Tabira, Kaykali, those Sinmuballit and Arthur people, and whoever else has a stake in this. And you," he turned to Bashar, "are the Lord President – get your council under control.”

[Sarzonia]

Father-son relationships can sometimes be complicated business.

Sarzonian footballing Hall of Famer Brian Wilson and his son Zack Wilson are no exception. Both have played on Sarzonian World Cup qualifying teams. Brian Wilson won a World Cup as perhaps the brightest star amongst the Stars. Zack Wilson was also an important player in Sarzonian football history, even if he didn't live up to his father's and grandfather's legacies.

One example of this was demonstrated by the conversation the two Wilsons had about Zack Wilson's decision to lodge a formal protest against the playing conditions for Sarzonia's match against Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove Xicohtzinco Community College Ballpark, a baseball pitch in extreme desert climate.

Stars manager Caleb Rush opted to go with grey kits that were a muted version of the metallic silver ceremonial kits used for exhibition mini-matches and other fancy affairs. Acting manager Isabella Sanchez Lopez opted to have her team wear white kits, evidently hoping to force Sarzonia into their navy blue kits to cause them to absorb more sun and heat. Rush also opted for additional security on the team's supplies of water bottles, coolers, refrigeration and sunblock.

The Krytenian referee included mandatory hydration breaks and required both sidelines to have some protection from temperatures that reached a high of 40.6 degrees Celsius. Still, Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove prevailed 2-0, but Rush said afterward that the fact no Sarzonians suffered from heat-related illness was a victory in itself.

However, that didn't stop Zack Wilson from lodging a formal protest.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
INCORPORATED FOOTBALL FEDERATION

The Incorporated Football Federation is disturbed by the deliberate gamesmanship tactics employed by Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove in scheduling the fixture between our two sides on a substandard pitch in extreme weather conditions that directly risked the lives, and the health and well-being of our players and managerial staff.

Our beautiful game has taken great strides in recent years toward a greater understanding of and accommodation for safety improvements for players, management, support personnel and fans. The decision to risk the health and safety of Sarzonian players and personnel by playing in and on this travesty atXicohtzinco Community College Ballpark makes a shameful mockery of those prior efforts.

We expect concrete steps to be implemented in future to prevent such harmful tactics from being employed again.

Sincerely,

Zachary R. Wilson
President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Incorporated Football Federation

Brian Wilson was visiting the IFF offices, which he was allowed to as a former player, manager and IFF Chairman. He happened upon the signed letter from his son. He grimaced. Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove will laugh at us, he thought. The WCC won't do a damn thing about it.

"Zachary, you didn't actually send[ that letter, did you?I.

"You're damn right I did," Zack Wilson said.

"Are you out of your mind? The rest of the IFF is gonna call this sour grapes because we lost! The time to launch a protest was before we traveled over there, not now!"

"Objection noted, father," Zack Wilson intoned. Brian Wilson knew that tone meant Zack Wilson was angry. Zack usually Brian "Dad" or "Pops." "Father" was reserved for those moments. Zack Wilson continued.

"And if I send that letter as soon as the venue is announced, it's a distraction. The team are going to be asked about the letter and not about their tactics against the Tapirs."

"Don't take that tone with me, Zachary Robert Wilson," Brian Wilson said.

"You're forgetting something, Father," Zack Wilson retorted. "I can have security remove you."

The two men glowered at each other before Brian snatched his coat and walked out in a huff.

[Baggieland]

Part Five: The Holiday

Will Admiral Kirana commend Len's quick thinking and decisive action, or will she question his ability to handle the responsibilities of leadership?

"Captain Altanchimeg is dead. Lieutenant Bohdan is dead. Two of the finest officers in the Space Corps taken from us by those Romvesen scum. And you, Petty Officer Len Livermore, you… ran away!"

Admiral Kirana's words seemed unduly harsh, but the stone-cold seriousness in her eyes told Len that maybe he was better suited to playing football than engaging in intergalactic warfare.

"However, considering that you had neither experience or training in that adverse situation, you probably did the right thing. Your quick thinking and decisive action, in all likelihood saved the lives of the remaining crew, therefore we have decided to give you command of your own ship. It will only be a corvette, and you won't be sent anywhere near Romvesen territory, however, we will send you on battle command training first… just in case."

Battle command training was certainly an eye-opener; did you know that Romvesens can only be killed outright if you shoot them in their middle eye? Anywhere else and they just keep coming at you, a bit disconcerting that. They also fly their ships in formation – always and without fail – whether they're heading out on a mission, returning from one or engaging in battle. Romvesens are very orthodox and frown upon independent actions, that's way every Baggielandian Space Corps officer gets sent to Gnejs in order to observe the habits of a conformist populace.

Len flew into Port Kejm, the capital of Gnejs. He had been here before, when he played in the first (and so far only) Nordsjø Derby. He had also been here on holiday; Gnejs is a very popular destination for Baggies as they like to abuse the hospitality shown to them by Gnejsians. Baggieland received 'The Rock of Friendship' a long time ago from Gnejs, so no matter how uncouth the behaviour of the travelling Baggies, the Gnejsians never complain!

But Len wasn't here on holiday; he had to observe. What makes them tick? Why are they all such a stick-in-the-mud for rules and regulations? Does this give them any kind of advantage? What are their weaknesses?

Len headed to a bar and sat down with a nice cool pint, what better way to observe people! The bar was showing live the match between Gnejs and Sudilia, it looked like quite an entertaining game with lots of goals.

"Can we change the channel, so I can watch Baggieland vs Krytenia?" enquired Len.

"Are you from Baggieland?" asked the barman.

"Give me a lasagna and I'll eat it with a spoon!" replied Len.

"We cannot deny a request from a friend," stated the barman, as he duly changed the channel.

Amazing! Not a single patron of the bar complained! If a Gnejsian came to Baggieland and tried that, well… let's just say it wouldn't end well. Len watched as The Throstles stuffed Krytenia 5 – 2 on their own turf. Astonishingly the locals never asked about the result between Gnejs and Sudilia. Why was this?

Just then, the young lady stood near Len started choking on a peanut.

"Oh no! Does anyone know the… what's it called again? The Heinrich manoeuvre… no that's not it, the hind-lick manoeuvre?" Len enquired.

"You mean the Heimlich manoeuvre," stated another nearby patron.

"Nah, I prefer the hind-lick manoeuvre. Do you know how to do it?"

"In my capacity as a police officer, I have been shown it."

"Then do it to her now; she's choking to death!"

"I'm sorry, but I am not permitted to perform this manoeuvre. An ambulance has been called and a trained paramedic will give her the help she needs."

This was interesting stuff, if this was how Romvesens behaved as well, then Len could use this knowledge to his advantage.

[Cassadaigua]

Here comes a rant and the anti-Chen Huikang crowd,
by Caitlyn Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Yeah. That stunk, but are you surprised?

Not much has gone right for Cassadaigua in World Cup classification play recently, and now after two games where the pink and black could not even find the back of the net, once again it is looking like the Matriarchy will not be a part of the primary field of 32. Ah, yes, field of 32. Will that ever change?

It is time for another rant about the field size of the World Cup, something that I am well aware that many of you are tired of hearing about. Either you agree that the field size of the primary World Cup field should be thirty-two teams, and therefore, you simply roll your eyes whenever I get going on the topic, or you may agree with me but just want to stop hearing about it. But, I have too, because it’s really just not Cassadaigua right now. Bear in mind that traditional powers: Graintfjall, Nephara, and Brenecia are not attempting to qualify. Vilita and Turori are not allowed to participate.

Here is a list of accomplished nations that are not leading their group through eight games, and are currently sitting in second place. Therefore, they still have a way to make the World Cup, but would have to deal with the playoff: The Holy Empire. Actually, couldn’t I just stop there and already make this point? Well, I could, but I will continue. Here’s more: Valentine Z, Zwangzug. Yes, that Zwangzug. Let me continue... Tikariot, Pasarga, Yuezhou, Baker Park, Tumbra, Farfadillis, Ko-oren, Audioslavia, and well, us. That’s eleven teams. And I didn’t include people like Gnejs, Baggieland or Kandorith. Very deserving people. Only ten of those nations would make the field if they remained in second place.

Now, here’s a list of accomplished nations that would not even get a chance to play in the playoff game: Eura, Squornshelan Remnant States, Drawkland, Poafmersia, Banija (wait, what?), Milchama, and hopefully remaining in this position: Mytanija. I could name more. No offense is meant to nations that are omitted. If there’s any glaring omissions, the answer may simply be that my eyes glanced over the nation as I was making my list.

So, in total, after the top twenty group leaders, I just named a total of 19 nations. You could have all of them in, presuming some of these nations at least climbed into the third position, and then leave the floor open to some newer nations, or some up and coming programs. That’s just not where we are. So, at least seven of these mentioned nations are going to the “B” field, otherwise known as the Cup of Harmony. This is why we just don’t look down on that anymore, and why we just don’t feel that it’s much less of a competition than the “A” field. If we really wanted to make the Cup of Harmony more of a consolation tournament, it would be that if that World Cup was 48 teams. Instead, we’ll have a “B” field with very strong teams, whether we are there or not. So, why look down on that?

Nonetheless, we know what we have this year, and our opinion of the smaller, 32-team format is not indicative of what we think about the hosts. That should obvious, I guess, but I just don’t want that to be what people think of this rant. We’ve been loudly campaigning for a 48-team World Cup since at least the 94th edition, and I believe it probably started in the 93rd cycle. Eventually, it will happen.

Will it be CASE that does it? At least as in, the organization that makes the bid. It was only a little while ago that Stephanie Sweeney announced that she will be resigning as the president of the organization. While Cassadaigua, as a nation, did co-host World Cup 88, there has not even been a bid for any of the WCC-sanctioned competitions since then. Sweeney made that bid right away at the start of her tenure, but there has not been any talk of a bid since. In a recent interview on the topic, Sweeney was quoted as saying, “While we know Cassadaigua has the infrastructure to successfully being the World Cup back to our nation, there have been other factors that have been talked about in this office to where we simply felt that it was not in the best interest of the nation to attempt a bid.” Those factors could have been related to some international ill-will toward the annexation of the Cooper River Region, and the nation as a whole did not bid on anything for a while. But that part has changed, with a World Baseball Classic and an International Basketball Championship being hosted here. There was a bid to host the World Bowl as well, which was defeated. The next CASE President, whoever they end up being, may decide to make a bid in the near future. This is mainly because there will need to be someone out there that bids to break the status quo. It’s coming. Someone will do it. And it just may end up having to be us. Sweeney did not respond to any specific plans for the future, as it is understandable that she is distancing herself from that with her pending retirement.

On the field, the last two games by the Fillies were complete duds. It’s one thing to lose two games in a row. It’s another thing to lose two games in a row at home. It’s yet another thing to lose two games in a row at home to opposition that you should be able to beat. It’s an added thing to all of that, when you lose two games in a row at home to opposition that you should be able to beat when you fail to score a single goal. I can’t even put into words right now some of the feelings that Cassadagan fans have right now, but whenever this happens, the easiest target is the manager, fair or not. Sure, you can credit the opposition for playing a great game. But what fun is that? Ok, Brannfjord and Reçueçn, well done. Each of you really did play very well. Crazed sports fans can’t let it be that easy. But I will at least acknowledge that. You could criticize Lacey Sherwood for missing what should have been a sure goal in the 40th minute of Brannfjord. You can criticize Lexi McGregor for being offsides on a golden opportunity late in the game against Reçueçn. You can blame Lauren or Chrissy Engle. Or Rachel Wyman, for failing to take their games to the next level and begin to question whether or not they really are our long term answers in the midfield. I mean, even Lexi, the great Lexi McGregor who always wants to let it be known that she is a superstar, could be stepping up her game a little bit and showing some killer instinct out there. Doing all that is too easy. Let’s just blame the manager. Probably because he’s a “he” and he’s not Cassadagan.

I will say, Lexi McGregor has had a good classification period up to this point, so I don’t really think we should be picking on her necessarily, but if you want to really show the world that you are best soccer players out there right now, then you can’t have games like these last two. I didn’t mention our goalkeeper Lacey Horvath or our defense, because in these last two games, they weren’t the problem. Both were 1-0 defeats, and the Fillies do not play a defensive system to where you say, “clean sheet or bust” to the people in their position. I would like to see a little better play in the midfield. Some people have pointed out that Chrissy has been the better Engle twin during this campaign, and statistically, that may be true, but it should be Lauren that’s the better of the two, right? Kaitlin Millikan has been quiet.

However, all of that is the responsibility of Chen Huikang and his staff. Are we seeing an example of why Yuezhou released him? His back was against the wall during the last Copa Rushmori, but under pressure, he not only helped turn that around, but ended up taking that rebound all the way to the championship game. Maybe he is better under pressure, so if that is the case, it’s there now. There will be a new CASE President starting the next cycle, and if Chen fails to get this team into the “A” group, which is the goal teams, 48 teams or not, then a new President is probably not retaining him.

Team Cassadaigua, the heat is on. Let’s start showing the (expletive) up out on the field, scoring some (expletive) goals, and win some (expletive) games.

I let it out. Because I know a lot of you are thinking that.

[Txakhaxi]

Gokhobe Magokhitxe
Translated with help of AI, find the original text in the spoiler below - picture made with AI

Gokhobe Magokhitxe - being the true Txakhaxi he is - is an enigmatic figure. He's not accustomed to giving speeches to the public or attending interviews. Many fans consider him obsessive about his tactics, fearing to give even the slightest hint of sensitive information. Some even believe him to be superstitious, only revealing his opinions on certain dates or according to specific environmental or astronomical factors. Whatever the case may be, seeing him speak on TV is indeed unusual.

When it's announced that the coach has agreed to speak publicly, all football fans in Txakhaxi make time in their schedules to listen to him. By now, gathering to await Magokhitxe's word has become a widely practiced national ritual. His interpretations of matches are cherished as examples of deep and ancient wisdom. His predictions - always dark and ambiguous - can be subject to exegetical debates both in sports media and bar discussions for weeks.

The aesthetic experience when dealing with Magokhitxe can be striking. If he were an ordinary guy, one might be tempted to suggest psychiatric assistance for him. His raspy and worn voice from years of smoking oscillates between extremes; a long, vibrant, saliva-laden whisper is often interrupted by furious screams that unsettle his interlocutors. His yellow teeth and lazy tongue battle it out for each word he utters, and sounds often intertwine and blur in his permanently half-open mouth. His appearance is unkempt, with thick, coarse, lank hair tightly pulled back into a ponytail resembling a large, brownish-gray dreadlock. He has an unusually sparse beard, as if the hairs were individually placed on his face, and the job was left unfinished. Yet, he hasn't shaved it for years. Even his smell is puzzling. He wears an outdated cologne, 'Mu Txuoneri, Kraken musk,' which, mixed with the scent of freshly smoked tobacco, produces a pungent, dry, spicy odor.

Born in the Txumakha city of Siekhaeñi, Gokhobe Magokhitxe moved to the northern part of the country as a child, where he spent his formative years in the Nasago Fukrabekae academy. During his football years, then known as "The Hermit," he played as a midfielder in the lower divisions of the Bumao state championship until he was forty years old. On several occasions, he managed to win first place and ascend to the Txa Championship, but he always chose to bid farewell to his team and follow his path elsewhere. "The first division is too demanding," he said, "... They won't let me smoke there." He wore 15 different jerseys throughout his career and scored 55 goals. He rejected the call-up from the Bumao state team because he considered himself faithful to Adaxa Txumu, and also the call-up from the Adaxa Txumu state team because "they trained too far from home."

Shortly after his retirement, he began working as a coach at the Nasago Fukrabekae academy, where he achieved such good results that he quickly rose to lead the reserve team and eventually the first team. Under Magokhitxe's leadership, the northern giant managed to assemble a highly competitive squad, with which he was crowned champion five times. Despite coaching one of the most hated teams in the country, the stark contrast between Nasagakha's affluent fanbase and the enigmatic and disheveled Magokhitxe endowed him with a fantastic aura. Only a mad Adaxakha could become a national idol as Nasago's coach.

His appointment as coach of the national team was well received, and the good results only reaffirmed the decision. However, these WCQs have not been particularly good for the red-and-blacks. After four defeats and only one victory, Magokhitxe announced that he would break his silence as soon as the match against Oberour Ar Moro ended. The news spread throughout Txakhaxi. The public organized family gatherings, not to watch the game, but for the interview that would follow. On social media, #MagokhitxeWillSay was a national trend.

The match ended in a draw, and the coach appeared before the press looking very agitated. He approached the table, lighting a cigarette. He spoke softly to someone without taking the cigarette out of his mouth while struggling to ignite a rusty metal lighter. Someone approached to offer their lighter, and Magokhitxe accepted it without taking his eyes off his cigarette. He took a puff, blew it out, looked at the press. The expectant faces of the journalists irritated him. He knew his words would be discussed all week, with exaggerated and unnecessary interpretative efforts.

Then he decided to speak. He coughed dryly and gravely and approached the microphone.

"Good afternoon. I didn't offer a press conference, I asked for one. I don't have answers to your questions, but only a message to give you: only those who dare to earn it deserve glory. Thank you very much."

He quickly got up and left.

The silence in the room was deafening, to the point that - some claim - it made the windows tremble. For the international press, it was just another display of Magokhitxe's extravagance, perhaps somewhat foolish. In contrast, Txakhaxi journalists gradually left the venue, confused, aware that they should do something with that statement, yet it was impossible to know precisely what.

As expected, the hermeneutical carnival began during the week. "He's criticizing his squad"; "He thinks the fans haven't cheered enough"; "It was an arrogant statement"; "He's discrediting the press." The truth is that reducing his remarks to a convincing interpretation is impossible. Like an ancient scripture, Magokhitxe's statements flourish when his ambiguity is fully explored. The player who knows he's not giving his all will feel pressured, the calm fan will be challenged, the insecure coach will be consumed by anger, the unfair journalist will be cautious. Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, Magokhitxe's words have an effect on reality.

Gokhobe Magokhitxe -como el buen Txakhaxi que es- es un tipo enigmático. No acostumbra dar declaraciones al público, ni presentarse a entrevistas. Muchos fans consideran que es un obsesivo de sus tácticas, que teme dar cualquier mínimo indicio de cierta información sensible. Algunos incluso lo creen un supersticioso, que sólo revela su opinión en determinadas fechas o según ciertos factores ambientales o astronómicos. Sea como fuere, lo cierto es que verlo hablar en tv es inusual.

Cuando se anuncia que el coach aceptó hablar en público, todos los fans del fútbol en Txakhaxi hacen espacio en sus agendas para escucharlo. A estas alturas, reunirse a esperar la palabra de Magokhitxe constituye un ritual nacional ampliamente difundido. Sus interpretaciones de los partidos se aprecian como ejemplos de sabiduría profunda y ancestral. Sus predicciones -siempre oscuras y ambiguas- pueden ser objeto de debates exegéticos tanto en la prensa deportiva como en las discusiones de bar durante semanas.

La experiencia estética de tratar con Magokhitxe puede resultar impactante. De haber sido un tipo ordinario, uno se vería tentado a pedir asistencia psiquiátrica para él. Su voz rasposa y gastada de años de tabaquismo oscila entre extremos; un largo susurro vibrante y salivoso suele ser interrumpido por alaridos coléricos que descolocan a sus interlocutores. Sus dientes amarillos y su lengua haragana dan una batalla interna por cada palabra que emite, y los sonidos a menudo se entrelazan y confunden en su boca permanentemente entreabierta. Su imagen es desarreglada, con pelos lacios gruesos y duros, tensamente estirados en una cola de caballo que parece una gran rasta color gris amarronado. Tiene una barba inusualmente rala, como si los pelos hubieran sido puestos uno por uno en su cara, y ese trabajo hubiera quedado sin terminar. Aún así, no la afeita hace años. Incluso su olor es desconcertante. Usa una colonia anticuada, ‘Mu Txuoneri de almizcle de Kraken’, que matizada con el olor a tabaco recién fumado produce un olor penetrante, muy seco y picante.

Nacido en la ciudad Txumakha de Siekhaeñi, Gokhobe Magokhitxe se fue de niño al norte del país, donde pasó sus años formativos en la cantera de Nasago Fukrabekae. En sus años de futbolista, entonces conocido como El Ermitaño, jugó hasta sus cuarenta años como mediocampista en las divisiones inferiores del campeonato estatal de Bumao. En varias ocasiones logró alzarse con el primer lugar y ascender al Campeonato de Txa, pero siempre optó por despedirse de su equipo y seguir sus pasos en algún otro lugar. “La primera división es demasiado exigente” -decía- “… Allí no me dejarán fumar”. Vistió 15 camisetas a lo largo de su carrera y marcó 55 goles. Rechazó el llamado de la selección estatal de Bumao por considerarse fiel a Adaxa Txumu, y también el de la selección estatal de Adaxa Txumu porque “entrenaban muy lejos de casa”.

Al poco tiempo de su retirada, entró a trabajar como entrenador en la academia de Nasago Fukrabekae, donde consiguió resultados tan buenos que rápidamente llegó a dirigir el equipo de la reserva y eventualmente el primer equipo. Al mando del gigante norteño, Magokhitxe logró armar un plantel altamente competitivo, con el que se coronó campeón cinco veces. A pesar de dirigir a uno de los equipos más odiados del país, el alto contraste entre la opulenta fanaticada Nasagakha y el enigmático y desalineado Magokhitxe lo dotó de un aura fantástica. Sólo un loco Adaxakha podía convertirse en ídolo nacional como coach de Nasago.

Su designación como entrenador de la selección nacional fue muy bien recibida, y los buenos resultados no hicieron más que reafirmar la decisión. No obstante, estos WCQ no están siendo particularmente buenos para los rojinegros. Luego de cuatro derrotas y sólo una victoria, Magokhitxe anunció que rompería el silencio tan pronto acabara el partido contra Oberour Ar Moro. La noticia pasó por todos los medios de Txakhaxi. El público organizó reuniones familiares, no para ver el partido, sino por la entrevista que vendría después. En las redes sociales, #MagokhitxeWillSay fue tendencia nacional.

El partido acabó en empate, y el entrenador apareció ante la prensa muy agitado. Se acercó a la mesa encendiendo un cigarrillo. Hablaba bajo con alguien sin quitarse el cigarrillo de la boca mientras se esforzaba por hacer andar un encendedor de metal oxidado. Alguien se acercó a ofrecerle su fuego, y Magokhitxe lo aceptó sin quitar los ojos de su cigarrillo. Dio una pitada; sopló; miró a la prensa. Las caras expectantes de los periodistas lo irritaban. Sabía que sus palabras serían discutidas toda la semana, con esfuerzos interpretativos exagerados e innecesarios.

Entonces se decidió a hablar. Tosió seca y gravemente y se acercó al micrófono.

“Buenas tardes. No ofrecí una conferencia de prensa, la pedí. No tengo respuestas a sus preguntas, sino sólo un mensaje para darles: sólo merecen la gloria quienes se atreven a ganársela. Muchas gracias.”

Se levantó rápidamente y se fue.

El silencio en la sala fue ensordecedor, a tal punto que -algunos afirman- hizo temblar las ventanas. Para la prensa internacional no fue más que una muestra más de la extravagancia, quizás algo estúpida, de Magokhitxe. En cambio, los periodistas Txakhaxis salieron del lugar poco a poco, confundidos, conscientes de que deberían hacer algo con esa frase, y era imposible saber precisamente qué.

Durante la semana, como era de esperarse, comenzó el carnaval hermenéutico. “Está criticando a su plantel”; “cree que los fans no han alentado lo suficiente”; “fue una declaración arrogante”; “está desacreditando a la prensa”. La verdad es que es imposible reducir sus dichos a una interpretación convincente. Cual si de una escritura antigua se tratase, las declaraciones de Magokhitxe florecen cuando se exprime al máximo su ambigüedad. El jugador que sabe que no está dándolo todo se sentirá presionado, el hincha calmo se verá interpelado, al entrenador inseguro lo carcomerá la ira, el periodista injusto será cuidadoso. Como una profecía autocumplida, las palabras de Magokhitxe surten efecto en la realidad.

[Kelssek]

Mike Bronzeflyover checked the feed to make sure he was waving the can of energy drink within the frame of the camera as he continued talking, “...and some muppet from Valanora, right, just comes up to me and says, Andreas Bjerk wins the Champions League with RCU, you can’t compare that to anything Burnaby can win or has ever won. Well, first of all right, look at the domestic league rankings, buddy. Second – hic”

Bronzeflyer paused to suppress hiccups, which always happened with the red flavor of BOOM! Energy for some reason. Another streamer was more than happy to fill in the gap with a tangent.

“That’s completely right, Mick... because who is it that’s paying these players’ salaries? It’s us, the fans, of clubs. So Kelssek has to understand they’ve got to be accountable if they mess up our players. What happens if you put on Pogbacar, right, and he has a bad match and loses confidence and form and comes back to Burnaby SC, the greatest club in the COUNTRY!... and it affects him negatively? You’ve just torpedoed, sabotaged, the most important team, the biggest team in Kelssek, for the sake of a meaningless World Cup qualifier that we should be winning anyway. Now I just can’t quite see how Football Kelssek gets away with this, again and again. Ingrid Lambert too, is under so much pressure being captain of both club and country, it really is just too much here.”

Bronzeflyover jumped back in. “Ok, some superchats coming in, I promised I’d get to those, so MandaraHitlerHamas says, ‘I think it’s time to say enough is enough if we want to get into the World Cup we need to ban all the train baby immigrants’. Uh. Yeah I’m not too sure what you’re saying mate. It’s not because of the trains that Zoé Goh-Lemaire misses an open goal from five yards. That would have been at least a point, okay, instead the Indusse match was a total waste, a total waste. Like I was saying, we can’t keep letting the Kelssek team take our best players and run them into the ground.”

Bronzeflyover couldn’t remember if he’d done the sponsor bit yet, so to be safe he conspicuously swigged from the can of BOOM! Energy and read from the script he’d taped to the computer montior. “Sorry, just need a bit of a buzz to get me through here. You know I think I do prefer the new purple boom...” - the marketing team’s direction was that the name of the energy drink had to be shouted but that was just a bit too much even for Bronzeflyover – “...got to be my go to right now. Boom. It’s just the boost you need to get to your next level.”

“BjerksBabyMama with a superchat, ‘Hi Bronzey love the channel just wanna know your thoughts on Rory Joseph needing to spend more time practising free kicks, how a professional can’t hit that target every time is just bonkers to me just shows Ryan Potter needs to go, most worthless manager we could have!’ Can’t argue with that mate...”

“Jokelyn-underscore-Trout says, ‘are you setting up to blame internationals for your gay boyfriend Potter failing this weekend again with his godawful game management, how long before we realize Sunsaber is not a striker.’ Christ, mate, why am I reading out the abuse just because you paid me money to do it? I call it like it is, having international players is a problem for us that other clubs don’t face and that’s just a fact. I know people are gonna say, well that means they’re good players how can you say that? Well I am saying it, and you’re going to have to get used to it. We need to stop signing players who are on national teams, that’s just facts.”

KELSSEK 1 Maradrogba (47’)
Maraipu, Jouppi, Thomsen, Durocher, Usher (Cleeves 80’), dí Völará (Breault 70’), Pépin, Lìos (Mann 80’), Heer (Cutter 80’), Maradrogba (Goh-Lemaire 76’)
VILWANDIA 1 Vermaak (13’)

KELSSEK 3 Pogbacar (52’, 67’), an Deòir (63’)
Maraipu, Buené, Lambert, Camserhe, Loew, Pogbacar (Breault 77’), dí Völará (Licea 71’), Joseph (Heer 71’), Mann (Obident 64’), Cutter, an Deòir (Maradrogba 77’)
DAHARIA 0

[Eshialand]

The Scoop Never Dies
United Mandaran States 0-2 Eshialand
La Pizza de la mama 1-3 Eshialand

"Hello and welcome back to Tournament Report, I'm Karsten Rhodes, that's... uh..."

"Josh?"

"Where are you?"

---

"Are you even sure this plan is gonna work?" Will asked Josh as the two prepared to knock on the door to the Investigator's offices.
"Absolutely sure! 200% sure!" he exclaimed, until correcting himself with "okay, well mostly sure. There's a small chance we fail here."
"How small of a chance?"
"Don't worry about it."

Josh kept on driving the two of them until they arrived at their destination... which was a relatively non-descript pizzeria named Papa Gino's. "Are you sure this is even the place?" Will asked.
"I'm pretty sure..."
"What makes you think this is it?"
"Okay so you know how I got some information about the Investigator's... specific business practices?"
"Yeah."
"Well, you see... my informant was Alana Markai."
"Oh boy..."
"No no no she's changed, I promise! She hasn't touched a drink or a job in the press in three years now, I swear she's okay."
"If you say so then..." the king replied with some heavy doubt.
"Anyway, she told me that she used to exchange letters with the guys at the Investigator to try and work some things out that never came to pass--"
"Wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to write for those buffoons..."
"--and she tracked the mailman down until he delivered her letters here!"
"Why did she do that?"
"Not important. Anyway, are you in?"
"Well of course I'm in I'm just a bit--"

Knock knock knock...

"Wait what are you doing aren't we supposed to have a plan??" Will whispered.
"Plans are for people who aren't bold enough to jump right in--" Josh replied before the door was answered.

"We're closed, come back at 11 when we open for the day." an angry man whose nametag identified him as the owner, Gino, answered.
"We're here to talk to the Investigator's newswriting crew..." Josh replied.
"For what reason?"
"I've got a question about--"
"Hi yes we're here to deliver their breakfast from Nora's," Will interjected, "I've got an egg and sausage sandwich with Jerry's name on it and Sarah absolutely NEEDS her triple shot latté to function!"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Gino said, "right this way!"

"Wow that was so smooth, how'd you do that?? Do you know everyone here??" Josh asked quietly.
"Nah, I'm just really good at telling believable lies... how do you think nobody's discovered my darkest secrets yet?"
"Hah, nice one... but where are you getting the breakfast?"
"Oh, that's my breakfast actually." the king said, holding up the sandwich and the coffee. "You owe me by the way."

[Jeruselem]

Naked News Jeruselem reporter Iris Randolf with Jeruselem team manager Astarte Venus after getting beaten 4-2 by the Commonwealth of Baker Park in Commonwealth of Baker ...

Iris: Well, I guess we got this game out of the way. They beat us 5-2 at home and then 4-2 here. At least we're consistent ... in a bad way
Astarte: This game was never going be easy given how the our first game against them panned out.
Iris: Getting smacked 4-2 is an improvement over 5-2 I guess but it's still zero points ...
Astarte: Yes but we've given away like 6 points to Commonwealth of Baker Park as it is
Iris: We are going Sylestone on day 10, we lost them at home as well but that was only 3-1
Astarte: We can't get ahead ourselves, we have to beat The Union of Ventura at home first. If we can't win that one, we might as well not bother trying.

Iris: That draw 1-1 with Al-Tamazgha was a missed opportunity
Astarte: Yes well, we could have won 5-1 if we had converted all those chances.
Iris: We, only 7 points behind 3rd spot so it's not completely lost.
Astarte: But we'll pretty much need to win everything from now on. We have 4 losses, only The Union of Ventura has more with seven.
Iris: And you need Sylestone to beat everyone up to make sure they don't get wins
Astarte: Looking at what they are doing now, I think that's not problem for them. They have conceded 2 goals in 6 games. No one is even looking like beating them.

Iris: Even Commonwealth of Baker Park couldn't handle them
Astarte: We need to compete the Commonwealth of Baker Park and Zenic. Clearly those are biggest problems, Sylestone is just a class above everyone.
Iris: I think most betting is on Sylestone, Commonwealth of Baker Park and Zenic being the top 3 in Group 12.
Astarte: Makes sense, we've had two weak wins and not even gotten close to competing with the top seeds. Losing to Zenic was the big problem as our three other losses were to top 2 seeds.
Iris: So you got Plan B?
Astarte: Not really, I'm here to see if we qualify. Going to a Cup of Harmony is not part of the plan, well for now.

Iris: Some are calling on you to quit
Astarte: If history shows, replacing the manager in the middle of a campaign rarely works.
Iris: So what's going wrong?
Astarte: We're not scoring enough, which means wins become draws and losses become bad losses. Which means the defense has to work too much and they get tired and overrun by our opponent.
Iris: We do have 2rd worse defense in the group
Astarte: 9 of 16 goals come from two games playing Commonwealth of Baker Park who favour offense. Actually Commonwealth of Baker Park conceded 10 goals so far, but scored 19 which is more than everyone.

Iris: So 7 games, taking out Baker Park games ... 5 games conceding 16 minus 9, 7. So we conceded 7 goals in 5 games! Our defense mostly actually works.
Astarte: So the Baker Park games, including today make our defense look terrible.
Iris: Scoring 10 goals in 7 games is our problem!
Astarte: 4 of our goals were scored playing Baker Park, so we scored 6 goals in 5 games. That's the problem, we don't score enough goals.
Iris: So we've scored 4 goals against Baker Park, of their 10 conceded?
Astarte: That tells you they don't if they concede a few extra goals, because of their potent offense makes up for it.

Iris: We don't have kinda firepower do we?
Astarte: Not really, our best win was 4-2 which shows we can but rarely execute that
Iris: Oh yes, don't google Baker Park Jeruselem ...
Astarte: It's that nudist colony isn't it?
Iris: Yeah, been there a few times
Astarte: Well, the dress code their suits you anyways. I couldn't do that ... well, dress code isn't right word.

Iris: I don't need to go a nudist colony, my workplace is already one.
Astarte: Except it's indoors, I don't to be burnt to crisp in the Jeruselem sun
Iris: You are right, it does get a little toasty out there sometimes! Sunburn isn't very nice.
Astarte: I have enough health issues as it is anyways. I don't want add skin cancer.
Iris: Funny thing about Jeruselem, we have a lot "Baker Parks"
Astarte: I assume nothing to with Commonwealth of Baker Park

Iris: Nothing at all, it's we seem to have a lot ... bakers.
Astarte: I guess we actually do, we love our bread.
Iris: I guess thousand of years ago we needed those bakers and still need them
Astarte: It's actually dangerous to be gluten intolerant in Jeruselem. Visitors are warned if they are gluten intolerant to be careful.
Iris: I did notice that at our airport.
Astarte: And redheads like you should really not get too much sun.

[Aphrilia]

Things Seem To Be Working Out

When the seven of them gave what they all wrote down to manager Christopher Vermont, he was bamboozled. But he still decided to give it a chance.

The newly formulated tactics were much more complex than the general doctrine that the Anchors had already been deploying. In a sense, the team will have three variations of a "slow" and "fast" tempo. The fast tempo of play will be used specifically for counter-attacking and pressing while the slow tempo of play would be used for Aphrilia's build up, defense, and general offense. This would hopefully contribute to the solution of opposition team taking advantage of the team's sometimes abysmally slow build up play. The other part of the solution was for there to be someone to control the tempo of play. The team and management concluded that all the midfielders should be taught on how to be the anchor.

Teaching nine midfielders this newly developed code of communication wasn't too hard since the codes themselves weren't too complex. And while all the midfielders would know the code and how to communicate it, everyone else on the team needed to understand what was being said by the anchor. And this anchor would be a single, designated person declared by the manager himself. In training, implementing the newly laid out tactics went somewhat awry due to the still lacking communication and authority of the midfielders, but the Anchors had ironed everything out by the time the first match they would play with this new set of tactics came around, which was against a top team in Audioslavia.

The end result of Matchday Five was an expected loss, but only by a 1 - 0 scoreline which somewhat surprised the team. On the pitch, the Anchors showed some real promise with the new tactics at hand, but some fans were worried with Aphrilia's attempt at a fast tempo. Critics stated that despite calling it a "fast" tempo of play, it still felt slow compared to the typical average "fast" paced team. But that wasn't Aphrilia's primary focus. All that the team needed was the capability to play as fast as, well, as fast as Aphrilian football could get. However, it was the next match that gave Aphrilia (The team and fans) hope in that these new tactics will help the national team prosper.

Cabo Azure was the top seed of Group 19, having been unbeaten so far up to Matchday Six. Ranked 20th in the world, it would be an uphill battle for Aphrilia. But what ended up happening was a massive upset. Aphrilia ended up defeating Cabo Azure by a scoreline of 3 - 1, which was quite a shock to plenty. Reports are that the team were ecstatic and the fans were in joy to the point that there were a few parades in some small towns. The Anchors being in good form then proceeded to defeat Saltidia with ease and grab a point away against Saterun. Safe to say that the fans watching Aphrilia are glad that things seem to be working out, and regardless of future results, just hope things will continue this way.

MATCHDAY 5
Audioslavia 1 – 0 Aphrilia
(33'') Kjartan Lúnquerque
(40'') Sandy Harkness --
-- Natasha Aston (64'')
-- Ernest McPraxley (81'')

MATCHDAY 6
Aphrilia 3 - 1 Cabo Azure
(10'') Nathaniel Rosberg (P)
(28'') Ines Forrestal
-- Adalberto Furtado (31'')
Rolando Florencio (45+1'')
(70'') Ashton Roberts --
(78'') Kevin Lacey

MATCHDAY 7
Saltidia 0 - 2 Aphrilia
Ines Forrestal (34'')
-- Amanda Brentford (43'')
Shawn Green (57'')

MATCHDAY 8
Saterun 0 - 0 Aphrilia
-- Mitch Young (90'')

[Milchama]

Alexandria Times-Tribune-Sun-Moon-Sky-Picayune-Courier-Post-Pre-Forward-Current-Reader

Sports Section

Bad International Window Puts Warriors on the Brink

It was not an ideal window for the Milchama Warriors who lost to Crpostan and then Yuezhou to move into third place, a whole 5 points behind the second place Dragons of Yuezhou. With only first and second place qualifying and the, nice!, but relatively short in comparison to other qualifiers, format it means the Warriors cannot afford to lose another game the rest of the way as well as get some luck from the Dragons and the Sapphire Strikers (cool name!) in order to have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

This cycle has really put in perspective the rut that the Warriors find themselves in. Milchama has not qualified for a World Cup since Vilita was still a country and while getting to the last two Cup of Harmony finals is nice, the Warriors have not been able to win. Now the Warriors look further than ever in contention because, well, they are further than ever away. Even as the two seed in this group Milchama lost all 6 points to top seeded Yuezhou and even if those games were close, null point is still null point. Moreover, the lost to the surprising Crpostan, the team currently leading the group, is exactly the sort of result that the Milchama of yesteryear would win. Sure, we may have been struggling but we can beat this one team and then use that as a springboard. However, that's not how the Milchama Warriors of today play.

Some had argued for the Warriors regional team, known as the meme team, to go play due to their "better" results but frankly I don't think we can say anymore. Before Atlantian Oceania blew up it had been severely weakened due to the Anaia split and even in a meh region like that Milchama could not dominate and now Arrosia is even weaker due to some AO teams moving to other regions instead of remaining in the still best region in the world in Arrosia. Even in this weakened region the meme team could not break through the quarterfinals in either event and while many point out, not incorrectly, that Milchama has always underperformed in regionals and that the Warriors might even be cursed, there is no stopping Milchama from this rut.

So basically this international window has laid the crisis bare for Milchamian football. We have hit our glass ceiling. It's apparently about 28th in the KPB rankings, a 2 seed in the standings, the occasional lucky World Cup appearance, a quarterfinalist with occasional lucky move to the semifinals in our region, and perpetual Cup of Harmony finalist. It's kind of a bleak existence to be honest. Not the sort of things people are proud of, being kinda decent is nice but not nice enough.

What does this mean for the future? One thing folks are discussing is bringing back a true national league instead of the local leagues and chaos that exist as of now. The other option, even without a local league, is to have players move abroad. That does seem like a likely scenario as striker Benbemore has been asking to go abroad for some time and we figure players like Because, I Don't Give a Darn, Wongstein, and Goldshires would be able to nail down places in most leagues in the world. It certainly seems more likely than nationalizing the league because that would scorinating the league and The Powers That Be don't want to use xkorinate which makes it difficult to have a national league so having an IC chaos structure works a lot better from that standpoint.

Regardless of the future, we do know that Milchama could be capable of more and we're expecting that more to come out soon. This World Cup qualifying campaign is over but there are more in the future and hopefully there we can perform better.

[New Fernia]

CBC New Fernia | Sports > World Cup 96

---

Good news, everyone! Our prayers were heard. We asked for draws, and we got draws! On matchday seven, the Fernians traveled to The Kytler Peninsulae. The hope was that they would play some decent football and not lose. Nobody really hoped for a win because that's just expecting too much- after all, our forwards have just now figured out that ball in goal = point. Speaking of goals, Hunter was somehow able to keep control of the ball for long enough to kick it into the goal. After 26 minutes! Usually it takes the forwards two-thirds of the game to finally get ready to score. And then, Kytlerian midfielder Vincent passed the ball to forward Markusson, who slid the ball past Ellis for the goal in the 28th minute.

Then... it was eerily quiet. The match just... continued seemingly forever and then it just ended. It wasn't out of the blue- it ended at 90 minutes plus an obscene amount of injury time for no reason like every match for the team so far- but it just seemed... abrupt. Like something was off in the world. It's possible that it was the Fernians scoring a goal, or earning a point for the first time since matchday one. Either way, the fans are still depressed. New Fernia is still last in the table with zero wins, we haven't won a match since the first matchday of the Baptism of Fire, and all hope is gone and the world is going to end.

The next matchday, the Fernians traveled again, this time going to Krytenia. For those who have not chosen to undergo memory erasure therapy to make them forget about the first half of the qualifiers, you would know that we tied Krytenia 0-0 on the first matchday of the qualifiers. We had so much more hope then. On the bright side, our defense seemingly hasn't lost hope, once again keeping Krytenia to zero points. Unfortunately, despite our forward corps also not losing hope, we still scored zero points. It's less of a hope thing with them and more of a skill thing. Either way, we still tied. Goals or no.

On matchday nine, the Fernians will play at home versus Baggieland. They will lose, don't even bother watching. On matchday ten, the Fernians have a bye. A short reprise from what is shaping up to be an extremely terrible qualifying campaign that will certainly go down in the history books. On the bright side, it's not as bad as the (potentially not real?) Labalian campaign so far. You might remember Labalia from the first matchday of the Baptism of Fire, when we defeated them 3-2. I miss those days. Reminiscing aside, they are currently 0-0-7, and are on track to have the worst first cycle ever, scoring zero points in the BoF and possibly scoring zero points in the qualifiers. This is piled on top of the fact that they have seemingly been removed from existence by a higher power. Whenever you're feeling down about our team... just think, "I'm glad not to be them!" After all, if you were them, you'd be dead.

Matchday 7 | Group 13
Either it's not on the roster or I'm missing something. | 67F Clear | Kickoff 6:00 pm | Attendance: 28,442

The Kytler Peninsulae 1

1 New Fernia

Markusson 28'

26' Hunter

Matchday 8 | Group 13
somewhere ig | 67F Clear | Kickoff 6:00 pm | Attendance: 21,843

Krytenia 0

0 New Fernia

[Tero al Disco]

---

Worldwide > WC Qualifiers > Group 19

# Team			M  GD  Pts
1 Cabo Azure		7  +9  16.
2 Audioslavia		7  +4  15.
3 Aphrilia		7  +4  13
4 Tero al Disco		7  +1  11
5 Saterun		7  +3  8
6 Sannyamathaland	6  -7  4
7 Saltidia		7  -14 1

Matchday 9
Audioslavia 	vs. Saltidia
Tero al Disco 	vs. Saterun
Aphrilia 	vs. Sannyamathland

Matchday 8
Saterun 	0–0 Aphrilia
Saltidia 	0–0 Tero al Disco
Cabo Azure 	2–0 Audioslavia

Matchday 7
Cabo Azure 	2–1 Tero al Disco
Saltidia 	0–2 Aphrilia
Saterun 	5–0 Sannyamathland

1/4/2024 22:41
Tero al Disco shocked by unranked Saltidia as the match finishes in a goalless draw
The string of two losses against heavy group favourites Audioslavia and Cabo Azure has seemingly taken a toll on the Terense NT. Away in Saltidia, the Tricolor finished with a 0-0 draw, which made them g...more >>

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1/4/2024 22:38
Cabo Azure defeat Audioslavia for the second time in the Qualifiers and take the lead in their group
Coming fresh off a bye in round 7, Audioslavia were unable to get revenge for round 1's 2-3 loss, as As Maçaricas, now at home, put two past the Bulls' net. Now they're fir...more >>

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1/4/2024 22:37
Aphrilia claw their way back up the group following Saterun and draw, and provisional Saltidia-Tero draw
In a match involving "the best of the rest", Aphrilia and IAC champions Saterun with the latter being the host, the former managed to get one point at the Sultan Stadium. This cements them as... more >>

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31/3/2023 21:50
Tero al Disco lose key match for second place against Cabo Azure[/floatleft]
Many wished for it, but in reality not many fans expected that Tero al Disco, a team ranked #193 would not defeat Cabo Azure, a team ranked closer to 200 places above them, especially away from hom... more >>

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31/3/2023 21:46
Saterun end up with a five-star win over Sannyamathland
It seemed like Saterun were really starting to show their prestige. With the support of their fans in the country's Al-Fazir Memorial Park, Sannyamathland shipped 5 goal... more >>

---

Tero al Disco lose key match for second place against Cabo Azure
Many could've wished for it, but in reality not many fans expected that Tero al Disco, a team ranked #19,3 would defeat Cabo Azure, a team ranked closer to 200 places above them. Especially away from home. That effectively happened as Cabo Azure beat Tero al Disco 2-1 at the Stadio Villa Silva.

Following the 1-0 loss at home to Audioslavia by round 6, Tero al Disco's next match with Cabo Azure would decide who'd finish the first half of the qualifiers in the playoff spot. However, the Maçaricas, as the group's pot 1 team and heavy favourites, defeated the Tricolor and sent them down to 4th place, below Aphrilia, who defeated Saltidia, Tero's next rival.

Upsets and shocks aside, what was going to be enjoyable about the match would be the clash of styles: Alfredo Félix, a showcaser of Terense football's defensive style. That style was especially demostrated with Saterun, where fans reading this can remember the extensive time-wasting by the Teros. This match pitted that, against the Copa Rushmori semifinalists' very attacking football. To give an example of a WCQ game, it was when they defeated Sannyamathland 7-2, where superstar Pio Mendoca scored a hat-trick.

However, Cabo Azure still had some problems result-wise. They couldn't stop Audioslavia in round 1, but Saterun gave themselves a nice morale boost after drawing 2-2, and Aphrilia shocked them with a 3-1 victory. Both results dragged them down in the table. Despite all of this, that didn't matter much for AJ Zanetti's side, since the draw and the loss were away from home; they deal will come in round 14, when Tero and Cabo play in Tero al Disco's Estadio de la República. In the present, at the Cabo Azurean capital of Sao Simone, it wouldn't be a problem.

For those hoping for the Tricolor, they wouldn't get their wishes granted. From minute zero, Cabo Azure dominated the match. Their players were much more experienced, they had much better technique, skills, talent, pace, etc. That, combined with multiple errors in Tero al Disco's midfield, made the game concentrate in the Tricolor's own third of the ground for nearly the entire 90 minutes.

Tero al Disco were able to stave off all those chances thanks to their system of fouling, time-wasting, slowing down the match at every chance they could to get the draw, and defenders Kuchler and Riese as well as goalkeeper Andrés Castillo appearing when necessary to stop the Cabo Azurean attacking machine. The defense were doing really well for the challenges that the match gave them.

An example of Castillo's skill was when, after Pio Mendonca took a free kick in the 20th minute, a rebound was left for Vasco Cardoso, which was saved by Castillo but not before he left a second rebound to attacking midfielder Rolando Florencio, saved again by Andrés. And that's how the match went for about 40 minutes out of the first 45.

One problem for Tero al Disco though, was that the game would later turn into a battle of attrition. As the minutes went on, the defenders started to make more errors, and As Maçaricas were imposing themselves in the Tricolor's area. It was in the last out of 2 minutes of added time, where Emmanuel Bastos sent a dangerous cross on the left side (something which turned commonplace in the later stages of the first half) towards an unmarked Vasco Gouveia, who proceeded to slot in a volley.

Coming into the second half there were two advantages from conceding right in the end of the first half: first of all, was that the tired players could rest for a bit, and also that Cabo Azure's momentum had stalled out; they hardly had any. This doesn't mean that they didn't control the game at their pleasure, but they didn't carry their late-first-half form into the second half.

However, this didn't stop one big chance for Cabo Azure. It was in the 49th minutes, when a pass from Máximo Manet bounced on Pio Mendonca's head, which left him in a one-on-one with Andrés Castillo, which was ultimately saved by the Tero al Disco goalkeeper.

In the 63rd minute came the second goal for the Cabo Azureans, when after a corner kick taken by Vasco Cardoso, Pio Mendonca ended up heading it sideways, where the bouncing ball was picked up by Ronaldo Florencio, and after a powerful shot, he made it 2-0 for the home side.

After some 5 minutes of successfully grinding the play down to a halt, the team tried to go on a more attacking playstyle, but the defenders insisted on staying way at the back due to fear that they would concede more and more goals as they played with a higher defensive line. Either way, that change of air was to no avail, as Tero al Disco couldn't get one shot on target in that time.

In fact, the Tricolor had a total of zero shots at goal. That was until the 94th minute of the game, when Juan José Leonardi beat centre-back Tobias M'bah-Pinho (who had an uneventful game, partly owing due to the lack of chances his team had to defend), and shot straight-on, from just outside the area, and the ball went past Ambrosio Gomez's to take one back and put the final score at 1-2.

---

← → ↻ | https://lacruelverdad.te/deportes/conferencia-prensa-alfredo-felix-critico-jugadores-saltidia											漢A Terense → English ☆

AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, ALFREDO FÉLIX CRITICIZED HIS PLAYERS FOR THE BAD PERFORMANCE AGAINST SALTIDIA

MORE ARTICLES → WORLD CUP 96

• With Biaggi and Kuchler on the bench, Tero al Disco disappointed and tied in the playoffs.
• Did you know that we were world champions for two dates?
• Biaggi regretted insisting on not starting against Saltidia
• Saterun, Tero al Disco's next rival, tied at home with Aphrilia

The match valid for date 8 of the 96 World Cup qualifiers, in which Tero al Disco visited Saltidia, a team that had not won a point until then, ended in a 0-0 draw, which was the first time that the place did not lose in its history. Many did not expect that result, especially after the team started the playoffs by winning against much better and more experienced teams, such as Saterun or Aphrilia (currently in third place).

This match stood out since the national team coach Alfredo Félix decided that captain Martín Kuchler and Alvaro Biaggi would not start as starters, as if to give them both a rest from so many games in a row. However, particularly without Biaggi with the forwards, the team attacked poorly, obtaining few scoring chances and converting none. The surprise draw left the team much to be desired, with some people even calling for Félix to be fired due to poor performance in the last three games. This is what Felix had to say:

"With the poor performance, I think there were many fans who ate up the field, to put it in a Creole way, with the first matches of the tournament. Let's see, these qualifying rounds are going to be a little difficult, definitely more difficult than what we expected. Some had the impression with all the victories in the first games. Bah, I'm not saying that the players didn't go to the field thinking it was going to be a very easy game, especially the forwards, that's what I observed. Clearly the Another team put all the effort they had."

"There were also players, that I saw, who in terms of spirit the two previous defeats had given them a cold water blow, I think I would use a term that has already become fashionable, that this blow was made for the worst, they played overwhelmed. And... I'm not going to give you names, right? And... but I tell you here from the conference, that it was natural that we didn't play well against the best in the world, that qualifying for the World Cup is an obligation. I think that those players also ate up the field before the games against Audiolavia and Cabo Azure."

The technical director, whose news that there would be no day off for the players was already reported, said about the players' performance: "We definitely have to review how players like Leonardi, or Leguizamón, attack, we have to review it there in training. You The spectators will have already seen the inaccuracy they had on goal, or that the midfielders also produced few chances, and more, I don't know. I would also like to blame myself along with everyone on the technical team. Personally, I gave them a weak training session and there I underestimated the ability of the opposing team."

EN LA CONFERENCIA DE PRENSA, ALFREDO FÉLIX CRITICÓ A SUS JUGADORES POR EL MAL RENDIMIENTO CONTRA SALTIDIA
El partido válido para la fecha 8 de las eliminatorias al Mundial 96, en el cual Tero al Disco visitó a Saltidia, un equipo que no había ganado ni un punto hasta ese entonces, terminó en un empate 0-0, que fue la primera vez que el local no perdió en su historia. Muchos no esperaban ese resultado, especialmente después de que el equipo empezara las eliminatorias ganando ante selecciones mucho mejores y más experimentadas, como Saterun o Aphrilia (que actualmente ocupa el tercer puesto).

Este partido se destacó ya que el entrenador de la selección Alfredo Félix, decidió que el capitán Martín Kuchler y Alvaro Biaggi no empezasen como titulares, como para darles un descanso a los dos de tantos partidos seguidos. Sin embargo, particularmente sin Biaggi con los delanteros, el equipo atacó mal, obteniendo pocas chances de gol y convirtiendo ninguna. El empate sorpresivo dejó mucho que desear a la selección, con algunas personas incluso pidiendo que echen a Félix, debido al mal rendimiento en los últimos tres partidos. Esto es lo que tuvo Félix para decir:

"Con lo del mal rendimiento, creo que hubieron muchos hinchas que se tiraron a chanta, para decirlo de una forma criolla, con los primeros partidos del torneo. A ver, estas eliminatorias van a ser un poco difíciles, definitivamente más difíciles de lo que tuvieron la impresión algunos con todas las victorias en los primeros partidos. Bah, tampoco digo que los jugadores no fueron a la cancha pensando que iba a ser un partido muy fácil, especialmente los delanteros, eso es lo que observé yo. Claramente que los del otro equipo pusieron toda la garra que tenían."

"También hubieron jugadores, que yo ví, que en términos de ánimo las dos derrotas anteriores les habían dado un baldazo de agua fría, creo que usaría un término que ya se puso de moda, que ese baldazo se los hicieron para lo peor, jugaron abrumados. Y les...no voy a dar nombres, no? Y...pero les digo acá desde la conferencia, que era natural que no juguésemos bien contra los mejores del mundo, que ahí clasificar al Mundial es una obligación. Creo que esos jugadores también se comieron la cancha antes de los partidos contra Audioslavia y Cabo Azure."

El director técnico, cuya noticia de que no habría día libre para los jugadores ya fue reportada, dijo sobre el rendimiento de los jugadores: "Definitivamente hay que repasar cómo atacan jugadores como Leonardi, o Leguizamón, hay que repasarlo ahí en el entrenamiento. Ustedes los espectadores ya habrán visto la imprecisión que tuvieron al arco, o que también los mediocampistas produjeron pocas chances, y más, no sé. También yo quisiera hacerme culpable junto a todos los del equipo técnico. Personalmente les dí yo un entrenamiento flojo y ahí subestimé la capacidad del equipo contrario."

[Zwangzug]

The Kerlagrad Courier

Kate DiMarini has reaffirmed, with no little chagrin, that Zwangzug's historical reluctance to declare any particular team their rivals will resolutely continue after they lost to Josifovo for the second consecutive qualifying cycle. "I don't mean to diminish their achievements or to falsely claim that we consider ourselves worthy of superior opposition," she stated. "Quite the contrary: seeing as how we have yet to beat them in three matches, if anything, they should be the ones disdaining our company."

Many of Josifovo's players are taller and more muscular than their Zwangzugian counterparts, and they played to their strengths, with Milorad Kuzmanović and Petko Karandzhulov controlling possession at the back. Pece Trajkovski scored a brace, while Dukagjin Bajrami's goal in minute 78 proved to be the difference-maker. While slight players like Juniper McGovern and Jess McHeran saw little action for Zwangzug, second-half substitute Harold Carre was better able to keep up with the visitors, scoring in minute 62 off a trademark lengthy pass from Eileen Gainsborough. (Chester Hildegard had opened the scoring in minute 14.)

"We often make the point that when nations come and go, there's no telling who will stick around to play you in future tournaments," DiMarini groused. "I mean, the odds were only one in twenty that we'd get drawn with Josifovo yet again, and the chance we'd maybe get a win at home against the third seeds was--you know what, don't tell me, because it clearly doesn't even matter."

"I think the girih tiles from Juzunski culture are an aesthetically and mathematically compelling pattern, and I would like to learn more about them someday, maybe during the return leg," said an admiring Soumini Bano-Patil. "And by during the return leg' I mean 'after the bleeping match' because if you think any of us but especially me can afford to be caught daydreaming against these guys, you're a bleeping idiot."

"Some people are describing them as 'just' our bogey team, which really isn't better," said Ashley Fillmore-Gaul. "I mean, do you think we're choosing to let down our guard against these guys? Absolutely not. It's just one of the facts of the sporting world that on any given day, a first seed can get their butts handed to them by some guys whose names we don't even know how to pronounce, and there are a lot of people who will tell you how that's actually good for the game and stuff. So I don't have to."

"The most embarrassing fact is how obviously their team is balanced to reduce interethnic strife," complained Bano-Patil. "I mean, it's one thing to have an implausibly diverse set of people who somehow get along with no issues, or even a plucky set of underdogs who have banded together in spite of intolerance at home to overcome the odds. Sure, we're pretty good, but we're no compelling underdog narrative. But these people, who aren't even getting regular rest days because they're being chosen more for forced diversity than actual team skill? We can't even beat them? I'd say we're lucky to still be in second, honestly."

Zwangzug will visit Stadion Ljubco Savevski in Samuilovo on matchday fourteen, which means there may potentially be even more dramatic stakes for the next time we insist that they're totally not our rivals, for real.

(MD8: McGraw 30, Reed 77)

[City of Myrtle Beach]

MSN | Good Morning Football

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Well, uh... both those games were certainly shoo-ins for the Myrtle Beachians. On matchday seven, the Myrtle team stayed home to play versus Kirungabi. It was a slaughter. The Myrtle Beach team scored six goals over Kirungabi's two, which is a new record for the biggest win by Myrtle Beach. The series of unfortunate events for the visitors began just eight minutes into the game, when Farmer slid the ball into the goal past the keeper. After the goal, Myrtle Beach still stayed in control of the ball and allowed Farmer to get another goal 19 minutes in. And then Myrtle Beach was in control of the ball again. One of the Kirungabi defenders, in a last-ditch effort to stop another goal, drew a yellow card. After the ensuing free kick, Kirungabi gained control of the ball and rallied it down the field and past the Myrtle defenders who were doing some kind of post-modern ironic dance. Mathis was seemingly doing his in the fourth dimension, as he was appearing to phase in and out of existence. As the ball flew above the defenders, it was just up to Page to keep the ball out of the goal. Unfortunately, it just escaped his grasp and put Kirungabi on the board with a goal, making it 1-2.

After that, the momentum of the Myrtle Beach team was kind of destroyed for a bit. A goal from Fulton put Myrtle Beach up to 1-3, but it seemed like the team was out of it for whatever reason. The team being distracted led to Farmer's second injury of the campaign. A slide tackle from a Kirungabi defender messed up Farmer's ankle, putting him out for the rest of the match, if not the next one as well. In his place came Meyers, who got about three minutes on the pitch until halftime.

After half-time, the team seemed slightly more into it. Despite this, a Kirungabi midfielder was sneaky and got to pass to a forward who promptly put the ball into the goal, making the game 2-3. Inspired by this extremely close game, the Myrtle team was seemingly re-energized. Just minutes after, Meyers was able to slide a ball into the goal at the 51st minute. The ball remained in the possession of Myrtle Beach for the remainder of the game. At the 62nd minute, Meyers slid another goal in, making it 2-5, and shockingly, at the 81st minute, the reserve forward was able to pull off a hattrick in just his third game in this campaign. The game ended 2-6, marking the greatest victory by the Myrtle team so far.

The next matchday, Myrtle stayed home once again to face off against Aiporhtse, which I am surely going to spell wrong at some point. This was a less eventful and less goal-scoring match than the previous one, but still a good one. In this match, the defense played incredibly well. Why? Who knows. No matter how they got themselves to this level for this match, they stopped Aiporhtse from scoring any goals. This allowed the forwards to work without too much stress, with Brennan sliding one in at the 34th minute and Meyers, filling in for Farmer, scoring in the 86th minute.

For matchday nine, Myrtle will travel to Xanneria. Farmer is expected to be back for this match. Most fans hope Myrtle Beach will win this one, but a tie or a loss is more likely for the lower-ranked team. For matchday ten, Myrtle will play at home versus Astograth. Most agree that a tie is possible, but a win may be most likely due to Astograth being lower-ranked and Myrtle Beach playing at their home stadium.

Matchday 7 | Group 10
Grand Strand Stadium, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach | 77F Clear | Kickoff 6:00 pm | Attendance: 31,784

Myrtle Beach 6

2 Kirungabi

Farmer 8', 19'

23' Unknown

Fulton 36'

49' Whoknows

Meyers 51', 62', 81'

Matchday 8 | Group 10
Grand Strand Stadium, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach | 78F Clear | Kickoff 6:00 pm | Attendance: 29,111

Myrtle Beach 2

0 Aiporhtse

Brennan 34'
Meyers 86'

# Group 10                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Xanneria                            7    6   0   1    22    7  +15    18  Auto-qualify for World Cup
2 Myrtle Beach                        7    5   1   1    14    7   +7    16  Playoffs
3 Poafmersia                          6    4   2   0    14    6   +8    14
4 Banija                              7    3   2   2     6    3   +3    11
5 Kirungabi                           7    2   1   4    10   11   −1     7
6 Astograth                           7    1   0   6     2   16  −14     3
7 Aiporhtse                           7    0   0   7     2   20  −18     0

[Zenic]

3rd time's the charm?

We are bearing witness to one of the Empire’s most exciting and hard fought qualifying campaigns. Firmly in third place due to goal differential, the Revival Generation have an opportunity to do something magical: make it to the World Cup proper. In a world filled with thousands of participants, only a few dozen earn the right to battle for the title of “champion” every few years. The Survivors themselves have only managed it once before, reaching the group stage of World Cup 73 and having a respectable showing against some of the best in the sport. In order to achieve such a lofty goal, they have two goals: overcome the stone wall that is Sylestone and keep pace with the Commonwealth of Baker Park or better.

First things first, our matchup before the final bye day for the Survivors is against an opponent who is getting incredibly habitual: the Sentients from Sylestone. 2 matchups and two losses to date have served as both a frustrating headache and a potential harbinger of doom for Geraldo Zys and his squad. A win against them would not only give a gigantic boost in morale and momentum, but would also help accomplish the second goal of keeping pace (or better) with Baker Park. Darren Kirby and his squad have also struggled with Mojmir Anac and his team’s play and tactics during these qualifiers, also losing 1-0. Who knows: maybe it can start a domino effect and lead to the Empire winning their first ever World Cup qualifiers group! A fan can dream, can’t they?!

But a loss is not all doom and gloom; simply a slightly more worn down path which leads us to goal number two. Keeping up with Baker Park for the rest of the qualifiers (regardless of the result against Sylestone) would allow Zenic to head into matchday 14 with one goal in mind: beat Baker Park. A win and the Survivors live to play one more time: a playoff against a fellow group runner up to determine who gets to travel to Mertagne and/or Huayramarca to play for glory. This would match how Zenic made World Cup 73: finishing second in group 15 behind Valladares before defeating the Blouman Empire 5-4 on aggregate to earn the right to travel to the Royal Kingdom of Quebec (Apox was the other host).

Thus, while the Survivors have more than one way to make the World Cup itself, there is some more work to be done and it continues with a vital confrontation with the Sentients in front of thousands of adoring fans at the Philosophia Colosseum.

-- Koralia Dev

Koralia Dev is one of our newest and most enthusiastic writers at The Leinz Herald. A graduate from the prestigious New Citium University, Koralia graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and has been working for the Herald covering foreign and international sporting events. We are excited to have her cover the Empire of Zenic’s return to sporting events, both domestic and international.

[Kamijiro]

With Disappointing Results, Hope Fading for Lightning...

It's been a rough couple of matchdays for the Kamijiroans. They needed all the points they could get to keep pace with Baggieland and HUElavia (whom they lost 2-1 to in matchday seven), but could only eke out a point in matchday eight against The Kytler Peninsulae, a 2-2 affair in which the Kamijiroans couldn't take their chances.

Had the Lightning won in matchday eight, we'd be talking about a very different scenario here. But as of the time of writing, Kamijiro sits at third with nine points, a whopping six (perhaps more, depending on Baggieland's game in hand) points behind second. It's quite unfortunate - the defense has shown up and shown out, only giving up a total of seven goals through seven matches, but the offense has lacked, scoring seven through seven. Though we're only halfway through qualifiers, the hope is fading slightly.

As an aside, it doesn't help that the Kamijiroans lost to HUElavia's B-team, or at least, the two goals scored by HUElavia came from B-team players. It's a little insulting when teams don't play their strongest sides against you, but I suppose that a team ranked 19th in the world can afford to play their backups from time to time, right?

The match reports are listed below, along with various fun facts and tidbits about the reboot of the Kamijiroan Premier League.

Matchday Seven:
Kamijiro 1-2 HUElavia

Events:
GOAL 15'    | (KJR 0-1 HUE) - Y. Watanabe
Yellow 24'  | (KJR) Dissent - T. Beal
-- HALFTIME --
GOAL 70'    | (KJR 0-2 HUE) - S. Kuramoto
GOAL 90'    | (KJR 1-2 HUE) - K. Kanazono, assisted by S. Demizu
-- FULLTIME --

--

Matchday Eight:
Kamijiro 2-2 The Kytler Peninsulae

Events:
GOAL 21'    | (KJR 1-0 KYT) - C. Muramoto, assisted by K. Fujiwara
GOAL 22'    | (KJR 1-1 KYT) - D. Markusson
-- HALFTIME --
GOAL 54'    | (KJR 1-2 HUE) - D. Markusson
GOAL 81'    | (KJR 2-2 HUE) - S. Becker, assisted by K. Fujiwara
-- FULLTIME --

--

Fun facts about the campaign thus far:
- We finally have a repeat scorer! Two, actually. Both Kaneto Kanazono and Chikayoshi Muramoto have found net twice.
- Katsuaki Fujiwara had the first-ever two assist game for the Lightning, racking up assists for both goals scored in matchday eight.
- All things considered, the Kamijiroans have one of the toughest defenses in the competition, giving up an average of just one goal per match.
- There's always time for things to look up!

The second matchday of the Kamijiroan Premier League will take place at the next bye day for the national team. As of now, Raijin-shi lead the league, but it's only been one matchday!

As always, thanks for reading.
Written and edited by Marc de Veen, New Volendam Times.

[United Mandaran States]

Part I | Part II | Part III-A | Part III-B

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Road to Unification

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Part IV : The Charter

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Exactly 3 months after the last leaders meeting of Mandaran states, they were holding another meeting. The meeting, which was held in Batunyala, Gili Anakan, was discussing the last things left before they proceed to the drafting of a charter or constitution. Some matters that were still hanging are the question of the capital, single currency act and combine defense forces. For the question of the capital, Pemecutan have made other private meetings previously with leaders of Soracana Islands, Gili Anakan and Cakranegara. These meetings confirmed the agreement of the involved parties in transforming Gili Tangkong and Jading as a co-capital of the new institution. The result was present in the Batunyala meeting where they seek approval from the other leaders.

"I don't think it is a good plan to place our future capital there. It is an island. It could be easily penetrated via air and sea," argued Surya Wiradarma, Manguwirajyan Patih Madya.
"Nonsense," cut Gusti Ngurah Agung Kelakan, Rarungani Prime Minister. "Island country is the least vulnerable in term of attacks. Besides they can't claim the territory if they don't land on the land. We also have a military base in both territories that can defend it properly. While the penetration needs to transport their army there. Besides we can just blockade the whole island with our navy in case of there is any penetration happen," he added.
Wiradarma sigh heavily.
"I thought we already agree on this two-capital issue 3 months ago. You still remember the Canggu Declaration, right Mr. Wiradarma?" remind Abdul Qadari, Toluiwan President. Wiradarma nodded.
"We are updating about this issue and inform to the other parties about our idea is to transform those territories into our future capitals. And everyone who had issues and claims with both territories have agreed with the idea. So, we ask all of the other approval for this idea," Ngurah Agung Kusumajaya, Pemecutan Patih Madya finally spoken.
"Does Mr. Wiradarma have another idea for our future capital location?" asked Hambali, Cakranegara President.
"Sadly, I don't have any other idea," Wiradarma answered it politely.
"Then it is the best idea that we currently have," add Basubala Anggarjahia, Soracana Islands Prime Minister.

And with that, all leaders agreed to transform both Gili Tangkong and Jading as the capital of the new institution. While the problem with single currency application is still a big question mark. Pemecutan still undecided if they will convert or not. As the biggest economy in the area, changing the currency might affected their economy as a whole especially if it is not carefully implemented.

"We have been postponing about single currency for far too long just because Pemecutan not agree with it," stated Hambali.
"And we have the reason for that. And I believe all of us should take precaution before changing our currency," answered Kusumajaya.
"I do agree with Mr. Kusumajaya here," said Anggarjahia. "Our economy might collapse if we don't do it carefully," he added.
" And if Pemecutan economy collapse, that would be a big blow for all of us," Ahmad Subrata, Prime Minister of Gili Anakan spoken.
But what he said is true. Pemecutan economy is the one that support the area. The country is the largest trading partner for the other countries within Mandaran area. If Pemecutan collapse, they will drag everyone else down with them.
"So, what do you suggested?" asked Qadari.
"We implemented transition from our current currency to the new currency around 5 to 10 years ahead. For the exchange rate and else, I believe we should consult with our ministers and central banks first. Then we need to confirm where the new currency will be printed. And after our people are accustomed to the new currency, we can withdraw all of our current currency from the market," said Kusumajaya.
"Sounds like a good plan," comment Ketut Darma Puja, Petang Islands Patih Madya.
"I think Pemecutan should be the last to withdraw all of their current currency from the market to keep the economy stable," suggested Anggarjahia.
"Or how about we convert all our currency to Pemecutan Rupiah and use it as the unified currency?" said Kelakan which made everyone in a fuss.
"Why don't we just relaunch Pemecutan Rupiah as Mandaran Rupiah and pegged the exchange rate with Pemecutan Rupiah before Mandaran Rupiah have their place in the forex market?" suggested Hambali.
"I agree with Mr. Hambali. The fact that Pemecutan Rupiah is use in 3 of us where that 3 combine economy is around 80% of the whole area, it just makes sense if we use the currency," support Qadari.

The discussion about currency was going on for around 3 days until they are agreeing to relaunch Pemecutan Rupiah as Mandaran Rupiah and pegged the new currency with Pemecutan Rupiah. Both currencies will be traded side by side before Pemecutan Rupiah will be withdraw from the market. As of the printing location, Pemecutan and Toluiwa agree to share the printing obligation with their central banks as the authority. However, the leaders hope for all central banks can be merged.

About the armed forces issue, the leaders agree about the need to restructuration. The armed force is planning to be divided into 2 theaters, Majegau-Yuhansa Theater and Cendana Theater which then further divided into 8 command centers based in each constituent states. However, there is also an idea to divide the command center based on population, but this idea was dismissed. After all the disputes have been resolved, the leaders bring their draft plan of the new institution to The Mandaran Council for them to be turn into a Charter. The charter's draft was finished at the end of 2024 and was passed by The Mandaran Council in January 2025 to be ratified by all the constituent states Parliament before it came to effect. Date of ratification are as follows;

• Sarbuka Kayam (Soracana Islands lower house) passed the charter on 21 February 2025
• Dewan Rakyat Toluiwa (Toluiwa People's Council) passed the charter on 5 March 2025
• Sarbuka Nugara (Soracana Islands upper house) passed the charter on 10 March 2025
• Dewan Negara Toluiwa (Toluiwa State Council) passed the charter on 20 March 2025
• President Abdul Qadari of Toluiwa signed the charter on 28 March 2025
• King Karsiyuha II of Soracana Islands signed the charter on 3 April 2025
• Majelis Perwakilan Rakyat (Rarungani unicameral Parliament) passed the charter on 9 April 2025 (Penanggal 12 Sasih Kedasa 1947 Saka)
• Uma Rakryan (Manguwirajya lower house) passed the charter on 17 April 2025 (Wraspati Wage Wuku Sungsang, 1788 Pawukon)
• King Nathakusuma II of Rarungan signed the charter on 30 April 2025 (Pangelong 3 Sasih Jiyestha 1947 Saka)
• Uma Nagari (Manguwirajya upper house) passed the charter on 6 May 2025 (Anggara Pon Wuku Langkir, 1788 Pawukon)
• Ida Cokorda Ratu Mangu Pemayun of Manguwirajya signed the charter on 23 May 2025 (Sukra Kliwon Wuku Pujut, 1788 Pawukon)
• Majelis Konsultatif Nasional (Gili Anakan unicameral Parliament) passed the charter on 11 June 2025
• Krama Sabha (Pemecutan lower house) passed the charter on 16 June 2025 (Soma Wage Wuku Tambir, 1788 Pawukon)
• Sultan Ahmed of Gili Anakan signed the charter on 19 June 2025
• Nagari Sabha (Pemecutan upper house) passed the charter on 27 June 2025 (Sukra Kliwon Wuku Mendangkungan, 1788 Pawukon)
• Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (Cakranegara lower house) passed the charter on 30 June 2025
• Pesamuan Warga (Petang Islands lower house) passed the charter on 3 July 2025 (Wraspati Umanis Wuku Matal, 1788 Pawukon)
• Ratu Hawir Bhuja Ida Cokorda Satria Wira Bima of Pemecutan signed the charter on 11 July 2025 (Sukra Wage Wuku Uye, 1788 Pawukon)
• Dewa Perwakilan Daerah (Cakranegara upper house) passed the charter on 15 July 2025
• Pesamuan Kuta (Petang Islands upper house) passed the charter on 21 July 2025 (Soma Wage Wuku Prangbakat, 1788 Pawukon)
• President Hambali of Cakranegara signed the charter on 31 July 2025
• President Pande Ngurah Agung Rijasa of Petang Islands signed the charter on 7 August 2025 (Wraspati Umanis Wuku Ugu, 1788 Pawukon)

After all constituent states signed it, the charter was given back to The Mandaran Council. The Council held an extraordinary meeting on 18 August 2025 about the charter and the establishment of the new institution. Some discussion arise during the meeting was about the election in the new institution. It was agreed on that the current Mandaran Council will supervise the first election of the new institution before passing the government of the new institution to the elected officials. And with that, The Mandaran Council officially made the charter into effect from 20 August 2025 which become the official establishment date of United Mandaran States.

---

---

MD 07
United Mandaran States 0 - 2 Eshialand
@ Tegeh Kori National Stadium, Puradhipa, Pemecutan, UMS

O. Yudi Winanda (GK)
A.R. Salim (LB) | H. Nur Salam (CB) | R. Yahya (CB) ↑↓ B. Bansora (50') | Y. Asnawi (RB) ↑↓ A. Bastian (74')
A. Kusumawijaya (LM) | R. Karyadi (CM) ↑↓ H. Ashar (62') | F. Saleh (RM) ↑↓ C. Rukmana (80')
B. Anggarjana (ST) | L. Olivando (ST) ↑↓ H. Muftadi (66')
S. Kayamaja (AT)

---

MD 08
United Mandaran States 2 - 2 Captina Island
@ Sultan Mahmud II Stadium, Asakote, Toluiwa, UMS

O. Yudi Winanda (GK)
A.R. Salim (LB) ↑↓ S.A. Dirga (49') | H. Nur Salam (CB) | R. Yahya (CB) ↑↓ B. Bansora (76') | Y. Asnawi (RB) ↑↓ A. Bastian (56')
A. Kusumawijaya (LM) | R. Karyadi (CM) ↑↓ H. Ashar (71') | F. Saleh (RM)
B. Anggarjana (ST) (g. 33') | L. Olivando (ST)
S. Kayamaja (AT) (g. 80')

MD 09
Bostopia v United Mandaran States
@ Bostopia

MD 10
United Mandaran States v Sargossa
@ Tegeh Kori National Stadium, Puradhipa, Pemecutan, UMS

Squad

Main 
Reserved

1   GK      Hasyim Wirawan 
Ega Firmansyah  GK      22

2   LB      Yuhabani Nehusandak 
Aksabala Jandisuga  GK      34

3   CB      Balasorga Bansora 
Sahrul Hamdani  LB      12

4   CB      Sorabala Aksapadan 
Heriawan Chandra  CB      13

5   RB      Alvino Bastian 
Hidayat Nur Salam  CB      14

6   LM      Gede Purnama 
Arul Fikram  RB      15

7   CM      Trisna Natha Putra 
Yusran Yunus  LM      16

8   RM      Satria Wiradarma 
Dian Wahyu Ananda  CM      17

9   ST      Basubala Anggarjana 
Sorabani Maratansa  RM      18

10  ST      Harun Muftadi 
Mikail Vidya  ST      19

11  AT      Lukman Santika 
Wisnu Pramana  ST      20

 
Surya Dwipayana  AT      21

 
Aras Chandra  CM/DM   28

Role
Captain: Trisna Natha Putra
Vice-Captain: Balasarga Bansora
Corner kick (left): Yuhabani Nehusandak/Gede Purnama
Corner kick (right): Alvino Bastian/Satria Wiradarma
Free kick: Basubala Anggarjana/Harun Muftadi/Lukman Santika
Penalty: Harun Muftadi

Injury
Ngurah Agung Rai Putra (CB), absent for 8 weeks (2 weeks left)
Leo Olivando (ST), absent for 4 weeks

[Recuecn]

"Jules, you have a problem."

Jules looked up from the pile of scratch-off lottery tickets in front of him, and paused in his scratching. He twiddled his lucky 20-guilder-centime piece between his finger and thumb, and glared at his girlfriend.

"Sophie, I've told you before, it's just a hobby. I think the excitement is fun, and I don't mind paying for it. Other people waste money on fancy meals or roller coaster rides. This is no different." He bent over his tickets again and resumed scratching away.

"Jules, stop." Sophie waited until he looked back up at her, and stared into his eyes. "This isn't a hobby, this is an addiction. This thrill-seeking you're describing... it's not healthy for you."

"You don't understand," said Jules. "I know the stereotypes of gamblers are all negative, but you can't let those stories bother you. It's all just fear-mongering." He started scratching again.

"How much did you spend on those lottery tickets?" Sophie asked.

"It wasn't that much." Jules' tone was unconvincing. He remained focused on his scratching.

"Well then, how much?"

"It really wasn't that bad."

"Then surely you can tell me how much they cost... Jules? How much were they?"

"Less than 300 guilders." Sophie gasped, involuntarily. Jules hastened to reassure her. "But I got paid today, its' fine! And I already got groceries for the week."

"And what about the rent? That's due on the thirtieth."

Jules glanced up at her just for a moment. "I know you've got that covered."

"Putain de merde, Jules!" Sophie moaned. "Je t'aime, but I can't keep doing this!" She pressed the heels of her hands into her eye sockets as if obscuring the terrible vision would make the reality go away. She ran her fingers up through her wavy hair, and peered out from beneath her forearms. Jules was still frenetically scratching. With a sigh, she sank into the chair at the other end of the table.

"Sophie, chérie, it's okay. Don't worry about it. This is the last time. I'm about to win big and after that we won't have to worry about anything."

"Jules, look at yourself." Sophie gestured despairingly to the growing drift of scratched-off lottery tickets strewn across the table and fluttering onto the floor. A large pile of fresh ones remained next to Jules' elbow. Jules' lunch dishes, still dirty, sat on the kitchen counter behind him, because there was no room for anything else on the table. "The worst part is," Sophie continued, "it's not just these godforsaken tickets. I know you went to play the slot machines yesterday--I got a call about the charges on the card--and last weekend at the casino I don't even want to think about how much money you threw away at roulette..."

"Sophie, please! I'm not bullshitting you! I know I've been having a run of bad luck lately, but I found something new, and it's a sure thing! There's no way I'll lose!"

"Something new!? Oh mon dieu!" Sophie threw up her hands.

Jules finally stopped scratching tickets for a moment in his excitement to explain the new opportunity to his girlfriend. "I found this website where you can place bets on World Cup qualification games. I'm a bit surprised it's legal for them to run it in the country, but they must, because they're clearly biased for Reçueçn. The odds they give them in these football matches are just crazy."

Sophie's arms were crossed and she scowled across the pile of lottery tickets at Jules, but he rattled on, undeterred. "You wouldn't believe some of the predictions the bookies are making. Our next game, this weekend--we're playing against Cassadaigua, a team we've beaten once, ever, eleven World Cups ago when the équipe nationale was the best it's ever been. Meanwhile Cassadaigua is regularly in the World Cup and it looks like they're almost guaranteed to win the group, since they're on top with just one more game until half-way (and Mytanija not a threat either). What I'm saying is there's no way we win this game. But the bookies are giving two-to-one odds for Reçueçn! Idiots! And even better, when I went to place a bet that Cassadaigua could keep a clean sheet against Reçueçn, who so far have two goals--two!--in all of qualifying, they gave me ten-to-one odds! It's free money! There's no way Reçueçn scores!"

Jules was clearly thrilled at this windfall opportunity, and was ready to continue yapping about it, but Sophie's ears had perked up when she'd heard the one substantive thing Jules had said. She locked in.

"You placed a bet?"

"Yes, but you'll see--this weekend when Cassadaigua shuts Reçueçn out, we're going to have a hundred and twenty thousand guilders."

"A hundred and twenty--!? Where'd you get that kind of money?"

"I went out this morning and got an auto equity loan."

"You refinanced the car!?"

"Something like that."

"That car's new!"

"I know, it's perfect! They gave me twelve thousand guilders! And I can pay it off next week with the winnings."

"Jules, I need that car for work. If you don't win I'll lose my job. And when that happens, we'll lose the apartment."

"Sophie, Sophie! Calm down." Jules returned to scratching. "I'm not going to lose. Don't be ridiculous. Reçueçn, score against Cassadaigua? Name one player on the équipe nationale who could get past the Engles or score against Lacey Horvath."

"I don't know anything about any of that," said Sophie. "I don't follow football. But I do know anything can happen."

"That's not true," Jules scoffed. "On paper, sure, anything can happen. But Cassadaigua is a better team, and this isn't being decided by random chance. Better teams win. That's how it works. The craziest part of any of this is that the bookies gave me those odds in the first place." Jules scratched off the final lottery ticket--another dud, and sighed. The couple stared at each other for a moment.

In that moment, Sophie made up her mind. "Jules, I love you, but this isn't healthy for you, and it isn't healthy for me. I'm ending this." She stood up and fishing her keys out of her pocket, stepped toward the door.

"What do you mean?" asked Jules, his voice wavering.

"You and me are over. I'm going to my mother's. I'll be back for my things on Friday. You signed the lease, so if you want to live here next month, you can pay the rent."

Now Jules was on his feet too. "Sophie, don't do this. You'll look so foolish next week when I win a hundred thousand guilders and you come crawling back to me."

"Jules, I didn't want a hundred thousand guilders. I wanted you. This is hurting me right now, more than you will probably ever realize, and more than it will ever hurt you." Tears were running down her cheeks now, and splashing onto the linoleum. Her voice did not break. "The only time you ever feel anything is when you win a few dollars at the casino. I don't want to do this--it does hurt me, I can't tell you how much it hurts me, Jules--but I hope it can save you, and it's the only thing that can save me." She opened the door and stepped out.

"Sophie, come back," Jules called after her. "You don't mean that about the hundred thousand guilders. You'll change your mind."

"I'll change my mind in hell. You can use your hundred thousand fucking guilders and pay off my fucking car, which you fucking refinanced." Sophie wasn't looking at him. Jules thought she probably didn't want him to see her crying. The thought that it might be too painful for her to look at him was not something that ever would have occurred to him.

Sophie shut the door behind herself, got into her car, and broke down in sobs.

---

---

Cassadaigua 0-1 Reçueçn

[Tumbra]

Tumbra 1–0 Eraman

TMB (4-2-3-1): 1 - V Jones; 45 - M Hawthorn (2 - A Renton, 84'), 5 - W Pritchett, 24 - B Proudfoot (29 - M Hutchinson, 82'), 3 - T Mercurio; 6 - T Harrison, 15 - L McCormick (32 - M Finnemore, 77'), 23 - N Coleman; 7 - V Wells (17 - E Robertson, 82'), 41 - L Kendall; 26 - J Hardaker (38 - G Deighton, 77')

TMB scorers: Lilith Kendall (42')

Player of the Match: Lilith Kendall [TMB]

---

Tumbra 5–1 Darmen

TMB (4-3-3): 1 - V Jones; 45 - M Hawthorn, 4 - S Kerr (24 - B Proudfoot, 75'), 14 - C Whitfield, 19 - J Green; 15 - L McCormick, 32 - M Finnemore (23 - N Coleman, 75'), 25 - S Harrington (8 - I Robertson, 70'); 7 - V Wells (17 - E Robertson, 83'), 9 - L Crossley; 11 - C Henshaw (26 - J Hardaker, 83')

TMB scorers: Stella Harrington (13'), Lynne Crossley (28', 31'), Charlotte Henshaw (70', 82')

Player of the Match: Lynne Crossley [TMB]

ELECTION NIGHT, PART TWO — 12.01am to 2.00am

12.05am

Prof. Stephen Brown: We're making this projection — that Labour will win the election — because from where we're at, 102 seats given away, 14 declarations, and with a lot more on the cusp of being given away, we simply see no way for the United Party to finish as the largest party. And in an election where the crossbench is as small as this — we're talking less than 30 seats — you need to finish as the largest party to be able to have a realistic chance of forming government, whether as a minority or majority government.

Mona Cheng: We're giving this election to Labour, ultimately, because of this result. The suburban seat of Northwick in Finnley — an archetypical swing seat, very low margins for the past 30 or so years, very low swings required to take it. Here's what happened at the last election; Patrick Moore, incumbent MP since 2029, holding it on a 3.2% swing. Now look at what's going on; a 6.2% swing — unprecedented, really — to Labour. 45% of the vote in, and we're giving this seat to Labour.

Dan Jacobs: How-how far up on Labour's target list was Northwick?

Mona Cheng: 29th. But the fact that the swing was so large, even, tells us that they're going to go way past 29th on the target list. Now the swing here is unusually large; the average swing in our target seats so far is 4.2%, which is just short of the 4.5% that's needed for Labour to secure an overall majority. But as our projection says — Cheng pulls up the projection at 12 midnight — we've got Labour at 325, United at 300, the Alliance unchanged on 14, Moderates on 7, and SDP on 3. Which leaves Labour just one seat away from winning a majority.

Tim Poole: The 41st seat, I believe, is Hoxford South, which is currently showing Labour ahead by 0.9%, but they've only got 18% of the vote counted there. But we've got information that says that they might go beyond that; there's Foxchester West, where Labour is leading quite comfortably from Thomas Kim, and that might be a surprise gain for them there. It's all looking very good for Labour; it's looking quite likely they'll win a majority.

12.15am

Dan Jacobs: ...over to Carrington in Georgia, where Max Young is making his way to his count; we'll see if we're able to get a word from him. Lauren?

The camera transitions to a community hall in the township of Carrington, in Georgia, where a very tired-looking Max Young steps out of his car. He doesn't wave, nor acknowledge the press; microphones are shoved in his face but he doesn't acknowledge them. His with Tricia follows behind, holding his hand; also ducking away from the microphones. The TBC reporter on the ground, Lauren Sketcher, tries to get a word in.

Lauren Sketcher: Mr. Young, Mr...have the United Party lost? Are you going to resign from the leadership?

Young ignores the questions, choosing to walk straight on into the hall where the vote is being counted.

Lauren Sketcher: Well, as you've just seen, it's difficult for anyone, really, to speak to Mr. Young; he did campaign in the last days of the campaign, though his appearances were notably curtailed after the shocking relevations.

Dan Jacobs: Thank you, Lauren; Mona, how is the count in Carrington going?

Mona Cheng: We're very close to giving it to Mr. Young, but with a slightly reduced majority; 57.4% compared to 58.3% under the seat's former MP. It's a swing that's consistent with the swing in safe United seats, and he should be returned with ease; but it's not likely to give him any consolation on this night.

Dan Jacobs: Tim?

Tim Poole: Well, this outcome has been known for a while now — I've been told that the other networks covering this election have made similar projections, meaning that they see no way for United to win the election — only Labour will be able to form government, either through themselves, or with the Alliance. We're going to have to wait, I think, for a concession speech in a few hours' time; but this election seems to be all over bar the shouting, and we're just waiting to see if Labour will win a majority or minority government.

1.55am

Dan Jacobs: We go now to Wilimington, just across Straton, where Alliance leader Michael Berkeley is speaking...

Michael Berkeley (Alliance leader): It's been a very disappointing night for the Alliance; and we're looking to return to the next Parliament with a reduced caucus. While part of this is due to the electoral system that our country chooses to employ and the disproportionate amount of focus given to the two major parties, I have to take responsibility for our result as well. I will be resigning as Leader of the Progressive-Green Alliance, and it will be up to individual members to elect my successor; I look forward to continuing to serve as the MP for Wilmington for another term; and if the next leader of the Alliance wants me to serve as a spokesperson, I will be open to it.

Tim Poole: A not-unexpected resignation, I think; I believe we should be seeing a few more, not least from Mr. Young, but also from the Moderate leader Johanna Browne, who's set to hold on to her own seat. It's important to note that Berkeley first blamed the electoral system, then the campaign's disproportionate focus on the two largest parties —

Dan Jacobs: Do you think that there was a focus?

Tim Poole: Well, it's a difficult balancing act. I think that in the end we rather trended too much in favour of covering the two big parties, because that was where the meat of the campaign was.

WCQ96 QUALIFIERS SQUAD FOR AUPRUSSIA V TUMBRA -- Full Roster
Goalkeepers: 1 - Victoria Jones (Lakewood City), 12 - Richard Russell (Lakewood United), 27 - Mike Hahn (Ridgewell Rovers)
Defenders: 2 - Annie Renton (Serrapince), 28 - Mátyás Boullogne (Kingsbury United); 4 - Stephen Kerr (Chromatik, CMT), 5 - Wendy Pritchett (Lakewood United), 14 - Christine Whitfield,(Myana, CMT), 20 - Yvonne Lawson (St. John's Arsenal, QUE) 24 - Belinda Proudfoot (Lakewood United); 3 - Tracey Mercurio (Kingston, QUE), 19 - James Green (Bavingtor, FVA)
Midfielders: 6 - Trudy Harrison (Chromatik, CMT), 15 - Lucas McCormick (Lakewood City), 32 - Mark Finnemore (Couno Rangers); 8 - Ian Robertson (Ridgewell Rovers), 16 - Victor Leighton (Lakewood City), 25 - Stella Harrington (Hesham); 10 - Susan Monaghan (Lakewood City)
Wingers: 7 - Valerie Wells (Lakewood United), 17 - Erin Robertson (Couno Rangers); 9 - Lynne Crossley (Chromatik, CMT), 41 - Lilith Kendall (Couno Rangers)
Strikers: 11 - Charlotte Henshaw (Lakewood City), 22 - Edward Maddison (Avondale City, SYL) 26 - Julie Hardaker (Myana, CMT)

Schedule: @ DAR, Bye//v AUP, @ ARJ//v EOT, @ EXT//v ERA, v DAR//Bye, @ AUP//v ARJ, @EOT//v EXT, @ ERA
v ARJ: Fontwell; v EOT: Nantwich; v DAR, v AUP: Couno; v ERA: Lakewood; v EXT: Straton

[Vyktoria]

WORLD CUP 96: INDEPENDENT ATHLETES FROM QUEBEC SMASH VYKTORIA IN RECORD LOSS

Independent Athletes from Quebec 6–1 Vyktoria
7'    A. Quebecois-Player
24'   A. Quebecois-Player
37'   A. Quebecois-Player
45+2' A. Quebecois-Player
67'   A. Quebecois-Player 
87'   A. Quebecois-Player
90+3' K. Arland III (pen)
OOC: Quebecois scorers have not been named, I'm reserving that right to Quebec.

The Independent Athletes from Quebec smashed the Maroon Dragons in what is now their record loss. The only saving grace was Kevin Arland III scoring a penalty 3 minutes into injury time. The team were utterly outclassed by the vastly superior Quebecois at home and will hope to salvage a less embarrassing result in the home leg.

WORLD CUP 96: CARDENAO LOSE TO VYKTORIA AGAIN

Cardenao 0–1 Vyktoria
41' Arland III (Salman)

Vyktoria get their second win of the campaign, once again beating out Cardenao, winning the home and away series against them two games to zero. Kevin Arland III scored in the 41st minute after yet another incisive through ball by William Salman, who had been taking a break the past few games due to a niggling knee problem.

FOOTBALL: VYKTORIA ANNOUNCE INTENTION TO REMAIN IN THE ITAVRAN SECTOR AS FOOTBALL INDEPENDENT
Vyktoria, in news that surprises no-one, has announced their intention to remain in the Itavran Sector and play as a football independent in the Independent Associations Cup. The nation has decided not to join the other sporting regions of Esportiva, Rushmore, Anaia, Arrosia, and others, due to being an integral part of the Itavran Sector, and with Indigo Bay due to host the Itavran Exposition of 59 IC, the nation is keying up to become a more integral part of this part of the Multiverse.

V-LEAGUE: WYCKHAM WANDERERS WIN DOUBLE AFTER EXCELLENT SEASON

To continue reading the Wyckham Tribune, please subscribe to the Tribune Media Group Online eNews Service.
OOC: I am so sorry, but I am out of ideas today, so I'm being a little lazy.

[Flavovespia]

Flavovespia 2 - 0 Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom

Flavovespia finished the first half of the Qualifiers with a win over Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom, ensuring an undefeated start with 5 wins and 2 draws. It was a performance best described as “solid but not spectacular”, but Flavovespia know the importance of every set of 3 points. No changes from Matchday 6, and the familiar starting 11 looked to be the better of the two sides early on, although chances were at a premium.

Flavovespia got the opener in the 14th minute via some fairly fortunate circumstances. Charles Adams whipped in a corner, which the goalkeeper punched clear. On the edge of the box, Christopher Hill shot first time. Slightly off target, a deflection off the hip of a centre back sent the ball flying just inside the near post, out of reach of the goalkeeper. 1-0, down in the records as an own goal, but little fault that can be attributed to the defender.

Just before the break, Flavovespia doubled their advantage. This time it was an attack down the left, with Amrik Singh finding good space. A cross towards the penalty spot found Charles Adams, he took the ball down before a low drilled shot hit the back of the net, clean as a whistle. Flavovespia went in 2-0 up, and looking confident.

Michael Cole and Jonathan Bagshaw both nearly found the net within 10 minutes of the second half beginning, but the Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom goalkeeper was having a good game despite the scoreline. Another day and it could’ve been more goals conceded.

Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom weren’t without some chances of their own, and they did have plenty of possession in the final 30 minutes. However, Flavovespia seemed relatively content to play with players behind the ball, and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom had limited ideas in breaking down a stubborn defence. A spectacular overhead kick in the 79th minute produced a good save by Nathan Crewe, but in the end, Flavovespia looked fairly comfortable and robust in their 2-0 win. A return to St Astons City next time sees them looking to beat Delitai, after the 2-2 in the opening game.

Flavovespia 1 - 0 Delitai

Delitai again proved tricky for Flavovespia to face, but this time Flavovespia had enough in them to get the win. The rotated squad may have been a small factor, but Flavovespia will be the first to admit this wasn’t a glamourous display.

Flavovespia had good control of the midfield in the opening minutes, but their forward play was off the mark. Jonathan Bagshaw made an uncharacteristic error in the 11th minute, having nearly rounded Daniel Martinez, he miscontrolled the ball and kicked it straight out, with a good chance to score. Similar little errors meant Delitai could dream of a win, and but for a Stuart Cookson block in the 26th minute, would’ve lead from a shot on the edge of the box. The 0-0 score at half time wasn’t unjustified, Flavovespia had more chances and build up play, but were running the risk against a Delitai side eager to pounce on mistakes.

As was common in these Qualifiers, Flavovespia looked strongest after the break. Delitai seemed pinned back, and this time chances were goalbound. Bagshaw twice forced Martinez into a save, and Langdon also got a shot on target. It felt like the pressure was there and a breakthrough close.

Flavovespia finally broke through just before the hour mark. Jonathan Bagshaw again went out wide before firing a cross into the box. This time Peter Langdon made no mistake, he headed down, beating Daniel Martinez down low, and the ball bounced over the line and in. Flavovespia finally had the lead against the plucky visitors.

Delitai weren’t giving up, and knew they just needed the one goal. However, they were up against a Flavovespia side keen to avoid throwing away another 1-0 lead in these Qualifiers. The midfield tightened up, and Delitai couldn’t find space without a swarm of yellow shirts appearing. On the counter attack, Flavovespia had a few chances, but again their shooting boots seemed to be unlaced. The final minute saw a corner with almost everyone in Flavovespia’s box, and a big breath in as the ball bounced loose. However, Jonathan Goldstone got the clearance, and Delitai were unable to muster one more chance.7 games played, and Flavovespia lead Kandorith by 5 points and StrayaRoos by 6 points. Next up, StrayaRoos away and Kandorith at home, if Flavovespia can avoid defeat or even win those games, qualification would feel so much closer.

[Independent Athletes from Quebec]

Independent Athletes from Quebec (IAQ) - World Cup 96 Team
WINDOW 5 - @ Siovanija and Teusland, v. Pasarga

26-PLAYER ENTRY

GOALKEEPERS (3):
Goh Yeong-Rok (Montreal City), Marianne Oh-Ntare (Litala '93, MYT), Innes Sheppard (Urrheddiao, CMT)

DEFENDERS (9):
Ghislaine Barbieri (Anormalies, CMT), Giovanni Jurgen Berhalter (Jinja City FC, BNJ), Alain Delisle (Mipojoseon), Kira Dormann (FC Inter Nantwich, TMB), Esteban Flores (Lhor, CMT), Kim Gyeong-Seok (Urrheddiao, CMT), Kweon Hyeok-Joon (FC Longview, VAL), Serguei Sapozhkov (Daedonggang 3.26), Frederic Yabusele (Atletik, MYT)

MIDFIELDERS (8):
Cesar Icardi-Rabiot (Jinja City FC, BNJ), Jordan Mah (Océanic C.F. Langlois, KSK), Samuel McTavish (Lakewood City, TMB), Pyo Seung-Hye (Avondale City, SYL), Maude Qalicho-Qaqqaq (Anormalies, CMT) Juan Aurelio Redondo (Montreal Koreana), Otis Tekarhonhonte (Eivora Athletic FC, TKT), Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett (Chromatik, CMT)

FORWARDS (6):
Billie Blue Hamisi (Urrheddiao, CMT), Anna Korniloff-Kouyate (Real Santa Mordana, KYP), Oberon M'bah-Pinho (Tihon, CMT), Corneille-Theophile Poulin (Avondale City, SYL), Amina Salihamidzic Beckie (Frenei Tor, CMT), Odette Tsioui (Perce Town)

Three Weddings and a Funeral

PART 3/4 - First Wedding

Part 3 - You're Losing Me

'Aren't they beautiful?' Queen Mother Elisabeth (nee Dolgorukaia) said, the deeper register of her Mezzo-Soprano voice indicating that she had perhaps hidden a couple of meanings altogether, as Dr. Heo the Younger looked back at her. It was a fairly low-hanging fruit, those that Elisabeth had liked to use when kicking off a more serious conversation, and the two of them had had known each other for forty-five years now that there stood no chance he'd miss them. 'Your grandson has certainly the looks of both his parents.'

'And certainly not that of mine,' Dr. Heo chuckled, immediately choosing to attribute the praise to his late wife, red-haired barrister and choreographer Maureen Turner, as well as his in-laws in Goldblooms. It's the way he preferred to go about it, even if not many were so undertanding about it. 'Only attribute that I had given my boy is Russian language and political leaning, though I admit he prefers to lean closer to my father, than his.'

This part was true. For all the love Dr. Heo the younger held for his grandson, even as going as far as naming him once of two possible options to succeed the Strathcona Trust, politics wasn't one of them with him making himself known early for his association with the NPD. Not that the distinction had mattered for Elisabeth, who seemed to consider the Arsenites of 2040s PJLQ and the Binningtonians of 2050s NPD in same grain anyway.

'Do you think that he deserves better than her though?' asked Elisabeth, almost as if she had found the right opportunity to snip an ask, as she would switch from the Royal Pronunciation (RP) English to Petrogradian Russian, just like in the older times. 'As you know, me and James and the Queen are fond of you, perhaps as a face of conscience who understands practicality, and us in our genuine selves. But it has always fuddled me how you have never been open to it all for second straight generation now. Like all of it suits you, and your children so well, and yet you regard that possibility with such disdain that it's perplexing.'

Dr. Heo quickly grabbed the side of his glasses, twitching it twice, before placing them back into their normal position. Ah, that, he thought, perhaps annoyed enough that this question would come up for another year, even more so because of what had happened just two weeks prior with Balle des Balons that the Queen Mother presided. 'I respect and look up to my father as much as dear James loved his father the King and his mother the Queen Nathalie,' Dr. Heo answered, lighting a cigarette. 'I have refused peerage and knighthood and all the related honours because I love my father, who actually spent years in jail protesting for the workers and the underprivileged in the eighties. I am not going to betray his trust just because of the title sir.'

'So the question of loyalty, rather,' replied Elisabeth. 'Still, I'm sure that your grandson could pull better than Kennedy Rice, or this Adeline Bathurst, or that Lundrigan girl. I've known you too long to underestimate how meticulous you and the Heos could be sometimes. Bloody Eugene Rosenshield wouldn't even hold a candle to any of it-'

Dr. Heo immediately put his hand to his head. 'Oh, don't even get to me about the coronation reception and Eugene Rosenshield, dear Lizzie. You know how my eyes flip whenever I hear of his so-called masterplans,' Dr. Heo said, almost in a plea. Eugene, a Moogoongwha peer at the House of Lords, was someone he dreaded talking to on any occasion, and it had only gotten worse since his joining of the Privy Council. 'My answer is still a no. No royal suits him, not even your Addy (Adelaide).'

'But that Addy suits him,' Elisabeth gave a light glare back at the pair, who seemed to be too busy embracing in a slow dance, even as everybody else were dancing to the early-mid 2000s tune.

'Yes, but let's not think too much about that just for now,' Dr. Heo rolled his eyes, feeling somewhat annoyed about it all. 'Just last month the Whistledown were talking about my boy and Kennedy Rice, and last week the people were gushing over him and Claire Lundrigan. I don't like discussing such with my grandkids, let me be clear, but I could believe if rumours regarding him and Kennedy - the lass could act, at that age too, and has her sights set on correct places. That said, if Myeong-Yoon and Asher Lundrigan held no serious feelings back in time, why would Claire and Seung-Geon? Let the children behave. They are free souls aged twenty, not forty with children, for love of the god.'

'Perhaps to my relief,' Elisabeth gave a light smile. 'What about the Diamond? Do you see a good pairing?'

It was then that Dr. Heo immediately figured out what Elisabeth wanted to raise. For all the love shared between Elisabeth and Alexandre, Dr. Heo realised that she's yet to know whatever the feelings that Alexandre and Claire Lundrigan may hold, one way or both. This put Dr. Heo, the grandfather of a perceived competition (even if he weren't), in an awkward spot.

'Princess Solveig?' Dr. Heo answered, his tone suggesting no less of a surprise, before stopping to think for few seconds. 'Well, she's your diamond, and I trust your judgment, sure. But I thought this discussion's already addressed before, even more so considering the Queen's preference and the general protocol to avoid union-based marriages. She has already said to all of us, without Alexandre's knowledge, that she would prefer a Quebecois rose.'

'Are Caspian and Zandaba not foreign princes and princesses?' asked Elisabeth. 'Why the hesitation all of sudden?'

'It took a dying James, whom you and him were great friends with Cassie II, who I wish no less than earnest recovery, to approve Caspian and Christine, not to mention that she wasn't going to give it any other way,' Dr. Heo answered with a bit more resolution in his voice. The use of late Jacques IX's name as James Ginzburg, one of three variations involving the late Jacques IX, suggested the level of closeness he's held to both of theme, was just part of it.

Of course, Philippe and Zandaba's situation mattered little to him, at least when considering Philippe's naval career thereafter. 'You know the royal house is not a place for anybody to go in. There are all certain barriers with the institution that you cannot break through, and others that you have to speak through the bricks on these walls, that makes it all a ritual in a sense, and even those who get initial approvals take forever.'

A quick second followed before Elisabeth realised the specific mention of a 'great friendship' was purposeful, almost certainly implying her daughter's preference for Claire Lundrigan. This was less of concern for the Queen Mother than the Queen herself, with the 75-year old mostly remembering Sir. Asher as Christine's friend, and held him in high enough of a regard as an ecrivain. 'So you think she could end up the way of the Queen Nathalie, who was the only true commoner to become the Quebecois consort.' She said, perhaps not as genuine with hidden meanings, even more with over four decades of tensions built up between her and her mother-in-law.

'Well, it takes great sacrifice for a great man to prove his worth,' Dr. Heo said with enough confidence, perhaps in slight admiration to Henri-VIII and the Queen Nathalie. 'Henri VIII, then Prince Henri, pulled every lever imagined and imaginable to marry a relatively plain-faced, middle class, Jewish woman from Kingston, whom she had met at a congress hosted by UPRI four years prior in 1983. You know what happened back then, because it was very much different from you and James.'

'Not a single person approved the match other than Sylvain IV,' Elisabeth answered. 'And everybody but one person approved the match for me and James.' The contrast was true, and perhaps unsurprising, especially with Elizaveta being the daughter of a Petrogradian Grand Duke, a St. Croix classmate of Sylvain IV whose position was restored post-Communist era in Novopetrograd.

'Exactly, and I hope you understand me when I say this,' Dr. Heo resumed speaking. 'Because sometimes, there are some things that you can break through, and sometimes you cannot,' He then continued. 'It took the late Prince every possible measure, and not to mention overwhelming public support, to ensure everybody else would approve. And then with you, it took five years, two wars and Prince William's death before the Queen Nat would approve it at last. But it doesn't have to work that way unless absolutely dire, and god forbid I would wish that upon Seung-Geon or Alexandre because neither of them should be going through that. I cannot betray my father, and you have to trust Alexandre too.'

---

Part 4 - We Owned the Night

06:30

Seung-Geon could barely sleep the whole night, and there was no chance he would sleep any more until the early-afternoon flight back to Joongyeong.

He looked back at Adeline Yi, who was quietly asleep on the other side of their mattress with a light layer of blanket on top that's worked out fine enough for a night on rooftop of her overnight lodging. Lord knows how we didn't tremble the whole night by five, but who are we to ignore the stars shining above this sky? he thought, as he tried his best to figure out if she's going to be awake soon. From what he had recalled the chances were 50/50 - her check-out time wasn't going to be until noon, and her flight back to Bathurst wasn't until seven in the evening, almost certainly meaning decent chance one of the legs would involve a redeye flight. So whatever the chance he would have with her, from now and in next two hours, were still up in the air.

Now, Seung-Geon wasn't exactly a nervous person. Quite opposite in fact, as he liked people of all backgrounds and sought enough pleasure in humanly interactions enough times, that he had this weird confidence where he could settle down, with anyone and at any moment, if he would choose to do so at any moment. So the chance of him living alone into the old age, something that some of his peers had a seemingly-irrational fear over, wasn't exactly the one that he had thought much about, though the worry of outliving his loved ones, one that he's seen it aplenty with his grandfather and great-grandfather, was a dreary possibility.

What complicated his situation now was that not only his future career, as a classically-trained trombonist, was not a particularly rooted one, he also had to deal with additional 'conditions' that may not be so easy to explain. A musical career's great and had all that he loved, while both the Strathcona Trust and H&N Group succession plans also brought out interesting plans that he was open towards, provided he be selected over his younger cousins and had decades of building up to the task.

But then there's the question of spiritual illness (Shinbyeong, 神病/신병) where he, since having to deal with said occurrences a year ago, had to quietly acclimate himself into undergo training as a shaman specialised in incantation. This was already a hassle enough, even more when considering the conflict it held with the faith he had been raised as a reform Jew, and he wasn't really looking forward to addressing this with both Heo and Goldbloom side of the family other than his grandfather, with the 'Younger' the only person who knew and approved even if it had come with a slight worry over professional future.

Almost at that moment, a quick thought sparked over his head as he wondered if Dr. Heo the younger would approve it. Could Addy Bathurst be right person? Seung-Geon thought, as he checked his watch. It was 6:30 in the morning, still early but with an awkward look or two somebody might be able to notice them. Am I going to miss her when we leave? Should I ask if we should meet next week? Should I ask her to stay?

All of sudden Seung-Geon was feeling less sure about a lot of his plans. For the differences they had, from age to childhood and everything else (the Heos are famously bad in the sciences, and to lesser extent mathematics), Adeline felt different, someone whose eyes had that sharp glow and yet, would be able to move rocks. Grounded and yet relatable, Seung-Geon felt more understood and perhaps comfortable in her presence, and was close to telling her about the symptoms. And in that he could understand a bit about why he wanted to leave Quebec for long time - perhaps in search of anchor and a reflector - but also...

'Don't go, Seung-Geon,' said Adeline's raspier voice, whose sweet-tasting dust followed as she popped his thought balloon as she woke up. 'Please, don't go.'

Seung-Geon turned around, only to see Adeline looking back at him. He could immediately notice at that moment that the look in her brown eyes, which he had initially wondered to be hiding the universal secrets the previous night, were instead holding all the sadness in the world, while the narrow curve of her lips barely closed to hold back the words.

'Please don't leave. Before it's too late,' she said the third time. At that moment, Seung-Geon turned around and a shed a tear, away from her as to not have it be seen.

13:30

Aeroquebec Express flight 1480 to Joongyeong-Reneegrad is now ready for boarding. Customers in zone one and two, as well as passengers requirin gspecial assistance, are now invited to board at gate 11. Please have your boarding pass ready. Thank you.

'I hear that the bees were indeed buzzing in the air, as we have all hoped for,' Dr. Heo the younger smiled, certainly in a good mood, as he was travelling along the moving walkway with his grandson Seung-Geon at the Bonneville airport. Dr. Heo was ready to go back home to Joongyeong, especially after having said goodbye to his friend at his family plot before the wedding, and dressed lightly to reflect it. With the luggage case checked and sent to the cargo hold, he wore a khaki sweater, comfortable vanilla pants and the runners. 'This world we live in needs more flowerbeds and bees pollenating all that's to do with stability of it all,' he then coughed, before raising his voice. 'And who am I but a proud grandfather to see Seung-Geon look so dazzled with the Bathurst girl?'

'Grandpa, please,' groaned Seung-Geon, before taking a deep breath. At six foot six, Seung-Geon was lot bigger than his grandfather, and he had dressed well enough in green and white plaid shirt and blue Jeans to generate positive attention, but deep inside Seung-Geon was feeling the worst kinds of feelings out there as he dragged himself to board for the 13h flight back home. His original idea was to seat in the economy seating, with more flexibility in arrival time, but his grandfather suggested they be seated together on business class off Aeroquebec mileage. 'Next thing you will tell me that you are preparing a three-day wedding at the Soochangoong Palace this time next year.'

'That's nothing, haven't I ever told you about the story of my grandmother, who had bought all the furniture and cutleries for my father's wedding?' Dr. Heo scoffed, before saying the story of the elder ever so often. It is commonly known among those in the family that Dong-Soo, for all his intellect and scholarship, had gotten the worst of meticulousness and planning, not to mention mannerisms and dialect, from his grandmother. 'And she's a fine lass from sounds of it all. Her great-grandfather, two Dukes removed, was my national team coach way back when. In sabre. Truly a man of passion with the intensity of a Rimouski steelwork and the tempers of Blood Sea waters combined.'

'Please, grandpa,' Seung-Geon answered, in an effort trying to pacify his grandfather. Bonneville airport, for its relatively small size, had lots of people at the gates due to the wedding week, and Seung-Geon, who was walking next to his grandfather, was now feeling somewhat embarrassed. 'I know that she could be the one. But there's no guarantee that she would be the one, when I could be gone the next year and then for how long? She deserves someone more reliable in life than me.'

'Could? Could? and Could?' Dr. Heo raised his voice, almost as if he had been waiting for the wording to change over the weeks. Perhaps this may have been the break he had needed, even more after the initial worries he and Elisabeth had expressed. 'What have made your stance change from utmost certainty to that of possibility?'

'I know it's...hard to say, grandpa, but...' Seung-Geon stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath or two as he tried to garner his thoughts again, before resuming to speak. 'That last night with Addy, I have met someone who I could really relate to, someone who knew my uncertainties and fears, and yes, who wanted me to stay instead of moving to Thessia as you know, my original plans were.' He sighed before closing it out. 'It was as if everything had changed, and I cannot describe it. How bloody embarrassing isn't it?'

'On the contrary, rather.' Dr. Heo looked back at him, putting his right hand on top of his grandson's palm. 'You are very much on track, dear Seung-Geon. If an artist's job out there isn't to build the uncreatable, or to voice the unsayable, then what purpose do you hold?'

'Nothing,' Seung-Geon said.

'Precisely,' Dr. Heo said after giving a light nod or two. 'If it helps you, I have a good and a bad news. First, I would advise you hold off on your plans to move abroad in the mean time. Wasn't my suggestion this time - your uncle had insisted upon it - but we believe that you and Armando both would gain much and lose relatively little to none, with additional choices on the plate should his political endeavours be successful in next year's Anju Centre byelection.'

'Uncle's actually decided to run for the parliament?' Seung-Geon answered as he raised his eyebrows, somewhat in surprise but also in slight betrayal over his uncle so easily deciding to make a decision without consideration of others. 'How could he do this? for mine and other's sake? The Millikens aren't even that liked there - they hate how cheapskate aunt Maisie's father and brothers were to the fans for so long, almost certainly calling those Milliken men brokeballers.'

'I am aware that you are upset, and so am I,' Dr. Heo answered back, his tone a bit more measured this time. 'Your aunt Maisie's brother has been planning to move away from Quebec in the recent months, especially with his mansion acquisition in Kingsbury, and I am less sure on how happy the Liberals (PJLQ) will be over her sister marrying a McInnis,' He then continued. 'It's ill-advised, one I had told him not to do so, but have given my blessings regardless. And family dictates directions in our house.'

'Please don't tell me so, grandpa,' Seung-Geon said, anger replaced by disappointment and exhaustion. 'You are the only person who's able to accept my Shinbyeong.'

'I do, and will forever protect you, in living and death,' Dr. Heo said, right as they arrived in front of the gate. The lines and occupation rate of all the seats suggested it was going to be a packed flight, even in the business class. 'Just remember that if this is real, she will understand. Bathursts are no different than us with who we observe and worship. Have faith.'

[Abanhfleft]

Things might have finally started going well for the Fleftic women’s national football team, but the same could not be same for the men’s side of the game. And the even bigger problem for them was that, barring a miracle, there was no solution to that particular problem, not like what Gennady Chernenko had seemingly done with the women’s team.

The problems with the Fleftic men’s national football team were honestly quite similar to the problems that the women’s team had suffered in recent times: there was more than enough talent in the current squad to take Abanhfleft to any major international honors that it so desired, but more often than not the men would be unable to carry themselves over the line when it mattered. Cases in point: the most recent editions of the Brevity Cup, the Independent Associations Championship, the Di Bradini Cup, and the Under-18 World Cup. The Samahang Futbol ng Abanhfleft had high expectations, or more accurately hopes, about the progress that their teams could make in the aforementioned competitions but, like dominoes, those expectations fell down as these teams failed to make it out of the group stage. There used to be a time when getting knocked out in the Round of 16 was one of the worst and most cursed finishes that an Abanhfleft team could muster up in international competition, but now that they were failing to do even that, it was fair to say that there were more than just a handful of fans who would bite off hands, arms, and other such limbs if it meant that Abanhfleft could get more than just the occasional win in any given group stage.

This perception of Abanhfleft, or at least its men’s football teams, entering an ever steepening decline was not helped by the fact that the Fhulghamous Peninsula, a Fleftic territory in the region of Esportiva, had done the impossible and actually won the Campionato Esportiva. It wasn’t a situation in which the Peninsula’s victory in the biggest footballing competition in Esportiva was something that was considered to be inevitable; much like their parent country, the Fhulghamous had made a habit of bowing out in either the group stage of a Campionato or, if they made it beyond that, getting knocked out in the first playoff round. In other words, the Fhulghamous Peninsula was as unsuccessful in their little corner of the multiverse as Abanhfleft was. But then the Colonists just had to win the Campionato, and now the SFA had been exposed once again for being absolute frauds. There had been a perception (and some would say that it still exists) that the Fhulghamousian national football team was where players who could have represented Abanhfleft but couldn’t break through the youth and national team setup went to rejuvenate or salvage their records, depending on the optimism or pessimism of the one talking about it. The Fhulghamousian Football Association knew that there was a possibility that that could happen as soon as it was established, and thus it set out very stringent criteria on who could represent the Peninsula or not, but that didn’t stop the jokes, good-natured or otherwise, from coming.

Perhaps the biggest reason why people (mostly Fleftics) still believed that the Fhulghamousian national football was some sort of Plan B for Fleftic footballers who couldn’t cut it in their own national team was because of one Silas Babalioutas. Silas Babalioutas, though he had been born in the Fhulghamous Peninsula, was also eligible to represent the Fleftic national team because, as a colony of Abanhfleft, Fhulghamousians also had Fleftic citizenship. It wasn’t rare for some of the more talented Fhulghamousian players to be invited to join the Fleftic national team as the latter was always looking for more opportunities to improve itself despite numerous setbacks and failures, with perhaps the most notable example of this being Tatiana Tos. Silas Babalioutas was someone who was of a similar mold as Tos, although he was more of a creative outlet in the midfield as opposed to playing the enforcer role that Tos had practically made her own on the women’s national team. However, unlike Tos, Babalioutas had seen his development get sidelined due to injuries that had plagued him during the early stages of his career, and by the time he had managed to play through an entire season without too many notable injuries, the Fleftic men’s football team had already moved on beyond him. Desperate for international football while at the same time coming to terms with his own limitations, Babalioutas went back to the Fhulghamous and accepted the call-up from the Peninsula’s football team.

However, that was just the first part of the story. Silas had a younger brother, Iraklis, and he also attracted the attention of both the SFA and the FhFA, but the mainland beat their colony to the punch by calling up Iraklis for the Under-18 World Cup and then the Di Bradini Cup, thus paving the way for his eventual inclusion into the senior Fleftic national team. However, although Iraklis was now playing for the more “prestigious” team, neither Abanhfleft nor the Fhulghamous had been able to achieve much while they were in their respective squads, or at least that had been the case until the 37th Campionato Esportiva when the Fhulghamous Peninsula overcame the odds and lifted the biggest footballing prize in Esportiva for the very first time in their history. For the first time in their history, the Fhulghamous Peninsula actually managed to hold their nerve and win a competition in which many people, including their fellow Fhulghamousians, had written them off as not having a chance against the other teams in the Campionato. Meanwhile, in the months after, Abanhfleft suffered a series of ignominious defeats in literally every competition in which the men’s team was playing. It didn’t matter what level was playing: the senior team, the under-23s, the under-21s, or even the under-18s; Abanhfleft failed to get out of the group stage in all of those levels.

Normally, the SFA would have made a big show of claiming that they were not going to take this anymore and that they were going to take steps to make sure that such an embarrassment would never happen again, but really nothing would actually happen unless it was so embarrassing that the SFA would have no choice but to sack the manager. That wasn’t always the case; usually the manager was just good enough to get a couple of wins here and there and that would be enough for the SFA to allow them to run out the manager’s contract without offering an extension. But even that particular strategy was now getting exposed because Gennady Chernenko, upon taking charge of the Fleftic women’s team, actually appeared to be determined to engineer change in that particular squad whether the SFA wanted him to do it or not. And, unlike many other managers before him who had tried to do that and failed, Chernenko’s methods were actually producing results as could be clearly seen in the Lady Revolutionaries’ results in the World Cup qualifiers. After that humbling defeat against West Barack and East Obama, Chernenko figured out what was right and what was wrong with the team that he had inherited from Kate Bernanos, and he did all that he could to mold it into his “own” team, and so far the women were reaping the rewards.

The Fleftic men’s football team was currently without a manager after Levi Baak and the SFA mutually agreed to terminate the former’s contract following the Revolutionaries’ abysmal showing in HUElavia for the 20th Independent Associations Championship. Since they weren’t due to take part in another tournament for the foreseeable future, it looked likely that they would have to continue without a manager for a little longer. However, now that Gennady Chernenko’s methods appeared to be more undeniable, the SFA decided that perhaps it was now time for them to swallow their pride and ask someone who clearly knew what they were going to help them figure out what was going wrong for the men’s team.

“You want me to fix the men’s team?” Gennady Chernenko said in barely disguised disbelief. “At the same time that I’m managing the women’s team? That’s what you want me to do?”

“We figured that, since you’re already here, why shouldn’t we ask you for that?” the president of the Samahang Futbol ng Abanhfleft replied. “Clearly, you’re working wonders for our women’s team in the qualifiers, and we want to see you apply that same magic touch of yours on the men’s team.”

Chernenko snorted derisively. “Do you really think that it’s going to be that easy?” he asked again. “I agreed to take this job because I expected to manage the Fleftic women’s football team. The same team that won the Jenna Raven Cup, the Women’s World Cup, twice in six years. That’s the job that I expected to take when I came here. And now you want to add the men’s team on top of all that?”

“It wasn’t just my idea, you see, Gennady Yakovlevich,” the president said nervously. “It was a group decision…”

“I’m sure it was,” Chernenko nodded sarcastically. “Mr. President, I will tell you a little secret. It’s easy to say that someone can fix something because you’ve seen that person fix something else that wasn’t as broken as the other thing you want him to fix as well. It’s easy to say and think that someone can fix a team just because that was what they did in other teams and clubs as well. But I’m not that kind of manager. I just happened to know that results mattered a lot more to you and your fellow countrymen, which is why I decided to do what I can to make sure that the women’s team can get as many positive results as possible in the World Cup qualifiers and in the competitions beyond. But why not? It’s not like I’ve been faced with a greater challenge like this.”

“So you’re going to do it?” the SFA’s president asked, relief now growing on his face. “You’re going to do what you can to fix the men’s team alongside the women’s team?”

“I don’t know if I can fix the men’s team like you think I’m capable of doing,” Chernenko replied simply. “But what I do know is that it’s a literal miracle that you haven’t won any silverware, anything, with the likes of Sven Fahrni, Carlos Lado, Bellingham and Thonet in the middle of your defense, and then Baburov down the spine. That is an actual achievement, to have not won anything with such players in your team. Perhaps that is proof that there is such a thing as a higher power. But you have the tools at your disposal to create a winning team, Mr. President. It’s such a shame that they’ve all gone to waste, at least until now. But I will still do what I can to make your men’s team into a winning team, much like I’m currently doing right now with your women’s team.”

---

       ABANHFLEFT 3 - 4 CHROMATIKA                 
  KELLERMAN (20')       NAM IL-SAN (10', 37')
     ZILAHI (59')       FRANÇINE-MIKLAVIVEC (14')
  McGLAMERY (77')       XUEN-ZHUKOV (83')

        ABANHFLEFT 2 - 2 WEST BARACK AND EAST OBAMA  
  BERNARDINO (80')       L. CHOBAMYA (6')
   MINDORO (90+3')       POGAMA (40')

[Srednjaci]

WORLD CUP 96 MERTAGNE & HUAYRAMARCA

LONG WAY IS IN FRONT - SECOND ROUND OF GROUP STAGE!

Srednjaci 3–3 Sea Dome

1-0 32' Li Peng, assist Marko Tomljanović
2-0 39' Isidor Matković , assist Adalina Natković
3-2 86' Davida Zimmer

We will never be able to explain what happened in the match between us and the drowning team in the group, the Sea Dome team. Absolute dominance in the match, we had 12 shots on goal and a total of 18 shots! 82% possession of the ball but we conceded 3 useless goals! Two of them from penalties, the recklessness of our defense! We were leading 2-0 ( Li and Matković), had the game in our hands, and then one wrong pass by Marko Tomljanović, the opponents have a quick counter attack, on the edge of 16 meters, 20-year-old Koren Usović started in defense! The opposing attacker falls on the ground and the referee points to the white dot. Koren Usović receives a straight red card!
Our players and coaching staff are protesting because they claim that the offense was outside the penalty area, but the decision was not changed. Sea Dome reduces the score to 2-1 from the penalty, and we have one player shortage. In order to close the back line, the coach puts Adalina Natković on the bench, who played great and had an assist on our second goal, and puts Ivana Žimić in the CB position.
In 68', restlessness entered our ranks and we failed to stabilize our game after that penalty and there was already another penalty! One bounced ball reached to the opposing players, they ran into the counterattack. Our back line tried to close all approaches to the goal. A player from Sea Dome shoots towards our goal, but the ball hits in the hand of Ivana Žimić. The referee points to the white dot again. Second penalty and yellow card for Ivana Žimić. Sea Dome equalizes at 2-2!
Once again, our team increases the pressure, but also makes mistakes. And then in 86' Davida Zimmer makes a brilliant solo penetration on the left side, shoots, and scores a goal! The Srednjacian's have a 3-2 lead!
But one of the rare breakthroughs of the opposing team ends up in the corner. 93' of the game, Sea Dome executes a corner and after two blocked shots in the penalty area, the ball reaches the player who is alone, undisturbed on the edge of the penalty area, shoots, the ball hits the back of another player and its trajectory deceives our goalkeeper...and it's 3-3!! The terrible inefficiency of our players has been punished. We had to win this game! We are now in a very difficult situation.

---

The 14 Stars 2–1 Srednjaci

1-0 11' Joy Sol
1-1 44' Isidor Matković , assist Takanobu Tavano
2-1 86' Christian Fourseasons

After that inexplicable setback against the Sea Dome, our team has to dig itself out of the deep mud against a very tough opponent, The 14 Stars. And besides, we are away.
It was a tough test for our team. Due to the red card, we cannot count on Koren Usović, but Žimić is in the game instead.
It didn't all start well for our team. The 14 Stars controlled the ball and the game. In 11th minute they put a pressure on our goal and took a 1-0 lead with a great 1 on 1 play by Joy Sol. The brilliant mildfielder Joy Sol took a rebound and beat our goalkeeper.
After the goal, our team opened up in game and started to play much more aggressively forward with accurate passes. The 14 Stars found themselves in a difficult position as our players took the initiative. The reward came in the 44th minute, when after a great shot by Li Peng, the home goalkeeper knocked the ball into the corner with his fingertips. The corner was taken by Takanobu Tavano and Isidor Marković with stunning header, headed the net inside the opponent's goal. The goalkeeper could not save this shot. Srednjaci managed to equalize at 1-1!
In the continuation of the match, both teams didn't have as many opportunities as in the first half. And when it was thought that the points would be shared... The 14 Stars make a change and that change will bring them all 3 points. Veteran Christian Fourseasons just entered the game and then in the 80' scored all 3 points for the host!
A new shock for our team...now we are very far from the playoffs. We have to win the next 3 games if we want to have any chance of getting through the group.

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Srednjaci 4–2 Wight

1-0 22' Petra Marinović, assist Marko Tomljanović
2-0 39' Marko Tomljanović , assist Valentino Rocca
3-1 56' Petra Marinović, assist Ivana Julišković 
4-1 70' Valery Rublev

KULA GOLDEN EYE STADIUM



At this stadium, we welcomed Sea Dome, one of the two worst teams in our group, and unfortunately we did not manage to win. Now we welcomed the second worst team and this time nothing was left to chance!
Our team played in a rather mixed situation because the coach wanted to rest the best players because we have a match against the group leader, Brookstation. Therefore, he kept the best players on the bench in the first half. The game of the young 17-year-old Ivana Julišković on the right wing is the most attention-grabbing. She had several great moves that earned her a standing ovation in the stadium and she assisted for our third goal. Brilliant game by the young U18 representative.
Petra Marinović was also great with 2 golas and also she replacing Isidor Matković.
The players from the bench showed themselves in an excellent light. We won 3 points and Srednjaci will host group leaders Brookstation in Katanija.

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Srednjaci 4–3 Brookstation

1-0 22' Takanobu Tavano, assist Danijela Majić
2-0 39' Isidor Matković , assist Li Peng
3-2 56' Li Peng, assist Davida Zimmer
4-2 70' Isidor Matković

KATANIJA , NATIONAL STADIUM : BLUE OYSTER



this is one of those matches in the "must win" category. Now, in these matches, the character of the team is shown. In these kinds of matches, you play and die for every ball. Brookstation, the team that is the leader of the group, the team that beat us without any problems in the first match, arrived as our guests. It's time for revenge!
Brookstation powerful and playful, undefeated, 6 matches and 6 wins. they conceded only 4 goals and scored 15! Amazing statistics!
On the other hand, our team has changed a lot. There are no more players who were the backbone of the team. Today, this team is a combination of youth and experience.
But on the court it was a lion's battle, which brought us 3 points with a magnificent victory! Apart from these 3 points, which are important, we are back in the game to pass the group!

The situation is now such that our team has 7 points less than the group leading team Brookstation, but only one point less than the second-placed Juvencus. In third place is The 14 Stars, who have one point less than us. There is a big crowd for the second place, but our team must win the following games, because that's the only way we can count on the playoffs.