Di Bradini Cup 58/U21WC79 RP And Scores Thread

by **Valanora** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 9:48 am

Starblaydia wrote:OOC:For complete newcomers, please see the Guide to Sports Roleplaying. If you need to ask anything of the host or your opponents, arrange RP angles or generally chat about the goings-on, please use the World Cup Discussion Thread. Misspellings of 'Di Bradini' will be met with zero tolerance.

The Valanora Footballing Association presents

In association with the Starblaydia Football Association:

The Fifty-eighth Di Bradini Cup
a.k.a
The 79th Under-21 World Cup

The Valanora Footballing Association proudly presents the fifty-eighth edition of the Di Bradini Cup, the twenty-sixth edition to be held within Valanora. Recognized as direct successor to the original Under-21 World Cup run by Total n Utter Insanity, this is also the 79th Under-21 World Cup.

This tournament is named after Starblaydia's most-famous player, the first person to score for Starblaydia's own Under-21s, currently the fifth-highest goalscorer in Starblaydia's history, World Cup Winner, member of the World Cup Hall of Fame and one-time President of the World Cup Committee: Simeone Di Bradini. We present, for your participation: The 58th Di Bradini Cup, a.k.a. The 79th Under-21 World Cup!

Helpful Di Bradini Cup/U21 World Cup Links
Guide to Sports Roleplaying || General Sports Roleplaying Questions || OOC Discussion Thread || DBC 58 Signup/Roster Thread || Previous Edition

Format
We have 32 teams! Ergo, it'll look like a senior World Cup- 8 groups of 4. Single round robin, top 2 in each group move onto the Round of 16. From there, the tournament is single knockout. All games will take place in Valanora.

Groups
Group A
Valanora
The 14 Stars
Carpathia and Ruthenia
Kamijiro

Venues: The Battleground, Turmondale Grounds

Group B
Zenic
Semarland
Aphrilia
TJUN-ia

Venues: Metropolis, The Tar Pit

Group C
Chromatika
HUElavia
Tumbra
Vielfaltig

Venues: Raynor Memorial, Duran Palace

Group D
Cabo Azure
Baker Park
Mytanija
Cannaland

Venues: Haramos Park, Hellgate

Group E
Tero al Disco
Abanhfleft
Burikinia
Panay Islands and Guimaras

Venues: Lathal, The Pitch

Group F
Lisander
Crpostran
Tikariot
Cardenao

Venues: Angelotic Temple, Miner's Haven

Group G
Yak Empire
Ardsk
Sarzonia
Polar Islandstates

Venues: Sabinal Stadium, River City Stadium

Group H
Sangti and the Filindo Isles
Siovanija & Teusland
Nova Calania
Darmen

Venues: Artani, Donna Cathedral

Calendar
Group Stage Dates & Matchday Schedule
CUTOFF TIMES: 1 PM- 3 PM EDT.
Matchday 1- Tuesday, Jul 16th. Matchups: 1v4, 2v3.
Matchday 2- Thursday, Jul 18th. Matchups: 4v3, 1v2.
Matchday 3- Saturday, Jul 20th. Matchups: 2v4, 3v1.
Knockout Stage Schedule
Round of 16- Monday, Jul 22nd. Matchups: A1vD2, B1vC2, C1vB1, D1vA2, E1vH2, F1vG2, G1vF2, H1vE2
Quarterfinals- Wednesday, Jul 24th. Matchups: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8
Semifinals- Friday, Jul 26th. Matchups: Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4
3PPO/Final- Monday, Jul 29th.

Group Stage Tiebreakers
1) Overall Goal Differential
2) H-2-H
3) Coin Toss(aka RP bonus only scored match between the two teams)

by **Valanora** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 9:49 am

Map of Valanora

Valanora Information
The most important thing to know about traveling through Valanora is that automobiles are banned except for government officials. A high tech railway system connects the entirety of the nation, with three most popular international airports in Raynor City, Gladerial, and Baysleef. A ferry from Rinaldi travels to and from the island of Capri every hour on the hour. The most distinguishing feature of Valanora is the prevalent amount of forests standing in many of the inner half of the nation, even in cities, with the elven attempts to live in harmony with nature. Vanorians are a polite if not a bit high on themselves, believing elvenkind to be superior to humans, though they show a respect for the potential their humanoid cousins have.

Venues

The Battleground

Capacity: 78,000
Location: Raynor City

Artani

Capacity: 74,000
Location: Mar Sara

Angelotic Temple

Capacity: 71,000
Location: Longview

The White Fortress

Capacity: 70,000
Location: Gladerial

Donna Cathedral

Capacity: 60,000
Location: Mar Sara

Hatire Memorial

Capacity: 60,000
Location: Capri

Sabinal Stadium

Capacity: 56,000
Location: Sabinal

Hellgate

Capacity: 54,000
Location: Raynor City

Aranfield Bridge

Capacity: 52,000
Location: Everlin

Duran Palace

Capacity: 51,000
Location: Valanari

Castle de Mot

Capacity: 49,000
Location: Wexax

Rose Gardens

Capacity: 49,000
Location: Kareen

The Pitch

Capacity: 46,000
Location: Turbani

Turmondale Grounds

Capacity: 43,000
Location: Raynor City

Haramos Park

Capacity: 43,000
Location: Cartmot

Caddo Park

Capacity: 42,000
Location: Caddo

Raynor Memorial

Capacity: 40,000
Location: Hondo

The Tar Pit

Capacity: 39,000
Location: Char Sara

Metropolis

Capacity: 39,00
Location: Ibini

Orange Gate Falls

Capacity: 39,000
Location: Monaven

Miner's Haven

Capacity: 36,000
Location: Goldsan

River City Stadium

Capacity: 35,000
Location: Bexar

Tiradir

Capacity: 31,000
Location: Gladerial

Lathal

Capacity: 29,000
Location: Ianisle

by **Panay Islands and Guimaras** » Sat Jul 06, 2024 10:08 am

¡ADIÓS ILOÍLO, HOLA VALANORA!
Raynor City, Valanora

After months of preparing, the young carabaos are marching from the streets of Iloílo to the futuristic cosmopolitans of Raynor in Valanora for the prestigious U21 tournament of all, the Di Bradini Cup. Majority of the players we're happy and nervous at the same time. Like the Dingle, Iloílo native Lorenzo Mendoza. He said that he was very excited what Valanora will gave them for the opportunity. "It was nice seeing the skies of Valanora but I'm hoping what opportunity gave us this time in this very prestigious tournament like the DBC." The besties, Felipe and Misael have contained their excitement in playing outside of the country but also at the same time, being too nervous about the teams. "It was all fun and games until the teams came in and possibly whoop our butts out. But we wanted some good experience but also, to win for the country." Tero al Disco's Claudio Ojero told us that this team has been preparing for months to show up their talents, and hoping their talents must translate into success. The Panayenses are placed in Group E, with his native country of Tero al Disco, Abanhleft, and Burikinia. The team's reaction was too nervous for them since Abanhleft has more experience playing in this kind of cups. But their hope is their discipline and talent, as the team said. We're hoping that these young Panayenses will lead us on to victory before the U18 and the senior team did and inspire the young Panayenses in the near future.

by **Tumbra** » Sun Jul 07, 2024 9:35 am

DI BRADINI CUP: Lennon says priority is "good performance" over deep tournament runs; but "would ideally like to do well"

STRATON: Speaking at the squad announcement for the 58th edition of the Under-21 World Cup, newly-instated team manager John Lennon said that while everyone on the team wished that the Tumbran national team would "ideally like to do well," he said that the team was also "keeping its expectations in check," especially with a challenging group starring perennial contenders Chromatika and northern Esportivan neighbours Vielfaltig. Lennon, who was previously manager of the Under-18 World Cup which won the 21st edition of the tournament, was given the job after Thomas Branting decided to move on after his third cycle with the team. Tumbra are defending Di Bradini Cup champions; having defeated the Polar Islandstates in the previous edition of the tournament.

When asked about the prospects of his squad, Lennon responded very positively. "We all know that Tumbra are quite renowned for their ability to grow and develop youth," said Lennon. "And this batch, I think, are no different. I've worked with a lot of them before as Under-18 manager, and I think they're all excellent players — highly motivated, a lot of drive, high potential — and have the potential to go far." Similar to under-aged teams past and present, however, Lennon placed a premium on "good performances" over "deep tournament runs," but said that everyone would love a deep run.

Tumbra are two-time champions of the Di Bradini Cup, having won the 51st and 57th edition of the tournament; they also reached the final of the 54th edition of the tournament, where they lost to Baker Park. While the field of teams within the Cup is ever-changing, Tumbra have become a semi-regular fixture in the Cup; other famous names include the Polar Islandstates, who most recently made three finals on the trot; Abanhfleft, who are renowned equally for their terrible luck as their skill in football; and hosts in perpetua Valanora.

Republicans eye pickup opportunity in federal by-election for Lormark seat of Tencaster, Kenfield, and Osworth

The Tencaster, Kenfield, and Osworth result from 2037

SOUTHPORT: There's the sniff of a political upset brewing in the southwest — and it's coming from the Republicans.

The death of 2-term MP Michael Harrington in April has meant that a by-election for his old seat of Tencaster, Kenfield, and Osworth has been on the cards for a while; and while the major parties are expected to field candidates in what has been expected to be a nominally safe seat for the right-wing People's Party, the recent rise of the Republican Party — a socially and economically liberal party committed to advancing the cause of the Southwest and Dutch language rights in the region — could shake that up. The Republicans made waves by winning 4 seats in the Southwest in the 2038 Senate elections, resulting in the People's Party — then known as the United Party — dropping to 80 seats, equal to the ruling Labour Party.

Rumours around Straton now suggest that the Republicans — a joint effort led by Turvenal premier Ben Hoekstra and Southport mayor Zoë Vollebregt — could be buoyed by potential headwinds against the People's Party in that constituency, as well as the relative popularity of the Republicans in the state of Lormark as a whole. The People's Party has apparently chosen Harrington's son, Darren, as the prospective candidate for Tencaster; while the Republicans seemed to have poached Amanda de Vries (née Timmermans), the Moderate candidate in the 2037 election, to run under their banner instead. De Vries has been seen campaigning for the Republicans recently, and has said that her decision to join the Republicans was one of "necessity for the future of the Southwest."

The Republicans have been polling ever-stronger in the Southwest since 2038; state elections (which by convention are called in three-year intervals, to coincide with the midpoint of the presidential term) in the four Southwestern states of Turvenal, Pesvern, Lormark, and Fremont could all see substantial Republican presence, with Republicans already forming the government in the state of Turvenal. There have been whispers throughout Straton that the Republicans could effectively be given a "free hand" to challenge the People's Party by all the other major parties, with minimal campaigning and preference deals to direct resources to winning the seat for de Vries and dealing a blow to the People's Party right in its electoral heartlands.

"People are sick and tired that we've been taken for granted, see," said Tim Piker, a Republican campaigner who was interviewed by the Millsburgh Chronicle for an article about the by-election. "We vote People's — or Liberal, or whatever they're called these days — and they ignore us when we get into government, because we'll always vote for them anyway. And Labour will ignore us when they're in government because they know we're never voting for them. The Republicans represent something new, see and not like those flash-in-the-pans like the Christian Union or New Democrats. They know what they're standing for, they know where they're standing, and they know what they want to do." Piker's comments, especially on the "ignored" Southwest, have become more commonplace in recent years — including 35% of Southwesterners who said they felt 'neglected' by the Liberal — later United — governments of Stephen Williams and Lawrence Newell, despite Williams having famously won the 2029 election on a promise of "bringing the West in".

The constituency Labour party could not be contacted for official comment, though an anonymous source did say that the party "was not intending to campaign very hard" and was "probably going to direct its supporters to vote for the Republicans." Labour and the Republicans have a tentative, if productive, working relationship; Labour's support was crucial to Hoekstra becoming premier of Turvenal in 2035, and the Republicans in the Senate have often been quite conciliatory towards the Labour party moreso than the People's Party, whom they have accused of "neglect and abandonment of their most faithful supporters."

by **The 14 Stars** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:37 am

Young Wolves arrive for the tournament

As a supersonic plane crosses into the Valanora universe the players look in awe to the nation in front of them, a new place where they had never been before and their destination for the next Di Bradini Cup for U21 teams.
Alot of players had played an U18 tournament earlier but only Iris Olivier, Zachary White and Daniel Flores had traveled with the senior team to participate in the Campionato Esportiva earlier where they ran a good tournament but got knocked out by last editions champions.
Now those three were expected to lead this U21 team to victory, Iris Olivier was the only one who had made her senior team debut so far and her skill was famous among players and fans of the Starsians already.
As the plane touched down the players exited the plane to look around and travel to the residence they had asked for due to the fact Starsians prefer to isolate themselves a little bit as they have always done with great success we must add.

Also two special guests had been traveling with the U21 team, those respectively were Keira Walcott the senior team's coach and Tom Feeney the goalkeeper coach of the senior team who had in 2039 at age 39 still played a few games in the league.
Due to Blue Lagoon goalkeeper Liv Dahl being called to the tournament with the senior team no experienced goalkeeper was left for that team and for the duration of exactly 2 matches Tom Feeney had agreed to one last time put on a pair of gloves and defend the goal.
Walcott was just interested to see what this team could do, the U21 team was sometimes a stepping stone to the senior team but not always, a few positions in her own team could use improvement and she was curious to see if she could find that here.
Meanwhile they hit the field in the afternoon as coach Gordon Borov who also coached the Star Unicorn team held his team meeting.

Borov: ''Team gather around, i know we just arrived here but i just want to tell you this, we have a tough group with nations we don't really know alot about and including the host itself who will have a big advantage in their own country.
However we did not come here to play boring football, i wanna see a good game and i wanna see good teamwork to go toe to toe with those teams and beat them as i know that we are capable of going far in this tournament.
You all are the best generation we've had in a while and we can see this in the world rankings, use that confidence and play like a team of that status we are among the 100 best teams of the multiverse and we are gonna show that!''

Olivier: ''Coach is right team, i want all of you to know that you are very important and that we will need each and every single one of you to make it through together but i believe in our group and in our generation.
We are the young wolves, and boys and girls i can tell you that the hunt is on, the hunt for the championship!''

The entire team shouts in agreement as the coaches look at it, in the next days the are busy training for their first opponent using data analysis and past matches of those opponents and its clear that their group is tough.
It is known that the current starting line-up of the Starsian U21 team is the best that they have ever had all players have played roles at their clubs in one way or another in the first team and alot of them also have played in the U18 world cup before, the same tournament their younger counterparts are now playing in as its clear that they are the last of a generation youth players involved with the first team.
With the establishment of the youth league most young players will remain in youth teams longer which is better for their development but fear is also that they lose the connection with the first team and will have a harder time breaking into the first team.
As the team is working off their training Walcott and Feeney are watching their plays, coach Walcott is unsure about a few players in her team and wants to look at the young players to see if they are worthy of the national team already or not, especially the U21 team that is closer to making the senior team then the U18 squad which are young players.

Feeney: ''They are playing well, much better then i expected given all of them come from diffrent teams and sometimes even bitter rivals.
Our reason to make this travel was to see if any of those young ones could bring new life in our team but....is there anyone in particular that has caught your eye so far as there are many good players but Olivier kinda overshadows them.''

Walcott: ''Indeed, though Iris does not understand that she does that yet...it takes a mature player to realize that you should not walk in front of your players but next to them and thats also what makes Kira such a good captain.
She understands that even if her own ability is declining her task of bringing the best out of each other player is unchanged and that her impact there could also pay off on the field, but we both also know her time is running out as she is turning 35 soon and in World Cup 98 she would be 37 which would see her without a spot as a starter most likely even if it hurts me.''

Feeney: ''Every star fades at some point, however she has the ability to motivate the people around her even when shes not on the field so i certainly keeping her around for alot longer but to look out for an in-field replacement.
Her task will in my opinion shift from being a leader on the field and to change the flow of the game to be more of a motivator and a friend to those younger and her motivation can lift up the team, not to say she can't make an appearance sometimes but it will be less.''

Walcott: ''Yes the problem is when you have a player like Kira who is the best player of the entire nation and a once in a decade born talent is that she will find it hard to let go and step aside and its a process i aim to take slowly.
I want to make her understand the process but also take her own steps in it, guiding her but not forcing things on her and i think by taking small steps each time i can prepare her better for retirement then suddenly just dropping her either from the main eleven or from the squad at all and the final call to retire eventually is one for her to make not for me.
It is also why i have sent her along with Christine to watch the U18, i gave Christine the task to help Kira find a new player for our team there.....someone that Kira likes and can teach her skill to but this has to be someone with a real connection to Kira and similarities.
I hope that Christine and Kira will find such a boy or girl on that team while the two of us are looking for realistic replacements.''

Feeney: ''Yes i understand that, your idea was to replace Moreau, Ortega and maybe Almeida wasn't it?''

Walcott: ''Yes and maybe Arash too but not all at once, i wanna keep a maximum of 1 or 2 players depending on whether Kira finds someone she connects with or not but i expect to her from Christine as soon as she has news on that.
They're playing good here though, Koch, Huber, Perez seem ready to make the step between now and a few years as i would say, but that also depends on how they'll keep themselves during this tournament as we can not immediately replace everyone.
I intent on keeping my experience core of players around for as long as i can because those players need to bring success, they have the ability and i believe that with this group reinforced by some new faces we can run a really good qualification.''

Feeney: ''I think so too, we'll see what Christine comes up with then but i agree with the three names you suggested they all have developed very neatly and are in big roles at their own clubs making success already.
Even if its not now they will be ready in the near future to show the world their skill and how good they really are.''

They keep looking at the training for a bit longer as they then head back to the team building to relax and work out some preparations for the qualifications between the two of them such as logistics, monetary issues the whole picture.
They need to be in peak condition and ready both on and off the field and the part being off the field is one they can prepare for which they will.

by **Sarzonia** » Tue Jul 09, 2024 12:40 pm

Unlike Sarzonian national football team manager Caleb Rush, who began his international career new to multiversal competition, David Rillak was no stranger to guiding younger players on the international stage.

Even though he was operating a specific formation for Sarzonia's Under 21 national team, he had long since decided that his responsibility to the young players under his guidance was less about tactics and substitution patterns and more about becoming part of a greater whole.

"No one on a Sarzonian team is bigger than the team," he said during his introductory press conference. "That's the mindset I want on this team no matter what the results say."

As for the football component, the Junior Stars are returning to the Under 21 World Cup after an absence. That much is nothing new, but Rillak is taking over the team with an edict toward ensuring the team play "Sarzonian football." As soon as he was hired as manager and was told that was his mandate, he understood the assignment clearly.

"We're going to play a balanced style that requires all 10 field players to be involved in both offence and defence," he said. "There won't be strikers just sitting on their haunches whilst the defenders toil. Conversely, a centre back isn't going to commiserate with the goalkeeper whilst the offence are pushing forward with numbers."

It is, as it has long been in the glory days of Sarzonian footy past, "total football on steroids." But why now when "modern times" call for a more attack-minded style?

"At some point, everything old becomes new again," Rillak joked. Turning serious, he noted, "We've always preached a team concept regardless of what specific formations we run and what style of football a manager chooses. That's going to be no different even with the formation we're employing." Put simply, Sarzonia will operate a 4-4-2, but with both defensive and playmaking midfielders who serve as links between the back four and the forwards respectively. All of the above will be orchestrated on the pitch by defender Malik Duggar, whom the team and managerial staff unanimously chose as team captain.

"Malik's a terrific leader, both vocally and by example," goalkeeper Tim Jonas said. "When he talks, you better listen, and if you're not working as hard as he does, he'll get in your ear worse than the managerial staff."

For his part, Duggar said he expected Group G, the one assigned the Junior Stars, will be a challenge.

"We've got Ardsk first, followed by Polar Islandstates," he said. "Then we have Yak Empire to close." Duggar chuckled when he was asked if the team were looking to avenge the Stars' 5-1 defeat to Polar Islandstates in the Group Stage finale of the Cup of Harmony.

"Two totally different teams," he said. "Didn't Sarzonia win the Cup of Harmony in the end?"

by **Kamijiro** » Thu Jul 11, 2024 12:08 pm

KPL Players Ready to Take u21 Stage

The stars of tomorrow are ready to make their first appearances in a Kamijiroan kit - albeit the u21 stripe.

U21 manager Kazuma (mononym) is ready to whip these youth into shape - he's a known disciplinarian. He plays 4-4-2, old-style football. He expects nothing fancy. He only wants "good football." (What he means by this, we do not know. We think he means 1990s-style target forwards and pacey wingers.) His defenders are expected to get stuck in on tackles, and the four he's picked are all well-known physical defenders with a penchant for slide tackles. STYLE MOD: -2.33

The starting lineup, consisting mostly of younger players on pro contracts (the only starter who isn't on a professional contract is Rafael Lewis, who is between clubs) is posted below, along with a listing of the expected rotational players off the bench.

These players are all expected to eventually make their senior team debuts sooner than later, especially starting striker Perseu La Point (the u is silent, he pronounces his name 'Percy'), who is already a starter for Porto de Kamijiro. Haruki Kagawa has already made her debut, playing in the Campeonato Esportiva. The daughter of the senior team's manager and girlfriend of budding superstar Katsu Fujiwara, she's football royalty. But don't be fooled - she's here on talent, not due to nepotism.

The expectation this time around is for this side to challenge for a trophy - although they are in a difficult group. Kazuma doesn't particularly care about who they play. "We want to score more goals than we concede." (Fantastic insight.)

The kit for this campaign was sponsored by World Restart, a video game development company focused on fantasy titles. The pink hue was decided via fan vote, as drumming up hype for the u21 campaign prior to kickoff was a top priority for the national team. They are pictured below:

Kamijiro, as always, is extremely hyped up about their football teams. It's the most popular sport in the nation by a wide margin (although basketball has a very large audience, as well) and until the senior side kicks off for the World Cup, these matches will have the eyes of the country, along with the u18 World Cup also taking place. Featuring in that side is star boy Melo Ste. Maxi, who at just age 13 is already being considered a star of the next decade - along with two half-elves (immigration has opened slightly of late in Kamijiro).

The first matchup will be against host nation Valanora - which to the die-hard sports fans in Kamijiro, may be a familiar name. The ice hockey team just went there for their debut on the international stage. Their trip there opened up immigration to non-humans to Kamijiro, as meeting elves for the first time was a very eye-opening experience - hence why there are half-elves in the Kamijiroan football academy system currently. However, this is a country the Lightning have never faced in football at any level - and now wasn't a great time, with them being ranked number one in the world. Which, of course, means that the Kamijiroans have drawn the number one seed in two different competitions at the same time - as the basketball team are currently in a group with Quebec and Shingoryeo.

The second matchup features the Kamijiroans taking on The 14 Stars, a side that the u21s have faced before, back in DBC55. The Lightning won that match, 3-0, with goals from Kyle Brooks (who now works as an accountant), Kyoko Ai (who tragically passed in the St. Jerome Uprising) and Carmelo Valenzia (who had a career-ending injury shortly after Di Bradini 55). Former high-end talent Leão, who was injured heavily the previously mentioned St. Jerome Uprising, had two assists in that game. A repeat performance would be nice for this one, as their previous meeting was also the second matchup of the group stage for the Kamijiroans, and that game was the clincher that took the Lightning into the knockouts. The 14 Stars are currently ranked 95th in the world.

The third and final matchup will be against Carpathia and Ruthenia, another side that the Kamijiroans have not yet faced before at any level. Their current ranking is 62nd, just 12 spots below the Kamijiroans.

Whether or not this DBC run will be as successful as the DBC55 run remains to be seen, but hopefully we'll have good news down the line.

GO LIGHTNING!!

OOC: STYLE MOD: -2.33

by **Aphrilia** » Fri Jul 12, 2024 5:44 pm

Compared to a good part of this U-21 team, Jessica Rhine-Faust could only feel fear.

She had only just turn eighteen years of age when she was called up for the national team to participate in the Di Bradini Cup, and what she expected was a simple one or two tournaments to her name. Just blending in and doing what she should do for the team, and then to just go off in her own direction once her international duty was over. But no! Anthony Christwell just had to decide to make her, the youngest player on the team (Youngest of all the eighteen year olds even!) captain for the tournament when he announced the players going to Valanora for the tournament. Now she has to have the extra responsibility of actually leading a team, something Jessica is 100% certain she is not cut out for.

For as long as she remembers, she's always been quite the timid character. Unlike her two older brothers or her mother for that matter. They say she has the traits of her father, who has never been there for her or her family. Hence the cold relationship between Jessica and her mother since she reminds her of him so much. Her older brothers, Matthias and Elias are on better terms though, and they were the ones who introduced her to football. Even with her somewhat frail physique and shy personality, they said that she had a talent for the sport... Which is why she's been playing football for as long as she thinks she has. Jessica had the natural talent, and there was a thing that helped her be as good as she is.

Being an ohia is tough. Not as hard as it was back then, but it can be difficult in some areas.

For football however? Jessica kind of got the better end of it. Sure, bits of discrimination here and there which she unfortunately can't do much about. But her being a Nekori (Animal-Kin who share the traits of a cat) was helpful. The enhanced senses were useful even if it can cause sensory overload when things get too much. Speaking of ohia, this U-21 team had four of them (Jessica included). There was herself and her newly proclaimed "best friend" Alexander Burns who was a Wolfin (Animal-Kin who share the traits of a wolf), Haiden Lane who was a Birdian (Animal-Kin who share the traits of a bird), and Elizabeth Kiel, who was a Foxian. A bit of a shocker since Aphrilia's senior national team only has one (Ines Forrestal).

But still, that fear was within her. The fear of messing up, failing her peers. The reason she didn't want to be captain was so that she didn't need to bear unnecessary burden. She wouldn't cause trouble and just do what was needed. But no, her being captain now was making some negative thoughts swirl within her mind. She was never prepared to be captain afterall, she had zero idea and desire in regards to leading. Why did Christwell trust her to captain this team for likely two tournaments? Why is trust placed on her? She's not ready, she never will be. She'll fail them, Jessica thought. Those thoughts continued to spin and live free within her head, she wants to cry, there's no way she can hold it in by this poi-

"Yo Jes, you alright? You were zoning out and, well, tears just started flowing."

A tap on the shoulder, Jessica blinks a few times and tries to take in her surroundings. She's still on the plane it seems. Looking to the left, her best friend in Alexander Burns views her with clear worry on his face. Jessica wipes her face from the tears she was unintentionally letting spill. She then nodded her head to his inquiry.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine Alex. Like you said, I was... Z-Zoning out, y-yeah."

"Alright... The tears are a bit worrying, but we can talk about that later. The manager's going to give us a speech in a little bit."

"O-Oh yeah, almost forgot about that."

They were still on the plane, afterall. Anthony Christwell wanted to give a speech on the plane, just to make sure these young players know what they're called up for. Zenic, Semarland, and TJUN-ia were the teams that Aphrilia was going to face in the group stages, and he needs these players to be at their best condition when they go up against them.

They were finally going to get a good rest, now that they were in their own rooms.

When the team landed upon Valanora, they had immediately went to the place they would be staying at for the tournament. And to be honest, it is quite the comfortable place they have. Though it didn't last long as they were called to the field for training to get warmed up in preparation for the upcoming tournament that loomed ahead. It was rough, to say the least. Fitness and physicality was a surprising weak point this team had and Anthony Christwell had put the team through the gutter to get them ready. Once training was done, he and the rest of the staff decided to finish training and headed inside. Everyone else was essentially free to do whatever they please... Within the law, of course.

They were on foreign soil, the land of a nation that some of them hadn't heard of before. Which is why only a few people actually went outside, everybody else just hung out around the residence. The rooms were divided between the men, women, and non-binary folk. Twelve dudes meant there were four rooms for three each. Eleven girls meant one room was going to be occupied by only two, and the non-binary folk had one room for their own. The managers had split off into two rooms, and they seem to trust everyone with their own privacy. This is the typical thing for Aphrilians, as they know that there's always a time and certain conditions for specific things. This was a time to be professional.

Jessica had to share her room with Eura McLaughlin as the two got the one room that only two girls would occupy. While Eura was out, likely getting food, Alex called her since he couldn't visit her room to talk about her slight breakdown at the plane. He was relentless until she complied in answering him, and luckily, his words were that of encouragement.

"Damn, that's tough. Look, you're not the only one with those thoughts. I think the majority of us have those same wonders. If we'll fail at representing our country, if we fail to embody Aphrilia on the world stage. Especially you, since you're the captain. But let me tell you one thing, Jes. We're all in the same boat, so don't think you're alone in this. You have me for example! I'm certain you'll do great, and you can talk to me if you need it. If you want you should also talk to Eura or one of the senior members. Okay, the rest of the guys want to play some cards, so if you need me do call. Have a good rest now!" The voice note he sent had ended.

Jessica laid down on her bed, thinking about the words that Alex had said to her... Maybe he's right. Maybe he's not. There's a lot of pressure on not just her, but all of them especially considering the last edition. Jessica just mentally sighs as she looks upwards, the feeling dawning on her.

"Let's hope you're right." Jessica muttered under her breath as she drifted off.

by **United States of Nova Calania** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 5:33 am

Nova Calania in group H

Mar Sara, Valanora - The Di Bradini Cup is about to start and this is the moment of the year I enjoy the most because I can visit the beautiful nation of Valanora and I'm paid for it! This year, the Tapirs won't travel much, as the two stadiums that will be used are both in Mar Sara, the home city of Mar Sara FC, one of the biggest Vanorian football club. Nations in the group H are Sangti and the Filindo Isles who seem to be a newcomer but maybe not. This nation is home of Libertad Sportswear, our official kitmaker and we have no idea what to expect from them. Siovanija and Teusland, the home nation of HansAir, a major airline company, are also in the group. They should be the favorites in the group because they won the 3rd place final last season, but their under 18 team is currently 0-2 at the HansAir under 18 Championship. We also have Darmen in the group, one of the most ancient nation on the sporting scene and they shouldn't be taken for granted. Because of the quality of nations in our group, the 58th Di Bradini Cup will be a hard journey for the Tapirs that could end abruptly and too early. On matchday 1, Nova Calania will play against Siovanija & Teusland at Donna Cathedral in Mar Sara.

Chloé Bellefleur

Tapir Cup: West Burnham and Dynamo de Gouin makes the final

Last wednesday, it was the semi finals for the Tapir Cup, a domestic cup in Nova Calania. In the first semi final, West Burnham United F.C. defeated Xicohtzinco Locomotive F.C. 2-0. West Burnham was the best team on the field and controlled the ball 63% of the time. Mikayla Strom and Ashton Gockley scored for the Irons. The other semi final was played between Burnham & Hockley Albion F.C.and Dynamo de Gouin and the Blues beat the Seagulls 3-1. Gouin took a 2-0 lead with goals from Frédérique Goudreau-Luneau and François Laneuville but Burnham & Hockey cut their lead at the 62nd minute with a header goal from Allie O'Hara. Frédérique Goudreau-Luneau added one more goal at the 75th minute for the Dynamo and the final score was 3-1.

The final will be played on may 3rd 2026 between West Burnham United F.C. and Dynamo de Gouin at Complexe sportif national, the home stadium of the national football team and C.D. Sagrado Corazon.

Paul-André Veilleux

by **Zenic** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 10:41 am

"Impressive. Definitely what you would expect from the federation president."

Consolación Regina looked on the television as the final whistle blew on Captina Island back in Rushmore for Zenic's first ever U18 World Cup game, a resounding 6-2 victory over Siovanjia & Teusland. The Goldhorns come from a very solid futboling nation, just like the Juvenile Survivors, so such a lopsided result definitely made onlookers reconsider the sporting hierarchy at the youth levels. Especially considering how many of the U21 squads in the history of the Di Bradini Cup are filled with player who participated in the U18 competitions and the Goldhorns were the team that knocked out the Youthful Survivors, one of the few current exceptions, in the last edition of the DBC. If Luke Killian and his staff can keep up the momentum, a good amount of the current U18 squad could fill the future open spots for the next DBC and secure a spot as a perennial contender. Which is why Consolación has Vaclovas keeping tabs and taking notes on the Juvenile Survivors' roster to see how to best integrate each potential future squad member. They got a nice amount of information on some of the players but will need to wait for at least the rest of the group stage to finish to get a clear picture. In the meantime, they had their own competition to focus on.

Back in Valanora once more, the Youthful Survivors were preparing in Ibini for their first matchday confrontation against the Jaguars of TJUN-ia. Equally aggressive styles with different formations that lead to 5 player midfields, it will be a gritty war in the middle third of the pitch. But it should be a familiar task as almost half of the current squad returns from the 57th edition, where they took care of another 4-2-3-1 squad, Sqournshelan Remnant States. A victory against TJUN-ia will be vital before the long trek to Char Sara for the remainder of the group stage matches against Semarland and Aphrilia, doubly so when compounded with the expectation of winning their group for the second straight edition.

"Well, what else do we need to do now?," asked Vaclovas Paškal. Consolación took her time before answering his inquiry. "For now, we rest up. We need to be at full energy before the first match tomorrow and as far as I'm concerned, we've done our due diligence in preparation." Vaclovas nodded. "Welp, time to enjoy the spa. These old bones could use it."

"Enjoy it while you can. We might not get the chance in Char Sara."

by **Vielfaltig** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 1:13 pm

The Repeal of the Act on Foreign Nationals up for a vote, why now?

A question that naturally might strike our readers across the multiverse is quite a simple one. The Act on Foreign Nationals adopted in 1964 was a part of Julio Kalio's widely unpopular and divisive isolationist policies. Why then has this Act not been repealed till now given the strong opposition from both the right and left to the isolationism enacted in the 60s. The answer like any other political question lies within a myriad of ranging opinions and fundamentally on the electorate. The Act on Foreign Nationals contrary to most other policies of the time was seen as a law that treated the people of Vielfaltig as the primary subjects in granting them sole access to the developing economy. This move helped stabilise the economy by government intervention in a time of building up as the parity of society could be maintained in this way. The Act at the time was associated with a massive drop in the unemployment rates, whether this association is merely coincidence or causal is difficult to determine. Yet despite these perceived benefits, Benjamin Walsh, the Left Front's leading candidate against the Julio Kalio government ran with an opposition to this Act. Similar political opposition was received from the Libertarians who were formed on the basis of liberalising Vielfaltig's economy.

Subsequent governments however could not pass a Repeal of the Act, whether it be by Benjamin Walsh's majority in 1970 or by subsequent limited Left Front Governments. The challenges of the Benjamin Walsh Government could similarly be applied to subsequent governments to. This lies fundamentally within the bicameral system of Vielfaltig with the Unterhaus (the Lower House) passing and initiating bills to be accepted by the Oberhaus (the Upper House). MPs to the Oberhaus are elected from amidst the State Legislative Assemblies by the MLAs themselves. This often means that the Party or Group that holds power in the Unterhaus may not necessarily have a majority in the Oberhaus resulting in sort of a legislative gridlock. This can be resolved as any bill can be passed through the means of a joint sitting of the Unterhaus and the Oberhaus however such a joint sitting becomes quite tricky if the vote within the Unterhaus was initially close. Walsh initiated a repeal of the law as a part of his reversal policies in 1973 which despite being narrowly powered through by his Government majority in the Unterhaus, faltered at the hands of CPJ who held significant power within the Oberhaus.

Since then, the Repeal of the Act has remained a divisive topic with members of the same party often disagreeing with each other of their approach to the Act. The CPV has seen notable divisiveness regarding the Act with the formation of the splinter group CPJ which caused a strong blow to their party unity. Since then the CPV have always had a small bloc of Kalio empathisers who side against the party when it comes to the Repeal of the Act. The Socialist Party of Palma (SPP) have always had a tricky stance on the topic with their regional ambitions clashing with their tactical alliance with the CPV to maintain strength over the region as well as nationally. Almost every party in Parliament features a small bloc of MPs who oppose the Repeal of the Act vehemently prioritising the Vielfaltigian national image and interest. The smaller regional parties such as the KVP, UCG, DPA and VPG all bear strong opposition to this Repeal too making a majority in Parliament an increasingly hard task. The Greens and the People's Party are notably split on the issue proving to be another hit to any move to get such a motion passed.

The biggest hurdle however remains the Oberhaus as gaining a majority in the Oberhaus on such a motion remains a tall ask. With the Government majority in the Oberhaus being a mere 150 seats out of 288, passing this Repeal with dissenters within the government shall prove quite difficult. The KVP are significantly represented in the Oberhaus due to the large number of seats allocated to Kaunus which makes their opposition to the Repeal a bigger thorn to Neimann's ambitions. Significant support from the Liberals, Libertarians and the Left Front will be critical to passing the Repeal in the Oberhaus as this remains perhaps the best opportunity for such reform to be passed. What takes place within the halls of Parliament however remains to be seen.

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 6:05 pm

My First Club - Mats Winter

Gelb-Weiss Hechingen

There are 23 players representing Siovanija & Teusland at the Di Bradini Cup. But far more than 23 have had an impact on this team. From their earliest days of football, these players have been supported by a network of coaches, parents, friends and support staff across the country. In the leadup to the tournament, the STFA went back to these players’ hometowns to show the earliest days of their football career: the first club they played for as a child. The STFA will also be donating to each club in order to create the next generation of Goldhorns’ heroes.

“It’s good to be back home,” Mats Winter says as we step off the train in Hechingen. “That fresh mountain air!”

30 minutes by train from the city of Marzig lies the town of Hechingen. It’s most notable for being the town most tourists pass through on their way to Mount Danneberg, the tallest of the nation, with its historic castle - but despite its Teus name, and the fact Teus is spoken by 99% of the population exclusively, the town is actually in Siovanija. If you stop into Hechingen, you’ll find a lovely historic town centre reflecting its history as an important market town - the first stop after the Danneberg Pass through the mountains.

It was in these mountains 18 years ago that Mats Winter was born. Today, he’s one of the most famous players in the country: an absolute breakout star for TSV Marzig, the winner of the nation’s Young Player of the Year award last season, and now getting to wear the national team shirt for the U21 side - let’s be honest, the senior call-up won’t be far off either. Defensive acumen, high football IQ, excellent vision for the game - Winter has all of the skills necessary to excel in his defensive midfield role. But before he was earning 10.0 match ratings against FC Teussen Stelburg, he was just a boy from Hechingen.

“Right here, that’s the old house.” Wieffergasse 20 is a simple house in a row of identical red-bricked houses that connect all the way done the street. In the front, there’s a small garden - and while we don’t go around to the back, Mats described to us a decently-sized backyard that was shared with some of the neighbours. Is that where Mats Winter first learned to kick a football? “Of course,” he says. It was coloured blue and white with the TSV Marzig logo on it - quite fitting given Winter’s future career.

Hechingen has its own professional football club - Hechingen FC, which has bounced between the first and second Regionalliga divisions in the Korjava in recent years. “I’d go quite often, yeah - typically you’d go down to the stadium for the noon kick off on Saturday, and then be home in time for the 3pm Republikaliga kickoff - hopefully Teussen or Marzig.” And who did the young Mats Winter grow up dreaming of emulating? “I was a football fanatic, haha. Hechingen and Marzig were my teams, mostly. My first football memory was Marzig winning the Cup over Pomorie, I think I had just turned 5. My hero growing up was Josef (Kosch-Kovarik), but I also always admired Janik Blum who played for Hechingen, haha. Probably none of your readers know him, but I loved the way he could pass the football.”

For Winter, however, the story didn’t start at either of his preferred clubs. “I was always into football, played with some kids, but after that Cup final I begged my parents to put me into a program for it. At that time, one of my best friends player for Gelb-Weiss, so it was good to be with someone I already knew.”

The facilities of Gelb-Weiss Hechingen are about a fifteen minute walk from Winter’s house, and there’s a smile on his face as we walk up to the gates. “Lots of good memories, haha. On the pitch and off.” Winter was six years old when he started playing for the club - who are an important part of the amateur football scene in Siovanija & Teusland. While 128 professional clubs compete with the end goal of becoming national champions (in theory, of course), there are over 500 amateur clubs across the country who play for regional cups and titles. They have a role to play, too, and are also incredibly important in the development of young players. He smiles when he sees a picture of himself wearing the club’s bright yellow shirt - “I think my mom still has that at home, haha.”

“I worked with Mats once he hit the U7 age group. What I remember most about him was just his relentlessness. At that age, there are many kids who maybe don’t like the drill, or they aren’t happy being forced out of their comfort zone. Mats was the opposite. It almost felt like he pushed harder in the drills he didn’t like, maybe to get them out of the way quicker, haha. He always was willing to try new things to develop his skills.” Florian Lieblein remains a coach for young players at Gelb-Weiss to this day, and worked alongside Mats for years.

When Winter and Lieblein meet again, it’s with a warm embrace. “He taught me a lot,” says Winter. “WIthout him, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.” The pair chat football for a few minutes - before Winter heads off to chat with the club’s President and we get a few minutes more to hear from his old coach.

“Did I know he’d get to where he is now? I’d love to say yes! But really, at that age, you can’t possibly know that. I knew he had enough talent, let’s say, that if he worked hard enough he could certainly play at least either in the senior team here at the amateur level or maybe in Hechingen FC. But Mats would show us he was truly a special one.”

Soon after Winter turned 9 years old, he was approached by Hechingen FC’s academy about joining the club. Winter also traveled with his mother on the train to attend a two-week TSV Marzig youth camp, hoping to get scouted. However, Winter remembers the last trip home from that camp as one filled with tears: “One of the coaches, he said to me: you are really good, especially for your age, but you need to develop a bit more decisiveness and be a bit more defensively solid. When I look back now, of course it was exactly what I needed to hear, haha, but in that moment it felt like the end of the world.”

Winter then needed to decide: stay with Gelb-Weiss, or take the opportunity at Hechingen? Reasoning that he could better develop those skills he was missing with the coaches he had worked with for years, Winter’s father ended up convincing him to stay with Gelb-Weiss. What followed was a remarkable campaign: Winter went from ‘probably the best U10 player at the club’ to ‘dominant, unplayable force.’ No statistics really remain from the year, but Lieblein remembers the club at one point won 9 matches in a row “with Mats playing a key role in all of them.” Particularly sweet for Winter was a victory over the TSV Marzig U10s in the Korjava Youth Cup - Lieblein remembers this match as the moment Winter had truly rounded out his game. Gelb-Weiss would go on to lift the Cup at the U10 level that year - the framed picture of Winter and his team is still on the wall in the club’s dressing room.

Soon after the Cup win, Winter received a contract offer from Marzig to join their youth academy. “Any boy at that age would be over the moon to get to go to Marzig, and of course Mats was no different. He was really mature about it - some boys forget their roots pretty quickly, and that’s ok too. But Mats, by the end of the conversation when he told me he was leaving, he was asking if he could still train with our team when he didn’t need to be in Marzig, hahaha.”

Winter joined TSV Marzig’s academy at age 10, giving his first club a real sense of pride - he sent the kit from his first appearance against Hechingen in the Regionalliga to the club, autographed, where it stands in the club’s offices as an example of what players for Gelb-Weiss can achieve if they work hard enough. It also earned them T25,000 in cash as compensation from Marzig, which were used to invest back into the club’s facilities. Being able to move players up to the next level is the lifeblood of clubs like Gelb-Weiss: both in terms of the finances it can bring them, as well as an advertisement for parents - how many kids in Hechingen will now watch the Di Bradini Cup and dream of being the next Mats Winter? "T25k was a lot for us, I think it's still to this day the most we've gotten for a player who moved on to a big academy. That's how highly rated he was. That money goes right into helping develop the next generation of players."

When we meet Winter again, he’s on the pitch now surrounded by members of the club’s U12 squad. Each player receives a Goldhorns shirt with his name on the back, and he’s more than happy to sign each one. When he presents the STFA’s T125,000 donation to the club, it’s with a great reverence for the club he started his career at.

“I’m really grateful for this day,” he says as we wait at the train platform to head back to Marzig. “To meet some of the kids that were in the spot I was not that long ago, to get to help give back to the club! Very special day.”

When Siovanija & Teusland open the Di Bradini Cup in Valanora against Nova Calania, everyone at Gelb-Weiss Hechingen will be watching along to cheer on the Goldhorns - and the boy from the Wieffergasse whose journey they had an incredible impact on.

by **Sarzonia** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 7:02 pm

Compared to the rest of Group G, the Sarzonian Under 21 national football team seem to be rather out of place.

Sarzonia's first opponents Ardsk, Polar Islandstates and Yak Empire all play highly attack-oriented football. Ardsk operate with a 4-3-3 formation. While Sarzonia are by no means karelan, the Registanian word for extremely defence-oriented, the Junior Stars are much less attack-minded than any of the other teams in the group.

"We're going to have to handle our marking assignments about as precisely as a senior level national team," manager David Rillak said. "At the same time, however, we can't just put our heads in the sand and pass up a good counter opportunity if we get one."

They'll also need to count on Tim Jonas, a young man who harboured visions of backstopping the senior national team until John Wells won the job. Jonas briefly left camp, but admitted Wells did "an awesome job" leading the Stars to within a penalty round of qualifying for the World Cup proper.

"I thought I could win a spot," Jonas said. "It was between me and John. I was pissed when they picked John, no cap." He decided to try out for the Under 21 national team the day after the Stars won the Cup of Harmony final against Saterun.

"John did an awesome job in qualifying and in the Cup of Harmony," Jonas said. "He definitely played like he belonged at the senior level. Fortunately, I can still contribute here."

Leading the Junior Stars on the pitch will be left back Malik Duggar, who very nearly got into a physical altercation with Jonas after telling him to "grow the eff up." However, Jonas's uncle Mark Satterley essentially delivered the same message.

"They both told me that I was acting like a spoiled little diva," Jonas said. "I didn't like what Malik said, but he was right. Uncle Mark was also right." Jonas said he and Satterley are "tight" and he took his uncle's words to heart.

Backing up Jonas is Carey Beauregard, who came into the first day of training weighting 235 pounds. He has since lost 20 pounds after a restrictive diet and stringent exercise regimen.

"I just turned to food for comfort when my Grampa died," he said. "Mum was a basket case and Papa buried himself in work and never talked to either of us about it." Trainers said Beauregard is a "healthy 215," even though Beauregard admitted he wanted to drop another 30 pounds.

"My ideal playing weight is 185," he admitted.

by **Chromatika** » Mon Jul 15, 2024 9:22 pm

Rating the U-21 Starters: Goalkeeper and Defenders

GK Hera Courtois
Rating: 8/10

Playing Goalkeeper at Chromia Central College University should automatically come with the distinction of being favored by the Chromatik Football Federation. Courtois isn't very good at distributing with her feet, but the way that she handles one-on-ones is better than even the most veteran at the game. If she can learn to play from the back and get even better at jumping reach, she'll be a major prospect to be a pool keeper for the team, if not have higher hopes. It's a shame that this will be her only tournament at the U-21 level, but at least she'll have a chance to shine at the youth level before vying for a spot in the national pool.

RB Kimi Leroux-Bataille
Rating: 9/10

She may be young - she's only twenty - but the Chromatik-Quebecois dual national is a dogged defender that locks down the player that she is guarding. She continues to bulk up as she's getting older, but her fundamentals are very solid, and she has that natural fire that keeps her in tough matchups. It's easier to tone the physical side of the game than the mental side, which is why she is rated so high; being six feet seven inches is also a plus, as is the fact that she speaks no less than three languages (English, French, Korean). With the position being so shallow in the national pool, don't be surprised if she makes an appearance rather quickly.

CB Samantha Han Cunningham
Rating: 7/10

The biggest reason that the Chromatik-Tumbran dual national is so low on this list is that the Center Back position is one of the hardest ones to beat out other players at at the next level. She's a bit shorter, but she has grit and a mean tackle - along with an ability to position herself well on set pieces. Notable for her blonde locks that go down to her shoulders, Han Cunningham's biggest asset is her ability to communicate with her teammates to put up a united front. It is true she might decide to join the Tumbran FA in the future, but Chromatika is happy to have her as long as she's willing.

CB Raphael Willow
Rating: 8/10

A veteran at the U-18 level, Willow's ability to kick anything she touches out of bounds is uncanny. She knows how to lay out an opposing striker, not caring for the foul; this has been used time and time again to establish the level of physicality that Chromatika is willing to play at. She's learning how to be useful at the offensive end of the pitch, but when she can be that enforcer at only sex feet, five inches, you don't really need much else.

LB Dean Crankshaw
Rating: 6/10

Pace and shooting are Crankshaw's calling cards - and as you need at least one offensively minded member of the defense, it makes sense for him to get the nod here. He does possess the speed to get back, but he doesn't fit into the traditionally minded back four. It's this inflexibility that sets him a few points back from his peers. In a system that can use his particular skillset, though, there aren't many others that can play this unique role.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

U21's back in Valanora looking for answers
by Fiona Devlin, National Soccer Writer
for The Times

Reporting from Raynor City, Valanora:

The Commonwealth of Baker Park Under-21 National Team make their 17th appearance in the DiBradini Cup, still mired in a streak of 12 straight matches where they have managed only a single victory and a pair of draws; that run stems from the tournament following their only title in the competition in DBC 53 where the win against Tumbra completed an 11 match unbeaten streak over two tourneys.

The side will play two of their three group matches in Raynor City, meaning they will make their training base in the southern part of the nation, this time in Soldar, just north of the capital. Baker Park have played exclusively in Raynor City or Mar Sara over the last four tournaments, and will make their debut at yet another Eternal Empire venue on the third matchday when they face Cannaland at Haramos Park in Cartmot, the 13th different stadium in Valanora proper (plus two in Sabine & Caddonia).

U21 boss Darren Haller has changed up the routine for training, meals, meetings and travel looking to shake the Junior Bees out of their malaise. The first two opponents will be making their third all time appearance against BP in this tourney, Mytanija on day 1 and Cabo Azure on day 2.
“The core of this group were 16 & 17 year olds when we won here in DBC 53. They have no frame of reference about what it's like to be in the top tier of nations competing in this event. I wanted to start fresh, go back to the roots of our history here.”

The squad for this edition is heavy on collegiate players, with 16 of the 24 currently in UAC programs. Only one of the professionals currently plays in the National Conference leading to questions about whether mixed gender academies are producing players ready to step in at youth NT level.

by **Polar Islandstates** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 2:01 am

SOUR CHERRIES
Volume Three; Chapter 3
Sebastian's Solitude
Volume One
Volume Two
a)Federico's Conscience - b)Federico's Burden - c)Federico's Ghosts
1.Alexsandr's Speculation - 2.Federico's Watershed - 3.Sebastian's Solitude
** ** ** ** **

Unofficially, Sebastian Jung wasn’t there. Officially, he was.

He realised this was somewhat backwards to the usual cliches, you know, the ones from the films, but the thing he was learning fastest and hardest about the pressures of living this life out for real was that things were rarely as glamourous as they appeared on the silver screen.

Ever since that meeting in the Ocean Cafe all those months ago, his role had been clearly defined. If anything, it already had been. He’d been doing it all already, even if he hadn’t really know why, or for what purpose. Talking to people, shaking hands, motivating slackers, and bringing people up to speed on what an embassy was. Doing his job; getting the Polarian government back on its feet in foreign locations where almost all functioning collaboration had been broken off decades previously, and making sure the citizens of the nation were looked after when things went wrong. Which was frequently. Even if nothing else happened, making sure your average Sven from Svalbard didn’t end up in a foreign jail for longer than he needed to after regurgitating something terrible his local Party officials had circulated was an important part of the job, and Sebastian was nothing if not motivated to make sure regular citizens weren’t punished because The Party ‘existed’. So, if there were any subversive sentiments to encourage, he always made sure that came second to ensuring the embassies had all the tools they needed to do their best by the citizens that needed them. Thor knew, they had it rough enough at home without contending with unnecessary hardships abroad as well.

This thing with combatting moments like this though, whenever The Party were at fault, indirectly or otherwise, for another arrest or argument on foreign shores, is that eye-rolling amongst the consular staff was never far to follow behind, and that’s exactly where Sebastian was at his best.

There were plenty of card-carrying weirdos out there, naturally. The ambassadors themselves in particular were often hand-picked by Lund or were at leats closely aligned with Party values, and so, they themselves were rarely able to be turned. Fortunately for The Twelfth, the people that orbited around Lund like a cluster of power-hungry flies did tend to have rather high opinions of themselves, and so, having been sent abroad to be an ambassador for The Party, tended to treat the role as something between ‘monarch’ and ‘even more insane monarch’, and so, they rarely got their hands dirty. The side effect of which being that Sebastian was able to detect every eye-roll, grimace, or silent clench of the fists amongst the consular staff every time a Party policy was at fault for throwing barriers into the course of their working day.

Once a suitable target had been identified, or targets in the case of some of the more rebellious embassies, Sebastian was able to have a quiet word. You know, nothing concrete, but, just to suggest that ‘perhaps’ things might change back home after all, one day in the not-as-distant-as-you-might-imagine-future, and to suggest to the Polarian staff that, should the opportunity arise, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the foreign civil servants and politicians that they come into contact with weren’t also made aware of the situation. Off the record, naturally.

Officially, Sebastian was there to say certain things, and to do certain things only. That’s why he was there.

Unofficially, he said and did much more. But not really. Not if you tried to check what exactly.

He was discerning with his distribution. He had to be.

If he detected more anti-establishment sentiment than usual amongst a certain office, he might be a little more open in his discussions, or even distribute a Viljallans SC scarf or two to a couple of delegates, but mostly, he had to trust that if he said the right things to the right people, then then right diplomats would get the message.

Eventually. There was no rush, after all.

That, if anything, was the hardest part of his job. His new job, anyway; the unofficial one. The not-knowing.

When they’d had that conversation back at the Ocean Cafe, he’d signed up to the plan like everyone else had. In many ways, his was the routine that needed the least alteration. These were things he was doing already, and in isolation. So, why then did his isolation now feel so, well, isolating?

Sitting in the departure lounge of Elfsteijn-Hafnarten Terminal Two, Sebastian wondered why this might be. After all, wasn’t sitting alone in an airport part of his job, these days? Wasn’t his ability to work alone and keep that burning hatred of The Party alive the main reason he was so useful to The Twelfth? Wasn’t his weekly routine almost the exact same now as it had been nine months ago?

What had changed?

A clamour and a call of voices from further down the terminal made Sebastian look up. A small swarm of tracksuit clad youngsters were moving slightly awkwardly through the crowds, having their photographs taken by plenty of people on their phones as they did so. From the looks on their faces, some were clearly used to the attention and trying to ignore it, whilst others were in awe, and a few were actively courting it. Some were signing autographs and posing for selfies with members of the public, whilst others were doing their best impression of an invisible person. Such a range of responses to attention like this could only mean one thing; a range of levels of experience with fame and recognition. In other words, the Chicks team were on their way to Valanora for another DBC.

Sebastian smiled and took in the sight as they drifted past him on their way to their gate. Thinking back on his previous experience interacting with the Chicks, he pulled out his phone and checked his schedule. Where was he off to right now, anyway? Djocoranga, followed by Yuezhou and a stop off in Austroslovakia before coming home via Tikariot to pick up a few more Viljallans scarves. Nowhere near Valanora. Shame. Still, he knew plenty of agents who would be headed to Valanora, and smiled when he remembered giving a couple of them scarves a few months ago. They might not have much call to wear them, but it was always nice to be prepared to get the signals out there.

Glancing up at the artificial squark of a tannoy announcement, Sebastian noticed his gate had been announced. A dab hand at airports these days, he didn’t even need to consult the boards to know which direction he was headed in, and as he got up to walk to his gate he realised he was now following the Chicks, so he checked his pace to make sure he did so at a respectful distance.

As he observed their behaviour – the mix of confident strides and nervous shuffling – he thought further about what they’d be faced with out there.

With Chicks sides managed by Erik Zhamaletdinov having reached three out of three finals at the DBC since the nation’s return to international football, he knew they’d likely be going to Valanora as one of the favourites. Yes, there was a heavy turnover of players in these lower age groups, and yes, it was true that they’d only managed to win one of the three finals, but Zhamaletdinov was clearly gifted at creating a stable atmosphere and encouraging these youngsters to shine to their best ability. Besides, half the group at least would have been in the team when they lost the last final against Tumbra, and losing a final seemed to have motivated the previous ‘team’ just fine.

That squad had been something special, of course. With Niemi and Nijgaard up front and a host of talent in the midfield and down the wings behind them… not to mention the burning desire to rectify the wrong of the previous edition. Not that Qasden hadn’t deserved to win – they had – but the tumultuous events leading up to the final that saw a young and fledgling Sebastian sitting in a beige room in a training complex trying to deal with Emmanuele and his missing thumb after that gym accident – sorry, ‘accident’ – had been far from ideal preparation.

It crossed Sebastian’s mind that he might have done things very differently at the time had he known then what he knew now. Would he have given Zhamaletdinov a scarf? He doubted it, he’d not even crossed paths with the manager at the time, and Einar Jepsen was far too professional a figure to have done anything to upset the apple cart. He was a stated opponent to the idea that international sport carried any political meaning at all, in fact. But Niemi, now there was a man who’d look good in maroon and navy.

Sebastian wondered if he could catch up to the team in front of him and slip one of them a scarf on their way to Valanora and see if they could pass it on, but then swiftly dismissed the idea. The thought of making one of the more nervous members even more nervous and confused, right before the always fraught trip past the OO on your way down the boarding bridge? Wasn’t worth thinking about.

Still, Zhamaletdinov might like to receive some mail, whilst he was out there. He might be receptive. He always seemed to have a sensible head on his shoulders, and had never given any idea that he might be a Party nut. Not that he was looking ‘recruit’ Zhamaletdinov, not as such. One such manager under pressure to adapt their tactics and effectively have their hands tied during an international tournament was plenty, thank you very much, and poor Federico had faced an embarrassing exit at the Copa as a result. For Zhamaletdinov to suddenly start changing the tactics that had made the Chicks so successful in recent years would make no sense at all form a footballing point of view, subversive point of view, or even a practical one – the Chicks were not as regular a fixture in the coming footballing calendar as the Terns would be, after all.

As he watched the Chicks turn off the main concourse and into their own gate for their chartered flight, he walked right past them and pretended not to notice them. If he wasn’t going to add any political distraction right now, it also made no sense for him to hand them any more surplus attention than they already had. They were three time finalists, after all. They needed to be in the zone.

He did, however, make a mental note to look up and make contact with the remote embassy programme that was setting up a temporary base in Valanora for the duration of the tournament. Just to clock who was on the desks. Just to check-in. Just to offer additional support, should any be needed. It would be no bad thing if there were any sympathetic ears out there ready to deal with Zhamaletdinov if necessary. Maybe even to pass on a scarf or two, if it came to it. He was less familiar with this current Chicks squad, but it wouldn’t be a disaster if it turned out that, like the previous iteration, there were a couple of subversively-minded firebrands amongst them.

Above all, like Aino had impressed upon them back at the Ocean Cafe, it was important for the next generation of suppressed revolutionaries, the nervous and quiet upstanding citizens just waiting for signs of resistance, to have some sort of signal – however small – to know that they weren’t alone.

Maybe, he realised as he turned into his own gate area, that was why he was feeling so lone right now.

Whilst he had been alone, and working in isolation, it hadn’t been a problem. But now he knew he wasn’t alone, and yet even more than before he wanted to feel like he was in this with someone else. Someone to rely on. To not feel like the other ten members of The Twelfth and himself had come together that day by chance, resolved to use their shared knowledge and skillsets to craft a many-headed hydra that would take down The Party once and for all, utilising their strength as a combination of people that meant they formed a group far, far greater than the sum of their parts… and then immediately broken apart to work alone.

Or, as good as alone.

He knew it was the good of the plan, and that everything would – hopefully – come back together as intended. He knew he had to wait for the signals to emerge. He knew there was even a designated starting pistol that was still months away. Even so, he was still checking his phone for a text for Jos, every day. Nothing had yet arrived. The starting flags for the next changing of the tide would come through the air, undetectable, and visible to only a select few.

Sebastian was one of those few… And yet, and yet.

He sighed as he realised he wanted more of the solidarity that he’d felt that day in the cafe. Back then, he felt part of something. Part of the united front that was going to save his country before it was too late. He’d had a taste, and now he needed the whole pie. He was impatient. A perfect storm was coming; the people he gathered to his side now would be just one front amongst many – closing in on The Party from all directions and ensuring no stone would be unturned in the tempest of change.

He thought of Alexsandr, Aino, Silas, Marta, Federico, and all the rest. This time, the tug at his stomach of a painful absence was accompanied by a smile as he imagined them all working away as had as he was right not. For all his isolation and presently necessary independence hurt him, and it did: the thought of that unity to come excited him. Energised him. Just as he knew the Chicks on the plane two gates down would be energised by the battles they were prearing for. He had a sneaking suspicion this wouldn't be the last time the u21s would cross paths with The Twelfth before the tournament was over.

Sebastian smiled. Motivated by change, he stood up as the sign on the screen above him turned green, showed his government ID to the attendant OO on the gate, and stepped out onto the skybridge and into the liminal no-mans-land that was international plane travel.

Thus, the strange new battlegrounds of a future revolution were echoed in the motion of this brave, solo, modern revolutionary. Silent, transient, operating in the spaces between one world and the next, and – at least officially – non-existent.

** ** ** ** **
a)Federico's Conscience - b)Federico's Burden - c)Federico's Ghosts
1.Alexsandr's Speculation - 2.Federico's Watershed - 3.Sebastian's Solitude
Volume Two
Volume One

by **Tero al Disco** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 9:31 am

LINEUP vs. Panay Islands and Guimaras (4-4-2):
GK: L. CORTI, J. Lanziego, F. Le Pen
DF: G. DURAND, A. ROUX, T. SERRAVALLE, G. ARZA, E. Álvarez, L. Berriex, I. Palomeque, F. Alemán.
MF: M. GALLINA, J. COUTINHO, F. CASTILLODURO, R. CHIANESE, J. Alberro, A. Sagún, A. Legato, N. Dionisio, M. Gioia, E. Lara
FW: R. SAVA, E. JOCELÍN, L. Schreiber, F. Mosso, F. Alberto

Roster for more info.

TORRICO PREDICTS: TERO AL DISCO'S DI BRADINI CUP GROUP

Redacted by Juan Torrico.

July 16th, 2024

Continuing with the trend of international sporting tournaments in which Tero al Disco participates in, the Di Bradini Cup, the world cup for players 21 years of age and under, is coming up now. This 58th Di Bradini Cup and/or the 79th Under-21 World Cup will be hosted by Valanora, who have hosted 4 out of the last 5 editions that we know, of the DBC, including this one. With the U18 World Cup having started a couple of days ago in Captina Island, some Terense fans will be really excited to see how our best youth players play internationally, how will they perform in the competitions, etc.

Just so Teros (and Teritos) fans could maybe get their nerves down, because I know some who are very anxious about that, I'm going to bring you all a guide on our opponents in the group stage, in group E. Spoiler alert: I guess it's going to go good for us (?)

ROUND 1 - vs. PANAY ISLANDS AND GUIMARAS @ Lathal, Ianisle

We kick off the Di Bradini Cup with a team that might be familiar to Terense fans: the Panay Islands and Guimaras. With this U21 match, Terenses and Panayenses will have faced eachother in every category of international football: the senior team smashed them 6-0 in a friendly in the Estadio de la República; the U18 Teritos started their Captina Island adventures with a 3-2 win, although the defense had a worrying performance; and now, in the Vanorian city of Ianisle, in what's actually the smallest stadium that will host a DBC match, the 29.000-capacity Lathal, it's going to be another debut between eachother.

The tight win for the U18s over the Carabaos (that's the Panayenses' nickname) came as a bit of a surprise, seeing as the U18s have got a far better squad than the U21 Teritos do. The U18 Teritos have an especially deadly group of forwards, with the Invernizzi brothers, Lorenzo and Luis, playing for pretty prestigious clubs overseas, as is the case of Luis playing in Galaxy SC, one of Xanneria's best clubs, as well as Lorenzo playing in Tikariotan side Carathyr Emeralds. Also playing in Tikariot is the U18's substitute striker, Nicolás Larramendi in Tikariot City, as well as Abel Mura, one of the best players to have come through Villa Vallier's academy, starting in Doubeia's 686 Smerghi at only 17 years of age - that's how competitive the position of the striker is at the under-18 category.

On the other hand, maybe the U21s don't have a lot of players in foreign clubs, but they still have a bit of the potential; the player base is mostly made up of the Nacional A's best young players, instead of the best young players playing overseas, like in the case of the U18s. First, I believe you've got to cross out Gildo Durand. He's already got 19 caps for the first team, and it is believed that Hugo Inchauspe won't make Durand play uncontested as left-back, but that Gildo and Emir Álvarez will share the minutes as LBs. Emir isn't all that bad, either; he's a very passionate defender, a very tough one who works with his pride and pashun, as all Terense NTers do, but in comparison with someone who's got almost 20 senior caps, scored 2 senior goals, and has been a key player in Tero al Disco's campaigns lately, you'd probably guess who's the better one here.

The U21 squad also have some potential gems, like Jacinto Coutinho, or Melchor Gallina, Alejo Roux, Tomás Serravalle (capped), Lautaro Corti (capped), Ramiro Sava especially as a striker, Leonel Berriex, Eric Jocelín who's playing in the Polar Islandstates now, etc.

Well, back to the actual predictions... The Panayenses actually feel like an easy opponent to beat. They have some players that may look menacing to their opponents, such as the dynamic duo of Felipe Shimada and Miguel Tsai at the front, or a tough defender like Lauro Tirol who is capable of going further up and getting into the other players' heads with his challenging tackles at the back, at the same time...like Terense defending, actually. But it feels like, after the 6-0 drubbing, they'll need some more experience in international football before building themselves up as a team that proves to be a threat to its competition.

In summary, it's probably gonna be a W.

ROUND 2 - vs. ABANHFLEFT @ The Pitch, Turbani

In the second matchday, there's arguably the best team in the group: Abanhfleft. A country with far more of the international football experience that I was talking about in relation to Panay, than any of the other teams in our group (including us, if you haven't found that out yet). In the youth categories in particular, Abanhfleft have demostrated that they do have one of the best country-wide youth setups in the world by reaching the finals in DBC 54 (some 3 editions ago), and winning the bronze medal in DBC 55, having already been 3rd in the 33rd DBC many years back. Now, from what we've heard, the Young Revolutionaries are to leave it all to get their hands on the DBC trophy itself, with the U21 team manager who took the Fleftic youths to the Top 4, Roman Aydarov having been sacked and replaced with a new manager, Erik Peterson.

Peterson is a man who tends to make his teams play attacking football, with Anton Lisangan, Felix Baybay and Arnel Laktaw as attacking midfielders, and Ariel Inares as the striker spearheading a 4-2-3-1 that could prove deadly for the opposition. However, to defend, Tero al Disco has a back four of Durand/Álvarez Alejo Roux with all his technique, the very aggresive Tomás Serravalle, and Gamariel Arza with exceptional dribbling skills, as well as Lautaro Corti, who's got experience as a senior team goalkeeper...when he got subbed on for Braian Rico in the infamous BOF 83 Battle of Paladon Park against Hakushiya in the semifinals, but Corti's still a superb young goalie.

In summary, it's in the air, every outcome's possible.

ROUND 3 - vs. BURIKINIA @ Lathal, Ianisle

To round up group E of this Di Bradini Cup, we will travel east from the central Vanorian city of Turbani, where The Pitch will see Fleftics and Terenses play, back to Ianisle, as the Teritos will face Burikinia in matchday 3.

For the record, Burikinia are also a first-timer in the World Cup, like Panay Islands and Guimaras, but unlike Panay, Burikinia aren't participating in this cycle's Baptism of Fire. From the looks of it, the Young Dragons may turn out to be a dark horse (just like the Panayenses may turn out to be one), but back to my feelings, I guess we're going to win this one. Burikinia have seemingly got much less experience in international sport, seeing as (again from what we've heard, what we've researched, whatever) this Di Bradini Cup will be the first international football competition that they've played in, but at the end of the day we shall see.

The Burikinians' manager, Kenji Aoyama, like Abanhfleft's Erik Peterson, plays an offensive style of football, with the Young Dragons going with a 4-2-1-3, with the line of 3 up front consisting of Rodrigo Alvarez, Kazuo Nakai and Dae-Woo Seong being at the front of all of it. I guess it's going to turn out like what I said about Abanhfleft; Tero al Disco have got a highly-skilled defense, with lots of big names, and players with plenty of ability to stop the opposition/play the ball. We haven't got any information about how each player tends to play yet, but in my opinion, the Teritos' defenders will demonstrate their respective individual strengths against Burikinia.

In summary, it's very probably a W for us.

by **Valanora** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 10:31 am

The Vanorian summer provided near perfect conditions for the start of the Di Bradini Cup, a routine fixture in the Eternal Empire over the last several decades after the Starblaydia football association handed over the organizational rights to the VSC and VFA to coordinate in their stead. Since that time, near on every other year the best Under 21 teams in the game have descended upon the Empire, all eager with the hope that after a month of football that they will be the last team standing and have lifted the trophy in Raynor City at The Battleground. For only a handful of these editions have the youth team of the Marauders have participated in, with it being only in the last decade that the youth team was reinstated by Dan Eastwood after decades of it being inactive, and have made the Final one time, but fell against the storm force that has been the resurgent kids from Polar Islandstates. Last edition of the tournament saw the holders make it back to the Final but Tumbra shocked quite a few people when they made the championship game and then emerged victorious, claiming quite the unexpected title indeed.

As has become tradition, the Young Marauders will be starting the tournament with the opening game at The Battleground in the Empire's capital city, the place where every tournament that has been played in the Empire has had both its opening game as well as the championship game. It is just one of many stadiums that are going to be used throughout the tournament, with the organizers using the preferred method of putting a selection of stadiums that are close to each other and assigning them to a group, with Group A always getting the pairing of The Battleground and Turmondale Grounds to keep teams in the group inside the greater Raynor City area. There are some cities that are overrepresented, such as the capital but it has numerous high quality as well as capacity stadiums, but the stadium selection does see almost all corners of the Empire being visited by one of the groups. Despite being an opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities and perhaps be making cases to be called up to their senior national team or posturing for moves at the club level, it is also the opportunity for those not familiar with the Empire to see more than just what they might see in the media or tourist spots.

As for the actual play on the field, the side will be quietly confident that they should be progressing out of their group, as initial prognosis says that fellow Arrosia member Carpathia and Ruthenia are set to be the most difficult challenge for the Marauders to try and overcome, though thankfully that will not be until matchday three. The side begins the campaign in the Battleground against Kamijiro who performed quite well in the last Baptism of Fire and might be the mood for an upset. They are a far more defensive minded setup compared to what the Marauders will be rolling out, with the striker partnership of Edwin Schjelderup and Gabriel Sørensen expected to feast on defenders who are not used to playing against senior level players like they are with their clubs. Markus Jaeger and Zack Sjöberg are looking to be the creative forces in the middle and who should be providing the chances for the strikers to finish off. Kamijiro will provide a good early test to see if the creative forces on the team will be able to overcome a team looking to absorb and hit on the counter, which was their issue during the last tournament, before then the game against The 14 Stars, who are the unknowns in the group.

by **Crpostran** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 10:49 am

[*]A BIG THANK YOU TO DANTOPIA FOR THE JERSEYS!

by **Valanora** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 11:25 am

Matchday 1

Group A
Valanora 1–0 Kamijiro
The 14 Stars 3–3 Carpathia and Ruthenia

Group B
Zenic 3–1 TJUN-ia
Semarland 0–0 Aphrilia

Group C
Chromatika 1–0 Vielfaltig
HUElavia 0–2 Tumbra

Group D
Cabo Azure 2–3 Cannaland
Baker Park 2–2 Mytanija

Group E
Tero al Disco 2–0 Panay Islands and Guimaras
Abanhfleft 2–1 Burikinia

Group F
Lisander 3–0 Cardenao
Crpostran 2–3 Tikariot

Group G
Yak Empire 1–2 Polar Islandstates
Ardsk 0–0 Sarzonia

Group H
Sangti and the Filindo Isles 2–1 Darmen
Siovanija & Teusland 1–1 Nova Calania

by **Tero al Disco** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 1:22 pm

[snip - i was supposed to post this in the u18wc thread]

by **Kamijiro** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 7:11 pm

- Disappointment in Matchday One -

Matchday Eve...
Perseu La Point has a problem. A big problem. His night-before ritual is toast - he's lost his lucky headband. You see, he can't play without it. And he definitely can't play without doing his pre-game ritual of lining up his entire kit inside-out and upside-down on his bed and then sleeping on the couch. He's torn apart the hotel room, he's gone down the hall and asked (nearly) everybody if they've seen it. He's about to lose his mind.

In the next room over, nothing except the sound of loud music can be heard as Haruki Kagawa blasts music and has a mini-party with Akinari Akaminai and Allie van Dorn, two of her best friends on the team. Her boyfriend, Katsu Fujiwara, is off training with the senior national team back home, and although they do video call each other every day, she's definitely missing him.

It's 10:00 PM now - lights out. Perseu is having a full-on meltdown as the music in Haruki's room is turned off. Akinari and Allie decide to go figure out why they hear muffled screaming from La Point's room. Akinari knocks on the door. No response. Knock knock. No response again. Hotel security is called, as the screaming is still ongoing. With the turn of a key, the door unlocks and swings open. Akinari walks into the room to see the room basically destroyed and Perseu flat on his bed, face in a pillow. He thanks hotel security and says he'll take it from here... With a few quick strides, he's standing over La Point's bed and looking down at the sobbing star boy.

"Perseu."
"Who... who's there?"
"Akinari. Why are you screaming into a pillow?"
"My headband. I can't find it. And if I can't find it, I can't do my night-before ritual. And if I can't do my night-before ritual, I can't play."
"All this over a headband?"
"I've had it for years. Every goal I've ever scored, I've had it on. The one time I lost it before, it was like I forgot how to shoot."
"And you're sure you brought it with you?"
"Yes. It should be here."
"Mind if I look around?"
A slight nod from Perseu, and off goes Akinari, scouring the room. If Kazuma finds out Akinari's not in his room, well... he's cooked.

Eventually, there's a loud "AHA!" from the bathroom. The headband, white as it was, had fallen into the stack of towels. And blended in perfectly, even when Perseu had overturned the stack and dumped it on the floor. The next thing Akinari knew, Perseu was giving him the biggest hug he'd ever been in. Which was odd, considering Perseu was so much smaller than Akinari.

After that, Akinari scurried off to his room, just in time to avoid Kazuma's room searches. The day was saved, right?

Matchday...
The players lined up to get on the bus. Several players were chatting amongst each other, with Haruki Kagawa bunched up with fellow Raijin-shi natives Yasuhiko Kumakiri, Kota Nagata and Genichi Kitamura. Her Bluetooth speaker played soft rock, cycling between Japanese city pop, western yacht rock and some light jazz. Kazuma snapped them all to attention, telling the team that now was the time to lock in mentally. They had the unenviable task of taking on number-one ranked Valanora on their home turf today. A win today would be a huge statement of intent for the team.

The bus pulls up to the visitor's side of The Battleground, a 78,000-seater. It's easily the largest stadium any of these players have played in - and the nerves set in quick. As kickoff rapidly approached, the more inexperienced of the group started feeling major butterflies in their stomach. Haruki Kagawa gave a rousing speech (that definitely wasn't lifted from her father), and the starting eleven made their way into their pre-kickoff positions. The whistle blew...

Post-match...
Losing 1-0 is never a fun experience. You start to overthink every chance you had. Every opportunity that went unseized... but Kazuma was shockingly calm in the post-match locker room meeting. A win, in his eyes, wasn't necessarily on the cards. The number one team in the world, at home, in front of 78,000 strong? Keeping the match close was impressive and a lone strike from Gabriel Sørensen was the only thing separating the Lightning from a hard-earned point. The room was filled with frustration, but it quickly dissipated once Kazuma started his pep talk. The team is still in a great place in terms of qualification chances - their hardest opponent of the group (by ranking) was first - and they had performed admirably.

Stay tuned for the next matchday against Carpathia and Ruthenia.

by **Yakk** » Tue Jul 16, 2024 8:21 pm

YAK EMPIRE - 1
Tsengogorgaat 77'
POLAR ISLAND STATES - 2
Baptiste 39'p
Grief 45+2'

by **Panay Islands and Guimaras** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 2:16 am

A NOT SO GOOD START FOR THE PANAYENSES
Lathal, Iainisle, Valanora

The Panayense fans kicked off with their Latin American-styled chants battling out with the Terense fans, determined which fans are too louder. But at the start, the team played nicely until a Terense scored in the first half. Trying to do their best, Lauro Tirol tried to do aggressive on the play, ended up getting the yellow card, awarding the freekick to the Terenses, and actually scored before the first half ends. Lauro Tirol will be subbed on by Leody Nacionales, who showed the Panayenses his defending skill, giving some opportunities for the goalscoring bestfriends Misael Tsai and Felipe Shimada, but unfortunately went missing. And this ends the game for the Panayenses vs the Terenses. "It was so close to either win or draw!", says Nacionales. "But I did my best well for the team." "It was challenging for me as a Terense.", says Ojero. "But a game is a game, hoping to find a win for these guys." The team will face Burikinia next and Ojero hopes that they would win to make Panayenses happy.

by **Burikinia** » Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:17 am

58th Di Bradini Cup: A 2-1 loss for the Young (Debuting) Dragons

The Young Dragons have started their Di Bradini Cup campaign with a loss against Abahnleft. They suffered a 2-1 defeat in their match against Abahnleft. The match happened in The Pitch in Lathal, where thousands of fans ardently supported the teams of their homelands, with some spectators coming from neither.

Abahnleft kept their offensive stance since the beginning of the match. Several accurate shots have been launched by their attackers, but Romagnoli has kept them out of Burikinia's goal. Well, at least it was, until the 26th minute....

Abahnleft made their first goal of the tournament in the form of a penalty after a clumsy mistake by Stefan Petrescu inside the box. Felix Baybay, their attacking midfielder, shot at the bottom right of Burikinia's goal after evading Yilmaz and Ritter, but Petrescu was ready to defend the Young Dragons' goal. Unfortunately, he slid the wrong way and accidentally raised his palm, touching the ball and deeming it a handball by the referees.

Their lead won't stay, though, as in the 37th minute, Seong Dae-Woo deftly outpaced Orayani and Maquindang, and skillfully shot at the empty goal, much to the dismay of Caeg, their keeper, who rushed too early and became the target of Seong's Rainbow Flick. He became the target of adoration by Burikinians and enmity by the Fletfic. ~~Seriously though, how do you get "Fletfic" from "Abahnleft"? Why "Fletfic"?~~

In the 83rd minute, however, Abahnleft scored again, this time from Brandon Jandoc, who managed to sneak past Bartini undetected and set himself for a crucial goal in this stage. A multitude of jeers and taunting chants, a specialty of Burikinia, was heard all around the stadium as he performed a knee slide while cupping his ears against the supporters in azure. No goals were made after this moment.

MATCH SUMMARY

BURIKINIA
ABAHNLEFT
1
2
(G) Dae-Woo SEONG 37'
26' Felix BAYBAY (P)
83' Brandon JANDOC (G)

BURIKINIA	ABAHNLEFT
1	2
(G) Dae-Woo SEONG 37'	26' Felix BAYBAY (P) 83' Brandon JANDOC (G)

Di Bradini Cup 58/U21WC79 RP And Scores Thread

Di Bradini Cup 58/U21WC79 RP And Scores Thread

Who is online