Copa Rushmori XLVII - Everything Thread

by **Pasarga** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:37 am

Optional Matchday 3 Prompt: Pasarga had a long history of being known for toy manufacturing before the modernization project by Eura. Is there any historical industry your nation was known for or is still known for?

Matchday 2

Group A
The Kytler Peninsulae 3–1 Pridnestrovia
Olastor 0–3 Pasarga

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pasarga                     2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6
2 Kordavia                    1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
  The Kytler Peninsulae       2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
4 Olastor                     1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
  Pridnestrovia               2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0

Group B
Zenic 2–0 Qusmo
Norrhem 1–0 Three Golden Kingdoms

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Zenic                       2   1  1  0    2   0  +2    4
2 Gnejs                       1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
  Norrhem                     1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Three Golden Kingdoms       2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
5 Qusmo                       2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

Group C
Oberour Ar Moro 2–2 Captina Island
Sargossa 3–0 Eastfield Lodge

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Captina Island              2   1  1  0    7   5  +2    4
2 Sargossa                    1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
3 Oberour Ar Moro             2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2
4 Eastfield Lodge             2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1
5 Northwest Pavola Republic   1   0  0  1    3   5  −2    0

Group D
Elmyia 4–0 Hispinas
Mytanija 2–3 Astograth

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elmyia                      2   1  1  0    4   0  +4    4
2 Astograth                   2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Polar Islandstates          1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 Hispinas                    2   0  1  1    0   4  −4    1
5 Mytanija                    1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0

Group E
Igratia 5–5 Frjálshöfn
Kirungabi 3–1 Valladares

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kirungabi                   1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
2 Yuezhou                     1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    3
3 Valladares                  2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
4 Frjálshöfn                  2   0  1  1    7   8  −1    1
  Igratia                     2   0  1  1    5   6  −1    1

Group F
Darmen 1–0 Gatchingerrak Union
Tero al Disco 1–2 Tikariot

P Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tikariot                    2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6
2 Gatchingerrak Union         2   1  0  1    4   1  +3    3
3 Darmen                      2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Tero al Disco               1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Kalosia                     1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

by **Elmyia** » Wed Nov 06, 2024 10:22 am

Elmyian Roster - Copa Rushmori 47
Porras' Last Dance

Two years ago it appeared Elmyian football might be on the verge of a new golden era. Now it appears, it is at the end of one. Pau Porras announced shortly after his squad touched down in Pasarga that barring victory in the tournament, that he was minded to step down.

Elmyia's third full-time manager has taken the side to heights that few imagined possible - qualification for two World Cups, and more importantly, lifting the Copa in Yuezhou - as well as deploying a front-footed, occasionally foolhardy style of play. He was the first foreign manager to come to the role, having previously served as the assistant coach for his native Juvencus, as well as the manager for the briefly present no-hopers Al-Qurija. These weren't the most auspicious qualifications, but besides being well regarded, he arrived in inauspicious circumstances.

Porras arrived at a difficult time for both the nation and the team. Football hooligans, drunk and enraged by nil-nil draw with Archalit, attacked and held the government of the day hostage to force the resignation of the nation team manager. This improbable series of events paved the road for a major constitutional reforms, as well as Porras to take over the team. Benni Massi had been maligned, clearly, but his tenure as national team manager had seen the side go from miles off the pace to competitive in qualifying.

Since, Porras lifted the sides level, a first win in a group stage over Pasarga in Copa 44, followed by two excellent qualification campaigns that saw Elmyia make it to World Cup 94 and 95. Players like Gina Whittingham, Kit Simmons, Nancy Savalas, and then more recently Jesca Blair and Enrico Girello, cemented themselves in the national imagination. Even two failed qualifying campaigns more recently have been outweighed by the triumph of Copa 46.

Now, 9 years into his tenure, some big retirements seem imminent. Jackie Froggatt, Maria Grosso and Sofia Katsouranis have announced their retirements in the space of just one month from international duty - with Froggatt and Katsouranis announcing this will be their final international tournament, and with Grosso already gone. All have been ever present since Elmyia emerged on the international scene and have played first key, and now more fringe roles for the side. Will this last dance be a sweet one?

Goalkeepers
1. Enrico Girello - 20, Hanai Breakers (CMT)
12. Ian Garavakos - 26, Hellenic SC
23. Oscar Wilton - 31, Mosfleet Albion

Defenders
2. Andrew Awfield - 28, Marketville (EUR)
3. Nancy Savalas - 25, Hellenic SC
4. Antonio Silva - 24, Ridgewell Rovers (TMB)
5. Anastasia Kastrinakis - 27, Pesfield Tree (SYL)
13. Sofia Katsouranis - 33, Urrhed FC (CMT)
14. Luigi Pozzo - 26, Hellenic
15. Liberatore Nanni - 26, Mosfleet Albion
16. Roberto Palm - 28, AS Samita

Midfielders
6. Kit Simmons (C) - 25, Kingston FC (QUE)
8. Anasthasios Marinos - 22, Hellenic SC
10. Nico Spalding - 28, Mosfleet Albion
17. Aaron McLoughlin - 28, Hellenic SC
18. Tamsin Rowe - 21, Hellenic SC
19. Anya Marakakis - 26, Tihon United (CMT)

Forwards
7. Jackie Froggatt - 33, Brisara FC (CMT)
9. Gina Whittingham - 28, Zenit Attawapiskat (QUE)
11. Kostas Rossi - 29, Chamberley City (SYL)
20. Jesca Blair - 24, Pria City (CMT)
21. Vesper Benedetti - 24, Lanar (CMT)
22. Pietro Abbatangelo - 23, Alcassar 1896 FC (TKT)

MD 1 vs. Astograth
1. Girello
13. Katsouranis 
3. Savalas
4. Silva
5. Kastrinakis 
6. Simmons
10. Spalding   (Marinos 61')
19. Marakakis  (Froggatt 61')
20. Blair  (Benedetti 82')
9. Whittingham 
11. Rossi

Bench
12. Garavakos
2. Awfield
15. Nanni
8. Marinos  61'
7. Froggatt  61'
21. Benedetti  82'
22. Abbatangelo

MD 2 vs. Hispinas
1. Girello
13. Katsouranis  (Awfield 75')
3. Savalas 
15. Nanni
16. Palm 
6. Simmons  (McLoughlin 60')
10. Spalding  (Rowe 60')
19. Marakakis 
7. Froggatt  (Blair 75')
9. Whittingham   (Benedetti 75')
11. Rossi

Bench
12. Garavakos
2. Awfield  75'
17. McLoughlin  60'
18. Rowe  60'
20. Blair  75'
21. Benedetti  75'
22. Abbatangelo

by **Captina Island** » Wed Nov 06, 2024 11:04 am

In transition, Captina making a mark
The Captina Company Press Association

LUNAS, PASARGA--The Captina Company National Football Team have set course towards a fresh generation to represent the island in international play, with Manager Jonas Yarborough and Assistant Manager Tamara Berardinelli running the rule over the latest generation of Super League talent here in the Copa Rushmori and previously in the Jenna Raven Cup for the women. The ladies had problems with scoring but the men have so far outdone themselves having followed up their opening 5-3 win against Northwest Pavola Republic with a 2-2 draw against Rushmore's 10th ranked side Oberour Ar Moro at the Stadium of the Moon here.

The Rosso e Oro have shown good midfield movement in generating offense against the first two opponents and will need to carry that confidence and momentum into their third Group C fixture against number 4 Sargossa. The Corsairs are almost becoming a rival for Captina, as this will mark the fourth meeting between the nations, which will equal fellow Rushmori sides Gneis and Cabo Azure (as well as West Barack & East Obama although two of the four matches with them were in the JRC) with a common denominator between all three coming in Copa Rushmori 44; the Rosso own a single victory in the series having won in Sargossa in World Cup Qualifying 96 before falling at TCC Sports Ground in the finale of the tournament.

Captina have their bye on the final matchday and this match will mark the final time playing at the Stadium of the Moon before decamping to Stillinkeep for the finale against Pasarga's World Cup 97 co-hosts Eastfield Lodge. Hopefully the boys in red will have amassed enough points ahead of matchday five to assure advancement to the knockouts.

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Wed Nov 06, 2024 4:18 pm

It's 10 AM on a Thursday and you are in a small car dealership waiting room. You brought your le Especier Crossover L282 to get a fuel change and service (the window on the drivers side makes a squeaking noise as it goes up and down). As you're waiting for the mechanics to finish work on the car you put down the five-month old Gwerin magazine and look at the television in the corner. The commercial for the drama about a ranch in the Pimaen ends, and it cuts to a series of couples in matching colored sweaters celebrating. A chipper sounding announcer starts talking:

"Imagine going to your local grocery store, grabbing everything you wanted, and the store GAVE you money! In fact, it could be worth ₳5,000!"

The scenes switch to individuals pushing shopping carts overflowing with seemingly random items.

"Of course," the announcer continues, "to win that ₳5,000 you will need to use all the speed, strategy, and shopping smarts in a race against time. But this isn't just an adrenaline rush, it's a lot of fun. So get ready for the one and only Grocery Gallop!"

The Grocery Gallop logo appears on screen, then match cuts to the logo over an audience of cheering people.

"Now: Are you ready to go shopping?" asks the announcer. The shouting crowd answers by holding up a variety of grocery items. You realize that at the far ends of the rows are mirrors to make the audience look larger.

"Who's got the Citrio fruit chews?" asks the announcer. A pair of women with dark hair and matching green blouses excitedly get up from their seats stage right. One is holding a small pack of candies. "Okay, come on down!" instructs the announcer.

When the announcer asks "Who's got the Aezhann baking cocoa?" Two excited men, one holding a brown aluminum can and wearing a button-down short sleeve shirt with a bold pattern, the other wearing a tank top, leap from their chairs and head for the aisle. "Okay, come on down!"

"Who's got the bag of Pet Plus dog food?" A couple against the mirrored wall stands up. A young woman effortlessly bounds through the row and down the aisle, leaving a young man holding a very large bag of dog food behind. "Okay, come on down!" The man slowly struggles his way through the crowd as the bag, which has to be 20 kilograms, keeps bumping into the heads of the audience members in front of him. You can tell he's trying to apologize as he goes.

The view switches to three podiums in front of a set that appears like a grocery store. The last man finally makes it down as the announcer declares "We're ready to play Grocery Gallop!"

"And now here is our host: Rolland le Meur!" Dashing from the back of the pseudo-store comes the well-coiffed and wide-smiling host, Rolland le Meur. Once the camera closes in you can see he is wearing the ugliest sweater you have ever seen. It has all the colors of a fresh bruise: pale green, dark brown, some red. But it's primarily a cream color, and there are stabs of pink, and it coheres together in a completely incoherent pattern.

Rolland slows in front of the podiums, but then changes his mind about stopping, speeding up again towards the audience just at the bottom of the screen. He gives a series of high fives, before running back to his spot on set.

"Hi guys! Hello!" says a very excited and somewhat winded le Meur. "Welcome to Grocery Gallop!"

by **Darmen** » Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:03 am

Darmeni Football Association
No. 37 Waxweiler Street, Scott City, MET1-0017

Paul Callaghan
Chief Communications Officer
Phone: 01017-428-591
E-mail: pcallaghan1,@darfa.dar

Leidangr Dock Company
No. 15 Intrepid Drive, Tilden, NRT3-0004

Roy Carter
Vice President of Marketing, Leidangr Dock Company
Phone: 09004-984-433
E-mail: rcarter12,@leidangrdc.dar

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Leidangr Dock Company To Become Title Sponsor Of National Cup, Provide Prize Money

SCOTT CITY — Friday, August 6, 2066 — In preperation for its upcoming 360th anniversary, Leidangr Dock Company has announced its partnership with the Darmeni Football Association to becoming the title sponsor of the National Cup, which will now be known as the Leidangr Docks National Cup. In addition to attaching its name to the competition, the Leidangr Dock Company will provide $6.4 million dollars of prize money to be distributed to teams participating in the Leidangr Docks National Cup from the first round on. The agreement between the Leidangr Dock Company and the Darmeni Football Association will run for a period of five years.

The prize money will be distributed as follows:

Round	Winner	Loser
First Round	$22,000	$6,000
Second Round	$33,000	$8,000
Third Round	$35,000	$0
Round of 16	$64,000	$0
Quarterfinals	$128,000	$0
Semifinals	$285,000	$143,000
Final	$569,000	$285,000

President of the Darmeni Football Association, Gauti Oliverson, commented, "The agreement with the Leidangr Dock Company is a great opportunity for the DFA to further football in Darmen. It gives us wider exposure to the public through new marketing opportunities and gives clubs a new source of potential income."

Leidangr Dock Company Vice President of Marketing, Roy Carter, commented, "As we grow closer to celebrating our 360th anniversary, partnering with the Darmeni Football Association provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with football fans who would not normally spend much time thinking about shipbuilders. We're a very important industry in this modern, globalized world and becoming the title sponsor of the National Cup will expose the wider football loving public to the importance of this industry and what we do for the public."

The Darmeni Football Association is the national governing body for association football in Darmen. Founded in 2036, the DFA organizes the national football teams for men, women and youth; as well as the National Cup competition for club teams. It is the DFA's responsibility to extend sanctioning to all other footballing bodies within Darmen and to represent Darmen before the World Cup Committee and the Confederación Rushmori de Fútbol. The DFA is currently led by its president, Gauti Oliverson.

The Leidangr Dock Company is Darmen's preeminent shipbuilder and ship repairer. Founded in 1707, the Leidangr Dock Company has locations throughout Darmen, providing services to domestic and foreign maritime shipping companies as well as the Darmeni Navy. With its main headquarters located in Tilden, the Leidangr Dock Company is committed to remaining Darmen's foremost shipbuilder, with a focus on providing environmentally friendly propulsion solutions.

by **Qusmo** » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:02 am

Note: As an incorrect schedule was posted, the wrong lineup was listed for matchday two. As Zenic has not yet RPed, I feel at liberty to amend my starting lineup for that fixture. This would have been the correct starting XI against Zenic. It would have been more defensive-minded & would have attempted to conserve some players’ energy for the two-match run of fixtures against Norrhem & Three Golden Kingdoms, which look so likely to be pivotal for Qusmo’s hopes to escape Group B. As a result, it features four changes, & few players will have played a full one hundred eighty minutes over the course of Qusmo’s first two group stage fixtures.

With losses in each of its opening fixtures, Qusmo is now squarely in do-or-die mode. Only two out of five matchdays have been played thus far, but already, Qusmo would be eliminated with a loss in its next match, no matter whatever else happens. It could achieve a maximum of three points, Zenic already has four points, Norrhem would reach six points with a win, & either Gnejs or Three Golden Kingdoms also have to reach at least four points because the two teams play each other on the final matchday. Qusmo would be unable to finish any better than fourth in its group, in the mathematically shortest time it is possible to be eliminated in this tournament format.

Considering that Qusmo would only have a maximum points total of four if it drew with Norrhem, & that Zenic is already at four, Norrhem would reach four with a draw, &, again, at least one of Gnejs or Three Golden Kingdoms must accumulate at least four points, even a draw would leave Qusmo on the precipice of elimination. & of course, the third-placed team in four groups have already accumulated three points after two matchdays. Qusmo really needs a win if it wants to have a realistic hope of finally advancing to the knockout rounds at a Copa Rushmori.

As a result, expect Vulav-Wanar to be aggressive if Qusmo is tied or, especially, behind as the ninety-minute mark approaches. Vulav-Wanar values patience & sound decision-making, but their team may be forced to take risks much earlier in the tournament than they would have liked. This is the roster that started Qusmo’s opening fixture, & Vulav-Wanar believes it to be strong, but if significant changes need to be made within the fixture, this fixture might be a prime candidate to make them.

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:10 am

Three weeks to polling day.

A creeping dread as two new polls push the FFP to its highest point in living memory and a third suggests that the anti-RPD isolation movement generally is regaining credibility, 28% saying they would support the disbandment of Kytlerian national teams.

A different schedule from the one we thought at the Copa Rushmori, but a victory against the opponent the Kytlerians actually faced, Pridnestrovia taking a sixth-minute lead through a fluky Shrifflu Mocks own goal but quickly responding with goals from Park, Acebes, and the artist now known as Vicente. (He got his actual first name over its variation Vincent as his Miposojeon shirt name and said that he "likes the consistency" of having the same one on his NT shirt. He's emphasised before how little he cares which one it is because "I play for the name on the front of my shirt.")

An apparent continued glitch in communication lines with Pasarga, specifically targeting the Kytlerian media there; Kytlerian journalists are known for their ability to synthesise RP-inin, one of the simplest and safest RPDs, and provide them to players when other supplies fail.

Just another day for the Kytlerian nation.

There will be more of them. Some of them will mean more than others.

by **Pasarga** » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:52 am

Matchday 3

Group A
Pridnestrovia 2–0 Olastor
Kordavia 0–1 The Kytler Peninsulae

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pasarga                     2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6
2 The Kytler Peninsulae       3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6
3 Kordavia                    2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Pridnestrovia               3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
5 Olastor                     2   0  0  2    0   5  −5    0

Group B
Qusmo 0–0 Norrhem
Gnejs 4–3 Zenic

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gnejs                       2   2  0  0    6   4  +2    6
2 Norrhem                     2   1  1  0    1   0  +1    4
  Zenic                       3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4
4 Three Golden Kingdoms       2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
5 Qusmo                       3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1

Group C
Captina Island 1–1 Sargossa
Northwest Pavola Republic 2–2 Oberour Ar Moro

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Captina Island              3   1  2  0    8   6  +2    5
2 Sargossa                    2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4
3 Oberour Ar Moro             3   0  3  0    5   5   0    3
4 Northwest Pavola Republic   2   0  1  1    5   7  −2    1
5 Eastfield Lodge             2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1

Group D
Hispinas 0–1 Mytanija
Polar Islandstates 2–5 Elmyia

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elmyia                      3   2  1  0    9   2  +7    7
2 Astograth                   2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Mytanija                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Polar Islandstates          2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1
5 Hispinas                    3   0  1  2    0   5  −5    1

Group E
Frjálshöfn 0–1 Kirungabi
Yuezhou 2–1 Igratia

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kirungabi                   2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
2 Yuezhou                     2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6
3 Valladares                  2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
4 Frjálshöfn                  3   0  1  2    7   9  −2    1
  Igratia                     3   0  1  2    6   8  −2    1

Group F
Gatchingerrak Union 5–0 Tero al Disco
Kalosia 3–5 Darmen

P Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gatchingerrak Union         3   2  0  1    9   1  +8    6
2 Tikariot                    2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6
3 Darmen                      3   2  0  1    8   6  +2    6
4 Kalosia                     2   0  0  2    3   9  −6    0
  Tero al Disco               2   0  0  2    1   7  −6    0

by **Kordavia** » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:53 am

“Like a Kordavian watch.”

The phrase called to mind the precision and reliability of the manufacturing industry historically associated with Kordavia’s dark inlands: horology. In the small Core territories whose rocky slopes offered little to farmers or miners, the development of fine woodturning, metalworking and glassblowing during the guild ages of the medieval millennium led to the development of a noted industry manufacturing clocks and watches, telescopes, compasses, and scientific instruments, as modernity dawned.

And it also applied to the right boot of Ragnar Voss, which had struck with pendulum-like regularity during the latest domestic football season, and which proved no less dependable as the Kordavian national team took on Pridenstrovia at the Telathron in Targas. Andrey Yusupov had claimed the lead for Pridenstrovia from the penalty spot; Voss replied from open play at the 72 and 82 minute marks to bring to life a leaden game in which both highly defensive teams seemed averse of possession. It was a match that did not provide a strong argument for the inclusion of fringe teams like Kordavia in vaunted competitions like the Copa Rushmori, slightly stronger arguments for the adoption of a shot clock.

Today, of course, though its watches still adorn the wrists of the rich and the fashionable, Kordavia’s clock manufacturing is mostly a cottage industry appealing to heritage collectors, historical restorers, and owners of darkly sinister and possibly haunted mansions. Under the flapping flag of the Ironclaw Eagle, domestic manufacturing has been turned from the fine work of craft metalsmiths, to the blunt mass production of armaments and weaponry, heavy industry and transportation.

But the secretive regime in Altburgheim that has kept the Imperium shrouded in the mysterious corner of Rushmore for decades is showing signs of opening up, as evidenced by the team’s participation in this most recent Copa Rushmori, and finding trade partners will be as much on the agenda for the assorted dignitaries and diplomats attending alongside the team (and under the careful watch of political officers) as will celebrating Voss’s dependability in front of goal. But for one night at least in Targas, it was the latter that consumed them with excitement as they grumbled that the seventh minute of added time had stretched into an unconscionable ninth.

It never would have happened had the referee been wearing a Kordavian watch.

by **Kalosia** » Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:32 pm

The Kalosian National Football Team (KLS)

This is Kalosia's fourth participation in the largest football tournament in Rushmore, Copa Rushmori. For the island nation situated in southeastern Rushmore, football had never been its forté. This is why Kalosia has yet to participate in international football championships. But, the least we can do is have fun.

Coach: Alfredu Parmi
Formation: 4–4–2
Style: -1.5
Nickname: Li Krešenti / The Crescents (their kit design features the crescent symbol, also present in the national flag)
Colours: Dark blue and white (flag colours)

01 GK Ǧiánkarlu Maržini
02 DF Benedetu Kruž
03 DF Rikardu Biažu (captain)
04 DF Kristoforu Altanu
05 DF Petru Kasini
06 MF Garbiél Sardu
07 MF Agostinu Baľarti
08 FW Alesandru Martineli
09 FW Mario Bonifaťu
10 MF Paólu Kartas
11 MF Kristianu Grisini
12 GK Luiž Florelu
13 DF Stefanu 
14 DF Mateo Korsikanu
15 DF Ǧamal Tunisi
16 DF Daniél Kasini
17 MF Sebastianu Kaľari
18 MF Ťarlës Mersié
19 FW Marku Katalon
20 FW Hasan Maǧu
21 MF Rajmondu Maržu
22 MF Ǧakomu Salvator
23 GK Martinu Lesku

Note: Starting players are bolded.

The nation awaits. Best of luck to our Crescents — do your best, Rushmore is watching you!

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
Choose My Goalscorers — Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events — Yes, unless I post RP about it first
Injure Players — Yes, within reason
Godmod Injury Events — Yes, within reason
Red Card Players — Yes, within reason
Yellow Card Players — Yes, within reason
Godmod Other Events — Yes, but tell me first

Note: Feel free to reach out to me on the NSS Discord server if you have any questions regarding my team or would like to consult for your RP. I'm also still a novice in football RPing so I'm looking to learn as well.

by **Qusmo** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 4:01 am

The Mathletic
Informed analysis.

A miracle too far?
Vulav-Wanar’s Qusmo stands on the precipice of Copa elimination

After being hired away from Pacitalia, with whom they had won the most recent completed CAFA Cup, Vulav-Wanar Tla was announced as a manager tasked with the immediate improvement of the Qusma national team’s greatest weaknesses. Chief among those weak spots was the team’s play at the Copa Rushmori, which has always been a difficult tournament for the Quxruxy, but which had become an even more dire stage since the team’s return to the international stage following the Reforms. The good news is that, no matter how it ends, this will be Qusmo’s most successful Copa Rushmori since it hosted the thirty-second edition of the tournament. The bad news is Qusmo is on the verge of elimination in yet another group stage, having earned only one point in three matches, with only one remaining. It beats a single point in five matches, or none in three, but it’s still nowhere near what Fuzpon Qusma or the Qusma public expected as Vulav-Wanar took charge for their first real test as Qusmo’s third national team manager. Yes, Qusmo hasn’t technically, mathematically been eliminated yet, but it would take a miracle of astounding proportions for the team to actually find itself playing in the knockout rounds in Pasarga.

Group B

A Qusmo loss to or draw with Three Golden Kingdoms on matchday four would mean Qusmo would finish with one or two points & could therefore finish no better than fourth in Group B, which would result in elimination. On the other hand, a Qusmo win over Three Golden Kingdoms on matchday four would mean it would finish with four points, which could be enough to advance to the knockout stages, though only if a complex series of many other results go Qusmo’s way.

Finishing first in Group B is impossible. Gnejs, the current first-placed team, already has six points. Finishing second in Group B is also impossible. The Norrhem-Zenic fixture on matchday five guarantees a second-placed team with at least five points. Finishing third in Group B without resorting to winning a tiebreaker is impossible, as well. Zenic, the current third-placed team, already has four points.

To give themselves a chance of reaching a tiebreaker for third place in Group B, Qusmo must defeat Three Golden Kingdoms on matchday four. The wider the margin of victory, the better its odds in potential intragroup & intergroup tiebreakers. In addition, other results within Group B must go Qusmo’s way: either Zenic must lose to Norrhem on matchday five, or Norrhem must lose to Gnejs on matchday four & then lose to Zenic on matchday five.

Tiebreakers

Qusmo would then need to win a tiebreaker with the Zenic-Norrhem loser, as well as with Three Golden Kingdoms if Three Golden Kingdoms defeats Gnejs on matchday five. The first tiebreaker is goal difference. Qusmo would have a goal difference of at least -2 with a win v. Three Golden Kingdoms. Zenic would have a goal difference of at most 0 with a loss to Norrhem, while Norrhem would have a goal difference of at most -1 with losses to both Gnejs & Zenic. Three Golden Kingdoms currently has a goal difference of -1, so if Qusmo only defeats Three Golden Kingdoms by one goal, it would also need a Three Golden Kingdoms loss to or draw with Gnejs on matchday five, as Qusmo would not be able to win the first tiebreaker in that event.

In the event teams are tied on goal difference, the next tiebreaker would be head-to-head performance. Qusmo would be eliminated if they were tied on points & goal difference with Zenic, would win the second tiebreaker if tied on points & the first tiebreaker with Three Golden Kingdoms, & would not be able to resolve the tiebreaker with Norrhem on head-to-head results if it came to that. The third tiebreaker is wins. This would only be relevant in the event Qusmo is tied with Norrhem, in which case both teams would still be tied with one win. In this event, the fourth tiebreaker would be a coin flip.

Summary

Therefore, Qusmo must defeat Three Golden Kingdoms, preferably by a significant margin, & hope for a decisive result in the Zenic-Norrhem match, preferably also by a significant margin. In addition, if Zenic defeats Norrhem, Gnejs must have also defeated Norrhem, again preferably by a significant margin. & if Qusmo defeats Three Golden Kingdoms by exactly one goal, it must hope for Three Golden Kingdoms to lose to or draw with Gnejs on matchday five, while if Qusmo defeats Three Golden Kingdoms by multiple goals, it must hope either Three Golden Kingdoms loses to or draws with Gnejs or that Three Golden Kingdoms defeats Gnejs by a narrow margin - no more than 2(q-1) goals, to be precise, whereby q is Qusmo’s margin of victory over Three Golden Kingdoms.

A win over Three Golden Kingdoms would give Qusmo a chance to advance to the knockout rounds, however slim. A two-goal win would give Qusmo a chance to advance even if Three Golden Kingdoms wins its final match by a one- or two-goal margin, & it would mean a tiebreaker with Zenic would finish in, at worst, a coin flip. A three-goal win would give Qusmo a chance to advance even if Three Golden Kingdoms wins its final match by up to a four-goal margin, & it would guarantee a hypothetical win in tiebreakers over Zenic. A four-goal win would guarantee Qusmo wins in tiebreakers over either Zenic or Norrhem & would also allow Qusmo to win a tiebreaker over Three Golden Kingdoms, as long as that nation does not defeat Gnejs by six goals or more. With every additional goal’s worth of margin thereafter in a victory over Three Golden Kingdoms, Qusmo could whether an addition two goals’ worth of margin in a hypothetical Three Golden Kingdoms win over Gnejs.

History

Of course, any Qusma win in a Copa Rushmori is much easier said than done. Dating back to Copa Rushmori XXXII, which it hosted, Qusmo has lost ten & drawn two of its previous twelve matches at Copas Rushmori, meaning it is still searching for its first post-Reforms win at any Copa Rushmori. Despite being the only manager to have been named the Galactico Manager of the Season with two separate teams, Tlanx-Nulzk Hal could only manage one draw & not a single match win in this tournament. Expanding our timeframe to Qusmo’s entire history, before or after the Reforms, Qusmo’s match with Three Golden Kingdoms will be its twenty-fifth Copa Rushmori match in its history, but it has only recorded five wins, including a pair of two-goal victories at the edition it hosted & no wins by three goals or more. It has also scored multiple goals in a single fixture on just five occasions, including only one three-goal match & none beyond that. That includes three matches where Qusmo was hosting the Copa Rushmori, three matches where Qusmo conceded three goals, & no Qusma wins outside Qusma soil.

Meanwhile, Vulav-Wanar Tla is a notoriously defensively-minded manager who has one win, one draw, & five losses as manager of Qusmo, a team which enters its pivotal match with Three Golden Kingdoms on a two hundred fifty-three-minute scoreless streak. & even if it does earn a win on matchday four, or even a win by a monumentally historic margin of victory, it still has to rely on Zenic-Norrhem not finishing in a draw in matchday five, in a match when both teams might need just a single point to guarantee their advancement to the knockout stages.

Table of third-placed teams

&, of course, we’ve only talked about the situation within Group B. In fact, not only does Qusmo need to win its final match, hope for other results to fall its way within its group, & win tiebreakers to sneak into third place in Group B, but it must then be among the four best third-placed teams in the tournament, despite having just four points.

Overview

Group F already has three teams which have accumulated six points each, so it would be impossible for Qusmo to match Group F’s third-placed team. Further, because of the Mytanija-Polar Islandstates & Valladares-Frjálshöfn fixtures on matchday four, Groups D & E are guaranteed to have third-placed teams with at least four points, if not more. Meanwhile, the third-placed team in Groups A & C already have three points, while in Group A, two teams are already on six points & the current third-placed team still has two matches remaining.

In fact, there is an incredibly slim likelihood that a third-placed Qusmo could advance to the knockout rounds without requiring further tiebreakers in the table of third-placed teams, but only if the following sequence events occurs, in addition to what already needs to happen for Qusmo to make it to third place in its group in the first place: in Group A, Pridnestrovia must lose to Pasarga & Kordavia must lose to Olastor on matchday four, while Kordavia must lose to Pasarga & Olastor must lose to the Kytler Peninsulae on matchday five; & in Group C, Northwest Pavola Republic must lose to or draw with Sargossa & Eastfield Lodge must lose to or draw with Captina Island on matchday four, while Oberour Ar Moro must lose to Sargossa & Northwest Pavola Republic must draw with Eastfield Lodge on matchday five.

Tiebreaker scenarios

Unless all eight matches in Groups A & C go Qusmo’s way - in addition to Qusmo itself winning its final match, all the other matches that have to go Qusmo’s way in Group B doing so, & Qusmo winning the tiebreakers that they would need to in order to reach third place in the first place - Qusmo will be thrown from its initial intragroup tiebreakers to emerge as a third-placed team into yet more intergroup tiebreakers to advance as a top-four third-placed team.

At this point, the potential paths diverge so wildly, it makes even our explanations to this point seem simple & straightforward. But suffice it to say, Qusmo would have to finish better than at least two other third-placed teams, among the teams finishing third in Groups A, C, D, or E - either with all four remaining matches in the entire group going Qusmo’s way, in the cases of Groups A or C, or by having several matches go Qusmo’s way & winning tiebreakers against whichever team emerges. That would mean having a better goal difference, having an equal goal difference & then winning a coin flip, or - in the event Oberour Ar Moro draws with Sargossa on matchday five & then becomes Group C’s third-placed team after drawing every one of its group stage matches - having an equal goal difference & winning the total wins tiebreaker.

&, of course, for any of this to matter, Qusmo still has to win its first Copa Rushmori match in fifteen editions of the tournament & hope the rest of the remaining fixtures in its group fall its way just to make it to third place in its group to begin with. & all of that would just be to give Qusmo a spot in the octofinals against one of the top three, if not the best, group winner in the entire tournament.

Conclusion

When they were hired as the manager of their home nation’s national team, Vulav-Wanar Tla was introduced to the Qusma public as a miracle worker on grass. What they accomplished with Pacitalia was extraordinary, but it seems extraordinarily unlikely even Vulav-Wanar could work a miracle of this scale.

Or, instead of going on & on & on & on about all the complexities & necessities & near-impossibilities, we could simplify this analysis quite a bit. When approached a different way, Qusmo’s remit is actually rather quite simple: win against Three Golden Kingdoms, & then hope every other remaining group stage fixture in the entire tournament goes its way. In that event, yes, Qusmo does still have a chance.

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Gnejs                       2   2  0  0    6   4  +2    6   NRH TGK
2 Norrhem                     2   1  1  0    1   0  +1    4   PUG ZEN
  Zenic                       3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4       NRH
4 Three Golden Kingdoms       2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1   QUS PUG
5 Qusmo                       3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1   TGK    

For Qusmo to place third in Group B, each of the following three conditions must be satisfied:
- Qusmo defeats Three Golden Kingdoms by a margin of q goals (MD4)
- One of the following happens:
  - Zenic loses to Norrhem by a margin of at least 5-q goals (MD5), OR
  - Norrhem loses to Gnejs (MD4) & Norrhem loses to Zenic (MD5) by combined margins of at least 5-q goals, OR
  - Norrhem loses to Gnejs (MD4) & Norrhem loses to Zenic (MD5) by combined margins of exactly 4-q goals & Qusmo wins the coin flip tiebreaker
- One of the following happens:
  - Three Golden Kingdoms loses to or draws with Gnejs (MD5), OR
  - Qusmo defeats Three Golden Kingdoms by a margin of at least two goals (MD4) & Three Golden Kingdoms defeats Gnejs by at most 2(q-1) goals (MD5)

Should Qusmo finish in a tie on both points & goal difference for third place in Group B, the following are possibilities for the second-level tiebreaker, head-to-head results, depending on which two or three teams remain tied:

QUS/ZEN: Zenic 3, Qusmo 0
QUS/NRH: Qusmo 1, Norrhem 1 *
QUS/TGK: Qusmo 3, Three Golden Kingdoms 0
QUS/ZEN/TGK: Zenic 4, Qusmo 3, Three Golden Kingdoms 1
QUS/NRH/TGK: Qusmo 4, Norrhem 4, Three Golden Kingdoms 0 *

* Since Qusmo & Norrhem teams played to a scoreless draw on matchday three, & since both teams would have won one match in the event they finish the group stage tied, these tiebreakers would proceed to a coin flip.

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Pasarga                     2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6   PDN KRD
2 The Kytler Peninsulae       3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6       OLA
3 Kordavia                    2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3   OLA PAS
4 Pridnestrovia               3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3   PAS    
5 Olastor                     2   0  0  2    0   5  −5    0   KRD KYP

Ideal scenario (third-placed team has three points):
- Pridnestrovia loses to Pasarga (MD4)
- Kordavia loses to Olastor (MD4)
- Kordavia loses to Pasarga (MD5)
- Olastor loses to The Kytler Peninsulae (MD5)

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario one:
- Pridnestrovia loses to or draws with Pasarga (MD4)
- Kordavia loses to Olastor (MD4)*
- Kordavia loses to or draws with Pasarga (MD5)
- Olastor loses to or draws with The Kytler Peninsulae (MD5)

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario two:
- Pridnestrovia loses to or draws with Pasarga (MD4)
- Kordavia draws with Olastor (MD4)*
- Kordavia loses to Pasarga (MD5)

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Captina Island              3   1  2  0    8   6  +2    5   EFL    
2 Sargossa                    2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4   NWP OAM
3 Oberour Ar Moro             3   0  3  0    5   5   0    3       SRG
4 Northwest Pavola Republic   2   0  1  1    5   7  −2    1   SRG EFL
5 Eastfield Lodge             2   0  1  1    1   4  −3    1   CPT NWP

Ideal scenario (third-placed team has three points):
- Northwest Pavola Republic loses to or draws with Sargossa (MD4)
- Eastfield Lodge loses to or draws with Captina Island (MD4)
- Oberour Ar Moro loses to Sargossa (MD5)
- Northwest Pavola Republic draws with Eastfield Lodge (MD5)

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario one:
- Northwest Pavola Republic loses to or draws with Sargossa (MD4)
- Eastfield Lodge loses to or draws with Captina Island (MD4)
- Oberour Ar Moro loses to or draws with Sargossa (MD5)
- Northwest Pavola Republic draws with Eastfield Lodge (MD5)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario two:
- Northwest Pavola Republic loses to Sargossa (MD4)
- Oberour Ar Moro loses to or draws with Sargossa (MD5)
- Northwest Pavola Republic defeats Eastfield Lodge (MD5)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario three:
- Eastfield Lodge loses to Captina Island (MD4)
- Oberour Ar Moro loses to or draws with Sargossa (MD5)
- Northwest Pavola Republic loses to Eastfield Lodge (MD5)*

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Elmyia                      3   2  1  0    9   2  +7    7       MYT
2 Astograth                   2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4   HSP PIS
3 Mytanija                    2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3   PIS ELM
4 Polar Islandstates          2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1   MYT ASG
5 Hispinas                    3   0  1  2    0   5  −5    1   ASG    

Ideal scenario (third-placed team has three points):
Impossible; the Mytanija-Polar Islandstates fixture on matchday four guarantees a third-placed team with at least four points

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario one:
- Mytanija draws with Polar Islandstates (MD4)*
- Mytanija loses to Elmyia (MD5)
- Polar Islandstates loses to or draws with Astograth (MD5)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario two:
- Mytanija loses to Polar Islandstates (MD4)*
- Mytanija loses to or draws with Elmyia (MD5)
- Polar Islandstates loses to Astograth (MD5)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario three:
- Mytanija defeats Polar Islandstates (MD4)*
- Astograth loses to Hispinas (MD4)
- Polar Islandstates defeats Astograth (MD5)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario four:
- Mytanija loses to Polar Islandstates (MD4)*
- Astograth loses to Hispinas (MD4)
- Polar Islandstates defeats Astograth (MD5)*
- Mytanija loses to or draws with Elmyia (MD5)

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario five:
- Mytanija loses to or draws with Polar Islandstates (MD4)*
- Astograth loses to Hispinas (MD4)
- Polar Islandstates defeats Astograth (MD5)*
- Mytanija loses to Elmyia (MD5)

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Kirungabi                   2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6   YZH IGR
2 Yuezhou                     2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6   KIG VLD
3 Valladares                  2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3   FRJ YZH
4 Frjálshöfn                  3   0  1  2    7   9  −2    1   VLD    
  Igratia                     3   0  1  2    6   8  −2    1       KIG

Ideal scenario (third-placed team has three points):
Impossible; the Valladares-Frjálshöfn fixture on matchday four guarantees a third-placed team with at least four points

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario one:
- Frjálshöfn loses to or draws with Valladares (MD4)*

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points), scenario one:
- Frjálshöfn defeats Valladares (MD4)*
- Valladares loses to or draws with Yuezhou (MD5)

P Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts   MD4 MD5
1 Gatchingerrak Union         3   2  0  1    9   1  +8    6   TKT    
2 Tikariot                    2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    6   GGU KLS
3 Darmen                      3   2  0  1    8   6  +2    6       TER
4 Kalosia                     2   0  0  2    3   9  −6    0   TER TKT
  Tero al Disco               2   0  0  2    1   7  −6    0   KLS DAR

Ideal scenario (third-placed team has three points):
Impossible; Darmen, the current third-placed team, already has six points

Tiebreakers required (third-placed team has four points):
Impossible; Darmen, the current third-placed team, already has six points

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|                       |  ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯  |                       |
|                       |_______________|                       |
|                                                               |
|                  Xilit-Oxolt     Sevet-Matez                  |
|                                                               |
|                                                               |
|  Belaj-Rilan             Helek-Nenzi             Culak-Zelez  |
|-------------------------------O-------------------------------|
|                          Jerat-Forzu                          |
|                                                               |
|  Xelez-Matez                                     Sevet-Ajark  |
|                  Sevet-Stokes    Gavaz-Ajark                  |
|                                                               |
|                       |¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|                       |
|                       |  Kepex-Cheng  |                       |
|_______________________|__|_________|__|_______________________|
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It’s now officially desperation time for Qusmo. Qusmo needs to win to have even the slightest chance of going through to the knockout rounds, & having a large margin of victory would be very important for their vanishingly slim chances, as well. As a result, Vulav-Wanar has moved Helek-Nenzi Ono back from striker, where they haven’t been nearly as effective as they usually are in a national team shirt, to attacking midfield, their usual position on the pitch. Replacing them up top is Xilit-Oxolt Mal, a former starter for the national team in Tlanx-Nulzk’s 4-3-3. Helek-Nenzi themselves takes the spot of centre midfielder Kynda-Tylyr Ezi, while fellow centre midfielder Jerat-Forzu Mal retains their place in a deeper role than they’ve ever played for the national team before. Effectively forming a midfield diamond, then, this means no Quxruxa starter will be playing in a true box-to-box midfield role for the first time in a Qusma competitive fixture. However, it means that each of Qusmo’s six top post-Reform goalscorers will all be sharing the pitch together, when they desperately need a bevy of goals.

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 7:38 am

“As you know,” le Meur continues, “one of these teams may go home today with ₳5,000!” The audience, and the contestants, cheer.

“And to help them do just that, I’m giving each team a free one minute and thirty seconds for the Giant Gallop!” The contestants clap as the screens on the podiums each light up with 1:30.

Rolland carries on. “Before I chat with the contestants to learn more about them, I’m going to give each team a chance to earn 10 more seconds AND a cash bonus. Whoever wants to play first, please step forward.”

One of the green-bloused women steps up, the man in the bold-patterned shirt takes point, and the young woman elbows her male companion out of the way.

“Listen carefully, push your buzzer as soon as you think you know what product I am talking about.” Rolland lifts up a notecard and starts reading a couplet.

“You have an important meeting and you want to impress your boss
It can’t hurt to clean your hair-”

The middle podium lights up. The man with the bold shirt, you can see he’s wearing a name tag with “Turiau” written on, has buzzed in.

“Turiau?” asks Rolland.

“Klevos.” answers Turiau. A bell rings and Turiau and his partner, his name tag reads Jildaz, start celebrating. The audience cheers as well.

“-with the shampoo Klevos, that’s right!” responds Rolland. “So we are going to give you 10 seconds.” Turiau and Jildaz’s podium now reads 1:40. “And Jildaz, since Turiau got the answer, here is a chance to add ₳50 in the miniature Gallop. The “trot” if you will.” Rolland chuckles to himself as the audience obliges with a laugh.

“Head out into the store and find the specially marked bottle of Klevos shampoo, bring it back within 30 seconds. Are you ready?”

“Yes sir!” enthusiastically answers Jildaz. “Then go!” immediately responds Rolland.

As Jildaz runs from the podiums a cameraman follows closely behind, enthusiastic music playing in the background. A timer at the bottom of the screen starts at :30 and starts ticking down as Jildaz runs down an aisle, turns left, and enters a new aisle, slowing as he goes. You recognize the products are the health-and-beauty type. The camera swoops past soap, toothpaste, and deodorants as Jildaz hops in place, trying to locate the right shampoo.

“Come on Jildaz, 20 seconds to go!” cheers an off-screen Rolland as Jildaz suddenly steps forward, grabbing a bottle off the shelf with a large “Grocery Gallop” logo tag affixed. Jildaz then runs at full speed out of the aisle, swinging around and practically running into Rolland with the shampoo in hand.

“Alright! Good job!” says Rolland as he claps Jildaz on the back. “You got the Klevos and you got ₳50 that we’re going to add to your Giant Gallop total later on in the show. This could help you win that ₳5,000.” Jildaz fist pumps and returns to his podium as the audience applauds.

Rolland continues. “So, while you recover from your run,” he says this ostensibly to Jildaz who looks none the worse for wear, “let’s meet who’s playing with us this week. First Gwanaelle, how do you know Goulwena?”

The next camera shot reveals that he’s talking to the women in the matching blouses at podium number one. “Goulwena is my sister,” says Gwanaelle. They do look very similar, though Goulwena has shorter hair.

“And what do you do Gwanaelle?” asks Rolland. Gwanelle answers with some pride “I’m a wife and stay-at-home mother to three beautiful children.” Rolland approves and then asks Goulwena “What do you do Goulwena?”

“I work in quantum computing,” says Goulwena. “Specifically using quantum computing to solve optimization problems through quantum annealing and trying to devise better optimization and controls.”

“Uh-huh. And when are you going to give all that up to get married and start a family?” asks Rolland.

“I’m trying!” Goulwena says brightly, as the crowd laughs.

“And Marion,” Rolland is on to the pair at the far end of the podiums. “How do you know Bozael?”

“Bozael,” Marion says with pride, “is my fiancé!” Bozael smiles a broad, grateful smile beside her.

“Congratulations! Bozael, what do you do?” Rolland asks, faux-inquisitively.

“Well,” Bozael says with some bashfulness, “I just graduated college with my finance, Marion still has a year to go. I’m doing ridesharing right now.”

“Ridesharing.” Rolland says flatly, obviously disappointed.

“Right!” Bozael says, trying to sound enthused. He isn’t.

“And finally, we return to Jildaz and Turiau,” Rolland continues on, happy to move on from such a let down. “How do you know each other?”

Both Jildaz and Turiau answer with practiced precision and finality: “We’re business partners.”

There isn’t a way to no have follow-up questions in this format, so Rolland continues: “What kind of business?”

“We organize and promote parties and events.” Jildaz responds, diplomatically.

Rolland is suitably intrigued. “Oh? Must be some wild parties, huh?”

Both Jildaz and Turiau laugh politely at this, with very frozen grins.

by **Yue Zhou** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 8:54 am

THE NANGANG COURIER
ZHUANG CONSOLIDATES POWER IN COALITION'S SECOND TERM
SAFETY AND PROSPERITY 143 (+58) • PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS 52 (+9)
ALLIANCE FOR FREEDOM 47 (-27) • LIBERATION ARMY 26 (-37) • SOLIDARITY! 20 (+5)
Huang Xiewen, POLITICS

NANGANG -- The fifth Yue general election was marked by tumultuous changes of leadership in three of the five major parties. But it was smooth sailing for Zhuang Weilun, who was given a strong mandate for a second term on the back of a rapidly improving economy. While Safety and Prosperity fell eight seats short of a majority, their coalition will control 184 of the 300 seats in the next Yue Assembly, giving them a solid margin to continue enacting their legislative agenda. "This election saw the Yue people say with one voice that they wanted us to continue our work driving economic investment, cleaning up our streets, and solidifying our international reputation. I'm excited to get back to work on our agenda for continued safety and prosperity with my partners in the Alliance for Freedom," Zhuang said in a statement released earlier this morning.

Zhuang won the election off of the back of a strong approval rating and general support for his "pro-market, pro-CRC" views, which led to him consistently being named the candidate voters trusted most with economic issues. Even among voters who were somewhat dissatisfied with Safety and Prosperity, conflict within other parties was often enough to keep them in the Safety and Prosperity column. Right-wing ex-PM Liang Ziyou was forced out of Liberation Army's leadership after sexually explicit photos he had allegedly sent were leaked (Liang maintains his innocence, claiming that the photos were deepfakes). While new leader Wang Liwei attempted a late pivot to the center, it was enough to drop a party that controlled the Assembly two elections ago to just twenty-six seats. Meanwhile, after Vice President Huang Zhen resigned due to health concerns, a fractious and often nasty leadership contest in the Alliance for Freedom drove many voters to their senior coalition partners. "I don't love Zhuang's housing policy, and he seems weirdly close to foreign corporations like Lithico™, but given how insane all the other options were, I figured keeping the incumbents in office was the only reasonable option," said one Jiangdong voter, before staring directly into the camera for several seconds.

This election also marked the strongest-ever electoral performance of the Yue left, who also took advantage of the scandals in Liberation Army and Alliance for Freedom, as well as a complete collapse in support for former governing parties National Union and Forward Path. Shang Ziyang's leadership has taken the Progressive Democrats increasingly towards the center, which has earned harsh criticism from the left, but also a series of electoral overperformances - including fifty-two seats this cycle, officially making Shang leader of the opposition. Meanwhile, the party's left broke away to form Solidarity! under Chen Anli, a mentee of Progressive Democrats founder Yan Ailing. While they achieved limited success nationwide, their strength in the more left-leaning northern cities of Beian and Yincheng saw them win a strong foundation of twenty seats.

Still, above all this was a win for Zhuang Weilun, who since leaving Liberation Army to found the Safety and Prosperity party has done nothing but win electorally. With the scandals of National Union and the far-right excesses of Liberation Army now firmly in the rearview mirror, Yueren will be hoping that Zhuang's strongest mandate to date marks a new period of stability in the Xandrian.

CR47 GROUP STAGE MD1: Frjálshöfn 2–3 YUEZHOU
Starting Lineup (3-4-1-2): Zhao D; Zeminsson Yao, Zhao F (Ji 58), Deng; Huang (Lin 63), Zhaxi (Zhou 58), Dong, Milosevic (Li X 70); Mingsdottír Zhang (Yao 63); Jia (Li S 70), Zheng
Goals: [???] 55, 83 // Jia 25, Mingsdottír Zhang 46, Milosevic 71
CR47 GROUP STAGE MD3: YUEZHOU 2–1 Igratia
Starting Lineup (3-4-1-2): Zhao D (Xu HT); Zeminsson Yao (Ji 73), Zhao F, Deng; Huang, Zhaxi, Dong (Yuanjunsson Ren 58), Milosevic (Wen 73); Mingsdottír Zhang; Jia, Li S (Zheng 58)
Goals: Jia 8, Dong 33 // Carroll 68

Lev Repin's tenure in Yuezhou is off to a strong start, as the Dragons have picked up six of six points without ever trailing. If there is a concern, it's the team's propensity to start brightly but fade late, which could bite them against tougher opposition (Valladares and Kirungabi, as well as whoever they draw in the knockout stages after almost guaranteeing themselves at least third place, are coming up). But in general, although Repin would probably like to see more defensive stability, it's hard to argue with five goals in two matches. Zhao Deliang has added to the team's injury woes, coming out with a knee injury at halftime of the Igratia match, but Repin has suggested that it's a minor knock and that he'll be "good to go after a week's rest".

by **Tikariot** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 8:58 am

Interview with Andarra Belfrage: The Rise of the Silver Phantom

James Rowland: “Welcome, Andarra! Thanks for joining us today.”

Andarra Belfrage: “Thank you for having me! This is exciting.”

Beginnings in Football and Early Influences

James Rowland: “Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us a bit about how you first got into football. Was it always a part of your life?”

Andarra: “Oh, absolutely! Growing up in Port Rhovanyon, football is everywhere. My dad was a semi-pro player himself, and he’d always be kicking a ball around with me and my sister, Socorra, in the backyard. I think I was only five when I joined my first youth team. My dad saw something in me early on, and he encouraged me to just keep practicing, keep pushing myself. Honestly, football was more than just a sport for us; it was a way of life.”

James Rowland: “And you weren’t the only footballer in the family, right? Socorra’s in the Port Rhovanyon AFC Academy now as well?”

Andarra: “Yes! She’s just a few years younger than me, and she’s already doing so well. It’s pretty surreal because I remember her as a little kid watching me play, and now she’s making a name for herself. We’re definitely each other’s biggest supporters.”

The Port Rhovanyon AFC Academy Days

James Rowland: “Speaking of the Academy, you joined the Port Rhovanyon AFC Academy when you were just 13. That’s a big step up. What was it like?”

Andarra: “It was intense, but I loved every minute of it. I had heard about how demanding Port Rhovanyon is in its training programs, and the Academy was no exception. It was a huge change for me, but the whole environment was so motivating, at least for me. We were known as The Krakenlings (laughs), which I found kind of cute. But from the beginning I felt a purpose and like we were being trained to be part of something legendary.”

James Rowland: “And what did you learn there that you still carry with you now?”

Andarra: “Discipline, above all. At the Academy, you’re taught that talent is just one piece of the puzzle. You have to put in the work, day in and day out. The coaches there push you to develop not just your skills but also your mentality. They really put a lot of emphasis on the importance of understanding the game, reading your opponents, and staying focused no matter what. I've seen a few kids who were insanely talented, but thought that was all they needed and they didn't last long.”

Style of Play and Earning the “Silver Phantom” Nickname

James Rowland: “Your nickname, *The Silver Phantom*, has become iconic already! Can you tell us a bit about how that came to be?”

Andarra: (laughs) “It’s funny because I never set out to have a nickname. But I guess it started because of my silver hair—it stands out on the pitch. My teammate would start to say that I was 'ghosting' through the midfield, get past the opposition, and somehow that turned into The Silver Phantom, and it just stuck.”

James Rowland: “It’s a fitting name! Watching you play, it’s clear that your style is unique. How would you describe it?”

Andarra: “I’d say my style is a mix of control, vision, and quick movement. I love controlling the tempo of the game, setting up passes, and then suddenly changing pace to catch opponents off-guard. Playing in central midfield means you have to be able to do a bit of everything—defend, create, support the attack. I work hard on balancing all those aspects, but I think my strength lies in reading the game and knowing when to accelerate and when to slow it down.”

Loan to First FC of Avanaroch and the Cup of Tikariot Win

James Rowland: “Last season, you were loaned out to First FC of Avanaroch. It was a huge season for you, especially with winning the Cup of Tikariot. How did that experience shape you?”

Andarra: “The loan to Avanaroch was incredible. It was also a big challenge because the team was struggling in the league. But for me, it was an opportunity to test myself. I just wanted to play games and here, I could. The team didn’t have a lot of star power, so I had to step up and become a leader on the pitch, even though I was one of the youngest players. The Cup run was amazing; it felt like a fairy tale. Did you know that we didn't face a single TPL side in the whole competition?"

James Rowland: “Really? I guess I should have looked a bit closer."

Andarra: (laughs) "Yeah, it's as if Margaret really liked us hen it came to the draws. Don't get me wrong, every match was still tough, but it turned into this... this I don't even know what, but the cup games felt completely different than the league games and we just built this momentum. Winning the Cup despite our league struggles felt like such a validation of hard work and teamwork.”

James Rowland: “And how did you feel when you scored in the semifinals?”

Andarra: “Oh, that was surreal! I still get chills thinking about it. Scoring a goal in such a big game was a dream come true. When I saw the ball hit the net, it felt like time slowed down. Hearing the fans erupt…there’s really no feeling like it. Moments like that remind me why I love this game so much.”

Off the Pitch: Hobbies, Favorites, and a Personal Side

James Rowland: “Now, let’s talk about the Andarra off the pitch. What do you like to do when you’re not training or playing?”

Andarra: “I love reading, actually. I’m a bit of a bookworm, which surprises some people! I love historical novels and thrillers. There’s something about getting lost in another world that’s so relaxing for me. And it just helps shut off the brain. I also love cooking—when I have time, I’ll try to cook new recipes I find online. It’s fun, and it helps me unwind.”

James Rowland: “Any favorite foods?”

Andarra: “Oh, definitely. I’m a huge fan of seafood—salmon, shrimp, you name it! But if I had to pick a guilty pleasure, it’s got to be pizza. You can’t go wrong with a classic margherita. Just don't tell our nutritionist that...”

James Rowland: “What about music? What’s on your playlist right now?”

Andarra: “I’m into a mix of things. I grew up around a lot of rock and metal—my dad was a big metalhead, so I guess it rubbed off on me. But I also love more mellow stuff, like folk and acoustic. Right now, I’m in love with Lunar Moth and Mythspire. Music is a huge part of my pre-game routine. Hearing 'Leviathan' in the stadium before the games gives me goosebumps every time, starting out with those eerie keyboards and then when the guitars and drums come in, it just pumps you up.”

James Rowland: “And, of course, the question everyone’s dying to know: is there someone special in your life?”

Andarra: (laughs and blushes) “I knew that was coming! Honestly, no, there’s no boyfriend at the moment. Right now, my focus is on football and continuing to improve. Relationships are wonderful, but the game requires so much of my time and energy. Maybe someday, but for now, I’m just enjoying the journey.”

The Future and Staying Grounded

James Rowland: “With so much attention and praise, how do you stay grounded?”

Andarra: “My family helps a lot with that. They’re always there to remind me of where I came from and the importance of staying humble. I also think being around young players in the Academy taught me that there’s always someone working just as hard as you are, if not harder. So I remind myself every day to keep pushing, keep learning. No matter how far you go, there’s always room to grow.”

James Rowland: “And what are your dreams for the future? Any specific goals you’re aiming for?”

Andarra: “Well, one already came true at the Copa Rushmori, play for the Snowy Owls, which has been a surreal experience. That’s always the ultimate dream—to represent my country on the biggest stage. I also want to keep improving my game and win the title with Port Rhovanyon. Several times. (laughs)

James Rowland: "Any ambitions to play abroad?"

Andarra: "Time wil tell. Watching players like Þorgríma Vigdis succeed in Chromatika is so inspiring. But for now, I’m just focused on my development and helping Port Rhovanyon in any way I can. And you never know, I might be a one-team woman.”

James Rowland: “Andarra, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. We’re all excited to see where your journey takes you, both with Port Rhovanyon and beyond.”

Andarra: “Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. And thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far—I wouldn’t be here without you!”

by **Igratia** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 10:04 am

Garrett "Whirlwind" Womack knew that, for whatever reason, Eleiran Bonshoms did not like him.

This is a problem, though not a major one. Eleiran Bonshoms is only the head coach of the Igratia National Football Team. And Whirlwind Womack was, Womack knew, the greatest Igratian football the world had ever seen and ever would see. The problem was the world wasn't seeing it, since Bonshoms was cynically, selfishly, and foolishly not playing Womack in the Copa Rushmori.

And look at the results. Two games and all they had to show for it was a close 1-0 loss to two-time Copa Rushmori champions Valladares and a fantastic, back-and-forth struggle against Frjálshöfn that only ended as a draw after forward Stetson Winsett completed his hat-trick in the seventh minute of seven minutes of extra time to pull the game to five all. Sure Winsett is the forward that's starting in Womack's position. But Womack would have scored, like, six goals on his own.

Womack had no idea why his Moron head coach didn't like him. He once tried to get some clarity on this. "Hey, Moron," he called to his head coach. "What's your problem, huh?" He also accompanied this friendly inquiry with a bro-being-bros chest bump. Bonshoms just fined him on the spot, yelling something about being an Oberour or whatever.

As Womack watched from the bench as Yuezhou led in this latest match 2-1. He tried to understand. Clearly Bonshoms knew he was talented, that's why he was on the team. But why had he not seen the pitch at all?

Was it because Bonshoms couldn't handle Womack's honesty? Couldn't handle his success? Womack's need to be his own man? The photos taken out of context of him pouring a bottle of champagne on those three strippers in the back of a club? That time Womack had backed his brand new Celeritas Aetherion into Bonshoms' used beater of a car? If that had totaled Bonshoms' car, clearly the car wasn't worth that much, and the lawsuit his insurance company undertook was totally necessary to replace the Aetherion's tail light.

To be fair, Womack didn't like Bonshoms' arrogance. Where did he get Bonshom telling Womack how to train, what to watch for from future opponents, or to stop sulking on the bench? Overall, Bonshom was clearly a hater.

The Whirlwind needs to blow.

It's 2-1. And then it happened. Stetson Winsett had his foot stepped on early in the match and he had been limping for a while. And then it happened as Winsett attempted to make a tackle. He was ran over by Yuezhou's Zhao Fan, and totally accidentally his injured foot was strode over again. Winsett got up, but was clearly in pain.

Bonshom walked to the bench and stood in front of Womack. "Will I regret it if I put you in Garrett?"

Womack stood up slowly. He ran a hand through his hair. He smoothed out his shirt. He looked into Bonshoms' eyes. "You gotta let the Whirlwind blow."

Bonshom gave a look that Womack read loud and clear as movie-like confidence and acceptance. The message went to the referee: 5 off, 11 on.

After the ball went out for a throw-in Womack dashed onto the field, blasting past Stetson Winsett who was attempting to give him a good-luck fist bump. Whirlwind Womack prepared to impress the world.

He was shown a red card seven minutes later after a tackle attempt the announcers called "baffling, and frankly, monumentally stupid".

by **Kordavia** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 10:23 am

“A cold front is blowing in. After brief hints of a false summer, expect to see the last of the sun, as dark clouds gather and the only light in the night sky dwindles, not to the glimmer of ancient stars, but the shimmer of snow crystals. Soon, only black ice will prevail.

“Anyway, enough about football, now for the weather forecast.”

by **Pasarga** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 11:51 am

The fans sporting their emerald green, scarlet, and gold kits were relieved to see the team pull out a second victory in as many games here in a home hosted Copa Rushmori. The last minute planning had caught a lot of fans off guard, but despite the lateness of the organization, the stands have stilled been filled with fans from the dual islands as well as those of the competing teams in the match and neutrals supporting other teams as well. Despite not having the most robust economy, Pasarga has never seen a lack of fan support for their club teams nor the national teams and even on the odd occasion when an international tournament has make its way to their shores. Part of that is the passion and dedication that fans have for the game here in the dual islands but there is also a concentrated effort by the Pasargan Football Association trying to prevent ticket prices from ever sky rocketing and pricing out the fans from being able to have a trip out to see a game. While it does mean that revenue is a bit lower overall, the flip side is stadiums that are filled to the brim on every matchday at every level of competition in the nation.

The trend continued through the third matchday of the tournament, even as the Wanderers sat during their bye in the tournament. It was a good time for Thor to allow a few of his players to get a few extra days rest, to let some minor knocks and nagging small injuries a bit of a reprieve, as well as being able to enjoy themselves and watch a few of the other matches taking place in the competition. With an opening pair of wins and knowing that they are at least secure in progression as a best third placed side with at least a draw in one of their last two games, they could allow themselves to relax a bit. A more loose and happy team was more than likely to play to their potential than a team that was uptight and worried about what new disaster could come out of the blue to derail the team on its pursuit of its goals. The team had come into the tournament with the solitary goal of making it to the knockout rounds and then seeing where the home cooking could take them past that. The opening matchday victory over the Kytler team did a lot to give team momentum towards achieving that goal and then a clean game and three points against Olastor now had them on the edge of clinching that goal.

However it is not going to be as easy as simply showing up and thinking that they are going to win, as a difficult Pridnestrovia side is waiting in the wings and looking to secure six points and a chance of progression before their bye on the last matchday. Coming off a comfortable win over Olastor, Pridnestrovia could be in a bit of good form and with the team knowing that they need a result against the Wanderers to have a real chance of grabbing at least third in the group, they are going to be a motivated bunch. The Wanderers have been quite stingy on the defensive end and the team needs to keep that on tap as they prepare for this game, while the offense has played well but there is some room for improvement all the same. Bazzi and Laszlo have not been connecting way that Thor or the fans would have liked to see so far and if that partnership can get a bit better over the next few games, the Wanderers would be quite the formidable team for any team to try and have to deal with. Business first though and that is securing the result and Pridnestrovia is sitting there ready and hyped up for a very important game for them, it is a formidable test and one that will gauge how real the Wanderers start is.

by **Pasarga** » Sat Nov 09, 2024 11:52 am

Matchday 4

Group A
Olastor 0–1 Kordavia
Pasarga 3–0 Pridnestrovia

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pasarga                     3   3  0  0    7   0  +7    9
2 The Kytler Peninsulae       3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6
3 Kordavia                    3   2  0  1    3   2  +1    6
4 Pridnestrovia               4   1  0  3    4   8  −4    3     E
5 Olastor                     3   0  0  3    0   6  −6    0     E

Group B
Norrhem 2–3 Gnejs
Three Golden Kingdoms 0–2 Qusmo

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gnejs                       3   3  0  0    9   6  +3    9     Q
2 Zenic                       3   1  1  1    5   4  +1    4
3 Norrhem                     3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
4 Qusmo                       4   1  1  2    3   4  −1    4
5 Three Golden Kingdoms       3   0  1  2    0   3  −3    1

Group C
Sargossa 3–0 Northwest Pavola Republic
Eastfield Lodge 2–1 Captina Island

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sargossa                    3   2  1  0    7   1  +6    7
2 Captina Island              4   1  2  1    9   8  +1    5
3 Eastfield Lodge             3   1  1  1    3   5  −2    4
4 Oberour Ar Moro             3   0  3  0    5   5   0    3
5 Northwest Pavola Republic   3   0  1  2    5  10  −5    1

Group D
Mytanija 1–0 Polar Islandstates
Astograth 0–0 Hispinas

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elmyia                      3   2  1  0    9   2  +7    7
2 Mytanija                    3   2  0  1    4   3  +1    6
3 Astograth                   3   1  2  0    3   2  +1    5
4 Hispinas                    4   0  2  2    0   5  −5    2     E
5 Polar Islandstates          3   0  1  2    2   6  −4    1     E

Group E
Kirungabi 0–0 Yuezhou
Valladares 1–0 Frjálshöfn

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kirungabi                   3   2  1  0    4   1  +3    7
2 Yuezhou                     3   2  1  0    5   3  +2    7
3 Valladares                  3   2  0  1    3   3   0    6
4 Igratia                     3   0  1  2    6   8  −2    1     E
5 Frjálshöfn                  4   0  1  3    7  10  −3    1     E

Group F
Tero al Disco 0–1 Kalosia
Tikariot 5–3 Gatchingerrak Union

P Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tikariot                    3   3  0  0   10   6  +4    9     Q
2 Gatchingerrak Union         4   2  0  2   12   6  +6    6
3 Darmen                      3   2  0  1    8   6  +2    6
4 Kalosia                     3   1  0  2    4   9  −5    3
5 Tero al Disco               3   0  0  3    1   8  −7    0     E

by **Tikariot** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:53 am

Off the Pitch: Andarra’s Life Beyond Football

A sweeping view of the cityscape of Port Rhovanyon, panning from the towering skyline of downtown toward the port district with its historical buildings, the light of dawn painting the harbour in a soft yellow as the morning fog begins to lift. The drone-mounted camera descends on a quiet corner of the old town, before the picture cuts to a cozy apartment where Andarra Belfrage is preparing breakfast. She’s laughing, flipping pancakes, and chatting as she starts her day away from the field.

Narrator: "Andarra Belfrage, known to fans as 'The Silver Phantom' for her speed, poise, and tactical brilliance, is a rising force to be reckoned with on the football pitch. But today, we’re stepping into her world off the field, where the 19-year-old is every bit as driven—and surprisingly down-to-earth.

A Day in the Life

Andarra sits in her living room, sipping tea as she talks about her routine.

Andarra: “People probably think I’m always either training or resting, but there’s a lot more to my day. I’m pretty structured, though—I like to start with breakfast and a little reading. Right now, I’m into historical fiction, but I’ll read just about anything.”

Cut to a shot of a small bookshelf overflowing with books. Titles range from suspense novels to cook books and graphic novels.

Narrator: "Reading is one of Andarra’s escapes. Despite her demanding schedule, she finds time every morning to unwind with a book before diving into her day."

The scene shifts to Andarra tidying up her apartment and gathering her gear for training.

Andarra: “I think having a routine keeps me grounded. Football is intense, so I need these small rituals—breakfast, a good book, a quick tidy-up. It’s my way of setting the tone for the day. This started at the Academy where they really made sure we'd keep a schedule and learn to manage our time well. That includes set times for schooling.”

As she heads out, we follow her to a café nearby, where she greets the barista by name and orders her favourite tea to go.

Narrator: "Even in her short time in Port Rhovanyon’s first team, Andarra has become a familiar face around town. But she’s just as likely to be found here, grabbing a tea and catching up with friends, as she is training on the field."

Balancing Family and Football

Andarra and her younger sister, Socorra, are hanging out in a local park. They’re casually passing a football back and forth as they chat.

Narrator: "Andarra isn’t the only Belfrage making waves in football. Her younger sister, Socorra, is a promising talent in the Port Rhovanyon Academy, following closely in Andarra’s footsteps."

Andarra: “Soco’s a natural. She’s got that instinct—I didn’t even have that when I was her age. She's playing more forward, so she knows how to pounce on the ball like a cat. We talk about football a lot, but I’m always careful not to put too much pressure on her. I want her to find her own way. I don't want her to be put down as 'Andarra's younger sister', but as Socorra. She deserves it.”

The two sisters laugh as Socorra tries a fancy footwork trick and stumbles. They tease each other, the sibling bond clear and strong.

Narrator: "The Belfrage sisters have always been close. Growing up, they played in the same youth leagues, cheered each other on, and shared the highs and lows of pursuing their dreams. Now, with Andarra in the spotlight, Socorra has the unique challenge of staying out of her sister’s shadow."

Cut to a short interview with Socorra.

Socorra: “I get asked a lot about being ‘Andarra’s sister,’ and yeah, sometimes it gets annoying. I'm me. But she’s my biggest supporter. I’ve learned so much just by watching her—how she handles pressure, how she keeps pushing herself. She's been a big inspiration and it was great to see her in Avanaroch and winning the cup.”

Beyond the Pitch – Hobbies and Passions

The camera cuts to Andarra in her kitchen, focused on cooking a pasta dish. She’s chopping ingredients with precision, occasionally humming to herself.

Narrator: "Football isn’t Andarra’s only passion. Off the pitch, she loves to cook, finding joy in creating dishes for herself and her friends."

Andarra: “Cooking’s my stress relief. Obviously, I don’t have time for it every day, but when I do, I love experimenting with new recipes. There’s something satisfying about putting together a meal—kinda like piecing together a play on the field. And yes, Kevin [Port Rhovanyon nutritionist], I am careful with what I do. Most of the times.”

She finishes plating her meal, then sits down to enjoy it. A close-up shows her phone propped up with a playlist running in the background.

Narrator: "For Andarra, cooking and music go hand-in-hand. Her playlist of choice? A mix of different types of heavy metal and classic Tikariotian folk, with the occasional pop track thrown in for good measure."

Cut to Andarra talking about her musical tastes.

Andarra: “Music helps me relax and get into the zone. Most girls my age are into the latest Q-pop or R&B and whatnot, but I'm a metalhead. Blame my dad. I like it because I can get everything out of it. Some speed or death metal is great to get tension out, while some other stuff gets my blood pumping. If I had to name my five favourite bands, then it'd probably be Mythspire, Azangaruun, Lunar Moth, Serpents Cross and a really well-known Viljan folk band called Skogsstjärnor. Folk music reminds me of my childhood. My dad used to play these old songs when we were growing up, so I guess it’s comforting in a way.”

Fan Q&A – Quickfire Favourites

Andarra sits on a couch in a studio, where she’s given a rapid-fire Q&A with questions submitted by fans. She laughs as the interviewer throws questions her way.

Interviewer: “Alright, Andarra, here we go! Favourite food?”

Andarra: “That’s easy—pasta. I could eat it every day.”

Interviewer: “Favourite guilty pleasure?”

Andarra: (laughs) "Oh, this one is going to get me in trouble. Pastries. A bakery just around the corner from my apartment has these almond twists with almond paste in them... They are evil!"

Interviewer: “Favourite player to watch?”

Andarra: “Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir, hands down. She’s amazing—such poise and control.”

Interviewer: “Favourite place to unwind?”

Andarra: “There’s this spot near the Port Rhovanyon docks where I love to go. It’s quiet, and you get this beautiful view of the sea.”

Interviewer: “Favourite movie?”

Andarra: “Ooh, that’s tough! I’d say The Shadows of Carathyr. I love a good mystery.”

Interviewer: “Favourite band or artist?”

Andarra: “Right now, I’m really into Lunar Moth. Post doom metal, slow, melancholic, atmospheric—perfect for unwinding after a match. Or fall asleep.”

Interviewer: “Go-to pre-game meal?”

Andarra: “Chicken and rice. Simple but it gives me all the energy I need.”

Interviewer: “If you could play any other position on the field, what would it be?”

Andarra: (laughs) “Striker, definitely! Who doesn’t want to be the one scoring the goals?”

Interviewer: “Favourite Tikariotian tradition?”

Andarra: “The Winter Festival! There’s nothing like gathering with family and friends around a big bonfire and watching the fireworks.”

Interviewer: “Biggest football idol growing up?”

Andarra: “Apart from Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir? Probably Yngvildr Bjarnarsdóttir. She was just fearless on the field.”

Interviewer: “One superpower you’d love to have?”

Andarra: “Teleportation. Imagine being able to go anywhere instantly—like travelling across Tikariot or the whole multiverse without the long drive or flights!”

Interviewer: “What’s your guilty pleasure snack?”

Andarra: (grins) “Oh, another one to get me in trouble! People, why are you doing this to me? But...definitely chocolate-covered pretzels. I can never have just one.”

Interviewer: “If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be doing?”

Andarra: “I’d probably be a writer or a historian. I’ve always loved stories and history.”

Interviewer: “Favourite way to relax after a game?”

Andarra: “A warm bath, then lying down with a good book or a movie. I don’t move much after that!”

Interviewer: “Any hidden talents?”

Andarra: (laughs) “I can juggle—just not with footballs. I’ve tried it with oranges, and it’s actually pretty fun!”

Interviewer: “What’s one thing fans might be surprised to know about you?”

Andarra: “I used to be super shy! Football really helped me come out of my shell.”

Interviewer: “Best advice you’ve ever received?”

Andarra: “Stay grounded and always remember why you started. My coach at the academy told me that, and it’s stuck with me.”

Interviewer: “If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be?”

Andarra: “Þorgríma, my great-grandmother—she was an amazing storyteller—and, hm, Ragnar Sköldbryn, a historic Viljan chieftain! That would be one interesting dinner.”

Interviewer: “Alright, to finish things off we got this one a LOT…"

Andarra: "Oh, I already know what's coming..."

Interviewer: "...any special someone in your life?”

Andarra laughs, slightly embarrassed, and playfully dodges the question.

Andarra: “Oh, no, I’m too busy with football! Maybe someday, but right now, it’s just me and the game.”

Andarra laughs as the interviewer wraps up the session, clearly enjoying the fun and light-hearted questions.

Narrator: "With her humility, ambition, and undeniable talent, Andarra Belfrage has captured the hearts of fans both on and off the field. While she’s committed to the sport, it’s moments like these that remind us she’s still just a young woman finding her way."

Looking Ahead

A montage of Andarra in various settings—training, cooking, spending time with Socorra—plays as she shares her aspirations.

Andarra: “Right now, my focus is on getting better, growing with Port Rhovanyon, especially with my first season as starter, and helping my team succeed. But I also want to stay grounded, to keep the things I love close, you know? Football’s my life, but it’s not the only thing that defines me.”

Narrator: "Andarra’s journey is just beginning, but with her grounded nature and dedication to stay herself, she has a bright future ahead of her. Even at this young age, she’s become a role model for young athletes across Tikariot, reminding us that the person behind the player is just as compelling as the star on the field."

The camera pans to Andarra walking along the docks, the sea stretching out in front of her, a quiet moment in the life of a young star who has found a delicate balance between her career and her true self. The screen fades to black as the Port Rhovanyon AFC logo and the words “The Silver Phantom’s Story Continues…” appear.

by **Zenic** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 9:58 pm

"Interesting. But not sure if it's a good or bad interesting."

"I know. A win or draw against Norrhem guarantees us top two in the group but a loss doesn't automatically eliminate us. Though it puts us in a less than ideal third place. So, do we go for it or play safe and see how the pieces fall? Tough question." The Emperor looked up from what he was reading in confusion. "What?" Justo Felipe replied in kind. "What? I thought we were talking about the Copa standings? IF not, what were we talking about?" The Emperor gave his Consul a vicious side eye. Consul Felipe took a second or two before remembering. "Right, the issue with the sea in the south. Did we ever hear back from the Arcadians?"

"Just the standard 'we'll bring it up with leadership' and 'thank you for bring this to our attention'. Not much since then." Felipe scratched his chin as he thought of possible alternatives. "What about our other neighbors? Anything from them?" The Emperor sighed. "Sicoutimont barely uses it and tends to keep to itself the last few years. New Ponyville is a similar situation. The only ones other ones who use it are the Gatchingerrak Union. Can't really ask them for assistance."

The Consul nodded his head. "Makes sense. Too early in the international relationship for such a big ask. 'Hey, can you help us determine if there's some kind of ecological disaster that's about to change the whole landscape for years to come for all of Rushmore or if it's just some natural cyclical adjustment from Mother Nature herself.' We'd look like psychopaths. At least the numbers aren't too bad?" The Emperor flipped through the report he had in hand, double checking his information before answering. "Numbers have evened out but they are technically lower than average. The experts have claimed that levels like this do occur but never really back to back for so long. That's the part that has them worried. Something isn't simply passing by or cold snap come and go. Something is lingering within the border of the Empire and I don't care for that."

"Don't care for that? Your Proctor is starting to show," joked Felipe. "Hey, that's Emperor Proctor to you. And, considering he was my mentor, I would hope that some of that training would show through. Let's just hope part of it was his knowledge on things of these nature. I'm sure everyone in the Empire would appreciate that in the long run."

by **Kordavia** » Mon Nov 11, 2024 10:55 am

Of the two teams vying for second place in Group A, The Kytler Peninsulae have the easier route, up against winless Olastor, whereas a fearsome home crowd awaits Kordavia at the Stade de Torgos as they take on the hosts, Pasarga. Were Kordavia to lose or even draw, their goal difference would almost certainly not be sufficient to advance as one of the two best third placed teams, meaning a win against the multiple-time Copa Rushmori champion and former World Cup winners the Wanderers is their only hope. If it looks unlikely, that would still cap a reasonably successful tournament marking the national team’s debut on the international stage, with two wins, the second coming against Olastor.

It was not a glorious festival of football, but that Kordavia salvaged a win on less than 40% possession spoke to their defensive solidity and determination. The four yellow cards picked up in the defeat to The Kytler Peninsulae didn’t discourage Dragonavić, Fjordsen and Grünwald from some physicality, and when their chance eventually came, it was from winning a foul at the other end. A free-kick in prime range for a subtle curled shot into the corner… but instead Janik Veitsen blasted it straight into the wall and as Olastor’s defenders reeled away, Marek Stoylov snuck in and finished off the rebound. Grünwald put the team on his back to hold together the defence thereafter and the final whistle confirmed that, whatever happens tomorrow, Kordavia will leave the Copa Rushmori with an even record. For first-timers from the grimmest, darkest corner of Rushmore, that’s not too bad.

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Mon Nov 11, 2024 11:33 am

With two weeks to go until campaign day, polling has become increasingly uncertain as to the true state of the race.

The governing Workers' Party remain clearly ahead, but how clearly is in flux. One poll put them on 45% of first-preference votes on the constituency ballot and 40% of first-preference votes on the party list ballot (the former electing 200 members to local seats and the latter electing 100 members to multi-member regional seats), and this was estimated to translate to as many as 136 seats in the new parliament - up 10 on the last election and only 15 short of a majority. But another poll on the same day had them on 37% of first-preference constituency votes and just 31% of first-preference regional list votes - and for the centre-right NUP to potentially be the largest party and/or to be able to govern in coalition with the far-right, pro-isolation FFP. You certainly couldn't accuse these pollsters of herding.

As ever, the sporting issue is central. The FFP has secured itself a stronghold as the main pro-isolation party - the movement barely exists now outside the far right, though a couple of independent anti-RPD moderates are contenders in constituency seats - and if they can gain 50 seats out of it, they could prop up an NUP government easily and demand isolation as their price of entry. That has left NUP leader Jack Browning - who has guided the party away from the isolationist policy it enacted in government following the Clituleng Giisost landslide that triggered the Reopening - in an interesting spot, because he could regain some of his former voters by tacking away from that anti-isolation stance and gain seats from the FFP, but in doing so would potentially swing more voters to what is now Alice Mulholland-Pearce's Workers' Party following Giisost's forced resignation.

With that shadow looming over the Kytlerian team, it's no surprise they haven't been at their fluid best at the Copa Rushmori. But they're trying to flip it into a positive.

"Cassadaigua knew their last Copa Rushmori was their final farewell and they nearly won it," noted manager Andrew Patterson, the only full-time manager the team have had in this Reopening Era. "We don't know if this will be our last hurrah, but I've told the team to play like it is, no regrets, leave it all out there. And I think they've been responding to that."

A pro-isolation government remains unlikely - not least because it's felt that, if push came to shove, Browning would reject the overtures of the FFP and form a unity government with Mulholland-Pearce. (He has regularly spoken in interviews about wanting to deliver "political pluralism" after Giisost defied the semi-proportional system to secure an outright majority in his first term in office, although his second government required the support of the left-wing Greens and the indigenous-Kytlerian party PIN. He has also refused point-blank to answer anyone's questions on who he'd form a government with, saying he's focused solely on getting as many elected NUP members as possible and taking it from there.) But there's a chance. And whenever there's a chance, there's a feeling of threat for those who'd be on the wrong end of that chance coming to pass.

by **Pasarga** » Mon Nov 11, 2024 11:37 am

It was a match for the home crowd to celebrate, the Wanderers were putting on a clinic and giving their supporters a reason to sing and be boisterous in the stands. The Wanderers had come into the match knowing that a win would likely secure their qualification either through finishing top two in the group or being one of the best four third placed teams. Pridnestrovia did not like the Wanderers and it showed in the way they were leaving a foot in on their tackles and some of the rough shoulder barges that they had when the players were coming together. However in venting their dislike for the team, they would often open up a channel for the Wanderers midfielders to put in passes to either the strikers or the wingers to run onto and get into a fantastic scoring position. The visitors were fortunate to not have been down in the first fifteen minutes with the Wanderers opening salvo, though the keeper between the posts was holding onto the shots and not allowing for a rebound to be put back in. It was the sort of goalkeeping performance that was going to give the visitors a chance if they were able to keep it up through the whole ninety, but fate would not be so kind to the keeper and Pridnestrovia.

Bazzi would be the player to open up the deadlock between the two teams in the twenty-sixth minute when the striker showed a bit of pace and acceleration that many people thought was not in his wheelhouse anymore and latched on to one of those through balls from the midfield, slotting a shot below the onrushing Dragunov. Eleven minutes later and on a corner, Irena Horvat would lace a shot from the edge of the box after the outswinger was missed by everyone and the defender was left unmarked to put her foot through it, catching the keeper off balance. Two early goals definitely lifted the spirits of the crowd as they started singing the praises of Thor and serenading everyone with songs of the manager's accomplishments both as a player and as manager. If the result stood, the team was well on their way to making the knockout rounds and if they finished in the top two of the group, they were more likely than not to get a favorable matchup in the knockout rounds with the knockouts being seeded due to the unique format of the group. That and the home advantage had more than a few fans thinking that a run into the latter stages of the tournament could be a real possibility.

That belief would grow in stature when the Wanderers would add a third, Zágon Schmid hitting a knuckling shot in the fifty-fourth minute after Bogdan Laszlo chested down a goal kick and put the ball into the attacking midfielder's path. The rest of the match was now about seeing out the victory as well as preserving the legs of the team for the last group stage match and a knockout game that was sure to follow. Járngrímur and Fazakas would replace Laszlo and Bazzi on the hour mark, as well as Vass coming on for Lafontaine. Ten minutes till the final whistle and Schneider was trotted out to get some first team minutes as the team was coasting towards the end of the game and third win from three. The final whistle saw quite the celebration from the fans in the stands and a loud rendition of the national anthem, as members of the crowd stood hand in hand and were swaying while singing with a huge amount of pride for the nation and the team. It was the sort of atmosphere and performance that made people fall in love with game or fall back in love with it had the began to feel jaded, it was exactly the sort of tonic the team and its fans needed after the World Cup.

Now comes the end of the group stage and a match against Kordavia, a side who is battling with The Kytler Peninsulae for second place in the group as well as one of those best third placed spots if they fail to find a way to come out on top of the Wanderers. The task will be a bit easier than normal as it is expected that Thor is going to rest some of the older starters in the game with Bazzi and Lafontaine expected to start the game on the bench. While this is perhaps unfair to the Kytler team, having had to play the Wanderers to open up the schedule and get the full strength Wanderers side, that is simply how the tournament shakes out sometime. Yet the Kytler team goes up against winless and goalless Olastor to finish out their group stage and should be quite favored to pull out a result against them, putting the onus on Kordavia to try and get a historic result against the Wanderers. The Wanders have yet to concede a goal though and it does not look likely that the stuttering Kordavia attack can pierce the the Wanderers stout defense, though this is the Copa Rushmori and weird things have been known to happen in the tournament.

by **Pasarga** » Mon Nov 11, 2024 11:40 am

Matchday 5

Group A
Kordavia 0–1 Pasarga
The Kytler Peninsulae 0–0 Olastor

P Group A                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Pasarga                     4   4  0  0    8   0  +8   12     Q
2 The Kytler Peninsulae       4   2  1  1    4   2  +2    7     Q
3 Kordavia                    4   2  0  2    3   3   0    6
4 Pridnestrovia               4   1  0  3    4   8  −4    3     E
5 Olastor                     4   0  1  3    0   6  −6    1     E

Group B
Gnejs 2–0 Three Golden Kingdoms
Zenic 5–2 Norrhem

P Group B                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gnejs                       4   4  0  0   11   6  +5   12     Q
2 Zenic                       4   2  1  1   10   6  +4    7     Q
3 Qusmo                       4   1  1  2    3   4  −1    4
4 Norrhem                     4   1  1  2    5   8  −3    4     E
5 Three Golden Kingdoms       4   0  1  3    0   5  −5    1     E

Group C
Northwest Pavola Republic 1–4 Eastfield Lodge
Oberour Ar Moro 0–1 Sargossa

P Group C                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sargossa                    4   3  1  0    8   1  +7   10     Q
2 Eastfield Lodge             4   2  1  1    7   6  +1    7     Q
3 Captina Island              4   1  2  1    9   8  +1    5
4 Oberour Ar Moro             4   0  3  1    5   6  −1    3     E
5 Northwest Pavola Republic   4   0  1  3    6  14  −8    1     E

Group D
Polar Islandstates 1–0 Astograth
Elmyia 2–2 Mytanija

P Group D                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elmyia                      4   2  2  0   11   4  +7    8     Q
2 Mytanija                    4   2  1  1    6   5  +1    7     Q
3 Astograth                   4   1  2  1    3   3   0    5
4 Polar Islandstates          4   1  1  2    3   6  −3    4     E
5 Hispinas                    4   0  2  2    0   5  −5    2     E

Group E
Yuezhou 4–0 Valladares
Igratia 0–0 Kirungabi

P Group E                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Yuezhou                     4   3  1  0    9   3  +6   10     Q
2 Kirungabi                   4   2  2  0    4   1  +3    8     Q
3 Valladares                  4   2  0  2    3   7  −4    6
4 Igratia                     4   0  2  2    6   8  −2    2     E
5 Frjálshöfn                  4   0  1  3    7  10  −3    1     E

Group F
Kalosia 0–0 Tikariot
Darmen 4–2 Tero al Disco

P  Group F                   Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tikariot                    4   3  1  0   10   6  +4   10     Q
2 Darmen                      4   3  0  1   12   8  +4    9     Q
3 Gatchingerrak Union         4   2  0  2   12   6  +6    6
4 Kalosia                     4   1  1  2    4   9  −5    4     E
5 Tero al Disco               4   0  0  4    3  12  −9    0     E

3rd place table

3 Gatchingerrak Union         4   2  0  2   12   6  +6    6     Q
3 Kordavia                    4   2  0  2    3   3   0    6     Q
3 Valladares                  4   2  0  2    3   7  −4    6     Q
3 Captina Island              4   1  2  1    9   8  +1    5     Q
3 Astograth                   4   1  2  1    3   3   0    5
3 Qusmo                       4   1  1  2    3   4  −1    4

Seeding Table

1 Pasarga                      4   4  0  0    8   0  +8   12
2 Gnejs                        4   4  0  0   11   6  +5   12
3 Sargossa                     4   3  1  0    8   1  +7   10
4 Yuezhou                      4   3  1  0    9   3  +6   10
5 Tikariot                     4   3  1  0   10   6  +4   10
6 Darmen                       4   3  0  1   12   8  +4    9
7 Elmyia                       4   2  2  0   11   4  +7    8
8 Kirungabi                    4   2  2  0    4   1  +3    8
9 Zenic                        4   2  1  1   10   6  +4    7
10 The Kytler Peninsulae       4   2  1  1    4   2  +2    7
11 Eastfield Lodge             4   2  1  1    7   6  +1    7
12 Mytanija                    4   2  1  1    6   5  +1    7
13 Gatchingerrak Union         4   2  0  2   12   6  +6    6
14 Kordavia                    4   2  0  2    3   3   0    6
15 Valladares                  4   2  0  2    3   7  −4    6
16 Captina Island              4   1  2  1    9   8  +1    5

Round of 16 Fixtures
Pasarga v Captina Island @ Stadium of the Sun, Belja
Kirungabi v Zenic @ Stein-los Stadium, Stein-los
Yuezhou v Gatchingerrak Union @ Stilinkeep Stadium, Stilinkeep
Tikariot v Mytanija @ Kilmonarch, Stein-los
Gnejs v Valladares @ Silverthal, Torgos
Elmyia v The Kytler Peninsulae @ San Daros, Paulinthal
Sargossa v Kordavia @ Albrecht Road, Stein-los
Darmen v Eastfield Lodge @ Crescent Park, Lunas

by **Tikariot** » Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:08 pm

A Day at the Training Grounds

The scene opens as Andarra Belfrage walks into the training grounds of Port Rhovanyon AFC, the home of the storied “Kraken” team. It is part of the Oceanview Sports City, located on a peninsula at the end of Port Rhovanyon harbour, where a cluster of sports venues is conveniently located close to each other. The place puts some teams' stadiums to shame. With the arrival of new head coach Alistair St. John and assistant coach Theodor Armitage, the team is adjusting to a fresh training style and philosophy. The grass is freshly cut, the morning mist is rising, and the sound of drills and shouts from players fills the air.

Narrator: “Today, we’re with Andarra Belfrage at the Port Rhovanyon training grounds, catching a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the intense preparation, camaraderie, and laughter that fuel one of Tikariot’s most historic clubs. It’s the start of a new era, with a revamped coaching staff and big expectations.”

Arrival and Warm-Ups

Andarra is among the first to arrive, her focus sharp but with a small, confident smile that shows her excitement. She waves to a few teammates before heading over to the warm-up area.

Andarra: “The energy here has been unreal lately. Coach St. John and Coach Armitage bring such a different vibe. We’re all working really hard, but there’s a freshness to it. You can feel that something special might be building.”

As the players gather, Haritz Larrainzar, the experienced Cardenaoan central midfielder, takes on a mentor role, leading a group of younger players, including Andarra, through some stretching exercises. His calm authority and skill are evident, and it’s clear why he’s one of the league’s most respected figures.

Larrainzar: “Remember, the small details count, always. Flexibility and agility help us in the final minutes, and that’s where games are won or lost.”

Andarra nods attentively, absorbing every bit of his words. She’s young but deeply respects the veterans who have paved the way. She laughs as Larrainzar teases her about her intense focus.

Larrainzar: “Don’t be too serious, Andarra! The field has to feel like home. Relax, enjoy it.”

New Training Drills with St. John and Armitage

Coach St. John has them moving through high-intensity passing drills with an emphasis on quick decision-making and precision. The pace is relentless, but the players seem to thrive on it. Meanwhile, Theodor Armitage, who was once known for his lethal striking ability, works with the forwards and offensive players, offering tips on positioning and finishing.

Andarra’s group, which includes Mytanars Gavrilo Stojadinović-Srpkinja and Miran Zakubovnik, practices a new build-up play drill designed to break down compact defenses. Andarra is quick on her feet, weaving in and out, finding small pockets of space, and showcasing her versatility both in central and her new right midfield position.

Coach St. John: (shouting) “That’s it, Belfrage! Keep moving! Always keep your head up—think one step ahead!”

Andarra’s face lights up as she nails a sequence, flicking the ball past two defenders and sending a crisp pass to Morris Nighthorse. Morris, the seasoned star striker, grins at her and gives a thumbs-up.

Nighthorse: “You’re making it look easy, Silver Phantom! Keep that up, and you’ll be taking my job soon.”

The team laughs, and Andarra blushes, thrilled by the compliment. Morris, with his legendary status, has been both a mentor and an inspiration to her. Despite his stardom, he treats the younger players with respect and humour.

Building Camaraderie

After an intense tactical session, the players take a quick water break. The atmosphere is light and filled with banter as they catch their breath.

Vuk Bajalica, the veteran left back, starts joking around, imitating Coach St. John’s Carathyr accent in a playful way. The team roars with laughter.

Bajalica: (in a mock accent) “I don’t care if your legs feel like bricks! Push through it! Pain is just weakness leaving the body!”

Coach St. John catches wind of the impersonation and laughs along, clapping Vuk on the back.

Coach St. John: “Keep it up, Vuk! You’ll be leading the conditioning drills tomorrow.”

The team groans in mock horror, and Andarra laughs as she swaps friendly jabs with some of her teammates. Nearby, Caitlyn Arrakan and Mary McGrath, the two towering center-backs, are engaged in a playful shoving match, each daring the other to try to knock them off balance.

Andarra: “They’re like sisters! Always competing, but they’d do anything for each other.”

It’s clear that these bonds help the team push through tough training days. Andarra’s own bond with Gavrilo Stojadinović-Srpkinja, her defensive-minded partner in midfield, is particularly strong. The two often trade jokes and support each other in drills.

Focused Skills Training

As the session progresses, Andarra moves to a smaller training pitch with Theodor Armitage for focused skill work. Armitage watches her closely, adjusting her positioning and offering subtle tips on moving through defenders.

Armitage: “Andarra, remember, keep your body low when you’re changing direction. It’s all about deceiving your marker, using your agility to the fullest.”

Under his guidance, she practices slipping past an imaginary defender and then curling a pass into space. Her movements are fluid, precise, and it’s easy to see why she’s being compared to the legendary Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir.

Armitage is impressed, nodding with approval.

Armitage: “You’ve got great instincts, Andarra. Keep sharpening them, and you’re going to be a nightmare for defences across the league.”

She grins, thrilled by his praise. Knowing that a former star like Armitage sees potential in her is motivating.

Friendly Competition and Humour

To wrap up, Coach St. John organizes a small-sided game with a twist: each player has to make a pass with their non-dominant foot before shooting. It’s lighthearted but competitive, with the players cheering each other on—and occasionally ribbing each other for missed shots.

Hippolyt Zuberbühler, the quick left midfielder known for his playful attitude, makes an exaggerated effort to pass with his right foot and stumbles dramatically. The team breaks into laughter, and he takes a mock bow.

Zuberbühler: “Ah, thank you, thank you. I’m here all season!”

Andarra, grinning, takes her turn and executes a smooth left-footed pass, setting up Morris Nighthorse for a finish. He scores, and they high-five as the rest of the team cheers.

Cooling Down and Reflecting

As the session winds down, Andarra joins her teammates for a cooldown led by assistant coach Armitage. It’s a calm, focused end to the intense morning, and she finds herself reflecting on how much she’s grown, even just in these past few weeks.

Andarra: [in a voiceover] “Every training session here pushes me, but in a good way. The speed, the intensity is so high, some days I don't know how some of them have been doing this for a decade or longer. But we’re like a big family—the veterans, the new players, everyone. And with this new coaching staff, I feel like I’m constantly learning and getting better.”

She glances over at Morris Nighthorse and Haritz Larrainzar, watching how they interact with the team, offering advice to younger players and lightening the atmosphere with humour. They’re not just mentors; they’re role models.

Andarra: “I feel so lucky to be here, playing alongside legends and learning from them every day. I hope I can have that same impact on others one day.”

End of Day: Relaxing with Teammates

After practice, some of the players head to the café near the training grounds for a bite to eat. Andarra joins Caitlyn Arrakan and Vuk Bajalica at a table, laughing and joking as they unwind from the rigorous morning.

Arrakan: “Alright, Andarra, tell us—how does it feel to be called ‘the next Þorgríma Vigdis’?”

Andarra blushes slightly but shrugs it off with a laugh.

Andarra: “No pressure, right? I just want to keep working hard and see where it takes me. Though, if I can become half the player she is, I’d be thrilled.”

The three of them clink their water bottles together in a mock toast, celebrating the small victories of the day.

Narrator: “As Andarra Belfrage continues her journey with Port Rhovanyon, it’s clear that she’s not only a rising star on the field but also a beloved teammate off it. Her focus, humility, and passion are lighting up the Kraken’s training grounds—and who knows just how high she’ll climb with the support of her team and coaches?”

The episode ends with a shot of Andarra laughing with her teammates, the camera capturing a glimpse of the camaraderie and joy that fuels her success.

Copa Rushmori XLVII - Everything Thread

The Ballad of Whirlwind Womack

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