Baptism of Fire 87 - Everything Thread

[Aethelia]

[SELF-DELEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETE

[Snestar]

Goalscorers (Snestar):
6’ Riccardo Cavaliere
14’ Nicola Ragusa
37’ Martin de Roux
41’ Tero Sjölund (PK)
86’ Fabio de Filippi
Player of the Match: Martin de Roux

Snestar mathematically qualifies for the Round of 64 after dominating Lebronsleftnut 5-0, with the best goal difference of the tournament after two matches

Following its impressive debut, Snestar demolished Lebronsleftnut, scoring another 5 goals and bringing the club to 6 points in Group 17, qualifying for the round of 64 with one matchday in advance following Alixe’s 2-2 draw against Moon Deing. With a +10 goal difference and zero goals conceded, Snestar can crown itself as the best-performing team after two matchdays, though there’s still a long way to go.

Snestar immediately started the game with two goals in the first 15 minutes: Cavaliere came first, with an improvised kick after a miscalculated cross by Scanavino went way over the penalty area. Some time later, a counterattack allowed Ragusa to comfortably tap the ball in the net after being served by Sjölund. The match then proceeded comfortably until the 37th minute, when a power shot by Martin de Roux didn’t even give the Lebronsleftnut goalkeeper a chance to save the shot, as it hit such a good trajectory that it was simply unstoppable. Shortly after that, in the 41st minute, Sjölund managed to work the ball inside the penalty box after a spectacular dribble, though he was tackled before he could attempt a shot. He then chose to take the penalty, with a powerful central shot that made the score 4-0 at halftime.

The second half of the match, however, wasn’t as easy for the Viola: the Snestaryan players, in fact, found themselves disorganized, causing Nicola Acanfora to gain a yellow card in the 54th minute to prevent a possible goal-scoring opportunity by Lebronsleftnut. Valentino Garnati also gained a booking in the 67th minute after a mistimed tackle caused an opponent striker to fall to the ground just a few meters from the penalty box. Thankfully, a few tactic substitutions (de Filippi for Scanavino, Martinelli for Acanfora, Balestri for Garnati and Peruffo for Ramella) brought the balance back and allowed Snestar, with its new 4-4-2 formation, to score a fifth goal in the closing minutes of the match, when Fabio de Filippi scored a curled shot to end the match 5-0.

After the final whistle, we interviewed head coach Camilla Arentas to hear her thoughts on the match:

“I’m glad we qualified. I was also glad we won with a considerable goal margin again. The boys have been playing great so far, despite that slip-up in the second half that could have cost us a goal. Sometimes I like to imagine what the early legends of Snestar would have thought about us… Honestly, I think they’d be pleased with Snestar making a well-rounded debut. All those years spent developing Division Alpha definitely paid off in the long run. However, some would also be annoyed at our play style… Elena Maria Arentas would have definitely been disappointed in this squad not having a female player so far. Actually, there had been talks to fuse the men’s and women’s national teams together for this competition, but since no one had decided in time, they decided to just go for the men’s team. This decision was made specifically for the Baptism of Fire, though. When we participate in the World Cup, players such as Elisa Baldriga will also certainly join the squad. Though I must say, she’s definitely going to get mad at us since her signature number was given to Scanavino. But that’s fine. We can still make a quick last minute fix.”

[Hamborn]

A draw against Greater Portugaliza !

After a long match and complicate against them but 3-3 is a good score here the match report presented by Hamborn 2 :

Hamborn start to dominate Greater Portugaliza but Jacob Obrigado put down Bilo Nosinto in the penalty surface was given to Hamborn. The shooter Joan Von de Polux kick on the left and he ball enter in goal 1-0 for Hamborn at 23'

Laters minutes are not intersting some failed occasion so at 45' only a Yellow card for Jacob Obrigado given before at 23' .

In a execellent pass of Bilo Nosinto at 57' minute Joan Von de Polux goes on the goalkeeper he was surprised and he shoot in top corner of the goal 2-0 for Hamborn.

But all good thing have a end : at 60' after a long pressing of Cancelio Jorge from Notmas Ilor run pass to Rafa Costa in mieldfield take a long shoot and Leo Surli touch the ball but the ball pass. 2-1 for Hamborn

Again at 65' Hamborn fail to secure the ball and Matias Conceição take the ball shoot at 25 meter and shoot the ball pass but Leo Surli Fall is leg is red he take the shoot in ball he was injured and replace by Micheal Julio (he fail the match against Stewartika.). 2-2

Not prepared 70' Matias Conceição do the same trick this time but Micheal is not prepared for the shoot miss it. 2-3 for Greater Portugaliza

at 76' Joan Von de Polux is subtitued by Arlemus Luvoski who at 86' minutes save Hamborn by a pass on corner on Joseph Liven who do a bicycle kick and the goal surprised can't do anything. 3-3

90+3' The match end for the joy of all Hambornian Player.

Now, we talk about our Joan what a player he play football with is dad who was an ancient Lico team player but he never get in the National team because the ancient coach doesn't likes him so he was never in national team for one goal on the last match of the ancient coach. But he can be proud for Joan who is the man of the latch of today he start at 17 at Lico and now he is 20 years old. and won the Hamborn league and national cup twice.

Good bye everyone, it was Joseph Luvoski from Hamborn 2 !

[Andso Mangis]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLL in the 90plus 3 minute our lead striker pulls of an impeccable freekick over the wall and into the corner the Andso dream is still alive. In a country that’s been begging for some sport success since the do grading it’s here a legendary goal to keep us alive. This match won’t be forgotten. You could see Qui-gin’s spirit smiling. We may see Andso in the playoffs after all

[Stewartika]

STEWARTIKA THROUGH TO ROUND OF 64 AFTER 0-4 BATTERING OF PUTRASIA

Another cold day in Fröndt, this time replete with harsh winds, saw the second round of Group 13 in the Baptism of Fire. The Stewartikan fans’ presence has become significantly larger thanks to the sudden spike in confidence the first victory brought. To their loud cheers and chants, the two teams walked out, the Stewartikan national team in their red second kits, again layered up to protect themselves from the cold.

As Putrasia kicked off the match, it was evident that Stewartika carried a mindset completely different to that of the previous match. After a cautious, tactical match against Greater Portugaliza, finding their limits and levels, this rotated and updated lineup from the first minute threw themselves at the Putrasians with a terrifying ferocity. Crucial blocks from a constantly fluid backline of the defenders and rotating midfielders ensured that Putrasia couldn’t manage even a single throughball into their half, while attackers strafed into the penalty box to opportunistically take chances at goal.

The withering pressure came to a head as Jin Ye-seul was brought down by a shove from a Putrasian defender in the 16th minute, the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. Stepping up to take it, greeted by nervous hushed silence from the Stewartikans and jeers from the Putrasians, captain Sung Min-jae calmy slots the ball the wrong way of the keeper. Running to the away end, he does his signature camera celebration as the delighted traveling fans create a thunderous noise. The pressure from Stewartika remained throughout the first half, but the whistle is blown on a 0-1 scoreline in favor of The Pigs.

As the players re-entered the pitch for the second half, Putrasia mustered up a more strong attack this time around, a well-timed lobbed pass forcing Himmel to track back and deal with the running lone striker, picking up a yellow card and awarding a free kick. The ensuing effort went agonizingly off the bar and to Bentham’s possesion, who with a glance upfield sent the ball soaring over nearly the entire pitch. On the receiving end, just onside was Jesse Morissey, making the run all the way from his place in the line. He connects with the ball as the keeper rushes forward to stop him, flicking it on for a beautiful lobbed header into the net for 2-0!

After that, Stewartika runs rampant. Constant pressure in and out of the box leaves the Putrasian players exhausted and frustrated. A slightly lifted, misplaced pass forces Morissey to flick the ball up, but turning towards goal -

From a neutral broadcaster:

Misplaced pass from Park, Morissey has to control it, it’s bouncing, Morrissey turns, and….

OHHH MY WORD!!! WHAT A GOAL FROM JESSE MORISSEY! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS?? Wow, look at that. He’s turned with the controlled ball, bounced it again on his weak foot, noticed that the keeper hasn’t changed his line completely, and then slammed it full power goal wards. And look at that spin, taking it to the left of the keeper, he’s got no chance to save. Take a bow, Stewartika’s star boy - you have arrived on the world’s stage in FULL FORCE!

A goal of that magnitude did serious damage to the Putrasian’s morale. With defense weakened, in the dying minutes of stoppage time a wonderful through ball from Erikkson sees Morissey there again, guiding the ball into the net with a sliding left-footed kick, sealing a perfect hat-trick, and the first of his career. The overjoyed Stewartikans roar in celebration as the whole team congratulates the 19-year old, creating a massive pile of red bodies. Soon after, the whistle blows - 4-0 for Stewartika, and Royal Purple’s ticket to the Round of 64 officially punched - to the knockout stages in their first international campaign.

It’s a top of the table clash in the final matchday of the group phase, as Stewartika faces Hamborn in the last day out in Fröndt. Until then!

Press Conference: Jesse Morissey

P: Jesse, your first hat-trick in your professional career. How does it feel?

JM: Oh, amazing. Yeah, being someone so supported by everyone at home and in the team, there’s a ton of pressure. But being able to deliver like this is the greatest feeling in the world.

P: Do you hope to keep going like this in the tournament?

JM: Definitely, and to go all the way to lift the trophy!

P: That’s all, thanks for your time.

JM: Thank you!

In the dressing room

As requested, the team, some in their jerseys, others in their training shirts, stood in a wide circle, arms around shoulders. Kunio stands in the center, pacing.

“We’ve made the first big step. But we don’t stop here. Up next, Hamborn? If they lose to us, they could be eliminated. They will play with everything they have. We won’t gift them those points. And in the knockouts, every single country we come up against will fight with all they have to survive. We could come up against Colmaijo. But we have to survive too.

So we keep winning. We win and win and win and don’t stop until we’ve beat them all. Because losing means it’s over. And then we take that, through qualifications, all the way through the World Cup. This is our mentality, and every single one of you, on the pitch, on the bench, in reserve, has to have it. You might be on the sidelines now, but later, in the round of 16, the quarter finals, the semi finals, you could make the difference. Be ready for your time.

Celebrate now, but we train tomorrow.”

“KAYO STEWARTIKA!!”

Full Time:
Baptism of Fire - Group 13 - Matchday 2>

Putrasia

Stewartika

0

4

M. Sung ’17 (pen)
J. Morissey ’48, ’62, ’90+4

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jesse Morissey

Yellow cards: H. Himmel (Stewartika) ’46, Unknown (Putrasia) ’74

Venue: Den Mytologiska Maneter

Weather: Clear, extreme wind, -12 degrees.

[Konstantino]

FFDK Logo. Acronym in Portuguese.
Konstantino Football & Sports Federation

Game Sim
0’ Game starts!
2’ Gerard of M. makes a hard foul on James O., taking a yellow card, while James O. is replaced as a precaution.
8’ rain starts
15’ Pedro G. brings down John of B. just outside the box, and the ref flashes a yellow card — things are really heating up in the stadium!
16’ John of B. steps up for the free kick and scores, but it’s surrounded by controversy — the ref allowed the shot before the keeper could set up the wall!
26’ Lorenzo G. lets fly from outside the box, and it skims the crossbar!
38’ Thomas of M. pulls the trigger, but Luca T. clutches it safely
45’ NAD: Baldwin of W. ⇄ Sigmar of M. KON: Yuri T. ⇄ Donald S.
65’ On a lightning-fast counterattack, Konstantino squanders the chance after the keeper parries it away!
74’ Leteric of C. takes the shot, but it sails wide! During the play, defender Johnny A. slides in hard and leaves him injured — the manager has no choice but to bring on Zaizolf!
78’ Luiz A. ⇄ Marcos F
86’ A meteor falls in the camp, but don’t hit nobody
90’ endgame

The FFDK, after the disappointing defeat against New-Addlebrand, summoned the "Konstantino Hurricanes", the official organized fans of the Konstantino National Team. FFDK will pay 65% of the trip and all subsequent costs. The expectation is that, only from KH, about 15,000 fans will go to the event, and many other independents as well, offering their support to the national team.

Then, the captain of the football team, Leon Munhoz declared the following:

With the support of our compatriots, we can do EVERYTHING! Nothing can stop the Capybaras! Glory to Konstantino!
The coach Charles Andres also had something to tell…
The next game will be the most defying game in the Konstantinoan football history! We need to win with a LOT of goals and Coercia, a great team can’t win, if we want a direct classification to the 64s. I can’t promise you that we’ll win, but I’m sure of one thing: Konstantino won’t give up! Again, WE WIL FIGHT TILL THE END!

[Coercia]

Celebration erupts all over Coercia as the report arrives from Eqeustria that Coercia dominates with a monstrous score of 7-1 against the nation of Avote. We were unable to get an interview with our players as they were promptly escorted from the field by security as they shot their guns in the air in celebration of their dominant victory (an Avote fan was struck multiple hours later from a bullet falling from the sky due to gravity). From the report, it is simple to say that the star player was indeed Blackhardt, who scored 4 of our 7 goals and had 2 assists on top of that. Jerome Jenson also had a stellar night with 1 goal and 4 assists. According to local reports from Shady Grove Stadium, there was a magical event that occurred during the game. Apparently, this extraordinary event distracted our players so much that Avote managed to take advantage of our players inexperience with magic and score a goal. This event has been reported to be a herd of levitating unicorns traveling overhead... the stadium...?
What the hell???
What even is this place???

Rumors have stated that [REDACTED], our glorious leader, is not impressed with the magical element of Equestria. He had this to say, "The people of Coercia have always pushed through with hard work and strong wills. Don't be dazed by the pretty magic that we see in that foreign nation. Our people pushed through the bloody civil war that birthed our country and we will continue with that hard-earned grit for years to come. We will show that in this tournament we are not to be trifled with. Coercia will continue to dominate throughout the entirety of its Multiversal sports debut and will never stop. For the glory of Coercia!"

[Stewartika]

Head Coach’s office, Fröndt Training Ground B (Ljudaberg)

Bunta Kunio sits alone at his desk, staring absently at a framed photo in his hand. Upon it is the Stewartika 11 that played their first international friendly shortly after coming out of isolation, 14 years ago now. Kunio himself is pictured, unanimously named team captain, along with a 19 year old Sung Min-jae, 20 year old Kame Wujin and 18 year old Cho Seung-a. It was a team full of legends, the best of the best from the S League 1, but… it could have been so much more.

Several promising footballers were killed 20 years prior in the Crisis Wars that Stewartika was involved in, during its settlement in Lignuntia. While of course most of them wouldn’t be on the team pictured, due to age, their experience and influence could have carried Stewartikan football far above what it is now. Possibilities… no more. It was truly a shame.

Lineup info:

3-1-4-2


After the smashing success against Putrasia, Kunio has stuck with the system used in this game for the time being. Hat-trick hero Morissey holds on to his starting position, while Haggstrom makes way for the returning Blake as Morissey is shifted to a more attacking role. Himmel also finds himself benched, due to the yellow card he picked up last match - likely just a message from the coach to not rush things, and also give his main substitute Strand some minutes. Keeper and forward selections remain unchanged.

Group 13 - Matchday 3>

Stewartika vs Hamborn

KO 12:00

[Soviet Kem]

Soviet Kem 3-1 The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids

After the final whistle was blown the battle between Soviet Kem and The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids came to an end, Soviet Kem was victorious in the battle, coming back from a 1-0 defecate. The first goal was scored by The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids' Gradio Strasinanio, in the nineteenth minute off a free kick from twenty yards out, putting it in the top right corner. That goal lit a fire under Soviet Kem, coming back with a forty third minute goal by Sendve Gligimesh from a beautiful cross from Fen Nort. After the half Soviet Kem then got a fifty second minute goal by Naskin Putanik, then Soviet Kem sealed the game with a seventy first minute goal from Fen Nort.

---

RP Prompt MD 2

Soviet Kem is known for their youth academies, given that our current roster holds three teenagers. Our teams in our topflight have been searching through the streets and youth games to find possible top talent in Soviet Kem, however, there are some who slip through the cracks and go play in a foreign league, but Ken Stavisk has tasked people to monitor the performance to see if there was a leak in the system.

[Choppyhausen]

Broadcasting Service Choppyhausen
Baptism of Fire 87 - Article

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Group 7 - Matchday 2

Knock-out sport secured!
Choppyhausen win crushing victory against Very Totally Free

It was an impressive setting that awaited the national teams of Choppyhausen and Very Totally Free at the Stadium of Restoration in Busukuma. Despite steady rain, fans from both sides filled the stands of Banija’s largest football stadium, having gathered long before kickoff to witness the spectacle of Matchday Two. And a spectacle it was — at least from a Choppyhausen perspective.

Head coach Harmon Merrit made just one change to his starting eleven following the 2–1 opening win against Saint Lazarus: Til Lampe came in for Mattes Oak, who began on the bench. The decision paid off immediately. Barely three minutes had been played when the ball was already in the Very Totally Free net: Lampe, after a neat one-two with Lukeson, found acres of space down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Corte only had to nod it home.

Choppyhausen’s attack didn’t let up after taking the lead — something Merrit had repeatedly called for after a somewhat sluggish second half in the Saint Lazarus match. In the 16th minute, Keil’s long-range effort crashed off the crossbar, but the rebound fell straight to Lukeson, who beat his man with a step-over and calmly slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs to make it 2–0.

From Very Totally Free — already beaten by Bruinswik in Sisonke — there was little response. Choppyhausen continued to dominate, clearly enjoying themselves more as the half went on. Lukeson’s dazzling solo run ended with a shot that grazed the outside of the post (27’), while Tyr twice tested the keeper from distance (30’, 35’). The well-deserved 3–0 came just before the break: after one of ten Choppyhausen corners in the first half, Lampe rose highest at the far post and headed the ball into the top left corner.

At halftime, the outcome already seemed beyond doubt, and both teams returned unchanged. The pattern of play remained the same: Very Totally Free offered little resistance, allowing Lukeson in the 57th minute to stroll through their defense almost unchallenged before squaring to Corte, who finished first time to complete his brace. With that, Choppyhausen’s path to the Round of 64 was all but sealed. Sensing it, Merrit began to rest key players around the hour mark, bringing on De Lang, Alvarado, and Cory for Lukeson, Iduna, and Finch.

Choppyhausen then eased off, allowing Very Totally Free a bit more of the ball — though they rarely threatened. The group’s bottom side did manage a consolation goal in the 79th minute, however: Alvarado slipped on the wet turf during a forward run, gifting possession and triggering a counterattack that ended in the Choppyhausen net. Keeper Weiner-Kracht was visibly frustrated by the sloppy goal, but it was little more than a cosmetic blemish.

The final say belonged to substitute Nico Lauritz, who sealed a 5–1 win in stoppage time. Played through perfectly by Alvarado, the 18-year-old lifted the ball coolly over the onrushing keeper — becoming the youngest goalscorer in Choppyhausen’s national team history.

Celebrations among the Choppyhausen camp were understandably jubilant after the match. With two wins from two and top spot in the group, the team secured their place in the Round of 64 of the Baptism of Fire with a game to spare. In their next match in Mynda against Bruinswik — who fell 2–1 to Saint Lazarus in the parallel fixture — the “Team in Teal” will now play for the group title. Still, coach Merrit struck a note of caution in his post-match interview: “There’s no reason to take our foot off the gas just because we’re through. Why stop winning now?”
All of Choppyhausen will be hoping their national side can keep the momentum going — and that their boys won’t stop winning anytime soon.

Baptism of Fire 87 - Group 7 - Matchday 2

Choppyhausen

Very Totally Free

5

1

Corte 3’, 57’

Player#8 79’

Lukeson 16’
Lampe 43’
Lauritz 90⁺¹

---

Es war eine beeindruckende Kulisse, die sich den Nationalteams aus Choppyhausen und Very Totally Free im Stadium of Restoration in Busukuma bot. Trotz anhaltendem Regen, füllten Fans beider Seiten die Ränge von Banijas größtem Fußballstadion und warteten schon lange vor Anpfiff auf das Fußballspektakel des zweiten Spieltages. Und ein Spektakel wurde es – zumindest aus Choppyhausener Sicht.

Trainer Harmon Merrit hatte seine Startelf nach dem 2:1 Auftaktsieg gegen Saint Lazarus auf einer Position geändert: Til Lampe ersetzte Mattes Oak, der auf der Bank starten musste. Und das lohnte sich direkt. Noch keine drei Minuten waren gespielt, da klingelte es schon im Kasten von Very Totally Free: Lampe hatte nach einem Doppelpass mit Lukeson viel Platz auf der rechten Seite, konnte somit perfekt in den gegnerischen Strafraum flanken, wo Corte nur noch einnicken musste. Die Choppyhausener Offensive ließ auch nach der Führung nicht locker – etwas was Trainer Merrit wiederholt nach der eher schwachen zweiten Hälfte gegen Saint Lazarus gefordert hatte. Keils Abschluss aus zweiter Reihe in der 16. Minute scheiterte zwar an der Latte, der Ball landete von dort aber direkt in den Füßen von Lukeson, der nach einem Übersteiger sicher durch die Beine des gegnerischen Keepers traf.

Von Very Totally Free, die schon in Sisonke gegen Bruinswik verloren, kam auch in der Folge wenig. Stattdessen spielte weiterhin vor allem Choppyhausen, die daran auch zunehmend mehr Spaß fanden. Lukesons Abschluss nach beeindruckendem Solo schliff noch den Außenpfosten (27.), Tyr scheiterte gleich zweimal per Weitschuss am gegnerischen Torwart (30., 35.). Das durchaus verdiente 3:0 fiel dann aber doch noch vor der Pause. Nach einer der zehn Choppyhausener Ecken im ersten Durchgang steigt Lampe am zweiten Pfosten höher als seine Gegenspieler und köpft den Ball ins linke obere Eck.

Zur Pause scheint alles klar, doch zunächst geht es ohne Wechsel in die zweite Hälfte. Doch auch hier ändert sich wenig, Very Totally Free leistet nur begrenzt Widerstand, sodass Lukeson in der 57. quasi ungestört durch die gegnerische Defensive spazieren kann, den Ball zu Corte querlegt, der sich mit einer gezielten Direktabnahme den Doppelpack sichert. Mit der Vorentscheidung scheint Choppyhausens Weg zur Round of 64 klar. Das merkt auch Merrit, der ab der 60. Minute anfängt Kräfte zu schonen und De Lang, Alvarado und Cory für Lukeson, Iduna und Finch bringt.

Choppyhausen fährt danach einen Gang runter und überlässt auch Very Totally Free ein wenig den Ball. Die werden aber trotzdem kaum gefährlich. Ein Treffer gelingt dem Gruppenletzten in der 79. Minute dann aber doch: Alvarado rutscht in der Choppyhausener Vorwärtsbewegung auf dem nassen Rasen aus und leitet damit einen gegnerischen Konter ein, der schließlich im Choppyhausener Tor endet. Torwart Weiner-Kracht zeigt sich über den unnötigen Gegentreffer sichtlich verärgert, mehr als Ergebniskosmetik ist das ansonsten aber nicht.

Für den 5:1-Endstand sorgt dann noch der mittlerweile eingewechselte Lauritz, der in der Nachspielzeit perfekt von Alvarado geschickt wird und frei vor dem Tor den gegnerischen Torwart überlüpft. Nico Lauritz wird damit mit 18 Jahren der jüngste Torschütze des Choppyhausener Nationalteams.

Die Feierlichkeiten auf Choppyhausener Seite waren nach dem Spiel wenig überraschend groß. Mit zwei Siegen und dem ersten Platz der Gruppe qualifiziert sich die Mannschaft schon nach zwei Spielen sicher für die Round of 64 des Baptism of Fire. Im nächsten Spiel in Mynda gegen Bruinswik, die parallel Saint Lazarus mit 2:1 unterlagen, geht es für das „Team in Teal“ nun nur noch um den Gruppensieg. Doch Trainer Merrit warnt im Post-Match-Interview vor zu viel Überschwänglichkeit: „Es gibt keinen Grund jetzt einen Gang zurückzufahren, nur weil wir schon durch sind. Warum mit dem Gewinnen aufhören?“ Nun ganz Choppyhausen hofft darauf, dass der gute Lauf ihres Nationalteams anhält und ihre Jungs so schnell nicht mit dem Gewinnen aufhören.

[Hamborn]

Hamborn VS Sterwartika :

Yesterday just after the match against greater portugaliza, Hamborn go to Fröndt and take the night here.

8am :


All team talk to the coach after training he say this : "Tonight, this match will our key for round of 64 ! only a draw or a win can save us from a elimination.
So tonight we do a extremly agressive pressing don't let them go in the surface of penalty. We will play in 4-3-3 espaced and the striker the most in advance Micheal Julio take place to Leo surli who is injured for 3 days. The same defender than the first match, a good mieldfield will be the same than yesterday and a defense with on right Arlemus Luvoski, Joseph Liven on center and Joan Von de Polux on left so an extreme offensive. So now you have your journey. And i forgot the same bench than the first match Micheal Julio is on terrain and Leo on the bench (technically he is injured but he can play with a risk.)"

Arlemus and Joan goes on the city to rassemble Hamborn Fan in the training Gymnase they view them train and sing in favour of Hamborn.

The day is all good.

[Shin-Zetsubo]

Rí­o de La Plata 0–2 Shin-Zetsubo
Adar Jak, Szoirsia

Allsopp '47 (SHZ)
Scarlett '71 (SHZ, pen.)

Shin-Zetsubo Starting XI (presented by MonoCorp[tm])
Willows
Scarlett-Harden-Lyon
St. John-Yong-Dorsey
Allsopp-Colt-Rush-Carsons
*Subs* - Dwerryhouse for Allsopp ('58), Good for Rush ('62), Nash for Yong ('77)

---

A hotel in Rülândéá - 2 days before Yangchenia

Ever since checking in, Maryanne Good couldn't help but to put a smile on her face, as she always did. For all intents and purposes, Shin-Zetsubo had already secured qualification to the knockout stage in this Baptism of Fire, mainly because of a relatively forgiving group format - Secure top 2 or see if your squad is one of the top 8 teams in third place - and the fact that the team already had six points to their name. Not even losing in their final group game could prevent it seemingly, but Yangchenia was an opponent to worry about later.

The only thing that whelmed her more than anything? How they played against Rí­o de La Plata. They were another squad whomst they knew nothing about, but instead of the shellacking seen in the first group game... Heat claimed to have scored more than either squad. Instead of smiling for a good pass, she smiled for the despair of being sent over to the sideline to have a drink of water. She had a drink of water every 10 minutes. The desert of Szoirsia was unforgiving in terms of that despair. But she still liked it! It was the uncertainty of going down to the sidelines, of having a cool refreshing drink that the squad had to bring all the way from Farolera while the opposition could easily charge for the- oh wait they were having a water break too. Oh the despair of no football at all!

All of a sudden Good had her despair interrupted by a certain woman that at this point she knew like the back of her hand - Chrystill Emoran, clipboard with tactics in hand. "Good, I think it's time for you to join the rest of the squad. More training is... Required."

"Alright coach! I'll do anything!" With a hop and a skip Good got out of her hotel room, being as cheerful and happy as ever as she went down the stairs - This hotel didn't have an elevator after all - and towards the training pitch. Boots? Check. Smile? Check. The other girls trying and failing to learn new tricks? Practically guaranteed.

What followed was less a montage and more of the traditional Shin-Zetsubite chaos one could expect. Yangchenia were a big deal after all, they had a style that separated them apart from the rest of the pack. While the Alter Ego AIs stated that a team of dogs also worked positionless (albeit all the time positionless), the Blazing Dragons were unique among the expanded field. Their style leaned heavily on the martial arts. If there was any weakness, any sort of despair to be found in this team of identical looking women, it was adapting to wholy unique playstyles. Commentators in Wickersom stated that Super Earth could give Shin-Zetsubo a hard time should they face each other in knockouts, but Yangchenia were the real test. Canamn and Rí­o de La Plata were warmups, showcases of what this team clad in red could do at their full potential.

It was at this point that one Alter Ego system, belonging to Journee Johnson. Her scream echoed through the pitch like a siren. "WHAAAAAAAT? What do you mean there's a kit clash?"

Emoran went up to the "defender" and had a look at Alter Ego's response. It read:

"Unfortunately, due to the clash in kit colors for both Shin-Zetsubo and Yangchenia, I would highly advise Shin-Zetsubo to adopt an away kit for this match."

Caught red handed. Only one set of kits, one batch of Monocoins burned on the most basic of football essentials, was enough to last them two matches. A solution had to be found quick, and one other member of the squad answered the call. Jocelin Lyon herself, one of the more "neutral" member of this rabid pack of girls.

"The best solution should be... Us wearing our normal outfits! Red skirt, black cardigan, black and white tie-"

"No black and white ties," Emoran interrupted, pulling up a little notebook she had saved just for this occasion. "I think the Farf public would find us wearing our ties to be... Distracting. That it could affect the game for us in an unfair way."

"Okay then, no tie it is." Lyon went back to practicing tackling with... A modicum of success, all while Good went away for a good five minutes to just put on her normal clothes - Red socks and cleats included. The rest of the squad were so impressed by the look that they all changed into this outfit almost immediately afterwards. What was once 23 women in red kits was now 23 women wearing identical outfits, just without a signature feature. If anybody from Shin-Zetsubo was watching (hardly any by this point), they'd recognize this group instantly.

But alas, just a change in outfit wasn't going to win them a football game. There was still the problem of the Blazing Dragons ahead, after all. So off the despairful women went, trying to adapt, trying to change, all for despair to win in the end and lead to them producing their signature style on that pitch once more. Maybe the illusion of progress would be enough to see off their foes. Maybe. Only time will tell.

[Bonusia]

FRIENDLIES

INDUSSE 4-1 BONUSIA
^{G. Grundjee 23' 39', D. Hazle 62', T. Bashir 81' // I. Pedra 50'}

BONUSIA 2-4 CALGASIA
^{J. Ramon 11', A. Cea 80' // J. Novák 4', G. Renner 41', M. Bohren 55', Z. Urbánková 89'}

CALGASIA 2-0 BONUSIA
^{Z. Mosser 47', C. Cieszyn 71'}

MEIA-ARMADOREN 1-0 BONUSIA
^{A. Júnior 69'}

COERCIA 4-2 BONUSIA
^{D. Trumpus 23' 31', J. Jensen 47' 69' // A. Cea 8', B. Formiga 83'}

---

BoF 87 SCHEDULE
Group 8

Matchday 1 - SEEBERG 0-1 BONUSIA
^{I. Pedra 79'}
@ Albert III Memorial Stadium, Dodoma, Bunyoro, Banija

Matchday 2 - NOVA DACKIANS 0-7 BONUSIA
^{A. Cea 15' 29' 70', A. Poveda 37', P. Miró 53', D. Banach 86', I. Pedra 90+3'}
@ BCEL Stadium, Jinja City, Hangaza, Banija

Matchday 3 - BONUSIA vs TORNADICO
@ Lwanga City Arena, Lwanga, Buganda, Banija

...And there's no time for more! What an amazing game from the Black Star, who walked over a Nova Dackian squad that, to be honest with you Maria, was almost like it just wasn't there. Aitor Cea, author of no less than a hattrick, has been elected as the match MVP. With this win, Bonusia has assured itself the group's top place and a spot in the Round of 64! The Bonusians here in Jinja City are probably grateful that they came all the way here. They are enjoying, there are jumping, they are shouting, they are chanting! It's a festival here in the depths of Banija! Nova Dackians 0, Bonusia 7!

The lord works in mysterious ways, that's something I can assure you. Today, in a foreign land, he decided to gift us with his blessing. We were applauded, we were praised, we were adored, and our will was done on the pitch. In a way, this is probably how close mere mortals can get to the divine. Yet, in this moment of exaltation and euphoria, others would ignore this generous gift our Lord has presented to us, and instead they would praise themselves and become self absorbed, thus falling into the trap of Satan, who leads them eventually to pride and vanity. Instead, I chose the path of humility. For I am no more than a mere subject of God, equal to every other being in his eyes. I am no more nor less subject than any member of the Nova Dackian squad. So, as I grasp this reality, I take the opportunity to thank our Lord appropiately, and I build my relationship with Him.

Gràcies, Jesús, per l’aire que respiro,
per l’aigua, els aliments;
pels estels i les postes de sol,
per la mar i les muntanyes,
per les flors i el cant dels ocells.

Gràcies per la família,
per les persones que ens escolten i acullen,
per la música i la poesia.

Gràcies per la fe en Tu,
per la nostra Bona Mare.

Gràcies pels sagraments,
celebracions del teu encontre.

Gràcies per les teves paraules de l’Evangeli,
perquè has vingut a nosaltres
i t’has fet un de nosaltres:
comprensiu, proper, sense egoismes.

Gràcies perquè has sofert
i has donat la vida pels homes.
Perquè estàs, dia rere dia,
viu i actuant en el nostre món.
Gràcies, Senyor!

Thank you, Jesus, for the air I breathe,
for the water, for the food;
for the stars and the sunsets,
for the sea and the mountains,
for the flowers and the chant of the birds.

Thank you for the family,
for the people who listen and welcome us,
for music and poetry.

Thank you for your faith in you,
For our Good Mother.

Thank you for the sacraments,
Celebrations of your encounter.

Thank you for your words of the Gospel,
Because you came to us
And you've made yourself one of us:
understanding, close, without selfishness.

Thank you because you suffered
And you gave your life for men.
Because you are, day after day,
living and performing in our world.
Thank you, Lord!

*Translation done with AI and corrected by me

After that productive talk with God, alas it was the time to work on my own inner peace, with some old fashioned meditation and inner dialogue. These few days we've been at the foreign lands, although good, have not been the quieter. Certainly less quiet than my days in old Auguriada. People here in Banija share my devotion for our Lord and Saviour, but they have a different view of who God is and how we should worship Him in the things we do everyday. Luckily I found a Catholic community where I can share my faith with other followers of God and the Pope. God gave me his strength, if I stand alongside Him I will never succumb, no mat-

- Dio, my man! What a goal today, you are the best!... Dude, what are you doing?

- I'm trying to pray and work on my inner self here.

- Well, listen up: Itziar, Aitor, Antonieta, Obiols, Rojo and yours truly; myself, are going out clubbing tonight! We're recruiting people. We're going to dance, get wasted and hopefully I get back to the hotel with some cutie. What do you think?

- WHAT? Oh God give me strength and help me control my wrath, because it's being difficult to me right now.

- What?

- Listen up, Morad, I won't partake in such devious activities. I already told you that I am a man of God, and as such I want to nurture my relationship with God, not destroy it.

- Come on man! You're always praying, you can live with god or whatever later. Loosen up a little, have some fun.

- I'm sorry Morad, but I decline. May God have mercy on your sinful soul.

- Okay dude, whatever...

Alas, Yonatan left my room and I could return to my meditations. He sometimes gets on my nerves, but I know that in the end he's just a deeply lost soul. I'll include all iof them younsters in my prayers later...

[Biyambi]

The Journey: Ngwazi Strikers

Episode 1: Amangwazi- The Rise & Fall Part 2

Voice Over:
“After 12 years of tears, Jimmy Cool’s Ngwazi Strikers had finally reached the land of milk & honey, reclaiming their divine right as rulers of Biyambian football. The following next two seasons would see the Royals win their third & fourth Ngwazi’s Cup whilst challenging and finishing third in the 1990-91 season. The club was seemed destined for greatness but as our ancestor warned, one cannot build a palace on sinking sand. And Jimmy Cool had built his palace on sinking sand.”

(Drumbeat, typewriter clicks & newspaper headlines spin onto the screen one by one:

JIMMY NOT COOL NO MORE! ROYALS OWNER EXPOSED IN ₴16 MILLION BICOB FRAUD!

MONEY, MISTRESS AND MAYHEM: JIMMY COOL’S AFFAIR WITH PLAYER’S WIFE ROCKS NGWAZI STRIKERS!

FROM PITCH TO PILLOW: ROYALS BOSS & STAR’S WIFE IN SECRET ROMANCE!)

Interview-Francis Chavula (Former player & Manager of Ngwazi Strikers):
“When the papers came out …."

(sigh)

"The next morning, I could not believe what I was reading. Was this really about the same Jimmy we knew, the man we had not only trusted to lead us but also gave him our hearts and spirits. I was…. really, really shocked that he had been stealing money from Biyambi Commercial Bank."

(shaking his head, voice lowering)

"You know what hurt more, what was so heart-breaking. It is the affair between Anita and Jimmy. Anita was our captain Chikumbutso Rooney’s wife. Chikumbutso was such a kind hearted and loyal man, the most loyal man I had ever played with. A quite leader, a family man. He loved Anita and greatly loved & respected Jimmy. He loved little Georgie too, adored him. So, when the truth came out that Anita had been seeing Jimmy and that Georgie might not be his …… it completely destroyed him.”

(A faded photo flashes on the screen, in it there is Chikumbutso Rooney with a wide smile holding the Ngwazi’s Cup in one hand and George his son in the other, flanked on both sides by Jimmy Cool Kayira to the right and Anita Rooney to the left. All smiling)

“When Chiku found out…. He did not shout, he did not fight or show any emotion. You could see how the news had sacked the life out of him."

(tears falling down and his voice cracks)

"We lost him a few days later…. the betrayal from two of people he loved the most broke him. It broke us all really. "

(The screen fades to a photo of Chikumbutso, arms around his son, as soft music plays in the background, words slowing move up the screen: REST IN GLORY CHIKUMBUTSO ROONEY.)

Voice Over:
“Jimmy Cool Kayira had worked hard for his dreams to come true and indeed they had but the foundation of his dreams had built on deceit and betrayal.

Jimmy Cool had two lovers Anita Rooney and Lillian Kamanga. These two women worked at Biyambi Commercial Bank. Jimmy used them to move money to various accounts. It was this fraudulent operation that had financed Ngwazi Strikers’ success.

Following the revelation Anita and Lillian were arrested, Jimmy Cool escaped to South Palm Island where a few weeks later he would be arrested for an attempt to defraud an old heiress.
As for Ngwazi Strikers, Biyambi Commercial Bank acquired them and would remain in charge until recently.”

[United States Of Alpha]

Matchday 3: United States of Alpha vs. Solarampa

in the backrooms locker room, where the Bloxxers are right now . . .

JustBry4:) : Okay everybody, time to beat some literal solar panels.

EVERYONE ELSE: YEAH LET'S GET IT ON!!!!

JustBry4:) : But first, a pep talk.

Ooficial Oofer: Awwww COME ONNN!!!

NotJustBry4: But aren't pep talks good?

JustBry4:) : Remember, those socialists who said we would never be good at soccer, let alone RP.

Xkcd Fan: Yeah, socialism never works. Stupid jerks always thinking they're better than everyone else just because everyone else is capitalist. We have an economy in the top percentile and they still hate us!

JustBry4:) : Yeah right right right. But today, those loser B-lists shall look at us now and we shall say "Go suck on a hammer and a sickle!"

ALL: YEAH!

JustBry4:) : And we shall show the world that an atheist country can win the Baptism of Fire!!

BadAtGames: And get stoned afterwards?

ALL: HELL YEAHHHHH!

JustBry4:) : Now let's DO THIS . . .

ALL: FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE FREEDOM!!! 1, 2, 3 BLOXXERS!!!!!!

Battle for Group 9+10: USα vs. Solarampa coming live to you from Whitetail, Equestrian States!!


(really quick 4th wall break here, damn you typos)(and factual errors)

[Solarampa]

Solarampa 3–0 Orcuo

Total domination.

The match between Solarampa and Orcuo should have been a close one, Solarampa's heavily defensive strategy to Orcuo's polar opposite offensive barrage. To the utter dismay of Orcuo and to the absolute glee of Solarampa's fans, it was complete domination for Solarampa for all 90 minutes on the field. From the start of the match, it was clear that Solarampa's defense was a brick wall, despite Orcuo having roughly 60 minutes of total possession compared to the 34 minutes of Solarampa. The first half of the match was boring to say the least, Solarampa let the Orcuo players control the ball, but in reality, Solarampa controlled the tempo of the match, wearing down the physical and mental stamina of the opposing players until halftime came around.

Once the 2nd half began, Solarampa switched from their traditional defensive stance to a slightly more aggressive strategy, wanting to try and utilize the mistakes of Orcuo's players to then attack the goal. The strategy worked wonderfully, with the first goal coming in at the 52nd minute after #8 Joshua Dean made an excellent pass to #10 Spencer Day who then passed it to #9 Lucian Sutton who, at that point was nearly unnoticed by Orcuo's defenders, and scored with a strong header into the goal. With momentum on their side, the next goal came soon after in the 60th minute, after the Orcuo squad overplayed during one of their offensives, allowing for #10 Spencer Day to steal the ball and go virtually unopposed to Orcuo's goal. With a powerful kick, Spencer Day scored the 2nd goal and gave Solarampa a decisive advantage heading into the final 25 minutes of the match. After a handful of substitutions, including #15 Martin Tomek Jr, the match seemed to be in a lull, Solarampa played increasingly defensive to just end the game as it was. However, during the 91st minute, substitute #20 Phoenix Brooks stole the ball and passed it to #19 Wilfred Sharp who then scored to truly put the game away. With the whistle being blown after the 95th minute, the game was over a Solarampa was extremely close to securing a spot in the knockout stage.

Solarampan Goal Scorers
#9 Lucian Sutton- 52'
#10 Spencer Day- 60'
#19 Wilfred Sharp- 90+1'

Fans celebrated in Equestria; it was a weird experience for the many citizens of Solarampa who couldn't fathom what they have seen in the past few days. Cloudsdale was an experience, the fans and the team couldn't comprehend how a bracelet out of all things allowed them to walk on clouds. The non-human residents of Equestria were a sight to behold of, a few Solarampan citizens were staring too long at the equestrian and avian citizens. Somehow the general magic aspect, other than that bracelet, weren't as "magical" to the people, back home, there was some magic that was used, primarily fire related. However, the magic back home is considerably weaker compared to Equestrian magic, it was a spectacle to see magic being performed at such high levels like it was nothing to the average Equestrian citizen. After the victory of Solarampa, the mood was amazing among the team and fans, who went out and explored Cloudsdale, wanting to experience the areas culture and entertainment more than they already have. One more match will decide the future of Solarampan soccer in the Baptism of Fire, and they believe they will win decisively.

[Soviet Kem]

Group 2 Matchday 3 - Soviet Kem vs. United Arabian Emirate

3-2-2-1-2 Formation
Starting XI

GK 6 Zoinski
CB 58 Kenidky
LCB 19 Gente
RCB 17 Jent
LDM 15 Fendski
RDM 11 Hedzinski
LCM 10 Putanik (Captain)
RCM 56 Genish II
SS 29 Gligimesh
LST 23 Nort
RST 20 Fengski

"After our 3-1 win against The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids, we believe that our tactics are working, and we are looking to get another victory against the United Arabian Emirate in matchday three. The boys are hungry for our next match to be a win. So, we will be training with more vigor as our opponent will be fighting to possibly get into the top two in the group. We will be fighting as well though, we need at least a draw to continue to the next round of the BoF, but we will be trying for that top spot and to win all three games in our first official international competition. However, we should come out on top with our more defensive play, but as we all know the future is unknown. All I will say is that the boys will be training like hell before matchday three, and we will respect our opponents as without respect there is no game." Head Coach/Manager Ken Stavisk said during a press conference before matchday three against United Arabian Emirate.

[Snestar]

Group 17 Matchday 3 - Snestar vs Alixe

4-3-3 Formation
GK 1 Federico Calvaresi (Captain)
LB 3 Alberto Migliaccio
CB 4 Vittorio Gallerani
CB 20 Sebastiano Balestri
RB 15 Simone Ramella
CDM 6 Davide Scognamiglio
LM 24 Bioty Cisse
RM 13 Fabio de Filippi
CAM 8 Nicola Acanfora
ST 7 Giacomo Martinelli
ST 9 Leonardo de Martino

The already qualified Snestaryan national team seems to have chosen a more relaxed attitude, in preparation for their upcoming match against Alixe. Camilla Arentas was visibly delighted during the press conference, stating that she wanted to give some fringe players an opportunity to shine. The press has also interviewed Elisa Baldriga, a young player for Arentas Women who did not make the squad due to the Snestaryan Football Federation being indecisive:

"I’ll admit, not participating in the Baptism of Fire has angered me quite a bit, honestly. Traditionally Snestar has always had the national team split into men and women, but this tournament was the perfect opportunity to change things up. The SFF can eat my shiny… Am I allowed to say it? No? Wow, I guess freedom of speech no longer exists here… Joking, of course. SFF, please don’t smite me. Anyway, as I was saying, I really hate having to watch the match from the stands instead of being there on the pitch. It could have been a great opportunity to show what we girls are capable of. Sadly, we’re going to wait until the 100th World Cup to make the national team, but Camilla Arentas is going to do everything in her power to make us play for her.

When I was 17, I actually played with Camilla Arentas for one season, for Arentas. Talk about nepotism… Anyway, during the 2021 Coppa Libertas, we were tied 1-1 against the men’s Dandelicha Continental during extra time, and Camilla was practically screaming at our manager to sub some young and fresh people in to avoid penalties. So in the end, the coach chose to send me into the pitch. And guess what happened? I scored two minutes before the final whistle! I was so fired up that I took off my shirt and held it up in the air for everyone to see. I had the number 27 at the time, but that photo made headlines all around Snestar. At the time it was a huge deal, since it was the first time a women’s team had won the Libertas Cup since its creation in 1995. Then all of a sudden, women’s football in Snestar skyrocketed in popularity, and now… I start for Lavenya, wearing my signature 27…! Honestly, this is what I live for. I want football to be accessible to everyone, regardless of who they are."

[Hanalia]

Laughter

"Hello" Justine Long entered the 'Laughter Lounge' comedy club and handed over a few bits to the pony at the booth "Entry for one please?"

"Ha ha ha, Welcome! Please go on through, you'll be directed to you seat."

"Ha ha ha, thank-you?" Justine was puzzled at the little chuckle she'd let out. Yes it was a comedy club but that was a very regular transaction that had nothing comical about it. Unusual, yes, in that there was a human in conversation with a pony but here in Equestria that was nothing out of the ordinary nor for Justine who had just about seen it all on her multiversal travels.

She reached out and pushed aside the curtain that was hanging in the doorway to reveal an intimate venue. The stage was set up against the opposite wall, there was a pit of sorts in front of it, down a step or two from floor level. Around the other three walls of the room was also a raised platform, again only a step or two but it made every seat in the house a good seat for a view of the performers. The seats were arranged across all three levels in groups of various sizes and some around tables.

"Ha ha ha. How many?" enquired the host

"Ha ha ha. Just one"

"Ha ha ha. Would you like company or prefer alone?"

"Ha ha ha. Oh company definitely." The chuckling was still odd and she couldn't quite figure out what was going on but she just rolled with it.

"Ha ha ha. Follow me please" The host led her over to a table on the raised section that was side on to the stage. Justine was thankful that she hadn't been put down in the front row but with this setup the comedians could take aim at anyone in the room.

"Ha ha ha. Please" gesturing to the trio already seated here "your companions for tonight. Can I get you a drink?"

"Ha ha ha. Hard cider please" knowing this to be the drink of choice here in Equestria. Turning to those already seated an by way of introduction, "Ha ha ha. I'm Justine, nice to meet you"

She learned that her tablemates were a local Equestrian couple from here in Cloudsdale who regularly attended the Laughter Lounge and were particularly excited for the second comedian who they had seen on a number of other occasions. The other member of their little group was a visitor from Konstantino in town for the Baptism of Fire tournament. It was from them that Justine learned that Hanalia were to play Dixie Florida here in the Sky-High Coliseum and that their tournament had got of to a good start, wining the opening matches and already qualifying for the next round.

The conversation had proceeded, punctuated with giggles and chuckles involuntarily as each began to speak. "Ha ha ha. So what's up with this laughing thing that I can't seem to stop since I walked in here?" Justine asked of the locals.

"Ha ha ha. No one is quite sure why that happens. Some say that this is a magic put on this place to make it more successful and set the performers of on the correct hoof. Others believe that this place has been so full of laughter that it has seeped into the walls and essence of this venue and it is so saturated it leeks out like this in all who enter. Again some think it's more to do with the cider. Whatever the reason, it puts everyone in a better mood no matter how they're feeling when they arrive."

With that the lights dimmed and the first comedian jumped up onto the stage, "Ha ha ha. Hello!" and the room erupted in a cacophony of laughter.

Schedule
MD1 v Nergtul @ Grand Regal Stadium, Canterlot W 2-5
MD2 v Orioni @ Stadium of the NIght, Hollow Shades W 4-3
MD3 v Dixie Florida @ Sky-high Coliseum, Cloudsdale

[Banija]

Time for the third cutoff of Baptism of Fire 87, applicable for Groups 1-10!

Welcome folks! Final group stage cutoff, scores will be edited in here shortly after this post.

Top two in the group after this matchday advance to the KO stages. They will be bolded green. Some Third places can advance, but only some do and that is reliant on other groups, so there will be a 3rd place ranking table with Equestria's results tonight. Fourth place teams are eliminated.

RP Prompt #4: The knockout stages are upon you. How do your players deal with the nerves of an upcoming big game?

Matchday 3

Group 1
Minoptra 0–1 The Miniona Islands
Manuelian Empire 3–1 Tremosia

Group 1                  Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Manuelian Empire        3    2   1   0     7    3   +4     7
2 The Miniona Islands     3    1   1   1     6    7   −1     4*
3 Minoptra                3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4*
4 Tremosia                3    0   1   2     6    9   −3     1

*= THe Miniona Islands beat Minoptra, 1-0, on MD3


Group 2
Soviet Kem 1–0 United Arabian Emirate
Mystris 3–0 The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids

  Group 2                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Soviet Kem                             3   3  0  0    5   1  +4    9
2 Mystris                                3   2  0  1    4   1  +3    6
3 United Arabian Emirate                 3   1  0  2    3   2  +1    3
4 The Democratic Unionist Cool Kids      3   0  0  3    1   9  −8    0

Group 3
Knights of Lusitania 1–1 New Eastern Roma
Sector 18 1–1 Natot

  Group 3                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Natot                                  3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5
2 New Eastern Roma                       3   1  1  1    4   5  −1    4*
3 Sector 18                              3   1  1  1    7   5  +2    4*
4 Knights of Lusitania                   3   0  2  1    3   6  −3    2

*= New Eastern Roma beat Sector 18, 3-2, on Matchday 2

Group 4
Baman & Juket Liberationists 0–2 Windows 7 Bliss
Travanta 3–0 Jaoaa

  Group 4                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Travanta                               3   3  0  0    7   0  +7    9
2 Windows 7 Bliss                        3   1  0  2    2   2   0    3*
3 Baman & Juket Liberationists           3   1  0  2    3   6  −3    3*
4 Jaoaa                                  3   1  0  2    2   6  −4    3*

*= All three tied teams beat each other, so the next tiebreaker was goal difference, which separates all three teams.

Group 5
Chemicala 0–0 Annestah
Phoenicia 0–0 Armeriea

  Group 5                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Armeriea                               3   1  2  0    3   2  +1    5
2 Annestah                               3   1  1  1    4   4   0    4*
3 Phoenicia                              3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4*
4 Chemicala                              3   0  2  1    3   4  −1    2

*= First tiebreaker is H2H, and Annestah beat Phoenicia, 3–2, on MD2

Group 6
The Batavia 2–1 Skyberius
Santira 4–0 The Knockout Gun Gals

  Group 6                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Batavia                            3   2  1  0    9   6  +3    7
2 Santira                                3   1  2  0    8   4  +4    5
3 Skyberius                              3   1  1  1    6   6   0    4
4 The Knockout Gun Gals                  3   0  0  3    5  12  −7    0

Group 7
Very Totally Free 1–4 Saint Lazarus
Bruinswik 1–0 Choppyhausen

  Group 7                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Choppyhausen                           3   2  0  1    7   3  +4    6*
2 Saint Lazarus                          3   2  0  1    7   4  +3    6*
3 Bruinswik                              3   2  0  1    3   2  +1    6*
4 Very Totally Free                      3   0  0  3    2  10  −8    0

*= First tiebreaker is H2H, but each of the top 3 teams beat each other once. Second is goal difference, which is enough to separate the teams.

Group 8
Seeberg 4–0 Nova Dackians
Bonusia 5–3 Tornadico

  Group 8                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Bonusia                                3   3  0  0   13   3 +10    9
2 Seeberg                                3   2  0  1    7   2  +5    6
3 Nova Dackians                          3   1  0  2    1  11 −10    3
4 Tornadico                              3   0  0  3    4   9  −5    0

Group 9
Montagne Noire 5–1 Aethelia
Burg Land 0–1 Ziotah & Riverside

  Group 9                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Montagne Noire                         3   2  1  0    9   4  +5    7
2 Ziotah & Riverside                     3   2  1  0    4   0  +4    7
3 Burg Land                              3   0  1  2    5   7  −2    1
4 Aethelia                               3   0  1  2    3  10  −7    1

Group 10
Behh 2–1 Francanada
Riandera 6–0 AJTON

  Group 10                             Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Riandera                               3   3  0  0    9   1  +8    9
2 AJTON                                  3   2  0  1    5   8  −3    6
3 Behh                                   3   1  0  2    4   5  −1    3
4 Francanada                             3   0  0  3    2   6  −4    0

[Konstantino]

FFDK Logo. Acronym in Portuguese.
Konstantino Football & Sports Federation

(Short post now)

The tension is up there in the locker room. Victory is essential; for direct classification, almost impossible, and for indirect, in which we have the greatest chance.
But in the stands, Konstantino's seats crowded: independent fans and the KH (Konstantino Hurricanes, the organized fans) filling the stadium, and when the team enters, they formed a colossal mosaic with Konstantino's flag, provided by the FFDK.
KH's "band" will play Konstantino's national anthem at the time of the team's entrance and sing the songs during the game. The expectation is high.

KONSTANTINO, YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!

[Bull Sheet]

Bull Sheet 2 - 0 Porotia
Thalmann 25', 79' |

I was sitting in the stands, late one night
When my eyes beheld an awesome sight
For the Bulls on the pitch, began to score
And suddenly, feelings were sore

They beat the fash, they blanked the boring fash
(The boring fash), it was a football smash
(They beat the fash), the fans began to thrash
(They beat the fash), they blanked the boring fash

From my hotel room, all of it on a cloud
(Wa-ooh) To the stadium, cheering was quite loud
(Wa-wa-ooh) The Bulls all came from their hidey-holes
(Wa-ooh) To let the crowd see some great goals

They beat the fash, they blanked the boring fash
(The boring fash), it was a football smash
(They beat the fash), the fans began to thrash
(They beat the fash), they blanked the boring fash

The ponies were having fun
(Ta-da-shoop, wa-ooh) The football had just been won
(Ta-da-shoop, wa-ooh) The goals were scored by Thalmann
(Ta-da-shoop, wa-ooh) Porotia had scored none

The team was rockin', all Bulls played with pizzazz
(Wa-ooh) Post-match saw ponies performing jazz
(Wa-wa-ooh) Miller's bandmates were about to arrive
(Wa-ooh) With their football group, the Ball-Kicker Five

They played the fash, they played the boring fash
(The boring fash), it was a football smash
(They played the fash), the fans began to thrash
(They played the fash), they played the boring fash

Out from Discord, an oldie's voice did ring
(Wa-ooh) Seems he was troubled by just one thing
(Wa-wa-ooh) He sent a message with a shaking fist and said
(Wa-ooh) "Whatever happened to my newbie who's pissed?"

They're now the fash, they're now the boring fash
(The boring fash), and they're quite easy to bash
(They're now the fash), I hope this trend will crash
(They're now the fash), they're now the boring fash

Now everything's cool, Children's part of the band
(Wa-ooh) and defeating fash is the hit of the land
(Wa-wa-ooh) For you, still playing, this bash was meant too
(Wa-ooh) When you beat them more, tell them Argent sent you

Then you'll beat fash, then you'll beat boring fash
(The boring fash), it is a football smash
(Then you'll beat fash), you'll catch on in a flash
(Then you'll beat fash), then you'll beat boring fash

[Stewartika]

Den Mytologiska Maneter. 11:55.

From a neutral broadcaster:

Here we are, the final matchday. Stewartika know they're going forward, but Hamborn need at least a draw for the best chance to move forward. Everything's on the line, and this atmosphere is absolutely electric. Both know the importance of this match - all that's left is to decide it.

Stewartika and Hamborn are walking out now - Stewartika in purple, Hamborn in red and yellow. Captains in front, goalies behind them, and the 9 others behind those. This is the moment. Don't change this channel, every kick of the game is coming up.

[Tristan de Cunha]

TRISTAN DE CUNHA DRAWS IN FIRST MATCH AGAINST VELESTE
BY: ERICA CORRIS

Amid the scorching heat of Szoirsia, our Potato Fielders assembled at Adar Jak Stadium this Sunday to face their first opponent in the 87th Baptism of Fire tournament, the Veleste Football Confederation. With temperatures soaring to over 40°C, conditions on the field were of great concern to the team, which had barely 48 hours to acclimate before this landmark match began. Still, our brave Potato Fielders acquitted themselves admirably, managing to hold on to a 1-1 draw against withering attacks from the Veleste team.

Play opened quite well for the Potato Fielders, with the Veleste squad appearing sluggish and disjointed in the beating Szoirsian sun. In minute '3, a brilliant steal by #6 Schuyten left the disjointed Veleste defenders open to attack and setting up a minute '4 cross from #10 Patel to #19 Zhang, dramatically scoring in hist first-ever international shot on goal! With the score 1-0, the invigorated Potato Fielders seemed to push up the tempo, aggressively contesting the midfield and managing another six shots (one on-goal) before the Veleste side seemed to stabilize and play shifted back towards the midfield around minute '14.

After this dramatic opening burst, our players quickly started to tire in the scorching heat. The Veleste team answered with a dramatic attack in minute '23, managing to push past defenders #2 Dunbar and #5 Brown to get their first shot on goal. While this first shot was deflected by #1 Channing, more came in rapid succession and in minute '25, Veleste striker #9 Garoto found his way past the net, leaving the score tied 1-1. For the remainder of the first period, the Potato Fielders were held on the defensive, struggling doggedly to contain a Veleste offense rejuvenated by their first goal, and #1 Channing narrowly managed several more saves against frequent shots and corner kicks. There was a brief rally after our first substitution, in minute '38, when #26 Glass replaced a flagging #6 Schuyten to bolster the midfield, but even this change only brought a single opportunity shot by #7 Millet at minute '40, which went wide of goal. The period ended with scores at 1-1, with the Veleste team decisively leading in possession percentage and shots on goal.

The second period opened with another spurt of aggressive play from the Tristanian side, managing several shots in the first few minutes, including a shot on goal by #9 O'Connor which was narrowly saved by the Veleste goalie in minute '51. Once again, however, our Potato Fielders seemed to soon lag under the beating sun and the Veleste side quickly regained control and began to push play back towards the Tristanian goal. Coach O'Toole began watching closely for players suffering under the difficult conditions, and began a series of strategic substitutions after minute '60, first swapping #2 Dunbar for #16 Dubois, then #3 Murphy for #15 Thomas at minute '64 and #7 Millet for #18 Smith at minute '69. While this helped bring fresh energy into the defense, the Veleste squad continued to push the play towards our goal and #1 Channing was clearly struggling under the assault. Finally, in minute '73, the decision was made to shift to a 1-5-4 formation and #19 Zhang was pulled back to the midfield.

This shift helped to finally stabilize the defense, and the Potato Fielders began pushing play back into the midfield and giving their hard-pressed goalkeeper a reprieve. Shortly after, at minute '79, #19 Zhang was replaced by the fresh #29 Jones. The fresh energy enabled one final shot on goal, taken by #10 Patel on minute '81 but deflected by a Veleste defender. In the ensuing corner kick, the exhausted Patel hesitated for over 20 seconds, resulting in a verbal warning by the referee. After yelling back in protest, he was given a yellow card for delaying the restart of play on minute '82. After this reprimand, play resumed with the Veleste squad managing an aggressive counterattack and two final shots on goal in minutes '87 and '88. After the contest moved back to a midfield back and forth, play finally ended after three minutes of extra time. The Potato Fielders had barely managed to hold on to the draw, thanks in no small part to #1 Dylan Channing, who ended the match with an incredible 31 saves.

[Ziotah and Riverside]

Ziotah and Riverside advances from the Group Stage of the 87th Baptism of Fire!

Ziotah and Riverside fans celebrated in Banija's streets as the "Blue Jays" defeated Burg Land 1-0 and secured their place in the next stage of the tournament. Rieko Savea secured the win with a wonderful goal after getting a 1v1 opportunity against Burg Land's goalkeeper in the 67th minute. Burg Land put up a stout effort and stifled Ziotah and Riverside's counterpress by playing a deep block and forcing Ziotah and Riverside to play with possession. The victory was a massive boost for the team after a disappointing draw against Montagne Noire. Earlier in the group stage, Ziotah and Riverside got things off to an impressive start with a 3-0 win over Aethelia. The scorers in the game included Eric McKenzie (47'), Wallace Anoa'a (54'), and Rieko Savea (72'). Gerry Durrie and Franklin Mascardo commanded the midfield and shut down the Aethelian game plan. Ziotah and Riverside remain undefeated in the tournament, having kept a clean sheet in all three games thanks to the splendid efforts of Thomas Collin and the defensive duo of Michael Kohler and Bryan Terry.

Going into the next round, the Ziotah and Riverside players will have to deal with their nerves as the big stage awaits them for the first time since the early 2000s. The long wait is over for Ziotah and Riverside's passionate fans, but will the team find a way to navigate new territory after decades of absence from the international stage? Rieko Savea thinks the team is more than capable of meeting the moment, commenting to the Lindon News-Tribune that "there is a belief in the team that we can go very far, and nothing is impossible. Obviously, it's all very new to us, even to the older players, but we have to trust our game plan and our own talent." Nick Churchill, Ziotah and Riverside's legendary player, was seen in the stands during all three games, and his presence will surely inspire the players going forward.

Many observers in Banija, including journalists and rival fans, have commended Eric Taylor for the impressive showing from Ziotah and Riverside. The high-pressing Blue Jays have been entertainers in the tournament, and there is no question about their effort in all three games. Many think Rieko Savea could be building a decent case as a star player in the tournament.