Baptism of Fire 87 - Everything Thread

[Choppyhausen]

Broadcasting Service Choppyhausen
Baptism of Fire 87 - Interview

---

Group 7 - Matchday 3

Mynda – On the third matchday of this 87th Baptism of Fire, Choppyhausen's winning streak was broken through a 1-0 loss against Bruinswik. The Broadcasting Service Choppyhausen has interviewed national head coach Harmon Merrit.

BSC: Mr. Merrit, can you tell us how you are feeling after this 1-0-loss against Bruinswik? Disappointed?

Merrit: I’m definitely not ecstatic about today’s game but disappointment isn’t the major thing that’s currently on my mind. We managed to get to the knock-out stage for the first time in Choppyhausen’s history, I don’t think you should call that disappointing. We’re at the top of our group and while it got a bit closer than I wished for I don’t think getting first is what you call disappointing.

Do you think today’s loss has something to do with the many changes you made to the starting eleven?

The changes have definitely contributed to the result, yes. Not because I think that any of the players that started today are at all worse than the starting lineup from the last games but because it disrupted the flow that we had for the first two games of the tournament. But in the end, I had to make some changes. The schedule for the Baptism of Fire is quite harsh and I need everyone ready for the upcoming games in the knock-out stage. My players might be above average – or way above average athletes but they are still humans who need rest from time to time.

You mentioned upcoming games – with a plural -s. Do you think Choppyhausen will still participate in several games this tournament?

Yes. If we are able to play as we played in the last two games we have good chances to reach quite far into this tournament. Yangchenia will not be an easy opponent, don’t get me wrong. Yes, they only managed to get four points in the group stage but they have a strong fighting spirit and we’re now in the knock-out stage. How you got here doesn’t really matter as long as you win your games from now on. You can win the Baptism of Fire and nobody will care how many points you got in the first three matches. We know that and they know that too. But I think Choppyhausen is able to beat Yangchenia, yes.

Can you tell us what your plans will be for the game in Everfree? Who will be your most important players?

I’m not gonna tell you my secret plan, this is a public interview, they can watch this in Yangchenia, too. laughs We have obviously studied the way Yangchenia plays and I’m fairly certain we have found ways to counter their playing style. But I’m not gonna announce those here. As for my favorite player, it’s like picking your favorite child, they’re all great. But if you want an answer, statistics might help you. Jule [Corte] has scored three goals in three games so far that seems pretty important. Luke[son] and Til [Lampe] also managed to get two scorer point so far. But if those are gonna be the most important players in Everfree? You will see...

Thank you for the interview Mr. Merrit and good luck in Equestria!

[Orcuo]

Transcript Recover, Broadcast HK89, Loading…

> Vice "Good evening Orcuo, I am your host Vice Thrumproy with Local-27. A spectacular victory for the national soccer team as after a fierce battle with the Shizuna Rem Misurugi team, coming out on top in a landslide 3-2 victory. Kacey Jones with more."

*flashy screen transition*

> Kacey "That’s right, Vice. Our brave soccerers in black and red managed to secure the victory yesterday. I’m standing here at a press conference with John Pierce to see what he has to say about the game…"

> John "It was a good game yesterday. Our adversaries were…"

*John blinks whilst trying to read from the note cards offscreen*

"…formidable… but in the end, superior Orcuoian training and strategy prevailed."

> Random Reporter "After suffering from two consecutive losses, what do you think happened that helped to give our brave players the push they needed to win?"

> John "Our hard work and training ensured our victory. Had our team not pushed themselves to their limits during our training sessions beforehand, I don’t think we would’ve-"

*Brock Norman comes running out, naked*

> Brock "YEAAAAH! THIS STUFF MAKES ME FEEL INVISIBLE! WOOOOH~"

> Kacey "what the…"
> John "…go to black, GO TO BLAC-"

*a blast of static covers the screen before cutting back to Vice*

> Vice "…ok…let’s go to our reporter on the ground, Brian Northfields, for some interviews!"

*another flashy screen transition*

> Brian "Yes, hi Roy. Me and my team have went all across Orcuo interviewing average citizens, here are our best clips."

*another another flashy screen transition*

> Brian "Hi, I’m Brian Northfields. What do you think about the game last night?"

> Homeless Junkie "Wha~ oh… yeah I thought it was pretty cool man. They really…really really really…. Really wiped their butts last night—so freaking cool. Uh hey, you got a dollar? I need a soda. I can’t drink the water, they put something in it…to… to make you forget~

*the junkie falls over onto the side of a dumpster*

*cuts to next clip*

> Brian "Hi, I’m Brian Northfields. What do you think about the game last night?"

> Plantation Owner "I’m very proud of our team last night. You know, I used to be somewhat of a soccer player myself…"

*an enslaved fae walks up*

> Enslaved Fae "Sir, please, the crops will not grow, they are too dry!"

> Plantation Owner "THEN WATER THEM WITH YOUR SWEAT AND TEARS! Uhh, *clears throat*, anyway yeah, I used to be the team Captain of the local buccaneers team back in high school. Oh, those were the good ol’ days… I think our team did very good last night and I’ll say that I am proud to share the same nation as them."

*cuts to the live feed*

> Brian "And here, we have one more guest who very strongly insisted we interview him! So sir, what do you think about the game last night?"

> ??? "…"

> Brian "Um, sir?"

> ??? "…"

> Brian "You ok?-"

> ??? "C̸̜̪̟͖͚̒̌̂ͅA̴̤͓̤͗͗͝E̶̡̼͂̈͆́ͅD̶̼͖̹̻͖̉͜Ė̵̩̜̩̮̖̞͋̏̒S̴̥͕̳͋ ̴̦͔̙̘̤̌̀́͆͘̕P̵̡̣̭̍̈̓̓̇E̸̲̜̮̺͋̐́̓̑͝Ȓ̸̳̻̼̈́̇Ṕ̷̗̺̰̩̤̀̈́̇͝E̶̺͉̖̙̰͌̓̈́͑T̸̨̹̖́̀͒͑̏͂Ù̷̺̕Ȧ̶̱̝̘̚͜͝"

> Brian "WHAT THE HE-"

FOR NATIONAL SECURITY REASONS, THIS BROADCAST HAS BEEN TERMINATED

[Biyambi]

Episode 2: The Journey, Ngwazi Strikers: A New Beginning.

(The camera panes into the Ngwazi’s Park Stadium Press Room. The Press Room is packed with journalists crowded around the front table where we see microphones under the bright lights of the room. The room is filled with intensity & curiosity as camera’s flash relentlessly.
Edward Raulman walks into the room, sharply dressed in a charcoal grey suit with a Ngwazi Strikers crest pin on his lapel. He sits calmly behind the microphones. The nameplate in front of front of him reads: Edward Raulman – President, Ngwazi Strikers.
He adjusts one of the mics on the table, leans forward, and begins to speak confidently & passionately
Everyone in the room becomes mesmerized as he speaks, whispers can be heard “Are we sure he isn’t the reincarnation of Orami.”)

Edward Raulman:

“We are here to right the wrongs that previous patrons and owners of the club have committed.

We are here to make sure the club learns from its past, and becomes much, much better… an unstoppable force.

We are here to destroy all negativity, all so called curses, that have followed and hindered the club from success for far too long.

We are here to make Ngwazi Strikers not only the best in the Ziwani Isles… but also the best in all of the Mandalanusan Archipelago.

We are here to end all the dynasties dominating the Biyambian & Mandalanusan football landscape.

We are here to make Ngwazi Strikers ROYAL AGAIN!!!

(The room erupts, camera shutters click furiously as the flashes illuminate his face. Journalists fire questions left and right at him.
Edward Raulman calmly pushes his chair back, straightens his jack and tie as he rises to his feet. Without answering a single question, he gives a nod and a smile to the journalists and walks out of the Press Room.)


Voice Over:
“After 17 seasons of little to no success, the era of the Biyambi Commercial Banks (BICOB) had finally come to an end. Ngwazi Strikers was purchased by for 3 billion Silivas by the ambitious Indussean Conglomerate Raulmans’.

Raulmans’ are not strangers to the beautiful game as they have successfully managed Southbay Riviera FC of Indusse who have gone on to win 7-league championships. But the big question by the Biyambian football fraternity remains; with all this experience, can they handle the baggage that comes with the Royals?

For decades, the Royals have been both blessed and cursed by their patron & owners.

In the early days of Biyambian organised football, the club was patronised by the controversial monarch of Biyambi, Ngwazi Rame V. Ngwazi Rame V’s rule in Biyambi was quite brutal and this brutally also seeped into football as he intimidated any one opposing the Royals’ success by having referees, club officials and players tortured, families threatened or their assets seized. Under his patronage, the flourished going on to win 5 league championships, 2 Ngwazi’s Cups, and 2 Top 6 titles. Yet, this success has forever been tainted because of their association with the brutal reign of Ngwazi Rame V.

This was further exacerbated when in 1971, Royals’ fans bombed the Mansanduni Union team bus killing several key players in their prime and the legendary manager Dean Dundunza. This action greatly destroyed the club’s reputation, and to many, it has never truly recovered.

Then the Jimmy Cool era arrived, a time of glamour, charm and success. Under his ownership, the club found its spirit again after several season of mediocrity, winning 1 league championship, Two Ngwazi’s Cups, and Two Top 6 titles in just ten seasons. However, this golden period was again poisoned by scandal. It was later revealed that Jimmy had financed the club using stolen funds from Biyambi Commercial Bank, worse was the revelation that he had been having an affair with the club captain’s wife. The revelation greatly destroyed everyone’s spirit at the club including the captain, Chikumbutso Rooney who took his own life. And like Jimmy Cool’s charm, the Empire he had built at Ngwazi Strikers crumbled.

The BICOB era came after, an era defined by corporate control & tight financial control which the fans just referred to us stinginess. This supposed stinginess saw the club in the period of 17 seasons manage to only win two trophies, the Balabet Cup and the BT Top 8. In these 17 seasons the club had a handful of near misses; losing in four Top 6 finals, losing a TNB Knockout final last season, and an even heart breaking CMFA Champions League loss to their rivals Mansanduni Union.

In that same 17 seasons, Mansanduni Union, the Royals’ fiercest rival, has risen to unprecedented heights; seven league titles, Four Top 8 Plates, and two CMFA Champions League crowns. The Peoples’ Team has become a benchmark, not just in Biyambi, but also in all of Mandalanusa.

The period saw Ngwazi Strikers relocated from the Biyambian commercial city of Mandalanusa to the capital, Mrima Nlluwa. Moving into the 50,000 Ngwazi’s Park Stadium which has garnered a rather negative perception due to rumours that the stadium was built above a graveyard, giving rise to talk of a curse that explains the terrible performance by the club during the BICOB era.

Now with the bankers gone, that era, that chapter has come to an end. But can the new owners deal with all the baggage of the previous patrons and owners?
Edward Raulman the new Ngwazi Strikers President believes so.”


(The screen shows managers of the Top 8 teams who have qualified for the BT Top 8 Competition alongside their owners & Captains sited in a studio on the left side and on the right, there is a host. In the back there is a screen with a poster of the competition which has players from each of the 8 teams that have qualified for the competition.)

Carolyn Kamwendo (Zsports Presenter):
Welcome football fans to the official launch of the BT Top 8 Competition, the 2013 edition. The 52nd edition of this prestigious competition. It’s one most lucrative league cup competition in the Mandalanusan Archipelago with a cash prize of 30 million silivas (600,000 NS Dollars).

(the screen then shows highlights from last seasons BT Top 8 Final, it shows Right Back Emmanuel Kayuni heading the ball past Exildah Munsaka the Black Leopards keeper in the 118th minute to win the game. It shows the Ngwazi Strikers lifting the BT Top 8 plate.)

(The screen returns to the studio and shows Edward Raulman the President of Ngwazi Strikers speaking and Caroyln Kamwendo the host nodding along.)

Edward Raulman:
“I have kept Francis as coach because myself and board see great potential on him as manager of our beloved club. Since he took the managerial sit, Francis has worked with limited funds but has absolutely overperformed. In the five years he has been in charge, he has led to Ngwazi Strikers qualifying for the CMFA Champions League 4-times, reached 3 finals winning once against the defending CMFA Champions League I must add, and he has led the team to the quarter-finals in the CMFA Champions League. Our visions for the club align (laughs) and I must say the last time Francis Chiwaya won the Top 8, he went on to win the domestic treble the following season so I must say that we are definitely achieving that this season.”


(The screen shows last seasons BT Top 8 as Ngwazi Strikers captain, Mada Masina crosses the ball into Emmanuel Kayuni’s path. The screen switches back to the studio where we see Masina speaking)

Mada Masina (Ngwazi Strikers Captain):
“The signings are gelling well into the team. Everyone in the club is preparing very hard. Our intentions for the season are clear on what we want to achieve. Our objectives are clear for everyone and I must everyone is looking forward to start the Ziwanicell Super League season having defended the BT Top 8 plate, and hopefully we get to defend it again.”

Carolyn Kamwendo (Zsports Presenter):
“Chifundo Lenpi, Centre Mid, 36.2 million, Izek Mhango, Centre Back, 31.2 million, Lhazang Tsang Po, Right Back, 10 million, Harry Garnett, Goal Keeper, 21 million, Senniy Letaire, Right Back, Free transfer, Lothrain Vidraux, Left Winger, Free transfer, and Kevin Fischer, Centre Forward, Free transfer. Seven high quality signings for 98.4 million silivas wow that’s 3-times the prize money of the BT Top 8”

(everyone laughs in the studio)

Francis Chiwaya (Ngwazi Strikers Manager) (Jokingly):
“Actually, that’s why we want to win the BT Top 8 plate again, we want to be able to pay off the transfer fees.”

(Everyone laughs in the studio)

Voice Over:
“For so long the league championship has alluded the Royals. But after spending 1.968 million NS Dollars the club has their biggest chance this season. But before they can do that they have Biyambi’s curtain raiser, the BT Top 8, a competition for teams who finished in the top 8 positions of the league tablein the preceding season of Biyambi’s top-flight league which currently is the Ziwanicell Super League.

Can Ngwazi Strikers start the new era with a trophy?

But before they can even think of the trophy they must think of there first match against Mighty Tigers.”


(The screen shows Ngwazi Strikers’ players stretching then the words VS Mighty Tigers fade in)

VS MIGHTY TIGERS: BT TOP 8 QUARTER FINAL

(Screen shifts to the dressing room, Manager Francis Chavula is addressing the players.)

Francis Chavula:
“I want you all to forget that you won this competition last season, we have enemy that’s standing in our way. Let’s go out there and crush them. If you want to win this game play as one, communicate and avoid becoming complacent. Give it your all and give the people who pay your wages a show. LET’S GO ROYALS!


(The players sing as they walk into the tunnels)

Foster Chitimbe, TV Commentator:
“Chimzy Banda blasts on his whistle and the new season is underway, starting with the BT Top 8 our great country’s curtain raiser.”

(As the game starts, Mighty Tigers immediately control the tempo of the game. Former Royal, Charles Tembo causes problems for his former teammates as he presses high alongside his new teammates causing Ngwazi Strikers to play deep into their own half. The Royals continuously misplace their passes drawing gasps from the crowd.)

Foster Chitimbe, TV Commentator:
“The Defending champions are really struggling to find their rhythm here; Mighty Tigers are pressing with real intent... The intent to knock out the defending champions, if Ngwazi Strikers don’t wake up they might really get knocked out really quick.”

(After a quarter of an hour of Tigers dominance, the Royals seem to find their rhythm. New boy on the block, Chifundo Lenpi sparks a brilliant pass that cuts through the Tigers midfield and defence straight to Captain, Mada Masina who scoops the shot above the target.)

(Ngwazi Strikers fans stand up getting loud now)

Foster Chitimbe, TV Commentator:
“Lovely play from new man Chifundo Lenpi, what vision from the 36 million man… Masina timed his run perfectly but just couldn’t keep the shot down.”


(A few minutes later Walinase Hynym-Forzu has his first sight of goal as he turns and shoots inside the penalty area to force a spectacular save from Mighty Tigers’ Peter Macheso, the crowd roars as Macheso dives full stretch)

Foster Chitimbe, TV Commentator:
“Ohhh! That was so close from Hynym-Forzu, that’s the kind of sharpness Manager Chavula loves to see. The Tigers have been warned, the Royals are on the prowl!”

(Peter Macheso is in action again in the 35th minute after getting his finger tips to Chifundo Lenpi’s shot which threatened to find the bottom right corner)

(The Royals’ relentless pressure finally pays dividends 5 minutes later in the 40th minute, with a low cross from James Thom which new man Senniy Letaire flicked home to make it 1-0)

(The hosts lead at the break, but 10 minutes into the second-half Senniy Letaire brings down Charles Tembo in the penalty box. Tembo steps in to take the penalty and calmly puts it in the back of the net to make the game 1-1)

(The host push hard to reclaim their lead but Macheso denies them over and over again. The Royals keep searching for a goal until the regulation time but alas an extra 30 minutes is needed to settle the game.)

(Less than 150 seconds into extra time, the Royals take the lead from a James Thom tap in from a corner kick.)

(Tigers have a chance to immediately respond but are denied by a Harry Garnett save.)

(The Royals add a 3rd goal in the second half of extra time, after substitute Lothrain Vidraux lobs the ball into an empty net when Macheso comes out to close down James Thom.)

(The game ends 3-1)

Voice Over:
“With Tigers knocked out, the Royals had made it to the semi-final and now the Defending Champions of the Ziwanicell Super League stood against them and their third final in three seasons. This two-legged tie would be a replay of the final of the BT Top 8 last season in which Ngwazi Strikers came out on top but would they manage to overcome Black Leopards?


(Screen fades to black, row credits)

[OOC: Got so tired at the end, so was just rushing to end the episode. Sorry if the quality dropped off at the end.

[Solarampa]

United States of Alpha 0–1 Solarampa

Celebration.

The mood across Canterlot was festive, Solarampa had exceeded the expectations of every fan; they thought they'd make it to the Round of 64, but winning their group stage was a completely new level. Securing the tight victory against the United States of Alpha was a tough affair, but the persistence of the Solarampa defense was able to come through in the end to score a goal to put the game to rest. The match itself was a boring affair, both teams already had a high chance at moving into the Round of 64 so the number of risks taken were very little. The first half put most fans to sleep, the already defensive Solarampa squad played even more defensively, rarely ever pressing the offensive and just letting the United States of Alpha do the work. Even has the second half rolled around, not much changed, just Solarampa playing their heavy defense and waiting for the prime opportunity to strike. That opportunity came in the 72nd minute, when an error from one of the United States of Alpha players resulted in #10 Spencer Day stealing and breaking away with the ball. The shot from Day came and it was beautifully put, resulting in the momentous 1-0 lead for Solarampa. That's all they needed, for when the whistle blew, Solarampa had done it, they had moved onto the group stage and won their group.

Fans in Equestria celebrated vigorously, but maybe a bit too vigorously. Flares snuck in by fans were used, the bright yellow and red smoke could be seen from the stadium. Back home, the celebrations weren't very different, the people took to the streets celebrating this occasion despite the fact it was just Solarampa making it out of the group stage. On the balcony of the Presidential Palace, the Solar President gave an impromptu speech crediting the dedication and hard work of the national soccer team and thanked the manager for the work he has done so far. Across the nation, celebrations continued into the night, as many fans are ready to tune into the Round of 64 match, the most important match of Solarampa's soccer history.

Solarampa Game Info
#10 Spencer Day- 72'

[Atymnius]

---

---

PRESS CONFERENCE:
DĒMOS VS THE MINIONA ISLANDS

---

Different murmurs are heard by the surrounding press as they locate themselves from the ponies of Equestria to the grounds in local Banija. The field finds itself agreeable amongst the sunlight offered by the hay at Mavuto Field: light sunshine with a tinge of dewdrop. Sensing the perfect opportunity, Alexis is immediately juxtaposed by the crowds to the sea of swathing reporters. They all wear tight-wear with porcelain faces opposing the ambivalent purity of the natural surroundings of what was otherwise meant to be a serene morning.

One reporter finds himself in the thick of said seas:

Reporter: Alexis! Alexis! Do you have something to say about Tý’s lack of form the recent few games? On typical occasion, he would usually be seen making a few quick attempts in the first 25 minutes—

Alexis: Sorry to interrupt you but I think it’s best you stop there. Although Tý has not done your outrageous demands, he is still navigating the tournament just as everyone else is. Let’s please be realistic therefore because Tý performances recently were far more than average: he helped in controlling the deadweight middle of the field during our game with Bhumi Matawis Empire.

Alexis coughs a deprived man’s heart as he continues more slowly…

A: Look man… He’ll be fine.

The next reporter then barges in, stepping on toes as he gives the next round of questions:

Reporter (2): Hi Alexis! Huge fan! Just want to emphasize the wonderful performances of the Spanish Salamander once more: he has scored three goals so far. He is on a wild run. What do you hope to see from him?

Alexis: I’m very excited about Rafail’s recent performances recently and I hope he keeps maintaining that high level of consistency against The Miniona Islands as well. It’s now just a matter of seeing it through.

Reporter (2): Alright and finally we note that The Miniona Islands have not posted a roster since the beginning of the Baptism: do you think you would want to change a few rotations or tactics to counter these unforeseen circumstances?

Alexis: We will keep our current tactics as is thank you very much. I’m happy with the lads that I’ve got right now: only hoping for more of the same energy from them as we enter the knockout rounds.

Noticing the opportunity, another reporter climbs up the mass of reporters, eager to get his piece of the pie:

Reporter (3): Hi. Riemann here reporting for duty. Alexis, do you think your team is ready for the knockout rounds? You’ve got quite formidable opponents—Snestar, Porotia and Saint Lazarus among many—are you able to deal with the increased pressure of the tournament’s opponents?

Alexis: Hello to you to Riemann. I think we’ve got the star quality to go really far in this tournament. As I’ve already said, it’s just about consistency and getting those passes and shots where they need to be. We will be relying on our defenders just as much so that we can get as much conversion out of our efforts as possible.

The crowds continued to swirl however for Alexis his watch rung.

Alexis: Alright thank you everyone. No more questions from me. Hope to see you right here on the grounds later for our match against Miniona!

Alexis quickly steps into the locker rooms as reporters consequently dispersed to watch anxiously as other happenings circled around Banija that beautiful morning.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

---

---

---

[Snestar]

Round of 64 - Snestar vs Windows 7 Bliss

4-3-3 Formation
GK 1 Federico Calvaresi (Captain)
LB 5 Riccardo Cavaliere
CB 4 Vittorio Gallerani
CB 20 Sebastiano Balestri
RB 18 Valerio Peruffo
CDM 6 Davide Scognamiglio
CM 14 Nicola Ragusa
CM 8 Nicola Acanfora
LW 10 Martin de Roux
ST 17 Tero Sjölund
RW 11 Federico Marchesi

After steamrolling Group 17, Snestar travels to Banija to face Windows 7 Bliss in the Round of 64. Despite the recent passing of her father, Camilla Arentas still chose to show up at the press conference, sharing her thoughts on the host country for Snestar’s Round of 64 match.

"Before traveling to Banija with the boys, I decided to inform myself on Banija, just like I did with Farfadillis some time ago. And I must say, I am absolutely not happy with the hosts, especially with the treatment of women. I usually don’t comment on the host nation’s politics, as since we are the guests, we have to respect their culture. After all, I and the boys are just here to play football and nothing else. But this time, I feel like something has to be said about Banija: I find it disgusting how women are basically seen as child-making machines and how polygamy is only legal for males. I’m not going to further discuss this, since I’m just a football manager, but I feel like the world should be aware of this discrimination. Everyone should have equal opportunities, regardless of who they are."

A brief history of women’s football in Snestar

Humble Beginnings

Ever since the creation of Division Alpha and Division Beta in 1899, the standardized 1st and 2nd divisions in Snestaryan football, feminists and women’s rights advocates have begun pressuring the Snestaryan Football Federation to remove the male-only restrictions on the football league, allowing women to be hired by clubs both as players and as coaches. In the first few years of the 1900s, the protests were inconclusive. However, in 1921, the SFF came to a compromise with the protesters, allowing women to coach Snestaryan clubs (but not play on the pitch), instead setting up a separate 10-team league, called Women’s Division Alpha, mostly composed of small clubs. This brought about the rise of AC Merilva: thanks to the impressive efforts of Elena Maria Arentas, this small town in eastern Snestar soon became the biggest powerhouse in women’s football and still is to this day.

Elena Maria Arentas: Women’s First Success

The biggest breakthrough in women’s football happened in 1947, when the men’s AC Merilva, who were struggling to stay up in Division Alpha, chose to hire Elena Maria Arentas. Surprisingly, Merilva went from a weak side to an incredibly cohesive and competitive team, ending up winning its only Division Alpha title in the 1948-49 season. Five years later, after Arentas’ tragic death in a car accident, the club changed its name to Arentas in honor of the woman who brought the club to the top of Snestar. Merilva’s old stadium would also later be renovated and expanded, also being renamed to Stadio E.M. Arentas. Over the following decades, women’s football continued to develop thanks to a series of investments by the SFF, but the strength level of women’s clubs was still far behind the men’s.

The Football Reform and the Libertas Cup

After the Second Football Reform of 1995, a charity match, called the Coppa Libertas (also known as the Libertas Cup or Liberty Cup), was created to bring women’s football into the spotlight of the Snestaryans. The premise was simple: the winner of the women’s Division Alpha would face the men’s Division Alpha in a regular match following the rules of the Snestaryan Cup (90 minutes + 30 minutes of extra time + penalties). The result, however, was disastrous at first: the women’s teams suffered heavy defeats in the first few years (notably Lavenya Women 1-6 Venistalya in 2001). Men’s teams were unsure on how to act when playing in the Libertas Cup: some made sure to not play too hard, to avoid humiliating their female opponents; others preferred to treat the match professionally, fearing that women’s clubs would accuse them of taking it easy.

Elisa Baldriga Brings Women to Glory

In the 2010s, the Libertas Cup started to feel less one-sided: both the men’s and women’s clubs started taking the match seriously, until hundreds of thousands of Snestaryan citizens from all over the country were glued to their TVs every year. After a few heartbreaks, such as Lavenya Women 1-1 Fraliso in 2016 (ended 2-3 on penalties for Fraliso), the women’s team was finally able to win the Libertas Cup in 2021, Arentas 2-1 Dandelicha Continental, when 17-year-old Elisa Baldriga scored the winner in extra time. Thanks to her, women’s football gained an enormous amount of funds, bringing the women closer than ever to the men’s clubs in strength. In 2024, Lavenya Women also added a Libertas Cup to their cabinet, defeating Dandelicha Continental 1-0.

[Shin-Zetsubo]

Wickersome PATHE
Super Shin-Zetsubo!

The ladies of the Shin-Zetsubo representative national football team, one of the promising new upstarts of the football world. Two wins so far in their Baptism group, ready for their final match of the stage against the Blazing Dragons of Yangchenia. No Shin-Zetsubite has made the trek to the Ojo de la Tormenta - the Eye of the Storm - but they have already attracted a following in Farfadillis based on their playstyle, which will be duly demonstrated against their opposition.

AI generated, using Microsoft Copilot. Prompt: "Generate an image of a soccer squad of 11 women who look just like Junko Enoshima, wearing her usual outfit, in position for a photo. Each outfit should not have a tie."

The ladies have opted to wear their newly-minted away uniform for this match, consisting of a stylish black cardigan and plaid shorts, similar to the uniforms found in their home country. They take to the pitch knowing a win today will give them a good matchup to begin the knockout stage.

Kickoff! Lavender Sharp begins the match with a pass to Sommer Allsopp. The girls in the cardigans start off with a semblance of formation, a 4-4-2 with the diva Peney Quora in goal, a backline of Eulalia Scarlett, Jocelin Lyon, Kelley Garfield and Pearle Lynton, and a midfield of Babe Glazier, Tianna Yong, Ursula Dorsey and Maitland Nash.

Shin-Zetsubo begin to stumble early as their formation, not as hardened as the Blazing Dragons, is picked apart by Yangchenia. Tsamchoe Thaye almost gets a goal in the 13th minute, but it rattles off the crossbar. But the Dragons continued to have fire as a mere five minutes later Sasha Saizi goes on a run through midfield of Shin-Zetsubo, before firing just inside the box only to be saved by Quora, diving to stretch her hand to the ball.

However, not all is lost for the Shin-Zetsubites. Chrystill Emoran's girls have a chance of their own twenty-seven minutes in, Allsopp heading a cross from Dorsey that falls into the waiting arms of Damdul Gyatso, the goalkeeper for the Blazing Dragons. By the thirty-seventh, however, positions begin to change within the squad of identically-modeled women. This, the innovation that has stunned Canamn and Río de La Plata earlier in the group stage and has made Emoran a great manager this tournament, is known as positionless despair.

Despair is the national identity of Shin-Zetsubo, and that was true as the squads headed through the tunnel for half-time. Shin-Zetsubo 0 goals, Yangchenia 0 goals. They will need all the help they can in order to have a perfect group.

Kickoff for the second half- Oh what's this? Tianna Yong intecerpts the ball from Mei Wufang, she might have a chance... Sky high, straight into the storm! The ball might not be recoverable at this point, Yong!

Shin-Zetsubo's positionless despair is beginning to chip the resolve of the Yangchenia team, just as is expected. Eulalia Scarlett on the ball... It's in! Deflected off the leg of Maitland Nash! Shin-Zetsubo open their accounts with a team goal unlike no other in the fifty-sixth minute!

Yangchenia just can't keep up with the pressure caused by the ladies in the black cardigans... Penalty for Shin-Zetsubo! Tackle in the box from Tubek Orlov. Just a foul, no cards taken out of the referee's pocket. Seventy-first minute and here comes Sommer Allsopp. Her tongue's sticking out as she sizes up Gyatso... And it's in! 2-0 Shin-Zetsubo! Cooly taken, even as Allsopp pretends to box the corner flag! How about it?

And that's the full time whistle from Azureña! Shin-Zetsubo with a flawless group stage run sees them seeded for the knockout stage draw! What a performance from Chrystill Emoran's ladies!

Substitutions - Tori Palmer for Kelley Garfield ('59), Mikhalia Steed for Lavender Sharp ('62), Stacee Carsons for Eulalia Scarlett ('84)

---

A bar in Azureña - After the Knockout Stage Draw

"Not the best route to take." Emoran sighed as she looked towards the bracket. While their first foe would be a relatively easy encounter in the snow and jellyfish-filled nation of Fröndt in the form of Minoptra, their expected matchup for that Round of 32 was not. Tristan de Cunha. From the little game tape she did watch of them, she knew they were more experienced. More rugged. Even a path that would see her girls stay in Farfadilis with the exception of the quarters and of course the final in the once-mythical (to her) land of Canterlot wasn't enough to dissuade her. And worse yet, on that one show after the draw going over the bracket...

"Shin-Zetsubo, you will fall!"

On them versus Tristan. Every single time.

All the manager could do was sigh and drink a soda. Even though they had a following here in this nation, even though they had proven that they belonged on the international stage... There was always somebody who was deemed to be better than them. Fine. Let them have Tristan. For her ladies, as she finished the drink and left the bar, she would prove eventually that it would be the Potato-Fielders who would fall.

...Oh hey, a football. Eh, whatever, it's enough despair not to grab it and for someone else to get it.

[Hamborn]

Hamborn - Hanalia ROUND OF 64 MATCH !

Yesterday after a long flight from Farfadillis to Banjia, they go to the hotel and today was a really training day.
Then now we are in Stadium and view a lot of fan its the day where Hamborn pass in round of 32.

Composition :

4-3-3

Gk : Leo surli

Same defense than the last match

Same for midlfield

Same for attack

Same Bench.

[Tristan de Cunha]

POTATO FIELDERS DEFEAT NEW ARBUCKLE TO ADVANCE TO GROUP OF 64!
BY: ERICA CORRIS

On another blistering summer day in Sziorsia, out beloved Potato Fielders once again took to the field to compete in the final leg of the Baptism of Fire Group Stage, facing off against New Arbuckle. Whether it was a new strategy, or simple confidence (the Potato Fielders leading their group and almost guaranteed to advance), they approached this match in a completely different manner than their previous two matches at Adar Jak. Rather than opening with energetic attacking play, this time the team appeared to hold back, conserving their energy and dragging out their time of possession throughout the first period with skillful passing. This strategy allowed the Potato Fielders to remain fresh while their opponents tired themselves out in more aggressive play. The period ended with the score 0-0, with Tristan de Cunha holding possession over 70% of the game.

In the second period, the Potato Fielders continued this strategy, much to the frustration of the New Arbuckle side. Still unable to get traction, New Arbuckle players increasingly began to make risky tackles and contest the ball wherever able. This resulted in two yellow cards for their side, in minute '53 and again in minute '58, the second also giving up a free kick to our team captain #6 Green after a brutal tackle. #6 Green was able to score of the free kick, bringing the score to 1-0. From there, things just went downhill for the New Arbuckle team, as the Potato Fielders were now freed up to begin attacking. Multiple shots on goal followed, with #9 O'Connor scoring off of a header in minute '79, bringing the score to 2-0. Play continued, with New Arbuckle struggling to maintain possession until the end. At minute '90+1, #7 Murphy dribbled past the exhausted defenders and made a cross to #9 O'Connor, which he blasted into the corner of the goal, bringing the score to 3-0 as play ended.

This victory means the the Potato Fielders will now advance to the Knockout Stage of the tournament, traveling to Ferdullaele, the notoriously anarchic former capitol of Farfadillis, to face the squad from Bythia in two days time.

[Bull Sheet]

Himurajima 1 - 3 Bull Sheet
??? 45+1' | Football 16', 27', Kelly 82'

"Okay, so this is a Milchama-esque 'two guys talking' RP?"
"Yes, but without a blank line between sentences because that's annoying"
"It's the proper way to write"
"This is literally a nation called Bull Sheet, do you think we care about being proper?"
"Apparently we won our third game 3-1 against Himurajima"
"Okay, so we topped our group?"
"Yeah, and now we're playing Draftcubic, if we win we play Seeberg, if we win we play Solarampa, if we win we play Choppyhausen for a spot in the semis"
"How do you know all these things in advance"
"Clairvoyance, dipshit"
"Seriously?"
"No, not seriously, dipshit, clairvoyance isn't real"
"We're literally in Equestria and we've got a sentient stove top and a ghost on our team, prove clairvoyance isn't real"
"Um, well..."
"Not so easy now, is it, dipshit?"
"Don't call me dipshit, it's rude"
"So when you do it, it's fine, but when I do it, it's rude?"
"Exactly. Back to Football, apparently he had a great game"
"He? You mean the literal ball?"
"No, we couldn't get The Ball to show up for the BoF, he should be here for the WC though"
"You're confusing me again. In any case, we'll be in Equestria until the semis, if we get there, right?"
"Yup, and then we'd be going to Farfadillis. I was looking at their training facilities, they're amazing, the Farves have truly mastered the art of setting things on fire"
"How many different kinds of fire were in that one room in that photo you showed me?"
"Oh, it's not a photo, it's a colorized X-ray"
"Genuinely, what is wrong with you?"
"It was the only way I could find the image! It was 18 kinds of fire by the way."
"Haven't our top scientists only gotten to 16? What were the last two?"
"Lithico trade secrets"
"Oh, like things we're not financially allowed to know?"
"No, one of them is literally just the idea of Lithico trade secrets, turns out it's flammable"
"How can an idea be flammable?"
"Maybe that's just our perception of it, after all"
"I mean, everyone perceived when I clipped through a cloud in Storm City, perception might be objective after all"
"No, perception isn't objective. Normally I'm the one getting off topic, this is impressive. Anyways, the last one is Lithico trade secrets."
"Wasn't that what you just said?"
"No, the other kind."
"You never make any sense."
"Nothing in life makes sense."

In other news, the screaming of a sentient stove caused Katherine Kelly to get everyone to spontaneously freeze in place for her seven-minute soliloquy before she tried to kick the ball into the goal as a climax, but it ended up hitting the crossbar, bouncing straight back, knocking her out, rebounding off her head, and going into the net as the Himurajima goalie went to check whether or not Kelly was okay.

[Equestrian States]

Round of 64, Equestria Section Cutoff

Is your team having dreams of glory? Scores coming shortly.

Optional Ro64 RP Prompt: The tournament field is quickly shrinking. After today, just 32 teams of the original 112 will remain. Every game remaining is win or go home. How are your players, coaches, and fans handling the mounting stakes of the knockout rounds?

Host Announcement: Owing to some RL commitments from the hosts, the Round of 32 has been pushed back 24 hours from its originally scheduled cutoff. An updated schedule can be found in the thread OP.

---

BAPTISM OF FIRE 87
Farfadillis | Banija | Equestria

Round of 64 Results, Equestria Section

Match R64-22
Cardonia 5–4 Santira
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, Equestria

Match R64-23
Soviet Kem 2–1 Annestah
at The Thunderdome in Storm City, Equestria

Match R64-24
Andso Mangis 1–0 Golfo Central
at Shady Grove in Whitetail, Equestria

Match R64-25
Bull Sheet 4–3 Draftcubic
at The Crownlands in Manehattan, Equestria

Match R64-26
Seeberg 1–1 Mystris
(4–1 AET)
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, Equestria

Match R64-27
Solarampa 4–0 Moon Deing
at the Stadium of the Night in Hollow Shades, Equestria

Match R64-28
The Batavia 2–6 Biyambi
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, Equestria

Match R64-29
Merulla 1–0 New Eastern Roma
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, Equestria

Match R64-30
Natot 0–4 Narovi
at Shady Grove in Whitetail, Equestria

Match R64-31
Khaelu 1–0 Kilichloom
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, Equestria

Match R64-32
Choppyhausen 3–0 Yangchenia
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, Equestria

---

Round of 32 Fixtures

Match R32-11
R64-21 Winner vs. Cardonia
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match R32-12
Soviet Kem vs. Andso Mangis
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, Equestria

Match R32-13
Bull Sheet vs. Seeberg
at the Stadium of the Night in Hollow Shades, Equestria

Match R32-14
Solarampa vs. Biyambi
at The Thunderdome in Storm City, Equestria

Match R32-15
Merulla vs. Narovi
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, Equestria

Match R32-16
Khaelu vs. Choppyhausen
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, Equestria

[Farfadillis]

Cut-off.

[Farfadillis]

Optional RP Prompt: What shaped your country's football culture into what it is today, whether that be how fans behave, how the team plays, the kind of players your nation most easily produces, or whatever comes to mind.

Host Announcement: Owing to some RL commitments from the hosts, the Round of 32 has been pushed back 24 hours from its originally scheduled cutoff. An updated schedule can be found in the thread OP.

---

BAPTISM OF FIRE 87
Farfadillis | Banija | Equestria

Round of 64 Results, Farf Section

Match R64-12
Montagne Noire 1–1 Aritraroy
(3–1 AET)

Match R64-13
Stewartika 2–3 Konstantino

Match R64-14
Surne 1–2 AJTON

Match R64-15
Shin-Zetsubo 6–1 Minoptra

Match R64-16
Tristan de Cunha 1–0 Bythia

Match R64-17
Super Earth 6–2 Equinox Auraterra

Match R64-18
Ziotah & Riverside 1–3 Dixie Florida

Match R64-19
New-Addlebrand 1–1 Veleste
(1–1 AET)
(3–2 pen.)

Match R64-20
Manuelian Empire 3–2 Meris

Match R64-21
Riandera 1–0 Esistan

---

Round of 32 Fixtures

Match R32-6
R64-11 Winner vs. Montagne Noire
at Albert III Memorial Stadium in Dodoma, Banija

Match R32-7
Konstantino vs. AJTON
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match R32-8
Shin-Zetsubo vs. Tristan de Cunha
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match R32-9
Super Earth vs. Dixie Florida
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match R32-10
New-Addlebrand vs. Manuelian Empire
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match R32-11
Riandera vs. Cardonia
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

[Atymnius]

A RECENT PAST: PART II

---

---

Theodosis led himself home carrying his sports bag and kit with him as he arrived at his dwelling. The house was modest with the accompanying wooden panes and cement walls. A humble portico adjoined the left-hang of the cubic-square house. Additionally, a ball with a rusted bicycle would then be parked outdoors as he followed inside, the door creaking slightly.

Theo: Hi mom—

Mother: Oh hey son!

She stumbled lightly as she took her gown off barefooted,

M: How was practice? What rank are you?

T: Still last rank mom. Trying my hardest.

M: You’ll get there papa. Don’t worry. Just keep practicing.

Theo would later stumble himself on his bed, tired. The sea breeze echoed slightly from the cliff as it ruffled the dreamcatchers near the window panes.

I don’t understand such a mentality. I would think that if one were honest—

He pauses slightly.

That if one were honest, then Dionysus and Zeus ought to control my destiny. That out of warrant, the football that I play must satisfy these people “above experience” like coach said and lead to ridiculed fantasies…

What horseshit.

You know what coach? I genuinely believe I can do what I want. You have your rules but we have our lives. It is not merely a matter of respect.

No, it isn’t. It is about getting to the finish line any way possible. You speak of “space” and “time” yet do not realize that we ought to compete for it in any way we can. That such ideas exist for complete domination.

Theo laughs at himself.

Genuinely I believe that rules only exist to impede players. They serve no outlet but to mimick the performances of the player and, feeling its own inner-corruption, inhibits the souls of players merely to call them out for their bullshit. The DFA has twisted and turned, while our lives’ backs became more crooked, unable to sustain the heat. There is no doubt that rules exist for the majority, not for what is right.

I think I’ll take my time to oppose such a system. That should Dēmos allow for our meals of hay-weed and water to in-stricken us with their fables, then I should write a story of my own—one centered on my own will to power.

Getting out of bed immediately, Theo quicky put on his shorts before rushing out, taking his water bottle with him.

My time is now.

---

He would subsequently start jogging along the coastline: a midnight training session for the man who would dare to do something great with his life.

[Super Earth Under Siege]

Farfadillis - Forward Operating Base

Across the street, a frog-shaped creature hopped forward.

A fiery explosion scattered it into the wind.

The Senators had been informed of the risks of this bizarre land several times and they weren't taking any chances. Myrom and Sally stood guard over the forward operating base. It was a crude thing, little more than several lines of launcher-less grenadier battlements with a prefab constructed behind them and several hellpod's worth of EAT-700 napalm launchers at the ready. An EMS Mortar Sentry was set up on ammo-conservation mode, its shells unable to do much more than stun targets in an area- but it was hoped that this would be enough of a deterrent for any wildlife or uppity Farves. Sally sighed in relief as she watched the fire burn. She wondered if the supposed "frog with poison that literally sends you to hell" would send her back home to Hellmire. Probably not, she reasoned. But she did admit to missing the fire tornadoes of her homeland. The air here was so...stagnant. Smelling of ash at times, yes, comforting in that sense, but...not nearly enough for her satisfaction.

...of course, she was a bit of a psycho, wasn't she? Most Helldivers were, she believed. To some extent or another. They were all willing to give their lives for freedom and laugh while doing it. She was just a little more into it than everyone else. Others were freakier in her eyes anyway. Deadman with his stoic persona, Buzz with her hysterical fits at the illogic of alien realms, Virus with his weird disease obsession, Tropic with his willingness to make the worst jokes in front of people with loaded guns and orbital strikes in their pockets...sure, she liked the sizzle of her Double Edge Sickle as it used her body as a heat sink, but was that really so strange?

"Did it have to be Pacifiers," she grumbled to Myrom, in regards to their expected weapons shipment the moment the coming match finished. "They're so...unlethal."

"Command believed it best to inflict as little collateral damage as possible," Myrom answered as he raised an EAT-700, sending an incendiary cluster rocket to scatter its contents across the street- a distant ribbit confirming that it was the right choice. Sure, the hell-frogs weren't supposed to be native to this part of Farfadillis...but then people weren't supposed to walk on clouds either, and that had happened at their last destination!

"Command is boring. They could've at least been, Pummellers or something. Halts, maybe? Halts have good flechette rounds, or so Vigil always tries to convince me-" The distant sound of a streaking Hellpod cut her off. Ah, deployment. "That's my cue."

Off she sprinted to join her fellows in their coming trial. Four by four, the rest of the Senators deployed via hellpod to the stadium, hoping to awe the crowds and intimidate their adversaries...

Farfadillis - Matchtime

The stakes were high for the Super Earth Senators. From here on there was no forgiveness. Any failure to win a match meant expulsion from the tournament, and permanent exception from the honour of winning the Baptism of Fire. But that was not the only reason. Equinox Auraterra was a massive polity. One so massive it could afford such things as physiotherapists and analysts to support its team. The Auraterrans were prepared, seemingly professional, and a threat Super Earth took seriously on and off the field.

The resulting match was an intense display of sapient athletic aspiration.

Lagrange took centre-stage at first, her precision kicks controlling the game's momentum. But soon the situation turned. The massive Auraterran team could afford to win a game of attrition against the stubbornly-aggressive Senators. Fisher put up an admirable defence, but got distracted by a flying jellyfish long enough to let a goal through. He was swiftly switched out for the imposing Sally, who's hands were covered in burn scars from her own weapon of choice on the battlefield. Her enthusiastic displays and shouts were intended to intimidate the enemy as much as inspire her compatriots. Deadman put in an excellent offensive effort at first, but the Auraterrans were able to adapt after the first couple of goals, refusing to let him sprint through their lines without intense opposition. Lagrange tried to pick up the slack, her and Ret placing shot after shot halfway across the field, but the team was unable to capitalise easily.

In the end, it was two pairs of highly-synchronised operatives that turned the tide- Cindy and Teph, and Chop and Wader. Once Matron ordered coordination and with Vigil to keep an eye out for opportunities and peripheral threats, the twin-pairs of Super Earth's finest dual freedomball players got to work in a relentless assault. Chop and Wader could move through formations with ease, unhesitating in their efforts to expose a weakness in their foe. Cindy and Teph were more distant from each other, but constantly working together to attempt ludicrous angles of attack. In the end, Auraterra's endless reserve of players would become a liability, their replacements unable to adapt to the solid teamwork and stubborn determination of the Senators who despite clear exhaustion just refused to stop trying.

Half the team would drop to the ground by the time they got back to the operating base, the rest kept on frog-watch as they got the rest they desperately needed. But the point was proven. Super Earth was clawing its way ever closer to the crown. It seemed that the only adversary that could overcome them was one just as resilient, insane and stubbornly macho as them. An opponent that could match their unbridled ferocity with a similar strength in near-insanity.

An opponent like...

Florida.

And as ever seemed the case, fate would deliver. The freedom-loving and unwavering patriotism of the Helldivers was soon to meet with the freedom-loving and unwavering patriotism of the Dixie-Floridians. One thing was for certain:

There were going to be a lot of red cards.

[Seeberg]

“They told me to do some commentary about current events, like the beauty of basing a coaching philosophy on Kantian metaphysics, the mental health of raging helldiving space lords, or the utter shitness of that new Ed Gein series,” said Sigismund Schiltze and adjusted his feathered green felt cap, “but how can you say something about today and tomorrow without firstly discoursing protractedly on the many yesterdays of time gone by,” he continued and took a long swig from his stein as he looked out over the dignified shape of the Puddingkuchen-Quadrat in the northwestern parts of fair Brinterberg. “So while you might expect a small treatise on interdimensional logistics or the übermensch, I instead invite you to sit down and yet again lose yourself in the story of How The Horkenheimers ended up here.” Herr Schiltze devoured his last crumb of a scrumptious brezeln and smacked his lips in contentment, before continuing: “Call me old fashioned, but after tea comes water and not the other way around, and therefore I suggest we now survey Part 5, wherein talks of a regulated legalization is brought up.

”It was by no means unknown, the existence of widespread organized HändeFußy activity. Everybody knew that certain elements of society ventured out into the woods or onto the mountain slopes during the weekends to contest this weird and lawless game, and had been doing so for a long, long time. The bruises adorning faces of the lower working classes every Monday told the whole story, but before the Klinkenklosstein, Diggerdeigerschtroumph, et al Intervention there existed a sort of fragile truce wherein, once again, no one acknowledged what everybody knew; it was imperfect, but it allowed some peace and dignity to remain on the surface of things; at least the illegal activity was not flaunted and did not disrupt the traditional wheels of society, which made simply not acknowledging it a somewhat tolerable solution.

When we use words like «fragile», «imperfect» and «somewhat», it denotes that even though ignoring was the prevailing modus operandi of the ruling elite and lawmakers, there was a considerable minority who would’ve rather dealt with matters in the old fashioned way of batons and whips. For, even though not acknowledging deviance - trusting the law to banish unwanted behavior to the shadows of civility through legislative maneuvering - was the preferred way of dealing with things, there was also a deep and timehonored tradition of beating people to a pulp if they openly - and flagrantly - failed to comply with this understanding.

And this was precisely what irked certain elements of society’s upper echelons: they had gotten their chance, these HändeFußy deviants, upstanding people whispered to each other while strolling along Mohnkloß Allee or having Käsekuchen in Die Alte Bäckerei on Rheingutstraße; society had been very gracious in simply not acknowledging this affront at earlier intervals, but when the plebs insisted on keeping up circumventing the law only a good old flogging could set things right. This tension was very present after the Gneisbänderung debacle in earlier days, and it continued to burn slow in the extended «secret era» years following the Gugelhopf Initiative, but when the Klinkenklosstein, Diggerdeigerschtroumph, et al Intervention made everything previously covert utterly explicit, it pushed the issue of HändeFußy, lawbreaking and how to deal with lawbreakers into a very public debate.

There were many open calls for dealing with the rulesbreakers harshly - especially after Klinkenklosstein and his colleagues had branded them a subversive force - but it never won a majority of cultured public opinion. For, over the years, there had been other concurrent societal developments that pointed towards the matter being handled otherwise. Winds of temperance had been blowing, facilitated in no small part by Matheus Tolleknolle’s leadership within the governing VfdaRdB. There had been extensive legislative efforts to curtail the often excessive use of force by the Seebergundian Sicherheitsabteilung (ßa) in policing and enforcing the law of the land, but perhaps foremost there had been a shift in zeitgeist concerning the openly accepted athletic sphere.

During the prohibition years, several new sports had been introduced and sanctioned via the proper legal channels, like crossbow archery and freestyle wrestling. Many of these new sports came about through foreign influences, which was very much frowned upon and therefore downplayed, but they shared many traits with traditional Seebergundian athletic pastimes and were easily integrated. This new era of offenheit characterized much of the official reception of the HändeFußy issue in the aftermath of the Klinkenklosstein, Diggerdeigerschtroumph, et al Intervention, although complete and direct integration was never a real possibility, because the anarchic nature of the sport, with its core of unrepressed violence, made it so fundamentally un-Seebergundian that bringing it into the fold rather required some creative interpretation.

Within months of the initial publication of the works by Klinkenklosstein, Diggerdeigerschtroumph, et al, the good Doktor Kanzler Tolleknolle - a suitably progressive reactionary - had appointed a special commission dedicated to solving the HändeFußy problem via some sort of assimilation into proper society. It was Doktor Lothar Meersburgenheimstadt, of the legal department at Universität Kripkenstein in the Puddingkuchen-Quadrat, who was tasked as First Commissionary and he assembled a top-rate team of scholars and civil servants to find a solution. They worked tirelessly for weeks and months from their dedicated floor at the Ministry of Recht on Fisimatenten Platz, nestled between Rheingutstraße and Schönes Brinterberg Allee, zoning in on codifying a properly proper and safe ruleset that would underpin a societally acceptable version of HändeFußy, something that would prove to be most challenging."

[Soviet Kem]

---

Soviet Kem 2-1 Annestah

A well fought match between the two sides, but Soviet Kem came out on top. At first it looked bleak as Annestah scored the first goal in the second minute, with their star player, Antonio Striviger, blitzed the Soviet Kemrainan defense with a quick pass then press. Soviet Kem did not let this blitzing kill their spirit, it only lit a fire. That fire would drive Fen Nort to score the equalizer by dribbling past the Annestah defense in the twenty-third minute. It would not be until the eighty-third minute that Naskin Putanik would sink the winner off a free kick from twenty-two yards out, sealing the victory against Annestah.

---

Soviet Kemrainan captain, Naskin Putanik, stopped for an interview after the game; "I am happy with the result. Fen is the one who go us back into the game. If it wasn't for that free kick, we would have probably drawn and went to penalties, I do say that the Annestah players are quite good, but we happened to come out on top. We will be training for our next match against Andso Mangis in the round of 32. I spoke to the team, we all hope to win this next match and move onto the round of 16."

[Banija]

OOC: Apologies for the dramatically late cutoff. Won't Happen again. Also, please note the schedule change in the OP- Ro32 will be on Sunday night instead of Saturday, and so the entire schedule is being pushed back one day. Extra time to RP. Best of luck to all!

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

RP Prompt #5: Your nation's players have now spent a long time from home, this being their fifth game- and they are hoping they will spend more time away. How do your country's players/staff/etc.... Deal with homesickness, if they get it at all? Did you guys bring food or anything else to remind you of home while you are at a grueling major international tournament?

You can practice your scales and arpeggios while you wait!

Round of 64 Matchups- Banija

Match R64-1
Snestar vs. Windows 7 Bliss
at Istria Olympic Stadium in Istria, Banija

Match R64-2
Porotia vs. Saint Lazarus
at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija

Match R64-3
Atymnius vs. The Miniona Islands
at Mavuto Field in Hoima, Banija

Match R64-4
Colmaijo vs. United States of Alpha
at Keystone Stadium in Sisonke, Banija

Match R64-5
Hanalia vs. Hamborn
at Albert III Memorial Stadium in Dodoma, Banija

Match R64-6
Armeriea vs. Coercia
at Lwanga City Arena in Lwanga, Banija

Match R64-7
Bonusia vs. The Ferret Lands
at Star Field in Herzegovina City, Banija

Match R64-8
Europeasia vs. X Country
at Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Banija

Match R64-9
Travanta vs. Sector 18
at Kawesa Stadium in Mynda, Banija

Match R64-10
Bhumi Matawis Empire vs. Bruinswik
at BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, Banija

Match R64-11
Pichvi vs. Phoenicia
at Istria Olympic Stadium in Istria, Banija

Round of 64 Scores
Snestar 1–0 Windows 7 Bliss
Porotia 2–9 Saint Lazarus
Atymnius 2–0 The Miniona Islands
Colmaijo 2–2 United States of Alpha (2–2 AET) (4–2 pen.)
Hanalia 2–1 Hamborn
Armeriea 2–6 Coercia
Bonusia 4–2 The Ferret Lands
Europeasia 3–2 X Country
Travanta 2–3 Sector 18
Bhumi Matawis Empire 1–0 Bruinswik
Pichvi 2–2 Phoenicia (4–2 AET)

---

Round of 32 Matchups- Banija

Match R32-1
Snestar vs. Saint Lazarus
at Istria Olympic Stadium in Istria, Banija

Match R32-2
Atymnius vs. Colmaijo
at Star Field in Herzegovina City, Banija

Match R32-3
Hanalia vs. Coercia
at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija

Match R32-4
Bonusia vs. Europeasia
at Hangaza Unified Stadium in Aissa, Banija

Match R32-5
Sector 18 vs. Bhumi Matawis Empire
at Mavuto Field in Hoima, Banija

Match R32-6
Pichvi vs. Montagne Noire
at Albert III Memorial Stadium in Dodoma, Banija
Round of 32 Matchups

[Hamborn]

HANALIA 2 - 1 HAMBORN

What a sad end for Hamborn who is diqualified after years of attempt to reach qualification.

The start is good for Hamborn after an marcus surli passes to Joan who pass to Arlemus and kick in the goal the gk can't stop it. 10' 1-0 for Hamborn

The match is calm then at 81' a failed pass to Joseph gave the ball to the Hanalian attack who shoo a powerfull kick in t he ball. 1-1

At the 86' Marcus surli stress strike the Hanalian attack and penalty kick for them and its obiously not stop. 1-2 for Hanalia

90'+3 Bilo take the ball pass to Joan who is ahead of everyone no Offline he view an space for the ball he kick in the goal was really sure he jumps and got the ball on Joan who don't have the time to shoot end of the match Hamborn lose and now prepare for World cup 100 !

GOAL : 10' ARLEMUS, 81' HAN, 86' HAN

After a long match and a failed decisive by Joan at 90+3 Hamborn is eliminated.

See you for the WC100

[Yangchenia]

OOC: Oof schoolworks made me unable to post for the past few days and now it seems that I lost against Choppyhausen. Today’s post will be the previous match for now.

Matchday 3 — a few hours before the match against Shin-Zetsubo.

Today’s the day. The final day of the group bracket. The long awaited match between Yangchenia and Shin-Zetsubo was coming.

The two teams had already gathered at the stadium hours prior, the tension in the air palpable as the clock slowly ticked ever closer to the match hour. A feeling of uncertainty seemed to wash over the two teams, the expression of the Shin-Zetusbites unlike one they wore during their last matches against Canamn and Rio De La Plata. No, today was different. Everyone, including the Blazing Dragons was clearly anxious at what was to come.

Already on the field alone, Wu Hsaing contemplated the ever looming match. Both teams had done well in the elimination, however what he was most worried about was the differing style of play — the Shin-Zetusbites emphasizing offensive gameplay to throw their opponents off guard, whereas the Dragons focused on defensive strategies to bog a game down especially when the team was leading in points. All out defense, exhaust, bleed the enemy dry — it was as much instinct as strategy for the Dragons. Yesui would know that well, he thought.

Tsamchoe Thaye was also already on the pitch early in the morning, stretching his muscles about with the first rays of the morning sun. 64 years, however he still has the strength of someone half his age. It’s certainly been a long time since he was really in the spotlight in Yangini martial arts, but it seems like his student Sasha Saizi has continued his legacy even after his retirement.

If the Dragons had any weakness—it was their age. Their goalkeeper, Damdul Gyatso, while certainly not the oldest within the group, has his hairs slowly graying with the passing of time, and at 54 years old, he has also certainly passed his prime. But like Thaye, if there was something that could counteract his age, it was his sheer will to fight.

Yesui shared the same feeling, however she was neither anxious nor confident. She held just as much of the cold, calculating gaze as she always sported. Hsaing wanted to tell Yesui to calm down a little, or that her look was making her look like an old hag jokingly—but he figured it was better not to provoke someone who has killed before and will kill again. As the heir to a lineage of blood, the scars of war are one best left ignored, you never know if she views her allies the same as everyone does. Every Bajanese citizen today would know about that.

The clock continued ticking in the corner, the hour hand creeping ever closer to the ninth hour.

And then, the hour came.
Its time for battle.
Fate favors the brave.

Yangchenia Blazing Dragons
"In the flames of sport, our iron will is forged"

---

Blazing Dragons lose 0-2 against Shin-Zetsubo, qualifies for Match of 64

---

The final day of the knockout stage commenced early this morning as the last match of the Blazing Dragons against the team of the Shin-Zetsubites, Group 19’s reigning team. The match is one long awaited by many fans, especially with the two teams’ differing playing styles, with the Shin-Zetsubites emphasizing more offensive gameplay while the Dragons, more defensive gameplay. Both teams however employ psychological and chaotic tactics to attempt to disorganize their opponents.

This time, it was midfielder and daughter of a veteran of the Yangini-Bajanese war Yesui Erkhet that led the Dragons’ charge from their dugouts on the field. The match began at precisely 9am, with the Dragons’ quickly disorganizing the Shin-Zetsubites’ defense, with midfielder Mei Wufang gaining early possession of the ball within the first minute. Forwards Wu Hsaing and Tsamchoe Thaye pass the ball around several times, with Thaye pressing through the Shin-Zetsubites’ defense on the 13th minute, getting close to the enemy goal however the ball missed and struck the crossbar.

The Dragons’ once again go on an early offensive, breaking their traditionally defensive stance after Thaye’s student and renowned martial artist in her own right Sasha Saizi gains the ball, running through the midfield and firing off inside the box, however the shot was deflected by Shin-Zetsubite goalkeeper Quora. During the 37th minute of the match, the Zetsubites finally began to stray from their original positions, forming a chaotic new formation towards the latter half of the match.

By half time, the score was still 0-0, with the Dragons’ managing to stage a successful defence against the Shin-Zetsubites’ own offensives even with their new formations. By the end of halftime, the ball fell under Shin-Zetsubite possession, with Eulalia Scarlett of the Zetsubite team scoring on the 56th minute, after goalkeeper Damdul Gyatso put up a ferocious defence of the goal during the preceding minutes.

The Shin-Zetsubites gained a penalty after Tubek Orlov tackled a player inside the box, leading to another goal in the 71st minute as Damdul Gyatso broke after being hit several times over the past few days. After the Shin-Zetsubites’ second goal, the Dragons once again went on defence, with midfielder Yesui Erkhet adapting the team’s strategy to Shin-Zetsubo’s new style of gameplay, adopting a fighting style similar to guerilla warfare tactics used by the Kyarkha Horde against the Bajanese Empire eighty years prior.

With a strong defense, it was now up to Wu Hsaing to attempt to even the score. After gaining possession of the ball from fellow forwards Tsamchoe Thaye, he ran across midfield through Shin-Zetsubo’s defense, however the Shin-Zetsubites managed to gain possession of the ball before he could score. Hsaing would gain possession of the ball again from defence Alessia Xade on the 81st minute, and would go on another offensive, however failed to score in time for the final whistle, ending the match 2-0 in favor of Shin-Zetsubo.

Even with Yangchenia’s defeat to Shin-Zetsubo in the final match, the teams position as runner-up within it’s bracket, leading the Blazing Dragons’ to qualify for the Round of 64, with their next opponent being the nation of Choppyhausen.

Damdul Gyatso defending the goal

---

As the matchday ended, Hu Winwei met with the team as they were leaving the stadium, even saluting the Shin-Zetsubite team as they left. The match certainly did not go their way, however it could have been worse. They had held for almost half the game, managing to go on offensive several times despite Shin-Zetsubo’s signature strategy.

Even in defeat, the team was satisfied that they had done their best. It didnt really matter, they were still moving on to the round of 64. For a team completely new to football, a team where the players were definitely a lot older than their counterparts, they had already made it pretty far.They were no longer in the lower leagues. They were in the big leagues now. And with big leagues, come big opponents. Certainly some that would put the challenge of Shin-Zetsubo to shame.

“Well still, congratulations out there.”, Winwei spoke. “I was getting worried during the second half of the match, especially as the Shin-Zetsubites began their positionless game. But it seemed that you could hold your ground regardless.”

“Thanks coach”, replied Yesui Erkhet, in a rare moment of lightheartedness. “It reminded me of horse duels back in the Altanul Steppe. How we were trained to deal with chaos, and use it to our advantage.”

Winwei: “Well it certainly could have been worse. Was also surprised with Hsaing as he continued to go on offensive during those final moments. Didnt think we would ever go back on offense after the 56th minute.”

Hsaing: “Well, the only reason I didnt go on offense was that I was aiding our team’s defence especially after the Zetsubites broke through. But once we strengthened our lines I was open to another shot at the enemy line. Speaking of defense, what happened to Gyatso?”

Winwei: He’s been pretty battered during the match. I mean, he was already in rough shape even before the match with Shin-Zetsubo. I guess he bruised his torso too much defending the goal. But at 54 years old, it’s to be expected.”

Winwei: Well, rest up. Soon, we will fight again.

It’s now do or die.

---

Images are AI-generated.

Yangchenia Blazing Dragons is a trademark owned by Yangchenia Sporting Commission and Saichen Group. All rights reserved.

[Stewartika]

STEWARTIKA SHOCKED AS KONSTANTINO DEFEAT 3-2

It’s a lovely day for football at the massive La Snerra Stadium in Ferdullaele - most of the fans you’re hearing, well, they’ve got to stand, save for some 20,000. This place is uh… unsafe, man. I’m really not very chuffed about us on this commentary gantry, either. The things we do for the beautiful game, right?

Quite right - here come the players now. Stewartika in purple, Konstantino in yellow and green. Stewartika - 3 wins from 3 games in the group stage, with zero goals conceded, Konstantino with a win, loss and draw, placing third in their own group and surviving off of drawing lots. It’s clear to see who the favorites here are, but you and I both know how unpredictable the Baptism of Fire can be - there’s already been news of a match finishing with an astounding scoreline of 5 to 4 over in Equestrian.

The players have just exchanged handshakes, and they’re forming up on the pitch now.

*fweet!*

And we’re underway here at La Snerra, with Stewartika kicking off! The Pigs’ shape is extremely aggressive - an even more streamlined approach than the previous two group stage games, compared to Konstantino’s standard 4-3-3. This proves to be an interesting match.

‘4

Stewartika are breaking here - Bergmeier plays it through to Sung - just offside. Wonderful stuff from Royal Purple, though.

‘7

Stewartika on the break again - Konstantino haven’t organized enough! Here’s Morissey, lobbing it up for Hijikata, Guerrilla isn’t there… good contact! 1-0. A first goal in the competition for Arnold Hijikata, and look what it means to him! Lovely play.

It’s wonderful positioning from the Stewartikan right winger and even better passing from Morissey, as Stewartika take first blood.

GOAL STEWARTIKA - A. Hijikata - ‘7

’23

Bergmeier’s been brought down in a dangerous area by Leon Munhoz… it’s a free kick, and the card’s out!

YELLOW CARD KONSTANTINO - L. Munhoz - ’23

Sung to take the free kick. It’s lobbed over the line - HIMMEL GETS A HEAD TO IT - OFF THE BAR!! Still in play here, it falls to Morissey…

WHAT A GOAL! Beautiful finishing from the Stewartikan youngster, he takes it perfectly on the inside of his right foot and Teixeira has no chance. That’s his fifth goal from 4 games in this competition- which brings him just one shy of Super Earth’s Deadman’s tally of six. Konstantino look already poised to crash out of the competition with less than half an hour played!

GOAL STEWARTIKA - J. Morissey - ’24

’45+3

Halfhearted attempt at goal from Teobaldo from range, and the referee’s blown for half time. Beautiful football from Stewartika, and Konstantino have a hill to climb. We’ll be back, after this.

Konstantino get us back underway, and the second half is on!

’55

There’s some real vigor behind this Konstantino attack here. Leon Munhoz’s pass to Teobaldo is cut off by Bentham… but it’s poorly touched! It falls back to Gallejo - he cuts in and… IT’S IN! KONSTANTINO HAVE A LIFELINE!

What a good strike from Gallejo - he takes it well on the edge of the box, skipping past Himmel and Grovalle. Maybe the keeper should have dived faster, but it’s still a lovely goal. Ball picked up, and it’s very much game on.

GOAL KONSTANTINO - L. Gallejo - ’55

’60

Triple change for Stewartika here - Bergmeier, Jin and Hijikata come off - the winger getting a standing ovation from the Stewartikan fans - in favor of Kim, Wanima, and Polluck, who gets his first appearance for the national team in quite some time. Seems like Kunio is shifting in favor of defending the lead they have until full time.

’62

Konstantino in the box now, here’s Andres with the SHOT - deflected by Grovalle! Oh, it’s slipped from his gloves, it’s still in play, bouncing around purple and green shoes - Gallejo’s on the ball… HERE HE IS AGAIN!

What incredible skill and patience from Gallejo to get through the defenders jockeying him and get that shot off. And suddenly, Konstantino are level! You start to wonder if it might be their night…

GOAL KONSTANTINO - L. Gallejo - ’62

’90+6

Seven minutes of added time almost up. Some time wasting from Grovalle here as he takes the goal kick, Stewartika clearly seeking out that whistle for extra time, while Konstantino still surge forward, desperate for that late winner. He’s finally taken it, scooped up by Orville, here’s Leon Munhoz… he puts it through to Gallejo, the Stewartikan defense lunges to close him down, he’s still got it, they’re slipping on….!

HE’S DONE IT!!!! WITH WHAT HAS TO BE THE LAST KICK OF THE GAME, LORENZO GALLEJO HAS JUST WON IT FOR KONSTANTINO AND THE FIRST KNOCKOUT GAME IN THEIR HISTORY! THE STEWARTIKAN PLAYERS COLLAPSE TO THE GROUND! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A NIGHT LIKE THIS??

GOAL KONSTANTINO - L. Gallejo - ’90+7

They get on up to keep playing, but they know in their hearts it might be over.

*FWEET!!*

THE FULL TIME WHISTLE! SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!

THE KONSTANTINIAN BENCH AND STAFF RUSH THE PITCH, AND IT’S PANDEMONIUM IN LA SNERRA! STEWARTIKA STUNNED - SO SURE, SO CONFIDENT IN THE GROUP STAGE - UNDONE IN AN INSTANT! LORENZO GALLEJO IS THE HERO OF THE NIGHT FOR AN ENTIRE NATION!

In the locker room.

The players, soaked in sweat, and the bench walk in. It’s slightly dark, the lights not fully brightened - or maybe they’re just broken. The silence does not last for long.

Jens Bergmeier turns on Jorges Grovalle, his face contorted with anger, always the prideful one.

“What the fuck was that out there?! I’d rather have KAME in goal after this!!”

Grovalle spins himself, iration and true frustration upon his features.

“Are you serious? Putting this on me - you only played 60 minutes, you shitface-“

Bergmeier lunges forward, only barely getting stopped by his captain Sung. On the other side, Ott Bentham takes Grovalle, trying to get him to calm down, reasoning the entire team had a lapse in form.

“DON’T GIVE ME THAT! I WON’T BE SLANDERED BY A MAN WHO LIVES OFF HIS PR AND NOTHING ELSE!”

“I’LL KILL YOU FOR SAYING THAT-“

The dressing room soon comes a horrendous bedlam, the team split down the middle to either hold the irate midfielder and goalkeeper back or to argue a bit themselves. They don’t notice Kunio entering the room until it’s too late.

“ENOUGH!”

And everything’s suddenly silent.

“Bickering like children after one loss. PATHETIC! In a tournament made specifically for testing the waters. We know our level now, don’t we?”

No response from the players, Bergmeier and others looking down in shame.

“I’m going home. Whoever else wishes to is free to accompany me. Those who wish to watch the rest of the matches, you may do that as well. The SFA will arrange everything. I won’t have another training session until after the tournament here has concluded. You should all rest.”

The manager walks out of the dressing room, up to where the team bus waits. The silence carries on, until Bergmeier turns to Grovalle again, met with the beginnings of a warning from Sung, and bows.

“I apologize. I lost my head.”

And then he turns and walks out, quickly followed by vice-captain Polluck. Soon, little by little, everyone else follows suit, leaving the dressing room empty and disturbed.

As the line of purple trickles out, one man stands aside, crutch in hand. The injured Darius Erikkson can only watch in sadness as his teammates walk by, greeted with friendly, half-hearted pats on the shoulder.

Stewartika exits the Baptism of Fire, with a final record of three wins, zero draws, and one loss.

Full Time:
Baptism of Fire - Round of 64

Stewartika

Konstantino

2

3

A. Hijikata ‘7

L. Gallejo ’55, ’62, ’90+7

J. Morissey ’24

Yellow Card: Leon Munhoz (Konstantino) '23

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lorenzo Gallejo

Venue: La Snerra

Weather: slightly cloudy, light breeze, 74 degrees F

[Snestar]

Goalscorers (Snestar):
30' Federico Marchesi
Player of the Match: Davide Scognamiglio

Snestar comfortably defeats Windows 7 Bliss 1-0, advancing to the Round of 32 with the fourth clean sheet in a row

Snestar’s Knockout Stage journey begins with a success: despite only maintaining a one goal advantage over Windows 7 Bliss, the Viola still manages to advance to the Round of 32. Snestar’s hopes of winning the Baptism of Fire are growing bigger and bigger, though the road to glory is still full of hurdles.

Upon entering the Istria Olympic Stadium, Snestar’s entire squad were immediately booed by the Banija citizens. Even though the disapproval was mostly directed to Camilla Arentas due to her harsh words on the politics of the host country, the players could still feel the pressure. Still, when the referee blew the whistle, the players remained concentrated and started comfortably directing play, gradually gaining confidence with every minute that passed. Despite a few defensive mistakes, mainly coming from Valerio Peruffo’s lack of experience with the national team. Snestar came close to conceding a goal in the 13th minute, when one of Windows 7 Bliss’ attackers ended up hitting the crossbar. Calvaresi didn’t even have time to react: had the opponent not missed, Snestar would have been down a goal. Thankfully, Snestar bounced back into controlling the match: Federico Marchesi was the only one to find the net, though, thanks to a great curved shot only possible thanks to his tactical positioning, not giving Windows 7 Bliss’ keeper a chance to make a save.

The second half was fairly boring: Snestar chose to play slowly and cautiously (which Camilla Arentas did not appreciate), defending each attempt with nervousness. In fact, it did not take long for yellow cards to start flying: Peruffo in the 52nd minute, Acanfora in the 58th, Ragusa in the 66th, and Marchesi in the 79th. Then, in the closing minutes of the match, Tero Sjölund was tackled right in the middle of penalty box, moments before scoring a goal, but the dubious contact caused the referee to not award Snestar a penalty. Camilla Arentas was furious: despite her aggressive protests (which also costed her a booking), VAR confirmed the referee’s decision, and in the end the final score was 1-0.

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

“ I did not like what I saw today. Despite our victory, we still have a great deal of work ahead. I don’t know what happened to the boys in the second half, because I definitely did not tell them to play anti-football. It was a dishonorable display: Snestaryan football certainly is defensive, but it is certainly NOT an excuse to muck around and pass the ball around for 45 minutes… I’m sorry, that might have been too much. The thing is, I want the boys to get into the pitch and play to win, instead of playing not to lose. […]

The penalty? Well, after the match I still checked out the highlights, as always. And to be honest, Sjölund was actually tackled correctly. I was furious at the time, but that’s just because I was not in the right mood. I tend to lose patience more often than not lately… Anyway, I want to congratulate myself for the Windows 7 Bliss Defender, which prevented an otherwise clear goal. You have to risk it all sometimes.”

Meanwhile, in the Istria Olympic stands:

“Camilla, Camilla, are you a priest?
Camilla, Camilla, tell us the truth!
We know all about you,
We know all your sins,
But that does not concern you
When you give us all these wins!

Where’s our baptism?
Where’s our baptism?
We are Snestar and we’re nowhere near the rest!
Where’s our baptism?
Where’s our baptism?
We are Snestar and we’re closer to the best!”

[Hamborn]

DISCLAIMER : This text is translate by DeepL you can found the original text on bottom.


FIGHT IN THE CHANGING ROOM AND JOAN'S NEW SCAR!

Right after the match, the entire Hamborn team went to the changing room to discuss the match, etc.

A few minutes later, the coach left the room to go to the toilet.

The discussion between the team members began with small talk until they got to the penalty in the 86th minute:

‘We all agree that it was because of Marcus that we conceded the goal,’ said Joan.
‘Are we talking about your chance at the end of the match?’ shouted Marcus.
‘Yes, what about it? The referee blew the whistle too early,’ replied Joan calmly.
‘He's right,’ said Leo.
‘Stop talking nonsense, it was Leo's fault,’ said Marcus, sniggering.
‘COME ON, GET IN THE GOAL,’ shouted Michael.
‘I DON'T NEED LESSONS FROM A GUY WHO CONCEDED THREE GOALS TO A NON-PLAYER.’
‘Calm down,’ Arlemus tried to say.
‘SHUT UP! AT LEAST I HAVE A BETTER RECORD THAN YOU,’ Michael shouted into Marcus's ear.
Marcus lost his temper and pushed Michael, knocking him over. Joan grabbed Marcus by the shoulders and punched him. Marcus retaliated, so Joan grabbed Marcus and threw him against the wall. Marcus decided to stab Joan in the armpit with his keys, causing him to lose a lot of blood.

Then the coach burst into the room and said:
‘NOW, STOP FIGHTING OR YOU'LL ALL GO BACK TO HAMBORN,’ said the coach violently.
‘I'm going back,’ said the whole team except for the goalkeeper, Joseph, Arlemus, Joan, Bilo and the coach, who will be there for the final and other matches.

COMBAT DANS LES VESTIAIRE ET LA NOUVELLE CICATRICE DE JOAN !

Juste après le match toute l'équipe d'Hamborn vont dans les vestiaire pour parler des actions du match etc...

Quelque minutes plus tard, le sélectionneur quitta la pièce pour aller au toilette.

Le début de la discussion entre les membre de l'équipe ils ont parlé des but de petite chose jusqu'à ils parlent du penalty à la 86ème minute :

《On est tous d'accord avec le fait que c'est à cause de Marcus qu'on c'est pris le but. dis Joan
-Est on en parle de ton occasion à la fin du match. Cria Marcus
- oui est quoi, l'arbitre a sifflé trop tôt. Répondit calmement Joan.
- Il a raison dit Leo
- Arrêter de dire n'importe quoi c'est Leo qui en est la cause. Dit Marcus en ricanant.
- BAH VASI DANS LES CAGE cria Micheal.
- MOI J'AI PAS DE LEÇON À AVOIR D'UN MEC QUI A PRIS 3 BUT PAR UN NON JOUEUR.
-calmez vous essaya de dire Arlemus.
- FERME LÀ MOI AU MOINS J'AI UN MEILLEUR PALMARÈS QUE TOI Micheal cria t'il a l'oreille de Marcus.》
Marcus pète un câble et poussant à en faire tomber Micheal. Alors Joan pris Marcus par les deux épaules lui mit une patate. Marcus répliqua le coup, alors Joan attrapa Marcus et le jetta contre le mur. Marcus décida de planter ses clefs dans l'arcade de Joan qui commança a perdre beaucoup de sang.

Alors, le sélectionneur fit irruption dans la salle et dit :
《 MAINTENANT, ARRÊTER DE VOUS BATTRE OU VOUS RENTRER TOUS A HAMBORN. dit le sélectionneur violemment.
- moi je rentre dirent toute l'équipe à l'exception du gardien de but, Joseph, Arlemus, Joan, Bilo et l'entraîneur, qui seront présents pour la finale et les autres matchs.

[Konstantino]

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

KONSTANCE RADIO & TV

Konstantino won and is in R32!
After a EPIC victory over Stewartika, Konstantino is in the Round 32!
The next match is Konstantino vs AJTON.
The coach is m very intense with the players and there getting more hard in the trainment. A media press in pre game is matched.

[United States Of Alpha]

As the United States of Alphan soccer team takes the bus back home, here’s a recap of the journey from a win to “man this sucks.”
So everybody was super hyped because no one in US Alpha had heard about soccer, and they wanted to see how far they could go.

We won the first match 2-1. Orcuo was so focused on getting a goal but someone got ob a fast break in the 82nd minute and scored.

We tied versus Shizua Rem Misurgi or whatever 3-3. I think I already covered that.

We lost to Solarampa 0-1. According to them, we gave up the only goal in the 72nd minute (nobody bothered to check the timestamps all we knew is that we lost). Everybody was super pissed off but had to shake it off for the match vs Colmaijo.

Colmaijo got the first goal in the 9th minute and scored again in the 43rd minute. At halftime the team decided to “lock in” and scored goals in the 76th and 90+3rd minute, with 46 seconds to go. So after time was two magnets when you bring their north poles together. Penalty kicks was the thing that killed us. Nobody knows the score but it was probs a tossup to see who would win and we lost. And so the outcome was the most painful loss of all the BoF matches in the entire tourney at least thus far.

Someone was so sad and angry that they bought and smoked every single thing of marijuana within a mile radius.

JustBry4:) said after the game “Out pain can be described by ‘oof’ but there’s a hundred o’s or a hundred times slower. That’s it.”

In summary, that whole thing sucked, but at least there’s the actual WC100 which we signed up for apparently.