Baptism of Fire 87 - Everything Thread

by **Atymnius** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 9:59 am

Welcome to the newest edition of the Dēmosian News Network! We are proud to present accurate, pertinent information relating to Dēmos’ battle against Colmaiijo and one we can attest to proudly—a true masterclass performance from the Regional Football Team with no love lost for a bitter Colmaijoan side who hoped to see themselves through to the Round of 16. Here at the news desk, we have Mike Hattenborough and Apostoli Apostoleris to give us the full match breakdown!

Mike Hattenborough: Thanks Mike! Apostoli, I’m sure you must be excited to bring forth the news to our fellow Dēmosians worldwide?

Apostoli Apostoleris: That is indeed correct Mike. Glad to be joining you this fine afternoon. Now, with that said, let’s take a deep dive into the match!

MATCHDAY 5:
DĒMOS VS COLMAIJO

0'

A: Hi everyone! The match where Dēmos takes on Colmaijo begins with what is a kick-off on a warm, Sunday midday. We are anticipated to bring you the events as they come. Joined beside me is Serié BBVA former player, Mike Hattenborough, providing commentary analysis and with that said let us commence.

The ball immediately began with a chiroscuro of rapid-fire attacks as Colmaijo took early dominance in the 3rd half of the pitch against a shocked Dēmosian defense. Dēmosian defender, Whyatou, couldn’t make his mind up as Colmaijo’s Jønataan took the nation to an early lead at the fifteenth minute—

15'

Apostoli: GOAALLLL! A wonderful volley-kick from no. 9 Jønataan propels the Glorious Republic to an early lead against Dēmos in the third quarter of their field’s defensive line. Comments?

Mike: Against what was poor defending from the Dēmosian defense, Jønataan capitalized on the open space and what followed was a sharp, clinical finish from the Colmaijoan forward, well-done-some!

The match resumed as tensions murmured between the Dēmosian players as Colmaijo kept their heads forward in what was a consistent build-up of momentum. As a result, the Colmaijoan forwards continued to apply pressure to a frail third of the pitch. At this point, Rafail began flaring up:

Why the fuck must I do everything! Defenders it isn’t my job to keep your necks ABOVE THE SPLICE!

Breathing heavily, the Spanish Salamander rotated between all varying positions of the pitch, completely out-of-touch with his position as he began taking matters in his own hands.

Feeling the brunt of the pressure, Dēmosian defenders inconspicuously pushed Whyatou around, flailing their jerked bodies around him. Sensing this, Whyatou spoke out:

W: What is it?!

He was out of breath—

W: AM I the only one communicating here on the pitch or are the lambs silent!?

*Slap*

Tyolius smacked Whyatou’s cheeks, swelling a hued flush as he fell to the ground.

T: Focus mate. Block out the noise. Focus on the game.

Tyolius offered his hand. Getting up, Whyatou became dead silent.

*The game continued*

38'

Woah. Would you look at that, on the set-piece, an excellent header from Khan as the scoreline becomes two-nil.

Will Dēmos ever catch-up?

44'

Suddenly a despondent voice called out to the Dēmosian players. A murmuring to what was akin to a sonic wavelength travelled through each of their ears. Too faint for the non-professional sensia.

It spoke to them. An inaudible voice occured once-more before all players stood silent. Surprised, the Colmaijoan players pirouetted around the stationary slums as they quickly scored a third.

The Dēmosian fans were surprised, the Colmaijoan fans were screaming, the commentators were shouting—

Everyone was surprised.

Everyone: WOAHHH!

Apostoli: (echoes in the distant background) Everyone, we are indeed proud to announce that Colmaijo scored a third goal in the Baptism of Fire Round of 64!

A: Is Dēmos’ chances for Baptism over?

As half-time was approaching and Dēmos started, immediately something seemed off about them. Khan could sense it.

Something was not right.

Immediately—

A rush, two-pass, quick feint—

A: Oh: What is this Mike!

Up-a-ladder, one-three, down-stairs—

*Mike even bat-eyed Apostoli at this point!—*

Mike: oh, oH, OH! GOALLLL!

It’s the Black Ram of Greece! WhhhhyyyyyATOU!

Mike’s voice echoed through a dead-silence from both supporters—

OH!!!!!

The crowd went animalistic. Dēmos had finally responded with applause reaching heights well past half time.

45'

Mike: (heard through a stuttering yet powerful microphone) We are back ladies and gentlemen; after what was a shocking late-sight, let’s see if the Colmaijoan team will see this hell through!

The game was afterward intense, Whyatou slashes through opponents in what could still be described as a rush that no one else could otherwise pin-point.

Down the ladder, up the ladder, all-around, sideways

Whyatou dominated the midfield as Ivanovich failed to keep up. 2 nets, 3 nets, 4 nets—the Spanish Salamander contributed to the one where Whyatou establishes an astonishing hat-trick against a miserable ColmIaijoan side for the former; the nation who felt as if victory were getting ever more surreal. This corresponded well with Whyatou’s form: mere aeons of what was a harsh awakening just a few minutes ago.

What happened to him so that he perform such miracles? Only Atymnius knows.

Regardless, with further goal contributions by Theodosis bagging a brace and Tyolius joining in on the fun, Dēmos dominated the horizon for centuries to come.

90'

A: Well that is it ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to announce a final score of 7-3 to Atymnius: making the win possible.

With the comments, Whyatou was leaving the field as Dēmosian fans stood up from the stage. Holding their hands in unison, they spake:

Oh, Oh, Oh the Golden Black Ram!
Oh, Golden Black Ram!

Ye who Valiant Be!
Gainst all Disaster,
May in Constanc-y!
Follow thy Master!

There is no discouragement,
Shall make him once relent,
His first avowed intent,

TO BE A BLACK-RAM!

by **Snestar** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 12:18 pm

Goalscorers (Snestar):
59’ Tero Sjölund (PK)
62’ Leonardo de Martino
90+8’ Daniele Cantu
Red Cards (Snestar):
43’ Valerio Peruffo
Player of the Match: Tero Sjölund

Snestar wins 3-0 against Saint Lazarus while down one man: Camilla Arentas proves herself once again as the Viola proudly advances to the Round of 16

Snestar keeps yet another clean sheet, as a dominating 3-0 win against Saint Lazarus brings the national team closer than ever to winning the Baptism of Fire. Even though the Viola’s next match against Atymnius is going to be the biggest challenge for the club yet, the players seem fired up and ready to take on yet another

Upon entering the Istria Olympic Stadium for the second time, Snestar’s players were not booed by the Banijans as much as last time, though the pressure they felt against Windows 7 Bliss felt just as intense. Since Saint Lazarus had just come into the pitch after a 9-2 obliteration of Porotia, while the Viola had only edged a 1-0 win, the whole team did not start the match with the usual mentality, instead choosing to play more cautiously and take fewer risks. For the entirety of the first half, neither team created exciting chances, resulting in a fairly boring showdown. The first breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when a phenomenal vertical pass from Cavaliere brought Mattia Castelletti and Tero Sjölund in an exciting 2v2 against Clemente Zaldarriga and Fidel Pascual. Castelletti then tried to find the near post, though José Luis Ortega was able to safely take the ball into his hands. Some time later, in the 43rd minute, Snestar found itself in a very difficult situation, as Valerio Peruffo completely missed his tackle on a very dangerous counterattack by Ezequiel Cheon, earning himself a direct card and hitting the showers early, while Snestar was left without a defender. After some time spent checking up on the Saint Lazarus attacker, Cheon was forced to leave the pitch for a few minutes. The following free kick was directed in the far corner of the post, though Calvaresi kept his nerve and spectacularly dove to save the shot and keep the score 0-0.

Before the second half started, Camilla Arentas made a few changes on the defense: Scanavino was subbed out for Balestri to keep four defenders on the pitch, de Martino replaced Castelletti to switch to a two-striker line of attack, and Martin de Roux came in to replace Acanfora. Suddenly, Snestar felt fresh again, and with its renewed spirit, it sprang right back into action, despite being in numerical inferiority. Through slowly winning fouls and gaining set pieces, Snestar started creating chances, giving Ortega a hard time keeping his posts. Then finally, in the 56th minute, a handball by José Miguel Robles at the edge of the penalty box caused a long series of protests from both teams: Robles, Calvaresi, and Sjölund all got yellow cards. Finally, VAR awarded Snestar the penalty, which Sjölund perfectly executed with a central shot. A few minutes later, Snestar found the second goal thanks to a great cross by Balestri, finding de Martino’s head in an unstoppable position. After this, Saint Lazarus had no choice but to keep defending against Viola’s relentless attack while being denied most chances to make a comeback. In the end, Daniele Cantu (who was subbed in for Sjölund in the 87th minute) ended up finding the net thanks to a powerful kick in stoppage time, making the score 3-0 for Snestar when the triple whistle echoed in the Istria Olympic stadium.

After the final whistle, we interviewed head coach Camilla Arentas once again to hear her thoughts on the match. Camilla Arentas was way more focused on the current situation regarding the defense.

“Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law? The one that goes, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”? Well, for our next match we are out of right backs: first Ramella’s injury, now Peruffo getting a red card… The other day I was thinking about what would happen if I ran out of people to put, so of course life had to take my thoughts and make them literal… They're definitely not making it easy for me and the boys. But honestly, I’m not too worried: I have experienced much worse. A few years ago I was coaching Gratenya in the men’s Division Beta. We were having a good run too: we were comfortably sitting in second place. Unfortunately, while traveling away to Brega for a regular matchday, our bus ended up in a car accident. After coming out of the ER with just a few bruises, I realized that almost the entire first team was hospitalized. So for the next few months, I had no other choice but to play with the youth academy. Thankfully they all ended up recovering, but Gratenya definitely suffered heavily. Because of that, that year we ended up 12th instead of gaining promotion to the first division… It’s the nature of football. You must always be prepared for the unexpected.”

by **Seeberg** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 12:39 pm

“They told me to do some commentary about current events, like the distinction between shit and sheet, how the talking puppies are getting along or the awkwardness arising from a nation of proud equestrians being hosted by talking horses,” 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 fair Brinterberg from the top of Hügel Albrecht in the Baden-Baden-Baden Park, where you can see all the way to Knackwurst Platz in the south and the Puddingkuchen-Quadrat in the northwest. “So while you might expect a small treatise on animals talking bullsheet, 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 the last slice of a most decadent schwarzwald gateau and smacked his lips in contentment, before continuing: “Call me old fashioned, but there is nothing quite like properly following a trail, and therefore I suggest we now look closer at Part 6, wherein a foreign man in a tophat bring new ideas, which ushers in the birth of modern Seebergundian football.

“They struggled initially, the special Meersburgenheimstadt Commission, having problems with wrapping their head around multiple accounts that purportedly presented fundamentally agreed upon characteristics and «rules» of HändeFußy that all violently differed from one another. They gathered written statements and interviewed participants, and even went to the lengths of covertly observing games in the woods way out west, but never managed to understand neither the rules of the game nor why on earth people found it so engaging, which made conceptualizing a way of transforming it into a proper pastime very challenging indeed.

It was to be a wet night in one of the more seedy gentlemen's salons in the eastern parts of town - on Wackeldackel Straße, just off Grimmaische Straße and Gugelhupf Allee, in the nähe of Saiteninstrument Platz in the Heilige Birgitta Quarter - that constituted the big turning point in their struggles. Meersburgenheimstadt and his colleagues were in the process of drowning their frustrations and crying into the bosoms of disreputable ladies of the night when one of the lowlier civil servants stumbled onto their salvation. Florian Tinkerteilmann was his name, the civil servant that is, not the salvation. He was a young man - still Tinkerteilmann - of lesser social standing but capable intellect, despite originally hailing from the provincial town of Kügeldorf in the northern valleys, who had worked long and hard to attain a position within the Ministerium and was appointed with handling some of the commission’s lesser administrative burdens. He first met the strange foreign man - the salvation - while in the process of tossing his cookies in one of the flowerbeds on the upper balcony.

He was indeed a strange man. He wore a tweed dress, crowned with a burgundy colored tophat. He had a monocle hanging from a slim golden chain attached to his vest that he never seemed to use, apart from swinging it round and round as he spoke in a most dreadful foreign tongue or a heavily accented version of the pure and strong Seebergundian sprache. Neither Florian Tinkerteilmann, Doktor Meersburgenheimstadt, nor any of the others from the Commission, ever managed to catch his name, but after he rescued young Tinkerteilmann from falling to a certain death he insisted on all of them celebrating life by consuming dangerous amounts of absinthe and smoking opium-laced cigarettes as he discoursed on the nature of beauty and the pungent benevolence of Bùa. It was in the early hours that someone brought up the HändeFußy predicament and the strange foreigner laughed heartily and started explaining how he had solved similar situations elsewhere. It was the diligent Tinkerteilmann who - despite being violently intoxicated - thought of taking notes, and it was these scribbles that he presented to the commission when they reconvened a few days later.

The Tinkerteilmann Notes were somewhat chaotic and not always coherent, but they contained enough of a direction for the Commission to see a solution to their problem. The irony of something homegrown requiring something foreign to make it suitably Seebergundian was not lost on anyone, but was of course never mentioned. They again worked tirelessly for months, and after putting on the finishing touches they finally presented their suggestion on how to civilize HändeFußy and assimilate it into the officially sanctioned athletic sphere.

Firstly, they banned carrying the ball by hand - later amended to allow the use of hands by what became known as the Torwart, a concept that had been utterly absent from HändeFußy. They introduced concepts like delineated and size-standardized playing fields (complete with such newfangled ideas as throw-ins, goal kicks, and corners to reintroduce the roundling into play), setting the length of a game to 2x30 minutes with a ten minute pause in between, and perhaps most importantly rules banishing direct and aggravated violence and regulations concerning fairness and foul play, severely limiting physical contact between players. This included a tiered warning system, featuring the purple card (five minute timeout for philosophical misconduct), the blue card (ten minute timeout for aesthetic violations), the green card (15 minute timeout for excessive celebrations), the orange card (20 minute timeout for tactical nihilism), the yellow card (30 minute timeout for any perceived violent foul or disruption), and any repeat offender would be shown the dreaded brown card, which simply meant to go home and think about what you had done.

There was no offside rule of the variety we know today, although this was later amended to a somewhat rudimentary rule that required at least three opponents between the attacker and the goal. They suggested rules that stated the game was to be played between two separate opponents (HändeFußy sometimes had up to five different «teams» playing against each other at the same time) of 12 players per team, and that it was forbidden to switch allegiance midgame, and they also codified dress rules, where players were to wear long-sleeved cotton or wool shirts in different colors to facilitate distinguishing between participating opponents. Heavy, knee-length trousers, or knickerbockers, long woolen socks, woolen caps and sturdy workers' leather boots were also made mandatory. The formal, thick and cumbersome kits were purposely designed to be inflexible and lower the tempo and intensity of the game. The original setup was for the game to be self-regulating, with participating players collectively acting like arbiters, but after implementation this was soon amended to having dedicated judges - ministerium trained and sanctioned - present at all future games.

The work of the special Meersburgenheimstadt Commission sparked a lively debate. Many believed the idea of giving an official blessing to grown men running around chasing a ball was ludicrous and most un-Seebergundian, whereas others took a more pragmatic approach and saw the benefits of channeling the seemingly unquenchable HändeFußy enthusiasm into a somewhat more socially acceptable and safe activity. In the end, the pragmatic view won, and the Gemeinschafttag voted to implement the Landsrat’s suggested amendments to the laws governing athletic activities. This is often viewed as the birth of modern Seebergundian football, or The Bewegungsspiele FußBall, which became its official name.”

by **Soviet Kem** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 2:19 pm

Play Highlight: Naskin Putanik

Naskin Putanik, the caption of the Soviet Kem national team, he started life in the streets of Kem City, playing football on cement openings between buildings, or in some of the many parks. He was soon spotted by the scouting team for Kem City FC, being offered to play for their youth academy, all by the age of twelve. He quickly rose through the academy, getting his first senior team start at sixteen, eventually being capped for the Soviet Kem for the first time at the age of seventeen.
Now at the BoF, he has been crucial in Soviet Kem’s run in the BoF. Having soccer three game winning goals this tournament, Putanik has been called, “A great leader and teammate” by many of his fellow players. Having been the main architect of many goals, he has become Soviet Kem’s main blade.

by **Super Earth Under Siege** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 2:58 pm

Farfadillis - Forward Operating Base

Helldivers were trained, first and foremost, to kill.

Bugs. Bots. Squids. No matter how unthinking or unalive an enemy was, they were determined to kill it anyway. And amidst the dynamite-kicking and minefield-running and the throes of stim deprivation, one particular form of conditioning had proven perhaps more necessary than any other- getting the Senators not to physically brute force their way through enemy formations, at least not enough to be handed red card after red card.

And now they were undoing it.

Their next sortie was in Farfadillis once again, a land of chaos where referees were regarded in the same light as the endemic amphibians. Their next foe was Dixie Florida, a country where proving one's strength and showcasing dominance was key to their sporting culture. The expected result was inevitable. The Senators were going to get pushed around a lot if they abided by the rules. So they weren't going to abide by the rules. Their typical field brutality was back on the table- albeit with the airburst rocket launchers and orbital napalm strikes that typically rendered it fatal. But for soldiers used to elbowing murderous insects in the mandibles just to make enough space for their next shot, their bodies alone were dangerous enough.

Extra preparations were also made to ensure Super Earth patriotism was not eclipsed. Fortunately, preliminary research showed encouraging results. In Dixie Florida, football was seen as a child's game. In Super Earth, freedomball was now the centre of a multiversal expedition that would determine their reputation across realities. Nonetheless, no chances could be taken. Masses of confetti and other celebratory materials were prepared. Anthem recitals were more pitch-perfect than ever before. Tens of One True Flags were prepared for deployment- their speartips left unblunted as a show of appreciation to any Farves who were willing to sacrifice their own sense of tribalistic nationalism for a slight advantage in melee combat.

Victory or defeat, Super Earth refused to show any signs of weakness against an enemy they expected to do the same.

Farfadillis - Matchtime

The moment the game began- chaos.

Chop and Wader stormed ahead, preparing to break through enemy formations as forcefully as they had to. This was not to be a struggle of long-range sniping or profound field tactics. This was a war to demonstrate that they were stronger than the foe. Stripes was substituted in early to contribute to the atmosphere of muscularity- a proud Viper Commando, she'd spent her career with unarmoured arms just to show off how well-forged her muscular tissue was, her limbs adorned with her eponymous tiger-stripe markings. The atmosphere was one of stubborn determination, and some of the usual excitement of combat began to set in. Senators laughed with enthusiastic mirth and gave vicious smiles at every hint of success.

The downside of their strategy was that any players who weren't melee specialists or bombastic brutes had to pick up the slack of actually thinking about where to place the ball. Lagrange did her best to make good shots, but time after time the opportunity would collapse into a mob of striking legs as each side fought tooth and nail for possession. It was absolute pandaemonium on the field. The Senators would assemble impromptu rows of their attackers just to charge ahead like a battering ram past whoever was unfortunate enough to be in their way- but rarely did this lead to anything more than pain and exhaustion on both sides. Helldivers were used to stimming their life-threatening agony away- not letting it build up moment after moment as the ache got worse and worse the more they strained their stamina.

In the end, Super Earth scored two goals. But it was enough. The relentless offensive had kept the Dixie-Floridians from capitalising on any of their own opportunities, and seven-foot-goliath Fisher safeguarded the goal as if it were the subject of a High Value Asset Evacuation. Bruised and battered- and with multiple players penalised for brutality even with Farf inclinations in their favour- the Super Earth Senators achieved another triumph. They would advance to the round of sixteen.

All those promises of inevitable, unhindered victory almost seemed to be coming true.

by **Riandera** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 5:04 pm

(RP prompt)

Riffs and other Rianderan match watchers usually have high respect for referees. However, there are occasions where Riffs tend to disagree with the referee. For example, when Riffs think a player should've been handed a red card, they will shout "Serangan merah!" (transl. "Red strike!"). But for the last few games, they didn't complain, mainly because Riandera was winning every single one of them.

Riandera 1-0 Cardonia

58' Woolridge (RIA)

The most recent game Riandera played went well. The Rafflesias took down Cardonia in one of their most tense matches. One of the first major actions in the game was when Cardonian Opal nearly scored at 9', but was stopped by a swift Rianderan defence. Neither team could claim victory until 58', when Woolridge wrecked the Cardonian dream and scored. Team captain Zhang tried getting the ball in at 83', but goalkeeper Stev was not having it.

Riandera's next challenge is in Soviet Kem, who eliminated Andso Mangis 1-0. They will face off at The Crownlands in Equestria, marking the first time the Rianderan team has stepped foot in Equestria. Their group stage matches were held in Banija, while their two previous matches were held in Farfadillis. How will this go? Will Riandera keep adding to their 'victory tally', or will their BoF journey end abruptly? Only time will tell.

by **Saint-Lazarus** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 7:42 pm

THE CARABAOS ARE OUT OF BAPTISM OF FIRE
Istria, Moravica, Banija

The team went on some planning to take out the Snestaryans with the coach Usman. Pointing out the weaknesses of the team to get the victory. As they enter the Olympic Stadium, the barra brava get wild as they enter on the pitch. The Snestaryans did sang their anthem proudly, but some of the shouts of "Salve, oh patria, mil veces...." in the anthem were too powerful for the Snestaryans. But in the first half, the Snestaryans were showed signs of weaknesses all thanks to the defense of Pascual and Robles, but the breakthrough is from a 2v2 showdown between Snestaryans Castelletti and Sjölund against Zaldarriaga and Pascual, where Castelletti tried to score a goal but it was saved by Ortega. In the 43rd minute a counterattack from Cheon did some good things to him where a Snestaryan named Valerio Peruffo missed his tackle and gets a yellow card from it. After some checking on Cheon, he voluntarily left off to the pitch and subbed off by Enrique Suerte. And Ortega took a free kick like his idol, Rogerio Ceni. He took the kick far from the post but Calavresi saved the kick and the first half is over, 0-0. But the Snestaryans had some other plans as they made some changes in some parts. The boys in light blue went on to do their own thing until a handball from Robles gave the Snestaryans a penalty. And the protests came from both sides. And the VAR was called on to check on the handball. And the barra brava were so really pissed on the VAR as they sing their threats to the VAR officials, simply saying: "You're gonna die from your stupid decisions". And the VAR ruled out that it was a penalty to Snestar. Where Sjölund took the goal for the Snestaryans and the barra brava went on to throw some beers into him. Few minutes later, a cross from Balestri found de Martino's head and scored the goal for the Violas. Then the barra brava threaten them some more. It was all hope lost for the boys in light blue and add insult to injury, Daniele Cantu scored the last goal in the stoppage time, sparking a riot against the Banijan police. And the Snestaryans celebrated their win in Istria. "It was all hope that we lost.", says Marasigan. "But I hope in the World Cup we could do well." "I wanna say sorry to our fans that made us proud.", says Usman. "But I hope we could do well in next game."

by **Atymnius** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 11:57 pm

PRESS CONFERENCE
— SNESTAR VS DĒMOS —

The press were gathering for a formal forum between Dēmos and themselves as the press took their seat with everyone expected to stand up and ask their questions in an orderly manner.

Reporter 1: So what do you think of your prospects against Snestar at this round of the competition?

Alexis: I don’t think us or the Dēmosian Football Association would ever think this game would be easy by any margin of prospect. I am sure the Snestaryan Football Federation would think similarly. We want to just play our regular style of football and we hope to edge out of our opponents. It is that simple.

The Co-Ordinator butted in quickly so as to talk about something pertinently urgent:

The Co-Ordinator: I think sometimes we are expected to make more of a lip-service to our opponents but they know themselves more than us. We think we’ll go the wiser route in merely staying content in the beauty of what we have in the now: how far we have come, how much we have developed our boys in the now, and where we wish to go.

Co-O: Sorry—

The Co-Ordinator let drops of beauty slip down his cheecks. A beautiful yet fleeting smiles of emotion sat on his face.

Co-O: Just me reminiscing. You know—

Co-O: Our boys go through so much. The work they put in the field, the attitudes and trials they go through. Life is not easy. Our time is now. We will not give up, we will continue the good fight.

The press encircled the tears, unable to know what to do with them. They were flustered, for now they knew they could no longer pick any mince-meat from an honest coach, a tearful young boy who loved football just as much as the gaffers on the field.

Reporter 2: Uhm, perhaps you’d like to take us through the atmosphere in the dressing room? stuttered one press reporter awkwardly.

Co-O: Ah, yes, forgive me!

He takes a tissue before issuing himself.

Co-O: We can’t give our tactics away that easily, but what we can say is that it will be centered around maintaining an early lead in the onset and using such momentum for the rest of the duration of the match. We can’t, unfortunately say more than this.

The press circled around the conference room as reporters shooted various questions of lengthening degrees as one reporter would then subsequently ask:

Reporter 3: The Snestaryan de Martino has been in good form: are we to expect any changes in the lineup as you face the number 9?

Co-O: No, not by any margin, I must applaud de Martino’s last performance but I think with the recent depth of form Whyatou has been in at the back, we are well-resourced to deflect any threatening attacks from the Snestaryan forwards.

R-3: Oh, okay, but on that note, have you any expectations for Whyatou this match?

Alexis: I think you ought to set expectations for us ambassador, Since you expect to want more from a defender who left the Colmaijoan boys defenseless with miracles we don’t even know—

He stuttered inwardly before reaching towards the reporter:

A: How about you invent something beyond the known miracle?

Miracles in Dēmosian Football
“Miracles”, the Dēmosian culture expected such from their footballers, ever since Ancient Greece, Dēmosians have thoroughly enjoyed the notion that they played outward miracles in their performances: once an olden goalkeeper began levitating to save a crucial would-be goal that revitalized Dēmos’ chances for World Cup qualification. It is seen as mythology—

but the Greeks did love their mythology.

The press, nonetheless, themselves could not rebut his claims for it was out of cognition that such performances shown by the Dēmosian centre-back were human. It was something quite—

Miraculous.

For how could they twist the inadvertent truth shown on the camera?

Soon thereafter, the press were leaving, cameras were a-gathering and players a-answering. The moon that evening shone brightly as both the Co-Ordinator and Alexis stepped out-toward the grounds. Smoking was frowned upon in Dēmos but the Co-Coordinator took his bit as both men looked towards the starry night sky.

They could not believe Whyatou’s performance that last night, that last night that would forever be remembered in Dēmosian late memory.

by **Riandera** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 2:15 am

Masa lalu dari Legenda (The Past of the Legend)
Brought to you by the Rianderan Broadcasting Corporation

Episode 1: Zoom of Zhamanta

Zhamanta Zhang (Image generated by AI)

Female voice-over: This is The Past of the Legend, a program focusing on the past lives of today's celebrities.

Male voice-over: Coming from the northern city of Peletara is football legend Zhamanta Zhang. She's not just a centre-back for Peletara FC, the womens' and mixed national team, she's the team captain for those teams. But what brought her to be a celebrated icon and a hero for women aspiring to be in the national team?

The screen cuts to Zhamanta Zhang.

Zhamanta: Being a football player wasn't my first career choice. I wasn't into football. I was more of an artsy person. But when I was around nine, I watched the local team winning the Riandera Womens League, and that was when I started becoming more interested. I told my mum that I wanted to be a football player, and she was like "What? Are you serious?" I was serious. I got enrolled to a junior training academy in the city, which built up my skills even more. But then of course, there were consequences.

Male voice-over: Zhamanta had experienced bullying for her interest in football and for being a tomboy. It grew to a point where she had to reconsider her career in football.

Z: They (the bullies) were like "Dream on, Zham" or "You'll never make it to the national team". It happened to me every day at school. A month in, it was a Wednesday afternoon I think, I isolated myself in my room. I started thinking if I was worthy enough for the national team. I was wondering whether the bullies were right. I thought I wasn't deserving of a big opportunity. I spent the whole afternoon thinking, and crying. Then my mum came in and she was like "What's wrong?" And then I was like "I'm not worthy of making it to some local team. I should just quit."

Male voice-over: But just when she had said that, her mother had given her great advice to keep going.

Z: My mum knew exactly what my situation was. She said "Don't listen to them. They're only jealous they don't have the opportunity to be on the team." For some reason, I was taken aback by what she said. And then she was like "You can make it."

Male voice-over: Despite all the threats she faced, Zhamanta kept going because she knew good things would be awaiting her.

Z: I applied for the U18 team at 16. I was just one of thousands of teens trying to get on the team. When I had PE one Thursday, I had to stay back for a bit. I thought I was in trouble. But then, my teacher told me I was part of the U18 team. At first, I was shocked, and then was overjoyed when I saw my name on the list. When I came home, my mum was like "See? I told you!" And then we had a party with my extended family.

Male voice-over: The joys didn't stop there. At 18, Zhamanta applied for the U21 team. The number of applicants were bigger.

Z: It was about time for me to leave the U18 team, but I didn't want to stop my football career there. So, I applied for the U21 team. While there were bigger amounts of applicants, I had a better chance because I was on the U18 team. One Saturday morning, I was just searching for the funniest videos on the Internet, when I suddenly got a notification. It was about the U21 team, and I was on it. Straight away, I showed my mum and she was like "Yes! Look at you go, Zham!"

Male voice-over: But as soon as she was about to apply for the national team, Zhamanta received news that would stop her from joining straight away.

Z: I was like 22 when I heard something traumatising. Something that broke my heart in an instant. One night, my mum told me she was going to some concert. An hour later, somebody was knocking at my door. I wasn't suspecting my mother coming back that early. But... it was a police officer. He had told me my mother had died in a car accident. I froze. I had never been that sad in my life. I wept all night, and failed to get any sleep.

Male voice-over: After a few months of mourning, Zhamanta decided to join the national team.

Z: 6 months in, I thought of joining the national team. I went to the cemetery first, visited her grave, and was like "Mama, I promise I'll be strong for you." Then I received the news that I was part of the national team. I was so proud of myself, but if my mum was still living then, she would've been even prouder.

Male voice-over: Now, Zhamanta Zhang is the Rafflesias captain and centre-back. May her story continue to inspire you to be who you want to be.

Z: Remember, you're the one controlling your life. Don't let negative comments stop you from being your best self, being you.

Female voice-over: And that was The Past of the Legend. If you'd like to see more, go head to the official RiBC site. But for now, goodbye!

(RiBC site link shows on screen)

by **Choppyhausen** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 6:33 am

Broadcasting Service Choppyhausen
Baptism of Fire 87 - Article

Round of 32

Choppyhausen in the last 16
Why Iduna's celebration was not a political statement

The Choppyhausenian fans in the Sky-High Coliseum were ecstatic when Marco Iduna scored the equalizer in the 87th minute of the Round of 32 match against Khaelu. The team immediately gathered around the goal scorer in a huge huddle, and beer cups flew toward the ground from the stands of the Choppyhausenian fan block. After the initial commotion had subsided and Iduna had freed himself from the embraces of his teammates, the scorer treated himself to his own little celebration: a pat on both shoulders, followed by a finger pointing to the sky – the so-called “Star of the Almighty,” a religious symbol of the Apostolic Church, often displayed by its followers in moments of intense emotion. It was a small gesture that probably few of those present in Cloudsdale noticed. But Iduna's celebration spread all the faster on the internet.

Just minutes after the hit, the Vastona regional association of the Apostolic Church Choppyhausen shared a short video of the celebration with the caption “For Choppyhausen, for the Lord, against forced atheism.” The church association is likely referring to the Bill on the Separation of Church and State presented by Finance Minister Eligia Rowntree (Party for a Free Republic/PFR), in which the Council of Choppyhausen commits itself to secularism more strongly than ever before.

Among other things, the proposal calls for the elimination of several subsidies and material support worth millions. Since the beginning of the month, the church has been campaigning vigorously against the proposal, seeing religious freedom as being at risk. Terms such as “forced atheism” are also being used more and more frequently in the National Assembly, most recently in a speech by Royalist Party leader Cian Salazar.

But in fact, the proposed law is in no way an infringement on religious freedom; it is merely part of a series of austerity measures that Rowntree has presented to the National Assembly since taking office. The average religious Choppyhausener will probably notice very little difference if the new law is passed by the Assembly next week as planned. “No one should be forced to do something they don't want to do,” PFR party leader Kieran Gutierrez said two days ago in an interview with the Choppingen Post. “No religious person should be forced to become an atheist, but no atheist should be forced to pay the church either.”

The Post also published the interview on social media, where it was widely shared. One of those who shared the video? Marco Iduna. He is well aware of the true nature of secular law and is being misused in Cloudsdale. In reality, the outside forward is just very grateful to save his nation from being eliminated from the tournament and is doing so in his own way. This is what religious freedom really looks like—some thank God and others don't, without any further problems.

Baptism of Fire 87 - Round of 32

Khaelu
Choppyhausen

1
3

Calue 24’
Iduna 87’
Lauritz 103’, 114’

Die Freude der Choppyhausener im Sky-High Coliseum war riesig als Marco Iduna in der 87. Minute des Round of 32-Spiels gegen Khaelu zum 1:1-Ausgleich traf. Das Team kam direkt in einer riesigen Traube um den Torschützen aus den Rängen des Choppyhausener Fan-Blocks segelten die Bierbecher nur so Richtung Boden. Nach dem sich der erste Trubel beruhigt hatte und sich Iduna aus den Umarmungen seiner Teamkameraden befreit hatte, gönnte sich der Schütze auch noch seinen eigenen kleinen Jubel: ein Klopfer auf beide Schultern, gefolgt von einem Finger gen Himmel – der sogenannte „Stern des Allmächtigen“, ein religiöses Symbol der Apostolic Church, das von seinen Anhängern häufig in Momenten der intensiven Emotionen gezeigt.. Eine kleine Geste, die wahrscheinlich die wenigsten Anwesenden in Cloudsdale bemerkten. Doch im Internet verbreitete sich Idunas Jubel dafür umso schneller.

Der Regionalverband Vastona der Apostolic Church Choppyhausen teilte nur wenige Minuten nach dem Treffer ein Kurzvideo des Jubels mit der Unterschrift „Für Choppyhausen, für den Herrn, gegen Zwangsatheismus“. Damit bezieht sich der Kirchenverband wohl auf den von Finanzministerin Eligia Rowntree (Party for a Free Republic/PFR) vorgestellten Gesetzesvorschlag zum Akt zur Trennung von Staat und Kirche, in dem sich der Council of Choppyhausen so stark wie nie zuvor zum Säkularismus bekennt. Der Vorschlag sieht u.a. die Streichung von mehreren Subventionen und materiellen Förderungen in Millionenhöhe vor. Die Kirche macht seit Anfang des Monats mächtig Stimmung gegen den Vorschlag, sie sieht die Religionsfreiheit in Gefahr, Begriffe wie „Zwangsatheismus“ werden auch im National Assembly immer häufiger genannt, zuletzt in einer Rede von Royalists-Parteichef Cian Salazar.

Doch tatsächlich ist der Gesetzesvorschlag absolut kein Eingriff in die Religionsfreiheit, er ist lediglich Teil einer ganzen Reihe an Sparmaßnahmen, die Rowntree seit ihrem Amtseintritt dem National Assembly vorgelegt hat. Der normale gläubige Choppyhausener wird von dem neuen Gesetz – sollte es wie geplant in der nächsten Woche vom Assembly verabschiedet werden – wahrscheinlich überhaupt nur wenig mitkriegen. „Niemand sollte zu etwas gezwungen werden, was er nicht möchte“, sagte PFR-Parteichef Kieran Gutierrez vor zwei Tagen in einem Interview mit der Choppingen Post. „Kein Religiöser sollte zum Atheismus gezwungen werden, aber auch kein Atheist sollte zwingend an die Kirche zahlen“.

Die Post veröffentlichte das Interview auch auf den sozialen Medien, wo es vielmals weiter verbreitet wurde. Einer, derjenigen, die das Video teilten? Marco Iduna. Der sich der wahren Natur des säkularen Gesetzes nämlich sehr wohl bewusst ist und in Cloudsdale fälschlicherweise instrumentalisiert wird. In Wirklichkeit ist der Außenstürmer hier nur gerade sehr dankbar seine Nation vor dem Turnier-Aus zu retten und macht das eben auf seine Weise. So sieht Religionsfreiheit wirklich aus – manche danken Gott und anderen eben nicht, ohne weitere Probleme.

by **Bhumi Matawis Empire** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 9:27 am

Matawis Kingdom
Matawis Sultanate
Bhumi Matawis Empire - The Establishment (1810-1928)

Bhumi Matawis Empire - The Early Years (1928-1950)

Based on Mandala Charta, the Empire was governed under a semi-constitutional government. The head of state was held by the King of Mangkualam while the head of government was held by the King of Pakunagara. This means Susuhunan Mangkusudibyo was the first Emperor of Bhumi Matawis and Sultan Haryotejo was the first Prime Minister. The constituent states held a huge autonomy within their state boundary but on the international stage, they are one united nation under the Empire. It was more of a confederation. The government introduced a unified currency named Slaka which comes from an Old Jamanese word that means silver. On the other hand, Sultan Haryotejo of Pakunagara made several international visits to acquire recognition for the new nation. Fortunately, his journey was successful. The empire secured recognition from several countries mostly within the region and also secured trade agreements to ensure the economy of the country thrive. In the meantime, the old capital of Kartasura was rebuilt to become the future capital of the Empire where the cabinet office, consultative assembly and supreme court will be placed. While the king will govern from their capital, Kutagedhe.

Main gate of Kartasura Palace

In 1935, the Empire spread its wings. Their success to drive away colonizers from their lands, makes them confident in establishing a better place for many people. Their target was none other than Papoland. It is a huge island in the region of Islands of Union. The eastern half of the island was historically under the sphere of Duko Sultanate, one of the big 4 Sultanates in the Kolanos Islands, an island group in the eastern edge of Sagaranusa Archipelago. Their influence slowly decreased as VMC started to establish their presence in Papoland from the early 17th century. Now, the Empire also wants their piece of land. The exploration team was led by Untung Masduki. They embarked in early 1935 with 3 ships and reached the west coast of Papoland after a nine month voyage. They established their settlement there and made contact with the Muyan people, indigenous tribe in the area. On the other hand, VMC’s influence in Sagaranusa slowly decreased as their main port, Westveld which was changed into Labuanjaya after being captured by the Empire, fell to the joint forces of Mangkualam and Wahanten. Their new main port, Mangkasara, was not as well established as Labuanjaya. But they still get advantages from spice trade as they control the main spice supplier in Kolanos. However, the Empire slowly took their trade monopoly in the area. VMC’s last attempt to stay in control was by creating a puppet state named Great East Federation in 1938.

1939 is the mourning year for the Empire. In February 1939, Susuhunan Mangkusudibyo died of old age then in October, Sultan Haryotejo also died. Raden Mas Antasena, the Crown Prince, ascended the throne as the second Emperor with title Susuhunan Hangabehi. The position of Prime Minister was given to the next King of Pakunagara, Sultan Kusumonegoro. During their reign, the Empire spread their influence further inland in Papoland. However, their relationship with the Great East Federation was not too good. The Great East banned Bhumish merchants from trading in the state’s ports including Mangkasara, Manaro and Baguala. Thus, excluded Bhumish from most of the spices commodities that were usually traded. The decision angered the government that they banned Great East’s merchants from travelling through western Sagaranusa. This ban made the travel time for Great East merchants doubling which affected their cost. This heated relationship culminated in an open naval clash off the coast of Mangkasara in 1942. And from this clash, war between two states happened. The war mostly took place at the sea. Mangkasara naval battle in 1942 is considered as the start of the war which was won by the Empire navy. In early 1943, the Empire navy clashed with the Great East navy off the coast of Mahameru. In late 1943, the Empire navy blockaded Baguala, the second largest port of the Great East. In early 1944, the Great East navy sailed into the Jama Sea and engaged in a battle which they lost. Another group tried to blockade Sambuyutan, an important port in east Kalamantha. The blockade gave little impact to the Empire’ economy as Sambuyutan was only the fourth or fifth largest port in the country behind Labuanjaya, Junggalu and Balawan or also Bergota. The Great East position was cornered after Mangkasara was blockaded in late 1945. And after 6 months of blockade, the Great East surrendered. The Treaty of Baguala was signed in May 1946 that ended the war and normalized the relationship between both nations. It also effectively lifted the limitation that was imposed before the war.

Sagaranusa War (1942-1946) battle map

The Empire was getting the advantage with the lift up the ban. More varieties of spices can be seen in ports in the Empire. However, it creates anti-government sentiment across the archipelago. They were protesting the war effect to the people. In Great East, the protest went violent after a news outlet leaked letters from VMC who ordered the rulers of the Great East to ban spice trade with the Empire and to incite wars. The situation grew awry in the east. The government in the Empire tried to anticipated the spreading of the protest but to no avail. By mid-1950, the government of Great East Federation collapsed. Four monarchs in the Kolanos Islands group decided to seceded from the federation and established their own nation. United Kieraha Sultanates was then established. And in September 1950, Great East Federation was officially disbanded.

Political map of Sagaranusa Archipelago in 1950

Back in the Empire, the anti-monarchy protest grew larger. The main reason for the protest was about the constant wars which affected the daily life of the people and the endless exploration in Papoland who spent much of the country’s budget. They blame the greedy monarch who seems to not want this to end. The protest went from 1947 until early 1950 when Susuhunan Puroboyo, Emperor of Bhumi Matawis at the time, agreed to meet with the protestor representatives. Their meeting success to bring change to the nation. The Emperor, Prime Minister and the Grand Assembly worked together to amend the Charter. On 25 September 1950, the new Mandala Charter was introduced and signed with overwhelming support from both the nobles and the common people. The new charter placed both the King of Mangkualam and Pakunagara as a joint Head of State and Emperor of the country. And their power was heavily slashed. A position of the Prime Minister is split between the noble, Mahapatih Agung and the commoner, Mahapatih Anom. However in practice, Mahapatih Anom has more power in governing daily life of the Empire while Mahapatih Agung is there as Deputy Prime Minister. The consultative assembly becomes more powerful as the legislative power is given to them, previously it was held by both the King and the Prime Minister. Majelis Agung, the Grand Assembly, consists of two chambers. The upper chamber, Graha Sagotra is an appointed member of parliament who is made of non-partisan nobles. The members are selected by each monarch and approved by the Emperor. Their members then selected one of them to become Mahapatih Agung. The lower chamber, Graha Pawongan is the chamber where its members are directly voted by the people in a general election which is fixed once every five years. The leader of a political party with a majority or the most seats in this chamber is selected as Mahapatih Anom. On the other hand, the rest of the monarchs are given the position in a consultative assembly known as Raja Graha.

The first open general election in the Empire was also held in late 1950 after the Charter was signed. Four major political parties competes with several small and minority parties. The four major parties are Aliansi Nasional (AN, National Aliance), Partai Sosialis Komunis Matawis (PSKM, Matawis Socialist Communist Party), Majelis Tinggi Jamangen (MTJ, Jamangen High Assembly) and Partai Islam Matawis (PIM, Matawis Muslim Party). The first election was won by National Alliance who secure around 35% of the total voters. Their leader, Joyo Hadisukarto was elected as the first Mahapatih Anom or Prime Minister of Bhumi Matawis Empire. While the position of Mahapatih Agung was held by Tenku Abdullah Hasan, a noblemen from Shri Inderapura. Susuhunan Puroboyo of Mangkualam and Sultan Kusumonegoro of Pakunagara were the Emperors of the country.

by **Biyambi** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 9:53 am

(The episode opens with a shot of the giant floodlights casting long shadows over the Stadiya Bayaram pitch)

Voice Over:
“In the aftermath of the BT Top 8 Semi-final first leg, in which Ngwazi Strikers has suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of the hosts, Black Leopards, chaos reigns.

(The scene switches to outside the stadium. The evening air is thick with tension & anger as Ngwazi Strikers fans in their sky-blue jerseys surround the Royals’ bus pelting stones at the bus. Metallic thuds & sounds of glass breaking feel the parking lot. Insults can be heard; one man in a robe of sky-blue, white and navy blue is heard screaming; “These useless players and that treacherous manager will walk back on foot.” A woman dressed in sky blue suit with the Ngwazi Strikers crest all over adds; “Busy, busy taking our monies but giving us rubbish performances. Aah! Sitiyimva!” (We are not having this) Everyone in unison; “SITIYIMVA!!!” . A voice can be heard above everyone else; ” If they try and get on this bus, we will hang em!”
(The scene changes to the away dressing room, fear on everyone’s face especially the new players not used to this type of situation. Manager Francis Chiwaya bravely stands up and addresses everyone.)

Francis Chiwaya (Ngwazi Strikers Manager):
“Everyone listen, do not panic. I know its bad out there, but don’t forget everyone in here that we are family. And as family we stay together, you hear me? What is happening out there is uncalled for, especially from fans of the team. Now us a team we will endure this even if we have to do we it without the fans and tonight very much so, we must endure together as family, as brothers, as warriors against our….”

(Before Manager Francis Chiwaya can finish his words, the screen shifts to a shaky phone video. We see the door kicked down and Ngwazi Strikers’ fans four into the dressing room. We see fans with bats, bottles and panga knives. A fight ensues. In the video we can see Chifundo Lenpi, the new Ngwazi Strikers Central midfielder pushing back attackers, his face bloodied and scratched. Captain Mada Masina is seen protecting Lothrain Vidraux, he gets struck and falls to the ground, we can see blood on his hand and blood dripping form from a cut above his eye. The footage blurs as we can hear someone crash; ” Today we will send you to meet your ancestors, how dare you bring disgrace on our club!” The scene changes to riot police rushing in the corridors into the dressing room.)

(The scene changes to the players, coaches and Manager Francis Chiwaya all bruised up being ushered onto a Black Leopards’ bus under heavy security. As the bus leaves the stadium with a police escort, chants can be heard. The camera panes into the bus, the players look shaken, the blue and red lights of the police cars illuminate their faces exposing the horrors the team has faced.)

Voice Over:
“After one of the most disgraceful nights in Biyambian football, social media reacts.”

Edmond Majawa

@MajorE

The payment for amasupporter is the team winning. If you lose 4-1 expect to get beaten up.

Brian Kambalame

@BizzoK

They forgot to deflate the tyres mxiieew! Foolish children. That 4-1 has really disgusted me.

Francis Mtambalika

@Fula42

That was stupidity of the highest order. You went as far as smashing your own team bus & then breaking your own captains’ arm, kkkkk. You lost 4-1, then did that nonsense, trust me you will now lose more now; 1. you have lost your captain, 2. you will have to spend so much money fixing your bus, 3. when UBIFA steps in your team will be done for kkkkk

(The scene switches to a radio station, where we see a radio host talking)

Radio Host:
“I thought we left this typing of supporting back in the 80s. These actions were terrible and the authorities most be involved. Mavuto Matope the President of the Ngwazi Strikers Fans Association, NSFA was seen leading the violence. This man must be removed from his position and thrown into jail. Mavuto is a very violent man, last year after the Ziwani National Congress (ZNC) lost the elections, Mavuto assaulted the Director General of the TV Biyambi and coerced him into apologising to the newly elected Prime Minister. This type of intimidation and violence has for so long been in the DNA of Ngwazi Strikers. I ask for the new owners to change this DNA. I also call upon the police and Union of Biyambian Football Associations to take this issue seriously and give out harsh punishments to make sure that violence is eliminated in our beautiful game.”

Voice Over:
“Violence has long been a staple of Biyambian football. In the past and even now in the present albeit in a smaller capacity, fan groups have not only been just football supporters but have been used as political instruments. Politicians have mobilized these fans who come from low income households or the streets as youth wings of their respective parties, to intimidate rivals, influence elections, and enforce loyalty. In the past the paramilitary group, Biyambi Young Pioneers was even seen as synonymous with Ngwazi Strikers Fans Association. What had happened at the Stadiya Bayaram was not an isolated incident, but a deep reflection of a deep-rooted culture in Biyambian society and football. Just seven seasons ago, then Mansanduni Union Manager Bwana Dewa Dana’s house was attacked by fans following 7 straight loses, forcing him and his family to seek refuge in captain James Makina’s home.”

(The scene switches to a conference room, we see the Zibaba Police Commissioner, President of Union of Biyambi Football Associations & former Black Leopards player Nicolas Bayaram, and Ngwazi Strikers President Edward Raulman are sited)

Zibaba Police Commissioner:
“What happened at Stadiya Bayaram was not supposed to happen, it is something I deeply regret. Our officers in a time of great need failed to provide adequate protection for the Ngwazi Strikers’ players and coaching stuff. On the behalf of the Zibaba Police Service and on my own behalf I sincerely apologise to the victims of the violence at Stadiya Bayaram and the wider football community. I would have retired for what had happened at the Stadiya Bayaram but I was trained to see things through and I will see through the investigation which is already underway. In fact several arrests have already been made.”

Nicolas Bayaram (President of the Union of Biyambian Football Associations):
As President of the Union of the Biyambian Football Associations I greatly condemn the violence that occurred at Stadiya Bayaram following the conclusion of the BT Top 8 Semi-final first leg. In football there are three results that can occur; a win, a draw or a loss. It something everyone knows will occur, that’s why it is no reason for vandalising property or attacking players and coaching stuff. This is simply barbaric and should stop. At UBIFA we are working hard at improving the quality of our game and we are doing this with our partners such as BT, Balabet, TNB and Ziwanicell. When hooliganism happens, it causes these partners to doubt their investments in our game and might lead to them pulling out. I am calling on all fans to behave. To make sure that we eradicate violence from our game, we are going to have a meeting with various footballing stakeholders which will include the police, the Biyambian Referees Association, various fans associations and many more. As for the incident UBIFA has decided the following;
To begin with, Ngwazi Strikers will play without any of their fans in the next four matches, this includes the BT Top 8 Semi-final second leg and the first 3 matches of the Ziwanicell Super League.

Secondly, all individuals identified in the incident are permanently banned from all football activities in the country.

And lastly, Ngwazi Strikers Football Club is fined 12 million silivas.
Let this serve as a warning that any sort of violence does not belong in Biyambian football.”

Edward Raulman (Ngwazi Strikers Manager):
“To me a football club is about community, love and fighting together. But on that day in Stadiya Bayaram the players, the coaching stuff and myself were let down. We suffered a great setback on the pitch but we suffered an even greater setback after, the violence that took place has greatly affected the players and might even affect our season as a result. Instead of uniting during our darkest moment you the fans left the players to dry and even tried to destroy them. Do you even love this club? Do you really want this club to become the best? This club will never become the best as long as it continues to use violence to solve its problems. That’s a terrible solution from a bygone era. Raulman Corporation is here to change Ngwazi Strikers’ DNA of violence. We are the Royals and what do Royals do? They lead by example but for far too long, we have led by bad example. Ruling through anger, violence, intimidation, arrogance and chaos, quite barbaric I must say. This barbarism ends today.

To the players and coaching staff, I beg for forgiveness and beg of you to stand with me in changing this club not only on the pitch but also its culture. I want a culture that promotes family values, peace, and integrity and I believe you all can I help me achieve that. Let us together as a club be harmonious, and together lets make the club more than a club, a beacon of hope for this country and not a representation of tyranny and violence as it has been in the past.”

by **Snestar** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 11:46 am

Round of 16 - Snestar vs Dēmos (Atymnius)
4-4-2 Formation
GK 1 Federico Calvaresi (Captain)
LB 5 Riccardo Cavaliere
CB 4 Vittorio Gallerani
CB 16 Valentino Garnati
RB 20 Sebastiano Balestri
CDM 6 Davide Scognamiglio
LM 10 Martin de Roux
RM 13 Fabio de Filippi
CAM 8 Nicola Acanfora
ST 9 Leonardo de Martino
ST 17 Tero Sjölund

After Snestar’s 3-0 win over Saint Lazarus, the Viola goes on to face a huge challenge in the Round of 16: Demōs. Despite having won five games in a row, without conceding a single goal, Camilla Arentas was very defensive throughout the interview, avoiding all questions about the current form of Snestar’s opponent, Dēmos. Despite this, she praised the Snestaryan national team’s performance, having to face a 10v11 for the entirety of the second half.

"I’m glad we qualified for the Round of 16. In fact, during the match against Saint Lazarus, when Peruffo got expelled, I thought, “It’s over.” Instead, the boys showed exactly what I’ve been trying to teach them for the past few months: we were down a man, but instead of fully focusing on not letting any goals in, we chose to double down and do the exact opposite. All the Snestaryan “football critics” out there on the Internet write about how that was far too risky, but I’m certainly not complaining about the results. You people don’t know what it’s like to play 90 minutes with such high stakes while representing your own country."

Rising stars in the Snestaryan national team
(All of the following people are AI Generated images)

Mattia Castelletti

Age: 18
Current Club:

Carvella

One of the Snestaryan U-21 youth team’s key players, Mattia Castelletti was a surprise pick for the national team. Despite not playing in a major club in the Snestaryan Division Alpha, Camilla Arentas recognized his talent and chose to bring him under her roof to make him “experience the thrill of the national team,” in her own words. So far, Mattia Castelletti has started in two of the five matches and has also made an incredible assist, proving to Snestar that he has the potential to make it big.

Martin de Roux

Age: 26
Current Club:

Fraliso

Martin de Roux had always been considered a “failed talent” by the Snestaryan media. In his youth years, he wasn’t able to improve much, apart from playing a few matches with mid-table clubs such as Rivya and Grenna. In recent years, though, he’s been growing immensely, so much that he has found his way to the Starting XI of Fraliso and even started as the captain in the Snestaryan Cup final against Lavenya. Camilla Arentas now starts him in most of the national team’s matches, knowing he has become a solid player who can be very versatile when needed.

Elena Baldriga

Age: 21
Current Club:

Arentas Women

Despite not actually being part of the national team for the Baptism of Fire, Elisa Baldriga would have been one of Camilla Arentas’ first picks for the squad. Due to some shenanigans regarding the Snestaryan Football Federation, she wasn’t able to participate in the competition. This has upset a lot of football fans, since she has become one of the best female players in the entire country, earning herself the fame at such a young age. In Merilva, home to AS E.M. Arentas, she had become a club legend after scoring the winning goal in the Libertas Cup against the men’s Dandelicha Continental, forever cementing her name in the first ever victory of a women's club in the cup.

by **Bonusia** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 2:37 pm

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 5-3 TORNADICO
^{I. Boleda 4', Y. Morad 38' 50' 77', I. Pedra 90' // [INCORRECT FORMAT] 20' 31' 69'}
@ Lwanga City Arena, Lwanga, Buganda, Banija
KNOCKOUTS

Round of 64 - BONUSIA 4-2 THE FERRET LANDS
^{C. Bruch 52', I. Pedra 67', A. Dou 81', A. Cea 90+1'//W. Wolverine 12', R. Raccoon 42'}
@ Star Field, Herzegovina City, Moravica, Banija

Round of 32 - BONUSIA 7-2 EUROPEASIA
^{J. Ramon 6' 51', A. Cea 21' 28' 45+3', I. Pedra 55' 73' // [INCORRECT FORMAT] 33' 88'}
@ Hangaza Unified Stadium, Aissa, Hangaza, Banija

Round of 16 - HANALIA vs BONUSIA
@ Keystone Stadium, Sisonke, Kitana, Banija

MEDINA'S PLAY, PT.2 (Previous part in the previous RP)

- Alright, team, is everyone here? We'll need to leave for Herzegovina City soon.

- Medina, what about the Coach? He hasn't returned yet.

- Yeah, and I haven't seen Jofre either.

- That's what I wanted to talk to you about, guys. Coach Boquete and Jofre have been detained by Banijan officers.

- WHAT?!!!!!

- I cannot believe it!

- That's so fucked up, what did they even do?

- Jofre is so calm, I doubt he did anything!

- This is outrageous! Where are our rights?!

- Everybody calm down!... *players still loudly making their takes on the matter* CALM DOWN!... *Medina manages to make the players quiet*. Alright. I'm going to be completely honest with you. For what Xavi told me, Jofre brought some rubdisks EVEN THOUGH I EXPLICITLY SAID TO NOT TAKE THEM DURING THE TOURNAMENT. Jofre found the coach sitting around and he offered him one. So, while he was on his trip, the Banijan police saw both of them, forcing Jofre to speak. So, they took them to the police station and they are retained there until they can assure they're clean.

- Why, for kicking some disks, really? Is it really banned here in Banija.

- Here's the thing. They have no such thing as rubdisks in Banija. Their existence wasn't yet known by Banijans, as it is a unique Bonusian drug. So, obviously, it was the first time that those officers had seen the substance, which prompted their detention. Good thing is, since there's no legislation regarding rubdisks in Banija, they will be left out soon. The bad thing is that they won't make it to the match against The Ferret Lands. We'll have to go without them.

- What do you mean, Javi?! We cannot let coach and Jofre here!

- Believe me, Itziar, I'm the first one that is reticent to leave them here, but there's nothing we can do about it, really.

- Of course you can! We have to wait for them!

- At this point, though, we need to be smart about it. If we stay here, we won't make it to the game, and we will lose by default, getting directly out of the tournament. Do you think your coach wants that? After all you've worked?

- You're not Boquete! You don't know what he wants for us!

- I'm not Boquete, but in his absence I will act as your coach. So please, calm down and let me finish.

-... Fuck you, damn! Fuck you!

- Please, Itziar, sit down.
Itziar can be truly hard to deal with, but I can imagine what she's going through, probably the same as me. Specially for Xavi, because he believed in her like he believed in me. Even after all the pressure from the press not to pick her, deeming her not good enough for the National Team because she played in a small club, Xavi saw something in her and got her in the squad. It was touching to see her, with tears in her eyes, stepping up for him in this way, which is why I let her irreverence slip this time.

- As I was trying to say, Boquete and Ramon will be alright. I informed the Federation about the issue and they will take care of it. Speaking of which, the Federation doesn't want much commotion back home, so they will try to cover up the incident. The official story is that they are preemptively confined because of a possible infectious disease. I don't want ANY of you spreading things to the press or on social media; and that last part goes for you, Yonatan. Is it clear?

- Yes, coach...

- Alright, everyone, finish packing, we're going to Herzegovina City.

The architecture of Herzegovina was not something that I had ever seen in my life. Every building sat there, like a pleased old man with a thousand stories to share. This solemn city which was probably older than Bonusia itself; despite having the potential to inspire even a rock, didn't do much for the players' focus. Funnily enough, without Xavi guiding them, they looked, in a way, like that young college student I knew that felt once so lost. The drive that I saw in them in the group matches, even when they came back shattered after a sleepless night out, was now completely gone. I had only been with these kids for barely two weeks, and yet the silence at the bus felt completely alien to me, like I had never been in a quiet bus full of sad people. Without Morad filming, Cea ranting about his betting shenanigans, Obiols speaking of everything and nothing at the same time, Alcoberro throwing yet another terrible dad joke... something was clearly missing.

As we arrived to the stadium, things didn't get better. The arrest hit them worse than I imagined. In that state, those Ferrets wouldn't even need to be good at football to beat us. And my skills as a football coach weren't certainly going to help. I couldn't do much but ask myself "What would Xavi do in this situation?"

"I don't know how, but I know that, when the time comes, you will stand to the occasion and help Bonusia come on top. That's why I want you. At that moment of obscurity, I remembered those words from my old friend, that day in which he invited me to partake in this venture. And I believe that they couldn't had come in a better moment. Now I knew what I had to do. Not what Boquete would, but what I would. That was my time to stand to the occasion.

- Alright, everyone, lift that spirit! The whole nation is counting us. Now, I'll dictate the starting 11: Cloquell, on the goal; Miró, Dio, Burgés and Fàbregas on the defence; midfield goes to Casas, Boleda and Calet; Portí and Formiga on the wings; Pedra on top. Dio, you'll be the captain for today. That's it.

- Wait, mister, what about me? I'm the captain!

- Today you'll start on the bench, Caterina, that's it.

- But the players need me, in a moment like this!

- As Boquete's not here, I'm the mister and I won't accept my instructions being questioned! Am I clear?

-... Yes, mister.

- Perfect. One more thing. During the first half, I want you to put all your attention to the game, Caterina. Watch closely how your teammates perform in the pitch.

- Alright.

The match started as i foreseed. Our team was not in the game at any moment during the first half. The Ferrets dominated the Black Star as they pleased. Well, in fact, a more accurate description of that first half would be: "The Ferrets played like they wanted because no Bonusian could do anything about it". The players were as mentally prisoners of their own doubt as their coach was phisically prisoner in a police station in Lwanga. Not even Isaac, who is always so passionate and who fights any ball, at any time, against whoever; was in his game. Today, it felt like he was magma turned into a cold pebble.

The goals arrived. For the Ferrets, of course. In the 12th, Wolverine shot by himself a long-range shot, which entered the goal. Cloquell certainly could have done more to stop it. The 0-2 came in the 42nd minute, out of a bad rebound by Burgés, which was used by Raccoon to score placidly.

- I saw everything I needed to see, coach, no more! We are playing shit!

- That's exactly why you need to look closely. Assimilate what's happening, and how it makes you feel. Trust me on this one, please.

The half time whistle finally came, and all players went back to the changing rooms, with their spirits already defeated. Only one woman remained, waiting for the 2nd coach.

- Mr. Medina, with all due respect, but how on Earth leaving me in the bench has helped us? We played terribly! If I was on the pitch, I could've helped them!

- You don't understand it yet, don't you?

- What is there to understand?! This was no time to make experiments! You have no idea about football, and because of you we're doomed to be eliminated, here and-

- CUT IT!... You are angry, that's good! Use that anger to lead, like you do best! Make your teammates understand how do you feel, and help them pull themselves up. Then you will win.

- ... let's go.

And as I went to the changing room next, I saw how Caterina's reset worked perfectly. Still angry, but with a clear idea. I knew that this was her moment to shine. -Alright team, I would say something, but we're having a change. Today's arenga will be done by your captain, Caterina Bruch.

Caterina showed us all who she was. She said a lot of things; some constructive, some mean, some helpful, and all of them with her personal flavour: Angry and straight to the point. If I'm being honest, I've never seen such a good arenga for a team, not even by Boquete himself. And, like this, the team faced differently the second half.

- Ref, we want a substitution!

The second half of the Round of 64 is about to start. The Bonusian squad, with both their coach Xavier Boquete and their winger Jofre Ramon unavailable due to health issues, is losing by 2 goals to nothing against the national team of The Ferret Lands. People from all over the country are really worried because of the poor performance that could suppose elimination... And we'll have a substitution: Biel Burgés leaves the field, and in his place enters the captain, Caterina Bruch. The woodkeeper defender's leadership in the field might be just what Bonusia needs right now. Will it suffice though? We'll know soon, the game continues!

My plan worked wonders. This Bonusia was completely different from the one that played the first half. Active, daring, moving. And a fully operating Bonusia, certainly doesn't have trouble getting goals. The first one was pretty much the detonant of the rest. It was an spectacular view: After a corner from Bernat, the captain made an unstoppable jump towards the ball. She made herself look so imposing, that she was more ressemblant to an orca jumping out of water. Her prey, the ball, which she sent to the back of the net with a rocket header.

From there on, things flowed again. Isaac, Antonieta and Aitor all joined the fun, and granted the victory to Bonusia. After finally being released, Xavi and Jofre joined us in Aissa, where we haven't had any problem walking over Europeasia, with a clear 7-2 victory. Now, Hanalia awaits in the Round of 16, for a true test to this reborn Bonusian team.

If you truly, truly are a sports historian, you will most likely have a hold of all the 'firsts' our team has had. Our first friendly match, our first friendly goal, our first goal scorer, our first player sent out, our first squad... but this story, perhaps, narrates a 'first' that is often not considered when talking about the 'firsts'. This is the story of Bonusia's first true struggle as a team. If you found this diary, you can bring it to your "Sports History Convention" of preference (if you have any) and discuss with your peers this once-revised material, and indulge in exploration a story that, by the time you read this, will have been buried into the deep sea of obscurity for a long time... Hopefully, not forever.

LOYALTY Pt. 1 (in collaboration with Hanalia)

It was a rainy day in Sisonke. Well, in fact, it was a very rainy day in Sisonke. The Bonusian squad had been very lucky to practically avoid rain during their continuous trips around Banija. But the Banijan rainfall can only be avoided so far, and that's something they learnt the point that the plane finally crossed the dense cloud carpet beneath it. Rainfall didn't stop pouring, nor showed any signs of doing so. Just continued, unending, relentless rain from that arrival until today, just a day before the big match against Hanalia. For some considered yet another rival to beat, for most it is the first truly challenging opponent for our squad since Seeberg. The most exagerated state that this is an anticipated final, that whoever wins this one game can be basically considered BoF champions.

Since the match was to be played the next day, a team reunion with all the members of the team was much needed. And for a much needed reunion, there were much needed snacks that much needed to be bought at the store, of course. But now put yourself in this situation: - You're in a foreign country in which you don't understand the language, in a city you don't know how to travel around, and it's raining like God didn't want Noah to finish the ark on time. And then, you are asked to make a trip to a store to go grab snacks for around 30 people. Of course, most of the players didn't want to take the responsability. After leaving fate to a tense round of "Sic, Sac, Suc", the responsability recayed upon no other than Anna Cloquell, the starting goalkeeper.

On her way, Anna couldn't stop damning her bad luck: "Crap, why did I need to go buy the snacks for the reunion? I hate this damn Banijan climate, always humid, always humid!

Finally she got to a little convenience store which was near their hotel. Despite bringing an umbrella with her, she arrived at the shop completely wet, all the rainwater dripping from her soaking clothes overwhelming the small carpet at the entrance. Obiously, with this rain there was only 1 other person there. Not even the cashier was there, as they setted up a "pay yourself" register and just left to their homes. Cloquell did understand it, really. If she could, she would do the same.

The two strangers, at first, didn't speak to each other, and just went on about their shopping matters independenty. Of course, a normal thing to do. At least it's the norm in Bonusia, not to speak to random strangers if you're both alone at a store. And given this mysterious man didn't speak to her aswell, we can assume this was the norm too in his country.

Unfortunately for them both, destiny had other plans for them. As the rain intensified, a blackout in that part of the city left the store dark and prevented the automatic doors from opening. They had been trapped together. At, first though, Anna tried to open it without success.

- Crap, it won't open!

- Is it really shut for good?

- Seems so... This day couldn't be any worse!

- Well, guess we'll have to wait or try to find a way out.

-Yeah, I guess

- What's about all those snacks?

- You know, we're a lot of people, and I was misfortunate enough to be chosen as the official supplier for today.

- I understand. In fact I feel like I'm in the same situation.

- Hahah, I bet you are...

- By the way, my name is Fabian, what about you?

- Anna, pleasure.

That name, Fabian, ringed a bell. She had certainly seen that man before. But the thing was, where? She started looking at him, trying to make his brain click and remember.

- Uuh, are you alright?

- Oh yeah, sorry, I was just wondering, I feel like I've seen you somewhere.

- Well, it's possible that you have. In a way I'm sort of a celebrity, you could say.- He said in an attempt to impress her. It seemed obvious that she caught his attention.

- Really?

- Yeah, I'm a keeper for Hanalia. Fabian Hass is the name.

Now she knew! Everything made sense. In front of her there was a player of the Hanalian squad, which her own was playing the next day. Fabian didn't appear to notice who she actually was, apparently, and Anna saw an opportunity for her team: - Ooh, I remember now! I've seen you in the TV for sure! I can't believe is you!

- Yeah, hahahah, it's me, in the flesh.

- I've never spoken with a Hanalian before! I guess that it wouldn't have happened if we didn't get trapped here, would it?

- Most certainly hahahah!... Although you aren't Banijan either, are you?

- Uh, well I... actually come from Bonusia, yeah.

- Bonusia eh? You're the first Bonusian I meet aswell. At least until tomorrow, since our Hanalia is actually playing against your country.

- Oooh yeah yeah, I remember that, you are our rivals.

- What are you doing here in Banija, anyways?

- Me? I, uh... came to, eeh... Oh yeah, I came to see the BoF with my family, yeah.

- Oh really?

- Yeah, I guess tomorrow I'll be cheering against you eh?

- I guess so, hahahah. At least for today, though, we'll need to stick together, am I right?

- Bet you are!

- Okay, let's search for an emergency button of some kind, what do you think? Maybe then we can open this darn door.

- Works for me! - On the inside, though, Anna had her deceitful mind working in full force. She was blatantly lying to Fabian and he didn't even notice. He seemed nice to her, even kinda cute in a way, but what she could get for the team was invaluable info, which could grant victory to Bonusia against what was bound to be the most difficult opposition they faced to date. So, even though she had found the fusebox and the way out, she sticked to using her charm to make the Hanalian spill the beans while they "searched for a way to get out".

- Hey, Fabian, is Hanalia good at football?

- What, of course! Heh, we are one of the best in the tournament.

- Ooh I see. But Bonusia is very strong aswell. I've *ehem* seen them play and they score a lot of goals!

- Yeah, it's true Anna. This is, in fact, what we talked about in our strategy reunion with the manager.

- Hmm, I'm curious. What are you planning to do to stop Bonusia from scoring?

- I shouldn't tell you, specially if you're Bonusian. What if you're a whistleblower?

- How would I know that we would get trapped here? That's impossible. I'm just a curious fan, nothing else!

- I don't know...

Anna tried to step up her game to try to finally convince him: -Come on, handsome! You wouldn't want to leave me with such a doubt, would you?- This finally decanted Fabian to explain the tactics to her. -I guess that explaining a bit won't hurt...

- Thanks! I really appreciate it, Fabian. I'd love learning about football from an actual football player!

- Of course! It's not like you know the Bonusian manager to tell him everything, right?

- Hahahahahah! Ooh you're soo funny Fabian!

- Hehehh, thanks. Well, we know that Bonusia excels in it's attacking capabilities, so to nullify their opportunities, we thought of some strategies...

In astonishing detail even for Anna, Fabian went on to reveal everything the Hanalian squad prepared for the next day's match. All the tactics, key players for the match, what they would do in different scenarios, and all the aces that coach Griffin could have up their sleeves. Anna was not the greatest expert regarding tactics, but she was sure that coach Boquete could make a good use out of it. And so, when she deemed that she got enough, she went to the fuse box and returned power to the building.

- Look, Fabian, I found the fuse box!

- Oh, wow! That's great! How did you manage to fix it?

- It was just the differential, with the rain it turned off. You know, these electrical installations seem pretty cheap, to be honest.

- Oh yeah, yeah, makes sense... Uh listen, Anna, despite the problems we had, I had fun speaking with you.

- Glad you did!

- Erm, could I get your number? So we can keep in contact. If you're staying some more in Banija, we could meet up.

- Ooh, well this is a family trip for me, so I'm not that available... What if you give me your number and I'll write when I can.

- Y-yeah, works to me!

- Cool. Write here.

Anna, obviously didn't have an intention to call him back. Not that she didn't want to, thinking about it on the way to the hotel. He was educated, well-mannered, funny and was pretty above average looks-wise, with that exotic foreigner charm. However, he would eventually find out about her lies, and he would most likely not want to have anything to do with her. In fact, as soon as the following day he would know the truth. She would say she felt rather bad to do something like this to an innocent man like Fabian, but at the same time she had things clear. To her, her team was the most important thing, and she was ready to do anything to help it succeed.

- Finally! Anna, what happened to you? You took two lives to get back!

- I got trapped at a store because of a blackout. It's a long story. Good news is, I got some interesting info.

by **Hanalia** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 2:41 pm

Loyalty
A series on the Elements of Harmony of Equestria
Honesty | Laughter | Kindness | Generosity | Loyalty
(in collaboration with Bonusia)

This whole saga, from Fabian's perspective, had begun as a story out of a cringy romance novel, two strangers who's paths cross only by coincidence, would fall in love and live happily ever after. This Romeo had in fact found his Juliet, for what fleeting romance there may have been would surely not survive the clash between Bonusia and Hanalia. For one shall be declared the winner and the other sent home. Fabian couldn't remain loyal to both his feelings and his team.

Fabian’s heart sank. He recognised the face on the big screen before him. It was her. The opposition goalie was the one he had been stuck with. The one he had shared all those tactics with. He’d done it in an effort to impress her but reality was now hitting that he'd divulged all the team’s secrets to the opposition. What crime could possibly be worse at this crucial matchup in the contest.

The Bonusians were prolific goal scorers; seven against Europeasia, four in the match before that, five and seven again in the last two group games. On the face of it, only Seeberg had put up any sort of defense to them, 1-0 the score line there, but that was the anomaly. If nothing else it had given the Hanalians plenty of footage to analyse about how the Bonusian team went about scoring their goals and work out a plan on how to stop them from doing so.

It was the same old story again really. Deny them possession. If they didn't have the ball they wouldn't be able to score. If they did get the ball, it was important to box them in. Don't leave our forwards up in their half expecting a counter attack if we reclaimed possession. It was to be a ten man effort to smother the player with the ball and their options, to regain possession. Our own approaches to their goal would be methodically worked from our own half, not opportunistic from an intercept off the Bonusians.

All this, he had let slip. Had she known who he was? Had this been a manipulation this whole time? Had she locked them in on purpose. No, surely not. But wait. None of that matters now, it’s what happens next that’s important. Who do I tell? Do I tell anyone? If we win the game then it’ll not matter. And if we lose, then who will ever find out? And would she actually reveal all of that? She seemed genuinely interested in him after all and he really did hope she'd be in touch again. Maybe she felt as he did? Maybe she'll keep it a secret too?

Eventually he conceded that he would tell someone. She had been honest in her name but that, and the fact she was a Bonusian, were the only things he could say for sure were 100% true about her. Everything else could have been a falsehood. Maybe she'd even engineered the door to lock shut, extract what information she wanted and then miraculously fix the door herself. Maybe not, maybe it was all opportunistic but if they were to ever be together again and she had told all of the Hanalian plans. Then clearly she'd have to forgive him for confessing to letting the cat out of the bag in the first place?

His first thought was to go to Wyatt, but then again Tim might use this situation against him given their rivalry for the starting position. He then considered Hayden, he'd always been a captain supportive of his players and they'd been together with the Vikings Club for a some time now building a good friendship that Monroe wouldn't let this transgression ruin entirely. In the end he decided to go directly to the manager, after all they were his plans that had been ruined and he'd be the one that would have to develop something different now.

So after the team meeting, approached the Griff, "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." "Eh, yeah, can I've a word?". The two claimed a pair of seats in the corner to have a confessional. Fabian recounted the story of the previous evening. How he had become entrapped in a small store with an unknown woman. He knew he should've been more cautious around a Bonusian but she appeared as genuinely interested fan, but he'd just worked out she was really goalkeeper Anna Cloquell when shown the opposition players earlier. He had told her what they had discussed yesterday about the plans for the game. "Nothing that anyone who's been paying attention wouldn't already have worked out that we'd be doing", he finished.

Fabain was right, it didn't take a genius to work out how to beat the Bonusians, it was the execution that was key. If he was to change the plan now, what other approach was there against a team so rich in goal scoring ability? There wasn't enough time to plan, communicate and practice an alternative approach. Rafael was stuck. He could only hope that the Bonusian team, knowing what Hanalia have planned, change what they do and play more defensively themselves. That'd suit Hanalian play more and he could rely on the players to compete at that style of game. Was the team's fate resting on this slim hope? It appeared so. One way or another he wouldn't have to wait long to find out what would happen.

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 W 2-0
R64 v Hamborn @ Albert III Memorial Stadium, Dodoma, Banija W 2-1
R32 v Coercia @ Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija W 4-2
R16 v Bonusia @ Keystone Stadium, Sisonke, Banija
QF v Snestar/Atymnius @ Star Field, Herzegovina City, Banija SF v QF-2 @ Farfadillis F v SF-2 @ Stadium of the Two Sisters, Canterlot, Equestria / 3PP v SF-2 @ Istria Olympic Stadium, Istria, Banija Look I'm optimistic okay?

by **Shin-Zetsubo** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 3:41 pm

"Gyahahaha! Let's go from Rülândéá!"

Before DespairTimeTV picked up the rights to show this very match from inside a country that every single Shin-Zetsubite didn't know of, football - erm, Despairing Soccer - was a complete unknown other than for the thirty-four women that made up the national team fighting in Farfadillis. Not a single other pink-haired woman in the stands, no journalists (not like journalism was particularly popular in the country), nothing. The national team were a traveling team who one day just boarded a flight bound for the Glorious Southwest and were forgotten for a little bit.

When they were remembered for the first time since departing the airport, everybody in Shin-Zetsubo saw their "representative" national team through the lens of two citizens who had barely even a clue about the sport they were playing, those being Dianna Sayaka and Yves Quarrington, looking at a feed straight from Farfadillis and commentating over the moments that occurred on the pitch.

"Scarlett, over to Colby, back to Scarlett... What's that thing they're doing right now again?"
"Dianna, it's a... Pass. Like you're passing over a chocolate bar with .0001% hope."
"Ugh Yves, I hate hope!!"

Beyond the walls of the DespairTimeTV studios in beautiful downtown Towa City, the residents of the nation were puzzled. Puzzled in despair. How could they even be invited to partake in this competition when they barely had access to the outside world, other than a few land borders that they regulate more strictly than a colander? The world outside their own worked in mysterious ways but eh... As long as the team represented them got a good result against Tristan da Cunha, right?

Right?

"Carsons has the ball on her feet, over to Colby, Colby finds DWERRYHOUSE!!! DID WE JUST SCORE?"
"YEAH WE DID!!!"
"YVES YOU ARE A GIRL. GENIUS. 1-0 SHIN-ZETSUBOOOO~!!!

Before Emoran's women could even have a chance to go from their rigid tactics to the positionless despair that made them so deadly throughout the Baptism of Fire, Alyce Dwerryhouse waved her hands and struck the ball into the back of the net with her feet, past the Potato-Fielder goalkeeper Dylan Channing. It was only 21 minutes into the football match, and suddenly every pundit in Farfadillis and beyond were shaking their heads. "You will fall" had quickly become "You might as well pack up Tristan's bags will ya, they're falling." Oh how the team wearing those cardigans took those words to heart.

First, the carry-ons.

Marybelle Meyers galloping past midfield, she's gonna have a go at it...! Not quite there, but HERE COMES SABRINA WALTER TO SAVE THE OCCASION! HELLOOOOOO SHIN-ZETSUBO! 2-0 SUPER DESPAIRRRR~!"

What most people would see as a "cross" was, at least to Dianna's eyes, a shot straight at goal from a little bit past midfield. Having a go, as some football people sometimes say. Bad use of words aside, the Rülândéá Çölíséá was buzzing after the 59th because the funny team of clones wearing big wigs were 2-0 up. And they were just about to pack the luggage.

"Is that a..."
"PENALTY! PENALTY FOR SHIN-ZETSUBO!! FREE CHANCE TO MAKE IT 3 TO NOTHING!"
"It isn't free, Yves... I don't know what you've been-"
"FREE DESPAIR! ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY FREE!"
"Okay yeah that I can get behind."

Sean Murphy had just brought down Monna Ramsey in the box, awarding Shin-Zetsubo a... Shall we say "kick from the penalty mark". Up stepped Freida Venon in her best "I don't care what they say, I'm still taking this kick" impression before drilling the ball into the net near the right-hand post. 3-0 Shin-Zetsubo in the 72nd minute. 5 minutes later...

"DWERRYHOUUUUSE!!! IT'S FOUR TO NOTHING! SHIN-ZETSUBO HAS BROUGHT OUT THE ULTIMATE DESPAIRRRR!!!"
"I think this game got me sold on Despairing Soccer!"
"Of course it is! We're good for goodness sake!!"

Another Chrystill Emoran masterclass saw Shin-Zetsubo through to the last 16. But instead of the only people watching being the fans in the stands and whoever was lucky enough to watch the match outside of the stadium not from Shin-Zetsubo, it was the fans in the stands and whoever was lucky enough to watch the match outside of the stadium... Who may be from Shin-Zetsubo. She didn't know it at first, but she had basically brought something to her country that would last more than one week a year - Sports.

It was back to La Gran Avenida for Shin-Zetsubo as they lined up to face Konstantino. It was a match that Emoran's side were expected to win - Konstantino had a couple fairly easy teams on their path to get here, but they were also on fire heading into this match, blowing 5 past AJTON in a display worthy of an award somewhere probably. But as the match was about to begin... Something caught the manager's eye.

It was someone in the stands. Someone from her nation, they had the cardigan and the pink hair and everything. They were sitting among a sea of Farf faithful, and if anything she had a damn good time getting here considering she was waving her flag proudly. At long last, somebody from her nation came to see the team in action.

If they can pummel their opposition once more, she'd be the happiest camper there was outside the despairful squad. Talk about added pressure...

by **Soviet Kem** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 6:31 pm

Group 2 Matchday 3 - Soviet Kem vs. Riandera

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

"We must now continue our fight to get to the final of the BoF 87. We may have came out on top verses Andso Mangis, but it was a close game, coming down to a single goal. We have a challenge in Riandera, as they won 1-0 against Cardonia. So we must respect them, but we also must play our football, and control the game. The boys are eager for us to move onto the round of eight and are willing to do what it takes this next game to move on to the round of eight." Ken Stavisk said during a pre-match conference ahead of Soviet Kem's fixture against Riandera.

by **Equestrian States** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 7:54 pm

Round of 16, Equestrian Section Cutoff

This Baptism of Fire is more of a marathon than most previous tournaments, but we're now in the home stretch. Three more rounds of matches to go after tonight. Scores incoming.

Optional Ro16 RP Prompt: The players and managers are often the ones in the spotlight, but teams also have support staff. The goalkeeping coaches, the scouts, the physios, the equipment managers. They all have a unique perspective on the tournament and your team. What's their story and how are they going about their work as the tournament enters the final stretch?

BAPTISM OF FIRE 87
Farfadillis | Banija | Equestria

Round of 16 Results, Equestrian Section

Match R16-6
Riandera 1–0 Soviet Kem
at The Crownlands in Manehattan, Equestria

Match R16-7
Seeberg 2–1 Biyambi
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, Equestria

Match R16-8
Merulla 1–3 Choppyhausen
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, Equestria

Quarterfinals Fixtures

Match QF-3
R16-5 Winner vs. Riandera
at Stadium TBD in City TBD, Farfadillis

Match QF-4
Seeberg vs. Choppyhausen
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, Equestria

by **Farfadillis** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 8:57 pm

Optional RP Prompt: Your team has done very well to make it to the last sixteen of the largest Baptism of Fire in the history of the World Cup. What are their expectations looking like now, heading into World Cup qualifiers, the true test, true baptism of fire, in a sense?

BAPTISM OF FIRE 87
Farfadillis | Banija | Equestria

Round of 16 Results, Farf Section

Match R16-3
Bhumi Matawis Empire 3–1 Montagne Noire
somewhere, probably, Farfadillis

Match R16-4
Konstantino 1–3 Shin-Zetsubo
somewhere, probably, Farfadillis

Match R16-5
Super Earth 4–1 New-Addlebrand
somewhere, probably, Farfadillis

Quarterfinals Fixtures

Match QF-2
Bhumi Matawis Empire vs. Shin-Zetsubo
at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija

Match QF-3
Super Earth vs. Riandera
somewhere, probably, Farfadillis

by **Super Earth Under Siege** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 1:24 am

Farfadillis - Matchtime

Little was known about New Addlebrand going into the confrontation. Though undaunted by their ignorance, the Super Earth Senators faced a major issue- many of their aggressive frontline tactics last match had been penalised. The very core of the team was unstable as a result. The normally implacable Deadman, the expert Chop and Wader- all out of the fight. Stripes, too, was not going to be able to sub in. As such, the Senators had to lean on less promising candidates. Buzz, far more reserved and cautious than most of the others, would have to take centre stage. The rarely-seen Creeper and Lassie were also called upon to fill the gaps. These two had a playstyle that emphasised stamina and energy conservation. The offense would be anaemic as a result, but it was hoped an ironclad defence might overcome this. At very least the increased stamina would help them endure the entire match they now had to play.

Ret and Lagrange did their best to place ludicrous shots in an effort to keep tempo. No angle was safe from their mutual assault. Briggs and Ballast shadowed opposing movements, serving as pseudo-attackers whenever they sensed opportunity. Longshot was brought forward early in an effort to keep the momentum going. Kicker returned every assault he could, living up to this namesake. If a War Strider's waterfall of explosives didn't deter him, neither would a game of high-stakes freedomball. It was, in short, a mess. The Senators barely managed to scrape each goal out of the matchup. But with so many dynamic defenders and precision kickers on the field, they rarely lost momentum fully. Instead of a relentless barrage, theirs was an unpredictable labyrinth of angles and strikes. New Addlebrand managed a well-earned point after an insurmountable siege, but it wasn't enough.

Managed Democracy has triumphed once again.

It was beginning to feel like destiny.

Farfadillis - Forward Operating Base

Sporting Officer Myrom regarded the Senators. "These Rianderans have named themselves after the rafflesia. Historical records indicate that this now-extinct plant was also known as the stinking corpse lily, for it was a rancid trap exploiting the exploitative ferocity of the bugs it used to spread its pollen. Make them take after their namesake, and render their hopes of victory as dead as their namesake is in our time." A harsh statement, perhaps, but it encouraged them to see each engagement in such bombastic terms. Helldivers, after all, were used to fighting existential threats against humanity. Democracy Officers across the Super Destroyer fleet used flowery language to emphasise the importance and gravity of every mission.

And their was an assignment of grave importance indeed. What had begun as a desperate effort to improve overall morale had succeeded- perhaps a little too much. Countless citizens were watching every match with eager eyes, assured that freedom's finest excelled on the sporting field as much as the battlefield. The Helldivers assailed Automaton worlds to accrue pyrotechnics for the upcoming Liberty Day celebrations, and the Senators were to be a prominent part of the festivities if they succeeded. Failure was unacceptable now. Victory had to be achieved at all costs. They were invested now, and this campaign had to succeed.

All day and night the former Helldivers braced for the next phase of the tournament. GL-52 De-Escalator rounds sparked in the moonlight, electrifying any would-be interruptions from suspicious frogs or flying jellyfish. Extra repellent was called in. Urchin grenades were thrown as impromptu obstacle courses. Expendable napalm launchers were stacked and taped into even more elaborate obstacle courses. Each of the Senators would shed as much blood, sweat and tear-contained salt as it took to overcome their coming adversaries.

It was always now or never for a Helldiver.

by **Banija** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 6:27 am

Time for the sixth cutoff of Baptism of Fire 87

RP Prompt for the Quarterfinals: You've won 3 knockout games to reach the QFs. Now you've got visions of the trophy dancing before your eyes- how would your nation celebrate such a victory?

Time to jam to some Pink Pony Club!

Round of 16 Schedule

Match R16-1
Snestar vs. Atymnius
at BCEL Stadium in Jinja City, Banija

Match R16-2
Hanalia vs. Bonusia
at Keystone Stadium in Sisonke, Banija

Round of 16 Scores
Snestar 2–2 Atymnius (3–2 AET)
Hanalia 0–1 Bonusia

Quarterfinals Schedule

Match QF-1
Snestar vs. Bonusia
at Star Field in Herzegovina City, Banija

Match QF-2
Bhumi Matawis Empire vs. Shin-Zetsubo
at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija

by **Seeberg** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 7:34 am

“They told me to do some commentary about current events, like how our Mannschaft can finally do some real sprechen in the strong and pure Seebergunidan sprache when the Choppyhausenian lads come knocking, the extremely rich and beautiful contributions by so many of the participants, or the eeriness of paradystopian prognosticators,” 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 while lounging between two pillars of ivory in the middle of Kinkerlitzchen Platz in fair Brinterberg. “So while you might expect a small treatise on language, creativity and divination, I instead invite you to sit down and properly entrench yourself in the story of How The Horkenheimers ended up here.” Herr Schiltze devoured his last bite of some especially acidic Sauerbraten and smacked his lips in contentment, before continuing: “Call me old fashioned, but when the cake is layered, you must eat from the bottom up, and so I suggest we now proceed to Part 7, wherein we witness the beginning of FußBall, the advent of proper teams and an officially sanctioned organized competition.

”Farewell to HändeFußy and hallo to FußBall, that was the melody of those days. This transition was to be accomplished by a two-pronged approach, where great effort and much resources was put into introducing the new game, and a hardline approach was implemented to make sure the old - undesirable - game truly became a thing of the past. Among the initiatives to facilitate an accelerated introduction of FußBall was a loosening up of laws and rules regulating the creation of athletic associations, grants to fund the acquisition of necessary attire and other materials, widely disseminated information about the rules of the game and the setting up of several designated playing fields adhering to official standards, the latter actualized by a combination of setting aside parts of the city’s many parks and working up suitable facilities on the fields outside the city proper. The drive to make sure nobody was going to keep on sneaking away and do HändeFußy on secluded fields or on the forested slopes was straightforward enough, with dedicated squads of the purpleshirts of the ßa monitoring known locations and striking down violently on any group deemed to be out of order. A few enthusiasts kept at it for a couple of years, but the slowing down of the momentum correlated very heavily with the accumulated amount of lost teeth and broken bones.

The result of the authorities’ campaign was that a vast majority of those who had previously engaged in HändeFußy transitioned to playing the new game of FußBall, together with many other newcomers. There was intense activity in the first few years, where a plethora of different new athletic associations saw the light of day all over fair Brinterberg.The reason behind the new game almost exclusively being organized in new associations was that the existing athletic associations were often solely dedicated to one sport - like archery or wrestling or various equestrian disciplines - and few had any tradition of being multisport organizations and fewer still had any interest in becoming one. There were some exceptions, most notably the distinguished Sportverein Brinterberg, that eventually began integrating a FußBall section alongside their traditional wrestling and archery departments.

The establishing of new associations followed clear local patterns that could trace their roots back to earlier HändeFußy activity, but as opposed to earlier times there was a greater division into smaller and even more local groups. The first round of establishments cropped up in the south parts of town, who had long had a tradition of organizing themselves into distinct HändeFußy groups, and after the formalities were in order the southside quickly saw the birth of associations like Knackwurst FußBall, Ballspielverein Gneis and Felina FußBall. While the «Northeast» had always been a big joint group of HändeFußy enthusiasts that took turns playing in various constellations, they eventually also adopted to the new era by dividing themselves into distinct associations like Münsterheim FußBallverband, Ballspeilverein Oxwaldstadt, Dinkelbrot Fußball, Baden-Baden-Baden FußBallverein and Verein für Bewegungsspiele Hügelheim. The reason was mostly financial, because by dividing themselves into smaller units each individual association was eligible for government grants and other types of official support. The same tendencies were present all over town, with associations like Ballclub am Fluss, Ballspielverein Allmannsdorf and Verein für Bewegungsspiele St. Paulina in the west, and even a few in the central heart of the city, like Staad FußBallverein.

Initially, there were no formal competitions and few crosstown interactions between the newly established associations. While FußBall in the north and east was divided into different associations, they still very much acted like one group and often trained and played together in informal events on the newly established playing fields on some of the slopes just north of the city or the two pitches in Baden-Baden-Baden Park in the eastern Heilige Birgitta Quarter. Much the same was the case for the western contingent of associations, while the southerners took a more competitive approach and developed something akin to a more structured league with scheduled rounds and a tally of points based on a system of their own making, although this was never officially sanctioned by the relevant ministries.

As time went by, calls were made for elevating the sport’s status and instituting proper and officially sanctioned competitive arenas. Olof and Ingela Dingdonglebensraum - a married couple of lesser sozialwissenschaft academics and enthusiasts actively engaged in Ballclub am Fluss - were central in propagating this cause in society by taking part in organizing petitions and being the main authors of a Bürgervorschlag for the ministry’s consideration. The petitioners sought a wide mobilization strategy and managed to craft an alliance of sorts bridging geographical divides and even certain social ones by securing the support of some of the older wrestling associations and select journal commentators. The Dingdonglebensraum couple also tried to recruit prominent names from the Institute for Sozial Research, with reference to earlier enthusiasm from the late Klinkenklosstein et. al, but the tides had turned down at the renowned home of critical theory in the St. Paulina Quarter, and the general consensus at that point was that the transition from HändeFußy to FußBall had drained any revolutionary potential and instead turned the new officially sanctioned activity into yet another opium for the people.

Despite the lack of support from the Institute, the campaign eventually succeeded. It took time, like things to do in the Gemeinschaft, but the efforts led to the establishment of the Brinterberger Cup as an annual event, contested as a knockout tournament by all the city’s recognized FußBall associations. At the time, it was officially branded as the inagural Brinterberger Cup, but today we often refer to it as the second annual, as it’s clearly both a spiritual and defacto successor to the tournament sparking the Gneisbänderung debacle a century or so earlier. BSV Oxwaldstadt from the northern parts of fair Brinterberg won the first officially sanctioned Brinterberger Cup, although teams like BSV Gneis, Felina FußBall, Münsterheim FBV and Staad FBV would soon establish themselves as the most accomplished and dominant teams in the early years of Seebergundian FußBall.

Oh, yes, Seebergundian FußBall. I suppose technically we should call it Brinterbergian FußBall, because contrary to popular opinion the Gemeischaft actually does encompass more than the gem of our capital. So, I suppose we should momentarily leave fair Brinterberg and briefly chronicle the state of Fußball affairs in the other towns of the valleys beneath the great mountains.

But why would you ever want to leave! Oh fair Brinterberg! Such a marvel of beauty. The north and eastern parts perched atop low ridges, buildings hugging cliffs, winding staircases, stone pathways, hillside plazas and parks with panoramic viewpoints watching over the quiet sophistication of the city’s heart! How it stretches to the south and to the west, our city! The grand tree-lined boulevards, the ornate facades, the columns, the domes, the decorative stonework! And the rushing river to the west! A place where art, order and altitude meet! A blend of imperial charm and alpine clarity, oh fair Brinterberg!

There is indeed much to be said about fair Brinterberg, and for our purposes it also has the added usage of describing everything that the other towns of the Gemeinschaft are not. Kügeldorf, Bernsdorf, Hinterdorf and Routhaus. They are all sehr boring and ugly! Provincial holes with ghoulishly inbred goat farmers and generally high levels of cultural retardation. I suppose you could call these hamlets quaint, perhaps, and there might very well be some redeeming qualities that they possess; I wouldn't know, I have never been there.

Despite all this, the history of Seebergundian FußBall is regrettably also the history of FußBall in these lesser places. We need not dwell on things, everything I have previously said covers the fundamentals: HändeFußy was played here, also in the prohibition years, although with less gusto and smaller crowds. When HändeFußy made way for FußBall, the rural folk of the other valleys diligently stopped playing the one and started playing the other, the few that kept on playing were brutally assaulted by the ßa, etc. etc.; like in most aspects of life, the history of these places is the history of fair Brinterberg, only with lesser flair, interest and Schönheit.

One difference, perhaps worth mentioning, was that the introduction of Fußall out in the provinces did not result in an abundance of new athletic associations. Instead, the already established associations rather expanded their scope to include the new sport. The reason was likely that these minor places only had one association to begin with and not enough people to warrant going around making new ones. Pferde- und Fußballgemeinschaft Hinterdorf adjusted its name and became the home of Fußall in the very north, while the same was true for Sportvereingenossen Kügeldorf and Sportsgemeimschaft Rothaus in the eastern valleys, although these refrained from changing their names and this was probably due to them being multisport associations to begin with. In the western valley, it was Verein für Leibesübungen Bernsdorf that brought Fußball into its fold. I assume they might’ve competed against each in one way or another during the early years of FußBall, at least in the northeastern valleys; Gott knows what those yokel Bernsdorfians got up to in their isolation!

That’s it, really. There’s no reason to spend more time musing on these dreadful places than absolutely necessary. Their relevance would continue to remain near nil up until the foundation of the Seebergundian SuperLeague, but that’s still some yesterdays away.”

by **Hanalia** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 10:06 am

And so the Hanalian flame at this Baptism of Fire has been extinguished. That which began as a spark in Equestria, stoked by the conquering of Nergtul, Orioni and Dixie Florida grew into a fire. Going wild in Banija, swelling with added fuel of the fallen Hamborn and Coercia, teams reduced to ash by the Fire Orange side. Just then, at the moment when the blaze could take hold and roar into an almighty inferno, Bonusia doused the fire. Ending the hopes and dreams of Hanalia and their baptismal blaze of glory.

Their one opportunity at this contest had ended in failure but for one of the remaining eight teams, dreams would become reality. One will claim success in the competitive arena and yet three more will claim an equivalent success. Adopting a large field of novices and guiding them through their first unsteady steps in World Cup competition was no small task. Nonetheless they had prevailed in the challenge set before them. Acting as the sorcerers, bewitching their flames in their mesmerising dance. Farfadillis, Banija & Equestria, adieu.

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 W 2-0
R64 v Hamborn @ Albert III Memorial Stadium, Dodoma, Banija W 2-1
R32 v Coercia @ Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, Banija W 4-2
R16 v Bonusia @ Keystone Stadium, Sisonke, Banija L 0-1
QF v Snestar/Atymnius @ Star Field, Herzegovina City, Banija SF v QF-2 @ Farfadillis F v SF-2 @ Stadium of the Two Sisters, Canterlot, Equestria / 3PP v SF-2 @ Istria Olympic Stadium, Istria, Banija Look I'm optimistic okay? cry cry not any more

by **Soviet Kem** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 1:10 pm

Soviet Kem Exit The BoF 87

With a screaming last minute goal from Lela Wahyuni in the 89th minute sealed the fate of Soviet Kem. However, Soviet Kem did have a goal disallowed in the 56th minute, but Sendve Gligimesh was ruled offsides due to his left foot. The match was a wonderful spectacle of football, both sides refusing to give even an inch.

The Soviet Kemrainan National Team staff and players are deeply saddened by this loss, and the exit of Soviet Kem from the BoF 87, we take this loss not as a mark of failure, but as a mark of where we need to improve. This tournament is our way to get our team to the proper level of fitness for the World Cup 100, but be assured that we will maintain our fitness level through intense training. Our training will be increased once the players return home from the BoF 87, we will hopefully make it to at least this stage, if not further in the World Cup 100, Glory to Soviet Kem!

by **Riandera** » Wed Oct 15, 2025 3:54 pm

(RP prompt)

The support staff have lots of stories to tell. Aryus Mokodongan was the physio for the mens team, and was announced as the physio for the mixed team. Hari Fitri has a similar story. She was the physio for the womens team, then got announced as the trainer for the mixed team. The current goalkeeping coach, Alessandro Russo, was the former goalkeeping coach for the mens team. He is known for his stoic nature, which allows him to get along with Krishna.

And... they did it again. The Rafflesias seem to have been knocking absolutely everything in their way as they climb up their way to the finals of the 87th Baptism of Fire. In reality, this was their only shot at it, so they had to do the best they could. In their most recent game, the Rafflesias dominated Soviet Kem 1-0. Lela Wahyuni scored a last minute goal, allowing for us to advance to the Quarterfinals.

"We have a challenge from Super Earth." Krishna announced, his voice booming, "they defeated New-Addlebrand 4-1."

The Raffs froze. Except for Zhamanta, who led the group chant.

"2, 4, 6, 8, go go RAFF-RAFFLESIAS!"

Krishna became pleased with his team. "Good effort."

See, the Rafflesias had a plan. They carried a living heck with them in every game. For it was true, they carried heck to their opponents. No other team that it had played against could have seemed to stop the 'Epic Scorin' Rafflesias'.

Baptism of Fire 87 - Everything Thread

Matchday 5: Colmaijo vs Dēmos

Press Conference: Snestar Vs Dēmos

Episode 3 part 2

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