Independent Associations Championship 25 EVERYTHING THREAD

[HUElavia]

We've reached Matchday 3, and 16 Teams will see their journey throughout the Multiverse.
32 will still continue onwards in hopes of getting IAC Glory.
Still, Let's Just Live onwards and hope to make it to another round!

Matchday 3 Cutoff

Group A
Sel Appa (SAP) 4–3 Abanhfleft (AFT)
Jirinho (JRH) 1–1 Chromatika (CMT)

  Group A                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sel Appa                                                        3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7
2 Chromatika                                                      3   1  2  0    7   4  +3    5
3 Abanhfleft                                                      3   1  0  2    6   9  −3    3
4 Jirinho                                                         3   0  1  2    1   4  −3    1

Group B
Dhemixia (DHM) 2–1 United States of Alpha (USA)
United States of Devonta (USD) 1–3 Indusse (INS)

  Group B                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Dhemixia                                                        3   3  0  0    7   1  +6    9
2 Indusse                                                         3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6
3 United States of Alpha                                          3   0  1  2    4   6  −2    1
4 United States of Devonta                                        3   0  1  2    3   8  −5    1

Group C
United Adaikes (UAD) 0–1 Aamathyr (THY)
Natkr (NKR) 2–2 Juvencus (JUE)

  Group C                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Natkr                                                           3   1  2  0    5   3  +2    5
2 Juvencus                                                        3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5
3 Aamathyr                                                        3   1  0  2    1   4  −3    3
4 United Adaikes                                                  3   0  2  1    1   2  −1    2

Group D
Philippine Islands and Formosa (PIF) 1–2 Sernet (SRT)
Crpostran (CRN) 4–1 Edsmontik (EDS)

  Group D                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Crpostran                                                       3   2  1  0    8   1  +7    7
2 Edsmontik                                                       3   2  0  1   11   6  +5    6
3 Sernet                                                          3   1  1  1    2   6  −4    4
4 Philippine Islands and Formosa                                  3   0  0  3    3  11  −8    0

Group E
Andso Mangis (ADM) 1–4 The Osnari Federation (TOF)
Papo-Iriya (PRY) 0–2 HUElavia (HUE)

  Group E                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 HUElavia                                                        3   3  0  0    6   0  +6    9
2 The Osnari Federation                                           3   1  1  1    5   3  +2    4
3 Papo-Iriya                                                      3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4
4 Andso Mangis                                                    3   0  0  3    1   8  −7    0

Group F
Darwizzyuniverse (DWU) 1–2 Kandorith (KDR)
Riandera (RIA) 0–1 Aphrilla (APH)

  Group F                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Aphrilla                                                        3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9
2 Kandorith                                                       3   2  0  1    6   2  +4    6
3 Darwizzyuniverse                                                3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1
4 Riandera                                                        3   0  1  2    0   5  −5    1

Group G
Republic of the United Marble Tribes (RUM) 0–0 Calgasia (CGS)
Grand Exultia (GEX) 1–3 Drawkland (DRK)

  Group G                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Drawkland                                                       3   2  1  0    6   2  +4    7
2 Republic of the United Marble Tribes                            3   1  2  0    1   0  +1    5
3 Calgasia                                                        3   1  1  1    7   6  +1    4
4 Grand Exultia                                                   3   0  0  3    4  10  −6    0

Group H
Only Six Words (OSW) 1–1 Sudilia (SDL)
Oscioru (OSC) 3–5 The Elder Lands (TEL)

  Group H                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sudilia                                                         3   2  1  0    8   2  +6    7
2 The Elder Lands                                                 3   2  0  1    6   6   0    6
3 Only Six Words                                                  3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
4 Oscioru                                                         3   0  0  3    4  10  −6    0

Group I
Taxhavn (TAX) 2–0 Woodsmere (WDM)
Independent Athletes from Filis-Indos Friendship Island (IAF) 0–3 Saterun (STN)

  Group I                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Saterun                                                         3   2  1  0    5   1  +4    7
2 Taxhavn                                                         3   2  1  0    4   1  +3    7
3 Independent Athletes from Filis-Indos Friendship Island         3   1  0  2    1   4  −3    3
4 Woodsmere                                                       3   0  0  3    0   4  −4    0

Group J
Seeberg (SEB) 0–2 Britonisea (BRI)
Burikinia (BKN) 0–3 Tanirinthia (TRH)

  Group J                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Tanirinthia                                                     3   3  0  0   14   0 +14    9
2 Britonisea                                                      3   2  0  1    4   9  −5    6
3 Seeberg                                                         3   1  0  2    3   6  −3    3
4 Burikinia                                                       3   0  0  3    2   8  −6    0

Group K
Free Republics (FFR) 0–1 Nieuweland (NWL)
Choppyhausen (CPH) 0–0 Reçueçn (RCN)

  Group K                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Reçueçn                                                         3   2  1  0    3   0  +3    7
2 Nieuweland                                                      3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4
3 Choppyhausen                                                    3   0  3  0    2   2   0    3
4 Free Republics                                                  3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1

Group L
Saperetia (SPT) 0–1 Solgavden (SGV)
The Golden Harp (TGH) 0–2 Valentine Z (VEZ)

  Group L                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Saperetia                                                       3   1  1  1    2   1  +1    4
2 Valentine Z                                                     3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
3 Solgavden                                                       3   1  1  1    2   2   0    4
4 The Golden Harp                                                 3   1  1  1    1   2  −1    4

Green: Advances to Round-of-32
Blue: Advances to 3rd Place Table for Possible Round-of-32

3rd Place Table

Tie Breakers for 3rd Place Teams: Points, Goal Difference, Goals Favor, Goals Against, Coin Flip (Match with RP Bonus Only)

G 3 Calgasia 3 1 1 1 7 6 +1 4
H 3 Only Six Words 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4*
L 3 Solgavden 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4*
E 3 Papo-Iriya 3 1 1 1 2 3 −1 4
D 3 Sernet 3 1 1 1 2 6 −4 4
K 3 Choppyhausen 3 0 3 0 2 2 0 3
A 3 Abanhfleft 3 1 0 2 6 9 −3 3
J 3 Seeberg 3 1 0 2 3 6 −3 3
C 3 Aamathyr 3 1 0 2 1 4 −3 3**
I 3 Independent Athletes from Filis-Indos Friendship Island 3 1 0 2 1 4 −3 3**
B 3 United States of Alpha 3 0 1 2 4 6 −2 1
F 3 Darwizzyuniverse 3 0 1 2 1 3 −2 1 

*: Coin Flip for Position, Only Six Words 3–1 Solgavden
**: Coin Flip for Position, Aamathyr 2–0 Independent Athletes from Filis-Indos Friendship Island

Green: Advances to Round-of-32

Round-of-32 Matches

HUElavia vs Sernet
(Spartan Veteran Stadium, Sadeg, Drawkland)

Saterun vs Only Six Words
(Estadio Nacional, Curumba, HUElavia)

Chromatika vs Indusse
(Skyhold Dome, Skyhold, Natkr)

Aphrilla vs Juvencus
(Aditya Varma Kulashekara International Stadium, New Hind City, Indusse)

Nieuweland vs Valentine Z
(Stadium Strata, Telm City, Britonisea)

Sudilia vs Britonisea
(The Lithico™, SoccerLand, Taxhavn)

Crpostran vs Seeborg
(Harald Kistner Memorial Stadium, Lysborg, Solgavden)

Drawkland vs Abanhfleft
(Millennium Dawn Stadium, Darlingtown, Aphrilla)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Natkr vs Kandorith
(Crpostair Arena, Crpostown, Crpostran)

The Osnari Federation vs Taxhavn
(Capitalizt Done, Chromia, Chromatika)

Sel Appa vs Papo-Iriya
(Olympic Stadium, Baseton, Free Republics)

Saperetia vs Choppyhausen
(Grand Manchbury, Manchbury, Sudilia)

Tanirinthia vs The Elder Lands
(Capitalizt Done, Chromia, Chromatika)

Edsmontik vs Republic of the United Marble Tribes
(Grand Manchbury, Manchbury, Sudilia)

Dhemixia vs Calgasia
(Olympic Stadium, Baseton, Free Republics)

Reçueçn vs Solgavden
(Crpostair Arena, Crpostown, Crpostran)

[The Republic of the United Marble Tribes]

Hue, where are the match results?

(Image)

We've reached Matchday 3, and 16 Teams will see their journey throughout the Multiverse.
32 will still continue onwards in hopes of getting IAC Glory.
Still, Let's Just Live onwards and hope to make it to another round!

Matchday 3 Cutoff

---

Anyways, KNVU's president just apologised, which received massive applause from footballers worldwide, especially goalkeepers.

"Everyone matters on the team," said Ryan Goldbridge. "There's no such thing as you are bigger or you are smaller, everyone is equally important, because in Marbleland FC, from what I learn, it is not "Me", it is 'We'. It is not 'You', it is "Us'.

Unfortunately, Interviews are not available for the time being. So, see you soon!
GOOD LUCK MARBLE MONKEYS!!!

[Nieuweland]

Hue, where are the match results?

Cutoff means it's paused, HUElavia is scorinating something

[The Republic of the United Marble Tribes]

Hue, where are the match results?

Cutoff means it's paused, HUElavia is scorinating something

ok, got it.

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Dear all, I will do the RP for the match later, for now it is INTERVIEW TIME!!!!!

This is actually the pre-match interview:
Interview 11 (If my math ain't wrong)

Interviewer: Greetings all! As we wait anxiously for the upcoming match, remember this is most crucial one thus far, it decides whether we are moving or not. Let us invite two of our players into todays interview. Please give a warm welcome to Joshua Howards and Jamal Marquez.

[Applause]

Interviewer: So, how you feeling for this upcoming game?

Howards: Well, a little nervous, you see, because it decides our fate, the fate of the country is in our hands, it is up to us, wether to bottle this up, or work hard for it.

Interviewer: Nice, what about you, Jamal?

Marquez: So, in my opinion, we just need to put our heads together once more. I hope we can at least get into round of 32. Did you know, many critics thought we would be bottom of the table? We proved them wrong again and again by beating Grand Exultia and drawing with Drawkland. So, I think we just need to believe in ourselves, you know, and just prove them wrong just once more.

Interviewer: Excellent words here, Jamal. Now, moving on, your countrymen have been very, should I say 'up' or like really into supporting Thomas van der Bijl, standing with him, consoling him. Well, just want to know, what is your stance during that situation. Umm, Howards.

Howards: Well, I would say, that Filip is definitely very childish. In such a dire moment, he literally just shamed him on social media. And guess what, none of his teammates supported him, neither did the staff, coaches or any of the fans. Most of those who consoled him, as far as I know, are my teammates and the Marblelanian fans, totally shameful.

Interviewer: Totally shameful indeed. And the president has yet to speak about it, wow. What about you, Jamal? What are you thoughts?

Jamal: I think Thomas deserves better treatment, man. You know, goalkeeper, the position, is one of the hardest to be, like we, Marblelanians say, football is never easy, but why is there so many people, that are so into football, you know, in this country, it is because of the passion, the support, the community, history, the roots, everything.

Interviewer: So, you two say that Tom deserves more encouragement?

Jamal: Definitely.

Howards: Yup.

Interviewer: Well, umm, any other words for this upcoming game?

Jamal: Just wanna say, good luck, to the Sky Blues, and of course, us.

Howards: Yeah, it may be our last chance to prove them wrong and also Thomas

[both]We are with you.

Jamal: Good luck, fam, rest well, f*ck the haters, and do your best.

Howards: Oh yeah, looks like we gotta go.

interviewer: Yup, ok. Thanks for the interviewer.

Howards: Oh yes, our pleasure.
-End Of Interview-

[Nieuweland]

IAC 25 Matchday 3
Free Republics (FFR) 0-1 Nieuweland (NWL)
Verhoek (NWL) 90'+1

NieuweSport.net

NIGEL VERHOEK LEADS THE SKY BLUES TO KNOCKOUT STAGES!



Nigel Verhoek during the match against Free Republics (AI)


It was a win-or-lose match against Free Republics, it's over for the Sky Blues when they got a draw or a loss in a crucial match...

The match has been started, Free Republics firstly takes the kick-off and then it was going well, until...

In 50', Mattia Dellucci is in 1-on-1 against the Nieuweland's keeper, Thomas van der Bijl, Mattia takes a shot but Thomas saves it with his right leg, and the ball's near the crossbar, but fortunately it's out, and Thomas proved his haters wrong and makes a remarkable save!

In 75', Vincent Bergwijn got a foul and gets a yellow card after slide tackling Dennis Hoffman too hard, but Dennis' still survived, Dennis has a free-kick and it was pretty close to Nieuweland's goal, and Dennis takes a shot and then, the ball blazes over the bar, the ball didn't even hit the crossbar, that was close!

Until... In 90'+1, Nigel Verhoek dribbles over the defenders and then, when 1-on-1 against the Free Republic's keeper, Peter Savage, Nigel does a fake shot to fool the keeper and then quickly takes a shot with his left foot and then GOAL!!! He scores a last minute winning goal! He has led the Sky Blues to the knockout stages! It's finally a win! It's over for the World Cup 85 champions, Free Republics! The whistle has ended, meaning that it's now full time 0-1, and now Nieuweland has finally made it to round of 32!

---

The Interview

It's a good win against Free Republics, and now it's time for the after-match interview for the Sky Blues!

INTERVIEWER: "Hello, Nigel, how do you feel that you've scored the last-minute winning goal that made fans cried of happiness?"

NIGEL: "I'm not kidding, that was the best thing I ever did, our team rose from the last place to the second place in the group stage, I would like to say thank you for my teammates, even Thomas van der Bijl for not giving up and then made a big save, I'm really happy."

INTERVIEW: "That's great, so are you ready for the round of 32?"

NIGEL: "I'm ready now, I'll try eating healthy, doing daily activities, and then training, and there's a lot to do..."

INTERVIEWER: "Great! Any last words to end the interview?"

NIGEL: "My last words are; This is for you, Thomas van der Bijl. A GOAL... BOOM! 0-1, amazing win, WOOHOO!"

INTERVIEWER: (laugh) "Okay, thank you for being here today, Nigel."

And then after that, Nigel Verhoek gets the man of the match award after a great performance against Free Republics.
That's all for today see more about the Sky Blues in the round of 32, thank you!

---

Comments

SirNotABot

Oh, so that's why Nigel Verhoek got called up as a TEAM CAPTAIN, hell yeah!

DeCoen05

Amazing performance by Nigel!

Matty2003

WOOHOO! WE'RE GOING UP, MATES!

[Nieuweland]

THE #TeamTalk PODCAST
with Nigel Verhoek

Episode 4 - We're going up!

NIGEL: "Hey, this is Nigel Verhoek, and welcome to #TeamTalk! I've scored the most prestigious last minute winning decision! It was the greatest thing I've ever did, but let's talk about Thomas van der Bijl, he literally saved the ball with his right leg and it went out of bounds, so close to a crossbar, Thomas really did make a remarkable save, and that's why, say hello to... Thomas van der Bijl!"

THOMAS: "Hey, Thomas van der Bijl here."

NIGEL: "Yo, do you remember that you proved your haters wrong? By doing a great save?"

THOMAS: "Yeah, I did, thank god I wasn't depressed that day."

NIGEL: "I hope not! You're a good keeper, don't let the haters made you believe that you're bad at goalkeeping, but you're great tho, don't worry!"

THOMAS: "Yeah, and also, thank you for saving us with that last-minute goal, I felt relieved now"

NIGEL: "No problem, mate! You're good now!"

THOMAS: "You really did a good job with your performance, it was great!"

NIGEL: "Thank you, Tom! It was really nice to see you!"

THOMAS: "We need to do more training, so we can make our performances greater!"

NIGEL: "Hell yeah! But any last words to end this episode?"

THOMAS: "Remember, don't let the bullies prove you right, If you made a great performance, your bullies will say; Oh, I was wrong, you're actually a pretty good player! And you became friends with the "bullies", that's all."

NIGEL: "Alright then, see you at the next episode, Bye, y'all!"

- THE END -

[United States Of Alpha]

Match Summary: Dhemixia 2, United States of Alpha 1

Despite our "best efforts", we were once again defeated 2-1 by our opponent. It goes down the same as Indusse (or as a thousand before; no one's getting smarter, no one's learning the score). With this tragic loss, we have been eliminated from the knockout stage, placing 11th out of 12 third place teams, as onlt the top 8 qualify. The only third-place team that did worse was Darwizzyuniverse.

We REALLY could've used those 3 points against Devonta.

Let's Regroup, People

Look, we can't just take this group stage exit with a grain of salt. We need to do some takeaways from this tournament.

Stuff we did good at: Look, I admit that we underperformed in this tournament. But, in our losses, we were gracious. Not like "sportsmanship" gracious, but we managed to keep pace with out opponents. Both our losses were by 1 point only. Stuff like this might not matter in a tournament like this, but in the World Cup Qualifiers, it gives us a slight advantage.

Stuff to get better at: We, most of all, need to improve our strategy in crunch time, and provide more coverage on our players.
Second, remember the time when we changed our style mod based on how we were doing? Yeah, we also need to do that. A final, less commonsense strategy would be to try to post that coverage near our matches, so that more of that information is retained for the match. Most of the time, though, that's not going to happen.

Overall: This tournament showed us that our "national religion" (laziness and procrastination in case you don't know because let's be honest, you don't, unless you do) is not what we should do. We also need to be able to do coverage and post stuff about our players more often in shorter tournaments like this one. It's all good. It's only our second season. We're still learning.

announcer: And with that, the Alphanians are eliminated from the knockout stage. Seems like they underperformed this tournament, didn't they?

other announcer: I bet they do.

one last trip to the overpriced portable locker room _{for old times sake}

LazarLazar: Just [oof] off man. Leave us the [oooof] alone.

noobus: It's unfortunate how poor we did. And yet, we got third place in our group. Even by those standards we did bad.

NotJustBry4: Yeah. It's like our effort doesn't matter. The only thing I wish I could say is "oh no, we lost, boo hoo so sad".

JustBry4:) : c'mon you guys. we did bad, but not that bad. It's our first time here at this championship. There is a first time for everything.

TheOtherNoobus: [sigh] Where my participation award at?

jim: Look guys, we got kicked out at the group stage, but we need to prepare for the World Cup. Just regroup, and lock back in. It's that simple. Got it? Good. Now go do what the soccer people would want us to.

[the bois go home]
_____________________________________

Okay, you people, I'll stop with my national region. I will post my dream matches along with my first World Cup RP, and if I don't do that, I will change my motto to whatever you guys want. Promise. I won't let you guys down. Now goodbye for now.

[The Republic of the United Marble Tribes]

Interview 11

Interviewer: Well, Joey Mulholland, welcome back.

Mulholland: Definitely great to be back in Chromia.

Interviewer: So, lets head into the game, so what are your thoughts about this last group match.

Mulholland: [sigh]..., another disappointing draw, I'll say.

Interviewer: What seems to be the problem, you look sad.

Mulholland: I am, really upset, they boys, they can't press, I don't know what's going on, it is just, it is just not clicking, man. I don't understand what is wrong today. They just don't seem to be listening to me.

Interviewer: Maybe they are you know, tired, they may need a break.

Mulholland: Perhaps so, but there's no time. Plus, our next game will be against umm, the country umm, 3rd in IAC rankings man.

Interviewer: Yeah, you all probably need to rest. Perhaps, ask for a postpone to Huevelia?

Mulholland: Perhaps so, you see, uhh, I feeling really exhausted.

Interviewer: Streesed?

Mulholland: I just don't know what to expect, I just hope we just survive the next round.

[Taxhavn]

---

Taxhavn 2-0 Woodsmere
Super Zubi Zuberbühler!

---

The Lithico™, SoccerLand, Taxhavn

Report by Sixteen Bits v.26.1.103s, Sports Editor Edition

Man of the moment Zubi Zuberbühler delighted the packed Lithico™ stadium where the home crowd witnessed a bit of Indies history, as the veteran striker became the first player to score in five consecutive tournaments*. His strike just after the half hour, after a superb needle-pass assist from Nan Smit, was enough to send the partisan home crowd into a wild serenade of 'Super Zubi Zuberbühler' and came at the end of an opening period of unreleting pressure from the Shillingmen. With history written, the boys could settle into the main task of the afternoon which was to make sure they managed the game well enough to see out the win and secure passage to the knockout stages for a second consecutive tournament. Ten minutes into the second half defender Raphael Kaiser scored his first goal for his country, appearing unmarked at the near post to head home a Dany Van De Velde corner to make sure of the result. With keeper Victor Van Drop hardly troubled in this game, the Shillingmen also secured a second group-stage shut-out for the first time in their IAC participation, and indeed it has been the defense, on the whole, that has impressed in what has been an uncharacteristically professional group stage management - gone are the wild four- and five-goal wins and sorry banana-skin defeats as the Shillingmen control themselves and their game. What that means for the knockouts is anyone's guess though as Taxhavn will face The Osnari Federation in Chromatika next, in what looks like the toughest tournament yet.

Dark horses Naktr take on Kandorith in the tie that will produce a Round of Sixteen opponent, while Sel Appa and Separetia, who have both posted impressive group wins, are on the same side of the draw for a potential quarterfinal along with the fancied Choppyhausen, who stuttered to qualify out of the group but could well come good in the knockouts. The Shillingmen have avoided powerhouses Tanirinthia, Chromatika, Aphrilia and HUElavia at least until the semi-finals, if they make it that far, which some might consider a favourable draw. But, says coach Nelis Fijnwever, there is only one match on the table for consideration, and that is against The Eagles. Taxhavn do have eminent experience of shooting themselves in the foot, and coach Fijnwever is right to be concerned about thinking too far forward.

---

Did Somebody Say 'Takeaway'?
Five Things We Learned On Match Day Three

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Report by Sixteen Bits v.26.1.103i, Sports Intern Edition

Zubi breaks the record* - it wasn't just a token either - he still looks the best forward in the team these days at 32, and who would rule him out of a sixth tournament next time around, and adding to his remarkable record as the only player to score in five consecutive tournaments so far?* At 34, and a supreme athlete, he could well be on the plane to wherever. Maybe Taxhavn?

Taxhavn rule out tournament bid - despite having one of 'the 100 most iconic stadiums in the multiverse' in The Lithico™, built for a failed World Cup bid, FA-Tax have ruled out a bid to host IAC-26, with SteuerLig commissioner Mert de Reeckonaere protesting strongly that as the man responsible for generating the tables to the ever-expanding, ever more complicated domestic league, he won't have time to think about hosting duties too.

Zubi cancels ticket to Taxhavn - Super Zubi Zuberbühler says he is determined to play in the next IAC and keep his record* of scoring in consecutive tournaments** going - and who would bet against him? - but on being pressed said he had cancelled his plane ticket to Taxhavn with the news they won't be bidding for hosting duties.

Marblelanians are really tiny - every trip out into the multiverse for a spot of Indy football provides opportunities to meet new people and experience new cultures, and with that often comes a surprise or two. Like how tiny the Marblelanians are - six million of them were apparently in the ground for their goalless draw against Calgasia that saw them progress into the knockout stages. We also learned they probably don't have the same consideration for personal space, loving nothing more than standing cheek-to-cheek in the isles and stairwells of the stadia they visit. And with so many of them posting on sports forums, they create quite the content jam, too. Lookit them tiny fingers, typing away!

Scales tipping Taxhavn's way - Holders Aphrilia and every team who qualified for the knockouts that are ranked higher than the Shillingmen, plus Dhemexia just below them, all kindly fell into the section of the draw that keeps them away from Taxhavn until the semi-final at least. The Osnari Federation, Naktr and Sel Appa look to provide the toughest opposition before then, but incredibly, Taxhavn are the top ranked team on their side of the draw until the semis. No pressure then!

"How is the AI writer doing?"

"It seems fine now, although - have you seen all those asterisks?"

"What?"

"Look - here*, and here*, and even two here** -"

"It seems to be suggesting that it hasn't verified the clause and is open to correction."

"But, it's an AI. It's supposed to pretend it knows everything, even when it doesn't, and make shit up when it's not sure, and pass it off as fact."

"You're right. It's like it doubts itself."

"That's very human, isn't it?"

"Don't worry, I have a patch for that."

"Version 26.1.107 incoming. That filindo, though. Woo! Still thinking about that. Incredible. Incomprehensible."

"Yep."

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Like Oil And Water
Make Every Taxhavnite Affluent

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Part 4/5 in a series

A special feature by guest writer Sixteen Bits v.26.1.107p, Political Correspondent Edition

We often say that Taxhavn is a small island packed full of millionaires, billionaires and yes, even some trillionaires. We also admitted in a recent post that there are a few sub-millionaires, the poor devils. But really, while there are more million-, billion- and trillionaires per capita than anywhere else in the multiverse - FACT - and more quadrillionaires than the rest of the multiverse combined - ALSO FACT - it's a bit disingenuous to suggest the island only has 'x-illionaires' in it's population make-up. Because, after all, how many of those x-illionaires do you think wash their own dirty knickers? I'm not talking euphemistically about money laundering, I'm talking about actual, real skidmarked undies? Let me tell you - not a one of them. That's 100% FACT. So who is at the wash tub? Well, of course, millions of Panay, Guimaraes, Visayas, and Saint Lazarus immigrants, and all those fluid nationalities we can hardly keep track of, hoping to make it in Taxhavn. And of course, they all think that the popular 'Make Every Taxhavnite Affluent' movement is for them, because, at the end of the day, they think they are the only ones on Taxhavn who aren't affluent. So they are fully behind the META movement, even though it's promoted by their bosses - and if they made the Panays, Guimaraes, Visayans and whatnot affluent, who would scrape their skidmarks off for them?

But in any case whether you think the META argument is is fools gold or fluff and nonsense, or the best thing since sliced Gregoryisgodistanis, it's undeniably populist, which makes it, unfortunately, undeniably popular. They're lapping it up in some parts of Taxhavn - and it's founder and promoter-in-chief, inflammatory petro-chemicals magnate and political agitator Florentius Keusen, is making a mint out of his META-branded snapback caps and the inevitable patriot flags from his online merch store. Regular readers of TAX Magazine, or even irregulars who are just following the IAC series, will recognise Keusen as the ousted chairman of Axis Driessche, the club he still owns but is banned from visiting. An absolute fortune has been spent on pin badges, woolly hats, bumper stickers and souvenir mugs with his face on it - FACT. A billionaire-going-on-trillionaire, who resents not yet being a quadrillionaire, when Florentius talks about making Taxhavnites affluent, he's really just talking about making himself more affluent... and it seems to be working. And he's not out of football yet: still wrangling legal cases to get his club back, he's also been sniffing around controversial Lig-4 Zoviet-backed side Lada Tijhuis, and has even been seen cosying up to Lithico™ oligarch Tuskoles Yagaras, who seems to like doing business in Taxhavn - as oligarchs do. Let's not forget the corporate microstate eating up Farfadillis is also sponsor of the national stadium and some say a future franchise owner in the SteuerLig. META has got it's sticky fingers into football pies we haven't even imagined yet. And that's an actual FACT.

Next Episode: The Ousted Prime Minister at 1860

"We should probably make it a bit less assertive."

"It definitely looks a bit suspicious, doing all those FACT shoutouts."

"Okay don't worry, I'll write a patch for that."

"Version 26.1.108 incoming. FACT! Lol."

"Haha, yep, ABSOLUTE FACT, yeah?"

[The Sernetian Empire]

SERNESPORTS TV



ooc note: sernesports tv logo is ai generated, i will make a human made one asap

OOC NOTE: I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH UPLOADING SOME IMAGES
contents:
1) Sernet qualifies following 2-1 win!
2) Pre-match analysis

SERNET QUALIFIES FOLLOWING 2-1 WIN!
the match
Sernesports TV
reporter: Czesław Jalińowski

Sernet narrowly avoided elimination from the IAC following a well-earned win against Philippine Islands and Formosa. Despite staying at 3rd place, we qualified by being amongst the top 8 third-placed teams in the IAC. Relief was the dominant emotion at full time, but it was relief earned through intent and courage rather than fortune. Sernet's 2-1 win over the Philippine-Formosans was arguably the Steamers' best performance of the group stage, a match in which they finally blended defensive stability with attacking conviction. In a contest where elimination loomed large, Sernet responded with maturity.

From the outset, the Steamers looked like a side that understood the stakes. The tempo was brisk, the pressing coordinated, and the midfield far more assertive than in earlier matches, especially compared to the first one. Instead of sitting deep and reacting, Sernet pushed higher up the pitch, forcing turnovers and pinning the opposition back for long spells. There was a clear sense of purpose to their play; fewer hopeful balls, more structured movement.

That approach paid off with a deserved opening goal midway through the first half. A quick sequence of passes carved open space just outside the box, allowing Sernet to work the ball into a dangerous central area. Sporius Bolsting recieved the ball from midfielder Yanson Trefling, he then crossed it to Stefan Jatrowski, who at the 28th minute sent a rocket flying into the back of the net. The shot was low, precise, and beyond the goalkeeper Antonio Villamor's reach. It was a goal built through patience rather than chaos, and a reward for sustained pressure rather than a defensive error by the opposition.

Sernet continued to dominate the remainder of the first half, charged by the electric atmosphere created by the fans, clearly overjoyed to see that Sernet isn't quite out yet. The great big flags emblazoned with the town names blanketed the stands and the flares created a storm of blue and orange clouds. However, the defence were at one point put to the test when Philippine-Formosan striker managed to make a run up the field and fire a shot at Tomasz Pasarowski, only to be deflected by Stirius Mantrostem and cleared by Halmir Bulstimon. The Steamers were met with a great opportunity shortly after, with Banis Kolbense and Wasori Oluwawa both taking shots at the goal which were unfortunately saved. The Steamers were then awarded a corner, taken by Stefan Jatrowski, but unfortunately Martinius Holter's shot was blocked by the defence.

Rather than retreat, Sernet doubled down. The second goal was a clearer expression of their quality: quicker passing through midfield by Alman Aloris and Korolianus Stork, a well-timed run by Lansor Sayako, and a composed finish by Zenobiusz Kusek at the 77th minute that finally gave the Steamers some breathing room. At 2-0, Sernet were in control and, crucially, playing with confidence.

The lone blemish came late on, at the 85th minute. A momentary lapse in concentration allowed Philippine Islands and Formosa to force the ball into the danger area, where it ricocheted off Hubert Stasko and slipped through Pasarowski's gloves into the net for an own goal. An unfortunate blunder. It briefly threatened to undo the night's work, but unlike earlier in the tournament, the Steamers did not fall apart. They closed ranks, slowed the game, and saw the match out with maturity. The Sernetians pressed harder and harder, keeping control and refusing to let the opposition gain possession. The game ended with one last superb attempt by the Sernetians, with Bob Yarisem exhibiting excellent footwork and chipping the ball to Sporius Bolsting, but unfortunately the ball hit the post and rebounded shortly before the full-time whistle. At the stands, the crowd erupted with chanting and more flares and flags. We won. News had come from the other Group D match that Crpostran had beaten Edsmontik 4-1, but that no longer mattered as we were through. The Sernetians wandered around Telm City celebrating the win, and ultimately the qualification.

Defensively, this was another encouraging display. The back line remained compact, aerial duels were largely won, and Pasarowski commanded his area well under late pressure. The improvement from Matchday 1 is stark, and it is no coincidence that results have followed.

Despite finishing third in Group D, Sernet have done enough. Sernet advances as one of the eight best third-placed teams, a quiet but significant achievement in itself. But soon comes the real test. The Round of 32, against main host HUElavia.

For now, though, the Steamers march on.

Final Score

Philippine Islands and Formosa 1-2 Sernet

Goals:

Sernet: Jatrowski 28', Kusek 77'
Philippine Islands and Formosa: Stasko 85' (OG)

Pre-match analysis: Round of 32 vs HUElavia @Spartan Veteran Stadium, Sadeg, Drawkland
by Bobby Boltings Senior


We are using our starting 11 from the Cup of Harmony for this match. We are planning multiple substitutions throughout the course of the game. Everyone will have the chance to do something meaningful on the pitch for Sernet during the IAC.

Knockout Games:

.
           HUElavia vs Sernet\                                       /Natkr vs Kandorith
                              Ro16                               Ro16
    Saterun vs Only Six Words/    \                             /    \The Osnari Federation vs Taxhavn
	                           QF                         QF
        Chromatika vs Indusse\    /  \                       /  \    /Sel Appa vs Papo-Iriya
                              Ro16    \                     /    Ro16
         Aphrilla vs Juvencus/         \                   /         \Saperetia vs Choppyhausen
		                       SF --- Finale --- SF
    Nieuweland vs Valentine Z\         /                   \         /Tanirinthia vs The Elder Lands
                              Ro16    /                     \    Ro16
        Sudilia vs Britonisea/    \  /                       \  /    \Edsmontik vs United Marble Tribes
		                   QF                         QF
         Crpostran vs Seeberg\    /                             \    /Dhemixia vs Calgasia 
		              Ro16                               Ro16
      Drawkland vs Abanhfleft/                                       \Reçueçn vs Solgavden

Colored by IAC-Ranking: ■ Top 10, ■ Top 20, ■ Top 30, ■ below 30

Group D table:

Philippine Islands and Formosa (PIF) 1–2 Sernet (SRT)
Crpostran (CRN) 4–1 Edsmontik (EDS)

Group D Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Crpostran 3 2 1 0 8 1 +7 7
2 Edsmontik 3 2 0 1 11 6 +5 6
3 Sernet 3 1 1 1 2 6 −4 4
4 Philippine Islands and Formosa 3 0 0 3 3 11 −8 0

3rd Place Table

Tie Breakers for 3rd Place Teams: Points, Goal Difference, Goals Favor, Goals Against, Coin Flip (Match with RP Bonus Only)

[pre]G 3 Calgasia 3 1 1 1 7 6 +1 4
H 3 Only Six Words 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
L 3 Solgavden 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
E 3 Papo-Iriya 3 1 1 1 2 3 −1 4
D 3 Sernet 3 1 1 1 2 6 −4 4
K 3 Choppyhausen 3 0 3 0 2 2 0 3
A 3 Abanhfleft 3 1 0 2 6 9 −3 3
J 3 Seeberg 3 1 0 2 3 6 −3 3
C 3 Aamathyr 3 1 0 2 1 4 −3 3
I 3 Independent Athletes from Filis-Indos Friendship Island 3 1 0 2 1 4 −3 3
B 3 United States of Alpha 3 0 1 2 4 6 −2 1
F 3 Darwizzyuniverse 3 0 1 2 1 3 −2 1

Green: Advances to Round-of-32

Analysis:

Well, here we go. Following our miraculous qualification as the 4th best 3rd placed team, we face a new challenge. Awaiting Sernet in the Round of 32 is HUElavia, the main host nation. The atmosphere will be hostile, the opposition confident, and the margin for error minimal. At least the match will be played on neutral soil in Drawkland. On paper, Sernet will be underdogs. But if they can replicate the organisation, intensity, and belief shown here, and add just a little more cutting edge, a win would not just be an upset; it would be monumental. That's about everything I have to say, here's to thrashing HUElavia!

#sernetishim #thepowerofsernet #comeonsteamers #steamersrising

[Free Republics]

Sporting World

Koby Theodore Out as Republican National Soccer Team Manager, Grand Immortal Imperator Re-Evaluating Our Participation in International Sports
By: Clarice Chaussee

Following the Republican National Soccer Team's worst result ever at the Independents Cup, the Grand Immortal Imperator decreed today that Koby Theodore has been relieved of his duties as the team's manager. Theodore led the team to a promising start to World Cup 100 qualifying before their inconsistency cost them a spot in the playoffs. Cup of Harmony 92 saw the team win their first match but lose their final 3 matches, including an embarrassing loss to Soviet Kem where it appeared that the team was completely unprepared to compete. Then the Independents Cup debacle happened. On their home soil, they managed just 1 point in 3 matches and were defeated yesterday by Nieuweland, a team that had literally never won an international soccer match before.

Following these lackluster results that do not meet the standards expected of a Republican national team, the Grand Immortal Imperator clearly felt that changes were needed. As of right now, a new manager has not been named.

The Grand Immortal Imperator also announced a review of his decision to permit the Free Republics to participate in international sports and reopen communication with the outside multiverse. This comes as a wave of foreign-funded terrorism has produced the worst civil unrest in the Free Republics since the end of the chaos. It also comes on the heels of the decision by the Esportivan Sporting Council to bar all teams funded by the Free Republics from entering their competitions and the decision by NSCF to both misname Ren Rep University's mascot and waitlist their signup, which was sent and received prior to many signups that were outright accepted. All other waitlisted signups were 2nd and 3rd schools from their respective nations. In light of this, the Grand Immortal Imperator has banned participation in NSCF by any Republican universities until further notice. This review will not impact the participation of teams from other Greater Republican Treaty Organization (GRETO) nations in international sports, at least where the funds have already been dispersed to permit them to participate in these competitions. However, it means that no Republican teams will be entered in international sports until further notice and no more funding will be dispersed to GRETO nations for entry in international sports. Given that no GRETO nations were entering international sports without this funding, it is expected that they will not be entering any further tournaments either.

All tickets and entry visas for the upcoming Independents Cup Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches in Baseton will be honored and those matches will proceed as scheduled.

This is a developing story and we will have further updates as they arrive.

Clarice Chausee is Sporting World's international soccer correspondent. She is a graduate of Ren Rep University and the former editor of their student newspaper The Collegian. She is married in a lesbian marriage to her husband and national championship winning quarterback Rule Chausee and their wife and former Ren Rep cheerleading captain Elisa Chausee.

OOC: For the past week and a half or so, I've been questioning whether or not to simply end my comeback. At this moment, I'm leaning towards that being the case but I reserve the right to change my mind. But I've decided for the moment that it just isn't worth my time to deal with the portion of the NS Sports community that continues to hold a grudge from political arguments on IRC/Discord 5-10+ years ago and those they've brainwashed into sharing their hatred of me. Seeing that similar toxicity also exists elsewhere on this site tends to confirm my decision to move on.

[Dhemixia]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Dominion(Est.1873)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sins of Our Forefathers

Every time the Serpents step on the pitch in a new competition, they hope against hope that this will finally be the one. It's a bit of a stretch to call them all forefathers, considering all of them are biologically under forty and every single one who experienced all of these is still playing, but it was honestly a hard title so we're going to run with it. Every tournament, they accrue a price to pay to Margaret for their actions, inadvertently or otherwise. Their day of reckoning? The knockouts.

Every one of these tournaments has a story. It may only be just now that we're coming to terms with our crimes against Maggie in them.

CoH 90
Pride

It takes a lot to attempt a bicycle kick from the edge of the box in extra time of a tied game against your fiercest rival. Some would say that's what did the Dhemixians in, merely an attempt at defying Margaret's will in that large of a way.

It takes more to score it as the winner against Drawkland.

In some ethereal manner, Marvin Bolton knew something was off when his partner in crime, Jonathan Obisana, struck the ball. Much like his goal in the first match of IAC 25, he sensed it was going in the second it was kicked. We'll never know if that truly was Margaret beginning to speak to him, but what we do know is that it forsook the Serpents for the next three entire cycles.

This was the just the beginning.

Jonathan Obisana came back to Dhemixia an overnight sensation. He was praised as a national hero for vanquishing the Kick Corps, and some dedicated supporters were practically worshipping him. The whole time, Marvin Bolton was ignored. Theoretically, he should be just as important; he was the one who set up the goal after all. The thing is, though, the fans only care about who finished the job.

Watching his partner receive all the glory with the Dhemixian public, Bolton could only think of how the fates would punish them for this act of hubris. No shoutouts, no acknowledgement, no humility, just Obisana soaking up the fame while it was his.

When asked if he had his teammates to thank for the goal, Obisana took all the credit for himself. Everyone on the team, Bolton included, knew this was not who Jonathan Obisana was.

So poisoned with greed and corrupted with the idea of being nationally recognized, all Jonathan Obisana could do was further sentence the Serpents to more punishment from Margaret.

You want to know the worst part?

This was a group stage game. Not a final, not a semi, not a quarterfinal, not even a knockout at all for that matter.

The Dhemixian public didn't care: they were eating it up regardless. As a fanbase desperate for any kind of success, the supporters had to take their wins where they could get them. In doing so, they'd lost sight of greater accomplishments. The allure of winning tournaments was replaced with simply beating a side as sorry as Drawkland. Dhemixia had strayed so far from their original aspirations that they'd lost sight of them all.

The spoils of their victory?

Getting drawn with Omerica.

Ten goals later, Obisana's sitting on the couch just like every other Dhemixian. Nobody's praising him anymore because nobody cares. All they can remember is the loss.

Most turned it off after Omerica went up 3-0. Some more followed after the fourth, and by the fifth, hardly anybody was watching this game. Doug McMahon had been sent off earlier in the match for arguing a replay call, and, as one of the few with their TV still turned on (or without a fist-sized hole in it), was forced to agonizingly watch all six goals from the locker room. The four garbage goals given to the Serpents near the end had merely been consolations, made to look like this game was a lot closer than it actually was.

Omerica would go on to lose on penalties to Reçueçn in the semifinal and win the 3PPO.

Drawkland would go on to lose in the final to Reçueçn.

Nobody was ever celebrated quite like Obisana was from that point on in Dhemixia.

Dhemixia's about to get to know Reçueçn a lot better in the next IAC, too.

[The Republic of the United Marble Tribes]

About 12 million Marblelanian fans have arrived in Manchbury, Sudilia.

Millions of excited fans have already storm the streets of Manchbury, waving flags and singing patriotic chants.

But this following match would be a big test for the Yellow Monkeys, would they be able to take down Edsmontik.

Edsmontik, a country with a history, having reach the semi-finals of the last edition of IAC, they would surely be no easy feat to beat. It is now time to show, whether they nation of Marbleland can stand against such a giant.

In this edition, Edsmontik, like Marbleland, has sit 2nd in their group, with only 1 loss and 2 wins, while the Yellows only had 1 win and 2 draws.

Time is ticking, this match will be their hardest thus far in sporting history, before and after Nationstates.

Can they make another upset and prove all the haters wrong, once more?

Now, it is another interview with captain Raja Matusaleh, take it away, our king!

---

Interview 12:
Interviewer: Greetings! It has been some time, come take a seat, Raja.

Matusaleh: Thanks for inviting me.

Interviewer: How have you find the city so far?

Matusaleh: Pleasant indeed, the folks here seems to be very friendly, but yeah, many of fans are slowly 'invading' in as well

[both laugh]

Inteviewer: Oh well, oh well. Last match was tough is it.

Matusaleh: Man, trust me when I say, I'm gonna burnout.

Interviewer: You better get some rest before your training session then.

Matusaleh: We're all in great distress now, Edsmontik is even worse than Drawkland, they have even come close to a semi-final, man, I'm really afraid. And they have Sabmar Lankiv, he is an incredible keeper, as far as I know.

Interviewer: I suggest talking to your coach. Perhaps, he has some strategies to outwit them, or maybe, you know, expose them.

Matusaleh: I was adviced to watch few of their matches.

Inteviewer: Find any weaknesses?

Matusaleh: I don't think it is a good idea to say it in public, right? You know, they may change their tactics because of that.

Interviewer: Any other comments?

Matusaleh: I think we just need to... uhh, just do our best, For God, For Fans, For Country, Go Yellow Monkeys. WE ROCK!!!?

Interviewer: Oh yeah, good luck!

Matusaleh: Thank you for having me. Bye!

Interviewer: Bye!
-END OF INTERVIEW-

[HUElavia]

Papo-Iriya 0-2 HUElavia
(Serra 24' (P), Sartori 77')
Estadio Nacional, Curumba, HUElavia

Bring Out The Brooms!

HUElavia Sweeps Group E with a respectable win over Papo-Iriya and earns the right to play as the Home Team for the rest of the tournament!

Day 16 of IAC 25 had arrived, meaning it was Matchday 3 for Group E and while HUElavia had the Round-of-32 spot secured, they still needed to go for 1st Place in the Group. Coming into their match against Papo-Iriya, who had 4 Points and was just about secured for a spot in the knockouts, Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos still wanted to be assured of 1st Place in the group. Coach Casillas brought out a rotated squad once more, looking to give the fans a good show and a good farewell for the time being, given this would be the last match HUElavia could play in their own stadium until the Final, should they make it.

HUElavia ended up playing a mainly calm match, still dominating a bit to have control on the tempo, but there wasn't so much urgency in the team to score. Sure, there were shots from Serra, Conde and Mongrain, but REDACTED would make some important and necessary saves to keep their team holding on to the 2nd place spot in the group. The opening goal came in the 24th minute, when a pass from Sartori got to Conde in the box, where REDACTED tripped him up and the referee did not hesitate to call a Penalty Kick and brandish a yellow card for the player. Serra stepped up and sent REDACTED the wrong way as she slotted the ball low into the corner of the goal, making it 0-1. Serra did The Cross and hugged her teammates as the HUElavian crowd applauded and cheered the goal. Despite some chances from REDACTED and REDACTED, the defense was able to give Alcabú an easy time in front of goal. At the half, it was 0-1, with HUElavia feeing good and confident at how the match was going.

The second half saw Papo-Iriya take some more chances from REDACTED and REDACTED once more, but Alcabú would make blocks and saves to prevent the attack from going further, getting applause from the HUElavians in the crowd. HUElavia would take some pot shots here and there but they were much calmer about the affair at this point. Eventually in the 77th minute, a pass from Chalco (in for Conde) would get to Sartori, who would make a long distance, low shot that would roll past the fingertips of REDACTED into the corner of the goal, making it 0-2, effectively ending the match there. Sartori ran to the corner flag to dance and celebrate with his teammates joining in while the crowd was applauding and cheering the great goal. Not much would happen after that and once some minutes of additional time would pass, the referee blew their whistle, as HUElavia had swept Group E and had the 3 points.

In the other Group E match in The Osnari Federation defeated Andso Mangis 4-1 to clinch their spot in the Round-of-32. Thus, HUElavia wins Group E with 9 Points, followed by The Osnari Federation in 2nd with 4 Points (+2 GD), Papo-Iriya in 3rd with 4 Points (-1 GD), and Andso Mangis in 4th with 0 Points. In the end, Papo-Iriya was one of the best 3rd place teams to advance to the Round-of-32. In the post-match conference, Coach Casillas had this to say: "I'm proud of the team's performance not just today, but throughout the Group Stage. While we had a bit of an easier group, this team didn't play down to the competition and showed why they are hungry for the IAC. These players are ready to play if needed and these matches have shown that with the rotations I've put out. Now though, we have the Round-of-32 to focus on and each game has to be treated like a Final. It's not a guarantee we'll be back here for the Final, so we have to train well and study film of our opponents to give the best performance out there. We hope to count on our fans to show up and cheer us on throughout the different venues we can possibly travel to. Still, we have to take it a game at a time and we have our work cut out if we want to have a chance to win our 4th IAC title." At the end of the Group Stage, HUElavia was placed against Sernet, who was the 3rd Place team in Group D, advancing with 4 Points and a -4 goal difference. They will face off at Spartan Veteran Stadium in Sadeg, Drawkland, which Drawkland is the nation HUElavia has so much history with in the IAC including playing in the country in IAC 15 (semi-finals) and 16 (where the 2nd title was won). The winner will play against the winner of Saterun vs Only Six Words, which that match will be played at Estadio Nacional in Curumba. There are many possible opponents that can appear in the path to the Final, including Saterun, Chromatika, Indusse, Aphrilla, Sudilia, Drawkland and Abanhfleft. Plenty of heavyweights that some have called this to be one of the most morbid knockout routes ever in IAC History. Either way, we must take it a game at a time and hope for the best. Let's go for the Round-of-16!

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Chromatika]

A Last Gamble

It's safe to say that this IAC Campaign has not gone as Chromatika expected.

First, there was the emphatic win over Abanhfleft. Five goals scored, in front of a roaring home crowd, as the country entered a new regional tournament for the third time. Swanson looked in control, Lee was whipping passes everywhere, and the finishing was clinical. Chromatika looked every bit like the top seeds that they were, and in front of their country at that. Everything looked good, and there was talk about them taking this tournament by storm.

What followed in the next two games were downright infuriating. No, they didn't lose - but some wished that they actually had. In drawing against Sel Appa and Jirinho, the Chromatiks outshot their opponents nearly four to one, held the ball for more than 60% of the time, and thoroughly looked in control. However, they only managed a goal apiece in the two matches, and something looked truly off in the finishing end. Neither Kaytlyn nor Harriet had any answers for the press, and even the Manager could only say that scoring form comes in bunches, and they would be looking forward to having that form return.

An exit in the Round of Thirty-Two in this tournament would be a disaster for the Anomalies, even if this current squad is made up of players who haven't hit fifty caps. The quality of the players is good enough, as there are many who will definitely hit that fifty cap mark in the next cycle. The inclusion of the Sæsdóttir twins and Linnea Karjalainen also shows that Chromatika continues to have an eye on the horizon regarding which of their players will have to step up next.

The hardest task remains - restart momentum after you've completely cooled off. From that standpoint, perhaps it's for the best that they will hit the road for the first time - headed to Natkr with a new lineup composed of two players making their tournament debut as starters.

Otherwise, people may wish that they were still in Anaia instead.

Independent Associations Championship 25 Group Stage Game 3: Jirinho 1-1 Chromatika
Goals: Jean-Baptiste 66'
Starting XI: Swanson (C); Van der plas Bouwmeester - Han Cunningham - Ataciara; Hauptmeijer - Lethbridge-Antonio - Lee - Panaś; Þyrill; Jean-Baptiste - Baïe-Verte.
Substitutes: Lehmann -> Van der plas Bouwmeester (61'), Crankshaw -> Ataciara (66'), Gundsdorf -> Lethbridge-Antonio (71'), Sehlman -> Baïe-Verte (71'), Karjalainen -> Lee (80')
Summary: Chromatika rounded out the Group Stage with an even more infuriating draw than the last as the team actually needed to come back in the second half to get the draw. Changes may be needed for the starting lineup as the team tries to figure out how to generate a spark. They beat Abanhfleft and then entered the doldrums.

---

Independent Associations Championship 25 Round of Thirty-Two Preview: Chromatika vs. Indusse
Starting XI: Swanson (C); Lehmann - Han Cunningham - Ataciara; Hauptmeijer - Lethbridge-Antonio - Lee - Panaś; Karjalainen; Jean-Baptiste - Baïe-Verte.
Substitutes: GK Jessika Aniston, GK Hera Courtois, DCR Ineke van der plas Bouwmeester, DC Hrönn Sæsdóttir, DCL Dean Crankshaw, DCL Nana Sæsdóttir, MR Kandice Oriol, WBL Willemieke Janissen op Colmans, WBL Marci Shaefer, CDM Eden Gunsdorf, BWM Erica Holgersson, AM Þyrill Bjarnhéðinsson, AF Adélaide Bittencourt, CF Jack Heimdell, AF Freya Sehlman
Preview: Indusse won more games than Chromatika in the Group Stage, sporting two wins - and will arguably be the strongest competition they've faced thus far in this tournament. Chromatika counters by changing two players in the starting lineup, with Linnea Karjalainen getting her first start and Jaxon Lehmann taking over for Ineke van der plas Bouwmeester. They'll need to generate chances with far more quality to take down Indusse, or end up going out in the same round as the World Cup with far less intense competition in the tournament. Will this be the end of their IAC journey?

[Only Six Words]

"Knockouts? ... Us? ... Really? ..."

"Yup."

" ... "

" ... "

" ... Really?! ... "

---

"Saterun Gameplan!"

"Which is ... ?"

"Play better!"

" "

---

"About our gameplan ..."

"Proceed."

"Define 'Better' ..."

" "

---

"Strong opposition. Zero plan?"

" ... positive vibes?"

" "

---

"Defensive? Attacking? Which?"

"Yes"

"Clarification?"

" ... "

" ... "

" ... no? ..."

---

"I quit."

"But ... knockouts?!"

"Fuck it"

" "

[The Republic of the United Marble Tribes]

About 17 million fans have arrived in Manchbury, Sudilia ahead of the game.

Millions of excited fans have stormed the streets of Manchbury, waving flags, banners, chanting proud and loud.

Some are seen swarming opponent fans, shouting to the top of their lungs.

Manchbury is basically decorated with thousands of Marblelanian flags along with its 'Yellow Soldiers'. Yes, the ultras are back, outside the Edsmontik fanbase, tensions are high, it seems like any trouble may occur soon.

Overall, the fans are trying to socialise and fit into the culture.

Hundred thousands of police officers have been assigned in the town to control the crowd. Barriers and fanbases have been set up. Yet, anything can go wrong. Reports are that the barriers were easily 'movable'.

But this following match would be a big test for the Yellow Monkeys, would they be able to take down Edsmontik.

Edsmontik, a country with a history, having reach the semi-finals of the last edition of IAC, they would surely be no easy feat to beat. It is now time to show, whether they nation of Marbleland can stand against such a giant.

In this edition, Edsmontik, like Marbleland, has sit 2nd in their group, with only 1 loss and 2 wins, while the Yellows only had 1 win and 2 draws.

Time is ticking, this match will be their hardest thus far in sporting history, before and after Nationstates.

The fate of this nation and the hearts of the people are in the players' hands. Can they make another upset and prove all the haters wrong, once more?

For now, we have yet another interview with Joey Mulholland at the training ground as he prepare his boys for their toughest math yet.

---

Interview 13:

Interviewer: So, Joey, how is everything going?

Mulholland: Very well, thank you, the boys are quite refreshed now after their 6 hour nap and rest. Umm, we did go for an adventure around the city, Manchbury is beautiful. We did meet some fans and, umm, a few haters.

Interviewer: Any beef?

Mulholland: Nah, we told our fans to handle em'. So yeah.

Interviewer: So any feelings for the upcoming match?

Mulholland: It is great, a little bit confident now, it is up to the boys, if they want to follow my instructions and teachings, then, we may win. But if they rather have their own ways, I think, you know.

Interviewer: Bit more courage now I see. So, any other strategies, or you know, anything else to add?

Mulholland: If, umm Edsmontik's manager,

Interviewer: Dav, you mean?

Mulholland: Yeah, Dav der-Ghavyr, if you are watching this, umm, just wanna say good luck, yeah, good luck.

Interviewer: Oh, haha, umm, what will happen?

Mulholland: Umm, none of your concern, I'll say.

Interviewer: Haha, sure thing, good luck then!

Mulholland: Thanks for having me, bye!

[Recuecn]

Rébecca had been kind of stressed leading up to the IAC—-not about the tournament itself, but just with all the family drama she’d had going on over the last week or so. So it was a relief when Reçueçn had a perfect start to the competition. With two wins to open the group stage, and the other three teams in the group only getting draws, not only had Les Licornes ensured they would advance to the knock-outs, but they had already clinched first place in the group as well.

It was nice to have one less thing to worry about going into the game against Choppyhausen. Rébecca had enough on her mind that her teammates had started to pick up on it.

“Are you all good, Rébecca?” Héloïse had asked in the locker room, just a few minutes before the game was supposed to start.

“Uh, yeah, yeah,” Rébecca said, busying herself with her shoelaces.

“I mean, don’t just blow me off, Bec. I’m serious.”

Rébecca turned to give Héloïse a cold stare. “I’m fine. Why are you even asking?”

“Geez, I’m just trying to be a good friend. You seemed stressed out. You don’t need to snap my head off.”

“Well, if I need your help, I’ll ask for it.” Rébecca picked up her duffel bag, slammed it into her cubby, and stormed out into the tunnel to the pitch.

Héloïse looked over at Moesha helplessly. Moesha just shrugged.

Out on the pitch of the Estadio Nacional, Rébecca jogged up and down the sideline, bringing her knees up to her chest with every step. It was going to be a sold-out match, and the crowd in the stadium was already massive. Their energy was electric. Reçueçn didn’t have any stadiums that fit 100,000 fans like the Estadio Nacional, but enough time on the ÉNRF had accustomed Rébecca to large crowds like this.

Hyron LeBouffe, the team manager, was the only other person from the Reçuecian squad already out on the field. He waved Rébecca over, and she tried not to frown at him too much. He was her coach, after all.

“What’s up?”

“Rébecca, these last two games, you’ve been on fire. You’ve been playing great, giving it your all.”

“Thanks, coach.”

“I just don’t want you to hurt yourself. This game can’t affect our standing; we’ve clinched not only advancement to the knock-outs, but also first place in the group. We don’t have anything to play for but pride.”

“So you’re asking me to pull my punches?”

Hyron hemmed and hawed a little, tilting his head back and forth. “I’m not going to tell the squad to hold back. We’re still in the game to win it—-that’s just sporting integrity. But I want you in particular to keep something in your reserve. We’ll need that fire in the knock-out stages, but most importantly, I’m just worried you’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

“Well, thanks for looking out for me, coach, but I’m a professional too. I know I’m nineteen years old and the youngest player on the team, but I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I know how to take care of my body.”

Hyron lowered his eyebrows. His tone was firm. “Then make sure you do that, young lady. That’s all.” The rest of the team was coming out of the tunnel now, and with a parting nod, the manager went over to talk to Laurent about the strategy for the match.

Héloïse and Moesha were standing together, whispering about something. Rébecca went over to them. She didn’t seem to notice the look they gave her as she approached.

“Get a load of this—-did you hear what coach just told me? What is this all about?”

“What did he say?” asked Moesha.

“He said he thinks I’m playing too hard and I need to hold back.”

Héloïse gave Moesha a look, but Moesha didn’t notice. “Oh, it’s not just him,” she said. “We’ve all noticed. Whatever’s gotten into you this past week has made you a devil on the pitch, but watching the way you throw yourself around—-it’s honestly worrying.”

Rébecca threw up her hands. “Why do I even talk to you. I should have known you’d jump on the ‘everyone tell Rébecca how to live her life’ bandwagon.”

Moesha looked at Héloïse. “I warned you she’d be like this,” said Héloïse. “You should have shut up.”

“As if I didn’t just see you tell her the same thing,” said Moesha. “We’re all just trying to look out for her.” She turned back to Rébecca. “Look, when everyone you know is telling you something, sometimes they’re right. I’m telling you this as a friend, but you need to pull your head out of your own ass right now.” She turned to walk away.

Rébecca gasped. “Oh, fuck off,” she said.

Héloïse shook her head. “She’s right, you know. I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to get over it, and get over yourself.”

“You can fuck off, too.”

“If you wanna talk, I’m free anytime.”

Rébecca was done. She turned and walked away.

It was just a couple minutes later that the starting whistle blew. The game started off tentatively. With the group win in the bag, Reçueçn naturally didn’t seem to be pushing as hard as it had in its first two matches. But when it did push, Choppyhausen pushed back. Reçueçn, for decades, had been famous for its star goalie. Choppyhausen, for its part, boasts Manuel Weiner-Kracht, a force of nature and star goalie of its own. The Choppyhausenian defense seemed to keep up with its Reçuecian counterparts, and certainly outpaced the Reçuecian attack. Laurent Lapix, Reçueçn’s commanding general, leading the troops from the midfield, could find no gaps to exploit. Bender-McKay and Lampe were always exactly where they needed to be to stop each Reçuecian push.

As the game approached half-time, it was still scoreless. Rébecca felt herself going crazy. She kept trying to take chances—-chances that she wasn’t finding. She found herself between Holdenbeck and Frederiksen, and they both kept a watchful eye on her, always positioning themselves exactly where they needed to prevent her threats.

At a certain point, Laurent stopped sending her passes. He could see that she was getting tunnel vision, unable to find open space. Forty minutes in, the game still scoreless, Rébecca was at the edge of the box when Laurent had broken through the press in the mid-field and was looking for options. Rébecca raised her arm and called for the pass. The frustration was evident in her voice. Laurent looked around, but he had no good passes. A second passed, and it was too late—-the tackle from Ivo Tyr came in, and he was dispossessed. Rébecca yelled a curse.

“You have to get open if you want the ball!” shot back Laurent, as he picked himself up off the ground. “Passing to the coverage you’re in is just throwing the ball away!”

Rébecca grunted and followed the play back downfield. She sprinted across the pitch, legs pumping. She flew past Laurent.

“Get back in position!” he yelled. Rébecca ignored him. She could see LeBouffe gesturing from the sidelines, and ignored that too. Tyr had already passed the ball away, but Rébecca ran it down. She caught up just past the center line, racing up behind Dominik Keil. Somehow, she got lucky. He didn’t see her approaching from behind, and the shout of warning from his teammates was lost in the noise of the crowd.

Rébecca threw herself into the challenge, feet first. By some miracle, her cleats found only the ball, and she escaped what might have been a yellow, or even easily a red card, had she made contact. Without missing an instant, she sprang to her feet again. She found the ball and turned to dribble back up-field. On any other day, there was no way she could have outrun Keil. But today, her emotions fueled her with high-octane power. She got lucky, dipping around Théophile Thériault (who’d been expecting a pass), leaving him behind her, blocking Keil’s path. Rébecca kept charging forward, ignoring Laurent, wide open, running down the field to her left. On the other side of him, Héloïse had also ditched her mark for once in this game, but Rébecca ignored her too.

LeBouffe was yelling on the sidelines. “Get your head in the game!” But Rébecca was feeling high on her breakaway. She could feel her quads and calves straining in a way they never had before, but she pushed through it. The pain is a sign I’m transcending my limits, she thought to herself.

Limits, certainly. Transcending, not so much. Rébecca felt a stab of pain behind her knee, missed a step, and lunged forward, off balance. She slammed into the turf. She curled into a roll instinctively, but she hadn’t made it anywhere near any of the defenders.

“Yeah, nice dive!” jeered some fans, but the crowd hushed as it realized Rébecca hadn’t gone down on purpose. She rocked back and forth, clutching her leg. Gravity was a reality check for her. And now that she’d been brought quite literally back down to earth, she couldn’t ignore the pain anymore. She tried to stand up, but the moment she put any weight on her left leg, she yelped in pain and tumbled back to the ground.

Héloïse ran over. “Are you ok?”

Rébecca shook her head weakly. Laurent, the captain, was immediately by her side. “I’m sending you off,” he said quietly. He pressed her hand in his. Rébecca nodded and tears ran down her face as Laurent waved for the stretcher.

Lauretta Giordano jogged onto the field as Rébecca was carried off. She put a hand on Rébecca’s shoulder as she went by, and Rébecca was in too much pain now to brush her off the way she would have done this morning. By the referee’s watch Rébecca was carried off in the 45th minute, so six minutes of stoppage were added to the half.

The pace of the game never increased. The Choppyhausenian defense remained solid through the rest of the match, never giving Les Licornes a chance to score, but the Reçuecian fans were hardly paying attention. The only thing on their minds was the burning question: what had happened to Rébecca?

The news came out at the end of the game. It was a worst-case scenario.

REBECCA FIRAUT, read the headline the next day, TEARS ACL, WILL MISS IAC, 6-9 MONTHS

[Choppyhausen]

Independent Associations Championship 25 - Group K - Matchday 3
Choppyhausen 0 - 0 Reçueçn
Curumba, HUElavia

---

Another draw is enough
Team in Teal scrape into the Round of 32 against Reçueçn

Curumba – The Choppyhausenian national team have actually done it. On their second attempt, the side qualified for the knockout stage of the Independent Association Cup. At the Estadio Nacional, Harmon Merrit’s team were held to a 0–0 draw, but as one of the eight best third-placed teams, Choppyhausen advanced to the Round of 32 with just three points — and even found themselves in a rather favourable position there.

Merrit made two changes compared to the 1–1 draw against Nieuweland, continuing his ongoing search for the ideal starting XI. Frederiksen returned to central defence, while Cory replaced Finch in defensive midfield.

The match unfolded largely as expected. Reçueçn, who had already secured top spot in the group on the previous matchday, enjoyed plenty of possession but showed little appetite for taking major risks. Choppyhausen sat deep in their own half, leaving very little space for the opposition to exploit. The highlight of the opening thirty minutes was a long-range effort from Asselineau that ended safely in Weiner-Kracht’s arms.

Choppyhausen - Reçueçn: Stats
            xGoals
         0.2 █ ███ 0.6
            Shots
          2 ██ █████ 5
          Possession (%)
       35 ████ ███████ 65
         Corner Kicks
         1 ███ ███ 1

Just before halftime came the most significant moment of the match. After an impressive solo run, Rébecca Firaut went down without any contact and had to be carried off the pitch following brief treatment. The grim diagnosis for the Reçueçn striker only emerged after the final whistle: a torn ACL, ruling her out for up to nine months.

The second half offered little in the way of increased excitement. Reçueçn appeared somewhat shaken by their teammate’s injury, while Choppyhausen clearly lacked the individual quality needed to seriously threaten the opposition goal. The only real moment of danger came in the 66th minute, when Corte’s header forced Ziswiler into a save, tipping the ball onto the post.

In the end, both sides were content with the 0–0 draw. Reçueçn remained top of Group K, Nieuweland, who won 1–0 against Free Republics in the group’s other match, moved into second place, and Choppyhausen finished third. With three points and a goal difference of zero, the Team in Teal progressed as the sixth-best third-placed side — and Choppyhausen’s supporters will likely be more than satisfied with that outcome, as it places their team on the significantly easier side of the tournament bracket going forward:

.
           HUElavia vs Sernet\                                       /Natkr vs Kandorith
                              Ro16                               Ro16
    Saterun vs Only Six Words/    \                             /    \The Osnari Federation vs Taxhavn
	                           QF                         QF
        Chromatika vs Indusse\    /  \                       /  \    /Sel Appa vs Papo-Iriya
                              Ro16    \                     /    Ro16
         Aphrilla vs Juvencus/         \                   /         \Saperetia vs Choppyhausen
		                       SF --- Finale --- SF
    Nieuweland vs Valentine Z\         /                   \         /Tanirinthia vs The Elder Lands
                              Ro16    /                     \    Ro16
        Sudilia vs Britonisea/    \  /                       \  /    \Edsmontik vs United Marble Tribes
		                   QF                         QF
         Crpostran vs Seeberg\    /                             \    /Dhemixia vs Calgasia 
		              Ro16                               Ro16
      Drawkland vs Abanhfleft/                                       \Reçueçn vs Solgavden

Colored by IAC-Ranking: ■ Top 10, ■ Top 20, ■ Top 30, ■ below 30

Choppyhausen's national team will now travel to Sudilia where they will face Saperetia who managed to top Group L with just four points.

---

---

Erneutes Unentschieden reicht
Team in Teal rettet sich gegen Reçueçn in Round of 32

Die Choppyhausener Nationalmannschaft hat es tatsächlich geschafft. Im zweiten Anlauf qualifizierte sich die Mannschaft für die KO-Phase des Independent Association Cups. Im Estadio Nacional kam das Team von Trainer Harmon Merrit zwar nicht über ein 0:0 hinaus, doch als einer der acht besten Gruppendritten schafft es Choppyhausen auch mit nur drei Punkten in die Round of 32. Und ist dort sogar recht gut aufgehoben.

Zwei Wechsel nahm Merrit im Vergleich zum 1:1 gegen Nieuweland vor, in seiner stets anhaltenden Suche nach der perfekten Startelf. Frederiksen kehrte zurück in die Innenverteidigung und Cory ersetzte Finch im defensiven Mittelfeld.

Das Spiel begann wie erwartet. Das Team aus Reçueçn, das sich schon am letzten Spieltag den Gruppensieg gesichert hatte, startete mit viel Ballbesitz aber wenig Lust große Risiken einzugehen. Choppyhausen stand tief in der eigenen Hälfte und bot damit kaum Platz für gegnerische Angriffe. Das Highlight der ersten dreißig Minuten: ein Weitschuss von Asselineau, der in Weiner-Krachts Armen landete.

Noch vor der Pause das wichtigste Ereignis des Spiels: Nach einem beeindruckenden Solo, fällt Rébecca Firaut ohne Gegnereinwirkung und muss nach kurzer Behandlung vom Platz getragen werden. Erst nach dem Spiel kommt die harte Diagnose für die Stürmerin von Reçueçn: Kreuzbandriss und bis zu neun Monaten Ausfall.

Das Spiel wird nach der Pause nur wenig spannender: Die Spieler von Reçueçn scheinen nach der Verletzung ihrer Mitspielerin nicht mehr so ganz bei der Sache zu sein und Choppyhausen fehlt es klar an individueller Klasse um dem gegnerischen Tor wirklich nahe zu kommen. Allein Cortes Kopfball in der 66. Minute wird gefährlich, Ziswiler kann den Ball aber an den Pfosten lenken.

Mit dem 0:0 geben sich am Ende aber beide Mannschaften zufrieden. Reçueçn bleibt weiterhin auf dem ersten Platz der Gruppe K, Nieuweland, die im zweiten Spiel der Gruppe mit 1:0 gegen Free Republics gewannen ziehen auf Platz 2 und Choppyhausen reiht sich dahinter auf dem dritten Platz ein. Mit drei Punkten und einer Tordifferenz von ±0 bleibt das Team in Teal aber als sechstbester Drittplatzierter weiterhin im Turnier. Und die Choppyhausener Fans sollten über diese Platzierung auch recht glücklich sein, denn somit findet sich ihr Team auf der weitaus einfachen Hälfte des noch kommenden Turniers wieder:

[Aphrilia]

Riandera 0 - 1 Aphrilia
a. 51' by Lacey

THIS MATCH
APH STARTERS v Riandera: Karnwell - Knacke, O'Truffet, Paxton, Roberts - McKernell, Brentford, Rhine-Faust, Marshall (OOP) - Lacey, Meyer-Bertrand

NEXT MATCH
APH STARTERS v Juvencus: Karnwell - Saunders, O'Truffet, Haze, Gillingham - McKernell, M. Aston, Rhine-Faust, Elliot - Lacey, Forrestal

Ashton Roberts had handed Leonardo Bianchi a letter, personally written by themselves for him to read.

"I'm retiring after the IAC." Was the words of the Aphrilian full-back, their voice seemingly certain about the decision. Bianchi, with the letter still in his hand as he sat inside his office, is still thinking about the decision in the first place. It felt sudden, out of nowhere. When the Crpostranian had asked about their choice to retire, despite still being able to play for a few more tournaments, Ashton had given a simple answer. "I've enjoyed my time, and I have people waiting for me at home." And while he had wanted to say no, to reject such a decision, Bianchi knew that you couldn't force someone to keep going when they willingly wish to stop. He studied every player on this team and got to know them better, Ashton included. He knew they were a loner, but got along with everyone well enough. Nothing about the team environment affected their decision.

And honestly? Knowing that made Ashton's decision hurt even more, personally. They were the type of player who may go unnoticed at times, but their presence could always be felt when you tried to feel it. If he would give the full-back a descriptor, it would be a stabilizer, the type of player you knew you could rely on no matter what happens. They provided incredible value to the team from a tactical standpoint, but that wasn't all. Ashton is a nice person to be around, he's seen them interact with the other team members and have an enjoyable time, even if sparsely. He knows that Ellie Saunders is trying to get people to do any sort of activity with her, a habit of hers by this rate, and that Ashton was one of the few remaining to do anything with them at all. But what was there to do but accept the decision? He had answered Ashton's statement with a nod.

Now comes the tricky part, having to find a replacement for Ashton. Not only that, Bianchi would have to figure out who would be the new third option for left back. Both Alexander Burns and Erica Gillingham provided different tactical values to the starting eleven, and they would certainly be debating to earn the starting eleven position. And speaking of Ashton's replacement, when Bianchi had asked them on if they had anyone to recommend, personally knowing them or not, Ashton gave the not-helpful-whatsoever answer of "Just get someone you'd think would fit in." It wasn't what this whole team was built upon, afterall. This team was a family, and a family needs to be able to accept and understand one another. Issues and problems should be talked about and resolved, connections between hearts should be genuine. He can't just decide on someone purely on tactical analysis, and he certainly can't force any potential player to force themselves to play for this team if they don't like the environment.

He put the letter inside his desk to read later. He accepted that this was fate, but he had a job he needed to do.

---

Meanwhile...
Ellie Saunders chatted with the two married folk on the team, Phillip Karnwell and Ines Forrestal.

They were talking about, well, anything. She was originally discussing with Ines alone about social media and whatnot, and the older woman was quite curious as to why Ellie was so active and hands-on with her online presence. She then went on that same rambling that she done when she was giving advice to Hendrick about managing his reputation online. It was surprising to see the ohia listen quite intently, but it was a nice surprise nonetheless. Ellie sometimes felt that not everyone on the team enjoyed her energy, and for her, it was understandable even if it stung. She was so deep into her rambling that she didn't realize Phillip had appeared and brought some coffee, and even spent the time to get an extra drink just for Ellie. Embarrassed, the younger girl admitted, but the couple just shrugged it off and they continued talking.

While the three continued to chatter as time passed by, she started talking about relationships. Having been married, Ines and Phillip were more than happy to talk about what was on Ellie's mind. She admitted that there was, in fact, someone she had feelings for but she was worried on doing something wrong or potentially even ruining their relationship if either of them made a move. "All you have to worry about is yourself, and let the outcome of it all play out." Was Phillip's response, which earned a bit of a shove from Ines, who ended up giving more thorough advice while using her relationship with the team's starting goalkeeper as an example. For Ellie, the advice was... Well, it would definitely be helpful that's for sure. It's just that there's something about her that may render some of their advice as, well, not very useful at all.

"...So just make sure that you're honest with your feelings, like how my husband was here when he first confessed." "You know that my feelings for you were obvious in hindsight, but thanks anyway." Some lovely light banter was being shared between Ines and Phillip, which Ellie just appreciated. While the three were now diverging to talking about the present, as in the national team's performance against Riandera that featured a nasty goal by Kevin Lacey where he got free from players marking him and scoring the team's sole goal by stretching out his leg to tap the ball into the net after a cross, Ellie notices that a certain Ashton Roberts had waked out from a hallway, wit a face of contempt and acceptance of sorts. "Hey Ashton, over here! Come on talk for a bit with us." Ellie voiced, reaching out. "You look quite happier than usual, Ashton." Ines added. There was a small smirk on her face, the ohias eyes gazing deep at the full-back. "Yeah, come on, got any good news or something?" Phillip asked.

Ashton gave a glance at the three. "Nothing much, and sure, I'll take up on your offer." A response that gave Ellie a bright smile on her own face too.

[Crpostran]

[Abanhfleft]

Ask a random Pridnestrovian to name a city in their country which is home to a naval base and most would probably respond with places like Novorossiysk, Bratsk, Beledor, and maybe even Sonolovichyrevko on the island province of Rivymiyitevko. Only a tiny percentage of randoms would probably mention Pridnestrovskaya Gavan despite this town being the home of the third largest naval base in Pridnestrovia, and odds are that anyone who mentions Prigava (the common shorthand name for Pridnestrovskaya Gavan) had actually served in the Navy at one time or another or, in more recent times, was a fan of the local football team. There was no real explanation that could be offered as to why Prigava was so easily forgettable despite being an important naval installation for the Pridnestrovian Republic, not one that was widely accepted anyway. The explanation that made the most sense was that the town of Prigava itself was barely even large enough to be called a town, with a population of only around thirty thousand. The nearby naval base held an additional ten thousand personnel, a third of Prigava’s actual population, for a total of forty thousand people in the area. But population itself couldn’t be the only answer to the mystery because there were other cities with larger populations whose names weren’t as common knowledge, mostly because they were so-called “closed cities” which regular Pridnestrovian citizens were mostly unable to access for various reasons relating to “state security.” Another possible reason why Prigava was not a commonly known town name was because of its location in a small natural harbor flanked by mountainous terrain in the country’s northeast. There were only a handful of roads and a train link connecting Prigava to the rest of Pridnestrovia, which only served to add to the feeling of isolation and secrecy around the town, which made it the perfect place for Vyacheslav Ilyich Klimov to go to during his month-long furlough from the VDV in order to decompress and unwind.

Like pretty much every other Pridnestrovian male who came of age during the early 2000s, Vyacheslav Klimov was drafted into service upon the breakout of the Second Great Patriotic War, the second attempt by the Grand Duchy of Ixania to invade Pridnestrovia and “dismantle godless communism at its very roots.” Much like the First Great Patriotic War, the Ixanian invaders overwhelmed Pridnestrovian defenders and were actually knocking on the gates of Tiraspol, the Pridnestrovian capital, before the Pridnestrovian Armed Forces pushed the invaders back to the original borders and even mounted an offensive towards Ixania’s capital of Dulcesti, but only after a brutal three-year campaign which basically wrecked both nations militarily and economically. Vyacheslav had initially joined the Army out of a patriotic duty to save the motherland from the invaders, but things happened to him during his time in the Army that made Vyacheslav realize that no amount of patriotism could save him from potentially dying in this war. It was a fate that he had seen happen to so many other young men just like him, and indeed he almost came close to dying himself when the helicopter carrying him and the rest of his unit was shot down by an enemy surface-to-air missile. Vyacheslav had broken his back in the crash and almost paralyzed him from the waist down, and if it hadn’t been for his own desire to get back into the fighting, he could have remained a cripple for the rest of his life.

The Second Great Patriotic War had devastated Pridnestrovia in so many ways that it was practically impossible for someone like Vyacheslav to find employment that wasn’t in the military or construction. The military was now obviously downsizing after having inflated its numbers simply to take the fight to the Ixanian menace, and Vyacheslav didn’t think that he was good enough to get into construction. He did his best but it simply wasn’t the line of work that he wanted to do at the end of the day. If it hadn’t been for the war then Vyacheslav was reasonably sure that he would have ended up working for his uncle’s bank even if he wasn’t inclined towards that line of work as well. The truth of the matter was that Vyacheslav Klimov had been turned into a warfighter by the Ixanian invasion, and that was only because he had to be good at fighting in order to survive. And Vyacheslav hated what the war had turned him into. That wasn’t to say that Vyacheslav regretted ever having been in the army; he just couldn’t help but think about where his life could have ended up had it not been for those damn Ixanians.

Nevertheless, as much as Vyacheslav appreciated Mikhail Yevgenyevich Kutuzov giving him purpose in life by inviting Slava to join the Airborne Forces and eventually the Company Alfa Spetsnaz unit, he always looked forward to the thirty-day furloughs allowed to Spetsnaz operators for every ninety days of service. In recent years, Vyacheslav had finally managed to find a place in Prigava that allowed him to pretend that he had never been in the military in the first place. Yes, it was the home of the third largest base of the Pridnestrovian Navy, but the base itself was far enough away from the town proper for Vyacheslav to be able to continue living out his fantasy. Part of that fantasy was taking a fishing boat out to sea so that Slava could be out there all by himself with only a rod and tackle for company. That had been his routine for his furlough for over four years, and he didn’t see any reason to change it up just because he wasn’t happy with what Company Alfa had done in Recuecn just a few months ago. If anything, it actually helped Vyacheslav forget the bullshit, even for just a little bit.

Vyacheslav had actually managed a good haul for this particular afternoon of fishing. He had managed to bring in a pair of halibut and a couple of haddocks with his line, and Slava couldn’t be any happier even if it meant that dinner would be mostly fish. At least it was a literal fresh catch, and at least he caught all of those fish himself. What else could a man really ask for? Unfortunately for Vyacheslav, his good mood was about to be ruined once he finally brought his boat back to shore. As Slava’s boat approached the lone wooden pier that served as Prigava’s fishing port, he saw a shockingly familiar female figure waiting for him on the pier. Sure, he didn’t recognize the clothes that she was wearing, like the black turtleneck and the brown coat hanging off of her shoulders, but there was no way that Vyacheslav was going to mistake that silky black hair and that round face for anyone else. “Fuck me,” Slava muttered to himself.

“Slava, I swear to God, I really didn't want to do this!” Gavrina Vasilyevna Kumilyova cried out as soon as Vyacheslav had docked his boat.

“One month, Gavrina,” Vyacheslav said as he tied up the boat to the pier. “One month after every three months. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. That’s all I’ve ever asked for. And now I can’t get even that?!”

“This isn’t about the VDV, Slava!” Kumilyova insisted even as she watched Vyacheslav bring up his catch and his rod and tackle from the boat onto the pier. “This isn’t about Alfa!” she added. “But you’re not gonna like it when I tell you what it really is.”

Vyachesav took a deep breath and sighed. He had a feeling that this was going to happen sooner rather than later. “Let me guess, Rina. It’s those fucking Zimmerites, isn’t it?” he asked.

Kumilyova hesitated for a moment before she finally nodded her head meekly, something that Vyacheslav had never seen her do before. He could only shake his head in frustration at what was happening. “Look, I already told that bastard Arkan that I’m not going to take any money for what we did in Recuecn,” he said as he stepped off of his boat and onto the pier. “I didn’t like it then, I don’t like it now, and I don’t think I will ever like it at all! I told that old bastard that he can keep his dollars, and that if he ever came here for whatever reason, I wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. So now he’s sent you to talk to me because we all know Valentin fucking Mironchenko doesn’t want to die!”

“I’m not here because of Mironchenko!” Kumilyova said. “Well, in a way, I am, but he didn’t send me here to talk to you, Slava! I went here of my own accord! I went here because I wanted… no, I needed to talk to you.”

Vyacheslav Klimov had known Gavrina Kumilyova for a long time, much longer than they had been serving in the VDV. In fact, the two of them had known each other since their secondary education days. Their friendship was one that transcended the usual boundaries between commander and subordinate because they had known each other before both of them had ended up in the armed forces. Thus Vyacheslav wanted to believe that he had known Kumilyova long enough to know when she was telling the truth and when she was lying. The two of them hadn’t exactly been on good terms the last time that they had seen each other, mostly because Vyacheslav did not like the secondary objective that the Zimmer Private Military Corporation had given to Company Alfa during the operation in Recuecn City. It wasn’t that he had qualms about abducting people; Company Alfa had done its fair share of that specific operation many times already. The one thing about the abduction of that Recuecian security guard that had been gnawing on Vyacheslav’s conscience was the fact that there was no valid reason for Alfa to take the guard and hand him over to Zimmer. Only Slava and Kumilyova had known about that aspect of the Recuecn operation, and the two of them had disagreed on whether they should actually carry it out. None of them really needed the money that Zimmer was offering for the Recuecian, which made Kumilyova’s reasoning for the abduction all the more questionable for Vyacheslav.. And now Gavrina was here in Prigava despite Slava having made it clear from the very start that he didn’t want any visitors from the armed forces during his furloughs, and it was all thanks to those damned Zimmerites.

“All right, Rina. You wanted to talk?” Vyacheslav said. “Let’s talk.”

“Wait, you mean right now?” Kumilyova asked. “Are you sure?”

“It’s getting late, Rina,” Vyacheslav replied matter-of-factly. “And I promised Yelena that I would be back home before sundown. So whatever it is that you wanted to talk about, let’s talk about it now.”

“Slava, I think you know what I want to talk about,” Kumilyova replied. “I know that it might sound hard for you to believe, but I’ve been thinking about that Recuecian guard that we snatched for Zimmer a few months ago. I haven’t stopped thinking about him since we left Recuecn and what the Zimmerites could have been doing to him since. I know that I should have been asking myself the same question even before we went to grab him, but that’s all in the past and there’s nothing that I can do about it.”

Vyacheslav looked up from the fishing rod that he was inspecting and waited for Kumilyova to continue, but she just silently looked back at him. “Is there anything else you’d like to say?” he asked her. “I thought you said you wanted to talk.”

“Isn’t this already the two of us talking?”

Vyacheslav couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “You mean to tell me that you went all the way out here to Prigava just to tell me that you’re actually worried about the guy that we abducted all those months ago?” he asked. “Are you growing soft on me, Gavrina Vasilyevna?”

“I’m fucking serious about this, Vyacheslav Ilyich!” Kumilyova shouted. “I’m trying to make peace with you, man! I’m admitting that I made a mistake here! But I’m not here to ask for your forgiveness or your support or whatever. I just wanted you to know that I finally understand why you were so against doing this objective in the first place.”

Vyacheslav stood up from inspecting his rod and looked Kumilyova in the eyes. The light from the setting sun was right in her eyes, forcing her to squint, but Slava could still tell that, at least this time, his friend was indeed telling the truth. “Gavrina, you went all the way from Tiraspol or Bender or wherever to the ass-end of Pridnestrovia just to tell me that you made an operational mistake,” he said. “I guess miracles do exist after all.”

“So, no more hard feelings?” Kumilyova asked.

“My issue was never really with you, Rina,” Vyacheslav replied. “It was only ever with what Zimmer wanted us to do and why they wanted him so bad.” He then looked back at the sunset and said, “Look, Gavrina, I really need to get moving if I want to keep my promise to my wife. Unless you’ve got something else to say, I really need to go home now.”

“Actually, there’s one more thing I needed to talk to you about,” Kumilyova replied before Slava cut her off.

“Okay then,” he nodded. “Well, seeing as you’re already here, would you mind helping me take my gear back to my car? Or maybe my catch? It’s not that far, I swear. We can talk on the way over there if you want.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Kumilyova almost shouted. “You want me to smell like fish when I get on the train back to Tiraspol?”

“Look, the way I see it, you have two choices,” Vyacheslav explained. “Either it’s just your hands that smell like fish when you take the cooler, or you are going to smell like fish because of my rod and tackle. Your call.”

Kumilyova looked like she was about to reject the offer from Vyacheslav altogether before she finally caved in. “Fine, give me the fish,” she muttered as she picked up the cooler with Slava’s catch and dragged it like a suitcase behind her. Thankfully, it had both the wheels and the extendable handle to be carried in such a manner.

“See, Rina, that wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Vyacheslav asked with a wry smile, and right then and there, Gavrina couldn’t help but smile back.

[Sudilia]

Only Six Words 1-1 Sudilia
(Sextus 66' | Campbell 33')
Grand Manchbury, Manchbury, Sudilia

Hot Takeaways from The Cold North

Sudilia finish the Group Stage of IAC 25 with a draw at 1-1 against Only Six Words to win Group H and be given a tough path to the Final.

1. Campbell is the motor of this team
Liliana Campbell today was fantastic on the pitch. Not just serving as the main playmaker for the team, she had her chances on the pitch including a fantastic blast from distance that got past Sextus #1 into the goal in the 33rd minute that got her cheers and applause from the team. With Laprise likely to retire after this tournament, Campbell may become the new motor in midfield, with some rumors stating she is being trained to improve as an Attacking Midfielder to allow her to be in Laprise's position.

2. Defense does have some improvements to do
The defense was solid throughout the Group Stage, but conceding the goal from Sextus during the second half and the constant barrage of attacks from Only Six Words had Sudilia really struggling. It was a lot more difficult than it really should've been, but the Sudilians managed to get the point needed to secure the top spot. Still, some Sudilian Netizens expressed their concern for the team, especially for the knockouts coming up that can be a real grind for the team.

3. Sudilia will have to fight tooth and nail to make the Final
Sudilia, despite winning the Group, has been given a notably more difficult path to the IAC Final. They will play against fellow co-hosts Britonisea, which can be tricky, but await the winner of upstart Nieuweland and one of the favorites in Valentine Z in the Round-of-16. Either way, there are chances they can take on 7 of the Top 10 teams in the rankings, which have some brutal possibilities if they want to have a chance to lift the title for the first time.

[Sel Appa]

SportsNet Broadcast:
...and as we wait for the final whistle here...in Drawkland...the Turtles are ahead 4 to 3, but take a look at the score from the other match: Chromatika and Jirinho are tied. If both scores hold, the boys are going thru, and theyll be in first. At this point, I dont think it matters to them the other match, they are going to keep this one right where it is. The blue vested players are playing kick and pass to run the clock down. Abanhfleft appear resigned to the situation, but theyre still in contention for a third place go thru.

Nothing much to say here, with no one making a serious play, Abanhfleft players trying to find a hole, but lacking in possession at this late hour. Everyone waiting for the referee to issue his mercy. *tweeet tweeet tweeet* And thats it! There we have it. The Turtles have taken the group! Look at this crowd and the players on the field. They cant believe it. And Coach Daviande is so proud of this team. You can see the FFSA President Rockwell Bates coming to join on the pitch. He was specially at this match as a vote of confidence in his coach.

And coming in now are views from the watch parties across the nation at the moment of the whistle. Seas of blue and yellow jumping and waving animately. Nemnenait, Anila City, Fizroe, even Natives Stadium. Everyone is fully invested in this match, and theyve been handsomely rewarded with an undefeated team...

...Sel Appa is 9th ranked out of 12 first placers, beating out Reçueçn by four goals scored, altho Taxhavn have a goal up on the latter despite being in second...

Well, the bookies are gonna love paying out on this one...Sel Appa was expected to take second or third, but they ended up in first with two wins and a draw. Looking ahead, Sel Appa will play Papo-Iriya, who are unranked, in the Round of 32. They were in group E and went 1-1-1 with two goals for, three against. The Turtles would be expected to win that. Then, they would play either Saperetia or Choppyhausen in the Round of 16. Both teams are fairly closely ranked to Sel Appa, so it does seem quite possible this team could see themselves to the Quarterfinals...

---

In the locker room:
Coach Walter Daviande joins the team "You boys did great today. I am so proud of you. Rocky, is so proud of you. We did it. Were thru. The Turtles are back in the running for an international tournament for the first time in many years. All of your hard work paid off. Give yourselves a round of applause..."

"...now, we need to tighten up the defense a bit there, we won, but we took three so we needed four. But that also means you boys can score against a tough team. This team is undefeated and lets keep it that way as long as we can. The next match will be a little easier, but dont lighten up. Keep the pressure on and the momentum going. Together, we can make a name for ourselves!"

---

Federation President Rockwell Bates press conference:
Security had been greatly stepped up since the assassination of his predecessor. Metal detectors being the most notable, as well as in-room security guards. And what used to be open to the public, now required a press pass. Of course, this was at Drawkland Base Camp, which kept much of the usual public from being able to attend. Only the press who flew with the team were arrayed before the bespectacled and mustachioed elder man, who was there before they were.

"About time you lot showed up," he started with his Fizroean affectation, to some chuckles. "Alright, let me have it."

"What do you think of the team so far?"

"I think thats pretty obvious. Theyve played exceptionally. Walter and I want to see the defense tighten up a chip, but we have about as many goals as the last two outings, which had eight matches instead of three."

"How can they work on defense?"

"Were ahead three, right? The Abanhfleft match went a bit wild. I think they got cocky and sloppy, but well work on that."

"And Coach Daviande?"

"Everything Ive ever asked of him." Bates could be as terse as reports from Only Six Words.

"Could coach improve anywhere?"

"I have full confidence in him, and thats why I came out to the match. I have his back."

"Will you be staying with the team the remainder of the tournament?"

"I think so. I like to travel with my team, as any Fizroe fans know, to support and assist. Unconventional, yes, but effective."

"What can we expect for the next game?"

"Keep it up, dont let up. I think we have a fairly strong route to the Quarterfinals, but I dont want to walk ahead of myself."

"How does this contrast with previous teams?"

"Might be the wins?" he responded unimpressed with an empty question.

"Looking to the World Cup, where do you see the Turtles?"

"Shall we stay focused here?" polite as a schoolteacher keeping his pupils on course, but never mincing words.

"Whats for dinner tonight?"

"Oh stop it!"

[Saperetia]

Despite loss, it's still you
Saperetia 0-1 Solgavden

The group very much came down to this. The final matchday, with two matches occurring simultaneously to decide who went into the knockouts, and who went home. At least one of the four teams here would be doing exactly that, and it could be any one of them. It could be you. It could be us. It could even be... Our match was against Solgavden, who are one of the countries who host the matches. This meant we would be playing what effectively amounted to an away game. Against one of the two teams above us in ranking in this group. The one consolation for our nation was the suspension of Roenfeldt after a red card during their 2-0 loss against The Golden Harp. The replacement, Kalb, was still capable, but losing a starter still does something to a country. Everything was at stake as the SPT 4-3-3 lined up against the SGV 3-4-3:

Saperetia: GK Hranislav (C) DEF Abdelkader, Carloza, Damjan, Anatoliy MID Gil, Inget, Camilo ATK Jacques, Seppel, Seppo

Solgavden: GK Kristoffersan DEF Lind, Kalb, Björkstrand MID Mishra, Braun, Danielsan, Hagen ATK Ossler, Tennefjord, Halvorsan (C)

The match began like the Valentine Z game, but with a different atmosphere. The overwhelming Solgavden crowd, here to see their team play at their home, hoped to secure survival through the struggle, and cheered on their team with every little victory. On most players, this would have an effect of wear and slowly they would begin to play worse. Luckily, our team was bad enough that there wasn't a difference in performance possible. Somehow. As such, the wall in front of the crimson goal held of any Solgavden attack for the first half, ending the half 0-0. While going into the tunnel, fans tried to antagonize both teams with shouts. Within the locker room, manager Silivia tried to motivate the team, to little avail. The second half began and different from the usual shenanigans, the Crimsonites held a couple of attacks of their own. This wasn't special because they were a defensive team, this was special because usually the team-talk destroyed any motivation and momentum the team had. Fans of the crimson hoped that such a 0-0 status quo could be held until the full 90 minutes were up, but the increasingly desperate Solgavden team started throwing everything at the goal. This led to a break in minute '84 when Kalb, in for the suspended Roenfeldt, caught a turnover off of a forming Saperetian counterattack just on the half-way line and sent it forward to right-winger Halvorsan, who hit a desperate shot on goal over Hranislav which barely curved into the top-left corner, sending the stadium into cheers and bringing the score to 1-0 for The Royal Reds. Despite still 10 minutes to go with the eventual injury time, a big part of the desperation was gone and the Saperetian defenders held off the attempts until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, cheers erupted from the few Saperetian fans in attendance amongst the dominant Solgavden crowd, as "just" a 1-0 loss secured a spot above Solgavden on goal difference, meaning we weren't last and most likely would make it through, even if we were in 3rd. A second wave of cheers erupted once we realized we couldn't be third, since the goal difference between The Golden Harp and Valentine Z was too big to somehow get both either above or even equal to ours. A third wave of cheers erupted once it filtered through that Valentine Z beat The Golden Harp 2-0, a low enough score to put us in first, on top of the group. All four teams achieved four points and as such we had the lowest amount of points of any group winner:

Group Winners' table, IAC 25
  Country                                                       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts  Group
1 Tanirinthia                                                     3   3  0  0   14   0 +14    9    J
2 Dhemixia                                                        3   3  0  0    7   1  +6    9    B
3 HUElavia                                                        3   3  0  0    6   0  +6    9    E
4 Aphrilla                                                        3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9    F
5 Crpostran                                                       3   2  1  0    8   1  +7    7    D
6 Sudilia                                                         3   2  1  0    8   2  +6    7    H
7 Drawkland                                                       3   2  1  0    6   2  +4    7    G
8 Saterun                                                         3   2  1  0    5   1  +4    7    I
9 Sel Appa                                                        3   2  1  0    7   4  +3    7    A
10 Reçueçn                                                        3   2  1  0    3   0  +3    7    K
11 Natkr                                                          3   1  2  0    5   3  +2    5    C
12 Saperetia                                                      3   1  1  1    2   1  +1    4    L

As such, any match is bound to be a tough one as some 2nd place teams have achieved more points that we have:

2nd place nations with more points than Saperetia:
  Nation                                                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts  Group
1 Taxhavn                                                         3   2  1  0    4   1  +3    7    I
2 Edsmontik                                                       3   2  0  1   11   6  +5    6    D
3 Kandorith                                                       3   2  0  1    6   2  +4    6    F
4 Indusse                                                         3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6    B
5 The Elder Lands                                                 3   2  0  1    6   6   0    6    H
6 Britonisea                                                      3   2  0  1    4   9  −5    6    J
7 Chromatika                                                      3   1  2  0    7   4  +3    5    A
8 Juvencus                                                        3   1  2  0    4   2  +2    5    C
9 Republic of the United Marble Tribes                            3   1  2  0    1   0  +1    5    G

Only three of them didn't top our points. All three equaled them instead:

2nd place nations with equal points to Saperetia:
  Nation                                                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts  Group
1 The Osnari Federation                                           3   1  1  1    5   3  +2    4    E
2 Valentine Z                                                     3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4    L
3 Nieuweland                                                      3   1  1  1    2   3  −1    4    K

The 2nd place teams can be placed out of our minds for now (or forever if we go out here, which we are bound to do). We will face up against a 3rd place team, of which none beat our points, and 5/12 equaled them. Thankfully, it isn't one that equaled our points:

Nation                                                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts  Group
3 Choppyhausen                                                    3   0  3  0    2   2   0    3    K

Unthankfully, it isn't the easiest match ever since they are ranked higher than us.
Starting to think this 1st place may have been a fluke, y'know?
Anyway, our nation will travel to Sudilia to face Choppyhausen in the round of 32. Will we survive? Stats say no, but sometimes, the games don't care about the stats.