World Cup 101 - The Roleplays

by **Audioslavia** » Mon May 04, 2026 4:14 pm

Veteran Bulls Quiet Competence Wows Fans

As Kjartan Lunquerque had already begun his celebration - a nonchalant 'i told you so' waggle of both his index finger and his eyebrows - before his looping header had even dropped under the crossbar. In older, more Audio-ey teams, the ball would have bounced off the top of the crossbar and left the striker looking silly. As it happened, Hanalia keeper Coral Ortega could only watch as the ball arced into the top corner. The scoreboard ticked round from one-nothing to two-nothing, the minute hand showing only two minutes of the second half played.

It wasn't easy. Hanalia had started the first half brighter, had rattled both the crossbar and the travelling Audioslavian fans by the tenth minute, and had almost taken the lead twice in the twenty-first minute, initially via a short-range Arun Reyes shot that the keeper miraculously managed to block with a desperate forearm, second a moment later, Goran Yurán acrobatically clearing Damien Guy's lob off the goal line.

But the Bulls had kept it together, and kept breaking up the home side's attacks. They did what good Audioslavian teams should do, and create chances on the counter, scoring on their third such burst forward, with Lúnquerque taking a low pass to feet and hooking a crisp finish under the dive of the advancing keeper.

Here, early in the second half, he's converted a high Bastarretxea cross into a headed goal into the opposite corner, and the Bulls are two up.

A few days later, back in Audioslavia, with a slightly changed team resting some of the heavier legs, 34 year-old Lunquerque shows why he's still indispensable. A rocket of a shot for 1-0, a decisive pass in the build-up to Cam Hooper's doubling of the lead, and another textbook second-half header to put the game beyond doubt.

Two games, two performances that have been a head above the opponent. No goals conceded.

We're still waiting for the punchline.

2: All Aboard the Blooterbus

A Blooter drags your team from a one-goal lead to a two-goal lead late on in a big game. It creates a buffer between your team and your opponents and there isn’t enough time left on the clock for it to be overcome. Like all the best things in life, The Blooter is a release of tension. Sure, sex is fine and all, but have you ever gone two-nil up in the 94th minute? It’s Alberto Gilardino’s no-look lay-off to Alessandro del Piero, who curls a high finish round Jens Lehman in the 120th minute. It’s Divock Origi putting Liverpool two goals up with two minutes to go in the Champions League final. It’s Kenny McLean cutting out a Danish pass deep into injury time, jogging forward, and lobbing Schmeichel from the halfway line for 4-2. The Blooter is catharsis. The rare occasion where the ball hitting the back of the net flat out wins your team the game.

In the modern era, only two goals have been given the code-name ‘Blooter’.

The Blooter
Karsten Eiger
World Cup 63 Final - 90+3rd Minute
Audioslavia [2]-0 Starblaydia
Written by Audioslavia

An airborn John Ryan's outstretched boot reached the ball before Kochanska could stoop to finish the ball into the gaping net, sending it high into the night and seemingly out for a throw in, to the wheezed sighs of relief from the Audioslavians in the crowd. Marmitinho, not wanting to waste time taking a throw-in, kept the ball from going out of play, but an attentive Rijsbergen picked the ball off the winger's feet before he could do anything with it, and in the blink of an eye it was swept out to Courier in midfield. A first-time pass to Mannestraal - on for the utterly knackered Weverton Sporadic - two more passes, the Audioslavian front-four sprinting forward at pace, just two defenders back to deal with them, the perfect storm of a counter-attack.

The ball played forward, to a Txordin Velazquez sprinting into the penalty area to collect it, killing the ball dead, waiting for the defender to approach and then, with a stroke of his right foot so casual it was like he was playing the ball in his slippers, the playmaker stroked the ball to his right.

Karsten Eiger was arriving. There were no white shirts near him. The ball rolled accross the area, left to right, just a yard behind the penalty spot. Eiger slowed his run, his strides became longer, for a second, as he synced his run to get his right foot to the ball at the right time.

There were twenty seconds left of injury time. Audioslavia were 1-0 up and good for their lead. If an Audioslavian had stopped and thought about it, it wouldn't matter whether Eiger scored, missed or even pounced forward and ate the ball whole. None of that mattered. Here, presented to the fans of the Bulls, the 'slaves, the claret and green, the fire, chokers, the c***s, the ne'erdowells, los toros, the men and women who followed the Audioslavian game for tens and/or hundreds of years, the men who played, managed, coached or loved the team, here, was the icing on the cake.

Karsten Eiger fucking blootered it.

The ball was beyond a despairing flail of the goalkeeper's hands in the blink of an eye, burying itself in the top corner of the goal.

The noise.. oh god the noise.

Audioslavia - 2013-02-12

Four cycles later, Audioslavia would go from blooteror to blooteree.

The Twotor
Kohev Kungas-Vaga
World Cup 67 Final - 85th Minute
Polar Islandstates [2]-0 Audioslavia
Written by Polar Islandstates

The frustration showed, and when Zekani was blown up for holding Lillehammer in the eighty-fifth minute on the edge of the box, Lillehammer took the kick quickly. To Villeneuve, who laid it out to the left flank for Vaaraniemi. Fresh on, the pace of Vaaraniemi destroyed the structure of Audioslavia at the back and the break was on. Surely, we thought, surely this would be the moment that we would put demons to rest. Bjerregaard and Kolehmainen were streaking down the pitch creating a two-on-two with Mancini and Mannini in the centre, waiting for the cross from Vaaraniemi. And then there was Kungas-Vaga appearing from nowhere creating a three-on-two. And then there was the cross. And then there was Kungas-Vaga arriving late to volley home with a shot that left Imaslavii twisting and turning in mid-flight to try and stop the ball from finding its way gloriously into the top corner. And then there was noise.

Kungas-Vaga wheeled away from the goal and ran the length of the pitch, first looking for the figure of van Sorensen in the crowd. He pointed. He clasped the badge on his chest, shaking it as he screamed in pride. He ran towards us Twitchers, celebrating in front of us as the team mobbed him. Audioslavian players were lying down on the pitch, they thought it was all over. It might as well have been. Surely that was it? Surely that was the end of the years of hurt.
Polar Islandstates - 2014-01-26

The goals of Eiger and Kungas-Vaga are sisters. Both happened on a late counter-attack that finally sealed their first World Cup after having made an embarrassing habit of losing finals. Both finishes are thumped cathartically hard into the goal, Eiger’s down the centre, Kungas-Vaga’s a volley into the top corner.

Pre-modern World Cup finals gave us two further blooters.

Bedistan’s second goal in their World Cup 30 two-nothing win over Starblaydia is entirely based around capturing this Moment of Blooter, filmed through the Magical Camera of RP, a trope that has sadly gone out of fashion.

The Shooter
Parker Law
World Cup 30 Final - 72nd Minute
Bedistan [2]-0 Starblaydia
Written by Bedistan

We look out over the Stadium of Light through our Magical Camera of RP. And this isn't some cruddy Rejistanian model either, this is the latest and greatest, streaming enough megapixels to produce a crystal-clear picture on a movie theater-sized screen at over 40 frames per second. Oh, and did I mention it features time manipulation technology? Yep, it does. Right now we've paused time as we pan through the stadium. Looking over at the big scoreboard, we see that Bedistan are up 1-0 over Starblaydia after seventy-one minutes and three seconds. The stands are absolutely packed with people wearing either purple and white or blue and green, depending on which team they're here to support, and there seems to be about a 50-50 split.

The camera stops near the midfield line, looking into the crowd. We see a family of four, all dressed in green and blue and therefore cheering for Bedistan. This is the Palmer family, from the small* city of Jennerstown in Spalding province, Bedistan. The father, Isaac, had been saving money for nine months so that he could take his whole family to the final. They all had been banking on their nation to make it here, and they weren't disappointed. Isaac believed that these two thousand bakrani** were the best he'd eveer spent, and the looks on their faces seem to indicate that his wife Marian agrees, as do their children, 17-year-old Brett and 12-year-old Nicole.

The camera zooms out and gives a 180-degree rotation so that it now looks out over the pitch. We see Bedistan in its usual 3-4-1-2 formation, and we see that the current focus of activity in the match seems to be over by the Starblaydi goal. But we'll get to that later.

Now the camera moves into a sea of purple over on the other side of the stadium. We come to the ninth row, where we see a fairly large number of Starblaydia supporters who appear to have smuggled a pretty decent quantity of alcohol into the stadium. Indeed, there are several empty Orcinus bottles strewn about the stand beneath them. Like the Palmers on the other side, these Starblaydis seem to be having the time of their lives. Perhaps even too good of a time, as we see one over on the end making a rude gesture to the nearest Bedistani player while a more sober-looking woman on his left with Starblaydi flags painted on both cheeks continues pleading with him to relinquish his car keys.

And now we go back several rows to a group of dark-skinned people dressed in white, the secondary Starblaydi color. This is the Seove family - Hetamhak~hi, Inideh~sisa, and Kiiramvela - from Nanti Lik~hat, Rejistania. While certainly not quite the fervent Starblaydia supporters that the subjects of Viannor may be, the Seove'he'ny were nevertheless hoping the Lions would not be victorious so that the Orange-Blues would remain the only team with four World Cup titles to their name. The expression on Inideh~sisa's face is one of worry, perhaps due to the events transpiring on the pitch at the moment.

Zoom out, turn around, and zoom in again, back to the Bedistan-supporting side of the stadium. And once again people of another nation have thrown their support behind one of the teams here today, in this case a group of Vilitans having just arrived in Qutar from Yeaddin. Most of them are wearing Bedistani blue and green, though several sport the kits of Yeaddin Owls AFC, the old club of former Bedistan manager Kenter Surf and some former Bedistan national team superstars. All of them are staring intently at the end of the pitch where the Starblaydi goal is.

Now the camera starts to pan up, up, way up. Into the nosebleed section, where we see a man dressed in a red and white shirt and blue jeans. He seems to be looking up at the sky as though he's praying for a meteorite to appear out of nowhere and make a direct hit on the pitch below. Those around him seem to have dismissed him as insane.

And now we zoom, at long last, to the Starblaydi goal. The ball is en route, apparently having recently left the right foot of Bedistan captain Parker Law. Goalkeeper Paola Mendez seems to be trying to make her way toward the incoming ball, but if it's going fast enough, she doesn't have a chance.

We unpause the camera and hear the stadium suddenly burst into a roar, as Law's shot apparently was fast enough. Two-nil to Bedistan! And, it would later turn out, a fourth World Cup title officially in the history books for the Lions, at last tying the Orange-Blues' record.

And now all that's left to do is see if the Lions can be the first to make it five. But we won't know for another four years.
Bedistan - 2006-09-29

Bedistan’s fourth World Cup championship comes a few cycles after Rejistania’s own quaternary title. The Rejistani archetype is simpler. And very Rejistanian.

The Xkooter
Syku Hanmatu
World Cup 23 Final - 85th Minute
Rejistania[2]-0 Druida
Written by Rejistania

(85th minute)
ER: And again Dai Jones loses the ball to Hitu Myjutes, quick pass to SeKa, he plays upfields to Hanmatu'he they are starting another attack, Trevor Orange can not intercept that, Myjutes'he has the ball, in good position, he decides to pass to Hanmatu'he, and.... XXXXXXXXKKKKKKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! (whatever he says now is incomprehensible due to the cheers of Rejistanians in the stadium and in the RejisCAST building, where "working hard" conveniently became "hardly working").

SR: JJJJJJJJJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! Now defend! Do not risk a thing! Go Rejistania! (it is not clear wether that was said or not since still many cheers were heard)
Rejistania - 2005-07-25

The Blooter is a fringe subcategory of a type of goal that is both more common than it should be and exactly as common as you'd expect in a World Cup Final: The Hollywood Goal. You know. Pele in Escape to Victory. Santiago Muñez from 35 yards. Or when she bent it like Beckham in Bend it Like Beckham. Dramatic. Sentimental. Pushing the bounds of reality but, importantly, staying within them. When you push that particular envelope to far, you let the demons in.

by **Kwrpania** » Mon May 04, 2026 4:27 pm

WORLD CUP 101

ELECTRIC EELS PREPARE FOR NEXT TILT AT GLORY

KWRPANMAP, CAPITAL PROVINCE – The schedule for the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign has been revealed, and with it the eighteen games that the Kwrpan national team must perform in to continue their World Cup history.

The Overflow did in fact attend the World Cup 101 draw process, alongside KFF delegates and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Sport, but all parties left throughly baffled at the process, and it took until a faxed (faxed! in the year 968!) communique that we learned who, where, and when the Kwrpan national team would take on their opponents.

Pot 1: Kwrpania

That's us! Fresh off a 4th-place finish as hosts last cycle, another Copa Rushmori to forget leaves Dobgazoz-bof back in the drivers seat of World Cup qualification, with the national team presumably in much better position than in their initial qualification cycle during World Cup 99.

Pot 2: Reçueçn (@ MD7 - Stade National, Reçueçn), (vs. MD16 - National Stadium, Tydebwg)

It is a group full of first-time matchups for the Electric Eels, and Reçueçn have already been circled as the toughest test for the national side. "Les licornes", as the side are locally known, advanced to the hexadecifinals of World Cup 100, falling 2-1 to Siovanija and Teusland in Tikariot City. The country of just over five million enter the tournament in high spirits, having just been crowned champions of the Independent Associations' Championship, and have their sights firmly set on yet another World Cup qualification.

Pot 3: Eastfield Lodge (@ MD5 - Site TBD), (vs. MD14 - Sunset Coast Arena, Bezbenpam)

"Many times the bridesmaid, sometimes the bride" is not a metaphor that exists, but it does describe Eastfield Lodge's history in the World Cup. Despite recent hiccups and a third-place finish in their qualifying group (thus missing qualification), the Eastfielders remain a side to take seriously, and full focus is the expectation for a difficult initial test with the away trip on Matchday Five.

Pot 4: Super Earth (vs. MD6 - Thundering Falls Arena, Tygnad), (@ MD15 - Seyshel Beach Avengement Day Memorial Stadium, Beachview, Seyshel Beach)

One of the feel-good stories of World Cup 100, the debutantes narrowly missed out on qualification for the tournament proper in a group with powerhouses Audioslavia and Hapilopper. The experience, and the points they racked up, gave them a sizable leg up in the preparations for this tournament, and the Senators squad comprised of former "Helldiver" soldiers have already earned a reputation for fearlessly attacking football.

Pot 5: Bhumi Matawis Empire (@ MD1 - Matawis National Stadium, Kartasura), (vs. MD10, River Society Arena, Zońkwsed)

Another World Cup 100 debutante, the White Tiger Team made a credible run to the quarterfinal before being eliminated by eventual champions Shin-Zetsubo. Finishing fourth in their qualification group, this is not a match to be taken lightly, especially with the away leg being the group opener, and tone-setter, for qualification as a whole.

Pot 5 (also): Sel Appa (@ MD3 - NativeZone, Natives Province), (vs. MD12 - Capital Park, Kwrpanmap)

The Turtles faltered down the stretch during World Cup 100 qualification, and the tragic murder of their manager Gérard Duceppe put an even deeper damper on their campaign. New manager Walter Daviande led his unfancied side to a briliant fourth-placed finish in the Independent Associations' Championship, and will certainly have his eyes on an upset on Matchday Three.

Pot 6: Hamborn (vs. MD2 - National Stadium, Tydebwg), (@ MD11 - Alkőmen Arena, Hamborn)

Another World Cup 100 debutante, the side made it to the knockouts of their Baptism of Fire before finishing a credible, albeit distant, third in their group. Back again for World Cup 101, the top side in Group 13 from the "slushier" pot is expected to be red meat for an Electric Eels side looking for a hot start to the cycle.

Pot 6 (also): Boring Paradise (vs. MD4 - Lake Park, Mebfygme), (@ MD13 - Site TBD)

We know very little about this team, as they seem to be a definitionally average nation on the multiversal stage. Fifth in their World Cup 100 qualification group, a runners-up medal in a previous U-15 World Cup, and an expectation for six points for the Electric Eels.

Pot 6 (also also): Taeshan (vs. MD8 - Sazdobsed City Stadium, Sazdobsed), (@ MD17 - Site TBD)

Copa Rushmori and Cup of Harmony champions, 12-time qualifiers, and two-time quarterfinalists Taeshan have made their return to the multiversal stage, and there is no expectation of an easy match from this unranked side. Six points will remain the goal from for the Electric Eels matching up with this young, untested side, but Dobgazoz-bof must be aware of a surprise when on the road during the penultimate matchday.

Pot 6 (also also also): Wondering Refugees (@ MD9 - Somewhere, presumably), (vs. MD18 - National Stadium, Tydebwg)

A group of refugees who have made a football team. As a necessity of their status, they appear to not have a home stadium - so the Electric Eels will play somewhere, and expect the full six points.

Well, that's Kwrpania's group! What do you think? How will the Electric Eels perform? Send your opinions to opinions@theoverflow.co.kwr, or @TheOverflow on social media. All of Kwrpania's World Cup qualification matches will be broadcast live on KBN1, with pre-match coverage beginning two hours before kickoff. Tickets to Kwrpan home matches are available at www.kff.co.kwr/byva.

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by **Kelssek** » Mon May 04, 2026 5:27 pm

Ryan Potter pondered the question. “Well, for a football team, every player has a necessary role to play and in that sense they are equal contributors. And to have success, you need to treat everyone equitably and give them a fair chance so you end up with the right players performing, as a team, the best they possibly can. Diversity, well, you can’t play the same tactic or line-up every match, no matter who the opponent is, you have to make adjustments. Or if you mean... I think if you have the best team you end up with a diverse one.” He paused to compose his thoughts, because the next one was a biggie.

“So... well, as head coach of Kelssek, one becomes in one sense a national leader, and someone with a responsibility. What is the character of our nation? What is a nation? A schoolchild knows we are a nation of nations, a federation forged through the unity of different peoples with their own languages, religions, and histories, come together in a greater whole. True, but also in its own way, deceptive, because that assumes those nations just came out of nowhere, from some primordial soup lost in the mists of time. Archaeologists, however, tell us that Vanardian settlements and traders regularly crossed the Boundary Mountains and must have lived at least semi-permamently throughout what is now Etnier and Kewantin, even if we imagine they were marauders against whom the mountains were a natural barrier. That kings drove regional languages and distinct cultures to near-extinction in favour of Frankish or Anglian, and so the perceived homogeneity within those republics today is the result of it being intensely shameful and even dangerous to say you were anything else. Geneticists know that the result labelled “Kelssek” is nonsensical, and can trace waves of ancient migrations and mixtures that populated this land from across the seas. So we cannot help but be diverse and inclusive as our ancestors must have been for this nation to exist at all. Therefore I would say yes, I am committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

“Quite stirring, Ryan, though ‘yes’ would have sufficed.”

“It would also have been ideal to have some specific examples relevant to Football Kelssek’s Policy on Discrim...”

Geraldine mercifully cut her colleague off. “Well, finally, do you have any questions for us?”

Ryan Potter did. “I want to clarify Moonbeam Infantino’s role at Football Kelssek.”

“Well, to be honest, so would we.”

“So what’s all this about a Football Kelssek Inner Peace Prize?”

Ryan could not intuit how genuine Geraldine’s wince at the mention of Infantino’s new initiative was, nor any deeper meaning to it. But he was going to take the job anyway; it seemed like just the right time and whatever the result, a high point for a career he could feel was drawing to its end.

KBC Television - @KBCtv
An all-new episode tonight on KBC1 of ALIEN VS. EDITOR: An idealistic young extraterrestial starts their media career at a crumbling city newspaper. S2E03: Fudyxwr struggles to handle the fallout of a corrupt paramedic’s latest InstantGramme video.

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Mon May 04, 2026 6:25 pm

World Cup Footy Returns To Errion Vega

Sea Dragons Push Marauders To Limit, Fall Just Short

Errion Vega - Estadii Uma Dragonii was rocking on Match Day One as the Sea Dragons welcomed an old familiar foe - the Marauders of Valanora. The Big difference this time around was that the match was supposed to be a complete mismatch as the Marauders are currently ranked number two in the world and the Sea Dragons came in unranked following a 144 year hiatus. Only someone forgot to tell that to the home squad.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the Sea Dragons took the pitch in their newly designed yellow and silver kits rather than the classic sky blue. In a show of respect the home squad elected to allow the Marauders to wear their classic blues. As the two sides warmed up, the 4 jumbo screens above the pitch showed a highlight reel of matches from history.

The match would be a test of wills as the attacking style of the Marauders constantly pressed the defensive minded Sea Dragons. And it looked early as if the predictions of Valanoran dominance would come true.

Imre Holland would find the back of the net in the 7th minute on a beautiful cross from Laborious Hawk. Keeper Azaru D'Tagge was caught out of position and never had a chance.

The Marauder's second goal came on a corner in the 21st minute as Zack Sjöberg layed a beautiful ball near the back corner of the net where a diving Olaf Myrhe connected with a header that just got past Me'aba Songo-Kakii. Myrhe used his massive size to his advantage as he shrugged off a hard shoulder from 17 year old Vegai phenom Vivienne Sa'il. The match looked to be over at that point.

However, the Sea Dragons would get one back in the 43rd minute as Sa'il found Jozef Cabrissu streaking down the left side. A brilliant fake and cross step left Thea Borgen out of position and the resulting shot skimmed off the fingers of Tobias Propst who nearly made an impossible save. Despite allowing the goal it was easily seen that he is quite possibly the best in the world in net.

The second half saw few legitimate scoring chances for either side as the Sea Dragons settled in to their swarming defensive style. But in the 83rd minute, the home squad would even things up as Sa'il once again found a streaking player on the left side. This time it was Smoke Eneveja who has literally just entered the match in place of the elder Cabrissu. Known more for his world class speed rather than any actual football skill, Smoke showed out by blowing past the tired Marauder defenders and in a most unlikely outcome, Smoke placed a perfect shot into the lower left corner of the goal.

Seven minutes to go, and the match was even at two goals.

And just 2 minutes later, Laborious Hawk would be the one schooling the inexperienced Sea Dragons as he danced past Omar Binsixidu and Esqui Erazu, hopped neatly over a sliding Ana Sarria before faking out D'Tagge so badly that he had the entire right side of the net open for his tap shot that would roll painfully slow into the net, cementing the win for the visiting side.

Despite the valiant effort, there are no moral victories in this sport. A heroic effort from the Sea Dragons still goes on the table as a 2-3 defeat at home .

Sea Dragons Struggle in First Match on Foreign Soil

On Match Day Two the Sea Dragons looked the part of an inexperienced, unranked side playing their first ever match outside of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. Nueva Compostela would score in the 77th minute of a defensive duel in which the Sea Dragons never found any offensive rhythm. The only positive thing to take from the disappointment of the loss is that the first away match is over and the squad knows more what to expect.

2 matches. 2 losses. By a total of 2 points. And now the Vegai squad returns home as they prepare for another old for in Milchama. Early odds place the Sea Dragons as 2 point underdogs.

by **Farfadillis** » Mon May 04, 2026 7:01 pm

CUT-OFF FOR GROUPS 9-16, MD1 & MD2

by **Megistos** » Mon May 04, 2026 7:16 pm

The Empire’s Leading Source for Athletics

Dolphins Secure Point in Thriller, Stumble Against Vdara
Aris Thorne, Lead Sports Correspondent

Any lingering, hopeful, romantic illusions that Megistian fans held about a gentle introduction into a welcoming international football arena have been shattered in the opening 2 match-days of the WC101 campaign. After cycles away from the global stage, the Megistos (unsuprisingly) has found the competition as unforgiving as it was when it first started competing at the highest level.

Manager Kosta Varon’s Dolphins opened their Group 2 campaign with an entertaining, chaotic (and worrying) 4-4 draw away at Haltoria, before returning home to the Paix Grand Silo only to suffer a frustrating 1-2 defeat at the hands of a rigid, defensively organized Vdaran side.

The results leave Megistos with a lot of areas to improve, already dropping 5 points in the opening 2 matches, but the attacking output of the squad has given fans a reason to believe that the team can hopefully become more competitive as the team gains chemistry throughout the 18-match affair.

MD1: Haltoria 4 - 4 Megistos

Flying to Haltoria for their opening game, the team used Varon’s high-pressing 4231 system to trap the Haltorians in their own half. For the first third of the game, the tactic worked. It worked. Alexandros Makris and Maxime Vellas connected easily, effortlessly in the final third, exploiting the massive gaps in the Haltorian backline to put Megistos on the scoreboard early with a lead that sent the tired, jet-lagged Megistian fans in a bit of a frenzy.

However, to the dismay of the team, the Haltorian squad quickly adjusted to the pressure. Megistian fullbacks Christos Lin and Thierry Kostas were very obviously pushing too high up the pitch. Noticing this, Haltoria began cutting through the midfield line entirely with sweeping diagonal balls, allowing wingers to exploit the spaces behind and creating an overstretched situation for the remaining defenders: their forwards repeatedly caught centerbacks Henri Bastien and Marcel Varon (not related to the coach, of course) out of position and unable to handle the counterattacks that would ensue. Octavius' eight tentacles were not enough to stop Haltorian attacks.

Following Haltoria's fourth goal (a header from another cross that slipped through Octavius' tentacles), our team was incredible frustrated, especially at the defense and Octavius who had all been facing scrutiny in recent training sessions. In the post-match conference, reporters crowded around the MFA's water tank to question the hyped up yet controversial goalkeeper on the four goals conceded.

"Octavius is obviously incredible upset with the result," stated Dr. Elias Vane, the team’s lead marine biologist and handler, and apparently now an octopus translator. "He knows for the third goal, he misjudged the spin on the cross. He reminds (in a respectful manner, "of course") the CBs that he cannot cover the far post if they are caught ball watching"

The match concluded 4-4, earning the Dolphins their first international point in quite some time, but it also left concerns about the team's defensive issues that may cost them points in the more tough stretch of games to come.

MD2: Megistos 1 - 2 Vdara

Returning to the capital Paix for their home opener, Megistos faced a vastly different challenge in Vdara, with a suffocating defensive structure that would prove too much for the Megistian squad.

Vdaran Manager Markos Moustakakos deployed a compact 5-3-2 formation that completely neutralized the Megistian high press. The Vdaran backline five sat deep, refusing to be drawn out by the overlapping runs of the Megistian wingers that were struggling to use creativity against a system that required more patience and planning to split. In the center of the park, Vdaran captain Alessia La Rosa dictated the tempo with efficiency, breaking up Megistian passing lanes alongside the rest of the compacted team while drawing smart fouls to slow the game down to a crawl, something they knew that the Megistian team would struggle with.

The breakthrough for the visitors came late in the first half. A lapse in concentration from the Megistian midfield, who, despite the defensive nature of Vdara, were already starting to show signs of exhaustion from the overwhelming press that Varon had drilled into them, allowed Vdaran attacker Sophia Kyprianou to slip behind the defensive line in another poor showing in defensive coordination. She fired a low, daisy cutter that Octavius’s outstretched lower tentacles had 0 chance of reaching (with his reflexes) to make it 0-1.

Megistos equalized shortly after the interval through a moment of individual brilliance from Stefan Rouvas, who cut inside from the right side of the pitch and curled a beautiful left foot ~~FIFA~~ finesse past Emilios Nicolides in the Vdaran net. The only goal of the game for Megistos, it left fans questioning in frustration why Varon did not gather his team up and encourage them to start shooting from distance given the Vdaran tactics.

The equalizer sent the Paix Grand Silo into absolute delirium, the former bunker's engineered acoustics amplifying the roar to deafening levels.

"I haven't felt the concrete shake like this since I was a kid!" shouted city industrial supervisor Nikos Aris, showing off a (definitely not matchday) scarf in the lower terraces as the stadium erupted around him. "For fifteen cycles we've been a ghost team, and now we're putting goals past the top of the lot! We can spar with anyone!"

However, much to the dismay of the supervisor who was later pictured hiding from the cameras, Vdara’s discipline ultimately won out, silencing the home crowd. In the latter stages of the game, a perfectly executed set-piece routine saw attacker Niko Zografides rise above the not-so-much-vertically-challenged Megistian defense to head home the winner. Despite a even more frantic than usual final ten minutes where Megistos threw their entire team forward in search of an equalizer, the Vdaran wall held firm, handing the Dolphins a humbling 1-2 defeat on home soil.

How it Stands

Megistos finds itself tied for eighth place with Haltoria, both sitting on 1 point with an identical -1 goal difference (5 GF, 6 GA). The only team beneath them is the Martian Independent Republic, who sit at the bottom of the table.

"We knew this wouldn't be easy coming into it," Manager Kosta Varon said in his post-match press conference, looking relatively unsurprised but not excited over the team's mediocre start. "We scored five goals in two games. The attack is there. The creativity is there. Now we have to figure out how to stop the bleeding at the back without compromising our identity. 18 matches with Megistos is a very long time. We're expecting the atmosphere in our training sessions to be one of revenge. The boys are looking at Aleirave with anger in their eyes."

Megistos will need to tighten their defensive transitions quickly if they hope to climb out of the bottom half of the table in the coming matchdays, while Varon faces increased pressure over the shortcomings of the defensive backline and the controversial goalkeeper pick.

1. Vdara - 6 pts (+2)
2. StrayaRoos - 4 pts (+5)
3. Estorvipa and Estorpiva - 4 pts (+1)
4. Maritaine - 3 pts (+1)
5. Aleirave - 3 pts (0)
6. New Montreal States - 2 pts (0)
7. Pomachetti - 2 pts (0)
8. Haltoria - 1 pt (-1)
8. Megistos - 1 pt (-1)
10. Martian Independent Republic - 0 pts (-7)

by **Legalese** » Mon May 04, 2026 8:04 pm

He could hear the sound. Even better, he could feel it. The rhythmic stomp, one, two, one, two, one, two. Just over eighty thousand, all clad in black -- with some flashes of red sprinkled in -- stomping in unison. The bleachers shook underneath Jonathan, as on the pitch, the team marched out, ready to give the crowd something to cheer, a cheer so loud you’d be able to hear it not only all through Central Junction, but as far north as Kirkwood, and even (if a little more faintly) as far south as Roche, reaching the extent of Jordan County. But until that goal that would break the dam open, Jonathan would settle for the sound, the feel, the joy he felt in that very moment, watching the Legalese National Team in action.

Then he felt a gentle shake, and a familiar voice saying his name.

“Jonathan? You with me buddy?”

He opened his eyes. In front of him stood the national team, waiting for the referee to whistle the opening kick. Opposite them in all blue were their opponents for matchday two and the home opener, The Monkey Kings of Eraman. A team with a similarly offense-minded style, and a thirst for returning to better days, this would be -- in his estimation -- a solid home opener.

He then looked around the stadium. Barely a quarter of the seats were occupied, and a surprising number of them were in blue. The visitors had traveled well, it seems. The roar he had heard remained in his imagination, a mind run amok.

He blinked and turned to his companion. “Sorry Mill, just thinking. Thanks for coming along today.”

Millie smiled. “Of course! It feels like forever since we’ve done this. I haven’t been to a soccer game in ages. Heck, I think it was with you, right? Back in Tyrellia?”

Jonathan laughed. “Great way to age me, there. I think that was during year two of service?”

“No idea. I think I was just glad for a break. The seniors were a handful at the center!”

“True, but it helped with your calling, right? I can’t imagine working with the Randos is that much different.”

To the outside observer, this might seem like an odd conversation -- the Chief Liaison to the Citizen Assembly being described as “the gal who deals with some random people” -- but Millicent Scanlon was used to such comments from full-time government folks like Jonathan; unlike them, she knew he really did appreciate the importance of her job, and that of the Assembly’s. And even if he didn’t, he at least appreciated her company, even if it was too infrequently shared.

“Speaking of ‘the Randos’, I did get a visit a while ago from Gagan Epsom. You know him, right?”

“Not personally, but yeah. Social call?”

“No, business. His cousin was drawn for Assembly service a few years ago, and connected us. He was looking for help with a research project, so I connected him to Ben McTaggert. You’ve met Ben, right?”

“I can’t remember.”

“Then you probably have. He’s one of our researchers, and his interest is in comparative politics, or how other nations and states govern, and the impacts on it.”

Jonathan’s brow furrowed, as he watched Nusa Pustaka slip through the gap created by Adrian George following Jentara Sakti as they retreated, giving space for Pustaka to receive the cross and nail home his first, a 1-0 lead for the visitors.

He turned his attention back to his friend. “What would an assistant coach of a football team need with comparative politics research?”

“It’s not what Gagan needed,” Millie replied. “But what his boss wanted. Holly McNulty was looking for someone who could advise her on the politics of gerrymandering.”

“Gerry-what?”

“So how Ben explained it to me, it’s about a practice that some representative democracies will have, where partisans who control how districts are drawn will use that power to give their ideologues an outsized advantage. Say you have a place where the people vote on ten people to represent them, and those people tend to pick from one of two coalitions that they think best fit their choices, and have a history of roughly sixty percent of them picking the yellow coalition, while the other forty percent pick the teal coalition.”

“Weird color choices, but I’m following.”

“In a system where you’re trying to get fair representation, you’d either have everyone vote in one pool, and pick the representatives at-large, which means you’re usually getting six from yellow and four from teal. But if you have a system where you split the place up into ten districts on geography, and had people vote, you might see a different outcome. Gerrymandering is what happens when the people who draw the lines do so to put their thumb on the scale, and get an outcome they want. So if yellow -- the majority in this place -- can figure out how to draw the lines so that their 60/40 advantage holds across all ten districts, then they get a 10-0 majority, not a 6-4.”

Jonathan nodded along, as the mood in the stands changed from somber to mildly excited. Roisin Wayne, in her debut, launched a long cross forward from deep, only for Zak Mcfadden to take off, outpacing the defender and getting a foot on it to redirect the ball into the back of the net. 1-1, the hosts back to level.

Millie continued as if she were in a park on a nice weekday afternoon. “So the big question that comes up with this sort of tactic is, what’s too much of a risk? If you’re engaging in behavior like this, you want to find the line between taking as many seats as you can, while not leaving yourself too thin of a margin, so that if there’s a downturn in your support, you don’t find yourself giving up more ground than is strictly necessary.”

“And yet, I still am not sure why McNulty would care about any of this. She’s not planning to instill a tyranny of poor representation upon us, is she?”

By this point, if one had looked at Holly McNulty from Jonathan’s point of view in the stands, any plans she’d had were likely gone. Another goal -- this time from Eraman’s striker, Citra Setia -- had put her side down and seeming out at the half.

“It has everything to do with the groups and how to handle qualifying,” Millie replied. “From what I know of the format, it sounds like the organizers were setting things up to put as many teams from the same region into the same groups where possible. However, a team could choose to simply be drawn wherever they landed instead. What she wanted to sort through was whether it really mattered.”

Jonathan was so engrossed in the conversation that he didn’t even notice that multiple goals had scored, and the match now stood level at three apiece with only a little time left. “So, does it matter?”

“It apparently depends on what you’re trying to do. There’s the obvious question of whether or not familiarity is an advantage, but that’s not exactly in Ben’s purview. I’m guessing she already had her own opinions on whether or not it was better to potentially play fewer known quantities. If anything, it’s more of a region question: do you want to spread your teams out more to have more spots to grab, or do you want them all bundled together to all-but-guarantee you get a few? There’s at least two groups that will likely send a minimum of four Anaians to the cup, and as many as six more to the playoffs.”

Jonathan thought about this as the final whistle blew, bringing a three-all draw to a close. The crowd applauded with a modicum of enthusiasm.

“So clearly we chose to opt out -- not a single Anaian in our group.”

“Not only that, but this match was the only other of these teams that we’ve ever played before. So if she wanted unfamiliarity, she got it.”

Later, Jonathan added a note to his project file: After two matchdays, team is 2nd with four points and a +2 differential -- the start meets expectations given firepower of Eraman side in MD2. While change on the pitch comes slowly, Holly McNulty is willing to find additional perspectives off the pitch. Whether this is a true strategic advantage is too early to tell.

by **Kanzlia** » Mon May 04, 2026 9:02 pm

✦✦
| ⮌ | ☒
⮜ Previous Part
^--01--
Going Back Home
Breezy Thursday Morning of April Seventh 1921. Triewaal, Twegas Province.

Sixteen. Sixteen is the number of bullet holes Mouro Csetkou saw on his transit from the hotel to the train station. It's been six years since the Syberi occupation of the city of Triewaal, six years since the historic city was ransacked like the medieval ages by Totalist forces.. and six years without the city officials addressing the bullet holes issue. It became a normal sight for Triewaal citizens, a constant reminder of the war and Syber occupation. But Mouro wasn't from here, he was hundreds of miles away during the whole Syberi Crises in the city of Korvenhoude, where he always belonged.

He was thinking this as he got aboard the morning express train. It was a relatively new model, stated one of the clerks at the station and should cut the time taken to cover the roughly 500 kilometre stretch between Triewaal and Korvenhoude to just six hours. Considering Mouro got to Triewaal aboard the inter-city line which took an agonising twelve hours as it stopped by every major city along the southern Twegasi railways, he pulled every string available to force his boss to give him an express train ticket. He was overcome with joy when he was finally informed on his last night in Triewaal that his boss would cover the expense of an express ticket.

The seating compartments in the express train was considerably more luxurious than the inter-city ones. It had hard laminated wooden details and soft cushions lining the whole passenger carriage. His seat had a table to it, which was a rare sight. He sat at his designated seat by the window and placed his bag at the seat on the other side of the table. The train had perhaps ten minutes left in the station before it steams ahead for the long journey to Korvenhoude, so Mouro sought to kill time by looking at the busying crowds of the city station just outside. Where he spots a seventeenth bullet hole.

"Ah, there you are." Mouro turned to the corridor of the carriage where he saw Spade. A good friend of his who joined him on his business trip to Triewaal. He was 29 years young, taller than him, and certainly good at crunching numbers. He went to the station with him but Spade had to take a detour to the toilet, something Mouro had noticed is a rather long affair. "Sorry about that, took longer than usual."

"Don't we all have bladder issues at some point?"

"..You knew about my kidney stones?"

"Kidney stones?"

"..."

Spade cleared his throat and nodded at Mouro's bag taking up his side of the seat. Mouro stood to bring it back to his side and Spade finally sat. He stretched a bit and pointed outside to the train station. "Seventeenth hole?"

"Saw it earlier, yep, seventeenth" Mouro nodded.

"A bit surreal isn't it? The guys who did that now no longer exist."

"Well, the Syberis still exist you know. Their stuff is now ours, as we can probably surmise by our trip here."

"Fair enough." Spade retorted. The two was sent to Triewaal to deliver several documents and statements to the TCECSV outlining Lysandra Line's claims to several ships held by the temporary committee. Their boss, Mr. Affable as they like to call him, is staying put in Triewaal to handle the details with the committee.

"You should probably dial back on the alcohol Spade."

"Yeah it's probably time." Spade chuckled as he leans back on his seat. "How's the wife, Ekaterina?"

"She's doing fine, don't envy her for having to deal with Reina's latest obsession."

"Reina huh? What's she's up to now? Last time it was bugs wasn't it?" Spade leaned over.

"Why do you care?" Mouro retorted.

"Well who knows maybe I can get a birthday present for your daughter maybe?" said Spade.

"Who's to say her obsession would still be the same by then?" Mouro laughed. His daughter Reina had a habit of quickly being engrossed in one hobby, and just as quickly drops it and moves on to the next. A few months ago it was bugs and bug collecting, which completely freaked Ekaterina out. It was an amusing sight for him seeing his wife mortified by the sight of a flayed butterfly. Not that he was any better, Mouro was practically avoiding getting near the bug Reina confidently held out as much as Ekaterina did. But one of them graduated from a military school and it wasn't Mouro.

"That's a fair point!" Spade exclaimed, likewise amused. "Oh right-"

The loud whistle of their train drowns out all noise. It was time to depart the bullet-hole ridden city of Triewaal and back to Korvenhoude. Once the whistle passed and the roar of the locomotive steamed through settles into the carriage, Mouro prodded Spade to continue. "Go on."

"Right, I had a talk with Mr. Affable last night and he said that our jobs not technically done yet."

"Mhm. Go on."

"Yeah so, remember the Antoine II in the documents we sent to the committee?"

"Yeah, Mr. Affable really wants to get Antoine II into the Line, what about it?"

"Well we're not the only ones interested in the Antoine II."

"What, is the Ibsians bidding for her too?"

Spade shook his head, "No no, we're dealing with the Kanzlian Navy."

Mouro paused, "..The Navy?"

Spade nodded, "Yep. Mr. Affable said that we're going to meet with Navy reps to discuss about Antoine II."

"The Navy... why would they want a tanker?" Mouro wondered.

"No clue. But Mr. Affable wants Antoine II for himself, it was collateral after all."

Mouro leaned back at his seat. The Lysandra Line (LL) had given the Central-Syber Line (CSL) a loan a few years back, with their fleet as collateral. The CSL is no more now, so Mouro thought "Shouldn't the Antoine II be ours?"

"Mr. Affable thinks so too, but the Navy, well they play by their own rules." Spade confirmed.

"So we'll have to talk with the Navy in Korvenhoude then and explain to them that Antoine II is our collateral."

Spade nodded, "Mhm, we oughta keep their hands off our ships."

"Have you done business with the Navy?"

"Nope."

"Me neither" Mouro joked. "Well, we'll handle that when we get there."
Next Part ⮞

by **Eraman** » Mon May 04, 2026 9:40 pm

i. The Crown Prince of Pasir
ii. Ultras Eraman
iii. The Golden Boy of Pasirpura
iv. Eraman Football Association

Chapter 5: The Battleground

The international break came with expectations. Four matches into the 98th World Cup qualifiers, Eraman was on 7 points, level with Huayramarca, Omerica and Katzeburg at the top of Group 5. And at the center of that expectation stood one man, Jebat Derhaka, the national team and Royal Pasirpura captain.

The Pasirpura Stadium erupted as both the first eleven of Eraman and Katzeburg stepped into the field. Fifteen thousand fans. A capacity crowd in the state capital of the southern Eraman kingdom.

"United in the stands, United for Eraman!" Ari, the capo of Ultras Eraman, shouted through the megaphone from behind the goalpost at the southern end of the stadium.

"Eraman! Eraman!" the crowd responded in a chorus.

In the grandstand, sat Tun Sengalang Petara, the President of ERAFA. Surrounded by ministers, royals, foreign dignitaries and federation officials. Focused on the match.

But away from the camera, inside one of the many VIP boxes in Pasirpura Stadium, another game was being played. Putra Kencana stood by the window of the VIP box, eyes on the grandstand across the stadium.

That was his seat. It had always been his seat as the owner of Royal Pasirpura, as the Crown Prince of Pasir, as the man who built this stadium into the pride of the south. But tonight, as the stadium hosts the national team, the seat belonged to someone else, to the President of ERAFA, to Tun Sengalang Petara.

When the door behind him opened, he didn’t turn. He already knew who had arrived. Made Lesmana of Mitra and Hari Sandaka of Soma, the two most powerful men in Mitra and Soma.

“Quite the atmosphere,” remarked Made Lesmana as he stepped into the VIP box.

Made Lesmana is the Chief Minister of Mitra, one of the only two states in Eraman that is not a kingdom. He carried none of the ceremonial weight of royalty, no inherited titles or ancient lineage behind his name. He didn’t need to. The Lesmana family was a royalty in all but name. Timber, business, politics, they owned it all. And Made sat at the centre of it.

Behind him, Hari Sandaka, the former president of an independent Mitra and Soma, and now the Governor (Head of State) of Soma. He was the architect of the annexation, the man who brought Mitra and Soma into Eraman. His reward was a seat at the highest table, alongside the seven Eramanian rajas, despite Soma itself not being a kingdom.

Kencana turned. “Gentlemen,” he said calmly. “Thank you for coming.”

The match kicked off below. Ultras Eraman was in full swing, jumping up and down, singing their heart out, shaking the structure of the stadium. Inside, silence. They took their seats. No drinks were touched. No pleasantries exchanged.

“You choose a good night for this,” said Hari. “Everyone is watching the match.”

On the field, Katzeburg moved the ball sharply. Eraman was on the back foot since the beginning of the match. Kencana glanced briefly toward the field, then back to them.

“You all know why you’re here.”

Hari leaned back. “We have our guesses.”

“Then I’ll save us time,” Kencana replied. “I’m not here to talk about football.”

“Good,” Hari replied, quickly. “Because none of us are.”

Below, 22 minutes into the match. A distant roar. Different this time. Confused. Then, muted. Katzeburg had scored. 0-1.

Kencana stood and walked towards the window. His eyes, though, were not on the pitch where Katzeburg was celebrating their opener. It was fixed towards the grandstand where Tun Sengalang sat.

“An election is coming,” he said. “Not just ERAFA. The country. Mitra. Soma. And both of you know what that means. You are not just defending seats. You are defending your positions.”

Neither Hari nor Made replied. They were both focused on what Kencana was about to say.

“Campaigns,” Kencana continued, “are expensive and I can ensure you are not outspent.”

“How?” asked Hari.

“$100 million,” answered Kencana simply.

On the pitch, Eraman pushed forward. 62 minutes. The stadium erupted. Era Hitam. 1-1.

Both Made and Hari are billionaires. They have all the money in the world. But they are also frugal. Not once in their lifetime have they used their own money to fund campaigns. It’s always somebody else’s money, usually tycoons and businessmen who profit from government contracts.

Hari leaned forward. His expression didn’t change. “And in return?” he asked. Not rejection. Not acceptance. Just a question.

“Your vote,” Kencana said. “That’s all.”

Silence again. But different this time. Heavier.

Then, a roar. Louder than before. 84 minutes. Katzeburg scored. 1-2.

Hari leaned back again, studying Kencana properly. The Crown Prince of Pasir was not even half of his age.

“You are asking us to turn against the man who made us part of this country,” he said.

Kencana didn’t answer immediately.

Outside, time was running out. The noise had changed. The belief from earlier had thinned into tension. Into frustration.

Inside, it was quiet enough to hear the noise from the air conditioning.

“I’m asking you,’ Kencana finally said calmly, “to choose between the one that brought you in or the one that will keep you in power.”

Both the men from Mitra and Soma looked at each other, as if they had reached an understanding.

by **Eriadni** » Mon May 04, 2026 10:52 pm

FourTwoOneTwoOne.com- Eriadni's other home of football

WC 101 MD 1 & 2 Roundup
Chen Duxiu
MD 1: Flavovespia 3 - 0 Eriadni
MD 2: Eriadni 3 - 1 United States of Alpha - Changshan Stadium

A loss away and a win at home marked Eriadni's first two games in WC101, in a respectable start to the national team's qualification ambitions. Flavovespia away was always going to be a difficult game, and while the Eriadnians put in a great effort, they were simply outclassed by the more experienced and tactically adept Flavovespians.

Down only 1-0 at the break, there was a hope that the Eagles might still be able to salvage a draw, and certainly the squad put in a renewed effort right from the second-half whistle. However, the deep Flavovespian defence was far superior, and the Eriadnians did not have the required patience to test and find breakthroughs. Exploiting positional weaknesses in the Eriadnian midfield, the Flavovespian side was clinical on both the attack and the counter, putting another two past keeper Long Xiaolian before the final whistle.

Despite the loss, the team and coach appeared upbeat, relishing the opportunity to play such a high level team, and eager to learn the lessons only defeat can teach. The quality really spoke for itself, and no doubt the squad has gone away with a steely determination to improve as much as they can.

Back at home, playing at Chengshan Stadium, the Eriadnians saw through a comprehensive 3-1 win over the United States of Alpha. Leading 2-0 at half time, following excellent strikes from Bai Yanyu (14') and midfielder Feng Chengguang (37'), the Eriadnians added another goal off a corner and superb header from captain Ye Ting (70'). Only an 89th minute goal from the Alphans detracted from the win, with a firm strike from a direct free kick.

All in all, a balanced start to the campaign, and with 16 more matches to play, the team has a long road ahead to secure qualification. Key to their success will be managing fatigue and injuries, as well as being able to win the favourable match-ups, and push for draws and upset wins at every opportunity. Such a sentiment was echoed by head coach Li Meidong who said the team was "focused on winning the matches we should be, and frustrating our opponents when we expect to lose."

MD3 & 4 Preview
Huang Zigong
MD 3: Kharakia vs Eriadni - Kharakia City
MD 4: Indusse vs Eriadni - Adityavarma Kulashekara International Stadium

With the first fixtures behind them, the Eriadnian National Football team faces two away games in matches 3 and 4. First up will be away against Kharakia, another lower-ranked side. This is a team that Eriadni needs to beat, even if away, to get off to the best possible start. The Eagles are likely to rely on their keen attacking edge, and show off their ability to pass precisely and quickly. Captain Ye Ting has been an inspiration to the side, the comrade being one of the most vocal on the pitch, and contributing to the smooth implementation of team tactics and strategy. Hopefully, his leadership will bring Eriadni to another victory in Kharakia.

Against Indusse and in front of at least a hundred thousand fans in the Adityavarama Kulashekara International Stadium, the Eagles have a much greater challenge. The Indusse team will present the Eriadnians with many difficulties, being an experienced, united and strong performing side. It is in this kind of match that the Eriadnians will have to pull out all the stops and frustrate the favourites at home. Head Coach Li and the side have been tight-lipped about their tactical plans, but expect some surprises that aim to get the best of the aggressive and imposing Indusse side.

Only time will tell how the team will perform in the upcoming ties, with fans hoping for at least another three points from the two games. An upset against Indusse would be an immense achievement. Football fans now await the release of the match squads in advance of the coming games.

by **Indusse** » Mon May 04, 2026 11:07 pm

New Season, New Expectations?

As the 101st World Cup Season commences for Indusse, the nation as well as the team is in high hopes. After their spectacular run in the previous world cup with their new manager, the team hopes to do wonders and qualify once again this edition. Camanin's tactics and Newman's mentorship when combined with the skills and strength of the national squad is meant to bring victories for the country. Indusse was drawn into Group 9 as a second pot team ranked thirty fourth in this edition. Newcomers and Experienced teams have been drawn with Indusse in the group and critics claim that this time the group that Indusse has been drawn into seems tougher to crack.

Let us take a look at the opponents Indusse have to face this edition, how has their performance been for a while and how much of a threat are they going to be for Indusse.

|| Pot 1 || FLAVOVESPIA
KPB+ Rank: #3
WC 100 Result: Octofinals
Notable Result: Champions (WC 98)
Threat Rating (5): 4.6
Results Against Indusse
Played: 2 , Won: 1 , Draw: 1, Lost: 0

|| Pot 3 || DRAWKLAND
KPB+ Rank: #41
WC 100 Result: Playoffs
Threat Rating (5): 3.5
Results Against Indusse
Played: 2 , Won: 2 , Draw: 0 , Lost: 0

|| Pot 4 || ANEWKANSAS
KPB+ Rank: #73
WC 100 Result: Playoffs
Threat Rating (5): 3
Results Against Indusse
Played: 1 , Won: 1 , Draw: 0 , Lost: 0

|| Pot 5 || CHOPPYHAUSEN
KPB+ Rank: #83
WC 100 Result: WCQ
Threat Rating (5): 2.7
Results Against Indusse
Played: 1 , Won: 1 , Draw: 0 , Lost: 0

|| Pot 5 || SERNET
KPB+ Rank: #115
WC 100 Result: Playoffs
Threat Rating (5): 2.4
NEW OPPONENT!

|| Pot 6 || UNITED STATES OF ALPHA
KPB+ Rank: #139
WC 100 Result: WCQ
Threat Rating (5): 2.6
Results Against Indusse
Played: 1 , Won: 0 , Draw: 0 , Lost: 1

|| Pot 6 || AFANC STRAIT
KPB+ Rank: #245
WC 100 Result: WCQ
Threat Rating (5): 2.1
NEW OPPONENT!

|| Pot 6 || ERIADNI
KPB+ Rank: #363
WC 100 Result: Did not Enter
Threat Rating (5): 1.7
NEW OPPONENT!

|| Pot 6 || KHARAKIA
KPB+ Rank: New!
WC 100 Result: Did not Enter
Threat Rating (5): 1.0
NEW OPPONENT!

Anewkansas 2–0 Indusse
Playing XI: Shehzad (GK), Cyrus, Paulson, Akshay, Bhattacharya (All Defenders), O'Shaughnessy , Grundjee, Djetson (All Midfielders), Mersiás (c), Rahul, Djenkzo (All Attackers)
Substitutions: Djetson ⏷ Buschelus ⏶
Goals: None
Indusse 5–3 Kharakia
Playing XI: Shehzad (GK), Cyrus, Paulson, Akshay, Bhattacharya (All Defenders), O'Shaughnessy , Grundjee, Djetson (All Midfielders), Mersiás (c), Rahul, Djenkzo (All Attackers)
Substitutions: Rahul ⏷ Vineeth ⏶, Akshay ⏷ Tsang-Po ⏶
Goals: Rahul (12'), Mersiás (36', 53'), Vineeth (72'), Djenkzo (86')

by **Cobrio** » Tue May 05, 2026 2:43 am

The CFF are in a difficult situation. After suspending Marvelous Koleoso's contract ahead of CAFA Cup XIII, and the Adetayo Rotimi experiment not quite working out either, there was a scramble to appoint someone to lead the national team for World Cup 101 qualifying.

With nobody named ahead of the opening fixture at Tukari Kaita National Stadium -- allegedly due to no senior coaching figures within the CFF wanting the job -- the Panthers were led by Emeka Zebenjo, the CFF's under-16s manager. After going behind to an early Zenic goal, Cobrio entered the dressing room at half-time 1-0 down, and looking somewhat lost. Rumour has it that Koleoso was in attendance, and had made his way into the dressing room during the interval with the help of Dieumerci Pourrien, where Zebenjo allowed him to give a team talk.

The Panthers responded admirably, overturning the deficit to win 2-1 thanks to a Clarence Burke double -- both assisted by Pourrien. In his post-match interview, Zebenjo was coy on what happened at half-time, putting all the focus on the players. "The team regained focus," he said. "They always had the capacity. But circumstances were a little less than ideal in the first half. Once they have regained the focus, everything has followed."

In light of the rumours that emerged during and after the match, the CFF issued a statement clarifying that Koleoso's position as national team manager was still under suspension, "pending further internal analysis". The trip to The Golden Harp followed, with Koleoso this time not in attendance, revealing on social media that he was unable to acquire a ticket. The same problems from the first half against Zenic were on display, and Cobrio lost decisively. A 4-0 defeat.

Some pundits have claimed that the players have made it clear that they want Koleoso. Others have suggested that they need him. Either way, the CFF are faced with a difficult decision. Do they backpedal and reinstate Koleoso, accepting that they got this one wrong? Or do they bullishly push forward without him despite evidence that his presence benefits the team?

* * * * *

Something integral to Cobre culture is community. Marvelous Koleoso understood this better than most. It was the value that underpinned his coaching philosophy, his management philosophy, his approach to life in general, in fact. To that end, he spent a lot of time in ebizuikes. These were a sort of café, specialising in traditional Cobre food and drink, which sometimes has traditional music and events. Typically run by a family, they were often important establishments within their communities. Originally, they had been the few locations Cobre people actually owned, under the oppressive colonial rule of the Osarians. They were the places in which Cobre traditions, Cobre values, Cobre culture survived. In the schools, the language was marginalised, the religion was dismissed, cultural traditions were framed as primitive. But in the ebizuike, they flourished. Philosophical discussions took place in the ebizuike, community events took place in there, the ebizuikes were the "watering holes" of Cobre society in many ways, for mind, body and spirit. Even the name ebizuike, meant "place for relaxing". It was where Cobre people let their guard down. Where they could feel safe. Where they could relax.

Marv had smiled to himself when Demé asked to meet him in one. The lost cub was finding himself. He was feeling more Cobre by the day, wasn't he? Good.

Sitting in a quiet, upmarket ebizuike, Demé sipped his ishapa and shrugged. "Uncle, they will see sense," he said.

Marvelous Koleoso sighed. "Nephew, I appreciate what you are trying to d-"

"They will see. Sense." Demé repeated, interrupting the older man. "You have guided us this far, it does not make sense to cast you away like old bones, uncle. The CFF must see this. They must restore you to your position. Restore your title, na."

"Title?"

"Of course. Chief Executive Officer of Coachings. Commander of di Cobrio Football. Di Oga of Àkoleoso. Di Most Magnifice-"

"Aht! You are doing too much nephew. Sometimes tings dey happen weh we no like result, na. Part of life. We must dey accept it and move forward, sabi?"

Demé swallowed in silence, and calmly placed his glass back on the table.

"Uncle," he said. "Respectfully, you are wrong. Not everything must be accepted. I will show you."

by **Hamborn** » Tue May 05, 2026 3:28 am

Wondering Refugees 2 - 0 Hamborn, A bad start for Hamborn !

It was an away match and the first for our good manager.

Here what he said in after match :

"I think we are too in attack and that why we got 2 very good counter attack finishing by a goal, I will try to train this in the future training before match day 2 and 3."

Now here is what you want, the Highlights !

0' The start of the first match in the qualifier for Hamborn, we have seen a lot of lose in the World Cup 100 qualifier, it oftenly a team that lose in the firsts match but it can really come back rapidly in the classment."

10' "Pass to Arlemus, Center to Joan he shoot and GOAL for Hamborn 0-1 !!!!"

10' "Var check on Joan goals maybe an offside, and yes it was an offside, finally their is no goal !"

30' "The Tackle of Nino Visto on Khaled Al-Rifai, attention to the potential penalty !"

31' "Penalty for Wondering Refufgees and Yellow card for Nino Visto, he tackle too hard Khaled Al-Rifai !"

31' "Farid Rahimi will shoot this penalty against Leo Surli, he shoot and it enter in the right of Leo Surli, 1-0 for Wondering Refugees !"

45+2' The first half end, Wondering Refugees 1 - 0 Hamborn, a bad dynamic of Hamborn and a lot of lost of ball."

56' "Abdulrahman Al-Sayeed pass to Moussa Diallo, he shoot and Leo surlu stop it corner for Wondering Refugees. The Corner will be shot by Olena Kovalenko. The ball fall on Khaled Al-Rifai and do a volley, 2-0 for Wondering Refugees, what a bad day for Hamborn !"

90' The match end maybe on the sadness of Hamborn's player that could have a 2-1 but the offside stopped-it sad but the match against Kwrpania will be better !"

Kwrpania 1 - 0 Hamborn, Again a lose for Hamborn, Last place of the group

The match is really strategical on the two side of the game with an equiibrate plays, their almost on the same level, any of two could win the match but it was Kwrpania won a own goal of Neo Kisté at the 86 minutes of the game that condemn Hamborn for the last place of the group 13.

by **The Ko-orenite Constellation** » Tue May 05, 2026 4:12 am

For all of the Constellation's efforts to go it alone, that is, say goodbye as much as possible to Ko-oren and set up a political structure of its own, the two rely on each other for a plethora of other matters. There's extensive cooperation in education and research, and by extension, it's intertwining economies where both sides share logistics, food production, energy, and other things that are necessary for populations to survive - and on top of that, both sides are looking to decarbonise, and for that, the materials found in one territory, the industries in another, the funds in a third, and the knowledge of a fourth are all needed to put together a brighter future for all - and Ko-oren just happens to be in the thick of all four areas.

That has been one of the biggest factors in the Constellation trying to move away from Ko-orenite influence, actually: the feeling that, sooner or later, they'd just be colonies of the Anaian 'motherland', no matter the degree of autonomy given under friendly meritocracy. Every Constellation nation has seen that despite Ko-oren's modern interpretation, it's gone through some ruthlessly oppressive interpretations of meritocracy in the past - and that means the territories better band together. There's no hostility - just a healthy distrust between two sides that haven't always played by the rules. But there's so much tying them together that ultimately the pull between them is stronger than the push.

While the Constellation promised that the territories would only create ties with Ko-oren collectively, as in, on behalf of the entire Constellation or not at all, that promise didn't hold. The first time a company from Ndugutisaoren had contacted Ko-orenite universities - it wouldn't have been much more than a week after the bill passed. And that's not for a terrible reason either: Ndugutisaoren is far and away ahead of the Constellation in a lot of post-carbon material research but they simply don't have the industry and the materials to sustain their insatiable hunger for production - and while a few Constellation territories could fill that gap, they're not at the level where Ndugutisaoren needs them to be. Yet.

At the same time, the nations at the bottom of the Constellation in average income, human development, and so on, had contacted Ko-oren's foreign office within two weeks of the bill passing. The aid was doing its job and cutting it off would've been disastrous for the likes of Uruashoren, Ponga & Waratahoren, Talmagoren, Antakodrandavoren, and Vesturvindoren. They could've gotten their help from more economically sound Constellation territories - aforementioned Ndugutisaoren comes to mind, as do Chanmingoren and Mercatoren - but Ko-oren's aid comes with relatively few strings attached. Plenty of, say, Talmagori, had gone to the three economic powerhouses to work and they generally didn't land the job they came for in order to support their families at home. And Talmagoren's deathly afraid of any of the big three figuring out just how much mineral wealth is below their surface. Sure, it'd fill the coffers, it'd fill a need in research and development - but was tearing up most of the land worth it in the long run? You'd just create more pollution - locally - than you'd solve - globally.

That's where the Constellation comes in right now. Advance all territories at minimal cost of the weakest links. Few territories can survive entirely without Ko-oren's or each other's help, and in no case does that help come without consequences.

by **Ko-oren** » Tue May 05, 2026 4:13 am

Previous

Ex-prime minister Laurderinthen calmly walked to the microphone on the small stage in front of the Maethoru offices of the Ambassadors of Meritocracy. It had been a while - nearly two generations - since the Ambassadors had to intervene in politics to this extent, but what had to be done, had to be done. The day before, Ikaras Benthanra and the Constitutional Court read out a list of accusations and guilties, not guilties, not provens, and so on. In conclusion: prime minister Gelogathingun and her cabinet had abused their powers in government to enrich their business partners, friends, and family to the tune of dozens of construction projects, and they had neglected their duties as laid out in the constitution especially in the world of defence and military, making Anaia a more dangerous place rather than a more peaceful one.

Laurderinthen's speech was short and simple: the Court has the power to declare what is permissible by law and what isn't, the Ambassadors have to turn the verdict into a new political reality. Abodhiru Gelogathingun may no longer act in the capacity of Prime Minister and a new cycle of hires is to start this same week to have a new cabinet up and running within half a year.

That, however, was the simple part - and even that took months to complete.

Now there was a difficult task of determining which cabinet members were in the loop, which were complicit, and which were actively culpable of the decisions made. Then there was a task of halting the bad programmes started and funded while keeping the valid ones going. A handful were simple: construction of military bases along the south coast had hardly started and were immediately cancelled. One air strip in the southwest is allowed to continue construction. This puts minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, the minister of the Navy, the minister of the Air Force, and the minister of the Coast Guard in danger as well. They had been implied in the Constitutional Court's verdicts from the start and they were easy early targets. But what about the Ministry of Education and Science's changes to high school curriculums? Those were deemed overly patriotic in nature - but was it part of a larger scheme? Or were they just additions to a background of a larger Ko-orenite role in international politics, one that required students to be more keenly aware of the role their country played, both the good and the bad parts? Minister Esesorenthen had always stressed that it was important - now more than ever - that Ko-oren doesn't downplay its role, or else we'd be snapped up by larger Calanian powers in an instant. That requires both an awareness of how big Ko-oren is in certain industries - and a small sense of danger on behalf of said larger Calanian powers.

Up and down the cabinet there were decisions to be made. Was the minister compliant, complicit, or just as guilty as Gelogathingun? Only few of these decisions would come easy.

There are also a few tough decisions to take surrounding the offices that are technically not part of any ministry, but are required for daily operations. Could Gelogathingun have gotten this far without cooperation from within the Intelligence Services? The Civil Servant Appointment Service? The Financial Oversight and Ombudsman office? Did some offices fail to intervene, like the Environmental Justice Office, the Nature protection Commission, the Urban Development & Smart City Office?

Depending on the size of the operation, close to 80 high-ranking officials have to make place for a new generation of lawmakers, ministers, and officials. Does Ko-oren have 80 experienced, qualified people to spare? What if it's not 80, but 150 - if the rot goes deeper? How deep does the rot go, anyway?

And, more importantly - can the Meritocracy survive this?

About a year and a half after the previous search for a prime minister, a completely new group of interviewers and selectors are on the job of finding a new one. Core issues this time around are the meritocracy's resilience against corruption - this one's new - as well as Ko-oren's role on the international stage - this one's very much not new - as well as our relationships with our ambitious Constellation partners. And there's another topic, one normally relegated to 'we mention this but haven't really selected for this in a while', but one that deserves a podium once more: Ko-oren's promise of a greener tomorrow.

"Optimism must find its way back into the political heart of Ko-oren, and from there, permeate into the country's living rooms, sports clubs, voting booths, city halls, national parks, foreign embassies, schools, universities, offices and workplaces", as expressed by head of the Selection committee and CEO of the Liberal University of Greencaster. "The Constitution is clear: we're looking for meritocracy, sustainability, solidarity, and peace".

by **Nueva Compostela** » Tue May 05, 2026 5:49 am

A FAIR START FOR THE CARABAOS
by sports journalist Carlos Mello

Gimbat and his men were on their way to Javoser in Sajnur, where they met some Sajnurian fans who wanted a warm welcome for their opponents ahead of Nueva Compostela's first match in the qualifiers after one nation decides to withdraw. The stage was set for the boys in yellow and white as the Sajnurians give them defensive headaches even though the Carabaos played defensively as Gimbat did in his playing days. But the Sajnurians got the upper hand in that game. "I thinkvwe didn't go well as we planned.", says Gimbat after the match. "Next game, we should do other plans when we face our next opponents in our backyard." Gunsanad says that he didn't see how well the Sajnurians play. "I mean, we did our stuff to take over the seatbelt. But they have the experience over us after all." Their second game will be at the Rajah Sangklaw national stadium up north in Barranquilla del Oriente. Greeted by its local fans, the Carabaos were expected to daw their first qualifier win. They will face the returning team Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, or ASMV for short in front of the whole 35,000 people. The Sea Dragons were met by a kreoyo* band when arriving at the San Nicolas airport. Seeing AMSV's 2-3 defeat to Valanora, Gimbat and his len were working to get an advantage over star players Jozef Cabrissu, who is playing his last tournament, Analisse Arteavii, and Mekai Erasteles. The game started off with an intense defensive showdown between the two teams until a mistake from Laken Qi took Noronha to pass it on to the Marayan now Neocompostelan citizen Daimis Tagal and gave them the first ever goal in the 77th minute and the crowd went wild as Tagal jumped on the barricade and celebrating with the people in the stands. "I don't believe it!", says Tagal. "I just scored my true nation's first goal!" Even though there are no follow-ups to the Daimis goal, the final whistle has sounded and the players and staff celebrated their first-ever qualifier win. The crowd went their joy to the streets after seeing the result. "I think we just did a great game after all.", says Gimbat. "But our next game will be scary for us as we face the highest-ranked nations, but we promise we can do well." "The first thing I thought was 'let's just do well and not to give more goals.' But when we win, I never thought that we did well.", says Daimis. "I'm hoping this difficult task can be alright for us." The Carabaos will face the Equestrian ponies in Canterlot for a "ponies vs humans" match and Qasden in the Rajah Sangklaw Stadium in Barranquilla del Oriente. Will the Ponies and Cats punish the up and coming Carabaos, or the Carabao blue fury will activate against the veterans?

*kreoyo = it's like Caribbean drumming but with trumpets

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Tue May 05, 2026 8:43 am

Welcome back to THE show. Now, for the first time, under the management of Philip van Oosterend. To say the pressure and intrigue of the wider TJUN-ian public was now laser-focused on this WCQ campaign would be an understatement and everyone knew it. Sure, having some groups be regional and half of every group at least make the Playoffs is not an ideal WC system in the eyes of many, but this option was the least shit one for a reason, and I will just leave it at that. With all of this in mind, everyone knew that we had a good shot of making some sort of effort to make it back to the dance, but this road was not going to be easy, considering half of this group is within the Top 100. Everyone knew that not making this World Cup wouldn't be the end of the world for PvO, but the FA didn't want the momentum that the old guard built to be destroyed either. This campaign is going to be a careful balancing act, between a manager in his first WCQ and a nation that expects a return to the Top 48. So...I hope you are all ready.

Game 1 of 18 would come in Quakmybush against a host ranked 152nd and with no information to go off. These types of games, where you have no real clue as to the type of opponent you are facing, have always been a thorn in the eye of world sport, no matter the game or the code. Everyone had expectations of what this game could look like, but they would all crumble within the opening five minutes as QMB managed to find holes we did not know existed and executed a smash-and-grab, twice, in the space of 10 minutes...and you could tell that Gloria Pon was pissed off at that fact. PvO didn't give up after that, he fought as hard as he could to overturn that shocking start, and Diana Sharafutdinov did grab our opening goal in the 65th...but we just couldn't get that equaliser in the end. In 10 minutes, Quakmybush forced us to take the L on Day 1...not ideal.

But we still had a long way to go, and hosting #395 Serenitas Novae in the home opener @ Zebra Stadium would end up being the perfect way to get back on track. Those who turned up to Toropo/Almadinat for this one, our only home game in our opening four, would be here in time for PvO's first home game as boss...and with the atmosphere as hyped as it was, even in a smaller venue like Zebra, there was no way we were going 0-2 to start the campaign. Goals from Zaine Bowry, Sylvia Usabyimana and Sharafutdinov in the first half would end up being enough to seal the deal and while our visitors did take a goal home with them, the 3 points would ultimately stay with us.

So then, in a window of opportunity to get 6 points on the board, we could only manage 3. Not too terrible in a group where only 1 team is 2-0, but we have to seriously improve on the field if we want to increase the pace over the next 16 games. Everyone, however, is focused on our next two - a huge road trip to face Bandar Cang Prathoren of the Ko-Stars and a nightmarish trip to Chromia to face Chromatika. PvO might have just walked into a Baptism of Fire of his own, but we have to try our best. Any points scored in this window could be important come the very end.

GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 6)
(Stadium Guide can be found here)
MD1: @Quakmybush (152) L 1-2
MD2: vs Serenitas Novae (395) - Zebra Stadium, Toropo/Almadinat W 3-1 (T-4th)
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MD3: @The Ko-orenite Constellation (61) - Bandar Cang Prathoren
MD4: @Chromatika (16) - Chromatik City Field, Chromia
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MD5: vs Vetrahjart (124) - Tiankong Stadium, Tiankong
MD6: @The Republic of the United Marble Tribes (307)
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MD7: vs Stewartika (88) - Estadio Universidad Carlandas, Carlandas
MD8: @Cothe Saria (430) - Cedarville Stadium, Cedarville
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MD9: vs Valentine Z (23) - Beregozera Stadium, Szensky
MD10: vs Quakmybush (152) - Ke Kahua Pāʻani o Pua Aloalo, Kepu Manu
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MD11: @Serenitas Novae (395)
MD12: vs The Ko-orenite Constellation (61) - Stade de la Victoire, Roi Ville
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MD13: vs Chromatika (16) - National Stadium, TJUN-ia
MD14: @Vetrahjart (124)
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MD15: vs The Republic of the United Marble Tribes (307) - Estádio do Pacífico, Rio Pacífico
MD16: @Stewartika (88)
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MD17: vs Cothe Saria (430) - Tallawah Stadium, Port Town/Portuaria
MD18: @Valentine Z (23) - Kyarpan Stadium, Mandalay

by **Bhumi Matawis Empire** » Tue May 05, 2026 8:51 am

Morning rays lights up the airport in the capital city, Gamalama. The situation at the airport is pretty quiet as some part of the place is being sterilized following the visit of Mahapatih Anom to the state. The sky is clear. No sign of anything around the airport but security have been increase significantly despite the separatist leader, Gerardus Wattinewa have said his welcoming the visit. Still, everyone needs to be cautious.

Around 7 am local time, the government plane finally arrive. It is on schedule. The plane touchdown smoothly and running around the apron into the designated area where the welcoming party have been waiting for their arrival since dawn. The passenger door is swung open and Mahapatih Anom Shellomita Ariadna Pujawati walk out from the plane. The situation change into more lively as the welcoming party perform a traditional dance of Orla which represent gratitude, friendship and happiness. Shellomita standing at the end of the stairs while watching the young dancers performing the welcoming dance. After the dance, a man with regal attire come forward. Shellomita smile and give a little towards the man.

"It's such an honor, Your Majesty. I can't believe it's you in person that welcoming me," says Shellomita towards the men who's none other than Sultan Hussain of Duko, one of the four sultans of United Kieraha and also the Prime Minister of United Kieraha.
"It is my pleasure to welcome you, my dear. We have been honored to get a visit from a high ranking officials," Sultan Hussain speak with a little smile on his face.
Shellomita reply with a smile. A young boy who's standing behind the Sultan then come forward and give Shellomita a traditional garments which is placed on her shoulder. Sultan Hussain gesture her to walk ahead. The delegation follows Shellomita who immediately engaged in small talks with the Sultan. Nothing important in their talks. Just a common conversation about weather and recent situation in the city.

It take them less than 30 minutes to arrive at the Alam Palace. Thanks to the police that clear the roads. The situation at the palace entrance is lively. A line of man and woman standing on the side of the pathways welcoming the Mahapatih' convoy.
"You really are prepare everything. This is too much for me," comment Shellomita who feels overwhelm.
"It is not too much when we entertain an honorable guest like you, my dear," explain Sultan Hussain.
"I feel honor, My Majesty," she says.

The door is open and Shellomita walk out from the car. Another guard open the opposite door where Sultan Hussain come out. A maid gesture her to come into the palace. Shellomita and the rest of the delegation enter the palace. Sultan Hussain escort them inside. At the grand hall, Sultan Hidayatullah of Gapi has waiting for them.
"Welcome," greet Sultan Hidayatullah with an open hand.
"Thank you, My Majesty" answer Shellomita who makes a 'salam' gesture. As they are not muhrim, she avoid making contact with the Sultan to honor the rule.
"Please, Mrs. Pujawati," Sultan Hidayatullah pointed to one room where Shellomita follows him.
While the maid escort the other guests into their respectable room. On the other hand, Sultan Hussain heading to the side room and waiting there.

Inside the private room, Sultan Hidayatullah ask Shellomita to take a seat.
"I hope your journey has been great, Mrs. Pujawati," the Sultan open the conversation.
"It's been a great journey, Your Honor. And please just call me Shellomita or Mita," she says.
"Very well. Mita, I have read your visitation report. And I will cooperate with what you really need for a better understanding from both perspective," explain Sultan Hidayatullah.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate that you are willing to cooperate so we understand the situation about the rumor that spreading and what we've heard at the capital," Shellomita speaks carefully. "Would you like to enlighten me?"
"The rumor about Mr. Masrati statement is very much true. We have contact one another about the possibility of creating a new Great East Federation," reveal Sultan Hidayatullah.
"Isn't it will against the position of United Kieraha within the Empire? We can accuse all of you for treason," explain Shellomita. She's got a little bold in the end.
The Sultan smile again. "I think. Well, we think the Empire need to transform itself. The current condition have not been suitable for all of us especially we in the east," he says.
"Please elaborate," ask Shellomita.
"I believe you understand the history of our Empire, Mita," he pause. Shellomita nod. "You do realize the eastern parts are added later on after the break up of Great East Federation. We don't have much choice that time and merging with the Empire is the best choice for us rather than going back under the rule of VMC. But things were not running smoothly. Bad things happen. And we try to fix it. Again and again."
"Then what have been change, Your Majesty?" Shellomita interrupt.
"You know, when the Empire give a larger autonomy to Papo-Iriya and Malalaime, jealousy grows within the hearts of the leaders of the eastern states," he reveal and Shellomita gives a questioning look. Because we in the east see ourselves as the additional part to the Empire just like Papo-Iriya and Malalaime. We are not the founder. Nor the original states. We are the same as them. But it seems that the central government treat us as an integral part of the Empire. An original states. However, we are often overlook by the western states. That's when the negative sentiment grows. And it become larger as Papo-Iriya and Malalaime are given a wider autonomy. Especially when they can represent themselves with their own flag in international stage," explain Sultan Hidayatullah.
Shellomita rest her back. The realization is overwhelming. She can't believe the situation is far worst than she can imagine.
"But Your Majesty, isn't it will affected negatively for you and United Kieraha as a monarchy if ever Kieraha join Great East Federation?" ask Shellomita as she try to persuade the Sultan to change his mind.
"There is always a price to pay for a better tomorrow, Mrs. Mita," the Sultan answer. "You do realize we have battling this separatism from the 1960's. It was decrease during the second empire. But it rise again recently. And I believe by creating the new Great East Federation, they will be more pleased. Because monarchy have become a negative connotation for them. So I try to keep my state intact even though it has to cost me myself," he added.

Shellomita lock herself in her room after the grandiose dinner held this night to welcome their delegation. It was such a great dinner with the traditional cuisine and live performance of traditional dances and singing. But Shellomita can't enjoy it much. The private conversation with Sultan Hidayatullah have open her eyes about the real situation. She already believe that her predecessor have made a move to the eastern part of the Empire and make them more welcome within the Empire. But now, it feels like the effort is useless as the hurt has cut so deep. The knock on the door bring her back to reality. Her secretary, William Piambudi enter the room.

"You should have rest, Your excellency. We are going to Baguala tomorrow," remind Piambudi.
Shellomita sighing. "How can I get rest when I'm now realize about the situation," says her with a firm voice. Piambudi doesn't dare to talk.
"In ancient times, these lands were lead by 14 different lords divided into 2 alliance lead by Gapi and Duko. Hence, the two sultanates lead Kieraha today. During the VMC rule, most of the monarch were wipe out. Only four remains. And now, we might be the reason of their inexistence," add Shellomita.
Piambudi can't say anything. He standing there looking at Shellomita who's standing with her back to him.
"Please go back to your room, Will. I'll take my rest," she says afterwards.
Piambudi nod and leave the room. While Shellomita still standing facing the window where the night lights of the city give chills to her body. What will happen to this country? What the future we have left? Her thoughts running wild as the night grows darker.

by **Hanalia** » Tue May 05, 2026 9:55 am

Justine Long had picked up a dishwashing gig at a hotel in central Dhaka, Bharatamandala. In her first few shifts she had been absolutely hopeless. It was designed as a one person job but she had managed to create such a backlog of dirty dishes that some of the wait staff were coming in, cleaning whatever particular item or item they needed to plate up food or set a table for another sitting. For the first week she was the last one left in the kitchen, long after her hours had theoretically finished but had to finish off so everything was reset for the beginning of service in the morning.

Eventually she worked out what was the best way to stack the rack. A dozen plates, handful of bowls and just to throw whatever silverware there was in as well to get it through. She knew she had three more cycles in the machine even after it started beeping for being out of detergent. The handle on the machine needed pulled right in the middle, otherwise it would twist and get stuck and if that happened she'd need an extra pair of hands to get it unstuck.

It was hard work, a face full of steam every time the machine opened. Her hard calloused hands, from heaving on the ropes of her Dublin Bay yacht, pruned up with the humidity. That being said in ways it was nice work too, in that, once accustomed to the rhythm of things, it was repetitive and mindless. She could let her mind wonder to what she might do the next day, where her next destination might be or try to remember which of her friends she hadn't caught up with in a while.

This evening however when absorbed in the rhythm of stack, wash, move and rinse. She was drawn to the television mounted high on the wall. Most of her local colleagues were keeping a closer eye on the match being played than the food they were preparing. Justine deciphered through the language barrier and broken communication that Bharatamandala were hosting their first ever World Cup qualifying match and Hanalia were the opposition.

Fortunately for the local contingent things were going well. Docherty had been given an opportunity to start the match but found himself in receipt of a second yellow shortly before half time. The score at this point stood at 1-0 to the hosts and with a full half remaining and only facing 10 players it looked favourable for the Blues. Justine was far from the multiverse's biggest sports fan but even she knew the task ahead must be difficult. And so it proved. The review system deemed the 53rd minute equaliser void, which must've blown the morale of the visiting players as they went on to concede two further goals. After the final whistle, Justine thought of her friend Callum, a big football follower, who she must tell that she was here for the match.

WC 101 Qualifying Schedule & Results
 Opponent               Home   Away 
 Pyazhnaya              MD13   MD4
 West Vdara             MD5    MD14
 Abanhfleft             MD15   MD6
 Andso Mangis           MD8    MD17
 Kimi-Suomi             MD18   MD9
 Audioslavia            L0-2   MD10
 Bharatamandala         MD11   3-0L
 Russian Empire EHA     MD3    MD12
 Doychnya               MD7    MD16

by **Smoltrendestof** » Tue May 05, 2026 11:34 am

Sernetian colony of Smoltrendestof

OOC note: due to Sernet being my main priority this RP is a bit minimal

LAST TWO MATCHES:

MD1: Smoltrendestof 3 - 0 Tristan de Cunha, @ Smoltrendestof Civic Arena (H)
Goalscorers:
Linterof 28', 43'
Deloskov 79'

MD2: Dhemixia 5 - 4 Smoltrendestof (A)
Goalscorers:
Smoltrendestof:
Waterport 10'
Deloskov 26'
Doyle 72'
Sterning 90+1'

Dhemixia:
Baker 17'
Hawkins 33', 38', 60'
Obisana 85'

Table:

Group 8                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Marsonne                  2    1   1   0     3    1   +2     4
 2 Dhemixia                  2    1   1   0     6    5   +1     4
 = Juvencus                  2    1   1   0     3    2   +1     4
 4 Smoltrendestof            2    1   0   1     7    5   +2     3
 5 Airannia                  2    1   0   1     2    1   +1     3
 6 Tristan de Cunha          2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3
 7 Crpostran                 2    1   0   1     2    3   −1     3
 8 The Kaisers Syndicates    2    1   0   1     2    4   −2     3
 9 Burikinia                 2    0   1   1     3    4   −1     1
10 Siovanija and Teusland    2    0   0   2     1    4   −3     0

[/box][/quote]

NEXT TWO MATCHES:

MD3: Smoltrendestof vs Crpostran, @ Smoltrendestof Civic Arena (H)
MD4: Juvencus vs Smoltrendestof (A)

Lineup:

Everything below is information copied from the roster, but pasted here for convenient access:

How to reach Smoltrendestof:

Football History:

Link to roster:
viewtopic.php?p=43562924#p43562924

Come on Smoltrendestof!

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue May 05, 2026 11:51 am

Dear World Cup Refereeing Committee,

The Holy Empire Football Association would like to draw your attention towards some potential refereeing inconsistencies from the Holy Empire's opening World Cup 101 qualification matches against Jeckland and Bongo Johnson.

We feel that we are in a stronger position to bring this to your attention as the Holy Empire won both matches. Had we raised concerns after losing a match, you might have harboured suspicions that any concerns raised were motivated by a desire to overturn the results. We hope that by raising this following two wins, you will instead understand that we are genuinely motivated by a desire to work with the refereeing committee to ensure the highest standards of officiating for all participating nations.

In the Jeckland match, you will no doubt have seen the referee's report over the decision to red card one of our shoggoths playing in defence for a gratuitous handball in the 89th minute, with our goalkeeping shoggoth then going on to save the resulting penalty. We ask you to re-examine the video evidence before you reach a decision on whether or not to extend disciplinary action against our anonymous defender.

If you look closely at camera angles B and C (please see accompanying video evidence), you will see that the pseudopod that touched the ball in the incident in question did not originate with the defender, but was rather thrust out towards the ball by our goalkeeping shoggoth through a temporary gap in the defending shoggoth's body. This gap - or hole, if you will - lasted for at most a couple of seconds, and we can understand why a referee unaccustomed to shoggoths might have believed that the pseudopod originated with the defender; but that brief moment was enough for our goalkeeper to sieze the moment, extend their own pseudopod through the gap, and save the ball.

We appreciate that the inability of our squad to say anything more than 'Tekeli-li!, Tekeli-li!' likely hampered the ability of our team captain [which one is the captain? can we tell them apart? check with Tzimisces before sending this letter] to communicate with the referee during this incident, and to explain their points of views. But had the referee thought to have a brief conversation with Mr Tzimisces and Mr Di Bradini on the sidelines at the time, we are sure that this unfortunate misunderstanding could have been cleared up.

The second incident arose during our 3–0 victory over Bongo Johnson. Here in fact we agree with our opponents' manager that the referee from Qusmo seemed worryingly inconsistent over distinguishing between feet-equivalent pseudopods, hand-equivalent pseudopods, and random pseudopods that could be either feet or hands depending on context. That our squad is prone to randomly growing and contracting new pseudopods from their glistening malleable unholy bodies no doubt only compounds the issue. We would like to propose that all of the teams in Group 10 meet at a neutral venue in one of the WC101 host nations in order to clarify some ground rules over how to classify shoggoth pseudopods from the perspective of the relevant clauses of Law 12 of the Laws of Football, as maintained by the Multiversal Football Association Board.

We respectfully remind you that the relevant section of Law 12 reads as follows:

HANDLING THE BALL

For the purposes of determining handball offences, the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. Not every touch of a player’s hand/arm with the ball is an offence.

It is an offence if a player:

- deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, for example moving the hand/arm towards the ball
- touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger. A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised
- scores in the opponents' goal:
........directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper
........immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental

Defining which part of a shoggoth's body, including pseudpods, consists of a 'hand/arm' is therefore critical for ensuring that all participants in Group 10 are confident in referees' ability to effectively and fairly officiate a match. The Holy Empire Football Association will gladly abide by the final decision of the Refereeing Committee in this matter so that we can properly advise Mr Tzimisces, and he can then take appropriate action in adjusting the team's tactics (if necessary); but we feel that some sort of review of the application of the laws towards shoggoths has become critical. We do not wish to inadvertently encourage needless controversy in this matter.

Sincerely Yours,

Nicephorus Phocaso
Second Senior Undersecretary to the Junior Oversecretary of Holy Empire Football Association Multiverse Relations

by **United States Of Alpha** » Tue May 05, 2026 12:21 pm

MatchDay1 Results:
United States of Alpha 6, Kharakia 1

Summary: Thankfully, there were no surprises today, folks. United States of Alpha has its largest win ever by an astounding 5 goals. Great job everyone!

after the game:
Hookem2019: Let's go! We won our first match guys! We're gonna win the whole damn thing!

JustBry4: Aight great job everyone!

Harrison_Delvi: We did it! Nostrovia!

noobus: Great win people! Let's do it again tomorrow and make this quick!

MatchDay2 Results:
United States of Alpha 1, Eriadni 3

Summary: Welp, it looks like the nightmare is upon us. We lost to a low-ranked team. Then again, it's not as bad as Karmosora, and it was an away game, but god damn it man we're better than that. Nevertheless, we have bigger fish to fry tomorrow, so regroup and move on. We still believe in you.

after the game
ItzSarath: Those stupid madafakas. How did this happen?

Notchristianoronaldo: SIUUUUUUUUUU

noobus: I can't believe it. We had an easy team. We fr dropped the ball.

NotJustBry4: That's ironic considering that's illegal in soccer.

JustBry4: Okay okay we did bad. So what? One bad game is not a bad World Cup we have more teams to play and win against, and if anything, WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THE FINALS! Now get some rest, and lock in tomorrow.

_{Up Next
United States of Alpha vs. Afanc Strait (245)
United States of Alpha @ Drawkland (39)}

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Tue May 05, 2026 12:23 pm

Laitetaanpa tämä show tien päälle, eikö niin? After all the joy of two years ago, the reset button has been pressed, and now Esko Laaksonen and Karl Leif Svonsson are ready to kick things off all over again. The stories that will be told about the Satavuotisjuhla will be uttered amongst the Suomen people for the rest of time, a mark on our history that wil never be removed or forgotten, but now, we had to go out there and see if we can replicate that magic again, prove that we deserve to be a Pot 3 side and show that that moment in the spotlight wasn't just some one-off dream that came true. That is our ambition now...todistaaksemme, että olemme täällä jäädäksemme.

Opening this WCQ process with back-to-back road games did seem harsh when our schedule came out, but the three-home-game stretch in the middle does make up for it, so there we are. First up, a foe we have gotten to know very well through NSSCRA as we headed off to Andso Mangis to start Pitkä Tie Takaisin and, if what many hoped would be a sign of things to come, the Huuhkajat outclassed their hosts on the night and that''s all you really had to say. Ebba Persson managed a brace and Kaj Fazer headed home from the bench in what was a comfortable game for this outfit, even if Dermin Aer did stop the clean sheet with 10 minutes to go. All you could say was that the job was done and we started in the best way possible, so that was that.

Doychnya was supposed to be the easier test of this opening salvo, but Jalkapallo 101 tells us all that "anyone can be up for any game" - which basically means, what happens "on paper" can very easily be torn to shreds if you are not careful. So, despite being ranked 395th in the WCC rankings, the team who made little to no impact in the Baptism of Fire stakes was out here locking us out of the box for the entire first half. Why? Because Jalkapalloperintö, that's why. This was a sterner test than anyone was expecting and while yes, we still won this game, it took a 78th minute head from Enni Pajari to finally break the deadlock. Fair play to Doychnya, they had done very well to start this group - pairing this close loss with a 0-0 draw in fucking Pyazhnaya. Who knows, maybe we need to keep an eye on them in the weeks ahead.

So we have 6/6 points, but from two different games that leave the overall mood as mixed as HM's results this past NSSCRA season. Next time, however, we will all have to lock in as before a trip to Bharatamandala, we have to welcome those Bulls of Ääniorjainen to Pesä - a team we have never played at home and have only played once total, a 1-0 defeat during the CAFA before Satavuotisjuhla that sent us packing. Getting any sort of result from the other 2-0 team in this group, even at this early stage, will be huge in the Race for Top 2 and so, with that in mind, Kimi Kaupunki is getting ready for its first WCQ game since Aleirave last cycle to turn into a specticle.

The Bulls are coming. Prepare to face a legend head on.
NOSTA KUIN HUUHKAJAT!

SCHEDULE/AJOITTAA (Group 17)
MD1: @Andso Mangis (188) W 3-1
MD2: @Doychnya (395) W 1-0 (2nd)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD3: vs Ääniorjainen [Audioslavia] (8) - The Nest [Pesä], Kimi Kaupunki
MD4: @Bharatamandala (325)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD5: vs Venäjän Imperiumi EPL [Russian Empire EHA] (343) - The Nest [Pesä], Kimi Kaupunki
MD6: @Pyazhnaya (30)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD7: vs Länsi-Vdara [West Vdara] (70) - Galaktien Colosseum (Colosseum of the Galaxies), Lumikukkulat
MD8: @Abanhfleft (83)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD9: vs Hanalinen [Hanalia] (91) - Galaktien Colosseum (Colosseum of the Galaxies), Lumikukkulat
MD10: vs Andso Mangis (188) - Galaktien Colosseum (Colosseum of the Galaxies), Lumikukkulat
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD11: vs Doychnya (395) - The Nest [Pesä], Kimi Kaupunki
MD12: @Ääniorjainen [Audioslavia] (8) - The Beltzarga, Glassbridge, Cathair
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD13: vs Bharatamandala (325) - The Nest [Pesä], Kimi Kaupunki
MD14: @Venäjän Imperiumi EPL [Russian Empire EHA] (343)
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD15: vs Pyazhnaya (30) - Galaktien Colosseum (Colosseum of the Galaxies), Lumikukkulat
MD16: @Länsi-Vdara [West Vdara] (70) - Grand Amphitheater of the Proletariat, Agios Stavros
----------------------------------------------------------------
MD17: vs Abanhfleft (83) - The Nest [Pesä], Kimi Kaupunki
MD18: @Hanalinen [Hanalia] (91) - National Stadium, Hanalia(?)

by **Dantopia** » Tue May 05, 2026 3:05 pm

VOL. 46,146

LION CITY, DANTOPIA

TUESDAY 5TH MAY, 2026

₵100

Qualifying Fixtures Loom Large for National Team

Dantopian National Team drawn into Group 4 for World Cup 101 Qualifiers — Face Tough Test Pt. 2

By SAUL ARNSTEIN

Part One|Part Two|Part Three

This article is part two of three parts, where each Group 4 opponent is analysed before the qualifying matches are played. This second part explores Auprussia, Gwarkos and Eshialand — with part one diving into the Allamunnic States, Sudilia and Lisander, and part three focussing on Tanirinthia, Saperetia and Xanneria.

Auprussia
Trigramme:AUP
Region:The Rejected Realms
World Ranking:41st
Nickname:The Raptors
Head Coach:Eleo Vicard
Formation:4-4-2 Diamond
Last Appeared:World Cup 100 Round of 32

The Auprussian national team is another of the slightly daunting match-ups for Dantopia in this World Cup qualifying group. 'The Raptors' reached the somewhat confusingly named Hexadecifinals of World Cup 100, otherwise known as the Round of 32. They were eliminated by the Busoga Islands by a mere goal to nil. Fans of Dantopia's Division 1 may be familiar with some Auprussian players plying their trade in Dantopia; Lucas Garranberre; Erèbon Guldeaxe; Emmerdoun Sorin-Martiney; Martin Strevaux; and Grançémire Valburhalde. None have made the World Cup squad this time around, though Guldeaxe has put in a number of impressive performances whilst at the Portland Pirates, and perhaps it's not too late yet for the 27-year old to be called up in the future.

The key strength of this Auprussian side is the depth, particularly in their midfield. Rodulf Siebault sits in the number ten position, though sports the number 9. His ability to pull the strings and dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial for 'the Raptors'. Behind him, sits Vittore Thurisc-Arger, who holds the anchor position, but is just as adept at getting forward as well. If head coach Eleo Vicard were to opt for a flat four in midfield, deputies Sen Aix-Chaglau and Roçer-Namille Waldemast both offer quality there. Perhaps this is why Guldeaxe hasn't been able to crack the national team midfield.

The Dantopian defenders will have to remain ever vigilant against the attacking wingers and front two. Rohel Vimnirre is an intelligent, incisive runner, and Samuel Lithobert is a more methodical, technical player who can pick defences apart. Huberdeau Audac and Alaide Mitregasque have formed a fantastic partnership on the international stage, so the manager has opted to keep the pair as the main focal points up top.

Gwarkos
Trigramme:GWA (unofficial)
Region:Anaia
World Ranking:Unranked
Nickname:The Magi
Player-Manager:Kreiddylad Kalon
Formation:5-3-2
Last Appeared:Baptism of Fire 88

Gwarkos are a recent entry to the international football scene, and have mysteriously appeared on the radar at the Baptism of Fire — making it through to the quarter-finals — as an eclectic mix of not traditional footballers, but magi. The squad claim to be an assortment of mythological figures from ancient Warkusian folklore, but a number of reputable historians don't quite seem convinced of their legitimacy. There is even doubt whether those supposed mythological figures even existed in the first place.

Whatever the situation, this side of billowy robed seers have started their footballing journey off with promise, and will provide the Dantopian national team an interesting away test come match-day five. The reverse fixture will take place at DT Centre in Portland in match-day fourteen. The ultra-defensive, perhaps overly cautious approach from the side doesn't typically result in many goals being scored, but it has successfully stifled opposition attacks. The Gwarkosians are led not by a typical national team manager on the sidelines, but a player-manager, Kreiddylad Kalon.

Kalon's lore suggests that she was a mythological Grand Mage who overthrew the tyrannical Elffin Siarkol. Other theories posit that the woman is charge of the national team is a rich LARPer (Live Action Role-Play), and, along with her other rich LARPing friends, have managed to trick the World Cup Committee into entering the team into the World Cup. Irrespective of where the truth lies, the Lions must endeavour to break through the low block the Gwarkos side will inevitably put up. Perhaps if spells and incantations were allowed, and these mysterious figures were exactly who they claim to be, a magical defensive wall could be constructed to protect their goal. Fortunately for Rick Bishop and the Dantopian team, the only real dark arts in football are of the grounded, human variety.

Eshialand
Trigramme:ESH
Region:Esportiva
World Ranking:32nd
Nickname:The Owls
Head Coach:Melissa Carey
Formation:4-3-2-1
Last Appeared:World Cup 100 Group Stage

Eshialand successfully qualified for the last World Cup Finals, but crashed out of the group stages once more, this time only gaining a single point. Still, this is far more than the Dantopians have ever achieved, and therefore, Eshialand present a significant threat for the Lions in match-days six and fifteen respectively. Their status as the 32nd ranked nation in the world places them as statistically the second strongest side in Group 4, and qualification to the World Cup Finals will likely be a minimum requirement for manager Melissa Carey, who only started one international tournament ago.

The first of the two fixtures between the countries will be played at the 100,000+ seater National Team Stadium in Lion City, with the latter likely being played at the Eshialand City SuperDome, which boasts a more modest, but still impressive 75,000 capacity. 'The Owls' managed to reach the quarter-finals of the regional 42nd Campionato Esportiva under their new head coach, losing out to eventual winners Kanzlia. The experience of another deep international tournament run will serve her and the side well headed into the World Cup qualifiers.

The official roster has yet to be posted at time of writing*, but if the side remains relatively unchanged from the Campionato Esportiva squad, the key threats will be the attacking trio Keiar Forsen, Bradley Davis and Will Sandrie, supported by team captain Lucas Meilling just behind. Eshialand play progressive, expansive and attack-minded football, and will undoubtedly keep the Dantopian defenders on their toes throughout the two matches.

dantopia.football
3d

PART 2 of 3: The Lions have been drawn in #Group4 for the World Cup 101 Qualifiers. Here are their upcoming fixtures. #Dantopia #Lions #WorldCup101 #Qualifiers

Expected Line-up — MD3 @ Lisander:

Starting Eleven:
GKP: 1. Winston Akana
DEF: 2. Sam Robinson-Tate — 5. Makaio Cruz-Richards — 4. Keegan Foster — 3. Kaleb Kahananui
MID: 10. Bradley Bing — 6. Sam Hughes — 8. Ezra Cunningham (C)
FWD: 7. Jeremiah Taramaia — 9. Bradini Brunson — 11. Zaïre Thomas
Available Substitutes:
13. Marty Gartner — 12. DeAnthony Moorhouse — 14. Tyson Taylor — 18. Dwight Krol — 15. Nehemiah Cunningham — 16. Omari Opetaia — 17. Nico Hollins — 20. Negan Nakoa — 19. Jeremiah Jackson Jr.

Expected Line-up — MD4 vs. Auprussia:

Starting Eleven:
GKP: 1. Alex Bullvale
DEF: 2. Sam Robinson-Tate — 5. Emerson Cromwell — 4. Keegan Foster — 3. Kaleb Kahananui
MID: 8. Ezra Cunningham (C) — 6. Kai Watanabe — 10. Johnny Kealoha
FWD: 11. Nico Hollins — 9. Bradini Brunson — 7. Jeremiah Taramaia
Available Substitutes:
13. Winston Akana — 12. Raphael Lacroix — 14. Tyson Taylor — 16. Dalton O'Higgins — 18. Elleby Young — 20. Bradley Bing — 17. Adebayo Adeyemi — 19. Zeke Edwards — 15. Zaïre Thomas

OOC DISCLAIMER: The background of the fixture list image in the cica.da chirp was created with the help of generative AI, but this was based on a completely hand-made kit image, and the entire image was also hand-edited afterwards. If proof is required for what the raw AI image was, this can be happily given upon request. Every other image in this RP was completely hand-made.

✱ OOC: All work written prior to the first match-day deadline, as real life is getting in the way this week.

by **Zenic** » Tue May 05, 2026 3:30 pm

'While our qualification chances are still pretty high, that opening loss to Cobrio might come back to haunt us,' the Zenician national team manager thought to himself.

What Zys and the rest of Zenic were hoping would be a 2-0-0 start to the World Cup Qualifiers and a potential tie for first place in Group 15 is not what was delivered. They headed over to Anaia with expectations of a close win or draw against a fellow World Cup visitor and left with a loss that was paradoxically disappointing and positive. They did ultimately lose but battled from the starting whistle until the final whistle to leave with a 2-1 loss instead of something worse. The fact that they were able to keep it close despite their last few competitive struggles and everyone's ages starting to catch up to them is a testament to the coaching staff's training and the player's determination. At least, that's how Zys framed it. Whether it was true or not was a different matter altogether and something he did not want to dig further into.

Thankfully, their final game of the international window against New Eastern Canada went significantly better. It went even better than Zys, Killian, Dimi, or the Emperor could have imagined. In front of a full national team stadium with some of the most famous and powerful people in the Empire, the Survivors would have been content with a 2-0 or 3-1 victory. 5-0? That was just the sweetest of surprises. Nakazawa and Dettmann were just zooming along those sidelines like they were flying, the midfield trio were like a second centerback trio, the strikers were accurate, and the substitutes kept up the pace as if they had been playing the entire time. It was as close to perfect as a match can get...for the winning team, that is.

At the moment, Zys had the squad working on their dead ball opportunities: free kicks, corners, penalties. While he was confident in how Zenic lined up with Banija in terms of formation and overall futbol philosophy, the manager had to acknowledge that the Arrosian squad had the advantage in age, experience, and pedigree. While the Zenicians had a nice mix of players at clubs within the Empire and abroad, it paled in comparison to the mixture of leagues and the strength of those leagues that the Banja squad were apart of. The only players who had a decent amount of exposure and familiarity to each other were Nakazawa Shuji, Cecil Maruscak, Kanyago Rouse-Jurun, Lavyin Son-Saka, and Bai Mendy, who all ply their trade in Quebec and Shingoryeo's Q-League (or the Coupe de la Reine and Quebecois Championship in Bai Mendy's case).

In the manager's mind, Zenic's best chance was to keep the game stuck in the midfield in a back-and-forth tug-of-war and put themselves into a position to either score or win a dead ball situation deep within the Banija half of the pitch whenever they could find an opening. And now that they have fresher legs on the backline, the Survivors can afford to have a slightly higher line than normal to keep the ball trapped in the midfield for most of the game. A win would be a massive payoff for such a focused strategy and the momentum should prevent a letdown loss to Delitai in the follow up. Delitai were not to be dismissed, as that would be foolish of any top team, but Zenic had proven that the Philosophia Colosseum was most likely going to be a fortress that they could comfortably play in and and gather much needed victories on a reliable basis during these qualifiers.

Zys and the Survivors knew that this was going to be a bumpy (potential) last ride and they're going to face it head-on as best as they can together.

World Cup 101 - The Roleplays

WC101Q 3

Football 101 - An Interesting Start

Hieno Alku!

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