World Cup 71 - RP Thread

by **Yttribia** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:14 pm

Welcome to the seventy-first World Cup, hosted by Felix and Yttribia!

Coming off of their runner-up finish, Felix look forward to welcoming sixteen of the teams to their massive nation. One of the top ten associations in the world, the nation looks to recover from their disappointing end to a magical run. However, can the Felixians finally do what no Esportivan has done before, and win the grandest trophy of them all? The passion the locals have the game is nearly unmatched, and with the stars shining brightest on the biggest stage, Felix is preparing to see the best in the world grace their gorgeous pitches of grass. The beauty of the Felixian mainland will provide a breathtaking sight for players and tourists alike, hoping to see what the nation of Felix offers as they host their first World Cup.

With a rocket strapped on its back, and the fuse lit, Yttribia have zoomed onto the world stage as a regional powerhouse, and an emerging global powerhouse in football. Making their debut appearance in the World Cup Finals, hosting the World Cup shows a nation that has overcome its disturbing past as a fascist regime. The doors to Yttribia are once again open to all, with Yttribians uniting to show how far off they've come in the recovery process. Not too long ago, this nation of hopefuls were hoping to see their country excel as they made their world debut. Now, these same people will watch their country fight against the best in the world. Yttribia now has the world in the cusp of its hands, and the nation is ready to captivate and innovate the game of football to the masses in this World Cup.

Both host nations are eagerly preparing for the biggest celebration of sport, hoping to make the seventy-first World Cup the best display of football the world has ever seen. However, in order to make this dream a reality, thirty nations out of a field of 160 nations must make their way out of the qualifiers. The daunting task of making it out of the World Cup Qualifiers is now near.

Here is where your roleplays should be posted, whether the next odyssey, a quick sonnet, or whatever you feel like writing. We'll be adding more to this relating to schedule, group draws, and anything that's necessary as the tournament rolls on.

Group A
Felix
Valladares
Barunia
Falcus

Group B
Osarius
Apox
Unified Sunrise Islands
Equestrian States

Group C
The Holy Empire
Holy Republican Empire
The Royal Barangay
The Calanian Union

Group D
Audioslavia
Blouman Empire
Kandorith
Nephara

Group E
Yttribia
Star United States
Farfadillis
Eura

Group F
Legalese
Gloriax
Super-Llamaland
Turori

Group G
Pasarga
The Sarian
Brenecia
Ko-oren

Group H
Polar Islandstates
Vilita
Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Nova Anglicana

Finals Schedule
Yttribia's cutoffs will be between 21:00 and 22:00 UTC -7 (04:00 UTC and 05:00 UTC). Felix's cutoffs will be between 20:00 and 22:00 UTC -4 (00:00 UTC and 02:00 UTC). Please note the cut-offs are based on the locations of both hosts, so please add one day if you are ahead of UTC time.
Sunday, 12 April - Finals Draw (esper.net #wc71 at 21:00 UTC/14:00 UTC -7)
Monday, 20 April - MD 1 1v4, 2v3
Wednesday, 22 April - MD 2 4v3, 1v2
Friday, 24 April - MD 3 2v4, 3v1
Tuesday, 28 April - Round of 16 R1: A1vD2, R2: B1vC2, R3: D1vA2, R4: C1vB2, R5: E1vH2, R6: F1vG2, R7: H1vE2, R8: G1vF2
Thursday, 30 April - Quarter-Finals Q1: R1vR2, Q2: R3vR4, Q3: R5vR6, Q4: R7vR8
Saturday, 2 May - Semi-Finals S1: Q1vQ2, S2: Q3vQ4
Sunday, 3 May - 3PPO Losers S1vS2
Monday, 4 May - Final Winners S1vS2

by **Felix** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:14 pm

[insert fancy logo here]

Introduction
The Second Republic of Felix is a massive, cultured nation, ruled by President Kate Limbaugh of the Moderate Party. The capitol of Felix is Santa Maria. The intelligent, hard-working, democratic, cheerful population of 378 million Felixians live in one of the most powerful nations in Esportiva. By far one of the most popular sports in Felix is football that has millions of fans actively following the sport from the Premier League in Felix to LigAnaia in the AO. Felixian fans are excited to showcase their love for the sport when the 16 nations that have been drawn to Group A-D finally land in Felix.

History
It is reported that the first inhabitants of Felix were the Proto-Kaji 10,000 years ago moving from an unknown land. These people were the ancestors of the modern Kaji folk we know today. It is still a mystery to scientists why most of the Kaji has cat ears and tails despite numerous theories attempting to explain why. What historians do know is that the Kaji managed to spread themselves all over Felix from modern day Indos in the center to Bridgeport in the north and as far south as San Marino. The Kaji managed to build some amazing empires and their ruins are dotted all over central Felix.

In 1494 the first settlers from again unknown lands began to set up shop in Felix. Spanish speaking colonists decided to take the northeastern part of the nation founding Santa Maria, Felix's oldest city. Other settlers that spoke different languages also settled in Felix from the Italians and French in the south to the Germans, Swedish and English in the north. The steady flow of immigrants continued to come and the colonies began to expand inward towards the native Kaji.

At first contact was friendly but as time grew on conflict was widespread between the colonists and the natives. Eventually a war broke out the technologically superior colonists beat the Kaji and forced the rest of the civilization to go into hiding in their main city of Indos. For a long time the colonists ignored the natives after the war and were mainly focused in beating each other. In 1527 the Spanish speaking colonists attacked the Swedish and conquered them following the fall of Cato. And skirmishes between the French and Italian and the German and English were common.

Fast forward to 1870 and the modern nationstate of Felix began to form. By now most of Felix has been settled and the Kaji were stuck inside their bubble in Indos. The flow of immigrants continued to happen but on December 1st, 1870 the constant movement of foreign people to Felix stopped after one week of total eclipse in November. Contact was lost between the colonies and their mother countries and Felix was isolated from the world. By 1871 the colonies began to separate from their rulers by sending declarations of independence that was never responded as ships sailing towards the direction of home would disappear and never be heard again.

In 1875 the 5 nations in Felix decided that it was time to unite after 3 years of dysfunction and confusion by the citizens and founded the First Republic of Felix and elections happened the next year with Giovanni Napolitano winning the first presidential election in Felix. Isolationism was practiced heavily by Felix from 1876 until 2009 when the Felixian Football Association was founded and opened up Felix to the Esportiva and eventually the world. Since then Felix has seen itself in the multiversial scene in many ways more than football.

Felix has a frighteningly efficient economy, worth 905 trillion Felixian Dollars a year and is driven almost entirely by the private sector, which is broadly diversified and led by the Information Technology industry, with significant contributions from Tourism, Book Publishing, and Soda Sales making Felix a highly influential player in Esportivan geo-politics with their economy. Felixians are also highly rated for their culture, intelligence, and happiness making Felix one of the premier nations of the world.

Geography & Climate
Geography and climate vary across Felix due to its size. In the far most eastern regions (Cato to the border) the place is much cooler that most of Felix due to the Söder Mountains and experience winters with heavy snowfall. In the Spanish region to Hanover in the west, Goteborg in the east, and Vaucremont to the south is warmer than Cato and is temperate with four distinct seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter). In the German and English speaking regions all the way down south to Indos is forest land with lots of rainfall. As you get closer to Indos the forestland evolves into a temperate rainforest.

By the time you reach Lyon, you've reached the southern coast of Felix and it is probably one of the best beach spots in the multiverse ranging from light yellow sand to white. In the south coast you have of course, Lyon and cities Cognac, San Marino, Altomare, Napoli, and Cadillac. The two most influential cities in this region are Lyon and Napoli. It use to be Altomare that was the Italian representative as it was the most influential with them being the economic center in the south but it seems the civil war has severely undermined its power with the city being decimated and struggling to recover.

West of Indos is the Newlands. This is territory recent acquired following the annexation of South Slembana following thousands of Felixian settlers setting up shop in the government free territory. This is area is mainly flat with the western part consisting of Savanna and a small chain of mountains called the Monolith Mountains. In the east it is prairie land and is slowly turning itself into a agricultural powerhouse supplying Felix with wheat, corn, and other major grains.

Culture
[Soon...]

Venue Info/Schedule
Matchday One:
Felix–Falcus (Estadio Nacional | 88,000) [Santa Maria]
Valladares–Barunia (San Pozo | 86,000) [Napoli]
Osarius–Equestrian States (Stadia Volker | 90,000) [Volker]
Apox–Unified Sunrise Islands (Stade de Lyon |80,000) [Lyon]
The Holy Empire–The Calanian Union (Costinhao | 60,000) [Temuco]
Holy Republican Empire–The Royal Barangay (Stadio Altomare | 95,000) [Altomare]
Audioslavia–Nephara (Port York City Stadium | 70,000) [Port York]
Blouman Empire–Kandorith (Estadio Universidadio | 75,000) [Santander]
Matchday Two:
Falcus–Barunia (Bjorn Andersen Memorial Stadium| 81,250) [Cato]
Felix–Valladares (Dusseldorf Stadium | 85,000) [Dusseldorf]
Equestrian States–Unified Sunrise Islands (Felixian Airlines Stadium | 70,000) [Oceania]
Osarius–Apox (Stadio Altomare | 95,000) [Altomare]
The Calanian Union–The Royal Barangay (Stade de Lyon | 80,000) [Lyon]
The Holy Empire–Holy Republican Empire (Stadia Volker | 90,000) [Volker]
Nephara–Kandorith (San Pozo | 86,000) [Napoli]
Audioslavia–Blouman Empire (Estadio Nacional | 88,000) [Santander]
Matchday Three:
Valladares–Falcus (Stadia Volker | 90,000 [Volker]
Barunia–Felix (Costinhao | 60,000) [Temuco]
Apox–Equestrian States (Bjorn Andersen Memorial Stadium| 81,250) [Cato]
Unified Sunrise Islands–Osarius (Stade de Lyon | 80,000) [Lyon]
Holy Republican Empire–The Calanian Union (Estadio Universidadio | 75,000) [Santander]
The Royal Barangay–The Holy Empire (Dusseldorf Stadium | 85,000) [Dusseldorf]
Blouman Empire–Nephara (San Pozo | 86,000) [Napoli]
Kandorith–Audioslavia (Port York City Stadium | 70,000) [Port York]
Round of Sixteen:
A1-D2 (Estadio Nacional | 88,000) [Santa Maria]
B1-C2 (Stadia Volker | 90,000) [Volker]
D1-A2 (Stade de Lyon | 80,000) [Lyon]
C1-B2 (San Pozo | 86,000) [Napoli]
Quarterfinals:
R1-R2 (Estadio Nacional | 88,000) [Santa Maria]
R3-R4 (Stadia Volker | 90,000) [Volker]
Semifinals
Q1-Q2 (Stadia Volker | 90,000) [Volker]
Finals
S1-S2 (Estadio Nacional | 88,000) [Santa Maria]

[Soon...]

by **Yttribia** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:14 pm

So...

You've decided to travel to Yttribia for the largest sporting event in the multiverse? Well, by all means, welcome to this lovely nation. The Yttribian Confederation, better known as Yttribia, is a nation comprised of six cantons with forty-six million or so people. It's by far one of the most advanced nations in the region of Esportiva, and one of the most scenic places in the multiverse. This handy guide will help make your experience in the country a memorable one!

The History

Before, the landmass known as Yttribia was broken up into six nations known as Urellia, Fresnosa, Vauchel, Penedès, Obersinn, and Fontvieille. While these six nations bickered at times, and had qualms, they relatively got a long with each other. Distinct cultures would have kept these nations apart had it not been for the massive threats coming in from the outside of Yttribia. Eventually, this brought a unionist movement led by the legendary historical figure known under the mononym of Ximena. The unification of the Peninsula came in the year 1654, with a date of unification pinned around the months of July and August.

While this loose union was successful for the first few decades, in the year 1732, tension rose between nationalists of the six former nations, eventually bringing a state of instability to the union. After two years of a crumbling union, the year 1734 saw the final straw break for many of the nationalists, leading to The First Attempted Schism. These nationalists fought against the Yttribian Union to re-establish the Six Nations which existed long before the Union. After seven years of fighting between the two parties, the Unionists fighting under Ximena's ideals eventually beat the Separatists, resulting in the Yttribian Union kept in tact in 1843. One year's worth of negotiations later led to the Establishment of the Republic of Yttribia on the 18th of August, 1844.

Eventually, the peace in the nation was relatively long lasting until the year 2147. That brought another civil war, this time fought between those who wanted each canton to be more self-sustaining, and those who sought a tight and united Republic. This conflict, however, lasted only a year and a half, and resulted in a peace treaty. While the general consensus of this civil war (known as The Stifling) was a draw, tensions brewed up between many citizens of the cantons, who longed for more autonomy. As a result, the citizens of Yttribia had no more patience with Andrew Grimaldi (former President who may or may not have rigged his way in for a few decades) and overthrew him on 11 March 2187, nearly forty years to the start of The Stifling. As a result, a First Yttribian Confederation was born.

This Confederation was short-lived, as more than a year later, Corvax fascists (aligned with the Corvidae State) took over, thus creating the Corvax Confederation. This Corvax State was responsible for the censoring of speech, media, and opinions; in addition, the Corvax State was responsible for the imprisonment and murders of political opponents under the guidance of Porter Augustin. Augustin was later taken down by Guavalite forces, thus bringing an end to the Corvax State, in addition to a huge role local rebels from The Resistance, who were instrumental in beginning the rebellion against the Corvax. Eventually, the downfall of the Corvax regime was on 17 July 2190, and the establishment of the Second Yttribian Confederation was that day as well.

Today, Yttribia is a beacon of democracy, rationality, and stability in all of Esportiva. Many of Esportiva's top educational institutes lie across the nation; Esportiva's leader in GDP per capita; the gold standard of Esportiva.

Geography & Climate
The Yttribian coastline is flat and sandy in the southern part, yet much of the north (especially Fontvieille) has jagged cliffs gracing the shore line. Much of the inland is extremely high in altitude, with the notable exception coming in Fresnosa. Due to Fresnosa's flat terrain, much of it is used to provide farming, thus serving as Yttribia's agricultural center.

Culture

WIP

Venues
Group E

3PPO - Losers S1 v. S2

Group F

Group G

Group H

by **Estenia** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:55 am

A picture isn't always worth a thousand words

Chapter 1: The start

Kortu, Estenia
17th May 2016

The harbour of Kortu was full of people enjoying the early start of the vacations, it was 4 days until the draw for the groups was made. It was very warm, the temperature touching 25 degrees celsius and after the cold winter Estenia had, the beaches were full of people enjoying the sun, the ice-cream stands being located every 25 meters and the picturesque harbour cafes being open, while in the inside crust of the city there was the small Gortu river which had some very small canals. Cafes and apartments were lying on those shallow canals while bridges were connecting both sides in order nothing but small canal ferries were there.

Even more into the inside of the city, you see something modern, very modern. Architecture is one of the most modern you can find these days, with 7 storey apartments popping out of nowhere, with energy produced by the solar panels at the roofs of those buildings. Wind energy was proudced at the northern outskirts of the city, to provide some extra electricity in the windy city of Kortu.

On the western outskirts, near the mountains. There was the town hall, it was located there because there was a military base nearby which makes the major feel safer from any assasination attacks happening, even if they do not happen. The town hall was green coloured with Islamic architecure, not because there were muslims but because of the good feel it provided, inside it was different, it was baroque architecture, with icons of Jesus Christ above and in front of the mayor's desk.

At the eastern outskirts, the second place touching the sea after the southern ones. There were two people, enjoying looking as far as they can, watching a small islaet at the horizon. That islet was their target for the future. The one was named Lado and the other Maria, they weren't a coupl, just 2 adventurers trying to travel many dangerous places inside Estenia. Just to see the wind speed.

"Let's sail through and reach Sokana Islet." said Maria, who knew the name of the islet as her grandfather had been telling her about the island many times and he still does when he sees her.

"Alright." responded Lado, then stepped to a small but advanced boat to sail across. Maria was already inside, fixing some of the equipment, Lado was steerring the boat to the island, it could take half an hour to reach it so Lado didn't have a problem with his tiredness and long distances. As soon as the boat started, the weather was very calm and enjoyable to watch, it was a miracle that it wasn't as windy as usual but when they reached the island, the winds returned to their normal intensity.

"Let's put our equipment on the shore and wait for an hour until the results will show up. I'll be at the boat watching one of the last friendly game and the last derby of the season which is the Rannin Derby, Rannin FC versus Morna FC, it should be very exciting to watch. So far, Rannin FC is winning with 1-0 and we're only at the tenth minute, wow!" said Lado, then headed up to the bat and opened up the radio to Sports Estenia which was recording all the 4 friendlies that moment, which were Rannin FC-Morna FC, Jelle FC-Turtu Sadam, Levadia Narkiv-Kortu Dunamo and Kurin FC-Faari FC. The response of Maria was just a nod as she finished putting the equipment at the right place.

Suddenly, the wing changed direction and instead of heading to them, it was heading to the coast, something that was very good for them as they could finally measure up quicker, 25 minutes earlier to be exact, which meant it was just 35 minutes until the end of it. And after all those 35 minutes were gone like the water had flown them away or just like massive waves tearing through the coast. Lado, got out of the boat, taken all the equipment inside the boat ad the results were just 15 kilometres of speed but those were enough for them. Lado was happy, so was Maria. When the returned, they went immediately to their homes, which were not very far away, just 50 meters of the coast.

by **Polkopia** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:04 pm

An Interview With Spartak Stenin - Polkopia's Head Coach

Spartak Stenin - manager of the Polkopian National Football Team
Hello Mr.Stenin. You have a big tournament ahead of you. How are you and the rest of the squad getting ready for the games that are to come?
- We've been training our usual formation, but this time, more in-depth. For example, I plan on using our fullbacks, Sergei Ulansov and Andrei Yakostovo, more on the offense. I realize that in the past, playing them more defensively didn't work and we lost chances to cross into the opposition's box many times. With this, I hope to place less pressure on our forwards to do all the work by themselves. In addition, I also plan on playing Boris Polgov, our CDM, a lot more defensive. In case our fullbacks are too far to get back in time, we have an extra defender to help with a possible counter attack. Furthermore, I'd like my players to run in triangles up the field, so there's always one man open at all times.

The Polkopian Team hasn't competed in many international competitions. What makes you think you're ready to take on such a prestigious tournament without competing in other, smaller ones?
- I don't think the Polkopian team isn't ready to handle these teams. They've been practicing with each other a long time, and playing together in the same league for years has certainly affected their chemistry together. I think we can give even top-tier teams a run for their money. I wouldn't count us out.

Your team has been playing together for quite some time, as you've stated before. Are you concerned at all with the future of the team, as top stars such as Immanuil Serevo are likely to retire from international games after this tournament?
- I'd rather not talk about the future of the team. There are plenty of young Polkopian talents who can replace them. I'm focusing on this tournament at this time, and I'd like to answer questions based on this tournament alone.

How do you plan on adjusting your team's style of play with the different teams? For instance, how would you play against teams such as Yttribia, versus teams like Antoletia?
- I don't. I want our team playing the kind of football that they do best, that is, keeping the same formation and plays. I want my team to play how they feel the most comfortable. I will of course, look for strengths and weaknesses during the games themselves, and maybe shift focus from one flank to another, but for now, that is my plan.

Final question - How important do you feel your players' mentality is to their overall performance on the pitch?
- Of course it's important! I always make sure my players are 100% focused on the game at hand, and if they're not, then they'll be on the bench until I can see the incentive to win in their hearts. It's not easy to do this; only they can change their attitude, but I do all in my power to guide them to the point where they want to win more than anything else.

by **The Sword Bloke** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:18 pm

BACK TO BUSINESS
Shop Owner will tonight launch the new national Football Campaign. After an abhorent BoF, Ahop Owner will invest about $26.8b Swordean Dollars in the campaign, which will see 6 new stadiums with capacities from 9,000 to 52,000, awarding $3m SD to the winner of the Owner's Cup, the national knockout competition, awarding 7 more channels licenses to play Meski Sword League games, 2 new trading card releases, a new national brand of official Meski Sword League stores, 1 new energy drink line and many more, to encourage more Swordeas to play the game. Shop Owner noted that "Now we can shoot our opponents all the way through the qualifying stages, playoffs, group stage, knockout rounds and all the way to the end." on social media site 'Twakker'. This campaign will grow successfully, with Shop Owner hoping that by the end of the cycle, Swordean fans will have forgotten about the horrid BoF campaign. National players Ormond Langford, McAldo & Jells Kondrii, as well as the rest of the national team, are the faces of the campaign.

by **Ndaku** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:27 pm

SportsHQ.nda

Does Team Ndaku have potential to win the World Cup 71?

Football has always been the sport that kept the Ndakene culture united for decades and decades to come. The very first tournament the International Team played in Aloquirbe was the UCRRFF Cup I. It was feared that the Team would lose against some of the biggest names from the qualifying matches. The amount of courage and teamwork was just right to take the name of Ndaku far into the tournament. Ndaku's record in that tournament was 8-1-1! All throughout the tournament the Team made every cross, pass, free kick, corner kick; they made every aspect of their game count, and they accomplished it together. It was courage and teamwork that enabled them to perform as such. The Ndakene International team demonstrated to the Ndakene populace what unity can do. The victory in Aloquirbe gave off a humble sense of national and cultural spirituality, which explains the vast amount of partying and festivals taking place in the big cities Valor and Kinshasa.

Another monster tournament for the Ndakene team to tackle -- the 71st World Cup. Yeah, there are even bigger names out there. Much bigger. We're talking about Osarius, Polar Islandstates, Audioslavia -- these 3 listed are just one of the international teams who are in the Hall of Fame and have proven to be champions in international football.

There are 3 days left until the first draws of the World Cup will be posted. The team coach Pascal Waka, coached the Team during the UCRRFF Cup I, will also coach them during the World Cup. He said while being interviewed by NSHQ correspondents "Our boys have given a clear demonstration that courageous unity cannot be underestimated. With the correct style of coaching from me and correct coordination and communication from our boys, then we could go pretty far in the World Cup. I believe in our boys!"

Team Ndaku does have some potential to go very far and win this World Cup, all it takes is some teamwork and unity. Let's go Team Ndaku!
Article by Levi Gando, NSHQ Correspondent

by **Vermark** » Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:44 pm

Vermark 1–1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Vermark opens Pre-Qualfying Friendlies with a surprise draw.

Venue: Nationale Stadion, Videnhagen, Vermark (Attendance: 74,520/76,500)
Referee: Mike Luke (Darmen)

Vermark                                                                                                 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
'22 Conavacio (Zelaya, Kim)
56' {} Rasholm 
81' Stevensson (Arnold, Isaacsson)

VIDENHAGEN--After a disappointing loss in the Baptism of Fire quarterfinals, the Varish Men's National Team got itself back in gear in a big way against the Quebecois. In a game that was slated to be a landslide of a match, Vermark shocked the footballing community by maintaining a close contest through the match. Possession was split 55-45 in favor of Quebec and Quebec had two more shots on goal than the Vares. Since the game was between the twenty-first best football team in the world, and an unranked squad of inexperienced footballers, the result could have been much worse for the Hounds.

The game commenced with Quebecois dominance. Within the first ten minutes, Quebec was given three set pieces-two corners and one free kick from forty yards-yet Vermark frisked them all away. One of the corners, at the nine minute mark, was met with a swift counter attack by the Vares that resulted in Erik Hjamar missing the finish just wide of the left goal post. However, for the most part, Quebec retained possession well and had a handful of decent chances. At twenty two minutes, Marcos Zelaya played an excellent through ball that connected with Leonardo Conavacio who finished clinically with a rocket to the top right corner. This stadium anticipated this goal to be the first of many for the Quebecois. However, this was not the case. From this goal until the end of the first half, Vermark played with incredible poise and dominance for such a tremendous opponent. First half stoppage time was concluded with David Isaacson hitting the crossbar on a free kick from thirty yards. The first half scoreline showed a Quebecois lead, but to anyone watching the game, it was clear the Vares were closely contending.

Some might claim the second half was controversial and Vermark benefited from some botched refereeing. This may have been true, but Vermark still played very well. The game was mostly quite until the fifty-sixth minute, when centre-back Fredrik Rasholm mistimed a tackle and was shown yellow for it. Just past sixty-two minutes, Marcos Zelaya had a wide open opportunity, however, he was ruled offside. The sixty-seventh minute brought about the most important moment of the match. Keith Arnold was brought on in exchange for Herbert Alfredsson. Arnold, with nine minutes left in the match, made an incredible step over move that allowed him to break free on the wing and execute a perfect cross that was met by the head of captain Henrik Stevensson. The nearly sold out crowd erupted as the Hounds celebrated the most unexpected goal. The frenzy, however, was yet to be finished. A Varish foul was committed right on the edge of the penalty area, and the Quebecois claimed that it was indeed a penalty kick. The Darmeni held strong, however, and Quebecois was given a free kick that would harmlessly sail into the bleachers.

Three minutes of added time was all that was prescribed, and as soon as the final whistle blew, the crowd once again burst into exuberance. After the match, Stevensson explained his goal, "Keith [Arnold] just hit me with a wonderful cross and I was able to finish it. The boys played extremely well, and this is a great precedent to set going into these last two friendlies and then qualifying." Vermark will venture to Flardania for their next pre-qualifying friendly. Flardania, despite losing to Vermark in the Baptism of Fire group stage, progressed into the semifinals of the competition, so they will likely be a formidable opponent once again. Vermark, shocked everyone by exiting early from the Baptism of Fire, but shocked everyone once again by this draw against Quebec. Only time well tell if this will give them the momentum needed to have a successful World Cup Qualifying campaign.

by **The Royal Barangay** » Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:31 am

THE BARANGAYAN STAR

"OVERDUE" MANAGER'S LAST HURRAH?
by Sonia Aldique

SANGTI - Rick Martinez should have been sacked as manager of the Agilang Dilaw after a dismal performance in the Campionato Esportiva XII at Apox.

After being nearly eliminated in the group stages thanks to Chrovan beating Red Blackiland, the former runners-up nearly snatched a win in their quarterfinal match with Nephara. However, only a solitary goal was needed to send the Barangayans home, failing to enter the quarterfinals in what concluded a dismal cycle for TRB under Martinez's helm. They were largely disappointing after surrendering a first-leg lead against HopNation, and after a 6-2 loss, the selection committee for the corresponding Cup of Harmony didn't even consider the two time World Cup finalists for a spot in the tournament.

The KPMB however was not keen on immediately giving the sack to Martinez. In fact, they gave him a vote of confidence that he would turn the fortunes of the national team around and return to the World Cup finals, especially when the finals will be held in Esportiva. "We are confident that Rick will turn the tables and give the Barangayans a strong chance of qualifying for the World Cup. We have made it to the playoffs in the past three editions, and despite our poor form, we could give the group favorites a run for their money." Rico Antonio, the recently appointed KPMB chairman said.

However, Martinez did not make any changes to the squad that last qualified for World Cup 69. The manager was quick to point out that their places could be in jeopardy anytime possible. He said, "Squad places? that's never permanent. One day, you can lose it if I feel that you do not perform well."

Rick Martinez knows that he is in the hot seat. He must act swiftly if he wants to retain his position as manager.

by **Szavoda** » Mon Mar 16, 2015 1:37 pm

"He's gonna go where?"

"Eura. Moors, specifically. I don't really know where that is, but, someone actually wants to sign the kid."

Moli and Dazdan were enjoying a glass of champagne at one of Moli's favourite lakeside bars in Vfana when Dazdan broke the news that he had received the previous evening. It was an e-mail from a small club in Eura, who had apparently been watching Branimir Milic throughout the group stages, and they wanted to sign him following the World Cup. Dazdan retrieved his phone from his pocket and opened up his e-mails. He found the right one, and passed the device to Moli. She took it and read it intently, her usual displeased look never leaving her face.

"I don't think he should go."

Dazdan couldn't quite believe what he had just heard. He shook his head in disbelief. "What?! Are you serious? This'd be huge! Huge!"

"Yeah but think about it..." She paused for a second "Remember how he talked about his plans to become a naturalized Euran if this hadn't happened? If he goes, he'll spend the requisite days in Eura to become a citizen, and he could easily switch allegiances if he's as good as you think."
"He wouldn't, would he? I mean, we've actually made the World Cup, so what's in it for him?"
"To actually gain some fucking success. You're beyond yourself if you think we're going to farther than being routinely spanked by any nation that comes our way."

Dazdan leaned back on his bar-stool, swilling his champagne flute idly in front of his face. The sun was setting over the bay, and it's rays lit up the pleasure craft slicing through the grey water.

"That's not a great attitude. I mean, we were good enough in the Baptism of Fire. We can work on that, get some more money in the system, and get some people actually wanting to play the sport. And plus, him playing in Eura would get us some great connections."

Moli looked out over the balcony, and removed the clasp which held her angelic hair in it's odd style - neat enough, yet not really going anywhere. It fell again over her shoulders in the way it did, and Dazdan had to shift his gaze to his champagne flute; he was half-suspecting the Moli was beginning to use it as a weapon to get what she wanted.

"I don't really want him to go to Eura."
"Why the hell not? Anything decent that comes out of Szavoda goes through Eura, so it's the obvious option. Plus someone from Eura has actually started this, so we've got a free pass."

She paused again, something was on her mind. "Look, Daz, I don't know how to put this delicately, so, well...I'm not exactly the most welcome person in Eura."
"What do you mean?"
"Last time I was there, I...I got into some trouble with the authorities. It's all fine, everything cleared up, but I'm no doubt on some register somewhere."
"When you trouble, what do you mean?"
"I don't want to go into details, but to quote the officer who arrested me..."
"You got arrested?"
"Yeah, but don't worry, everyone does over there. I got done on a charge of assault and some other bullshit."
"When the Land Agent said you had an assault charge, was that here or there?"
"Oh, here. I broke some fucker's jaw at a bar. No biggie."

Dazdan smiled and looked blankly. "Yeah, no biggie. So what happened in Eura?"
"Nothing important."
"Did you go to jail?"
"For a night."
"So you've got a record? Did you get deported?"
"I left of my own accord. They gave me two days to get out, and I duly did so."
"And does this mean we can't go back?"
"Probably."

Dazdan sat back and exhaled.

"If we draw them in the World Cup, we're fucked."

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:31 pm

OOC: This is a prelude to the RP storyline that both SJG and I will be working together for this WC cycle.

September 21, 1978

Patrizio Monty was looking at the ceiling of his hospital room, as he awaited death to come by him. The sun was slowly rising, and he could feel the light entering his room, through the light veils in form of curtains. In contrast, his life was slowly coming to an end, like a sun falling into the horizon. How ironic that just as the sun rises, a comet falls from the sky. He thought, staring into the window.

He thought of all the events that passed by, as they rolled in films of memories. From the moment he first met his Angela, to the very wedding day of his grandchildren and the birth of his great-grandchildren, they had him smiling brightyly. He knew that he lived a very fulfilling life, being able to achieve the world he had long envision. To build a strong, tight family, to take a lead of drug trades , to own the Montreal Canadiens, and to see his great-grandchildren living in peace. He achieved everything.

But then, he knew that he had more to live for, and more to work on. He knew that the Guayabalense invasion, sooner than later, was going to happen in his turfs. The Monty-Capps' hold on the Quebec-San Jose Guayabal drug route is already challenged by the likes of Ko-orenite, Calanian and Guayabalense traders. The war, the one which could exceed the scales of the Great War of Montreal, is on horizon.

If I could live for one more year... He thought to himself, before closing his eyes for one last time.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

"Alright, so that was it for the boss."

"Yes, sir. Samuel and the masters have also confirmed this news."

"For now...the battle against turf invaders isn't far."

"So, are you ready to deliver the announcement? You can't make such an announcement in your present state."

"No, let's go."

It was a very Autumn morning in Montreal. The city was filled with colourful leaves of Oak, Cherry and Maple trees along its streets, while light breeze of wind went past the citizens walking by. With people still doing their things, from couples kissing on the streets to schoolboys getting some craic in local vendors, things seemed to go as usual in Montreal. He drew a quick breath and made the announcement. The morning news on television also seemed to focus on the very usual news, of events that occurred last night. Many channels were broadcasting on the latest news surrounding the latest college football games, from an epic triple-overtime win by Western over Sarnia Tech in a 34-32 thriller, to a thrashing Farrer handed to Montreal in the Stade by the 57-14 score.

Right then, many channels suddenly switched, to the Montreal Conference Centre. Everybody knew that it had meant that something of national, or at least regional, significance was about to be made. What no-one knew was that this was going to be an unexpected announcement.

Marcelo Valladares entered into the stage, looking sad and gaunt as he could be. Then, gathering his strength, he started the address:

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The citizens of Montreal and proud Quebecois nationals."

Then Elmar paused and took a deep breath, before speaking about the most important parts of the speech.

"With deep grief and sorrow in the depths of my heart, it is my duty to inform that Lord Patrizio Monty, le premiere Comte de Veronaville, has passed away at seven in the morning, due to natural causes. Last week, due to a medical emergency, he was admitted to the Farrer University Royal Victoria Hospital, where he's been receiving medical treatment until the night before his passing. His passing, peaceful and calm, was witnessed by his daughter Bianca, grandsons Mercutio, Romeo, in-laws Maria Ancelloti and grandchildren Bassanio, Carla, Massimo, Charlotte and Luca."

"Based on his will, the reins of the Monty Corporation and its affiliated companies will be passed to his grandsons, Mercutio and Romeo. They have accessed to the chambers reserved by son Comte and have taken over as the presidents of Monty Corporations, promising to continue the legacies and duties that his grandfather assigned to them. With the passing, the title of 'Comte de Veronaville' is now passed down to Mercutio Monty, who will now be known as Lord Monty, le deuxieme Comte, whereas the title of 'Vicomte de Veronaville' is passed down to Romeo. The funeral of son Comte de Veronaville will be held at Convocation Hall of Farrer University, where the corpse will be laid for 2 days, starting tonight."

"That's all for now. Thank you for your attention. May he rest in peace."

The news quickly spread across the Quebec, as one of its most definitive businessmen in last 50 years has passed away. People, foreigners and domestics, were extremely shocked that he passed away and many wept in silence. In spite of how cruel he was at times, as a drug boss ruling the trades of drugs almost everywhere, or as a business building his enterprise through retails and restaurant businesses, they all knew that he was a man to remember. Not the best as an idol, but certainly as an influential being. A star has fallen.

by **Chiata** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 1:49 pm

Chiata Times
Luck

They say seven is a lucky number, or at least, let us hope that it is. This will be Chiata's seventh campaign into the grindstone that is qualifications. Stretching back to Baptism of Fire 52 and World Cup 65, Chiata has been a faithful member of World Cup Qualifying. Sadly, not many other nations from Baptism of Fire 52 are still at it today. Felix and the Holy Republican Empire, both great competitors, come to mind, but not to many others. Yes, sometimes the cycle can be brutal and many nations drop out halfway through their first campaign. Only those that can carry on actually rise the the level of "hey I have heard of that nation before." Of course, to qualify, it takes much more than endurance. It takes skill from the players, a good team bond, and plenty of national pride. Oh, and of course luck. Lots and lots of luck.

Sadly, luck has not been on Chiata's side lately. Not in a while. Despite our best efforts to bang last cycle out of our memory, we cannot forget it. Is it possible to forget drawing against an unranked team when your 25th in the world, AT HOME. Or losing to a 250s something, AT HOME. Probably not. Also, for the last three UICA cycles, the CFA has under performed and still has failed to get a club to the group stage of ANY cup. The bad luck doesn't stop in football, however. In the latest International Basketball Championships, Chiata was eliminated in the Round of 16, when the cycle before, Chiata finished 3rd. What does the CFA do after the bumbled '70 campaign and another round of club disappointments? They privatize all of the clubs, which basically guts all the rosters, and assign a new head coach for the National Team. This was enough for many National Team players to actually retire from international football, including the likes of Ringer-Toso, Britt, and Chriss. Some retired all together while others flat out refused to join the National Team after Fillmont's sacking. The few that remained didn't fit Walters' "system" so they were actually cut from the roster. The result? An entirely new National Team that has no international experience at all. We might as well have played in the Baptism of Fire again.

However, do not get down-hearted to much. Luck is a two sided coin, all it needs is a little flip. If it wasn't for our fairy tale run to the Round of 16 in '69, Chiata would probably be in a very different place. In that single cycle, the Suns jumped from 69th all the way to 25th in the world. The Chiata Pumas actually did something useful, for once, and landed in the Round of 16 of Campionato Esportiva XII. Lastly, despite last cycle's down falls, the Chiata Suns were still able to charge to the Cup of Harmony 62 Quarter Finals. In doing so, Chiata won its first ever knockout game, winning 3-2 over Hicana. So don't give up before World Cup Qualifying even begins. Put on a suit and wait at the door. Lady Luck might take us for a dance. After all, seven is a lucky number.

by **San Llera** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 9:07 pm

San Llera Receive Group Draw for World Cup
San Llera's fate was announced today, as the draw for World Cup 71, hosted by Felix and Yttribia, was made. San Llera was drawn into group 10 with Albagaria, Lymantatia, Palfania, Starblaydia, Nassau-Hessen, HopNation, and Super-Llamaland. HopNation is seen as the favorite for the group, being drawn from Pot 1 and possessing an impressive World Cup Ranking of 8. Albagaria, Lymantatia, Palfania, Starblaydia, Nassau-Hessen, and Super-Llamaland are ranked 352nd, 74th, 291st, 46th, 95th, and 25th, respectively. San Llera, meanwhile, is ranked 218th. Despite the tough draw, San Llera are hoping not to be pushovers in this year's world cup qualifying, and coach Jon Lleranerus has high hopes:

Is it tough? Sure. Are the odds stacked against us? Yes. Are other teams with much higher rankings going to see our game as a gimme? Maybe. Well, I'll tell you what: We're not easy to beat. We will fight. We will scrap towards victory and we will give all we have. They think they have "footballing tradition"?We've been playing here for thousands of years. We have been beating teams like the for thousands of years! We are San Llerans! We will fight to the death! (The remainder of the speech lasted another three minutes and was completely incoherent)

San Lleran fans might remember Albagaria from the Baptism of Fire, when San Llera defeated the Albagarians by a score of 1-0 behind a fantastic volley from Marc Abello. As for the other sides, it is known that HopNation are centered around attacking but disciplined, relying on width and short passes. Palfania, like Albagaria, participated in the last Baptism of Fire but their balanced squad failed to earn them a round-of-16 place. Super-Llamaland took on a slightly attacking style in the last world cup, while Starblaydia took a balanced approach and Nassau-Hessen were defense-oriented. Lymantatia's exact style is unknown, which is unfortunate, as San Llera play them in their first game three days from now.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 12:52 am

IMPERIAL SPORTS TONIGHT BRINGS YOU

A LIVE INTERVIEW WITH JUAN TZIMISCES
Featuring Anna Comneno

"Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Mr. Tzimisces."

No trouble Anna; I know I was uncharacteristically quiet during World Cup 70, so I don't mind taking a moment to correct some... misconceptions that have arisen recently.

"Mr Tzimisces, if we can get straight to the point... are you and Margaret still dating?"

Of course. Our love is eternal and undying. It transcends mere time and space.

"Last time you discussed the topic in public, during World Cup 70, you seemed to revel in the damage this relationship caused. You said - and I quote - 'I remember when Mags and I made sweet, sweet love on top of a pyramid of bodies of the failed Galbonian revolutionaries of Valerian VI, our bodies slick with their blood, as the pitiful remnants of the six competing Valerianite civilisations sacrificed their last remaining virgin daughters to our arcane coupling, two universes colliding as we achieved completion, billions of untold billions of sentient lifeforms crushed out of existence in an instant - their great deaths for my love's little death'."

Yes; your point?

"Is your relationship still causing the death of untold trillions"?

I can't say I keep count; ours is a love that exists on a cosmic plane; why worry about the collateral damage among the mundies?

"Some would say that this is a callous and uncaring attitude; particularly mundies"

There are also mundies who claim that my award-winning avant-garde art films The Hot Hands of Swedish Sven and Five Flaming Kung-Fu Fingers of Death are 'unwatchable tripe'. Which shows how much they know. Who'd take moral advice from mundies anyway? You might as well sunbathe naked in Polar Islandstates or build an igloo in Turori.

"But if you're dating Margaret... well, there are mundies out there who don't understand why you didn't win World Cup 70."

As I explained at the time, Mags isn't in charge of our results; she doesn't govern our qualifying groups, our first round groups in the tournament proper, or our knock-out stage matches. They're instead governed by her cousin Gerald - the god of random numbers that aren't totally random because they've also been influenced by rank. As I've noted before, he has quite the underground cult in Polar Islandstates where his worshippers regularly sacrifice his favoured totem of wet blankets to his dread and holy name. Though given the outcome, it seems to be a futile sacrifice in their case <chuckles>.

"And do you trust Gerald?"

I'd trust him with my hamster.

"Some say that there's potential for controversy in your group given the presence of Gregoryisgodistan."

Yes, well; out here in the Dreamed Realm we consider his Gregoryness to be one of the most tiresome mundies in the Multiverse; so I can't say I'm worried.

"And if he tries to attack the Dreamed Realm"

<yawns> Let him try. We'll ignore him like we've ignored everyone else who's ever tried.

"And if his minions try and harm you in his own nation?"

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

"And if his minions try and commit violence when they're actually in the Empire?"

They can file an application to behave violently - in triplicate - with SBIS before their visit to our nation, just like any other visiting mundy delegation is eligible to do. The usual protocols would apply. <winks>.

"Ah, of course. I understand."

Of course you do; I'm just not sure the Lord High Gregory does. But if he wants to file an application, I'd urge him to read the application form fine print. All of the fine print. Anyway, is that it? I have an opening match against, erm... who's this? 'Flick Jostle' to prepare for. Whoever Flick Jostle are.

"Yes that's it; thank you for your time, Mr Tzimsices."

No trouble at all, Anna; no trouble at all.

by **Lons** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:44 am

Touring Lons - Lots of Lons

When one visits Lons, there really isn't too much to write home about, especially to those whose home isn't Lons itself. But, since the world has yet been to hear much about the country of the Holy Key, and as a way to promote the Lonish culture, the Lonsêv Fedêrs ên Fusbâl, better known amongst the Lonish population as the êLFêF, has set up an overly elaborate sponsoring program for the Locksmiths, who are going to represent Lons in the 71st World Cup qualifiers, named "Lots of Lons".

This atrociously overpriced, and highly controversial project will be the red wire through the national team's matches. To add insult to injury to the injury that is the unnecessary promotion of a rather boring country, the êLFêF decided it would be great to add some nice promotional two-minute videos, placed on the internet and also to be used whenever the êLFêF has managed to steal some airtime.

They feature some highly idealized motion pictures of the largest cities of Lons and some staged videos of grumpy sportsmen that may or may not have anything to do with the city the video is about, starting at the sixteenth largest city of Lons; Giluvâs, and finishing in the largest, the capital: Âlesiâ. And, contrary to popular predictions, the videos actually might add some enjoyment to a tourist’s visit to Lons. It might also not. This friday, the first video will be aired before the match Ekoz v Lons:

Giluvâs - the Bright Capital of the Northern Province of Doligât.

by **Valanora** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:19 am

Valanora Times
Comeback Kids

Three cycles of not making it into the knockout rounds had been the straw that broke the camel's back for the VSC and VFA, as they dismissed Taurnordómthon Undovir from the managerial seat and gave it to Vanauraiiel Nardironel . The woman was tasked with trying to right the ship of the apparently slowly sinking vessel that is the Vanorian National Team, with this unprecedented poor run of form, after so many tournaments where not only making the knockouts but the quarterfinals was the most basic and expected result. While the Quarterfinal streak was sure to fall by the way side at some point, due to the sheer amount of luck it took to get favorable matchups and then win them, the inevitable bad matchup was eventually going to ruin the streak. However making the knockouts felt like it was a Vanorian tradition, that it was a right for the side due their skill and heritage.

The first thing that Nardironel did when she was given reign over the squad, was to shake up the roster quite a bit. Too many of the players thought they were granted a spot on the roster or in the starting eleven simply because they had been there the previous tournament. There has been six changes to the starting lineup from the start of the last cycle, while the roster was overhauled quite a bit as well, with the only true safe players being the heart and soul of the squad in the va Drake, Soldarian, and of course the legendary Laborious Hawk. The changes are quite a risk, especially for when such a long time the Marauders were seen as a machine of efficiency and stability.

However the risks of tinkering so heavily with the lineup and the pool of players has payed off for Nardironel, at least in the short term, as her first task was to guide the Marauders through the forty-sixth edition of the AOCAF just a month after the tragic failing of last World Cup's group stage. With a rearranged line up and coming in as massive underdogs, the Marauders were able to overcome some early struggles and march their way all the way to their second AOCAF title. Along the way they were able to dispatch much of the vaunted "Glorious Northeast" as the nations of Audioslavia, Osarius, Legalese, The Calanian Union, and Starblaydia have dubbed their zone within the region, with taking out Audioslavia in the Final in quite a humbling way for the Bulls.

From that early success the Marauders look to build upon as they begin this World Cup cycle in very unfamiliar territory, as the second seed in their group and not the favorite to advance into the Finals themselves. It has been nearly eighty years since the Marauders have last not seen the Finals, going all the way back to World Cup 32, a time when most of the current participants of the World Cup where not even in the international arena when it comes to football. Perhaps a testament to just how steady and impressive the Marauders have been throughout the century. If the Marauders are going to keep that streak alive and prevent the total collapse of the national team program, they are going to have to keep up that play from the AOCAF.

Standing in the way of the squad is none other than a part of that vaunted group in the northeast of the region, with The Calanian Union standing as the group's top seed. In a bit of irony, they are among the weakest of the first seeds for the qualifiers, while the Marauders are considered among the best of the second seeds. It seems a continued trend for the two to play together, after the nation's club teams met in the knockout rounds of both the Champions' Cup and the AOCL. While it is highly expected that the two squads will finish one and two, the order of that finish is up for grabs, though you would have to favor the Unioners currently as they are in a better position than the Marauders in terms of recent World Cup success. The Marauders would like to avoid the playoff that comes with coming in second, as they have had a poor history with playoffs.

Looking to upset the established order will be the likes of Karditan, Polkopia, and Darvale, while Pay d'en Haut and Aloquirbe are like as not to be the squads that the rest of the group will be looking to beat up on for a sure six points. The Marauders should be cautiously optimistic that they will be able to handle the challenge that the rest of the group brings, especially if Hawk can lead the squad like he did in the AOCAF. That is not to say it will not be difficult however, as the last six years have shown that one can not simple expect results to go your way because of your laurels, you still have to go and earn each and every single point on the pitch.

by **Walkany** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:25 am

Burnie O'nielle and his team are excited, but nervous for their first world cup qualifier. The team has been practicing endlessly. O'nielle has temporarily brought in other coaches to help train the team. Eddy Haphazard, the captain, has been talking to the press a lot recently. He has been trying to boost the Walkany fans hopes by reporting on the team's success at the regional tournament, the Coup de Zlatan. Lucas Shawn and Jurgen Coeman have gone on talk shows, telling how well the team looks in practice. Everyone believes they can get past the qualifiers, but no one is sure what it will take. That's what assistant captain, Clint Daniels, is here to tell us.

At the press conference room in the Wandelaar Stadio...

Clint: First of all I would like to say thank you all for coming to listen. I know everyone is anxious to hear more than just how well we do at practice. If you want some hard evidence, we will be winning the Coup de Zlatan before the World Cup Qualifiers.

Press: Chris Rolonda was injured in the game against the Fijian Empire. Will O'nielle remove him from the squad?

Clint: We don't think his injury is anything serious. If he is fit to play, he will play. O'nielle will give him a rest through the Coup de Zlatan. Hopefully Chris will recover because he has been excellent for us. With two goals and three assists in one game, he seems unbeatable. Personally, I want Chris to be ready for the World Cup Qualifiers. He will help us out a lot and I know he will be crucial to qualifying.

Press: There has been tension between strikers Slatan Irkovic and Leones Cleen. Has that affected the squad at all?

Clint: Those are only rumors. Of course there will be tension between two players who want the starting spot, but they are friends. Both of them can be a bit over competitive at times. It's good though. Competition makes you better.

Press: The past two games have seen almost two completely different starting eleven. Has O'nielle decided who his best players are or is there not enough depth to the squad?

Clint: We have been experimenting against the weaker sides. I think this past eleven that beat the Fijian Empire was very good. I talked to Eddy about it and he thinks the same way. There is so much about the squad other than our skills, like chemistry between players. This is what really wins games. If you know what your teammate will do before he does it and you can move for it, then you could potentially score a near endless amount of goals. It's just a type of mind reading that comes with familiarity of your team.

Press: The Gators' record in the Baptism of Fire was one-one-three. How do you think that will translate to the World Cup Qualifiers?

Clint: We were a completely different team then. We have had time to practice together now. We know each other. As I said before, team chemistry is what wins games. I think if we went into the Baptism of Fire as we are now, those numbers would be reversed. When we play in the Qualifiers, it will be difficult, especially against seasoned teams. We are new, which makes us seem weak. We will show them who we are though. The Gators can prove to be ruthless. All you have to do is look at our game against the Fijian Empire. We were tied up two-two, then we came back and scored six more goals. That's what we can do. The team never stops trying. This will make us a hard team to beat in the Qualifiers.

Press: Which coaches has O'nielle brought in to help the team prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers?

Clint: There have been several Super Liga coaches, such as Upton Coté, Mike Mactavish, Don Markovic, and many others from around the region. They have helped us a lot. We have gotten many tips on not only how to play, but how to prepare our minds for every situation. Taking penalties before was akin to shooting an apple off of your best friend's head. Now, I feel calm, relaxed, and ready. Everyone is starting to feel this way. All of these coaches, most of them volunteers, have really supplemented our growth as players.

Gus Burns, Walkany's attacking coach, walks in and whispers something into Clint's ear. He listens and nods. Then, as Burns leaves, Clint addresses the press..

Clint: I must leave now. The team is about to do our final preparation for our last Coup de Zlatan group stage game against Stefanistania. Thank you all for your time.

With a smile, Clint left the room in a wake of press yelling over each other, trying to get in one last question.

by **Darmen** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:29 am

It had been seven months and twenty days since Riotgate. Two months and two days since Bram Hayes had been elected Prime Minister. One month and fourteen days since the Duke and his had been assassinated in their sleep.

The IG-2 would never admit it, but their investigation had been wrapped up after just six days. Officially however, the investigation had concluded only yesterday, perfectly coinciding with the announcement of the Group Draw for World Cup Qualifying, and the revelation that the All Greens would travel to Valladares for their opening match.

Gathered in one of the conference rooms of the County Legislature building, were many prominent politicians, of both national and local importance, as well as several military and intelligence officials. The Prime Minister was there, as well as the Marshall of the Army. The Interior and Defense Ministers were there as was the Director of the IG-2. Hundreds of members of the press, both Darmeni and foreign.

An Army spokeswoman stood up to address those gathered in the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen, if you will all settle down, I shall begin..."

* * *

"As I speak, members of the 1st Military Police Division are being deployed throughout County Rushmore to detain members of the Frente de la Libertad Valladar...

2nd Lt. Koby Braune boarded the truck and pulled the curtains shut behind him. With him in the truck were the 15 other members of his platoon. Braune sat down next to his second in command, Sgt. Garnet Knochenmus, slinging his rifle over his shoulder as he did so. The truck was silent except for the engine, as they slowly made their way out of the base and began heading towards the city of Rogerton.

"So who is it exactly that we're going after?" asked Knochenmus, leaning towards Braune.

"Primo Rodriguez, the leader of the FLV," whispered Braune in reply.

"How exactly?" asked Knochenmus.

"No idea, all I have is an address, the IG-2 seemed a bit angry that they weren't selected to do the job."

"Do we even know he's there?"

"According to our intel, supplied by the IG-2, he was still there as of 3am this morning. It's now noon. Apparently though, he hasn't left his house at all since the day after the assassination."

The truck slowed down slightly, signalling to Braune that they had entered the city limits. He signaled to his men to check their rifles one last time. A minute later, the truck stopped...

* * *

"Following weeks of investigation, it has been revealed that Mr. Primo Rodriguez, leader of the Frente de la Libertad Valladar, was the mastermind behind the assassination of His Royal Majesty, the Duke...

Back in the capital, Duchess Janessa Romanov watched the press conference on television. As she sat on the sofa, her son, Maxwell, played with building blocks. Upon learning the names of the men who conspired to, and ultimately succeded in killing her father and her step-brother, she let a single tear run down her cheek.

She turned off the television, and turned her attention to her son. He looked so happy, completely oblivious to the situation at hand.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:33 am

Horse Beater KFIU9140's Speech to the People

"Hello, Gregoryisgodistani citizens, ladies, gentlemen, slaves, and all fans of the Foot Slaves. We have been placed in Group 2 for World Cup Qualifying, and although we are in a group with the fourth best team in the world, the rest of the group is weak and I remain confident that we will earn at least a playoff spot, and maybe, just maybe, more. Well, it's now time for a comedy routine mocking our opponents, which is just fun to do. I hope you all enjoy it. This should be fun.

"First off, we have Fellow Citizens. Yet they aren't our fellows and they aren't citizens of Gregoryisgodistan. If they were, would they be competing for Fellow Citizens? I think not. We should call them Unfellow Uncitizens. In fact, I think I will tell Public Address Announcer 190AZLAPA to do that for the game. That should be amusing, won't it? Let's do that.

"Next up, we have the so-called Holy Empire. Well, they're not holy. Only Lord Almighty Gregory is holy, for he is the One True Lord as everyone knows. So they're really The Unholy Empire. Just like The Unholy Republican Empire. They can't all be holy, and really none of them are, just us. There's also Ain't Land. Oh wait, that's just what Doybert says. Doy Doy Doy! Anyway, those sinners from The Dreamed Realm will be our biggest challenge, especially since we can't be violent towards them in The Dreamed Realm. Well, we'll just have to find out other ways or attack them all in Gregoryisgodistan. We've got God in our nation, what do you have to say to that, monks? Monk sounds like monkey, and monkeys eat bananas. But monks don't eat bananas, so what's the difference? That is! Banana!

"Then we have Maklohi Vai. Well, you'd have to be high if you think they can vie for a playoff spot over us. Ha. Another joke. LOL. Doybert would be proud of me. We will easily beat Maklohi Vai home and away. We're not high, so we can vie. And we don't have funny names like Wakawakahulila. Yes, that's right, we are going to win. We are going to qualify at least for the playoffs, and if we can beat The Unholy Empire, we will go to the World Cup straight away! That's right! We are qualifying this year. This is the year, I feel it in my bones. I will beat horses later, but for now, we will beat our opponents!

"Next up is Jeru FC and the pretty pretty princesses. They better dress appropriately, because indecent exposure is a capital crime in Gregoryisgodistan and we will enforce it against the Jeru FC princesses. Also, are they a club or a national team? Idk, my bff Girl KASKDZALJILL. Remember that commercial? It's almost as good as "Flushing gruel isn't cool." But that was my favorite. Let's beat Jeru FC and make them wear clothes to Gregoryisgodistan. Not revealing clothes. They must not indecently expose themselves. There will be death to pay if they do. We are not afraid to execute all of them!

"Then there's Nurkama. Who is Nurkama, you ask? I don't know. It sounds like Nuke Amma. So let's nuke them. We have lots of nukes, so that will be fun. Nuke Nurkama, Nurkama must be nuked, We must nuke them until they're all dead! It's a song, let's sing it strong. It should be a lot of fun playing them and we will beat them easily. They aren't highly ranked and they aren't very good. So Nurkama is going to get a bomba dropped on them. It will be fun. I encourage our military to do so just for the fun of it. That would be awesome!

"Then we have Flick Jostle. Well, we'll flick them away like a gruel crumb. I've never even heard of them. It won't be a jostling match, we'll beat them easily home and away. Nobody knows who they are. But we know they are bad because they have a stupid name. Flick Jostle. It's like they picked two random verbs and stuck them together. How about Pour Label for the next team? That's just as random. We'll beat them easily. It will be fun. The score will be 31-0 or something like that. It will be fun, let's make it happen!

"And finally, we have Dawnhaven, another bad nation. It sounds like Nukehavistan, which reminds me IT'S NUKE TIME! Nukey dawn over Dawnhaven, which will be a haven of foolishness and a place of death. We will nuke all our opponents into oblivion after we beat them if Lord Almighty Gregory wills it. If he doesn't, we'll still beat them all. Let's win this World Cup! We are going to win! Or at least qualify! Let's make it happen, Foot Slaves!"

by **Pays den haut** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 4:35 pm

The Habs drawn in group 18

The group draw was made yesterday and we just received the results by morse code from the Felixian and Yttribian authorities. The group draw was shown in most countries in the evil box called television. These poor people who did the draw have now their soul stolen by the cameras. God bless them. So the Habitants are drawn in group 18 against 7 other teams including a mystery team that will be revealed later. So here is our opponents (ranked from the best to the worst):

The Calanian Union (20): The Calanian Union used to be known as The Inevitable Syndicate and barely made the top 20. They're one of the two top teams in our group and we'll likely lose our two games against them. If they use the same roster as last cycle, Matt D'Sauviterre will be the starting goalie and Phil Gulliver will be a player to watch.

Valanora (24): The other top two team in our group is Valanora. Ranked just four ranks behind TCU, I think we can say these two teams are pretty much equal. Valanora is a team of elves and some of them are female, despite this handicap, they are one of the most respected team in the NationStates multiverse and we have to treat them with respect. Players to watch are Allandren Fresco, Espy va Drake and Laborious Hawk. We'll likely lose our two games against them.

Karditan (67): Karditan participated in the last world cup but they don't seem to publish their roster. They're still one of the best soccer team.

Darvale (85): Darvale were an offensive minded team at the last world cup and their star players are Darrell Burns and Philip Downing (from their world cup 70 roster).

Pays d'en Haut (135): That's us! Goaltender Simon, clan Gauthier will lead our team on the defending side while Vincent, clan Turcotte and Charles-André, clan Saint-Onge will the attacking forces for us.

Polkopia (193): Polkopia is a team that can suprise a few teams in this group (including us) despite being ranked #193. They are well balanced and Immanuil Serevo will lead the team offensively.

Aloquirbe (329): This is actually Aloquirbe's first qualifications. They had a 1-0-4 record at the Baptism of Fire 58 so we can easily beat them two times.

Allamunnic States: The last nation in our group is the Allamunnic States who we'll beat two times.

Our new uniforms revealed

The National team was proud to reveal its new uniforms yesterday. Our star striker Vincent, clan Turcotte and side midfielder Nicolas, clan Lapointe acted as models and paraded on a stage in Blainville. Vincent, clan Turcotte was wearing the new blue and yellow striped home uniform while Nicolas, clan Lapointe was wearing the new yellow away uniform. After the "fashion show", a local band called La Bottine Souriante played a few songs. Along with the uniforms, a new crest was revealed, both the crest and uniforms have been designed by Kirola Sports, a NationStateswide company based in Audioslavia. Here is a copy of the crest and uniform designs sent by Kirola Sports to our newspaper. We can assure you that the colors are blue and yellow, we are truly sorry that the design appears in black and white:

by **Jeruselem** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:27 pm

A naked blonde and a middle aged MILF redhead

Laura: This is Princess Laura for Naked News Jeruselem, yes it's World Cup time again and we once again review what we're up against. Jeruselem are drawn in Group 16. Jeru FC got group 2. I'm with the Jeruselem coach Princess Amy, who just happens to be my Mum as well.
Amy: Good morning everyone
Laura: Group 16 - with familiar foes like Boring Paradise, Filopines, Azrea and of course Ko-oren.
Amy: Yes, pretty sure we've encountered them before. They've been around for a while
Laura: Ndaku, The Sword Bloke and Mendoya are the unknowns of this group
Amy: The sword bloke, wonder if you can buy swords over there?

Laura: Jeru FC in group 2. Lots of familiar opponents for our army boys too.
Amy: Yes our boys meet The Holy Empire, Maklohi Vai and that Gregoryisgodistan lot. It's not going be easy.
Laura: Fellow Citizens, Dawnhaven, Nurkamam, Flick Jostle round out the group
Amy: Not sure about that lot, might have encountered Dawnhaven before.
Laura: Which group would you prefer, 2 or 16
Amy: I'll stick with ours. I don't like playing teams like Holy Empire or that Gregoryisgodistan lot

Laura: Any friendies planned?
Amy: Yes, we've got some planned. If other teams want a friendly, they can ask.
Laura: Do we have a secret weapon this cup?
Amy: Wish I had one but no. If you have one, I'm happy to try it out.
Laura: A few changes to the team this time. A bit of new blood.
Amy: Always need a bit of renewal. Otherwise the next generation can't break into the team.

Laura: Dazza Dallas stadium recently had a renovation, our home ground. A boost to our chances?
Amy: The place was looking a bit tired. We fitted in a few more specators and put in more catering. Another corporate box for those who refuse to mingle with the masses.
Laura: We're not that type of person though
Amy: Just a way to pull the corporate dollar. Renovations aren't cheap at all.
Laura: Is everything according to plan?
Amy: Mostly, as usual we get last minute problems

Laura: The key to success campaign is consistency, in winning that is
Amy: Yes no good beating a top team and then losing to bottom team.
Laura: Any players in the team to watch for?
Amy: I'm expecting a lot from a certain Laura Dallas.
Laura: No pressure Mum. Thanks
Amy: Yes well, you are the next generation. My time is coming to an end.

Laura: Apparently Gregoryisgodistan think Jeru FC are a bunch of girls
Amy: Well, they'd better get their eyesight checked. The Jeru FC team have no women in it.
Laura: They aren't very pretty either.
Amy: Definitely not a pretty lot
Laura: That's it fromn us, see you on the match day 1 or earlier.
Amy: Yes

by **Jeru FC** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:36 pm

Jeru FC ROAW and the Jeru FC coach

Coach: Say, you seem to have loads of money recently. Considering how much you get paid, something's not right
ROAW: I assume you I'm doing nothing illegal
Coach: You can't trust military people
ROAW: Might be something to with the girlfriend hey
Coach: Oh yes, Princess Laura
ROAW: She can't be seen going out with some lower class idiot

Coach: Dunno, you are a lower class idiot
ROAW: I maybe an idiot but I'm middle class
Coach: I suppose you aren't a complete idiot to be in this team
ROAW: See
Coach: Doesn't explain how you got a fancy car
ROAW: I got that for free

Coach: Cars don't grow on trees you know
ROAW: It was a surplus car from the royal family.
Coach: It's a very nice surplus car
ROAW: But I don't drive to training in a new Porsche
Coach: I suppose to them it doesn't matter
ROAW: You should see their garage

Coach: Don't think I'll ever own a fancy car like that
ROAW: But you're the coach, you get loads of money
Coach: Not really
ROAW: Didn't you say wanted to retire
Coach: Yes, that got chucked out the window after last world cup
ROAW: So what you think of our group?

Coach: It's going to be interesting with two god fearing teams like the Holy Empire and that Greg team
ROAW: Oh yes, them ...
Coach: I think we're pretty screwed
ROAW: We'll do our best
Coach: We'll need to better than our best you know
ROAW: Or we could do our worst

Coach: Well, you lot did that last cup
ROAW: We can't get any worse
Coach: Really?
ROAW: Well, maybe we can ...
Coach: I'll look like the idiot in the end
ROAW: We don't do that on purpose.

Coach: I know, that's what happens if you get disfunctional lot of idiots and call them a football team
ROAW: We do alright for a bunch of idiots
Coach: I suppose you do

by **Darvale** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 12:36 am

PER ANGUSTA, AD AUGUSTA
The Darvalian national team prepares for a fourth attempt to qualify for the World Cup
Article by Ramon Goldstein | Sports Category | Posted 03/17/2015 at 12:38 am

John Elroy, the new manager of the Darvalian national team.

New Fairbanks, Darvale - Well, it's that time of the year again! That's right folks, the World Cup Qualifiers are just around the corner, and, even though it doesn't seem like it, our Goats aren't half as bad as we might think. For the first time in history, our national team broke into the top 100 in the KPB Rankings, and are currently ranked 85th. The decade-long civil war finally ended a few months ago with the Revolutionaries claiming a glorious, yet extremely narrow and very costly victory, which, although has left the country in shambles, has at least lifted our morale. Surprisingly, none of the team members (with the exception of former substitute Johnny Robinson), all of which fought in the war, were killed, but, unfortunately, all of the staff (including manager Hugo Simmons), none of which fought in the war, were all killed.

With former manager Hugo Simmons gone, it was John Elroy, an immigrant whose roots can be traced back to the faraway nation of Acronius, who was appointed by the Darvalian Football Association to lead the Goats. Elroy, at age 50, has already made a few changes on the team - namely the Goats' transition from a rather odd 3-2-2-3 formation to a (somewhat) less irregular 3-2-1-4 formation. Finn Harper, who served as a Colonel during the war, will replace Dennis Carter as Head Coach, and Oswald Bushman will replace Wayne Russell and Chris Osborne as Assistant Coach.

Yesterday, the draw for the World Cup Qualifiers was conducted in Fontvielle, Yttribia, placing Darvale in Group 18, alongside big names such as Valanora, Karditan, and the Calanian Union, as well as Polkopia, Alcoquirbe, Pays d'en Haut, and Allamunnic States. Darvale will be playing all of these countries twice, once at home and once away. The team that finishes at the top of the group after 14 long matches will be the only team that will be guaranteed a straight qualification for the World Cup, although the second-placed team will be able to appear in the finals if they are able to win a playoff game. The other six teams in the group, however, will have to go home. Now, let's take a closer look at each of our fellow group-mates.

Karditan | Ranked 67th - Ranked 67th internationally, Karditan will be our first opponent in the qualifiers. Very little is known about this Rushmori team, but they are definitely a force to be reckoned with, as they only missed the finals by a single point to world-class Starblaydia last edition. The Darvalians and the Karditanis will play each other on Matchday 1 in Karditan, and again on Matchday 8, at Henderson Place, Corinth, in Darvale. We're expecting a tight loss, a draw, or a tight win against this mysterious team.

Valanora | Ranked 24th - Hotshots Valanora, dangerously ranked 24th internationally, will be our second opponents in the qualifiers, and, I won't lie here - we will be utterly crushed to little pieces by these giants, by, at the very, very least, two goals. The Vanorians, who play in a 3-4-1-2 formation, are astounding five-time World Cup champions, and tend to play more on the offense than on the defense. The Goats will play the Vanorians first on Matchday 2 at home, and then again on Matchday 9 away. The Capital Citadel in New Fairbanks is the scheduled venue for the first of the two games.

Pays d'en Haut | Ranked 135th - A country whose people are known to keep tradition close to their hearts, Pays d'en Haut, ranked 135th internationally, will be Darvale's third opponent. The Habs, as they are known as, seem to tend to do a good job in balancing offense and defense, and play in a 4-5-1 formation, captained by Jean-Christophe Gallant. Pays d'en Haut will host Darvale at Parc Angora, Terrebonne on Matchday 3, and the two sides will clash again on Matchday 10 at the newly-constructed Ethereal Arena, in Luxford, Darvale. We are expecting draws or wins against the Habs.

Polkopia | Ranked 193rd - One of the lesser-known teams in Group 18, Polkopia made their first appearance in the world of football in the 53rd Baptism of Fire and the 66th World Cup, two cycles before Darvale burst onto the international scene. They are currently ranked 193rd internationally, and will be Darvale's fourth opponent. The Polkopians tend to attack more than they defend, and play in a 4-3-1-2 formation. The Darvalians will play the Polkopians at the Fairbanks Arena, in Fairbanks, on Matchday 4, and will travel to Polkopia to play them again on Matchday 11.

The Calanian Union | Ranked 20th - A superstar top-20 team, the Calanian Union is probably the favorite to win the group, and are highest ranked in Group 18. As with Valanora, we are expecting to be pulverized to tiny particles by this amazing team, who have yet to release an official roster. We will be playing this dangerous team first on Matchday 5 away, and then again at the Veteran Memorial Stadium in Corinth on Matchday 12, at home. Of course, we are expecting crushing defeats on both occasions.

Allamunnic States | Unranked - Unranked, roster-less as of now, and skipping the Baptism of Fire, Allamunnic States seems to be very mysterious. Due to the fact that they haven't published a roster yet and seemingly have never played an international match before, we can't tell you anything apart from the fact that we will be playing them on Matchday 6 away, and again on Matchday 13, at the Astaria Centre, Astaria, in Darvale. We are expecting to win against this team twice.

Aloquirbe | Ranked 329th - Internationally ranked 329th, Aloquirbe made their debut in the 58th Baptism of Fire, but performed quite poorly. They didn't release an official roster for the Baptism of Fire, and they haven't released one for the World Cup as of the time of this article's writing, shrouding their team in mystery. We will be playing Aloquirbe at home on Matchday 7, at the Lantern Arena in Astaria, and then again on Matchday 14, in Aloquirbe. We are expecting easy wins on both occasions.

And, now that we've gone through all of the other members of Group 18, let's take a look at our own team. Captained by veteran Philip Downing, a squad full of familiar faces will represent Darvale in this edition of the qualifiers. Six-meter box poacher Darrell Burns is still playing up front, alongside the speedy winger Ryan Keane, captain Downing, and Spencer Campbell. Offensive midfielder Callum Ramsey will also be providing useful support to the offense through the centre. In the midfield, veterans Cedric Pearson and Steven Bennett still provide excellent defensive and offensive support, while defensive anchors Marlon Fowler, Wade Schultz, and Owen MacGee form the last line of defense before goalkeeper Lowell Rose. Combined, they form a 3-2-1-4 offensive powerhouse formation conceived by John Elroy, that has its flaws in its defense, but certainly won't do too bad on the field.

All in all, qualifying, as always, definitely won't be an easy task for Darvale, but, with a team like this, good morale, and a good manager - we might just have a chance at qualifying. Whether or not we actually do, we'll have to find out ourselves. Will the offense's five men outweigh the flaws in the defense? Will John Elroy live up to Hugo Simmons' legacy? Will Darvale be able to secure a spot and finally qualify for the World Cup finals on its fourth try? Only time can tell.

by **Schottia** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 2:50 am

OOC: This story will follow Schottic midfielder Gary Corsie in his constant internal struggle with a fame he feels trapped by, playing a sport he doesn’t even enjoy. Last time round he hastily accepted a move to New Edomite side the Fineberg Flockers, in a bid to escape circumstances at home. However after a stadium collapse killed the nation's dictator president, the country was sent spiralling into a civil-war. As a result Gary is back home attempting to make peace with himself as the world cup qualifiers loom.

Resituated

Introduction: An ungrateful brat.

Gary Corsie was home. Home at last. It was only as he stood in the kitchen surveying his old Marionville flat that he realised he was actually back. The six months he had had spent in New Edom since signing for the Fineberg Flockers already felt like a distant and somewhat unhappy dream. He was only just off the plane and already it was as if the whole experience had happened to someone else entirely. His flat had that cold unlived in air to it, not quite a damp, but bordering on it. His mum had been popping in once a week to put the heating on. "Give the place, a bit of an air." As she would put it. However the place was still bereft of any life, it was missing that kind of Imbroglio of human relation, the tangled yet subtle mess of a home.

There was a pile of neatly folded laundry on the arm of the couch. His mum must have ironed the clothes that he left on the drying rail; she had a thing about ironed clothes. They were only the ones that Gary hadn't wanted to take to New Edom, all the same he ran his hand over them. Other than the pile of clothes everything else was as he left it. It was like walking onto a film set, painstakingly reconstructed down to the last details. Maybe in his heart of hearts he knew that he would be back soon. Maybe he doubted, so utterly, his ability to make the most of a new situation that he built in failsafes for himself. He picked up the grey t-shirt which sat on top of the pile and carried it over to the window. He held it carefully so as not to unfold it. He knew that if he dropped it he would never get it back exactly like how his mum folded it.

It was a sunny early Autumn day in Schottia, and the cobbles of the street below were dry and bright. The trees that lined either side of the road were still in full leaf and not yet beginning to yellow.

'Humph.'

It was actually a nice day. Gary suddenly noticed that he was beginning to relax. This was a new sensation that was gripping him, it was starting in his shoulders, and spreading down his arms and spine. He suddenly realised that he hadn't been relaxed in the entire time he had been away.

Gary had been sent back home on loan after a civil war had broken out, sent home for his own safety. He should have never accepted that offer in the first place.

That agent of his...

That agent, with his gibbering on about it being the best deal on the table. He should have held tight. And best for whom anyway? Best for the agent, with his sell on fee and 10% cut. Aye that was more like it.

The Flockers were a good side, he couldn't take that away from them. But the Edomite league had a different pace, a different feel to it, and Gary didn't like it. Gary liked what he knew, what was easy, ready at hand. He liked the SPL: Its style. Its pace. What was wrong with that, why did it need to be onwards and upwards all the time? He was looking forward to playing for Marionville, if only because they were a side of lesser ambition, not so much expectation. His poor shoulders couldn't take it.

Gary pulled up the latch and lifted his window wide open, letting a satisfyingly cool breeze rush in, filling the whole living room/kitchen, finding its way into all the nooks and crannies flushing out the old, pre Fineberg air and replacing it with new post Fineberg optimism.

Optimism: there hadn't been much of that in Fineberg. A dictator President dead, the country divided into four or five different faction, the whole region getting sucked into the conflict. Nah, not for him. But then again neither was football. There you go, Gary's secret, never takes long to out in any substantial train of thought. He hated football, it bored him senseless. The thing was, as a child he had been pretty good at it, so much so that his parents moved house so that they could be near one of the regional development academies. They changed their jobs and everything for him. His Father had loved his old job and hated his new one. They gave their lives up for their ungrateful brat of a son.

The selfish little...

Gary had wanted to go to university, to study History or Politics, something with a bit of substance to it. Even Art or Philosophy goddamnit! But the reality was he was trapped in a dead end job, that to make matters worse, was most young men's dream. Well at least he was back home, back living locally. Thank god for the war, and his government for pushing his loan through.

'Ha, loan.' Said Gary out loud, as he walked over to his sofa slumping down into the soft familiar cushions. The air in the room was now cold enough to put goosebumps up his arms, but that was fine. There was no way he was going back now, he would quit football rather than go back.

The Daily Worker
World Cup 71 Preview
Marrian McFadden reports

The eagerly awaited draw for the 71st World Cup Qualifiers has been made, with Schottia finding themselves placed in a tricky Group 11, alongside second ranked side the Polar Islandstates. In addition to this Schottia will have to overcome two dangerous top 50 sides, Falcus and Neu Engollon, if they are to end their long wait for a place at world football's top table.
Group 11
Polar Islandstates
Falcus
New Engollon
Schottia
Cata Larga
Fratton
Lzherrusskia
Sovereign-Socialist Republics
As we all know Schottia and the Terns are no strangers; the two sides met in the qualifiers for World Cup 69, with Barry Gorman's side managing to push the former champions close that time round, crucially however, they lost home and away by single goal margins. With many of the world's best players in their ranks, the Skots will know they face an uphill task to take anything from these matches. Another familiar opponent is Neu Engollon, who Schottia faced in the Cup of Harmony 62, battling to a 1-1 draw in a game many thought, on the balance of play, they could have taken all three points from. Falcus, on the other hand, are less well known to the fans back home. That said, the side qualified for the last World Cup, finishing an impressive second in their group behind Legalese, disposing of Antoletia in the play-offs.

The other sides making up the group are the impressive Fratton, who made it to the last-16 at the Baptism of Fire, only to lose out eventual third place play-off winners Matthewsiania. Schottia will also come up against a few familiar names when they take on Lzherrusskia, many of whom play for the inaugural MPL Champions Smyslova Virmest, who piped Schottic side Cornellians to the title. If their battles in the MPL are anything to go by, this one should be a fascinating fixture; even if midfielder Mark Kelman is the only Eagles player in this current Schottia squad. Another team which will require careful negotiation are the very solid Cata Larga, who finished 5th in their qualifying group last cycle. Rounding off the intriguing Group 11 are little known side Sovereign-Socialist Republics who finished rock bottom of their Baptism of Fire group, picking up a solitary point against Hakifao.

All in all, qualification is going to be difficult for the White and Greens of Schottia. Although grinding out results is something that Barry Gorman’s team does well, they still have the problem of overcoming a top seed, which will be many peoples favourite for the tournament. This is conflated further by the fact that Schottia’s record against the first seeds in their three previous World Cups is: played six, lost six. This in itself is a very pressing issue for Gorman, as despite Schottia having picked up a few good results over the past two cycles, all of those have come against side ranked outside the worlds top thirty. The fact of the matter is that whenever in the past, Schottia have come up against one of the very best teams, they have never managed to take anything from the game. Now people may read this and say: well fair enough, Schottia are a mid-ranked side and as a nation we have a small population. However, if they are unable to get a result at some stage then the chances of sneaking into the finals are nearly impossible. We simply cannot rely on scraping into the play-offs and hope for an easy draw.

However, Schottia will not go into this tournament completely removed of confidence. They are the reigning Di Bradini Cup champions, and their youngsters showed that pound for pound they are as good as anyone in the world. Four members of the side triumphant in Starblaydia are in this current squad, and the team will be hoping that some of that luck can rub off on the senior players. Schottia also boast a few top class individuals in their ranks, $16 million man Jon Fotan who has just completed a move to Taeshani outfit Fadron Flight, has been outstanding this season. In addition Schottia can look to long standing stars such as Gary Corsie, currently back in the country on loan, and the awesome Gaston Avalione, top goal scorer in the last two cycles.

Unfortunately though, it is these very players who have failed to take their side to the finals at the last three times of asking. Something has to change, and Gorman will no doubt be expecting great things of his young stars such as, U-21s captain Eoin Killanen, Port Sebastian’s teenage winger Joey Bia, and emerging talents like Kim Coultan and Larry Watt both now playing the Top Division in Buyan. There will be many eagerly watching over the coming weeks to see if Schottia have found their level, or if they can use their Di Bradini Cup success as a springboard to the top.

by **Walkany** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:54 am

Starting Lineup vs Paymina
GK:Jurgen Coeman *Assistant Captain
LB:Luke Poloski
CB:Fil Gones
CB:Oliver Gourde *Assistant Captain
RB:Pep Pep Guardiola
CDM:Lucas Shawn
CM:Clint Daniels *Assistant Captain
CM:Xander Xavi
LW:Eddy Haphazard *Captain
CF:Slatan Irkovic
RW:Daniel Well-Bit

Subs
GK:Daniel De Hayu
CB:Mark de Man
CB:Fil Nevis
CDM:David Lucius
CM:Angel Dí Murcia
LW:Chris Rolonda *Acrimio-clavicular Sprain:Match fit, but injury still tender
ST:Leones Cleen

The team will also be missing Alex Sorrel who suffered from a torn hamstring in Walkany's match against Stefanistania. He is expected to recover in time to play the second half of World Cup Qualifiers.

World Cup 71 - RP Thread

World Cup 71 - RP Thread

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