World Cup 78 - Roleplay Thread

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:24 pm

Advisory - this thread is for nations registered to participate in NS World Cup 78 and is your home for In-Character roleplay submissions. Please post your squad lists in the dedicated roster thread, and OOC discussion into the official World Cup Discussion Thread - links provided above.

The Fiefdom Soccer Federation of Cosumar and the Fellowship of The Greasy Churn (that’s the Bonesea FA to you and me) are proud to open proceedings for the seventy-eighth edition of the NS World Cup. It will begin with the tribulations of the qualification cycle, where Davids have the opportunity to take a couple swings at the Goliaths of the sport. The saga will end, at some time in the in-character future (dependent on your nation’s experience of multiversal time-flow), with a monumental final tie at Leviathan Arena in Kaldukosic, Cosumar that will determine the new World Champion of association football.

Cosumar is a large kingdom in northeastern Atlantian Oceania, beautifully diverse in both geography and demography. Its nearest neighbors include Audioslavia and Eshan, though it developed in relative isolation over the centuries due to its position in the extreme northeast of the region. The current year of our calendar is 1010, marking over a millennium since Cosumarite civilization dawned with 5800 shipwrecked settlers of unknown origin from across the vast eastern ocean. The current population is 900 million, most of which hold dear core values of scientific innovation (Cosumar is a PMT/FT spacefaring nation), sustainable conservation of nature... and harmony between the two. Our government is a constitutional monarchy led by King James II (65) and his Royal Congress. Other notable features of Cosumar include its two species of dragon and the enigmatic Vloo people native to The Western Isles.

Bonesea is a maritime nation and a decidedly chilly volcanic island, part of the far northern Boreal Islands archipelago of the Wide Enness Ocean, famously considered to be "three thousand miles from anywhere" according to the National Shanty. The islands are a remote outpost of the Enness-Asyluumanic diaspora that includes the more familiar if less internationally active peoples of Wight and Tamarindia. The island of Bonesea, the most northerly populated of the nine Boreal Islands, covers 103,000 square kilometres and has has an estimated population of 305,023 people. You won’t encounter dragons but stray off the beaten track and you may have to contend with neanderthals and angry mammoths. And it’s damned cold, most of the time. More on the two nations can be read in the IC information post below.

WORLD CUP 78 - Groups

GROUP A
Eshan (37)
Gregoryisgodistan (18)
Cosumar (12 - host)
Damukuni (25)

GROUP B
Eura (14)
Farfadillis (3)
Turori (26)
Drawkland (36)

GROUP C
Semarland (21)
Starblaydia (44)
Audioslavia (6)
Pasarga (13)

GROUP D
Tumbra (33)
Super-Llamaland (28)
Vilita (2)
Schottia (9)

GROUP E
Electrum (20)
Bonesea (11 - host)
Osarius (23)
Mriin (46)

GROUP F
Nova Anglicana (34)
San Jose Guayabal (1)
Brenecia (17)
Ethane (31)

GROUP G
Valladares (7)
The Holy Empire (19)
Port Christopher (32)
Sargossa (63)

GROUP H
Valanora (4)
Flardania (29)
Chromatika (8)
Spaam (38)

Schedule & Procedure

MD1: 1v4, 2v3
MD2: 4v3, 1v2
MD3: 2v4, 3v1
Ro16: A1vB2, C1vD2, B1vA2, D1vC2, E1vF2, G1vH2, F1vE2, H1vG2
QFs: SR1vSR2, SR3vSR4, SR5vSR6, SR7vSR8
SFs: QF1vQF2, QF3vQF4
3PPO: SF1 Loser vs. SF2 Loser
Final: SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner

Est. Cutoff Times: 10-11pm UTC, or 5-6pm Central
Matchday 1: Monday 17 July
Matchday 2: Wednesday 19 July
Matchday 3: Friday 21 July
Round of 16: Sunday 23 July
Quarterfinal: Tuesday 25 July
Semi-finals: Thursday 27 July
Third-Place: Friday 28 July
WC 78 Final: Saturday 29 July

Group Tiebreakers
1. Points
2. Overall GD
3. H2H Points
4. H2H GD
5. Overall Goals Scored
6. H2H Goals Scored

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:26 pm

Quickstart RP Guide

Fair attribution: This excellent guide was produced by Eura & Valladares for the 60th edition of the Baptism of Fire, and is well worth studying if you are new to sports RP or association football (soccer).

New to NS Sports? Here are some tips for you.

First of all, if you are new to the NS Sports forum, you really should read the Guide to Sports Roleplaying. This guide presents a general idea on what to do and how tournaments in NS Sports work. In case you have any additional questions, feel free to ask on the Discussion Thread (again, linked above) or send one of the hosts a telegram.

Now that you have taken that step, you should start thinking of a roster for your team. A roster is, in its simplest form, a list of the 11 players in your starting lineup, their positions, manager/head coach, and also the players in your bench or reserves. Some participants often include some other information aimed at enriching the RPing experience and opportunities. For example, your home stadium, additional information on players, coaching staff, their backgrounds, clubs, styles of play, strengths and weaknesses and anything else deemed to be of interest or anything you want others to know about your team. There is no limit regarding the number of players you can include in your roster, and there are no gender or species-based restrictions of any sort either, with several past World Cup champions and other established nations currently competing or having competed with all-male, all-female, mixed-gender teams, teams comprised by monks, and also teams made up of elves, sentient bears and ponies, etcetera. That's what makes the NS World Cup unique!

Next up, you may want to include a style modifier for your team in your roster. A style modifier is a number ranging from -5 to +5 which will be inputted into the scorinator and will also serve to give others an idea of your team's style of play. Teams with negative style modifiers tend to be more defence-focused and will concede (on average) fewer goals at the cost of having more trouble at scoring goals. On the other hand, if your team is more offence-focused, then you should choose a positive style mod. Teams that play offensively tend to score more goals on average...but also concede more goals in return. For those of you who would rather a more balanced style, a neutral style mod of 0 is also available. Teams will also be assigned a style mod of 0 if they don't state a style modifier.

Okay, so you already have a list of players and have chosen a style mod for your team. Good. Now pay attention to this part, because it is one of the most important things to include in your roster as it will have an effect on your opponents' RPs. Ladies and gentlemen, now we present to you the RP Permissions Box:
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes/No
Godmod scoring events: Yes/No
RP injuries to my players: Yes/No
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes/No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes/No
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes/No
Godmod other events: Yes/No
The box above will be the tool enabling you to tell your opponents what you are willing to allow them to do, as well as what you are not allowing them to do. Please copy and paste it somewhere into your roster indicating your preferences as well as any restrictions for every option. Now let's review the meaning of each of these options:

Choose my goalscorers allows your opponents to choose which player(s) score your team's goal(s), should they RP the match before you do. Almost everyone allows this option since the most common form of roleplay in this forum is the traditional match summary/report, and it would be really difficult to write one of those without identifying the goalscorers. Godmod scoring events enables your opponents to RP goals that are scored in an unrealistic way or not likely to happen in reality.

The RP injuries to my players option is pretty self-explanatory: it allows your opponents to injure your players. However, most participants who allow others to injure their players will also set restrictions on the severity and causes of those injuries, thus retaining some extent of control on how badly injured their player is and future consequences and impacts of that injury on their teams. Just like "Godmod scoring events" for unlikely/unrealistic goals, Godmod injuries to my players refers to your opponents RPing injuries on your players but caused in less common and/or unrealistic ways. This option is generally used for more drastic injuries than those of the standard injury option, ranging from rendering your players unable to play the remainder of the tournament, ending their careers, or even killing them. That causes this option to be restricted by most players.

Yellow cards and red cards are an important part of the game, as yellow cards are handed out to players who aren't following the rules of the game as a warning, with red cards being handed out either after a second yellow card or as a result of a particularly severe violation of the rules or unsportsmanlike behaviour. Those players that are shown a red card are sent off the field, forcing their team to continue the remainder of the match with less players. Basically, if you choose "yes" to any or both of those options, you are allowing your opponents to enact such disciplinary actions against your players in their RPs. However, you can also set limits on the number of those cards if your players are less prone to carrying out actions that cause them to be booked and/or sent off.

Finally, Godmod other events refers to other unrealistic and/or unlikely events not related with goals or injuries. This can include from severe weather conditions, events by fans in the stands, to the opening of a portal to another dimension at the center of the pitch in the middle of the match. There are several things that can fall into this option, therefore you might deem it appropriate to set some limits for your opponents.

by **Bonesea** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:28 pm

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:30 pm

Welcome, World Cup qualifiers, to the Fiefdom of Cosumar

We are a kingdom in the far northeast of Atlantian Oceania, near Audioslavia and Chromatika. The current year of our calendar is 1010, marking over a millennium since Cosumarite civilization dawned with "The First 5800" - ethnically diverse shipwrecked settlers of unknown origin. The current population is 900 million. Our government is a constitutional monarchy led by King James II (65), Queen Charlotte (55) and their Royal Congress.

...

CULTURE: Cosumar is known for its wide-ranging civil freedoms (including extremely liberal perspectives on nudity/gender/sexuality), obsessive space exploration and attempts to balance nature conservation and technological advancement. According to the WA Census, Cosumar has the best Human Development Index in Atlantian Oceania and is second-most scientifically-advanced. 70% of Cosumarites are atheist, agnostic or otherwise irreligious and the government is entirely secular, but religious freedoms are respected. Of the remaining 30%, many adhere to a Cosumarite variant of Nordic paganism or other ancient folk religions of Cosumar (13%). There are also small Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu populations (8% combined). Cosumarites are often stereotyped as intellectual snobs who look down on religion as "primitive mythology", and while that is not completely unfounded, you will find Cosumarites are even better known for being very welcoming of all people because of our own ethnically diverse origins. Cosumar is deeply cultured, with vibrant art and music scenes thriving in historic urban centers. Ramusok's Renaissance Art and Heavy Metal undergrounds, for example, are internationally known. You can read more about your host city's specific culture below. We're also known for our dragons and weird holidays.

THE VLOO: Endemic to The Western Isles are the Vloo (homo cosumarensis), a sentient humanoid race native to Cosumar. Vloo have pale blue-tinted skin, two small horns protruding from their foreheads, and are distinguished by their surnames, with typically begin with prefixes such as Na', Va' or Vu'. The average Vloo height is about two inches taller than that of humans, and their two-pronged foot structure requires different footwear on the pitch. Vloo evolved in island isolation on The Western Isles from a common primordial ancestor millions of years ago. Cosumarites did not set foot on The Western Isles (AKA "Vloomar") until several centuries into our civilization, after most of our early instability and bloodshed had passed. There was , of course, initial misunderstanding and suspicion, but large-scale violence between the two VERY DIFFERENT societies was mostly avoided. Today, humans and Vloo live side-by-side as equal Cosumarites and relations are healthy. Vloo account for about 3% of Cosumar's total population, though they remain most heavily concentrated in the western regions. Humans and Vloo cannot reproduce, but romantic relationships are not uncommon nevertheless. Vloos' voices sound very thin and "clicky", but you can understand them pretty easily once you get used to it. Their society was extremely collective and selfless prior to integration with Cosumar, with a measured sense of time oddly absent, and many still retain these principles in their communities. A juvenile Vloo.

GEOGRAPHY! TRAVEL! SPACE? Cosumar consists of a large landmass called Cosumarus (for context, roughly 70% the size of Australia) and a smaller landmass called Klyde Isle in its maw to the east. Together, they make a shape that is often compared to an alligator's open mouth and a pear about to be swallowed up by it. The land is divided into 21 provinces, historically known as "Fiefs". The Fiefdom also encompasses several extraterrestrial colonies (we mentioned our obsessive space exploration, right?). Please refer to these maps to observe the various cities and regions of Cosumar. We have a diverse array of landscapes. In general, temperature decreases as you move up diagonally from the semitropical southwest up to the northeastern taiga. Population is the densest on the moderate eastern coast and sparsest in the central desert or Cosumarite Azure Dragon reserve. You can read more about the climate and geography of specific cities below. Travel to population centers is made simple by our world-renowned TransCosumar Hyperloop, a system of high-speed monorails that safely zips around the country at speeds exceeding 700 miles per hour. Your teams' tickets have already been reserved, with private seating.

LANGUAGE: Most Cosumarites have chips implanted in their brain at birth that allow them to understand many of the world's major languages, so communication should seldom be a problem when out touring. Because Cosumar was born from a diverse set of heritages and welcomes many immigrants, this innovation did wonders for helping everybody communicate effectively and bringing peace and cooperation. The default language is English, but Swedish, Welsh, Vloo click-tongue, Spanish, Esperanto, Norwegian, Finnish, German, Latvian, Slovene and Japanese all have regions where they are prevalently spoken. A dialect dubbed "Cosumarite" is also heard here and there, but it is more of a patchwork of English and Nordic tongues than a language of its own.

FOOTBALL/SOCCER: Association Football is extremely popular as both a spectator and recreational sport - first in the Fiefdom in both regards, just ahead of Gridiron Football and Basketball. The 18-club Härlighet Ligan ("Glory League") is the highest level of the sport in Cosumar and has produced UICA Champion teams and World Cup Hall of Fame players. Most recent season here. Two additional tiers (the Sekundar Ligan and Tredje Ligan) round out the CosumarLigan professional system. Further down, hundreds of clubs compete in regional lower leagues (Lägre Ligan). The national team (in its sixth consecutive World Cup), CosumarLigan system and this very tournament are run by the sprawling Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF) and its centenarian president, Tomas Navarro. The FSF has invested heavily in promoting this tournament, including the construction of a new stadium that becomes Cosumar's largest, so expect large crowds of local spectators at each match.

...

Host Cities & Venues

Helpful Map of Cities

Group A - Eastern Hub

| RAMUSOK, RAMUSOK FIEF |

The capital city. Home of the royal family, the King's Congress and 14 million others. Epicenter of historic dynasties. Bastion of knowledge and creativity. Young and eccentric, yet clean and elegant. Ramusok is the crown jewel of Cosumar, the pinnacle of a thousand years of Cosumarite civilization. As a multiversal city, people and species of all kinds live here, though the city does still retain a strong Swedish component leftover from the old Albertsson dynasty, evident in many of the place names. Pleasantly moderate for most of the year, though the winters can be chilly.

Tourism: If you appreciate history, Ramusok has much to offer: from the decadent royal palace at Område av Storslagenhet, to the iconic Thomas Street, to the jewel-studded Monolith of Lyra shrouded in ancient mystery. There are centuries-old libraries and museums everywhere. Yet Ramusok also boasts some of the most stunningly abstract modern architecture in the world, coexisting with the ancient in harmonic balance. Just see the all-glass resorts and offices overlooking the water on Azure Lane. Or the Forest of Lamneth - the largest urban nature park in Cosumar. The nightlife is extravagant thanks to the young and "hip" population (Ramusok Capital University and other prestigious universities are here). Make sure to catch some of the live music at night - there are venues specifically dedicated to genres ranging from black metal to neoclassical to indie pop to avant-garde jazz.

Venue: Farris Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace (105,000) - This shiny new behemoth has been built specifically to host the World Cup 78 Final (...and become the first stadium in Cosumar to hold 100,000). Construction was rushed, as the old stadium at The Royal Palace had to be partially-demolished and this one constructed on top of it within a span of a few months, but it was finally declared ready for its inaugural match just earlier this week. Mouthful of a name aside (it's already becoming known simply as "Crowley Memorial"), the stadium is a beacon of Cosumarite efficiency. Sleek, simple and elegant in design, bathed in gold to match the King's own decadent residential palace just a block away. As it replaces the old stadium at the Royal Palace, Crowley Memorial will also replace it as the home grounds of OAS Royal FC and the venue of Cosumar's Cup Final. Will your nation become the first of many to make history in this new soccer landmark?

Matches: Gregoryisgodistan vs. Cosumar (MD1), Damukuni vs. Cosumar (MD2), Cosumar vs. Eshan (MD3), World Cup 78 Final

| KALDUKOSIC, KALDUKOSIC FIEF |

Kaldukosic is the most populous city in Cosumar (16 million) and is one of the most important trade hubs in Atlantian Oceania, situated on the east coast of mainland Cosumarus, just south of Ramusok. The two cities' metro areas overlap to form one giant megalopolis. Whereas Ramusok is known more for its artistic, historical and governmental importance, Kaldukosic is the mecca of Cosumarite big business. Home to booming tech, research, medical and financial industries. It has an older, more profession-oriented population than Ramusok and a higher average income. Not as much youthful energy in the nightlife and music scenes, but plenty of swanky, more luxurious clubs and hangouts. Moderate weather, humid at times in the summer.

Tourism: Dragonbreath Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Cosumar. Take the glass elevator to the Skydeck and walk across a see-through catwalk to the next-door building, 2800 feet above the ground. Infinity Plaza is the Cosumarite equivalent of Times Square, with massive 3d hologram advertisements and paper-thin billboard screens everywhere. Complete with throngs of people moving like molasses and the stock exchange a few blocks away. Look out for Cocodragons in the alleyways - Kaldukosic has the largest urban population of the reptilian pests in the region.

Venue: Leviathan Arena (99,114) - One of the most iconic venues in Cosumar, as it has served as the primary home of the National Team since World Cup 54. The rest of the time, its tenants are FC Kaldukosic and the Kaldukosic Blazers (one of the most successful gridiron teams in Cosumar). While FC Kal enjoys pretty strong support, the stadium's 99k only regularly sells out for Blazers games. Perhaps partially to differentiate itself from soccer-mad Ramusok nextdoor, Kaldukosic has stronger traditions in gridiron and basketball at the club level. But the city always gets up for the Vanquishers! Leviathan Arena is infamous for having the steepest (and highest) stands of any stadium in Cosumar, and the colossal - even suffocating - atmosphere that results. Sitting up high and looking almost straight-down is not for fans faint of heart. Also of note is its Museum of Cosumarite Sport, one of the largest in-stadium museums in AO.

Matches: Eshan vs. Damukuni (MD1), Eshan vs. Gregoryisgodistan (MD2), Gregoryisgodistan vs. Damukumi (MD3), Semifinal 1

Group B - Chilly North

| SAMOTATH, PAROUGAN FIEF |

The northernmost host city, Samotath is the last bastion of civilization before the heavily-populated eastern seaboard segues abruptly into the enchanted wilderness of the northern peninsula. It is an important sailor's city, often the first stop for ships arriving from countries to the north like Chromatika, and is also home to the Cosumar Navy. Samotath is known for its harsh winds, as it is the only major east coast city that is not shielded from the ocean gales by Klyde Isle. In the winter, these winds become freezing and make it difficult to stay outside for more than 15 minutes.

Tourism: Before Cosumar was unified four centuries ago, Samotath was the epicenter of many important dynasties in the northern region. Historical sites remain from those ancient times such as the famous Lochinvar Castle, nestled stunningly in a rocky cliff face. The primary draw to the city, however, is nature. It borders the southern edge of the famous Cosumarite Azure Dragon Reserve, which sprawls across most of the northern peninsula. If you can brave the bitter winds, the many hiking or horseback trips around the reserve's border are exquisite (going further in not advised because dragons, which you might spot in the distant sky if you're lucky). The landscape there consists of ancient hills, small rocky mountains, jagged cliffs and mysterious karst and rock-spire formations, all thickly forested by pine and other evergreen trees. These deep, dark forests are thought to have mystical properties and are holy in some old folk religions of the region. Samotath itself is known for its uniform style of architecture - most of the large buildings are solid black steel or dark glass. It makes for a rather badass skyline.

Venue: Alesund Stadion (60,000) - The new home of FC Samotath, Alesund Stadion was completed five years ago to upgrade Samo's old crumbling stadium. Its technology and shape were intentionally designed to be "Futuristic" and match the black-glass feel of the rest of the city. From the walls to the floors, everything inside is black...except for select red seats in the lower bowl that spell FC SAMOTATH. It's also equipped for advanced pyrotechnics and has the largest video screen in Cosumar.

Matches: Farfadillis vs. Turori (MD1), Drawkland vs. Turori (MD2), Turori vs. Eura (MD3), Round of 16 #2 (C1vD2)

| CASSANDRA, CRESSCALUS FIEF |

Cassandra is Cosumar's glitzville. This city revolves around showbiz and celebrity. Our film and theatre industries are centered here, as is the only legal casino district in the Fiefdom. Located in the barren northern steppe between the Pristine Forest and the rugged northern peninsula, Cassandra has little to speak of in terms of landscape. But it grew into an important city due to its location on the bank of the Pristine River, which connected eastern Cosumar to the west in the early days of continental expansion. Cassandra's northernness and flat landscape means it takes the brunt of cold winter winds. The weather at the moment is cool but nice if properly dressed.

Tourism: People flock to Cassandra for the plays and musicals on Staropoli Street, the film studios, and the celebrity-sighting. Oh yeah, and did we mention the ten-story Cassandra Megacasino? Gambling is outlawed everywhere in Cosumar except on its premises. There are also extravagant attractions of even less reputable nature, such as the largest luxury brothel in Cosumar, and the most strip clubs per capita in northeastern AO. An "anything goes" pilgrimage to Cassandra is a rite of passage for young adults across the region.

Venue: The Amphitheatre (60,000) - A fitting name for the finest grounds in this theatrical city. Home to Cassandra City, one of the biggest and winningest clubs in Cosumar. The Amphitheatre was expanded to 60,000 seats for the recent hosting of Baptism of Fire 63 and Champions' Cup 67, and those extra seats will come in handy again here. During the pricy renovations, it was also equipped with pitch-heaters and a retractable roof to guard against potential inclement weather. It's most famous for its extremely bright headlights that illuminate the pitch more than other stadiums during night matches...visiting players often complain about the brightness. Don't get stage fright!

Matches: Eura vs. Drawkland (MD1), Eura vs. Farfadillis (MD2), Farfadillis vs. Drawkland (MD3), Round of 16 #3 (B1vA2)

Group C - Sunny South

| PELETHAS, MORPONTE FIEF |

Pelethas is the Mediterranea of Cosumar. It has everything. Beaches. Mountains. Dat climate. Situated on the central-south coast between the Jagged Mountains and the ocean, there is an enormous mountain chain to the north and the finest golden-sand beaches in Cosumar to the south. Pelethas is often thought of as a tourist town with more vacationers than actual inhabitants, but with a population of 3.1 million, Metro Pelethas' size is often underestimated even by Cosumarites. Thanks to the high precipitation rate, Pelethas also contributes to the economy via agriculture. Of course, the fruit, nut and vegetable farms aren't too glamorous, so they're a bit removed from the actual city and tourist areas. Except the vineyards of course, because tourists like wine more than carrots. Small mining communities dot the land of north of Pelethas amongst the first mountain slopes, giving the city's footy club Pelethas United their "Miners" nickname.

Tourism: Whether your team likes to ski or jetski, rock climb or suntan...there's something for them here. Pelethas Peak (8,912 meters) is the third-highest point in Cosumar and towers behind the city skyline. Getting to the view at the top would make for a great profile pic! In the city itself, there's tons and tons of shopping. And more shopping. Oh, and Cosumar's largest chocolate factory, tallest roller coaster, and most comprehensive anatomical museum.

Venue: The Xanadu Dome (74,000) - After finally finishing construction eight years ago in time to host the World Bowl Final, the state-of-the-art Xanadu Dome is no stranger to big events, having also held the Cup of Harmony 69 Final last cycle. The regular tenant is the Thunder, a massively popular gridiron team (Pelethas one of the few Cosumarite cities where soccer is not king), but "The XD" was designed with soccer in mind as well. With its artsy interior décor and magnificent glass exterior, The Xanadu Dome is hailed as a wonder of modern sport architecture.

Matches: Starblaydia vs. Audioslavia (MD1), Pasarga vs. Audioslavia (MD2), Audioslavia vs. Semarland (MD3), Quarterfinal 1

| CRAWFORD, NUMENVERNIEN FIEF |

Located on the tropical southwestern corner of Cosumar, Crawford has 365-days-a-year sunshine. Known as "the capital of the West", it is the only city of at least 5 million west of Cassandra. The total population is just over 7 million, making Crawford the fifth-most populous city in Cosumar. Huge variety of lifestyles here, including the largest Vloo population of any host city and a colorful night scene (literally - neon lights everywhere here) swirling with the sounds of the famous punk rock and blues scenes. Known for having fickle sports fans, however.

Tourism: Have a good of a time on the water at Lake Crawford, which the city sits on the edge of. It's not a large lake, but there are kayaking, swimming, and sailing opportunities aplenty. 30 minutes east of Crawford is Everlong Rainforest, a large swath of preserved jungle and swamp. In case alligators, toucans and sloths are more your thing. If you don't feel like driving/hiking to see the indigenous wildlife, Crawford also happens to have the largest zoo in Cosumar with a self-sustaining population of the rare Numenvernien spotted elephant, from which local Härlighet Ligan club Crawford City FC derives its "Elephants" nickname.

Venue: Orangi Stadium (61,000) - A fun and still relatively new stadium with an open, sunny ambiance that matches its city. Many seats have a view of Lake Crawford beyond. Its primary tenant is Crawford City FC, and the Crawford Comrades of the CFL also play here often.

Matches: Semarland vs. Pasarga (MD1), Semarland vs. Starblaydia (MD2), Starblaydia vs. Pasarga (MD3), Round of 16 #1 (A1vB2)

Group D - Klyde Isle

| KLYDE CITY, NORTH KLYDE FIEF |

Klyde City is the oldest host city, founded over 900 years ago. Situated on the western shore of its island of the same name, it is a short underwater rail ride across the gulf from Kaldukosic or Ramusok. In ancient times, its port served a critical function for sea travel between Klyde Isle and mainland Cosumarus because it's where the strait is the narrowest. Much of its local economy is still derived from the sea. But Klyde is now a modern metropolitan hub of 4.5 million with diverse population and industry. It still has strong roots to its local Irish and Welsh heritage though. Outsiders often still think of leprechauns and swashbuckling drinking songs when Klyde is mentioned. Klydians, as they are known, have a peculiar propensity for tea of all varieties when they aren't chugging cider and ale. It is the Tea Capital of Cosumar. Seafood is also ubiquitous. Moderate climate, very windy.

Tourism: The famous Klyde Marina stretches miles long and is five minutes from your hotels and the stadium. Walk along the water and enjoy innumerable attractions along the way, from aquariums to boutiques to barking harbor seals. It's a little cold for the beach right now, but there's stuff to do downtown as well. MacArthur Symphony Hall is world-famous, and there are Irish bars aplenty - often with live Celtic music and even Celtic Punk. And hey, it's basketball season so you could always go watch the local CBA team - the North Klyde Imps.

Venue: The Klyde Sportsplex (90,000) - When it was built ~20 years ago, it was regarded as one of the most technologically advanced venues in the multiverse because of the sheer number of events and sports it could adapt to host. It is still one of the finest in AO, having recently hosted the SBCC Final. It is situated adjacent to the Klyde Bay - giving fans a scenic view of the ocean and skyline.

Matches: Tumbra vs. Schottia (MD1), Tumbra vs. Super-Llamaland (MD2), Vilita vs. Tumbra (MD3), Quarterfinal 2

| AZURIS, SOUTH KLYDE FIEF |

Klyde Isle is divided into two distinct regions: North Klyde Fief and South Klyde Fief. Enmity and cultural differences between the two go back centuries. While Klyde City up north is definitely the most important city on the island, your Klyde Isle experience would not be complete without a taste of South Klyde. As Azuris is pretty much the only major city in the more sparsely-populated southern half, it was a natural choice. Sunnier and more laid-back than the windswept Klyde City, Azuris became an important port because of its position on the southern coast, serving as a gateway into Cosumar's eastern seaboard (like, say, Ramusok) for nations south of Cosumar (AKA most of the region). Azuris is known especially for the remarkable lightness of its azure waters, after which it is named. It is also has a distinct latin flavor, being one of the most Spanish-speaking cities in Cosumar and having a high population from the nearby Western Sunrise Islands.

Tourism: Despite its warm climate and miles of coastline, Azuris is not a particularly great beach destination. Sorry to disappoint! Head to Pelethas for soft sand and tranquil waters. Azurians do know how to party hard though, so head to the city centre for a good time. Speaking of which, Azuris is known for its Spanish-styled architecture in the historic parts of the city that remain intact. Azuris also used to be the epicenter of Piracy back in Cosumar's seafaring age, so be sure to check out Fort Burroughs and hear of the legend of Admiral Burroughs, or Cape Discovery Lighthouse - where early Cosumarite explorers first rounded the corner of Klyde Isle and set foot in present-day Azuris. Azuris also has an interesting cuisine with some uniquely local seafood dishes and spices to try.

Venue: MasseMord Stadium (50,000) - MasseMord Stadium is the home of some very successful teams. Recent UICA Champions Cup winners and six-time domestic champs Real Azuris as well as the CFL's current gridiron champions: the Azuris Anthrax. Hitherto a maximum capacity of around 43.000, it has been undergone minor renovations to expand the upper deck to 50,000 for the World Cup. Real Azuris' massive bandwagon fanbase needed the expansion too! MasseMord is an innovative 4D Virtual Gaming company headquartered in Azuris and has sponsored the stadium since its construction almost 20 years ago.

Matches: Super-Llamaland vs. Vilita (MD1), Schottia vs. Vilita (MD2), Super-Llamaland vs. Schottia (MD3), Round of 16 #4 (D1vC2)

by **Turori** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:25 pm

Cocoabo Set for Return
Cup of Harmony 3rd Place Finish Overshadowed by Rivals

For a more complete backstory regarding Cocoabo Forest please visit the Historical Record on the Atlantian Oceania Forum

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Cocoabo of Turori in the Semi-Finals of the Cup of Harmony. While their colonial rivals the Tropics of Vilita were flying high in the World Cup Finals, Turori had been relegated to the consolation competition. Only victory could redeem their campaign. Then came the fateful penalty shootout. The Cocoabo hadn't trained for Penalties. Perhaps having been overburdened by excess travel - needlessly bounced between the two host nations - Cosumar and Ethane - the Cocoabo could not score when it counted. Following the defeat, the Football Association of Turori had a long hard decision to make. As the Turori National first reported, the dilemma was obvious:

Were the Cocoabo really the future of the Turori National Team? Sure, fielding a team comprised of citizen players from the Vilitan League hadn't garnered the Eels a single World Cup Finals point in over 3 cycles. Underperformance was rampant in Eelandii. But comparing head to head, the numbers certainly seemed to favor the domestic players. While they didn't score any points in World Cup 76, they did qualify for it. They also won Cup of Harmony 67 with a clean sweep from Matchday 1 through to the Final. Comparing apples to apples, the Cocoabo's performance in the 69th Cup of Harmony is pathetic. Though they have made it to the maximum amount of games played they have done so while winning just half the amount of matches that the citizen team did just two cycles prior.

The logistical hurdles of once again returning the Cocoabo to Cosumar for what amounted to a meaningless third place matchup were the least of the concerns of the Football Association of Turori. They had an identity crisis on their hands and no clear path forward.

There was, however, an alternative option that he Football Association of Turori put forth.

What if the Cocoabo only played in home matches? Or at the very least, stayed only in Atlantian Oceania? Then, when the Eels had an away qualifier, the reigns would be turned back over to the players of the Vilitan League - such as the players of the reigning UICA Champions; Mliona-Lpaka Turori.

It was the first ever Champions Cup title for a club from the Island Emirate of Turori and it was a perfect way for fans of Turorian sport to save some face in the shadow of the eventual triumph of the Tropics of Vilita who ended up winning the World Cup 77 title; the third ever title for the Tropics of Vilita and the second in 10 campaigns - a stretch that the once powerful Turorian team have failed to do much more than play the maximum amount of games possible in the Cup of Harmony.

For much of their co-existence, it had been the Island Emirate of Turori ranked higher than the Tropics of Vilita in the World Cup Committee sanctioned KPB Rankings. Things were certainly different now, however, with the Tropics of Vilita opening up a healthy gap over their North Eastern neighbors. While the Football Association of Turori hadn't been completely sold on their exact plan for the World Cup 78 qualifiers - one thing was for sure - the Cocoabo would have a part to play. As a bonus, should Turori ultimately qualify for World Cup 78; their destination could be Cosumar - where the Cocoabo called home base for the early portion of Cup of Harmony 69 and a location by which the Cocoabo have already gained familiarity and adaption to. Should they fail to advance, however, it could end up being a duel between the Cocoabo and the Vilitan League players to see which squad puts up a better record in their half of the Qualifying matches; to determine which path the Football Association of Turori approves for future international competitions.

The pressure is on. Two squads working towards one goal. Citizen v. Cocoabo. Winner take all? We might find out soon.

by **Eshan** » Fri Jun 16, 2017 8:20 am

As the final stage of the Presidential campaign announcements approaches, and we look at campaigning and the actual election, here's a review of the four Presidential candidates have announced so far. Sources anticipate at least two more major announcements for what will be a very diverse group of candidates and an election that promises to reshape Eshan forever. This will be sure to hold viewer's attention just as much, if not more so than the upcoming 78th World Cup, for which a talented roster will be representing Eshan.

Senator Revan Fitzgerald Bernat

Candidate Positions and History
A Future for All

My fellow Echani,

We are a nation with immense resources, from those naturally endowed onto us, to resources we can create with our exceptional industries, talent, and drive to succeed, and it is high time for our spirit to be harnessed for the greater good of all Echani peoples, not just a select few. We have a thriving, powerful economy with civil, social, and political rights for all, and yet there are those that seek to undo all of our fine qualities, those who desire personal gain and handouts for their white-collar backers.

I will be a voice for all, a champion for those who are lowest in our society and that demand our attention first and foremost. We must prioritize our aid, greatly reducing the attention we impart onto the corporations and 1% of our nation. It is time for them, time for the hectic, broken capitalistic system to work for the people. There is tremendous potential for social change and benefits with our system; I believe Eshan has much to gain from an attitude of 'Together, first' where we seek to be our neighbor's keeper, and aspire for a world boasting the equality of condition for all to pursue their dreams without limit. This is the Eshan I strive for, one where the benefits of social democratic policy are delivered unto all.

We are living in a brave world full of dangers; climate change, poverty and hunger, and the complex world of international affairs full of trigger happy nations ruled by psychotic dictators. I recognize that climate change and the dangers an unchecked economy can have on our natural world, and I can not stress enough the importance of conserving and preserving as much of the natural world as possible for our and future generations enjoyment. A RFB presidency will be a green one; sweeping renewable energy subsidies for energy production companies and generous micro-generation grants for households, aggressive emission and general environmental regulation, as well as large-scale green public works projects and expansive public transportation initiatives. The future is green, and we intend to position Eshan at the forefront of the new world. Poverty among our fellow Echani is something that can and will never be tolerated; I will aggressively act against poverty, social inequality, and ensuring that we continue to bring the bottom of our society up. With massive new investment in renewable energy and general infrastructure improvement, a vast number of jobs will be created, providing opportunities for all at every level of skill.

Finally, I wish to speak to you about my plans for foreign relations. The world is a dangerous place, with seen and unseen threats lurking around every corner. The core of government's responsibility, if nothing else, is the directive to provide protection for its citizens, and a Bernat presidency will take that to heart. It is only by dealing from a position of strength that Eshan can expect to successfully navigate the world, and to that end I am an advocate for a large, strong, robust national defense force that is capable of responding to all threats, although it is my intention to create a military that is powerful that the idea of interfering with Eshan or her interests isn't even a considered possibility. While I will always take the diplomatic course, the reality of the world is that words require strength and respect to give them weight. We are a proud, strong people, and the military must become an extension of that. We are far too underpowered to deal with the realist world we live in, and I will change that and bring a great power to Eshan the likes of which have never been seen before. I will make us strong, I will keep us safe, and that is a promise to the people and land I have spent my life with.

So work with me, join me and together we can fully realize the tremendous potential that lies within Eshan and her people. It is only be linking arms that we can pick up our fallen brothers and sisters and move forward as one people, social democracy is the way! I will make Eshan strong, equal, safe, and prosperous; A vote for RFB is a vote for all Eshan!

Sincerely,

Revan Fitzgerald Bernat, Senator of the Greater Eshan Party

Policy Platform for Senator Revan Fitzgerald Bernat

ECONOMIC PLATFORM

Broad Economic Goals

Shrink pay inequality
Decrease unemployment to less than 3% through economic growth and public works projects
Develop and offer free job training and re-training classes for citizens
Greatly increase skilled and non-skilled workers through government funded and expanded education
Provide numerous employment opportunities through defense upgrade and expansion
Subsidize small businesses

Policy Actions

Completely halt all government subsidization of non-renewable energies and funnel these funds towards green energy
Construct a nationwide high-speed railway, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs
Greatly upgrade and expand transport infrastructure
Create a Public Works Administration that hires citizens to perform a variety of community-upgrading jobs
Greatly increase green subsidies for both energy producers and families that wish to power their home with an on-site micro-generator
Regulate corporate executive pay and compensation packages to address income inequality
Increase Capital and Luxury goods taxes to make the elite pay their share and raise the bottom
Initiate Rural Development Grants: As the general trend of larger economic progress in urban rather than rural areas continues to progress, there is a possibility that rural Eshan will be left behind and succumb to poverty and unemployment. Rural Development Grants ensure that Eshan moves forward together by providing funds for rural areas to develop in tandem with urban Eshan

Transport

Increase Public Transport funding for bus, metro, monorail, and other transit options
Offer corporate tax incentives to those supporting telecommuting to encourage working from home and reducing infrastructure stress
Build a national monorail system to facilitate easy transportation over all Eshan and create millions of jobs
Develop railways further so that they may meet increased usage rate from booming Echani businesses
Invest in major projects to increasingly inter-link Echani communities, urban and rural
Eshan is a sprawling collection of nine unique islands; connection between these islands isn't nearly as simple as it can be and a central aim of this administration will be to create links between island of Eshan the surrounding eight to promote growth and innovation through the increase in ship capacity and cheap flights between all nine of our glorious islands
Ensure the transport between the major cities of each island are capable of dealing with vastly increased usage as Eshan grows under a President Bernat
Greatly develop all Echani transport industries by increasingly linking our nation with others in Atlantian Oceania and the world at large through aviation and shipping

An Increasingly Internationally Linked Nation

Spearhead the creation of an institution similar to the Rushmori Union and Esportivian Bloc in Atlantian Oceania
Increase the immigration of high-skilled workers from other countries.
Ensure that Eshan becomes an international hotspot for tourists, immigrants, students, and corporations

EDUCATION

Early-years Development

Greatly increase attention given to our early-youth education by directing raising taxes on the top percent and transferring the revenue to current and planned institutions that offer this vital education; early development equals an early lead for our children
An RFB presidency means progress for everyone, and as such we should increase the attention given to the disadvantaged of our country
Understanding that local government best understands the unique needs of their student, so block grants will be made available

Accessible University

Allow all access to college through free public universities
Increase funding for vocational and technical colleges to increase the specialization of our great people
Ensure that universities have a fair and open application process

TAXES

Broad Tax Goals
Raise income taxes on the highest earners of Echani society
Lower income taxes on the lowest earners of our great nation
Remove any and all sort of corporate tax loopholes
Raise estate and luxury taxes to redistribute to communities in need
Raise the amount of tax-free income among low income families to allow for greater personal spending and investment in our economy
Greatly simplify the tax code

Policy Actions

Raise income taxes on the top .1%, 1%, 5%, 7%, and 10% of all earners on a progressive scale up to 75% of all reported income
Raise estate and luxury taxes to support social and infrastructure spending
An Airline Fuel tax: as one of the most environmentally harmful forms of transportation, a small airline fuel tax will be levied to fund environmental reclamation efforts
A Nationwide plastic bag tax to encourage biodegradable bags and containers to greatly minimize the damage we commit unto our shared planet
Renewable energy tax benefits to businesses and private households that use greater amounts of green energies
Increase taxes on speculation and capital gains

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Greatly increase funding to the national health provider
Increase the amount of national health clinics across the nation to ensure every citizen has easy access to health services
Aggressively target any corruption, malpractices, and price gouging in the health and pharmaceutical industries
Increase the funding for researching and treating mental illnesses
Increase access to therapy for those that need it, and provide it free as part of the health service.
Institute a national campaign to combat and ultimately eliminate obesity in Eshan
Increase funding provided to national health training centers

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Make sustainable development and environmental conciousness a core pillar of a President Bernat administration
Institute a national renewable energy standard to ensure that at least 50% of our energy comes from natural sources by 2050
Provide a large amount of funding for the maintenance and creation of public parks and green spaces, as well as direct funding towards the creation of public green projects
Retake all national park forests into public jurisdiction.
Increase the toughness of punishments to those caught breaking environmental legislation.
Greatly increase the number of national parks and protected areas to protect the environmental reserves and habitats in this nation.
Provide funding for citizen microgeneration of renewable energies
Greatly increase government funding to the renewable energy industry
Introduce limits on where fishing can take place to prevent over-fishing in certain vulnerable areas around the country.
Ensure that all construction and repairing of national road systems and public transport are created with a minimum amount of recycled materials
Institute a national recycling program
Past strict factory emission standards
Pass legislation outlawing private construction on areas of rich natural diversity

LAW AND ORDER

Policy Actions

Encourage and provide funding for community-style policing across Eshan
Fully legalize and regulate prostitution
Fully legalize the public production and use of Marijuana
Fully legalize cocaine, LSD, psychoactive mushrooms, and peyote for public use and regulated production
Fully decriminalize all other drugs and address addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one by offering free public substance abuse programs
Fully extend discrimination protections to all races, sexual orientations, and gender identities
Ban private, for-profit prisons
Provide body cameras and modern body armor for all police officers
Provide legal aid for all trials
Increase the use of crime maps and collecting of crime statistics to properly target the largest problems in our society
Create a national, paramilitary police unit for severe emergency situations
Increase sentences for severe crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape and paedophilia.
Improve access to services for rape victims.
Create a national crime helpline.
Allow anonymous reports of rape or sexual violence.
Increase funding towards rehabilitative programmes.
Treat the usage of drugs as a medical or psychological problem, rather than a full-on crime, but maintain custodial sentences.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Strong but Internationalist

Greatly increase funding for our defense forces; Strength in diplomacy is only capable with a large and experience military
Greatly seek to expand our national allies through diplomatic meetings, foreign and military aid, providing military support to nations in need, and through international organizations
Organize a massive modernization program for Eshan's military
Encourage the disarmament of nuclear weapons globally
Greatly increase the size of our armed forces through expanded recruitment efforts
Seek to increase the amount of territory Eshan controls through financial, diplomatic, or military based acquisition methods
Improve funding and support for veterans
Spearhead the effort to create a united Atlantian Oceania organization similar to the Rushmori Union and Esportivian Bloc
Push for environmental regulation around the world
Support the freedom and rights of minorities around the world, promoting liberal values

"For the next segment of our show, I interview an Echani presidential candidate, Octavian Salazaar. Mr. Salazaar is a self-made man who drug himself out of the impoverished Dragoon region of the Gracmerian island. On the paybooks since he was only 12 years old, Octavian was employed and mixing work and education while his peers were still figuring out if girls had cooties or not. He put himself through the University of Rosaria, one of the most prestigious institutions in Eshan, by managing three restaurants expertly and graduating with honors in the fields of economics and marketing, with a concentration in political science. Octavian Salazaar jumped into the business real, starting, managing, and selling no less than nine companies for huge profits by the time he was 31. He then founded Salazaar Industries, a manufacturing titan who have come to produce an incredibly diverse portfolio, with products in the kitchen, military, courthouse, and automobiles. In short, they're everywhere. Octavian temporarily resigned and relinquished control of his capital interests when he won election to the Gracemeria Regional Assembly in the People's House at 32 years old, serving two-terms as a Representative for his childhood home district Dragoon. Governing as a committed conservative, he introduced and passed legislation that helped grow businesses in Dragoon, helping explode the economy and great development is going on the district now. After serving two terms, and another eight at the helm of Salazaar Industries, Octavian is running for President and he's here with us this morning! Mr. Salazaar, welcome to the show!"

"Thank you for having me, Elian, it's a pleasure to be on."

"Great, well it's good to have you with us and hear what you have to say. If it's no problem for you Mr. Salazaar, let's just jump right into it. Mr. Salazaar, why do you want to be President?"

"Well first things first, please call me Octavian; Mr. This or that is too formal, we're all friends here (laughs). In answer to your question, we as a people have been presented with an incredibly valuable opportunity to set the tone of our country. We have an opportunity to learn from the past and start anew, how brilliant is that? I want to be the fiftieth President of Eshan to forever put our country on the right track. There's a right and a wrong way to do things, a right and wrong way to move Eshan in, and I know that the policies I will pursue will move us in that right direction. I want to be President to make Eshan a strong, vibrant nation that, at its core, appeals to the drive of character that has made Eshan it's greatest."

"I'm sorry Octavian, but I'm going to have to jump in here. Drive of character? Sounds like something out of a sappy B-list movie."

"(laughs) No, no, nothing like that at all. When you look at the history of our nation, the highs, the lows, when you look at the great men and women of our nation, you will be struck by the strength of the individual. Our forefathers overcame tremendous obstacles by relying on themselves and their local communities to take action. It was the drive of their character; that strength of individualism that drove great change through our history. This is why I want to be President. We are a strong, proud people who have never let anything stand in the way of our future. We Echani have the capability to do anything we set our minds by enabling the individual, and as President I will seek to foster that attitude across the country, a celebration and unshackling the power of the individual."

"How are you going to 'enable the individual'? That's always been shorthand for cutting social services and tremendously harmful deregulation at the expense of the people."

"Well much needs to be done to address the current shortcomings facing our domestic production and business arenas, having worked in the industry for as long as I have, I see the areas we need and can make vast improvement in. Limited growth due to unfounded fear of consequences is denying our ability to be a world economic power. Now, please don't misunderstand that to mean that businesses can do whatever they want and dump things into the river, nothing like that. There are very real areas of concern, but a lot has been done to blow things out of proportion. I don't seek to cut social spending or punish the people or anything to that effect, I mean that's the opposite of what I want to accomplish. I want an Eshan where everyone benefits, not just a handful. That's not what this country is about. I'm not an advocate for less spending, but I am an advocate for smarter spending. That means greatly investigating fraud claims and transitioning aid from those not needing to those who can contribute the most in our society. Social programs are valuable in helping give people the power to pick themselves up by their bootstraps, helping fuel the fire inside of them to motivate individual success. On the other hand, overuse and unnecessary expansion of these services breeds a dependency on government to solve their problems for them, and I will not allow Eshan to fall trap to this malaise and despotism. I don't want to see this beautiful country fall sick to that infect and immobilize the upward trajectory of our nation."

"So to clarify, are you or are you not going to cut social spending if you were elected?"

"Elian, I'd have to see the exact numbers and state of the system but I am committed to smarter spending to inspire the success of our individual people in this society."

"Alright. Octavian, you've made the growth of Eshan's economy a core tenant of your platform. What sort of change are you seeking to enact as President?"

"Well I believe that the driving force behind any successful nation is the strength of its economy, and as President I will enable levels of growth not seen in decades. It's important to address a lot of tax issues we have as a nation. Sales, corporate, income, all these taxes need to be seriously reexamined for merit and how we can best apply them as tools to stimulate national growth. Lower and more selective taxes will help stimulate an environment of individuality and responsibility, rather than needless handouts that develop dependency and mindlessness. Investments are essential in our nation and perhaps we should revisit how we tax speculation and such sort of measures. We as a nation stand to benefit how we examine and rate such things."

"A hallmark of conservative nations across the world is for conservatives to have more limited view on equality of rights among races and sexes. What is your position on things such as race discrimination and the right of homosexuals to marry?"

"You know I'm glad you asked that Elian, because I am absolutely disgusted at such attitudes among…well anyone really. The happiness of your fellow human should be enough for you. Their color or love doesn't impact your ability to achieve what you want. Commit to a better we, and all of us can prosper. I find it to be quite simple really."

"Well I'm sure that will resonate with the vast majority of Echani. You've mentioned this sort of local community aspect; what does that say about your view on government?"

"That's a great question Elian, and you're absolutely right that I believe in locality. Look, the nationwide government is a phenomenal thing, and a powerful tool for overarching goals and collection of funding but when it comes down to it, who knows the specific and diverse needs of the people better? Is it the members of Congress of the President congregated in Rosaria? Or is it city and regional government? I would argue the later, and as President I would seek to address the issues of our nation in such a manner. I believe in using national funds as block grants with limited but specific guidelines to perfectly use the knowledge of local government with the resources of the national organization."

"That's an interesting take on things, I'm interested in hearing more expansion on this philosophy as your campaign progresses on. Unfortunately we're just about out of time so I'm gonna let you get the last word in with a general statement."

"Great well I'd just like to say to everyone listening that I am a firm believer in the will to power that resides in all of us. The power of the individual is something that can achieve the most wonderful and amazing of things. I believe in the strength of the Echani people and I will enable that as President. We will be a strong nation with the heart of the people behind it, and we will achieve greater things then we ever have before."

"I'm sorry Octavian, but that's all the time we got. Octavian Salazaar, CEO and former Regional Assemblyman, Presidential candidate, thank you for speaking with us!"

"Thanks for having me, Elian. Go Eshan!" Octavian Salazaar smacked himself; "Go Eshan???"So lame, what was he thinking??

Screen goes black.

"The fiftieth President of Eshan is an opportunity to forever shape the future of Eshan, and shape it in the mold of the Phoenix Party."

Screen changes to historical downtown Isla San-Renee. A man walks into focus from stage left.

"National security, economic freedom, pride in country and people, personal liberty. These are the main values of the Phoenix Party, and the ones central to my agenda. Hi folks, my name is Alexandre Haviland, and I am proud to be running for President."

Alexandre Haviland walks down a sidewalk towards the camera.

"Government can be a tool for great good for the nation provided it doesn't lose track of what makes it great, or overstep what its roles are. My opponents seem intent on greatly expanding the scope of our national government; to that I must disagree. As a candidate from the libertarian Phoenix Party, I run on the radical notion that everyone is living out their own experiment in life, and should be enabled to live a free life. The goal of my government is simply to create a national framework for these experiments to be realized."

Scene changes to show Haviland standing in front of Rosaria's North Shore.

"As President I will focus on national defense, social and economic liberties, and seeking to ensure that Echani citizens have the greatest amount of personal freedom in the face of government. I am an advocate for personal freedoms; my government won't care about your sexual orientation, your personal and gender identity as that isn't the government's business, we will pursue equal rights for all. I will fight for total freedom of speech, opinion, and expression; you should be able to express your thoughts and feelings without fear. The open discussion of thoughts and opinions, right and wrong, contribute to the building of our great nation. Words and ideas will become our currency as Eshan becomes a destination marketplace for the free exchange of information. Financial freedom is another area I will pursue as President; we must lower personal and business taxes to help stimulate economic activity, while addressing the regulatory swamp our country has become, will unshackle Echani businesses to boom Eshan to the front of the Atlantian Oceania. As President I will seek to further decriminalize and legalize drug use; the use of drugs is a personal decision and will be treated as such. If you aren't harming anyone with your habit, life is yours to live."

Scene changes to Alexandre Haviland standing in the Grand Hall in the Capitol of Eshan.

"Yes, I am a staunch advocate for limited government, I believe too much federal power leads to a corresponding lack in personal freedoms. That being said, there are areas where government must be extremely robust, none more so than national security. At the heart of the individual-government contract is the government's duty to protect its people against threats both foreign and domestic. I will greatly expand the national defense and police forces, and enter Eshan into the regional and world scene. I am also a proponent for a strong public education system to help our children prepare for life, not just finding jobs and being mindless workers."

Alexandre Haviland looks directly into the camera.

"My opponents desire either an unwieldy, vastly overreaching government or completely removing government from the equation. This is WRONG! I am an advocate for a different role of government, one that seeks to enable the ability of you, the people of Eshan, to live life your own unique and beautiful way. I will enable you and foster a positive atmosphere for the Echani people, and Make Eshan Great!"

The Sebio Sentinel
Green Party Senator Narcisa van Laren Cruyff Announces Presidential Campaign

In a brief statement and policy sheet release early on Sunday morning, Green Party Senator Narcisa van Laren Cruyff has officially entered the race for the fiftieth Presidency of Eshan. As a member of the Green Party, Senator Cruyff's policy list is environmentally friendly to the core, and places green development and policy above all else. In a race against a social democrat, libertarian, and conservative, this sort of 'exotic' position is sure to draw attention in a nation already known for its spectacular beauty and environmental diversity. Her statement is as follows:

Eshan. A nation of hardworking, talented people, and natural beauty that the rest of Atlantian Oceania could only hope to have. We are a nation that values our roots as an ancient people; the world gave us life, nurtured us, raised us into the wonderful and advanced society that we are today. Throughout all our history, we have cherished the beauty and fruitfulness of our natural Eshan, and yet in recent decades we have swung away from the care of nature, into a world unto ourselves, devoted to pursuing more and more, discarding waste and poisoning our mother earth with emissions and garbage and waste and life itself. We are killing that which has made us great, we are destroying our home in the pursuit of the abstract and meaningless, and this in turn is coming back to haunt us. Climate change, health issues, shrinking natural wilderness, the beauty of our world is slowly withering and greying due to our own hand. My fellow Echani, it is time we take responsibility for our naturally devastating actions and work to rectify the situation. The environment cannot wait my friends; it's up to us to act on it's behalf and fight to protect that what makes us beautiful. Vote Green, and vote for all Eshan.

-Senator Narcisa van Laren Cruyff, Green Party candidate for the fiftieth Presidency of Eshan

In terms of mission statements, this is a great one that really lays out what her platform is all about. Community, the natural world, preserving and caring about what we have, radically redefining social values and shifting the national conscious towards awareness and conservation as opposed to consumerism and wastefulness. As this article will show, her policy proposals really follow through on those core ideals, heavily regulating business while promoting green energy and sustainable practices. I'll go over her different policy proposals and comment on what we can think about them, and be giving my own thoughts and opinions on the matter so those are all my own.

[box]Ensure every Echani has access to a living wage paying job
—Well, yeah obviously you want to try for access to jobs. Based on the rest of the platform, we can expect her to pursue this through green infrastructure job creation and expansion of government services.
Massively increase green energy investment with the aim of transitioning Eshan to 100% renewable energy by 2030
—This is absolutely something I can get behind. The perils of non-renewable energy sources are well documented and can't be denied, so a hard and definitive push towards green energy is precisely what this nation needs. This will also play into Senator Cruyff's pledge to ensure access to paying jobs.
Institute very restrictive factory emission regulations
—Again, another smart proposal from the Senator; factory emissions greatly contribute to choking greenhouse gas emissions and it is essential to slice them down no matter what the cost.
Increase the federal fuel efficiency standard to foster the development of greener cars
—While I'm not sure aggressively raising limits and penalties is the right way to drive progress in mass-production, the need for cleaner automobiles can't be denied, and I welcome policy that would pursue such action.
Cut back on defense funding to provide more spending in public transport, welfare, and education
—Here's an area I have to disagree with the Senator. While more funding is required in the areas she mentions, it certainly can't come at the expense of our national defense. If anything, we should be increasing the amount we spend on our military.
Further expand welfare for those afflicted by disability or are otherwise unable to work
—Commonsense legislation here, but something that disappointingly hasn't been done yet. We need to ensure that all citizens can survive no matter what their physical or mental state.
Further make Eshan's tax code a progressive and sustainable code
—Shorthand for tax the fuck out of the rich. I like it.
Greatly limit the total market share businesses are allowed to hold to increase market diversity and promote destructive creativity
—I'm hesitant on this proposal; it depends on how her administration defines market share. If it's too low, I don't think it would be impossible to hypothesize that businesses would be less incentivized to increase production capabilities. Too hight, and what's the point?
Increase taxes on the wealth, luxury and capitol gains, and mansion taxes
—Again, tax the rich, I like it. However, with so many proposed taxes a President Cruyff would have to take great care to avoid over taxing and driving out highly skilled individuals.
Devote more funding to science and research to advance the scientific community in Eshan and reap the benefits of such progress
—It's essential to continually push for Eshan's place at the forefront of the technological revolution by continuously funding and researching relevant material. I am happy to see a pledge from Senator Cruyff to go after such measures.
Join in the creation of an Atlantian Oceania Bloc or Union
—International organizations=good, especially if we're going to cut our defense forces.
Greatly increase the scope of the Echani National Park system by designating more land as National Park land
—I l o v e this. Ecological and environmental diversity is part of what makes Eshan so brilliant and beautiful, and it makes sense to further protect these areas.
Increase protections of ancient wilderness areas through broad and robust protection and anti-environmentally disturbing action legislation
—See above.
For every tree a company cuts down in Eshan, they are required to plant two more
—Now this is a very unique proposal that I completely stand behind. If you have to cut down a tree for business purposes, you should have to plant one to replace it and one to make up for all the other shit that goes on around the world. Unfortunate that it will take so long for the trees to regrow and replace the original.
Greatly regulate the use of pesticides and other foodstuff modifying tools, including GMOs
—Onboard with pesticides, however it can't be denied that some additives certainly have overall benefits in food supply. Will be watching this proposal closely.
Introduce legislation requiring that every new building in Eshan be required to obtain a Green-Construction rating
—Further action towards environmentally sustainable design, I appreciate such measures as a way to reduce our overall national environmental impact.
Immediately introduce a 30% renewable energy standard to begin pushing back Eshan's environmental impact on day one
—While a renewable energy standard is certainly something I want to see in Eshan, implementing such an aggressive policy on day one will dramatically affect the energy market right off the bat, and major shockwaves will be sent through the system.
Increase the control local councils and planning boards have on development and urbanization
—Who better knows the needs of the environment then the local communities that interact with them day after day? More control to local communities on how to address urbanization, fragmentation, and general environmental concerns will result in more fitting solutions.
Designate more areas of sea around Eshan as protected marine reserves and limited fishing grounds
—Again, good legislation to protect the brilliant richness of our national waters and ensure that we can continue to fish in a sustainable manner for generations to come.
Ensure that areas of rich natural diversity are protected from development
—P R O T E C T T H E E N V I R O N M E N T .
Expand farming subsidies and by incentivizing the use of environmentally responsible and sustainable methods
—As more and more Echani move towards urban centers and choose to pursue secondary education over farming and rural communities, providing further subsidies to farming communities will help ensure we provide plenty of internal foodstuffs.
Provide Rural Development Grants to help all of Eshan move forward
—Help all of Eshan move forward.
Increase funding for urban farms within cities
—Interesting policy proposal that would help bring communities together while providing fresh food in the inner city. Hope they test the cleanliness though.
Increase the amount of parkland and green areas in urban centers
—This will increase the luxury time and relaxation for all of us, just getting to sit back, smoke a fat doobie, and watch some dogs run around. Love it.
Encourage free roam and organic farming practices
—It's good to have cage-free food because that's happier food, which is healthier food, which is a happier me!
Ban excessive use of antibiotics and other modifying chemicals including GMOs in our organic food supply
—Not totally sure about the GMO situation because some modifications certainly have beneficial side affects.
Ban all hunting aside from situations of overpopulation and Native Echani
—I would prefer to see hunting should be permitted in certain different areas on our islands.
Review with the intent to ban all animal fighting, racing, circuses, and forms of animal exploitation in sport and entertainment
—I hope an exception for horse racing is written into any bill in this legislation.
Totally prohibit all animal testing
—I'm not sure what we're going to test products on this seems like a loser but I invite someone to inform me otherwise with some non-SJW bullshit.
Increase the % of GDP devoted to environmental science and policy
—Headline: Green Party Candidate Proposes Higher Green Spending. Book it.
Provide green energy training for all employees in the non-renewable energy field
—This is a great way to help win over support from the working section of the population, no matter what their political leanings.
Institute a nationwide carbon tax
—As long as it's heavily progressive, this is a proposal I could stand in support of.
Institute a nationwide gas tax
—If it's low enough or perhaps vehicle dependent then this is something I could perhaps be won over on.
Institute a nationwide airplane tax
—Air travel is one of the most environmentally impactful forms of transport and instituting a small travel tax is a smart way to do things.
Set price controls for energy, water, and other natural utilities
—I could see a little opposition with this one in the Senate (well several others) but this one especially. However, the idea behind it is certainly a smart one as low utility costs contribute to greater citizen happiness and productivity.
Increase the amount of government constructed green energy 'farms'
—I approve. Green energy good, jobs produced good.
Ensure that all federal buildings have micro-generators such as onsite wind turbines or solar panels
—This policy would be smart to ensure that all federal buildings have local production and don't have to rely on long transmission so all can be devoted to citizen usage.
Nationalize the energy sector to greatly regulate, monitor, and review the energy sector to control all aspects of green energy production
—Whew. Good luck getting this through. I do think higher government intervention is necessary but not to this extent.
Limit the production of potentially dangerous nuclear power stations
—Smart. Don't totally cease production but construct these great sources of energy in locations where they can't easily impact centers of civilization.
Greatly study all ways in which Eshan can harness wave, tidal, and hydro power around the islands
—We do have a wealth of water resources available to us so it makes sense to aggressively pursue technological innovation in harnessing energy production by these sources.
Halt all non-renewable subsidies and transfer them to green energy production
—CoMmoN SEnSe LeGiSlAtIoN !
Pursue with all force the full implementation of equal rights for all races, ethnicities, sexes, sexual orientation, and gender identifications under law
—Equal rights=good. Say whaaaaaat?
Create a powerful review board with oversight over the national police and judicial systems to ensure that the full equal rights directive is being implemented as quickly as possible
—Again, this is a smart bit of business that would allow all Echani the equal protections they deserve to live life freely.
Provide federal funding for body cams for all police and military members
—This makes sense. We need to be able to see all aspects of what our police force is up to, plus military generals would be able to more quickly react to the situation by seeing directly from the eyes of our soldiers.
Provide equality and sensitivity situation training for all police forces in Eshan
—Equality yes, sensitivity? Feelings don't matter in law enforcement.
Greatly expand mental health funding and coverage in Eshan
Yes, mental health is a clear issue in our society, any modern day society to be honest, and it's essential that we properly address and treat it. Good policy here.
Ensure all public spaces are disabled-accessible
—I enjoy how many times I'm saying 'this makes sense' because……well…this makes sense.
Ensure that all public facilities reflect the diversity of their local communities
—Veryyyyy broad language here worries me; 'Ensure' that 'all' 'public facilities' 'reflect the diversity of their local communities'. Let's see what this means.
Implement nationwide community policing
—I enjoy this idea, it's essential for police officers to connect with their communities and understand the unique problems that beset each region in Eshan.
Open marriages for all sexual orientations and gender identities
—Equal rights good.
Teach LGBTQ+ sex education in school, along with an across the board expansion in time spent teaching sex education
—This is an interesting area; I'm in favor of an increase in sexual education, but will they make heterosexual and differing LGBTQ+ sit in on each other's education or will there be a fair of information or what's the deal?
Provide expanded health services at all public primary and secondary school institutions
—I like it so long as they don't treat some bumps and bruises like the end of the damn world.
Increase national healthcare funding
—A g a i n , this makes sense. It's essential that everyone is…ya know…healthy and happy.
Greatly increase hate crime punishments
—Hate crimes have no place in society, however I hope that our fundamental freedom of speech isn't infringed upon.
Ensure equal pay for the same job between all gender identifications and sexual orientations[i]
—"Pay everyone the same."
[i]Ensure that media portrays of body images are free from photoshop and other post-processing effects
—This I approve of in theory, however some post-processing is needed in many situations.
Increase and open maternity leave to both parents and increase duration and amount of time paid
—Raising a kid should be a new families priority, not worrying about work.
Outlaw pornography in Eshan
—I dislike this one for…reasons.
Increase funding for child support services
—Children are the future, and it is essential that the government properly look after them no matter what the cost.
Take all measures necessary to full end child poverty by 2025
—See above. Further, all poverty should be eliminated in Eshan, we certainly have the means to.
Increase government sponsorship and funding of youth clubs and other public projects to increase youth support in Eshan
—See two points above.
Provide free public transport for all young persons under the voting age of 18
—To be quite honest, I'm surprised that a Green Party candidate isn't making public transport totally free no matter what age.
Provide funding for graduated youths to pay University loans and ease purchasing of first houses an, cars, and other significant items
—I wish Senator Cruyff was President when I was in college.
Legalize the use of drugs
—I like this one for reasons like the vast majority of you do.
Institute a national single-payer healthcare system to provide proper and cheap medical aid to all Echani citizens
—Cheap, basically free healthcare? If I have to…
Increase the amount of public service officials, such as firemen, police officers, ambulance drivers
—Highly skilled job employment spike increasing amount of highly taxable workers. Smart.
Study and introduce a government sponsored healthy eating diet and subsidize items on that diet
—ThE gOvErNmeNt IS cOnTrOlLiNg WhaT WE eAt ! ! 1!!1! wE jUsT wANt FiSh
Greatly increase the number of medical facilites around the country
—This makes sense, it's essential to ensure that all citizens have easy and timely access to medical care.
Free public primary education starting from Pre-Kindergarden and through college
—This is sure to be an expensive proposition, but the proposed taxes should cover it. Education is essential, however by making fully free you open up the possibility of a decrease in education quality, however the next policy proposal would address that in theory.
Greatly increase the amount of teachers in our school system
—Feeding nicely into the previous policy ideal, increasing the amount of public education teachers would greatly improve the overall state of the public education system.
Increase natural world and green education in the education system
—This is a really neat policy idea. Schooling students in natural and environmental sciences will help to foster an air of responsibility, stewardship, and organic design in Eshan.
Increase time devoted to physical activity in schools
—Another policy I can get behind, a healthy population is a happy one! National prideeeeeee
Ban further creation of religious schools
—Whatever created the world and us is certainly no longer involved in our affairs. Useless to teach.
Remove all religious insignia and statements from government documents, buildings, money, and items
—Again, religion has no place in government.
Ensure that all newly created public infrastructure has a minimum amount of recycled materials
—I like this, get rid of our municipal solid waste while expanding public infrastructure, smart proposal by Senator Cruyff.
Greatly expand national recycling programs
—Green programs are good, the earth is good, environmentalism is good, this policy is good.
Greatly reduce the cost of public transport
—I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would argue with cheaper public transport.
Greatly increase the breadth of public transport in Eshan
—More public transport, less choking emissions.
Ensure that all federal automobiles are electric or otherwise zero-emission
—I like this proposal, further ensure that the government is environmentally conscious and that will drive innovation in industry.
Treat drug addiction as a health issue
—Brilliant point from Senator Cruyff here, drug abuse and addiction is most certainly a public health issue, and the solution lies in treating it as such, not over-punishing offenders and ruining lives even further.
Prevent stop and search policing procedures
—Stop and search are blatant invasions of privacy and have their basis in racial profiling.
Ensure that every trial has a jury
—I love it. All crimes are important and deserve public oversight.
Ensure every person charged with a crime has access to a public defender
—Again, all crimes are important and deserve public oversight and proper access to legal defense.
Increase funding for public defenders
—See above.
Increase the amount of public defenders to reduce workload and increase specialization
—See above.
Commit to international use of diplomacy first
—I approve of this in theory, however cutting the size of the military directly reduces the strength behind our diplomatic words and actions. Strength begets diplomacy.
Provide funding and technologies for green development in urbanizing countries
—Developed and modern nations such as Eshan have a responsibility to third world nations and a directive to help them progress in an environmentally sustainable manner.

by **Starblaydia** » Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:25 am

It has been over half a century since the death of Curzon Starblayde, Lord-Protector of Starblaydia. Ever since his plane had crashed on the way back from a match in Turori at World Cup 63, disappearing off radar over the crystal blue waters of Lake Bekk, Atlantian Oceania's largest inland body of water, his younger brother had been the Lord-Protector. Julius Starblayde, like all his family, was blessed with long life. The blood of the first men still flowed in the veins of the House of Starblayde, a link to the ancient past and the Age of Heroes. But what had Julius done, precisely, with that power inside his DNA? What had Starblaydia, even, done in that past sixty years? Never mind even something as specific as the seemingly now mythical national football team, but the nation itself?

In those sixty years, three or four generations of Starblaydi youth, depending on how you counted it, had been simply lost. No great dreams or ambitions came to their minds, little genuine joy was held in their hearts and even less honour displayed on their sleeves. The population was still hard-working, certainly, still efficiently producing the goods and providing the services that Starblaydia had always done in order to keep its position as one of the world's 1% of strongest economies. On the surface, Starblaydia was still one of the most powerful nations on the globe. It was in many ways, however, a shadow of its former self.

It had been a lifetime ago when the might of the Starblaydi military made the rest of Atlantian Oceania step softly, lest they wake the armoured fist. The days of the Strategic Alliance of Autocratic States spreading their banners from one corner of the region to the other in a defiant show of superiority were long gone, smashed to pieces by the shaky alliance of opposition countries when Starblaydia's military reach finally outpaced their grasp. Sure, the armed forces still took around one in every ten Credits spent by the Sjarondai, Starblaydia's parliament, but the appearance of one of Starblaydia's fleets in international waters off the coast of other countries no longer makes national news headlines there. Nor does the arrival of the Starblaydia national football team, save for the occasional mention of 'former five-time champions'.

Sixty years before had come Starblaydia's last great tilt at the windmill that is the title of World Champions. They'd made a dream run to the Final, stopped in their tracks by a typically stubborn Audioslavian side who were beginning their own golden period with back-to-back titles built on short guys killing the noble art of ball-playing like a bolt to a cow's brain. Since then Starblaydia has never once made it past the Quarter-Finals, assuming they'd even qualified for the tournaments at all, which hasn't happened since World Cup 73. Arguably the greatest and most influential footballing nation in the history of the planet has been reduced to longing wistfully for times gone by, when players of a caliber that seems unreachable today walked like giants among the blades of grass on the field. Where are the likes of Lena Kochanska, Georges Blanc and Lucas Cable? What happened to the systems that produced players with such achievements as Jaime Kuu, Khim Azanulbizarn and Nicole Maitland-Banks? Where were the elves, where were the dwarves, where were, frankly, any of the Di Bradinis, whether Simeone, Diamantii, Sergio or a host of others in that family line, so desperately needed now but sorely missing from the Starblaydi teams that make up their half of Liga Calania.

It seems that wherever you go in Starblaydia you find people who are merely content with the way of things. People for whom all drive to explore, excel and exceed has simply vanished, replaced with a grudging, but cheery, acceptance that this way - a perfectly reasonable existence - is just the way things are going to be until they die. This one really is the economy's fault. There's no such thing as a bad job in Starblaydia. Despite the fact your favourite Tuesday night Han takeaway meal of sweet & sour cocoabo (a number 53 on the smartphone app) with egg fried rice (#110) and a couple of nellie spring rolls (#124) now gets delivered to your door by drone, the jobs to build that app, cook that food and maintain those drones at a moment's notice are so well paid there's barely a description that fits the 'blue collar worker' any more. Everything needs to be rapid-reaction, 24 hour, instant turnaround, in a nation full of twenty-something billion people that demand instant gratification as a human right. Your taxi 'driver' is only there to provide the conversation and take the wheel if something breaks, so they have to have charm, personality, knowledge and lightning-fast reactions at any given moment over a ten hour shift. They're not even required to punch the destination into the autonomous vehicles, but few Starblaydi would go as far as to trust everything to science. The country is a great one, and they're happy with the status quo, so why try and change it to buck the trend?

There are, however, still people with that spark that made Starblaydia great, still forward thinkers with the energy, enthusiasm and most importantly the ambition to change things for the better. They, crucially, don't want to specifically go back to the old days and so-called 'golden eras', but want to build a brighter future for one of the great nationstates of the world that has turned in on itself. They see a sleeping giant, an eagle ready to soar and a a major global player that can take its rightful place back at the top table of the international scene. All it needs to do is take those first steps. Steps that they can provide and nudge the great, old country in the right direction.

People, or more specifically, Elves like Tororin Halatyrion. A versatile player who won 66 caps for Starblayia and a World Cup Winner's medal to boot, he still competes regularly for the Elven club side Telcontarë, but has most recently been voted in as the President of the Starblaydi Football Association. In this role, as the most powerful official in Starblaydi football, his guiding vision for the state of the nation's football was one of energy, enthusiasm and most importantly the ambition to change things for the better, pretty much exactly what was required. Upon taking up his position, Halatyrion immedaitely sent out a single post across social media.

#wewantsix

Nine characters. Ten if you include the hashtag. Halatyrion is an elf of great eloquence and can wax lyrical about most subjects a footballer or administrator is required to, but he can also be succinct and effective. No more so than when he hit 'Publish' on that post. Why would Starblaydia be entering the World Cup Qualifiers if the intent wasn't to win it? What was the point? The whole idea is to win the World Cup, otherwise you're just there to make up the numbers, and Starblaydia has never been about just making up the numbers. Everything Halatyrion has done since has been as part of a singular determination to make his hashtag come true. The appointment of Ázëwyn Fëanáro as manager, the urging of ediraf to create a fifth generation of kits, the bringing up of young Dwarven talent and spotting the best of the three races that make up Starblaydia.

The footballing world is, at least, heeding the call of their lead administrator; they are trying. Quite whether this newfound vigour can extend into the realms of politics, economics and defence is quite another matter.

by **Tumbra** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 4:40 pm

18 May 2017
TBC 1

"...we go live now to the Social Democratic Party HQ, where the party leader and next Prime Minister Anne Palmer has just arrived from her seat in Aintree. It's 4am but the smile on her face remains immaculate as usual. Our prediction for this election now gives the SDP 395 seats, compared to the Conservatives' 264."

"No sign of fatigue there, David - she looks fresh and ready for the job. Contrast that to Michael Sheppard and you can probably guess why nearly 16 million people, at our current estimate, voted for her. She brings this fresh, new, young vigour to this job which will sorely be needed after this election."

"Twelve years of Conservative government come to a close with this thumping majority, Jeremy," said David, "and as early as four years ago people were still wondering whether the SDP could ever be in government again, especially after Walter Reid's third term."

"One can only wonder what the future holds."

ITT 1

"Tumbra's first woman prime minister arrives at SDP HQ, flanked by photographers and a security detail. Can you believe it's taken over 300 years to get our first female prime minister, Tom?"

"No. I'm astonished it's taken this long, Emily. But we must remember she didn't win this election based on what half of the population she was - she won it because she ran an effective campaign that thoroughly exposed Tory weaknesses and struck at them with ease."

"That's very true, Tom. But we must not forget how much

Sun 1

"Adam, what a night it has been. The TNP on major retreat...can they ever recover?"

"John, nobody can tell if I'm being honest. Blaine Morris hanging on by a 97 votes in his own constituency can hardly count for much. I personally think that 40 years after the party's foundation, it's fallen out of fashion. No longer do you have to vote for the NF to protest against the government - Anne Palmer proved she could do that role just as well, and I'm just going to say that was a major roadblock David Walker experienced in 2016 and 2020 - how to effectively portray himself as an alternate government."

"What about the Nationalists?"

"Their infighting cost them dearly, I must say. After Sam Wallasey was deposed, they took two years to find their replacements. And look what happened. Philip Ransley lost his seat by 648 votes, and Kenneth Millan is presiding over the smallest Senate delegation since 2012, when they had 10 Senators. This is the smallest Senatorial delegation the Nationalists have had since 1972 - and that was the first election they contested. Frankly, Adam, a party that spans three territories and tries to carry forth a unified election message will fail - especially when each charter has its own needs.

Social Democratic HQ

"Thank you, thank you. Thank you everybody for turning up today, for turning up at the polls, for turning up for rallies, everything. You are what made this campaign work."

"Now that this election campaign is over and the election is won, we can get down to business and begin making a Tumbra that is fair for all - economically, socially,
politically. We aim to create a society of equals, because it is only from equal opportunity from which we can derive the best talent - helping the economy of this great country grow even more."

"My husband and I here tonight may be tired physically, but in our hearts we are brimming with energy, for we get the chance to serve the people of this great nation.
We will be able to get our country under control again. From the privatisation to free rein the sports departments have had...

TFA Headquarters

"Hugh, switch off the TV."

"But what does this mean, Stephen?"

"I'll tell you something. The government's trying to interfere at the TFA."

2024 Election Result

House of Commons
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Party                    MPs  Change        Votes      % Change
Social Democratic        395   +108    16,080,421   42.1   +7.0
Conservative             232    -67    14,514,394   38.0   +1.3  
Christian Democratic       2     +2       391,902    1.0   +1.0
Liberal                   43     +7     3,934,165   10.3   +0.5
Green                      5     =0       496,545    1.3   =0.0
Nationalists              13    -35       916,699    2.4   -3.6
National Front             7    -13     1,336,852    3.5   -5.8
People's Reform            4     -1       381,989    1.0   -0.2
People's Alliance          2     -1       152,783    0.4   -0.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anne Palmer thus becomes the 76th Prime Minister of Tumbra, with a majority of 88.

Senate
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Party                    Sen  Change        Votes      % Change  
Social Democratic         96     +33   13,051,057   42.7  +14.7
Conservative              60     -11    8,156,911   26.7   -4.9
Christian Democratic       2      +2      271,897    0.9   +0.9
Liberal                   34      +6    4,622,250   15.1   +2.7
Green                      4      +1      543,794    1.8   +0.4
Nationalists               6     -13      815,691    2.7   -5.8
National Front             9     -11    1,223,537    4.0   -4.9
People's Reform            7      -3      951,640    3.1   -1.3
People's Alliance          3      -3      407,846    1.3   -1.3
Independents               4      -1      543,794    1.8   -0.4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Mitchell thus becomes the 29th President of the Senate.

1. The Conservatives and Christian Democrats caucus together as the Conservative Coalition.
2. The Liberals and Greens caucus together as the Liberal-Green Alliance.
3. The National Front consists of the following parties: Tumbran National Party, Free Democratic Party, New Democratic Party, Tumbran Union Party.

by **Poggers** » Sat Jun 17, 2017 6:26 pm

I thought I signed up?

by **Mercedini** » Sun Jun 18, 2017 2:33 pm

International Friendly: Mercedini vs. New Scaiva & Horshenwurst LIVE
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium - Zoloroni, Mercedini

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, and welcome back to the Sports City Stadium for another international friendly, this time between Mercedini and New Scaiva and Horshenwurst. These close neighbours and friendly allies will meet here in just a couple of minutes time to officially start the World Cup campaign for the golden eagles. This will be the start of the preparations but Mercedini did have a friendly prior to the start of the last Di Bradini Cup, which was a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Super-Llamaland. Now, Mercedini will play their first match in one of the first inter-regional matches within the region of Novapax, which should be useful for both teams before the blue and black nation steadies themselves for a long qualification schedule. For now, the teams come out to a rather small crowd in the Sports City Stadium, with many empty seats in the upper stands and the away allocation rather vacant as well.

0' - The two national anthems ring out across the stadium to the joy and support of the fans. Both seems take their position while the captains shake hand and exchange gifts. Mercedini, as ever, will play in their 4-4-2 formation with Dostalok and Chillotov upfront. Crasic and Presic along the wings and Hosset in goal. They will be playing in their signature blue and black kits while New Scaiva will play in their white, yellow and brown kits, similar to their flag. We are all set for a tremendous match between these two close neighbours, New Scaiva will kick us off for this match, from right to left.

3' - (MRC 0-0 NSH) - Mercedini have been trying to make their home stadium a fortress as of late, and that definitely came to fruition during the last World Cup qualifying campaign where they lost only once and during the last Independents' Cup where they finished in third place on home soil. We've had a couple of minutes on action and there hasn't been anything worth of not just yet. Dostalok moved forward and lashed a shot across the face of goal but it went wide of the mark and out for a goal kick. Bjarnasson looks on as he has many of the players who wouldn't usually start, it is wise as he needs to find his best starting XI for the qualifying schedule, and is experimenting with the lineup to ensure that. 0-0 thus far, although we have a long long way to go in this match.

9' - (MRC 0-0 NSH) -

New Scaiva have this early corner and they have been doing rather well in this match for an unranked team. Cross comes in from the far side... header comes in... GOAL! and New Scaiva have snatched the lead from under the noses of the host's. It's Frankford Twick-Neur who got a strong contact with the ball which Hosset couldn't stop even with a strong hand. He wheels away and celebrates with the rest of his teammates in the corner. Mercedini have been stunned, I don't think anyone was expecting it but New Scaiva find themselves with an early lead. 1-0 with only nine minutes on the clock!

14' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - We have been hearing about this New Scaivan team and what they have to offer but I don't think anyone in the stadium expected them to take the lead. They were knocked out of the Independents' Cup at the group stage but find themselves ahead at this point in time. The Golden Eagles are trying to push forward but are being held back by a well rehearsed defence. I was speaking earlier about the Sports City Stadium being a fortress but I may be eating my words at the end of this match. Still 1-0, we will see what character the Mercedinian team has to try and grind out a result.

20' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - We've now passed the twenty minute mark and it's clear the Mercedini are beginning to grow in this game. The two young frontmen's pace is beginning to open gaps in the opposition's defence, the midfield are threading through balls but none have managed to put a man through on goal just yet. The chances have dried up for New Scaiva, their focus is keeping hold of their lead and limiting the opposition to long shots. 1-0 as of now, the crowd are beginning to get more into this game after that early goal, let's see if they can will their guys on to ignite a comeback.

26'' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - Huge chance for Mercedini goes begging and Chillotov was through on goal put slides his shot off the post and out for a goal kick, it makes you wonder what they have to do find a goal in this game. The small crowd is getting rather restless in the stadium and the New Scaivan fans and players are beginning to believe that they can spring a surprise in this match. It's still 1-0, be have about twenty minutes left in this half for Mercedini to find an equalise and potentially take the lead.

33' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - The golden eagles are beginning to ramp up the pressure in this game. Balls are flying in left right and centre more in hope than judgement. A goal mouth scramble is the closest we have come to a Mercedinian goal thus far in the match, but that was eventually cleared and gave time to the New Scaivan defence to reorganise themselves. The opposition have also had chances to break and put a second on the board, it was Twick-Neur again who was put through on goal but his curled shot went well wide of the mark. Its a wonder how this game is goalless, however the score remains as it is at 1-0.

38' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - Mercedini beginning to ramp up the pressure on their opponents and are sending in plenty of balls into danger areas but none are connecting to the players upfront. Time is ticking in this match and Mercedini are getting closer and closer to an equaliser in this match, its just the question of whether the half-time whistle comes before an equaliser or not. Still 1-0 to New Scaiva although it will be interesting how the match develops as the hosts look for a precious goal.

44' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) - With a minute left in this half, Mercedini have been given a lifeline as the referee award a penalty to the golden eagles. It was given after Crasic was bundling down the wing and had just entered the box when he was hauled down in the box, that's when the ref blew his whistle. It looks as if Ben Chillotov will take the penalty but we may have a short delay as the referee clear the players for it to take place.

45' - (MRC 0-1 NSH) -

He steps up... GOAL!!! and Mercedini eventually find the equaliser they have been seeking for much of this first half. He calmly slid the ball down the middle as the goalkeeper dived to his left, he strolls to the corner to celebrate with a small pocket of fans and the rest of the team. They struggled but they found what they were looking for right at the death, I cant see much else going on before the end of the half. Its now one-all with only stoppage time to play.

45+3' - (MRC 1-1 NSH) - The New Scaivan goalkeeper hoofs the ball upfield and the referee's whistle brings an end to the half. Neither side would feel satisfied at the outcome of the first 45 minutes, with Mercedini feeling like they could've had a couple more while New Scaiva would feel disappointed with that late penalty. The players enter the tunnels with the two neighbouring nations level at one goal each.

HALF TIME
Mercedini 1 - 1 New Scaiva & Horshenwurst
Chillotov 45' (P) • Twick-Neur 9'

Hello and welcome back to today's action in the International Friendly between Mercedini and New Scaiva & Horshenwurst. It's quite a nice sunny day and the sun's rays are beating down on the crowd, the pitch and myself here in the gantry. A friendly atmosphere between the two groups of fans who are pretty amalgamated in the stadium. The players return out of the tunnel for the second half and we are only moments away from kick off. It doesn't look as if there have been any substitutions thus far, but it's likely that Bjarnasson will be experimenting with his players in the second half so expect changes afoot.

47' - (MRC 1-1 NSH) - Two minutes into this match and it's New Scaiva who are quick out of the blocks in this match. It's something that we weren't expecting but the New Scaivan management are playing their cards right in terms of what they know they're good at and what they struggle with, so kudos to them for their tactics. A couple of shots have come in but Hosset has made a couple of saves to deal with them. Still 1-1, although the next goal could come from anywhere.

53' - (MRC 1-1 NSH) -

GOAL and the comeback is complete for Mercedini. It came from a breakaway with was against the run of play. An errant pass was intercepted by Crasic who started the counter attack with Nymark and Dostalok in support. He dribbled past his defender before making it to the by-line and squaring along the face of goal. Dostalok managed to make the long run downfield to connect with the squared ball before side-footing the ball past a defender and into the net. 2-1 Mercedini, and any potential upset has been kicked into the long grass for now.

57'' - (MRC 2-1 NSH) - The match has a new dynamic as New Scaiva move forward to try and get an equaliser of their own in this match. Twick-Neur, who already has a goal to his name, is the danger man for his team at the moment. Mercedini will have to be wary of him and other players moving forward in the coming minutes. Chances coming for New Scaiva but nothing worth of note just yet. 2-1.

Park OFF, Catessic ON.
-------
65' - (MRC 2-1 NSH) - Mercedini beginning to take control in this match once again. New Scaiva had a good spell at the beginning of this half and after the Mercedinian goal but they are at risk of being drowned out in this match. Catessic has injected a good deal of energy into this match but he may be limited due to his position. Still 2-1 to Mercedini although there is plenty of time still left in the game for something to happen.

70' - (MRC 2-1 NSH) -

Goal, Mercedini could have all but wrapped up this friendly with a second of the day from Daniel Dostalok. The Mercedinian playing his football in Schottia latched onto a through ball from Nymark. The New Scaivan's tired legs ensured their defence was all over the place as Dostalok strolled through and slid the ball under the approaching goalkeeper to secure his second and Mercedini's third. 3-1 with twenty minutes left to play.

Chillotov OFF, Billic ON.

77' - (MRC 3-1 NSH) - So after Billic coming on it seems to me that Mercedini are giving some of their other starters a run around. Chillotov has come off in his place so it's now Billic and Dostalok upfront. It's an unorthodox pairing compared to what we're used to but I guess this is what friendlies are all about. Mercedini look comfortable and are passing around the back to build up the fitness when it comes to competitive tournaments. 3-1 still, it may be a long quarter of an hour until the end of the game.

81' - (MRC 3-1 NSH) - Ten minutes to go in this match and its looks to be winding down from this point. Both teams look to be happy with what they have achieved and are basically duelling for possession and dribbling in and out of players to the fanfare of the crowd. Whether a chance can be faceted in the remaining minutes remains to be seen. 3-1 Mercedini.

Kraljic OFF, Jackic ON

85' - (MRC 3-1 NSH) -

GOAL! Billic scores a cracker to put his name on the score sheet and to extend the scoreline to 4-1. A hard pass from Jackic was blocked by the standing leg of one of the defenders and deflected the ball into open play. With no players around, Billic rushed in and blasted the ball from 35-yards straight into the top corner as clean as you like. It got the fans on their feet, and pretty much everyone in the stadium were applauding him. A super strike which has to be the pick of the bunch. 4-1 Mercedini, and that early goal from New Scaiva has been put well behind them.

90+3' - (MRC 4-1 NSH) - That's it, a rather one second half in the end comes to an end with the referee's whistle. In the end, the result seemed rather harsh on a spirited New Scaiva side who battled hard and had plenty of promising periods that they couldn't convert into a goal. Mercedini punished that with a Chillotov penalty late in the first half followed up by a Dostalok brace and a Billic cracker in the second half. A satisfying result, clinical strikers did it for them in the end. At the end of the match it finished Mercedini 4, New Scaiva & Horshenwurst 1.

FULL TIME
Mercedini 4 - 1 New Scaiva & Horshenwurst
Chillotov 45' (P), Dostalok 53', 70', Billic 85' • Twick-Neur 9'

So it's bee a productive day for Mercedini, they will go into qualification with their heads up and eager to make a splash against their prospective opponents. The team look all set for the next couple of weeks and they have an opportunity to make successive World Cup Finals for the first time. It may be a struggle for the players as there is now plenty of expectation for the team to qualify and it may spark tremendous disappointment if they fail to qualify after they breezed to a qualification spot last time round. However, that is in the future, so for now, we hope you have a tremendous day and we hope you have your fingers crossed for the team for the upcoming campaign. Goodnight!

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Sun Jun 18, 2017 5:32 pm

OOC: Any criticisms of these uniforms are IC only. Red Blackiland did a wonderful job.

UNI-WATCHING: Gregoryisgodistan Unveils New Uniforms
by Loyal Friend of Lord Almighty Gregory Luke Paulus

Gregoryisgodistan, always known for their bizarre uniform anticts, which in the past have included decorating the gridiron team in evil clown costumes, dickapitating and castrating opponents who play in the nude (and causing an international incident with New Wolfopolis in doing so) and many, many more. Today, after their uniforms from Libertad Sportswear were lost when that company's headquarters spontaneously combusted (or so we're told), Gregoryisgodistan unveiled a new set of soccer uniforms for their Gird Slaves team, produced by Meski Sportswear out of Red Blackiland. Let's start with the home kit.

Well, this is actually sort of normal. Sort of. The red and black stripes are nice, but why have stripes upon stripes? for the red bars? That's just weird. But what else have we come to expect out of Gregoryisgodistan? And then we've got the flag on the chest and the shorts. Is Lord Almighty Gregory OK with the flag potentially getting ripped or soiled? Or will our defenders be executed by Brownie Cutter of Death if they get dirt on the flag during a slide tackle? Interesting choice to be sure. Considering it contains the holy creed of the Church of Gregoryisgodistan, I'm surprised Lord Almighty Gregory would allow this use. But he is God, and he does know best, so I will not question his judgement.

As for the back, what's with those black squares in the numbers? Does this make sense to anyone other than Lord Almighty Gregory himself? And why aren't there stripes on the number plate? Is this just to annoy people/ Because that sounds like something Lord Almighty Gregory would do. He likes annoying the heathens. Good for him. And is it just me or does the Meski logo look more like a sideways E than an M? Well, I doubt the Foot Slaves had much control over that, though if The Unholy Empire can use their Dreamy Realm magic to remove the manufacturer's logo on their uniforms, surely Lord Almighty Gregory can use his God powers to do the same. And the socks have the weird striping as well.

Of course, the colors red, black, and gold are not coincidental. Those are the colors of Gregoryisgodistan's national flag, as well as the national colors. Also, fun fact - since wearing blue on Tuesday is a capital crime in Gregoryisgodistan, no sports team in the country has any blue whatsoever in their uniforms, regardless of level. That's a great trivia fact. Now, visiting sports teams should keep in mind this law does not apply to them - they are allowed to wear blue on Tuesdays. However, if they desire to wear blue on a Tuesday when not on the field (such as if they wish to wear blue jeans), they should keep their sports visa on their person at all times. In fact, this is probably a good idea regardless unless they want to eat nothing but prune juice and gruel, sing the national anthem every hour, and never sneeze, cough, hiccup, etc. But back to these uniforms - they're hideous, just like everything Gregoryisgodistan puts out, but that's why we love them.

Now, the road uniform, and this one is really bizarre.

Wow. Just, wow. That's supposed to be a prune juice bottle on the right, but I'm not seeing it. Now, if you squint and look really closely, yes, that's a prune juice bottle, but I'm just not seeing it. But maybe that's the point, to mess with people, and get the opponent distracted by the uniforms, thinking "Is that a bottle of prune juice, or isn't it?" and in the meantime the Foot Slaves dribble right by them and score. Yeah, that's probably it or Lord Almighty Gregory would never have approved these uniforms. And the beige on the left represents gruel, which Lord Almighty Gregory has so lovingly given us. That, at least, makes sense. Gruel is a national symbol of Gregoryisgodistan, and, for that matter, so is prune juice. That white thing on the top, I guess, is the lid. And again we've got the flag. I really hope nobody rips the flag on their uniform by mistake. Or perhaps an opponent will accidentally rip the flag and find their nation added to the Enemy List. It wouldn't surprise me. And the socks again have that bizarre meta-stripe pattern. Very bizarre.

The draw for World Cup 78 is tomorrow night, and Gregoryisgodistan will soon find out where they play. The whole nation will be watching, to see who they will go up against for qualifying. It's certain to be a wild ride with these new uniforms. The Foot Slaves hope to ride them into the future, and win the World Cup for the first time, returning the trophy to Esportiva.

We'll soon find out if we can shock the world.

Loyal Friend of Lord Almighty Gregory Luke Paulus writes a regular column for GSPN.com as well as maintaining his own blog at Uni-Watching.com. He admires the fact that Gregoryisgodistan routinely wears spectacularly hideous uniforms, which may be the only thing more hideous than Dumpy O'Rumpy's hair. In fact, that is what inspired him to go into his profession.

by **Sargossa** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:08 am

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport

The Big Reboot

Blanco Borrayo reports from Soluca;

In years past announcements made at the headquarters of Sargossa’s Football Federation (FSS) were large and elaborate affairs. But nowadays, with public opinion pretty chilly towards their national team, the tone is much more lowkey. “We need to win back a lot of good will”, Federation president Hernán Sandoval acknowledges. “The politicking of recent years cost us an awful lot of support. It’s about time we started working on getting it back.” And the prevailing feeling is that the work in question can actually now begin. In fact, there’s an air of positivity around the building that has been noticeably absent for quite some time.

In recent years the mood had been sullen as an increasingly dictatorial Sports Ministry turned the screw. Sports Minister Domingo Orbina had tired of letting the various sports authorities under his auspices do their own thing and undertook a policy of micromanagement that could only be described as suffocating. And as one of State President Gregorio Emparán’s staunchest allies outside of the military he could largely do as he pleased. Up to a point, as it turned out. Holding the nation’s place in the World Cup 77 qualifiers to ransom over some perceived slight perpetrated by the FFS, a stunt he’d pulled at least twice before, stirred up a wave of ill feeling directed at the Ministry and the wider regime. Ill feeling the government could ill afford with a national referendum promised that could potentially end the reign of the autocrats in favour of, whisper it, democracy. With keeping the populace sweet top of the agenda Emparán dispensed with his old ally, albeit allowing the minister to retire rather than publicly firing him. Experienced sports administrator and former Olympic Association of Sargossa (OAS) chief Ricardo Aranda was installed as his replacement in the interim and immediately released the pressure on sports’ governing bodies around the nation.

That release of pressure allowed certain governing bodies to finally commit to projects they’d been sitting on for quite some time, as we the press discovered as we assembled in the main briefing room of FFS HQ. Expecting to cover the appointment of a new head coach, previous incumbent Minthârtar Nelésian having left at the end of his contract following the World Cup 76 qualifying campaign, instead we got a full blueprint for the future of the Sargossan national team. Headed up by former Dínamo Maturín Sporting Director Luís Molina, having been appointed as the nation’s new Director of Elite Football, the FFS have been conducting a root and branch review of its structure with the goal of bringing The Corsairs back to the level they used to compete at. It covered everything from the appointment of another Dínamo Maturín alumnus, head coach Rafael Barrios, to lead the senior coaching department through to an overhaul of the nation’s scouting structure. I sat down with Hernán Sandoval to get the full details.

Blanco Borrayo : “Señor Sandoval, you’ve laid out some ambitious plans, what is the thinking behind them?”

Hernán Sandoval: “I think we could all see that our whole international setup had been stagnating for some time. We were once a top twenty nation, a former Cup of Harmony winner, a three time champion of Rushmore, a nation that could give the very best a game. But there was no real foundation built after those successful years. We’ve regressed. Short term thinking and political in-fighting has held us back. It’s time to put the football back at the fore.”

BB: “And how to you intend to achieve that?”

HS: “We’ve had plans for a new National Football Centre on ice for over a year. It’s going to be fantastic. With 12 world-class training pitches, including both grass and artificial surfaces, and a full-sized indoor pitch. There’s also going to be state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suites, biomechanics and training gyms, video analysis amenities, educational and coaching suites and medical and sport science facilities. Everything our national teams would need. And now the Sports Ministry have finally released their share of the funding we can finally break ground on the construction. We also intend to bring twelve regional Centres of Excellence on line in the next year, with plans for a further eighteen to be built in the next three years. This will enable us to bring a much more nationwide approach to our scouting efforts. If there’s a talent tucked away anywhere between Cardenas through to Puerto Temuco we’ll find them. And with our new and improved coaching courses we should have the infrastructure in place to give those talents the best possible chance to succeed.”

BB: “You clearly consider Luís Molina to be key to these long-term goals?”

HS: “I do, yes. You only have to look at what he’s put in place at Dínamo. They have an excellent infrastructure in place, with a youth structure that consistently produces talents for the first time. And it’s an infrastructure independent of who the head coach is. Their coach can move on and they drop another in of suitable calibre and the whole machine just keeps on working.”

BB: “So you’re trying to employ a club structure at international level?”

HS: “It’s not an exact comparison but there’s certainly some parallels. And Luís is excited by the challenge. As we all are.”

BB: “Is there a danger that the appointment of Dínamo’s Rafael Barrios as national coach will be seen as more a coronation than a well thought out appointment considering Molina’s influence in the decision?”

HS: “Obviously they both have that Dínamo connection but even without that I believe Barrios’ SuperLiga record in the last few seasons made him the top candidate anyway. He’s consistently produced sides that are greater than the sum of their parts and go on to challenge at the top of the league. Plus his teams play in the Sargossan style which, for me, is very important.”

BB: “The Sargossan style?”

HS: “Yes. We had a style, once. But now we’ve lost that identity. But Luís has installed that philosophy at Dínamo and Rafael is an advocate too so hopefully we can see that style reworked anew into our football DNA.”

BB: “So you’re expecting a specific style of play? A specific tactical approach?”

HS: “Tactical decisions will always be solely the responsibility of the coaching department. Neither myself or any of the executive will be involved. I’m talking more about a philosophy. The solid defense, the high pressing, the lightning fast counter attacks. Those are the traits I’d like to see returned.”

BB: “And what specific targets have you set?”

HS: “I haven’t. This isn’t about setting targets, this is about building something of substance. There may well be some lean times in our immediate future but I’m confident we are firmly back on the right track.”

BB: “How do you intend to win back the fans?”

HS: “By demonstrating that the politicking of the past is truly over. That’s important. We’re also intending to take the national side back on the road. Soluca will host a qualifier but the rest will be spread out. We’ve already had statements of interest from twelve other cities regarding hosting matches. We’re also slashing the ticket prices for this campaign. It’ll be Đ10 for adults and Đ5 for kids across the board. Plus thousands of free tickets will be made available via a national lottery. I’d rather count spectators in seats than cash in the tills.”

BB: “I understand we’re also expecting the unveiling of a new kit?”

HS: “Yes, and that was quite the happy coincidence. It hadn’t been part of the plan but on meeting ediraf representatives to extend our current kit deal they offered us the opportunity to take up their new Generation Five attire. Easiest decision I’ve made in this role. We are one of only three national sides that the Generation Five has been made available to so it’s quite the coup. And hopefully a good omen for our new start.”

Sargossa's Generation Five kits, supplied by ediraf.

Playing The Sargossan Way

By Jandro Báez

It’s fair to say that before the international era teams in Sargossan domestic football tended to play in similar, if not quite exact, styles. The use of three centrebacks, for example. Which dates back for more than a century and a half. There’s anecdotal evidence to suggest that this originated from a practice employed on Sargossan merchant vessels, when the crews gathered to play impromptu games against rival crews or dockworkers while in port. It was customary for that defensive barrier between ‘the enemy’ and the goal to be composed of the ship’s Chief, Second and Third Mates. Whatever the reason, while the majority of other nation’s tactics grew into the common back four we see so often today, our use of three centrebacks has stuck. But while the back three remain relatively unchanged the positions around them evolved, from 3-2-5 through 3-3-4 to the 5-3-2 cemented into the domestic game by Hector Herrera and his Ciudad Soluca side that won eight successive titles, the so-called ‘Immortals’, and still utilised to this day.

So 5-3-2 has been ‘the Sargossan Way’ for decades and entry onto the international scene did not immediately change that. As we can see from the starting eleven that took to the pitch in the nation’s first ever World Cup qualifier. The Nethertopian Rob Kietecs was in charge but he had coached here for several years prior and understood full well the footballing DNA of the nation.

Sargossa v Bazalonia. Independiente, Goza. World Cup 47 Qualifier

It may not be as standout as Rejistania’s System Karela, the Starblaydi diamond, the Polarian Pythagorean or the Takilan jeux de vie of Bettia but, if there’s a quintessential Sargossan system, this is probably it. The three centrebacks, the two wingbacks, the ball winning midfield battler in the centre, it’s very typical. As was the style of play, the emphasis on a solid defence soaking up the pressure, the high defensive line and the quick counter punches that normally originated from out wide. But five years into the international era and the picture looked very different. Our best players had left to ply their trades in the likes Candelaria And Marquez, Cafundéu and Dancougar and we’d witnessed an influx of foreign players and coaches into the rebranded SuperLiga. And if you take a look at the line-up Sargossa put out against Slaytesics in the opening match of the 49th Cup of Harmony you can see that the nation’s then coach, the Marquezian José Felipe Cassumba Domingos, had replaced tradition with the much more in vogue 4-2-3-1.

Sargossa v Slaytesics. Taltron Park, Torgos, Pasarga. Cup of Harmony 49, Group Stage

The style too became more offensive, to good effect. We, of course, won that whole tournament which lead to a belief that foreign coaches were required to win silverware. Something that Cassa’s replacement, the former Sportivo Soluca boss Gabriel Vizcarra, could never really shake during his 88 games in charge. An offensive style was also considered crucial, something another foreign tactician, Pazhujebi coach Brutušam Erassi, took to a whole new level.

Sargossa v Astograth. Palace Approach, Northbrook, Polar Islandstates. World Cup 59 Finals, Group Stage

Erassi’s side would qualify for both the Fifty Ninth and Sixtieth World Cup Finals with unbeaten records in what represents a period that fans still gush about to this day. As a result subsequent coaches would employ gung-ho tactics more in an effort to satisfy the fickle crowds in Soluca, Goza or Jucaro than to achieve actual success. Giving rise to the next incarnation of the Sargossan national side, that of a higher ranked nation with a noticeably glass jaw when taking on the minnows. It was Ernesto Farías who attempted to bring the more traditional style back by melding it with the attacking verve the public had grown used to.

Sargossa v Saugeais. Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado, Soluca. World Cup 68 Playoff

Farías was followed into the hot seat by Elías Carrasco and it was during the later stages of his long spell in charge that off field issues started affecting both performances on it and subsequent participation in various competitions. Bringing us to the situation we have today, with a side languishing outside the world’s top hundred and with a supporter base craving success and not overly concerned as to how it happens. It’s effectively a blank slate and thus presents a perfect opportunity for Hernán Sandoval to instil his desired return to the traditional Sargossan style. Although it’s interesting that his chosen proponent of the art is Rafael Barrios, whose own tactical preferences have evolved from the traditional 5-3-2 to a slightly more exotic 5-4-1 variant.

Predicted Sargossa 1st Eleven. World Cup 78 Qualifying

But as has already been stated by Sandoval himself it’s more about a philosophy than an actual tactical shape. And from what we’ve seen of Barrios’ Dínamo Maturín sides is that they have the solid foundation, that high pressing line and the capacity for lightning fast counter attacking that entirely fits in with that philosophy. Hopefully we shall come to see that this return to the past will lead us into a brighter future. That’s the plan anyway.

Jandro Báez is a freelance sports journalist and author of the books From Ports To Pitches: A History of Oygruppen Football and Where The Raumdeuter Roams.

by **Coldfield** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:17 pm

April 2015|Crownsville

"What are you waiting for? Shoot." Said a tall, awkward creature, wearing a sleek black jacket.

"No ... I can't." - said David Green.

"So why did you join us? Just for the easy money? You know well that - to win our trust - you'll have to do infinitely worse things than pulling a trigger. You're on the project for a reason, and if you want to continue with your dream of becoming a goalkeeper, you need to help me. Did you forgot that I am also president of the team?"

Green remained in silence, staring at the target through the crosshairs. His expression was cold, but he did not want to do that. He was regretting the moment himself "signed" the contract with the Black Pigeons (the BP). Green remembered the initiation ritual inherited from the criminal families of Italy. But the BPs were much more than a mafia. They were a multiversal organization, present in six different planets interconnected by a single multiversal portal, initially discovered in Brazil. They were an affront to the Organization (the ORG), founded as a protection network between millionaires and billionaires during the Cold War. Both groups have developed almost their own methods of monetary gain and have been involved in a number of scandals involving human, drug and arms trafficking, slave labor, terrorism, coups d'état and even organ harvesting.

The Black pigeons were the unofficial owners of Coldfield, responsible for the outbreak of violence plaguing the nation since 2007. By April 2015 they almost eradicated Coldfield's Organization, and the last enemy leader was in Green's sight - even if Green never killed a mosquito before now he needs to murder a peculiar criminal. This was definitely against his morals; However, his dream career, play for his favorite football team - Greenock - depended on the life of the last "Baron" ( a name that the ORG gives for certain leaders) of Coldfield.

"I cannot wait any longer - shoot or I'll shoot you!" Said the man, pulling a Glock from his waist and pressing it to the back of Green's neck.

"Salazar, wait ... there is someone behind the door" - Whispered Green - he was shaking and sweating cold.

"Shoot, now !!!" Whispered with great energy Raphael Salazar, national and international champion of Chess. A born strategist who always thinks three times before acting - Instead of two, Green had one more chance to kill the baron.

Two seconds later Green pulled the trigger. A muted boom seemed to make the world stop, as if God had pressed the pause button on the remote control. The bullet cut through the air and went straight for the baron's head, innocently sat on the facade of a pub on Goldmine Avenue, heart of the icy cold Coldfieldian capital. The reactions were spontaneous - everyone threw themselves to the ground, a turmoil hit the entire street. At the same moment, the door was knocked over, almost broken in two - Green could only feel a strong burst in his back, shortly followed by a flash before everything went black.

April 2018|Franktown

The spring begun a month earlier, but the endless rains continued until the second week of April. Coldfield has always been like this; Four months of incessant rain and snow, and later eight months of sun and rain. This is due not to the geographic location of the country but to its height. It had already been three years since the 2015 incident. Black pigeons were almost eradicated from the country; No, it was not police merit, but good strategy coming from the Organization. Both groups were going through a serious crisis, and it seemed that at any moment they would split into innumerable cells scattered across six planets. Not unbelievably the only planets in which both groups had become law were in Azulis (also known as Ancaps Heaven), where corporations and warlords conquered the world with the absence of politics and governments.

Franktown is a coastal town that survives from local industry and agriculture. There are not beautiful beaches, but several boulders and docks. It has one of the two portals that allows people to virtually go to any place in the universe. But this is illegal under the Coldfieldian law - the king did not know of its existence and the portal is currently under control of the Organization. Not so long ago it belonged to the BPs, but they lost after the Baron's fall in April of 2015. Months ago the connection of the renowned chess practitioner Raphael Salazar with the Black Pigeons was discovered; Salazar is the main suspect in the disappearance of Michael Polacek, another famous Coldfieldian practitioner of Chess, missing since December 2014. Yet absolutely nothing was discovered about Green, who had been saved from the crime scene by his boss Raphael Salazar.

Unemployed conspiracists claim that Green is member of the BP, and, as a reward for his (never specified) work in the group David become keeper of his favorite team, Greenock, since Salazar - the second man in line of succession of the Black Pigeons - was president of the club at the time when Green became an active player. Green never proved to be an effective or valuable goalkeeper; He did win the second division in the 2016-2017 season with Greenock, but the motives that led him to become the star of the national team are still dubious.

Soon after being arrested, Salazar was mysteriously found dead in the police station cell while awaiting transfer. With his death many important secrets and dirty details also died, these ones with no chance of seeing daylight.

Now Green is not an active member of the Pigeons, but he (obligatorily) continues in the criminal group since, once joined, a member can only leave the crime life "dead or deceased". With his recent fame, he had been purposely removed from the group's operations. David Green currently serves only as an informant and aid in the criminal society's sporting operations, such as trade agreements with teams and virtually any company involved in sports. Recently a scandal on Earth worsened the war between illegal networks, and Green was on the death list, however he was still only a sardine among sharks.

by **Spaam** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 6:20 am

Spaam Drawn In Group 2

With the World Cup qualifying season starting next month, the draw has been announced, and Spaam will be facing some old and new foes. Most exciting is the match up against Krytenia, and nation who has almost history in the World Cup as Spaam. They last faced each other in World Cup 31, over 180 years ago, when Krytenia beat Spaam 2-0 on their way to the semi-finals. As Krytenia are ranked 30th in the world, they are touted to be the team that Spaam must beat to qualify. Quakmybush is another ancient nation that was around in the days of the old Spaam, though there is no record of the two teams ever facing each other, and they are will be a tough challenge for the Orange and Black. Of course, there will be no team more challenging than Gregoryisgodistan, the 17th best team in the world, which will be an interesting adventure for the Spaamanian fans.

There are four other teams in the group that will be familiar to Spaam, as they recently competed in the Spoon half of the Baptism of Fire - Allahakbarium, Furbish Islands, Parakos, and the exciting Islana Lunigo. Furbish Islands made it all the way to the quarter-finals of that competition, so has proven they can play good football, while Islana Lunigo is considered a dark horse in the group. Finally, the group is rounded off by the nation that Spaam will travel to for their opening game, Ko-oren, who have been quiet on the international football stage in recent years, but will stretch the Orange and Black. With such an exciting lineup of teams,
and with Spaam as the third seed in the group, it is bound to be an exciting run to Bonesea and Cosumar.

Nilmenas City Finally Lift Trophy

For 53 years, Nilmenas City have been yearning for the top sporting prize in Spaam, and over the past three, they have had their hearts broken with a run of second places. But it was finally made official after their last game on the weekend against Skaganes City, when they were presented with the trophy by His Royal Highness King Thalaasmus himself. Despite the match ending goalless draw, it was enough as they had already cemented their first place a number of weeks ago. Captain Merlara Sehelin accepted the trophy from His Grace on behalf of her team, but it was also a special moment for her Nilmenas City and national teammates Sebastián Núñez, James Moreira and Daniel Côçô, who joined the team last year after escaping San José Guayabal as refugees.

North Paatukar will be awarded their second-place medals next week in the annual SFA prizegiving ceremony, which will be a boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying season, especially for their coach Hewelan Faaberos and national keeper Oridul Inasys. Inasys just missed out on the Goalkeeper of the Year award, as he was beaten by cross-town rival, Paatukar Elven keeper Lura Petra. However, national coach Faaberos was again given the Coach of the Year award, for a record tenth time. Meanwhile, Merlara Sehelin will again receive the Golden Boot award, with her tally of 24 goals easily beating out her rivals, and giving her the fifth top prize in as many years.

Floating Stadium Sees Exciting Draw

Spaam and Bonesea met each other in a friendly on the floating Highbay Stadium in East Spaam as a warm up for the upcoming qualifying season. This was to be the toughest test for the Orange and Black since the last World Cup, and feared to be a whitewash against the home team, but the atmosphere was festive as the first international match involving Spaam finally game to the East Spaam capital. The crowd was electric as the game started, but the native fans were soon quitened as Bonesea striker Tuw Turk got hold of a wayward pass and ran down to score past Spaamanian keeper Eletha Gilhana, who had couldn't match the speed of the striker. At one goal down, Spaam quickly got back into their usual groove, attempting to control the midfield, which turned into a real wrestle between the teams as the hyper-attacking Bonesea met the conservative wall of midfielders and defenders in their way.
With time ticking down towards half-time, it looked like the visitors would keep their lead going into the break, but a set play from a corner saw Spaaanian midfielder Sebastián Núñez put himself into the right position to get a header past the Sailors keeper Godfrey Jones.

The one-all scoreline obviously buoyed the Orange and Blacks, as they saw that the Bonesea defense was fallible and took more chances in their attack after the break. It was the Sailors who drew first blood though, as Tuw Turk got a double in the 54th minute, this time coming from a corner, sending it to the top left corner away from Gilhana's reach. The lead was short-lived, as Spaam struck back five minutes later as Kian Rose and Saldiane Helemar managed to break through and outnumber Bonesea back Par Polgigga, with Helemar eventually scoring the goal. With the home side tiring through the late stage of the game, the defense became more and more desperate in holding back the superior Bonesea attack, and it was just a matter of time before the visitors were back in the lead. Caro Tyree scored off a penalty kick right in front in the 83rd minute, after Rawesin Holamora went in too hard with a tackle in the box. It looked like that would be the scoreline, but a late final surge in injury time saw Merlara Sehelin draw the game with a 20 metre striker that caught Godfrey Jones by surprise.
              Spaam 3-3 Bonesea
(Núñez 44', Rose 59', Sehelin 93')        (Turk 1' 54', Tyree 83')

Dr. Quexipha Fenfir, President of the Spaamanian Football Association, tossed the paper to her desk, before turning to her head of research Dr. Hilnas Shaalar.

"Is our patient going to be ready for the first match, Hilnas?"

"Yes, Dr. Fenfir, he will be. We're sending him over to the training camp tomorrow."

"Have you briefed Faaberos and prepared him?"

"We have, but he isn't happy about the situation..."

"Don't worry about making him happy, I will deal with him. He knows we need the best players if we are to qualify."

"Of course, Doctor."

"How are the other subjects progressing?"

"They are coming along nicely, but they are still not ready yet."

"I don't understand why we can clone a team of basketballers so quickly, yet this is taking such a long time."

"That DNA was fresh, Dr. Fenfir. This is... quite old. There are many more complications. And there is much more at stake, as you keep on telling us."

"Very well then. Go and make your preparations. Our subject needs to be taken care of."

"He has a name, Doctor."

"You are overly sentimental, Hilnas. Fine then, make sure you take care of Urk."

by **Cassadaigua** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:15 am

Brittany’s Blog

Good morning, Cassadaigua! I’m Brittany Byers, the woman that is honored to be the captain of this World Cup team. We’re back! Well, I guess the nation is back, but to return to where we once were in this competition is going to be difficult. And we see that through Cassadaigua, there is simply not that buzz around our participation in this World Cup within the homeland as you would expect. As a player, part of me wants to yell out and scream, “Look all of you people! We’re the f**kin’ two time World Cup champions, didn’t you’re grandma ever tell you that?!” Or, I could exclaim, “Yeah, baseball, yippee, you know how small the number of nations that participate in that rinky dink World Baseball Classic that you are all watching right now, in comparison to the world’s greatest competition for the greatest sport on the planet?” But that would accomplish nothing, so I will take the easy way out and discreetly mention those thoughts in the blog. There is not that much spark at home. So, how can we ever expect other countries in the world to get excited about us?

See, baseball lovers, look who’s in our group. Drawkland. Ahh yes, that nation our diamond girls dismissed in the World Baseball Classic 39 qualifying stages and then could not even make a trip to Cassadaigua for the playoffs during this Classic. Their “Elite Eleven” has been anything but. Though Drawkland fans, fear not, you can still come to Cassadaigua for a World Cup qualifier. Happy consolation prize to you! Look who else is here, good ol’ -Anthor-! Another nation that could not make it to Cassadaigua for the World Baseball Classic finals, and were eliminated in the qualifying spots. -Anthor- fans, don’t worry, even you can come to Cassadaigua anyway, but to watch soccer instead! Then, we have Pasarga in our group. They’ve been around for a while now. So, I am looking for the top World Baseball Classic nations still alive right now with the World Cup groups, and see very few. The best I think I can do for you there is Super-Llamaland, ranked at #29. The top soccer nations in the world simply do not waste their time with baseball. Even the host Cosumar doesn’t. Wait, nevermind, they do, and just did poorly. And that will be fitting, because our performance in qualifying will as good as Cosumar’s was in the World Baseball Classic.

Yeah, yeah, first timers can qualify. We get it. And they can. If we did, would you even notice us?

by **Cosneolta** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:14 am

Group 8 Preview

In a couple of days time, the small nation of Cosneolta will embark on their second World Cup campaign after a qualification debut which took them into mid-table last time. Cosneolta haven't got a big chance of qualifying for the muntiverse's most prestigious sporting tournament, but suprises have been afoot in previous tournament so a potential shock could be on the cards if the start align for the nation of four hundred thousand. Realistically, Cosneolta will be seeking to make it to the Cup of Harmony after qualification to see them increase their ranking at a tournament where good results are easier to come by. The sky blue and white nation have been drawn in Group 8 with eight other teams, where only the top two will qualify for the World Cup held in Cosumar and Bonesea. The group draw has been made with plenty of formidable opponents in tow, so let's see who Cosneolta will face for the qualification stage of the 78th World Cup.

Group 8:
Electrum
Kosovakia
Cosneolta
New Lusitania and the Algarves
Valladares
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics
Kecrazia
Scottopian Isles
Jeruselem

If someone looked at this group and stated that three or four teams were fighting for those two spots, I don't think many people would object with that assumption. Valladares, Electrum, Jeruselem and potentially USAR are fighting it out for those two qualification spots with the rest of them (including Cosneolta) fighting it out for pride, ranking points and a spot at the Cup of Harmony which has proved elusive for Cosneolts thus far. We are a long shot to say the least, having to bridge the four pot gap between ourselves in Pot 6 and Electrum of Pot 2; with Kosovakia, USAR and Jeruselem in between. Where Cosneolta will make a challenge is against those teams ranked below, if they can claim wins against those teams and take points away from those above them, they could stand a chance if those teams above them also take points off each other and practically cancelling each other out. The odds are as long as they can be, but teams would never join if they knew they never had a chance of qualifying.

To put up a good fight in the campaign, Cosneolta will need to add more emphasis on their attack to score goals and come out with the win that they need. If the team are to escape mid-table obscurity, strikers like Bartosz, Kowalczyk and Jokinen must have their scoring boots on when they come in front of goal, otherwise results will largely fall like they did last time, with narrow 1-0 wins and losses coupled with drab 0-0 draws as well. It isn't certain whether Aartus Levadia will focus on defensive training, considering that Cosneolta's defence held up pretty well to almost everyone in the group given the circumstances, which means it is likely that the match will be won and lost in the final third.

That's all from us here in Dynum City, we hoped you enjoyed reading this short article about the nation's upcoming World Cup Qualification campaign. Tickets have gone on sale in the past couple of hours and are selling out reasonably well. Of course, there are 8 home matches to play which means plenty of tickets will need to be sold in order for the matches to be a sell out crowd. We will be there and we hope you will join for the first match which will be against the Scottopian Isles in Dynum City in only a couple of days time. Set your diary, and we will see you then!

by **Polkopia** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:19 am

The History of the Allied States of Polkipia
(1000 A.D. - 1100 A.D.)

The modern-day nation of Polkopia, at the time named Narva, was founded in 992 A.D., by a group of pagans who broke off from the Kievan Rus following some internal strife and clashes with the Normans. The state was originally comprised of different tribes, who were all responsible for their own piece of land. The nation was hardly uniform, and disagreements between tribes were frequent, though historians have yet to trace the causation of such disagreements, they are assumed to be over land over anything else, as most of the Polkopian tribes at the time followed the same pagan gods, so it is unlikely that conflict arose due to religion.

Artur (992 A.D. - 1012 A.D)

The first leader of the Polkopian nation was Artur of the Vasik dynasty. Not much is known regarding his importance, or the legacy he had left behind, though written records of his life indicate that he was a seafarer, and often plundered neutral trading vessels. According to The Polkopian Chronicle, "Artur was one with Ahti* and showed his enemies no mercy on the water. In one instance, him and his crew of 14 shipmates sailed out for many months and returned with a bountiful loot that the gods surely would have envied." While his seafaring achievements were surely astounding, one can argue that his domestic policies were lackluster, as he hardly took the time to settle differences between tribes.

Artur died in June of 1012 A.D. from an infected wound he suffered.

Maxim (1012 A.D. - 1045 A.D)

Maxim was Artur's oldest surviving son, and he inherited the throne aged 16. Unlike his father, Maxim's legacy is characterized by an increased centralization of the local government. The town of Peetyaorsko was founded in 1024 A.D. and served as the nation's capital, where the heads of all Polkopian tribes would answer to the ruler, in which Maxim provided bounty to the tribes in order to ensure their loyalty. In return, the tribes were expected to volunteer men to serve Maxim for his vanguard, should any conflict with the neighboring Livonians occur. Polkopia's military presence in the area increased, and frequent skirmishes with the Chud peoples to the north ensued.

Maxim died in 1045 A.D. from unknown causes. It was rumored that he was poisoned, however, the culprit was never found.

Yaropolk (1045 A.D. - 1089 A.D)

Yaropolk ascended to the throne in 1045 A.D. following the death of his father, Maxim. Yaropolk's regime was most notable for the expedition that he undertook to the Byzantine empire, where he was exposed to Christianity. From then on, he destroyed the pagan idols in Peetyaorsko and forced his subjects to be baptized in the Neva River. Christianity was widely unpopular among the tribes in the land, and as a result, the growth of Christianity in Polkopia was halted. In the capital though, Christianity was adopted by most of the inhabitants. Toward the end of his regime, the threat of the Kievan Rus was ever growing, and Yaropolk succeeded in securing an alliance with the Polish. A few years afterward, Narva, along with the Polish, succeeded in capturing Kiev for the second time (The first time was in 1018, before Narva allied with the Poles), and Narva played a huge role in helping Iziaslav take the throne in Kiev.

Yaropolk died in 1089 A.D. from a fever.

Stanislav (1089 A.D. - 1150 A.D)

Stanislav took the throne, aged just 12, upon the untimely death of his father. Stanislav established trading ports along the Baltic Sea, and trade relations with the Polish grew. Like his father, Stanislav was a devout Christian, and the relationship between Narva and the Byzantine Empire grew. Narva became the chief exporter of fur in the region, and a number of trading villages were founded along the coast, including the modern-day city of Restnov. In the late 11th century, Narva was a massive trade hub and was met with very little foreign military resistance.

by **Starblaydia** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:29 am

The World Cup 78 Draw
Group 12 and what it means for Starblaydia

There's always at least one Group of Death^TM in every Qualifiers and Finals, and usually you think it's yours. Looking around the groups there are some very tasty match-ups, considering Audioslavia and Osarius in Group 3, Eastfield Lodge, Eshan, Acronius and Acapais all chasing The Holy Empire in Group 18, the bunfight that Chromatika/Equestrian States/Free Republics/Damukuni/West Angola and Jeckland are likely to have over in Group 5, Krytenia-Spaam in Group 2, plus the returns of Polar Islandstates, Astograth, Apox, Yesopalitha and Cassadaigua sprinkled among the various groups. It's enough to make a football fan salivate.

Group 12, however, looks exceptionally watchable as former champions Nephara and Starblaydia will slug it out with the meteoric risers of Mercedini, veterans Darmen and three time Copa Rushmori champions Sargossa. There's rather a lot of silverware on display in the combined trophy cabinets of Group 12, perhaps more than any other group, which means that along the way some big names, some old names and some up-and-coming names will all clash for the two spots available to go to Bonesea or Cosumar in the 78th World Cup Finals.

Ázëwyn Fëanáro's side know that their best may even not be good enough to make it out of this group, but as we all know, on their day Starblaydia can beat any side in the multiverse. They just might have to.

The rundown of Starblaydia's opponents in Group 12:

Nephara (9th in the world)
Previous meetings: 1
Di Bradini Cup 28: Starblaydia 0-1 ~~New Sideburn~~ Nephara
P1 W0 D0 L1 GF0 GA1 (At Under-21 level)

The Cormorants are only the second nation in history to have won the Triple Crown of WCC events, something that Starblaydia will never be able to achieve thanks to the Runners-Up finish in the Baptism of Fire for World Cup 38. As well as the World, Harmony and Baptism championships, they've won five regional titles in Esportiva and now compete in the Copa Rushmori. Under the stewardship of Amethyst Fegelein and the captaincy of Tanith Rainsford, a player built in such a similar mold of the midfield pivot as the Assistant Manager, the Nepharan legend Michael Brandon, there's a natural synergy within the squad as the experience of World Cup winners tries to blend with the vigour of more youthful players.

Look out for Penumbra Amokachi, who will certainly break the Nepharan goalscoring record during the qualifiers, as the team may well pass 1,000 goals scored in all competitions towards the end of Qualifying, if not in the World Cup itself. Nephara are essentially a lock for one of the two qualifying positions from this group, with everyone else likely to fight over the remaining space.

Mercedini (31st)
Previous meetings: None

Entering only their fourth World Cup Qualifiers, Mercedini have shot to the highlight of top thirty-two in the world, largely thanks to the 62 goals of their star striker, Sam Billic. He's reached the grand old age of 30, though, so hopefully he'll be slowing down somewhat on the left hand side of the attack. There's obvious danger throughout the side, though, as a youthful midfield look sure to be able to run all day, and they'll most likely be hoping for a run directly to their second World Cup in a row.

For Starblaydia, this is the team that must be overcome, first and foremost. No matter their history or familiarity with some of the other teams in this group, the here and now is more important than the past. If anyone is to go home disappointed on account of a Starblaydi qualification for the first time in twenty years, it will have to be the Mercedinians.

Darmen (89th)
Previous meetings: 2
Di Bradini Cup 18, Group Stage: Starblaydia 3-0 Darmen
Di Bradini Cup 27, Group Stage: Darmen 7-2 Starblaydia
Total: P2 W1 D0 L1 GF5 GA7 (Under-21 Level)

Darmen will be a familiar name to most Starblaydi fans, but surprisingly the second entrant in the group from Rushmore have never met Atlantian Oceania's finest at senior level. Only Di Bradini Cup meetings have seen the green line up against the white, with vastly different results, and even then the most recent meeting was some fifty-plus years ago.

Darmen's team is largely a squad of veterans with twenty and thirty caps each, supplemented by much younger players with little-to-no experience on the international stage, relying on experience first, then hoping that youth can make it in times of trouble. Compare and contrast with the Starblaydi doctrine, where if you're good enough, you're old enough, who start the completely uncapped Hanar Nauglamír in the attacking midfield spot ahead of the veteran of thirty appearances, Rob Owens. It'll be sure to be an interesting contest between the two sides, who will both be looking to upset Mercedini's path to World Cup 78, along with each other's.

Sargossa (127th)
Previous Meetings: 8
World Cup 47 Qualifying: Sargossa 1-4 Starblaydia
World Cup 47 Qualifying: Starblaydia 1-0 Sargossa
Dragonni Inviyatti 5: Sargossa 2-0 Starblaydia
World Cup 63 Quarter-Final: Sargossa 0-3 Starblaydia
World Cup 70 Qualifying Playoff: Starblaydia 1-4 Sargossa
World Cup 70 Qualifying Playoff: Sargossa 1-2 Starblaydia
World Cup 75 Qualifying: Sargossa 1-0 Starblaydia
World Cup 75 Qualifying: Starblaydia 4-4 Sargossa
Total: P8 W4 D1 L3 GF15 GA13

The Corsairs are Starblaydia's most well-known opponents, as the three-time Copa Rushmori champions are one of only three teams using the much-heralded new Generation Five kits from Starblaydi sportswear giant ediraf. Sargossa actually made their debut in in the Baptism of Fire for World Cup 47, which is the last time that Starblaydia lifted the trophy. It was in that very campaign that current Starblaydi manager Ázëwyn Fëanáro scored one of the four goals in the first ever meeting between the two sides. Since then the Corsairs have won the Di Bradini Cup, Cup of Harmony, the three Rushmore regional titles and also stood on the Olympic podium.

The counter-attacking style of Barrios' men will be very much at odds with the pass and move teamwork of Starblaydia, which could make for a cracking game as two contrasting styles meet, but we already know that they'll be good, clean matches, thanks to both cultures' dislike of diving. There's a lot of silverware on display in the trophy cabinets, but both Starblaydia and Sargossa will have to work exceptionally hard to make it to Bonesea and Cosumar.

St. Saratoga (179th)
Previous Meetings: 2
World Cup 75 Qualifying: Starblaydia 3-0 St Saratoga
World Cup 75 Qualifying: St Saratoga 2-4 Starblaydia
Total: P2 W2 D0 L0 GF7 GA2

With their national sport being a choice of Baseball, Basketball and Lacrosse, St Saratoga have been competing in the world cup since the 72nd edition with no particularly major landmarks or scalps. They are, however, an exceptionally young team, with only four players over the age of 25 in the squad. Top scorer Hans Klatt appears to have been benched by manager Christian Reinhardt, however, leaving the links of Wenzel and Putzig to try and take up the mantle at the head of a 3-5-2 formation.

Starblaydia will be hoping to match the results of the last meetings, however, with two consistent victories over the men in black and red. Starblaydia's assistant coach Jerzy Makuszewski will have particular interest in these games, as he was in goal during both matches twelve years ago.

Tveidalen (244th)
Previous Meetings: None

Debutantes at the Spaam/Drawkland Baptism of Fire, the Theocrats were eliminated in the second round on penalties after topping their group without a loss. Their high energy play, always exciting if not exactly of the highest quality, often sees end-to-end football for the entire ninety minutes, meaning there's never a dull moment. The key is to stop young Josef Rasmussen, however, as without him they seem to be a team who is all mouth and no trousers, in a supposed 4-4-2 formation that often feels more like a System Takil 2-2-6, such is the veracity of the Tveildalener attack.

Yuezhou (Unranked)
Previous Meetings: None

The first of the total unknowns from a Starblaydi point of view, the Red Dragons are yet another flippin' Rushmori team. If Starblaydia are to make a good showing of themselves in terms of qualifying, they;'ll certainly have to put the Rushmori sides in their place firmly behind Atlantian Oceania's most famous nation. Shutting down the aging Chen and international-class of Jiawei shouldn't be too hard, in the grand scheme of thigns, but there's always the danger that they can pull something out of the bag, and it's never wise to pull a dragon's tail.

Bape-Supreme (Unranked)
Previous Meetings: None

This young nation have done essentially nothing in the world game, besides enter the 78th World Cup and the 3rd Global Cup of Soccer. At this point, we're not even certain if we'll be facing sentient apes, humans or monstrous man-eating blancmanges, but as long as whatever turns up for the matches in Starblaydia is both hyped and willing to spend lots of their Yeezies on Starblaydi souvenirs, we're fairly sure it should be a solid six points for the men, women, Dwarves and Elves in the white and purple.

by **San Regada** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:31 pm

Regan National News Corporation
Super Eagles fans 'not confident' after reviewing opposition Group 13

SAN ANTONIO - The Super Eagles emerged from the Baptism of Fire not as champions, but rather shaken up after crashing out of the Round of 16 after being defeated 6-5 on penalties, embarrassingly to their mortal enemy, the Furbish Islands, systematically ending any hope that San Regada would progress to the quarterfinals in their first international football competition. San Regada started off the Baptism of Fire strong, with a 2-1 victory over AllahAkbarium in the first game of Group D in the wonderful city of Skaganes, with the Super Eagles coming back from 1-0 down scoring 2 goals within 4 minutes, first, with Hernández scoring a spectacular 36 yard strike which electrified the stadium, followed up by an equally astounding header from Saavedra in the last dying seconds of the game to secure a victory for the Super Eagles and gaining the first 3 vital points. In their next game against Islana Lunigo, the defensive might of the Lunigans forced the game to end in a stalemate, despite several explosive breakaways by midfield players in the late minutes of the game, securing another point for San Regada which allowed them to defend 2nd place, before stalemating once again against Kecrazia, with the game ending 1-1, allowing San Regada to maintain second place, much to the upset of the Lunigans who were banking on Kecrazia defeating the Super Eagles in order for them to progress on to the Round of 16, hoping to advance to the Quarter Finals.

The Round of 16 match against the Furbish Islands was full of controversy, due to San Regada and the Furbish Islands currently being engaged in a military conflict over the territory of Durba-Stobe. At first, Regadan players refused to enter the pitch at the same time as their Furbish counterparts and many Regadan ultra's manged to infiltrate areas dominated by Furbish fans and started massive brawls, attacking them violently, some even armed with weapons. After the fights were subdued and the match was underway, Regadan players absolutely punished the Furbish, with heavy and brutal tackles sending many Furbish players flying into the air, elbows and punches being thrown when Furbish players were on the ball and some Regadan players even missing their kicks in order for the power of their swings to devastate the kneecaps and shins of the Furbish players. Several fights also broke out on the pitch, with the biggest fight occurring after the Super Eagles were defeated in the final penalty kick, resulting in Regadan fans storming the pitch to attack the Furbish and all hell breaking loose on the pitch.

After returning home, there were many questions surrounding the performance of the Super Eagles. First, some people were disgusted by their violent actions against the Furbish but more importantly, the effectiveness of playing the standard offensive 4-3-3 formation were called into play and pressure eventually the 5-3-2 was adapted with several additions to allow for the increased offensive effectiveness of the formation. The traditional Saavedra-Hernández 2 man offensive was preserved, however the first changes were noted to be in midfield. Borre and Bejarano's positions were pushed up slightly with the intent to running onto the wings or the edges of the box with the ball and cross or pass it into the box for Saavedra or Hernández to finish whilst Torres stormed down the middle also with the intent to pick up the ball. Monreal and Toselli were brought defensively onto the wings, however they have the capability to both push up higher in support of Borre or Bejarno, or to drop back and complete a 5 man wall alongside Callejon, Martinez and Zapata to neutralize any opposition offensive.

But after looking at Group 13, confidence in the ability of Super Eagles to even qualify has dropped significantly. The Super Eagles arguably have the most challenging group, as they are ranked 234th in the world, they are up against the likes of Eshan, Eastfield Lodge and The Holy Empire, all of which are in the top 60 ranked nations in the world, as well as a potentially challenging match against Olastor and Acapais. Anonymous sources from within the Super Eagles' senior management have rumoured them to believe that the only matches that they will have any chance in winning are against Colonial Australia and Oontaz Dert Li Ng, which, looking at the ability of the teams in Group 13, does not seem like such of an inaccurate statement, as some Regadan fans have also reflected this general stance. In all, both Regadan fans and players are preparing for several hefty defeats and are not really expecting to finish in anything greater than 6th place.

by **Schottia** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 4:25 am

The Tale of Paul Thompson

Part one.

Burning

14. Paradise Street, San Marco, Port Christopher Two years ago...

The glare reflecting off the calm Esportivan waters was almost blinding, as Evelyn Conjure pulled open the silk curtains and stepped out through the large French windows, which lead onto her twenty square metre terrace-balcony. This was her favourite time of the day. At six-thirty the sun had not yet risen high enough in the morning sky, and the breeze coming in off the ocean filled her home with a cool, salty air. She walked across the still cold terracotta tiles to the ornate, iron railing, leaning against it as she looked out over the two and a half acre gardens. Down below sprinklers were already on, trying to soak the lawns in enough water to defy the climate and keep it green for another day. From what she could gather they came on a timer at about six - but all that was set by the team of gardeners who came with the house. She sometimes saw them pottering about, mowing the lawn, pruning the verge, she always avoided them. An inner sense of guilt kept her from facing up to the fact that she now had servants.

To say that the place was too big for her was an understatement. She didn't need nine bedrooms; she didn't play tennis, squash, or lawn-bowls; and the chances of her using the theatre with pretty much non-existent. If she were able to turn the clock back, then she would have politely declined the offer, and opted for a nice two bedroom apartment in town, with air conditioning. However, as a seventeen year old, she had been easily swayed by the offer of flash cars, golf club membership, $60,000 a week wages, and the prospect of Champions' Cup football. All of these things had helped to outweigh the negatives of leaving home, moving to an island that felt like a sauna, and playing in a league that was more or less a laughingstock. When you spoke to other players in the Super-League, they all had similar stories. No one was here for the fame or the football, they were all looking for a stepping stone, or trying to earn enough for their retirement.

Just one more season... you'd often hear people say. Set myself up financially, maybe put myself in the shop window... It was amazing how many of the city's expensive piano bars were filled with has-beens and never-will-bes; sitting sipping their beers or cocktails, pondering the next move - if they even had any cards left to play.

At least, for Evelyn, it felt like it was coming to an end. She had started most of Schottia's matches en route to lifting the Independents' Cup - the youngest player in the starting line-up, and she now had Champions' Cup football to look forward to with her club, Blue Coast 1981. The 1981 part said it all: a shallow, pretend football club, with no history, and a tiny disinterested fan base. This would be her last season for sure (although she wouldn't be the first player to delude themselves into this way of thinking), she had done enough to put herself in the shop window. She was twenty-one now, and it was four years since she left Soessch Ladies back home in Schottia. Four years of sweating her ass off. Four years of living the life of a lonely, friendless millionaire. Four years of hanging out with the same group of misfits. Four years of playing in a league that only had eighteen matchdays. Four years of playing in a league where the matches had commercial timeouts. Four years. Four years.

Evelyn was about to head inside to get ready for her jog, when she noticed something. Was there a wisp of smoke? Down there. Just where her garden backed onto the golf course?

The Ocean Shore Group owned the club, the stadium, and mansion Evelyn lived in, as well as the eighteen-hole golf course that lay between it and the sea. There was a path that intersected the fourteenth hole, which you could cross, leading you down to a pleasant walk along the cliff tops. This was a route she often took for her morning jog, providing she got out before it got too warm.

That was definitely a plume of smoke, the more she looked at it, the surer she became. Moreover, there seemed to be something protruding out of the shrub bushes, a long sliver cylinder from what she could make out. Evelyn didn't have her contact lenses in, so she went to he beside table and fetched her glasses.

'What th'fuck?!' She mouthed, as the lenses confirmed her suspicion. She almost jumped as he saw something move. It looked as if it were a limb, something pale and fleshy. It seemed to almost wave at her, above what looked like some crumpled metal framework. Eveyln ran indoors and re-emerged with her phone in her hand, swiping the screen open in preparation for calling the emergency services. She was at a loss as to what it could possibly be, but there was no chance in hell she was going down there to find out.

'Hello, yes. Eh, Ambulance please. And maybe Police too, I'm not sure. Oh, and I think I can see some smoke, so you'd better send a fire engine.' She held the phone to her ear while still peer down he bridge of her nose towards the rising smoke. 'Yes I know it sounds excessive, however I've just woken up and there appears to be want I can only describe as a... Wait... Fucking... Actually, scrap all that, I'm so so so so sorry. False alarm. I've got to go!'

- - -

'Ross! ROSS! ROSSSS!'

Evelyn roared at Ross Renfrew, as she shook him frantically by his already torn shirt. Beside him in the smoking remains of the golf car was another, older man, she had never seen before. The whole scene stank of rum, and there was broken glass laid strewn at their feet. Upon finding the two of them comatose Evelyn had initially been concerned, however, a quick inspection told her that over consumption was their problem rather than any knocks to the head.

'Bloody hell,' she stepped back, arms akimbo, shaking her head. Unfortunately this situation wasn't particularly uncommon - although steeling an electric golf car was a new one. Ross was a couple of years younger that her, and lived one mansion down, at the end of the street. He had just signed a new contract toward the end of last season, and was finding it difficult to adjust to suddenly earning $18,000 a week. Like Evelyn, Ross was also from Schottia; she was sure he'd said he grew up in a little village in West Belker. Both of them had been brought to the club during Barry Gorman's tenure, as he set about using the club's massive resources to tap up the best of the emerging talent in his native Schottia.

'Wake up!' She snapped, delivering a slap to the young centre-forward's face, before giving him another shake. Evelyn desperately wanted to spare him the humiliation of a trip to the hospital, for the third time this summer... As she tugged at him once more, without warning he slumped to one side, and she was forced to perform a little dance to avoid the stream of vomit hitting her bare feet.

'Nice...'

The act of throwing up seemed to revive something in the teenager, who looked paler than ever, drained of all colour except for his forehead, nose, cheeks, which were sunburnt and pealing.

'Eve?' he asked, looking up at her through glazed eyes, still unable to focus. 'What are you doing here?' He rubbed his scalp, grimacing with the pain of overconsumption, and let out a low groan. As he moved, Evelyn got a waft of stale sweat, alcohol, and cigarettes.

'What am I doing?' She asked, smiling at him eyes wide, words dripping with sarcasm. 'What am I doing in my own garden?'

'Oh fu...' Ross hauled himself upright, as if he had only just realised that he was sitting in a golf car. 'I'm so sorry, I...' He got to his feet, the shifting in weight causing the car to topple slightly, however the man sat beside him still didn't budge an inch.

'Who's that?' Evelyn pointed angrily at the man still laid prone in the passenger seat, shouting at her teammate the way a mother might with a child. The man was in his late thirties or possibly older, he was rotund, and balding in a way that made it hard to place his age. He was dressed in a pair of lightly coloured, beige trousers, and a blue shirt which was open at the front, revealing a podgy midriff covered in ringlets of brown sweaty hair.

'I've no idea,' Ross replied, dusting himself off a little. He looked at the man with a mixture of puzzlement and disgust. 'I was just...' He cut himself off, bending to pull the man's shirt closed in some vain attempt to give him back some dignity. This caused the man to snort a sort of mucousy snore, making both of them jump. At least he was alive.

'Well he was in the passenger seat of a car you crashed.' Evelyn whispered, not wanting to wake him. 'I thought you would... Have you been drinking with Chad again?' *

'Eh, ah, I dunno.' Ross shook his head, still unsure of how he even got here. 'I was with him at the start of the evening, but we must have got separated at some point. Look, I'm sorry again Eve.' Chad Duquez had joined from the Quebecois Project +90 a year ago, and had made an impact on the Blue Coast team in more ways than one. It had only been two weeks since Evelyn had come down stairs in the middle of the night to find the two of them had broken into her house, and were sitting, stoned, by her pool. They had been through her fridge and either eaten of manhandled the entire contents. When she found them, Chad had been gnawing on a raw steak. Despite her ability to act cordially since, she certainly hadn't forgiven them.

'So he could be anyone, basically?' She whispered, watching her teammate shrug. Evelyn looked him up and down, still trying to assess what to do with this elephant in the room. There was no telling where Chad and he had picked him, the man could have been some politician for all Evelyn knew about politics, but equally, he could have just been some drunk they has dragged off the street. She just wanted to keep her nose clean while her career was on the way up, the last thing she wanted was news of some drugged up politician crashing into her garden all over the internet.

'Should we call him an ambulance?' Ross asked through gritted teeth, as he tried to suppress the urge to throw up. There was now a loud humming sound building in his ears, and his heart was going like the clappers. He desperately wanted to go home and try to sleep this off. 'Maybe if we get him some water it will all be fine.'

'Evelyn shot him a scornful look. 'No, it won't be fine. Nothing will make this fine.' She glanced down at him again. She was stood there in her bare feet, wearing nothing but a pair of jogging bottoms, and a t-shirt; she wasn't really in any position to do anything. However she knew that the first golfers would be teeing off in half an hour or so, and she didn't want them seeing this. 'Come on. I think there is a wheelbarrow in my gardener's hut. We'll stick him in there and push him back up to the house.'

'I'm really not sure, Eve...' Ross answered weakly, wiping some dried gunk from the corner of his eye. The congealed residue from the night before.

'Look,' Evelyn turned in anger. 'do you want to get arrested?' She didn't need to wait for his answer. 'Then come on, you grab his arms, and I'll grab his legs.'

by **Port Christopher** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 4:59 am

Quite possibly the island's first footballing legend, Diego Bandos hung up his boots at the end of the regionals, bringing down the curtain on an extraordinary international career. The thirty-five-year-old captained Port Christopher from their first competitive match - a one nil win over Murovanka in the BoF- right through the numerous ups and downs. The team have seen some astonishing times, but also pretty dark ones over the last decade, and Bandos has been at the heart of it all.

However, with the midfield maestro's departure, a gaping hole has been left in the heart of this side - one they need desperately to fill. In this short article, the Sporting Times will look at a couple of the likely replacements who could be used to plug that gap. Undoubtedly, finding a player of Bandos' quality is going to be difficult; especially with the limited pool of players at manager Jim Reid's disposal. Given the control the Lexington Victory star used to exercise from that central position, it's going to be a tall ask for whichever player is given the nod.

Thomas Sanchez, 21 New Belfast Blues
Twenty-one-year-old Sanchez has always been seen as the natural successor to Bandos, but has this come a cycle too soon for him? The Blues star has played in Schottia his entire professional career, and qualifies for the Christopheran national team through his father. He has been one of the standout players for his club in recent season, albeit playing in the second tier of Schottic football. His playing style has always drawn close comparisons the departing team captain, and out of all the candidates, he is the truest central midfielder. Sanchez has proven to be a good clean passer of the ball, and showed a lot of maturity as the Blue's won promotion back to the SPL last season.

In terms of skill-set, he is by far the closest match to Bandos. That said, with no top fight football to speak of, and only a smattering of international caps, we need to question the wisdom in throwing him straight in.

Maeve Bronte, 24 Willox Street Pirates
Bronte was a former teammate of Bandos' at the Pirates, and the 35-year-old's departure actually helped pave her way into the first team. Bronte was one of the Port Christopher players who really stepped up the plate after the recent divisions, and has been a rock in the defensive midfield. While she plays a very different role from that of the departing captain, she is probably the best suited of the defensive-midfielders to push up the pitch. She has a lot more composure the Tomas Nazario-Silva for example, and is a far better passer of the ball. Bronte has a lot of experience too, and was a key figure in the Pirates strong runs in International Domestic football this season. However, with the defence being such an important element of the Christopheran side, one could imagine Jim Reid being reluctant to preside over a reshuffle of what is a well-oiled part of the team.

Bronte has a lot of international experience, and an understanding of the big matches. However, given that she already performs such an important role, is it really worth relieving her of those duties?

Ellie Graham, 22 Portus Independent
A hard working, hard-hitting kind of midfielder, Graham is very much your typical Christopheran. She was one of the top graduates from the newly formed national academy on the island, and the fans will be excited to see what she is able to come up with. She took a little bit of a risk and followed the big money to the Iron Syndicate, where she will likely either sink or swim. The move might prove to be more of a long-term investment, however, if she is able to stake her place in a side on the way up. It would be a similar story to that of Sanchez, in the sense that she has never really played at the top level, but Graham has even less international experience with only the one cap to her name. It would be foolish to bet against her forcing her way into Jim Reid's plans in the near future, but as for now, it would seem a little soon.

Good footballing pedigree and most certainly on the way up. However after one season playing senior football, she would be a massive gamble in the middle of the park.

Magnus Kellur, 19 New Dundee Star
For a New Dundee player, being asked to fill in for Dietmar König is a massive thing, and this talented teenager has been handed that very brief. The stocky little midfielder has looked very impressive since slotting into the starting line-up, and obviously has done enough to earn a call up. The teenager might be a little bit more of an attacker than a central player, but if the hype around him is to be believed, then Kellur is worth a punt. Rumour has it that he was approached by Schottia with a view to playing in the DBC, but nothing was ever confirmed. One of the player's biggest strength is his ability to hold up the ball, and the way he stands up to a challenge. Kellur's inclusion would certainly add some extra meatiness to an already hard-hitting midfield line, but nineteen is very young. Ideally, you'd imagine Reid would have liked to have seen him with another season under his belt, before pushing Kellur into a starting role.

He proves that there are at least a few green shoots in terms of youth development. However, there is the issue of his age, and maybe also his ability to play so deep in midfield.

Jim Reid will be heartened to know that he does have options, even if some of them would require shoehorning in. Over all, the main problem seems to be one of experience, and finding players who have enough miles on the clock. The metaphor would be choosing between a couple of hire cars for a long road trip, when you would much rather be sitting in your tried and tested old banger. Whoever gets the nod though, they are really going to have to hit the ground running, as a couple of slips is all it takes to derail a qualifying campaign.

by **Buyan** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:08 am

Steponas Teriouris waved one last time through the window – although he seriously doubted that any of the fans actually saw it - but even before his hand had been lowered, his glance glazed and redirected to the head support in front of him. Aiming to fend off any passer-by who felt like small-talking, he focussed on the safety instructions right in front of him. Initially a ruse, it was ridiculously melancholic to see those again after so many years. The big Buyanese airliners that could make their way to all corners of the multiverse had started a long, rusty travel to the dumping belt with the reign of Luberg and now their gaze was brutally interrupted by the democratic uprising. By lack of alternative, they had to do for this trip but apparently, no one had bothered yet to do something about the smudges on the window or the curled up warning pages, still redacted with the old spelling rules which gave them an antique appearance.

They formed a very visible warning light for the current state of the nation. The Uprising had been glorious and those who disagreed with that were wise enough to keep their opinion for themselves, especially after the fairy-tale return of Sil Moen. The subsequent feasting combined everything that made the culture so proud of itself, with boisterous music and dishes going round and round, being shared by friends and strangers alike. But at a certain point in time, the final plate was emptied, the last keg handstanded and the most enthusiast throat sore. It appeared to Steponas that at that point everyone had shook hands, gone home to sleep off the most stinging of headaches – only to wake up the next morning to continue life as was. The shackles might have been cast off but it seems as if the years of inertia paralysed the people.

Our people. Or at least, that was what Sil had personally asked him to use when discussing the support of the Buyanese. There was no one in the multiverse with whom Steponas had shared so many bed rooms with – hands above the sheets at all times, before you make any assumption - as the brand-new president of the Republic yet he felt more as a stranger as ever. They had stood side by side, being it for footballing matters or to represent the case of the disrooted Buyanese abroad but the situation had taken an unforeseen turn when a band of naïve liberators and intellectuals had put Moen on a pedestal. Steponas wondered whether underneath the freshly-created golden crust of benevolent leadership, showmanship and grand speeches, he would still be able to find the hard-headed yet brutally honest man whom he trusted. Maybe it didn’t matter as long his new subjects still did but, god… At times the national gaffer would have chosen some rebelliousness over this sheepish applause.

One would not have accused them – sorry, our people – of being lacklustre just a few minutes ago when the plane took off in Pajukas International, seating the whole group for the away fixture of the opening doubleheader. With clashes against Farfadillis and Boring Paradise leaning around the corner, Steponas was well aware that the visit to Cheongji could determine whether the campaign wasn’t over before it had properly started. Men, make them dream! had thundered across the airstrip, whose barrenness and potholes were hidden underneath the feet of a couple of thousand fans in blue and red. They – sorry, our people – looked lean, but not mean. It seemed as if the satisfactory aura of Sil, who smiled when the hands got together like a crooner singing his best hit in the biggest hotel in town, had worn off on those who witnessed his speech. Or whatever you would call his collection of downtrodden platitudes and slogans that got droned as if by half-hearted cheerleaders. Make them dream… Someday, Steponas hoped, he could make them act.

”Coach, they forgot the fleeces.”

If one would have known Pawlo Marciak worse, he or she would take the sigh behind his statement as defeatism, an acceptance that things were not as they used to be. And that, as annoying as it might be, they would have to spend a night in the plane that offered little to no resources for a full sleep or at least one desired by a sportsman on the verge of another crucial performance. But Marciak, who took his role as a captain with his characteristic combination of focus and mild stubbornness, was rather indicating that he had arranged an alternative as he lifted a coat up a little with one of his remarkably long – even for a goalie – grip arms. The grit with which Pawlo had gotten his teeth into this duty, refusing to let go, amused and amazed Steponas. It had a certain hint of tragicomedy, the way an internationally recognised goalkeeper – if Crisisbless weren’t the best club of the best competition in the multiverse, they were damn close – walked past his slumbering teammates who earned a little more than a regular mason, handing out lost-and-found coats as if he were the fat guy at any amateur club, walking up with sliced oranges at half-time.

No complaint of the complete obliviousness of the staff. Not a word on the fact that most seats on this wreck of a plane refused to tip over. Obviously nothing about the lack of screens in the head rests, which would have allowed to relax or go through the highlight reel Steponas created of the WC76 appearance of Cheongji, when they stunned the Northern Sunrise Islands. Twice. Pawlo Marciak was acting so exemplary that he could go summa cum laude on a butler school. Teriouris knew enough of the human psyche that it was the attitude of the super professional but that in the back of his goalies head, a snowball of worries was piling up.

It would have been another explosive to worry about if it wasn’t one to join the back of the already long queue of question marks Steponas had to deal with. A group that looked to one another as potential opponents. The vast majority of the players who acted like stars but who were in truth some sort of reality show members, devoid of the talent or attitude to make a breakthrough for themselves – the rare exception aside. The very mediocre technical level and the poverty in tactical wit, so often crucial to get the higher ground in these international confrontations. And then he was still discarding all the issues present in terms of man management, where his guys seemed to glue together as if all were made of Teflon.

Steponas reminisced about the morning training, now just a few hours behind them. A simple exercise, a combination in the middle, moving it to the wing and then a sharp cross to either of the posts. As once again a useless effort of a pass soared near the corner flag, even Pawlo Marciak got tired of putting up a halfhearted thumb and lauding the attempt. The star of the Nepharim Premiership nod his head overviewing the ragtag bunch in front of him and refused to look caught when noticing that Steponas had seen it.

Make them dream. Let’s first try and make the ones on this plane, huddling in their ratty would-be blanket, act. ‘How’ was still to be determined. It were not only the smudges on the window and the sun making its escape behind the horizon that made it impossible for the manager of the rekindled Buyanese team to see where he was going.

by **Sargossa** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:06 am

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport

Qualification Venues Announced

Blanco Borrayo reports;

‘No one expected it to be easy.’ Such was the verdict of Football Federation chief Hernán Sandoval following the World Cup qualification draw in Cosumar. And it isn't. In fact we can’t recall a group draw that was quite so littered with bear traps. Traditionally the heavy hitters reside in Pots 1 and 2 but not here. For example, way down in Pot 8 sat former world champions and longtime Sargossan nemesis the Polar Islandstates, the always dangerous Yesopalitha, the Corsairs’ bogey team Astograth and Esportivan giants Apox. Even Pot 9, dear, sweet Pot 9, home to minnows and no-marks alike. Oh, and twice champions of the whole gosh-darn Sportiverse Cassadaigua. It was a funny old draw and one that saw Sargossa happily swerve the aforementioned banana skins, albeit while still finishing in a group among foes both new and old.

As promised Sandoval and the FFS have dispatched the national side all around the archipelago, in contrast to the Soluca-centric scheduling of recent campaigns. But there’d been no denying that the capital would retain a slight hosting privilege, playing home to two of the eight qualifiers. Oddly though, neither of the top two seeds will be visiting the Estadio Generalissmo Joaquín Delgado. Instead it’s the nation from Pot 4 who’ll be first up, that nation is Darmen and we and they go way back. Fourteen times previously Corsairs and All-Greens have clashed, with Sargossa winning seven to the Darmenis three. Fans may speak fondly of rivalries with the Polarians, Pasarga and the Big Blues but Darmen are comfortably Sargossa’s most implacable foe.

The second visitor to Soluca needs no introduction, it’s an Atlantian nation known as Starblaydia. The Blades, the Purple Peril, the Men In Mauve, whatever you call them they are a nation with a long and storied history. Culminating, of course, with a joint record five world titles. Oddly enough, for a nation with such a past, the third seeds have very little experience against the rest of Group 12’s inhabitants. Fortunately we are here to redress that balance slightly. On eight previous occasions the teams in mauve and darker blue have lined up against each other, dating back to the Corsairs debut campaign at World Cup 47. And the head-to-head is not quite as one sided as you’d expected, with Starblaydia just ahead with four wins to Sargossa’s three.

Hoping to majestically rise well above a World Cup legend and two veteran Rushmori nations is top seeded Nephara. Sargossa and Nephara first clashed when the Corsairs edged the Cormorants out of a place at World Cup 66 by a single point, and only the most die-hard or delusional of fans would have said it was deserved. Then Sargossa coach Iarlaith Mag Aonghusa stated at the time that Nephara were ‘destined for big things’ and so they proved in conquering the world at the seventy fourth edition of the tournament. They may not be coming to Soluca but the top seeds still deserve a big stage so we shall be hosting them in the nation’s largest stadium, the 119,354 capacity Independiente in Goza. The Gozan fans pride themselves on creating a raucous carnival atmosphere, a stark contrast from the often fickle and moody crowds in the capital.

Of the rest Mercedini are unquestionably the standout, sitting just outside the world’s top thirty. It’s been a rapid rise and one they’ll hope to continue in Maturín’s Ciudad Deportiva. Elsewhere the Corsairs’ road show will continue against St Saratoga in the southern bastion of San Marquez, the first time the side has played on Larissa since World Cup 66. The port city of Jucaro has proven a fruitful provider of points in the past, with nine Sargossan wins from ten fixtures played there. Barrios’ men will be attempting to continue that run against visiting Yuezhou. The record at altitude in Torreón is evening better, with the Corsairs unbeaten in nine matches. The hope is that minnows Tveidalen won’t blot that copybook. But before all of these fine nations it’s little Bape-Supreme who visit the Estadio Del Sol in the resort city of Dunas. The City In The Sand has twice hosted the Sargossan national side, with wins over mighty Saxony Silvia and Nassau Hessen, and the fans will be expecting three from three against the nation expected to finish right at the bottom of Group 12.

by **New Danican** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:07 am

New Danican Sports News

World Cup Groups Drawn

Hello and welcome to New Danican Sports News. Today's top story... groups for the 78th World Cup have been drawn. In total there are 15 groups, each with 9 teams, but we will be talking about only one, group 4 the group that the New Danican national team will be competitng in. This group consists of no unranked teams, as well as no top 10 teams. New Danican is the second lowest ranked team in this group. New Danican hopes to preform better here than in its Baptism of Fire appearance. Listed below is the team schedule for the first half of the tournament:
Home V. Away @Fixture
1. New Danican(277) V. Kalumba(69)@Grand Stadium
2. Heif(285) V. New Danican(277)@Heif
3. New Danican(277) V. Taeshan(51)@Grand Stadium
4. Frejo(234) V. New Danican(277)@Frejo
5. Bye
6. New Danican(277) V. Soltsteed(154)@Grand Stadium
7. Eura(16) V. New Danican(277)@Eura
8. New Danican(277) V. Sulsuland(120)@Grand Stadium
9. Flardania(33) V. New Danican(277)@Flardania

10. Kalumba(69) V. New Danican(277)@Kahali National Stadium
11. New Danican(277) V. Heif(285)@Grand Stadium
12. Taeshan(51) V. New Danican(277)@Taeshan
13. New Danican(277) V. Frejo(234)@Grand Stadium
14. Bye
15. Soltsteed(154) V. New Danican(277)@Soltsteed
16. New Danican(277) V. Eura(16)@Grand Stadium
17. Sulsuland(120) V. New Danican(277)@Sulsuland
18. New Danican(277) V. Flardania(33)@Grand Stadium

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:13 am

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL: ABANHFLEFT WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER JONASSON TO LEAVE AFTER WORLD CUP 78 CYCLE
By Malik Qazizadah

Abanhfleft women's national football team manager Holly Jonasson pictured during a training session in Rosenpfelblatz, Markovsky, Abanhfleft. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network Sports Channel/Andros Tasasa)

ROSENPFELBLATZ, MARKOVSKY - Abanhfleft's women's national football team manager Holly Jonasson has responded to rumors about her position by stating that she has decided that the current World Cup qualifying cycle for the 78th World Cup will be her last with the Lady Revolutionaries.

"This was not an easy decision to make, but in the end this was the decision to which my mind and my heart came to," Jonasson said in an official statement sent to the Samahang Futbol ng Abanhfleft and to CNN Sports.

"I have decided that this current qualifying cycle will be my last with Abanhfleft," Jonasson stated. "This decision comes after an honest estimation of my abilities, the abilities of the women's national team, and I have come to the conclusion that I have taken the team as far as I can take it and that someone new is needed to take the team to the next level."

The rumors that this was Jonasson's last year with Abanhfleft started when Jonasson was reported to have refused a new two-year contract with the SFA and only persisted when Jonasson refused to answer questions about the management situation, only giving oblique references to the future and finally stating that she would answer the question in the first pre-World Cup qualifier press conference.

"I shall remember fondly my years as manager of the Abanhfleft women's national football team even as I move forward into future endeavors," Jonasson concluded.

Jonasson will continue to manage the women's national team for the entirety of the World Cup qualifying cycle and, if the team qualifies, for the World Cup proper or, failing qualification, the Cup of Harmony. The SFA is reportedly already looking for Jonasson's replacement in advance.

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
ABANHFLEFT • PRIDNESTROVIA • OONTAZ DERT LI NG • COPPER CUPRUM • TRENDSTART • FHULGHAMOUS PENINSULA

WOMEN'S NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM: WHO WILL SUCCEED HOLLY JONASSON AS MANAGER OF THE LADY REVOLUTIONARIES
By Malik Qazizadah

RIUWIEE - With Holly Jonasson's announcement that she was going to be entering her final year of managing the women's national football team, the race is already on for who would succeed Jonasson after her contract with the women's national squad ends after the conclusion of the World Cup cycle. Here are the four (current) top contenders for the women's national team management job.

RANULPH BUSTAMANTE (Abanhfleft men's national football team)

With the announcement of Holly Jonasson's departure from the women's national team management job, there have been clamors from fans to go back to the way things were and have one manager handling both the men's and women's national teams. Ranulph Bustamante has done a good job with the men's team, picking up where former gaffer and current Ludogorets Markovsky boss Kasper Molak left off and led the Revolutionaries to two World Cups. Some of Jonasson's detractors claim that her reliance on the same 23 women for the World Cup qualifying cycle throughout her term as national team manager has negatively affected the development of women's football in the country and stunted the growth of potential replacements for the current crop of national team players, and these same people also claim that Bustamante's reputation for promoting youth players and calling up previously undiscovered players for the national team would help to revitalize the women's team and finally turn them into world-class competitors as well.

OWEN BEVAN (Abanhfleft under-18 national football team)

Owen Bevan's dismissal from the under-18 team following two consecutive finals losses in the Under-18 World Cup was surprising to say the least, and his supporters would be quick to claim that his sacking and replacement by Rashad Dammam, formerly of the under-15 team, did not lead the team to a trophy; instead Dammam only continued the trend of Abanhfleft losing in the final of the Sporting World Cup. Bevan is currently unaffiliated after taking a "personal" sabbatical following his dismissal by the SFA but the federation is reportedly willing to give Bevan another chance, this time as Holly Jonasson's successor to the women's national team job. However, the same concerns about Jonasson not rotating her 23-woman rosters at all are being applied to Bevan, who has a record of not replacing his own rosters unless the players have been disqualified by age. Still, his excellent man-managing skills are expected to give the women's team a boost if he does decide to take the job.

WALLACE PARTRIDGE (All-Inclusive Haranguer)

Wallace Partridge has experience in managing both male and female players, being the boss of All-Inclusive Haranguer and leading them to their highest ever finish in their second spell in the Fleftic Premier League last season at 11th place. He, like fellow women's national team manager candidate Ranulph Bustamante, will not hesitate to blood new players into tough games as well as bring in unknown names and turn them, if not necessarily into household names, then names which people will remember and not just dismiss off-hand. However, one of Partridge's negatives is similar to those of Holly Jonasson and Owen Bevan in that when Partridge has found a team that would win him games, he would keep that team intact as much as possible even when results are no longer going his way. Another factor which could eventually rule Partridge out of contention is the fact that he has committed himself to the Sand Tigers after signing a new three-year contract with his club.

MATTHEW CAVE (Rosenpfelblatz City Academy)

Matthew Cave is perhaps the least likely of the likely choices for the successor to the women's national team managerial spot, where some people would like to see him take over despite a lack of experience managing a full-scale football club and not just an academy and youth team. Cave's supporters claim that Cave's experience as Rosenpfelblatz City's head scout will help him identify potential players to call up for the national squad, something he is already doing on an informal and discreet basis for both Ranulph Bustamante and Holly Jonasson. For his part, Cave himself denies that he has been approached by the SFA and he has also admitted that he would not be likely to take the job as he would prefer to have more experience in management before making the leap to the national team.

World Cup 78 - Roleplay Thread

World Cup 78 - Roleplay Thread

Bonesea Nation & Stadium Information

Who is online