Handball World Cup 24 - Everything Thread

[Sarzonia]

The Sarzonian national handball team met its first goal of the second group stage after the third of four matches. Sarzonia already booked a place in the quarterfinals with one more match remaining, so the final match against Skopja was merely to decide who would earn the top spot in Group B and face the Group A runners up or who would end up facing Sylestone.

Manager Joyce Rodham played her depth players including both second- and third-choice goalkeepers and gave the starters the night off, but there was no drop off against unranked Skopja en route to a 32-22 victory that extended Sarzonia's winning streak to 22 matches across three Handball World Cups. The Stars finished 4-0 in the second group stage after going 6-0 in the first group stage for an overall combined record of 10-0, a feat matched by Sylestone. Skopja earned the other spot from Group B and will face Sylestone in the other quarterfinals match in the Sylestone half.

Thus, the Stars would face Group A runners up Juvencus in the quarterfinals, not Sylestone. If the Stars are to face the Hawthorns, that matchup would take place in the semifinals. Rodham admitted a Sarzonia-Sylestone match would be "a perfect final," but said Juvencus would be "a tough nut to crack" in their own right.

"There's absolutely no disrespect to Juvencus. It's clear they're an outstanding side in their own right. They've won eight of their 10 matches overall with only a loss to Sylestone in the second group stage and to HUElavia in the finale of the first group stage," she said. "We expect the Juvencus match to be a major challenge. There's no looking past Juvencus because if we lose that one, we're done with our title defence and the 22-match winning streak you folks in the media keep talking about."

The streak began, of course, with Sarzonia defeating The Royal Kingdom of Quebec in the final group stage match of Handball World Cup 22, then an undefeated run through Handball World Cup 23 and has continued with 10 additional victories in this edition. It included a row between Rodham and her superiors in Sarzonia Handball over Rodham's decision to suspend both starting goalkeeper Pat Agnew and defender Vivianne Taylor for insubordination for getting into an argument on the pitch during a knockout stage match. It culminated with an extra time victory over Kotzellach in the final that prevented Sarzonia Handball from firing Rodham. However, Rodham described that situation as "ancient history."

"We've dealt with all the ramifications of that," she said. "Winning a World Cup can cure a lot of ills, don't you think?"

In the Quebec and Shingoryeo half, Bollonich and Gatchingerrak Union finished as Group A and B winners, respectively. Lisander and Græntfjall were the runners up in both groups. Bollonich won Group B in the first group stage with a 5-0-1 record and won the second group stage with a 3-0-1 mark with a combined plus-50 goal differential. Lisander went 2-1-3 in the first group stage and defeated Raspotochje 28-24 in the playoff round to qualify for the second group stage after finishing third in Group A in Sylestone. Gatchingerrak Union also survived the playoff following a 2-2-2 third placed finish in Group E in the Quebec and Shingoryeo half, defeating Isle Noire to qualify. Græntfjall went 3-1-2 in their first group stage, finishing as runners up to Ardengard, Sarzonia's second stage Group B mates.

Rodham warned everyone in the press room that "it's all a one-match season from here on out. Win or go home

"We're not ready to pack our things just yet," she said.

[Sylestone]

The Sylestonean > Sport > Handball > HWC 24

HAWTHORNS MAKE IT TEN WINS IN A ROW, NOW FACE SKOPJA IN QUARTERFINALS

Castlelobruxo vs Sylestone @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough

Castlelobruxo Starting VII: Unknown

Sylestone Starting VII: Gotch (c); Strange - Hussey - Strezlecki; Radcliffe - James - McKean

CLEOROUGH, SYLESTONE - Back at Hagdon Park Stadium in Cleorough for the final group stage match, Sylestone’s Hawthorns fought off their toughest task yet with an enthralling 30-28 victory over Castlelobruxo, a side who required a victory in order to even have a chance of progressing to the quarterfinals following their loss to Juvencus. It did come at a cost though, with Jonathan Younger being handed a suspension in the 38th minute due to violent play as the Hawthorns were awarded eight cards, uncharacteristic in Sylestonean nature. Before the match, all Sylestone required was a victory, their tenth in a row since that loss to Græntfjall in the 22nd Handball World Cup. And they got it, if only just, meaning that the Hawthorns would go into the knockouts with a far more favourable matchup, against Skopja rather than the mighty Sarzonia.

Unlike most of their previous games in the tournament, the Hawthorns could not come out of the blocks firing, instead suffering an early deficit to the Bruxoan side. Their passes and intercepts were all over the place, allowing the fellow Esportivan side to gain the upper hand. Even trustworthy players such as Lole Strezlecki, Zac Radcliffe and Amber James struggled as the Bruxoans took a 9-6 lead inside the first fifteen minutes, much to the anxiety of the home fans at Hagdon Park Stadium in Cleorough.

Sylestone fought back in the remaining fifteen minutes of the half, though, but the Bruxoans were able to maintain some sort of a lead up until the break. By the time the whistle was blown for the end of the half, the Hawthorns were still two goals behind, 17-15, and had already used up their three yellow cards, alongside a red card.

Finally, with 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Hawthorns finally equalised with the score 23-23, and forged onwards. Despite playing aggressively and being awarded a total of four red cards and even one blue to Jonathan Younger (who would be handed a suspension for the remainder of the tournament) following a far too violent push of a Bruxoan winger in the 38th minute.

But, in a crude sense, it paid off. Lole Strezlecki came on and absolutely demolished the Castlelobruxo attack line in the final twenty minutes, helping to ensure that her side would take out the game, 30 to 28. It had been their toughest task all tournament, but the Hawthorns had done it, pulling off their tenth win in a row and qualifying as a favourite for the semifinal. Could they make it past Sarzonia to the final, for the first time ever?

---

QUARTERFINAL PREDICTIONS

Bollonich vs Græntfjall

Well, what a game this is lining up to be. Bollonich may have only been on the sporting scene for a little while, but they’re already making a name for themselves in multiple sports, with handball being one of the big ones alongside football, cricket, and others. They will be up against emerging powerhouse Græntfjall, the only side to ever beat the Hawthorns. It’s pretty difficult to have a tougher matchup than that, but there’s even more. The two nations have actually competed as a unified side before, in the Elephant Chess Cup, and are regional neighbours in Rushmore. A full house is expected at Attawapiskat for this match, which could well be the game of the tournament. However, the Bollonischians have looked very promising, and they seem to just have the upper hand over their neighbours.
Prediction: Bollonich win.

Gatchingerrak Union vs Lisander

An interesting match between two surprise packets, this match probably won’t see as high interest as the other Quebecois quarterfinal, but you cannot write it off. Lisander have looked scratchy throughout the entire tournament, but will undoubtedly be bringing their best game to the knockouts, while Gatchingerrak are probably favourites, if only just, due to their connection to fellow cohosts Quebec and Shingoryeo. However, this match will be a good one, and it’s important to not write off either of these two teams.
Prediction: Gatchingerrak Union win

Sylestone vs Skopja

Ahh, the Hawthorns’ match. While Skopja have had a brilliant run throughout the tournament and have deserved this spot with every inch, they would have to pull off a miracle to deny the hosts of their eleventh straight win in the tournament. While they will certainly be a challenge, the third-ranked side in the multiverse must be a favourite for this game in Betham, which is expecting a packed arena. Can they live up to hopes, or drown themselves in a puddle of their own making?
Prediction: Sylestone win

Sarzonia vs Juvencus

Despite the reigning champions, having never lost a game of handball since the beginning of the 23rd Handball World Cup, participating in this match, Juvencus are not out of semifinal contention. Not by a long shot. They’ve only lost two games this Handball World Cup - one to HUElavia and one to our very own Hawthorns and seem destined for greatness somewhere down the path. They will undoubtedly give Sarzonia a run for their money, but in the end, it is highly doubtful it will be enough.
Prediction: Sarzonia win

Semifinal Predictions:
Bollonich vs Gatchingerrak Union
Sylestone vs Sarzonia

---

Cards:

Castlelobruxo:
Unknown

Sylestone:
6’: Samantha Hussey ▮
18’: Jonathan Younger ▮
25’: Claire Raven ▮
28’: Lachlan Fosbrook ▮
38’: Jonathan Younger ▮
43’: Lole Strezlecki ▮
47’: Patrick Barnsley ▮
60’: Flynn Strange ▮

Goals:

Castlelobruxo:
Unknown

Sylestone:
Zachary Radcliffe - 8
Amber James - 7
Patrick Barnsley - 4
Lachlan Fosbrook - 4
Jonathan Younger - 3
Claire Raven - 2
Flynn Strange - 1
Lole Strezlecki - 1

Starting Lineup vs Skopja @ Seaside Arena, Betham

Gotch; Strange - McCartney (c) - Strezlecki; Radcliffe - James - McKean

Suspension: Jonathan Younger

Schedule

GS 1 MD1: Sylestone 31-20 Terradiu @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
GS 1 MD2: Sylestone 28-22 Lisander @ Chamberley Institute of Sport, Chamberley
GS 1 MD3: Kriegiersien 24-28 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD4: Terradiu 24-29 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD5: Lisander 21-28 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD6: Sylestone 31-20 Kriegiersien @ Avondale Arena, Avondale
GS 2 MD2: Sylestone 32-21 Juvencus @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
GS 2 MD3: The 14 Stars 21-32 Sylestone @ Palm Stadium, Pesfield
GS 2 MD4: Sylestone 29-20 The Jovannic @ Institute Arena, Chamberley
GS 2 MD5: Castlelobruxo 28-30 Sylestone @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
Quarter Final: Sylestone - Skopje @ Seaside Arena, Betham

[Bollonich]

Bollonischian Handball League

Matchday 1 is very much the time teams are still getting used to the conditions and especially following the long break between the seasons. The players too are coming into completely new outfits having played for the national squads for so long. It was clear some teams were still unsettled on match day one with two title favourites struggling on their opening outings. Matchday 2 again started with another fabulous encounter with the Bulls facing off against the Rockers. This match truly displayed the defensive solidity of the Bulls squad as they kept strong at the back. But so did the Rockers, and Brook player Der Boon played a massive role in this, greatly assisting a rather underprepared defensive structure. The match ended with both teams eventually managing to hold on, as the exciting match played into a rather unimpressive draw. The next match however was gonna be a crucial game for the Championship. Last time’s finalists faced each other in what was a hotly anticipated encounter at the Karvia Indoor Stadium. The match would not only serve as a platform for one team to get a foot over the other, but also following both teams losing on matchday 1 getting a victory here was even more important. The Tigers started the game with the all Bollonischian front three looking rather deadly with ample support from Ellery, Mikesson and Walsh in defense. The Kings however struck back with the beginning of the second half, as Maria Fury truly showed her metal. The Kings made a comeback closing the deficit by a fair margin however the Tigers were the ones who were just one inch in front of them, taking the win by the difference of just one goal which could’ve been easily won back in few extra seconds. The Wizards were a side, some people wrote off before the season even started and their loss on matchday 1 by that big a deficit showed signs of cracks in their structure. Writing them off however was clearly a mistake as they came back much stronger against the Frogs using that frustration of being written off in the game. They kept their foot in at all times making the right decisions when needed earning them a much deserved victory against the Frogs. Matchday 2 was packed with action as it also featured an anticipated Maihar Derby. The Lions who were clearly the stronger team coming into the season managed a relatively unchallenged victory over their neighbours. The Rovers also ran riot in their contest against the Yetis firmly asserting their dominance.

Matchday 2
Vreton Bulls 25–25 San Pablo Rockers
Karvian Tigers 24–23 Kings of Fermont
Torrijas Wizards 30–29 Marda Frogs
Akusha Rovers 34–24 Lagos Yetis
Maihar Lions 28–23 Maihar Warriors

The season is a long process and just a few matches in, things were starting to heat up. Teams were playing tight contests as all points were going to be crucial from this point on. The Bulls were once again playing the first match of the week. They were up against a good Maihar Warriors side who were coming off a rather close and tough defeat at the hands of neighbours Maihar Lions. Playing at home the onus was on them to prove that they were the strong team everyone saw them to be. The nature of the BHL is such that most if not all teams are on basically equal footing so predicting how a team will perform before a good chunk of the season has passed is basically impossible. The Warriors appeared to be kicking ass with their matchday 1 victory however things turned sour soon as they didn’t only lose the derby to the Lions but also suffered a beating at the hands of the Bulls and despite the scoreline not exactly reflecting the nature and brutality of the game. Their neighbours, the Lions faced off against a rejuvenated Yetis side who had made some smart signings in the summer making them one of the best sides in the league from dead last in the previous season. The game was off to a good start for the Yetis as Sieloff and Tea looked absolutely deadly up front and it was evidently clear that the Lions were in trouble. They attempted to make the smallest of comebacks but such attempts were clearly in vain as the Yetis held onto their lead and rose to fourth position with 4 points from 3 games. The Rovers who were looking strong challengers following the disappointment of the previous season. Playing the Frogs who were not the strongest of opponents, it was evident that the Rovers would be the favourites. And the favourites delivered once again scoring lots of goals, this was an embarrassing display from the Frogs who just showed how much they are off the level of some of the teams. The Kings of Fermont bounced back in strong fashion following two difficult losses as they scored some crucial points against The Wizards. The Tigers too followed suit with their title rivals defeating the Rockers as they rose to third on the table.

Matchday 3
Maihar Warriors 19–23 Vreton Bulls
Lagos Yetis 28–24 Maihar Lions
Marda Frogs 23–31 Akusha Rovers
Kings of Fermont 29–21 Torrijas Wizards
San Pablo Rockers 26–30 Karvian Tigers

[Gatchingerrak Union]

From future-time (15 yrs from now)-III

'So what do you do whenever you are in this part of the Twin Cities?' asked Jin Hyeong-Mi, as they took a walk around the area. There weren't a lot to be impressed about- just lots of trees surrounding the bungalows that were built back in the 1980s and 1990s, when the industries present here were on era-wide decline - but the walking routes were circular enough for them to at least spend some time talking. 'Obviously you aren't here often, but you did say that you have been visiting here over the last few years.'

'Mostly I prefer to go to the city when possible, but just walking around....though not really,' Henry Lundrigan said, before remembering that his wheelchair could go only so fast. The sense of loss just felt marginally greater, as he looked at his knees. 'I'm usually at home with mum and dad, mostly because dad has about a year left, maybe less in his life. Sorry I can't say much, but I'm sure it's known Sir. Asher is rarely in public.'

'Well, I'm the worst person to ask about it, if it helps you,' Hyeong-Mi chuckled, barely remembering the details. Sure, she knew who this literary giant of Henry's father was, but it was mostly because of the level of difficulty his books have been known for and nothing else. It would be a bit above her paygrade and age to remember his appearance, though Hyeong-Mi had made a solid assumption that the knight bachelor probably looked like an older version of Henry. 'I'm not really a Quebecois, though passport says so, and that's where you may have

'They don't read your father's works at the international school you went to?'

'Not really, because I went to a local school, a Folkeskole. If it were up to dad, I'm sure I would have played somewhere else by your age.’

Right, Henry thought to himself as he tried to figure out. 'So you play handball right?' he asked. 'Favourite player?'

‘Elodie Byeon-Nadon. Right back at the Nyhavn Handbold. Of course, not around anymore because she's over 40, but hey, one of the best players in the world at one point.'

'Of course I know who she is,' Henry nodded, as they started to climb a small hill along a curvy route. He was amused already. Sure, he's already known a bit about her, and the fact that she was a known handball prospect back in the Gatchingerrak Union, through his father Asher knowing her parents from somewhere he couldn't exactly recall. 'Who wouldn't? Though it sucks we don't get to see the rivalry between Golysheva and Byeon-Nadon - not that it was a long one anyway. She retired too early-'

'Yeah, some players seem to burn out quickly. You know, it's not an easy sport on your body and whatnot.' Hyeong-Mi nodded, before continuing. 'Do you play handball? I assume wheelchair handball if you do.'

'Yeah, funny how life had somewhat worked out with it, but I do.' Henry laughed. 'Almost as if I was meant to play it. Better than staying home and all that.'

'So what brought you-' Hyeong-Mi had tried to ask what had caused his injury, but was quickly interrupted by Henry. 'Well, what got you into handball first?' he asked.

'Hard to say, you know.' Hyeong-Mi shrugged, scratching the right side of her forehead as they slowly descended from the hill. He was sure she was taking lots of time, but was unsure on why. 'You know, growing up as TLK's (Tatiana Llnagaay-Kondratyuk) daughter, I guess people expected me to go into gymnastics. Had a lot of equipment for training and rehab at my place all my life and whatnot. But I kinda grew too tall for it, so that didn't end up happening. Dad asked why I don't I try different sports, so I did, and things kinda worked out? Volleyball's not big where I lived, nor was basketball. It's all handball this, handball that there, plenty of things to remember from the improbable run in Quebec, and the ones after. Or at least I think I did, but we'll have to see. What about you?'

[Sylestone]

Cutoff for the Quebecois quarterfinals!

---

Quarterfinal #1
Bollonich 35–24 Græntfjall @ Gwangbok Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

Quarterfinal #2
Gatchingerrak Union 29–23 Lisander @ Cannabiscorp Arena, Baja Calania, Quebec & Shingoryeo


Semifinal

Bollonich vs Gatchingerrak Union @ Quebecom Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Cutoff for the Sylestonian quarterfinals!

---

Quarterfinal #1
Sylestone 30–29 Skopja @ Seaside Arena, Betham, Sylestone

Quarterfinal #2
Sarzonia 32–19 Juvencus @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough, Sylestone

---

Semifinals
#A1 Sylestone vs. #B1 Sarzonia @ Institute Arena, Chamberley

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonian national handball team manager Joyce Rodham was concerned entering the team's quarterfinals fixture against Juvencus in the 24th Handball World Cup.

Besides the usual concerns of a team entering with an extended winning streak of seeing that streak come to an end in a knockout round match, there were other thoughts. One was a question a reporter from The Portland Press-Herald asked about her decision to play the team's depth players in the second group stage finale against Skopja instead of the usual starting seven. Was she concerned that the team wouldn't be able to turn on its intensity when they were playing with essentially house money.

"You wrapped up this second group stage and barely broke a sweat, even against the two highest ranked opponents in the group," the reporter asked. "Are you concerned that your decision to not play your starters will make it more difficult to get focused for the match against Juvencus?"

"Not at all," Rodham said with a smile on her face that she knew conveyed confidence. Privately, however, she would admit to her husband in a telephone call that she was concerned about that. And more to the point, she had heard rumblings from the other teams still fighting for a chance to advance that they were upset that she wasn't playing the team's normal starting lineup since it suggested the Stars would hand Skopja a spot in the knockout rounds without a fight.

After the team still defeated Skopja by 10 goals -- and Skopja still advanced to the quarterfinals to face co-hosts Sylestone anyway -- Sarzonia faced a Juvencus side that were also undefeated in their first five matches during the first group phase, only to falter in the last match. They also lost a match to Sylestone in the second group stage, but with a combined 8-2 record, they were a team that Sarzonia eyed warily.

Any concerns about not being able to ramp up the intensity were quickly dispelled. Sarzonia put an end to the competitive portion of the match early in the second quarter and demolished Juvenus 32-19, which extended the Sarzonia win streak to 23 matches across three editions of the Handball World Cup. They will face co-host and fellow unbeaten sides Sylestone at Institute Arena in Chamberley in a match Rodham called "a true road match."

"This might as well be a final," Rodham said. "I think a few fans are going to feel like they were shortchanged by having this match be a semifinals contest instead of the final."

Both the Stars and the Hawthorns enter this semifinals matchup with identical 11-0 records across both group stages and their respective knockout round matches. Sarzonia were perhaps more dominant during the first group stage, although they had the closer result as Praxedes only lost by three goals on Matchday 3, falling 24-21 to Sarzonia whilst the Hawthorns defeated Kriegiersien 28-24 on the same matchday. The next closest match the Stars would face would be a six-goal victory over Adengard in the second group stage. Meanwhile, Sylestone have won close matches in their last two, defeating Skopja 30-29 in the quarterfinals and Castelobruxo 30-28 in the finale of the second group stage. Do the Stars draw any confidence from beating Skopja by a 10-goal margin when the Hawthorns only defeated them by a single goal?

"Not at all," goalkeeper Pat Agnew said. "We're in a true away match in front of what we expect will be a hostile crowd against a team that are clearly among the class of this sport. If anything, we're concerned about the fact that they've proven they know how to handle a close match and we haven't been tested to that extent since Matchday 3 of the first group stage."

The other semifinals match will feature previous co-hosts Bollonich against Gatchingerrak Union at Quebecom Centre in Attawapiskat in Quebec & Shingoryeo. Defender Vivianne Taylor said the Stars weren't looking at either opponent.

"We've more than got our hands full with Sylestone," she said. "It's two undefeated sides in a match that should have been the final. We believe they're one of the best teams in the sport, and we're going to be completely focused on facing the Hawthorns."

[Sylestone]

The Sylestonean > Sport > Handball > HWC 24

SYLESTONE SCRAPE PAST SKOPJA, TO FACE SARZONIA IN BLOCKBUSTER SEMIFINAL

Sylestone vs Skopja @ Seaside Arena, Betham

Sylestone Starting VII: Gotch; Strange - McCartney (c) - Strezlecki; Radcliffe - James - McKean

Skopja Starting VII: Mazza; Ivanov - Dimitrov - Gjorgievski; Atanasov - Popovski - Kumanovski

BETHAM, SYLESTONE - After scraping past Castlelobruxo by a mere two goals in Cleorough just a few days back to ensure a perfect second group stage, the Hawthorns travelled to Betham for the first time in their campaign to take on Skopja, an unranked side who had only barely progressed from their group but were still showing promising signs for future Handball World Cups. The Hawthorns, of whom who had played at the top of their game for the first nine matches in a row, had all of a sudden looked in a shambles as they finally brought down fellow Esportivans, Castlelobruxo.

But Skopja would be a harder task, altogether. They only dropped one point in the first group stage, which consisted of the likes of Abanhfleft, Equestria and Annyeong Oppa, but lost to both Ardengard and more recently, Sarzonia, by ten points. However, that match would have been a great learning curve for the unranked side, and would be coming out of it far better than how they came in.

But it was clear from the beginning of the match that Skopja would be the Hawthorns’ toughest match yet. Not Castlelobruxo, for despite the closeness of that match, the hosts just could not find their rhythm, at all. But in this game they did, and yet they were being continuously pushed to score every time they created an opportunity, due to disciplined defending from the Skopjans, backed up by their attack line.

But still, the sheer experience and class the Hawthorns possessed came shining through in their hardest task yet. They were outplayed on numerous occasions, yet their hard training paid off time and time again, maintaining a lead for most of the first half despite being faced with brilliant defending, namely coming from centre-back Nedelko Dimitrov and goalkeeper Gabriele Mazza, both of whom were in the form of their lives. So despite Sylestone’s star pivots struggling to break through, all four wingers were able to play their parts to make up for it, ensuring Sylestone would have a 14-13 lead at the end of the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, a goal from substitute Skopjan pivot Salvatore Rais put Skopja in front for the first time since the opening ten minutes, much to the distress of the home crowd at Betham, who sat on the edge of their seats, hoping that their side could hold off these upstarts.

With the game swinging back and forth and both sides beginning to get slightly aggressive, Skopja increased their lead up to three points, 25-22, with only eleven minutes remaining, following a falter from Lole Strezlecki, beginning to tire. With no one to replace her, she remained in the Sylestonean back line, allowing Ljubčo Kumanovski a far easier way through to goalkeeper Bianca Gotch. But she held on, fighting her hardest, as her side began to claw their way back into the match with bare minutes on the clock.

With two minutes remaining in the match, a goal to Amber James finally equalised the two sides, the scoreline as close as it could be, at 29-all. The Skopjans had put up a massive fight and with this performance, fully deserved to go through, but would the Hawthorns let them? Or would the third-ranked side in the multiverse hold on and scrape through by the barest of margins?

With 45 seconds remaining on the clock, Lachlan Fosbrook scored Sylestone’s 30th goal, all but wrapping up the game. But Skopja fought on, pressing the Hawthorns’ defence, until finally, with five seconds remaining, breaking through. With only goalkeeper Bianca Gotch standing in the way, Skopjan winger Venijamin Atanasov shot for goal as the crowd held their breath. Gotch stuck out a hand, just deflecting the ball, as it honed in on the goal.

The deflection was enough, though. The ball hit the post and rebounded, back into play. The ball rolled towards the edge of the circle, but the time had run out as the home crowd descending into raptures, while the Skopjan players fell to the ground in despair. The Hawthorns, meanwhile, did not feel like celebrating, for their hardest-ever match was fast approaching. Sylestone versus Sarzonia, at the Institute Arena in Chamberley. The absolute height of handball.

What a match that will be.

---

SEMIFINAL PREDICTIONS

Bollonich vs Gatchingerrak Union

Following a comprehensive thumping of neighbouring rivals Græntfjall, Bollonich are going into this match filled to the brim with confidence, knowing that this Handball World Cup may be their for the taking. After a disappointing exit against Sarzonia in the quarterfinals of the previous instalment, the Bollonischians are out for blood in their first-ever semifinal in the sport. Meanwhile, the likes of Gatchingerrak Union will not be underestimated, barely scraping through the first group stage before finishing first in the second as an unranked side. Their quarterfinal against Lisander resulted in a close but comprehensive win, but whether they will be a match for this star-studded Bollonischian side is another matter.
Prediction: Bollonich win

Sylestone vs Sarzonia

In the sport of handball, there is no bigger matchup than this. The hosts, Sylestone, will take on the likes of Sarzonia in what appears to be an utterly thrilling game that seems destined to go right down to the wire. Both sides have not dropped a single point all tournament, with eleven from eleven wins each, although Sylestone have come closest to dropping points. However, unfortunately for the hosts, this may well be the end of the road, having looked shambolic against Castlelobruxo before Skopja nearly got the better of them in the quarterfinal, while Sarzonia dispatched of Juvencus, 32 to 19. Yet, the Hawthorns will always come back strong, and will refuse to give up. Can they finally finish off this outstanding Sarzonian side?
Prediction: Sarzonia win

---

Cards:

Sylestone:
16’: Ellie McKean ▮
35’: Isla McCartney ▮
45’: Lole Strezlecki ▮
52’: Lole Strezlecki ▮

Skopja:
9’: Zharko Popovski ▮
23’: Branislav Savevski ▮
31’: Slobodan Ivanov ▮
44’: Nedelko Dimitrov ▮
56’: Gabriele Mazza ▮

Goals:

Sylestone:
Zachary Radcliffe - 8
Ellie McKean - 6
Lachlan Fosbrook - 5
Amber James - 4
Patrick Barnsley - 2
Isla McCartney - 2
Claire Raven - 2
Isabella Bailey - 1

Skopja:
Ljubčo Kumanovski - 10
Salvatore Rais - 6
Zharko Popovski - 5
Venijamin Atanasov - 3
Salvatore Rais - 2
Slobodon Ivanov - 1
Branislav Savevski - 1
Grozdan Stojanovski - 1

Starting Lineup vs Sarzonia @ Institute Arena, Chamberley

Gotch; Bailey - McCartney (c) - Strezlecki; Radcliffe - James - Fosbrook

Schedule

GS 1 MD1: Sylestone 31-20 Terradiu @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
GS 1 MD2: Sylestone 28-22 Lisander @ Chamberley Institute of Sport, Chamberley
GS 1 MD3: Kriegiersien 24-28 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD4: Terradiu 24-29 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD5: Lisander 21-28 Sylestone @ Unknown
GS 1 MD6: Sylestone 31-20 Kriegiersien @ Avondale Arena, Avondale
GS 2 MD2: Sylestone 32-21 Juvencus @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
GS 2 MD3: The 14 Stars 21-32 Sylestone @ Palm Stadium, Pesfield
GS 2 MD4: Sylestone 29-20 The Jovannic @ Institute Arena, Chamberley
GS 2 MD5: Castlelobruxo 28-30 Sylestone @ Hagdon Park Stadium, Cleorough
Quarter Final: Sylestone 30-29 Skopja @ Seaside Arena, Betham
Semi Final: Sylestone - Sarzonia @ Institute Arena, Chamberley

[Bollonich]

Bollonischian Handball League

As we moved deeper and deeper into the season, the teams were starting to get into their groove. And a matchday 4 encounter between The Tigers and the Bulls would be crucial to any sort of title fight for these teams. Both sides were very strong, having made important foreign signings. The teams were so much on equal footing that it made this encounter even more exciting. The Vreton Bulls were at home, and having the support of the home fans was a major boost for them. Both teams were going toe to toe for the entire encounter, as no team was being able to run away with it. Going into the half time the scores were tied and it was clear to both managerial bodies that they needed to surprise their opponent. The Tigers made a surprising change, bringing off Maxwell Shirley a national team starter and put on the young Hannah Tyson. Shirley was not pleased in the slightest however Jenson knew what he was doing. The Tigers emerged out of this tight encounter with a small one goal victory as the substitution payed off massively as Tyson was involved in lots of offensive build up and even supported the defence. The Rockers rose a few positions with their victory over the Wizards asserting their strength and showing us that they do have what’s required to compete. The Rovers were faced with a tough task against the Kings, who had suffered a few setbacks going into the season were coming back stronger. And the Rovers had to be wary of this, as slipping up would not be an option in their own goal of achieving qualification for the WCHC. The Kings however were having none of this as they went on what could be right attributed as a rampage defeating the Rovers as they suffered yet another setback. Lagos Yetis were a side who had risen from uncompetitiveness within the time of one season to the another. They showed this once again as they defeated the Maihar Warriors, putting them on first place on the table. They are tied on points with the Karvian Tigers as the league is essentially very close the difference between the last and first team being 4 points. And in the last match of the weekend the Lions lost out to the Frogs very similarly to the performance put up by their neighbours.

Matchday 4
Vreton Bulls 29–30 Karvian Tigers
Torrijas Wizards 26–29 San Pablo Rockers
Akusha Rovers 24–27 Kings of Fermont
Maihar Lions 23–28 Marda Frogs
Maihar Warriors 23–29 Lagos Yetis

The Lagos Yetis would bee going toe to toe against the Bulls. This was an important match for both teams, as the Yetis would be looking to hold onto their strong position while the Bulls will be attempting to recover from their tight defeat to the Tigers. The Bulls were confident but so were the Yetis and this was not going to be an easy match from any stretch of the word. The Bulls however did start the match more positively. The Yetis seemed to be more focused on preventing conceding while not focusing on scoring themselves. This just made them soak pressure more and more, and having such an inexperienced team meant that this pressure inevitably overflowed. The Yetis struggle to manage the huge amount of pressure and eventually had to give in. Their loss was mainly attributed to the game plan along with the negative attitude with which they approached the game showing that they didn’t have everything figured out yet. The Maihar Lions were up against a rising Kings of Fermont size, as they were looking to climb the order. The Lions however were not gonna get steamrolled over and would definitely put up a fight. It was in their ethos, putting up a fight is what they did. They put up a fight in this occasion too and a good fight it was. They managed to not only compete with the title favourites but also caused a huge upset defeating them by a margin of 5 goals. The season so far hasn’t been the one the Kings would be hoping for as they have not only dropped a lot of points but they are struggling in 7th. Their direct rivals, the Karvian Tigers were however having a much better season as they were not only first but had lost only match and were on a four game winning streak having defeated the Wizards now. The Rovers too were on top form with a strong victory over the Rockers, as they continued to yo-yo about the standings in what was turning out to be an absolutely thrilling season of the BHL.

Matchday 5
Lagos Yetis 25–31 Vreton Bulls
Marda Frogs 27–22 Maihar Warriors
Kings of Fermont 27–32 Maihar Lions
San Pablo Rockers 29–32 Akusha Rovers
Karvian Tigers 25–24 Torrijas Wizards

   Bollonischian Handball League  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Karvian Tigers                   5    4   0   1   139  134   +5     8
 2 Vreton Bulls                     5    3   1   1   132  121  +11     7
 3 Akusha Rovers                    5    3   0   2   146  132  +14     6
 4 Marda Frogs                      5    3   0   2   139  136   +3     6
 5 Lagos Yetis                      5    3   0   2   136  133   +3     6
 6 San Pablo Rockers                5    2   1   2   139  140   −1     5
 7 Kings of Fermont                 5    2   0   3   133  131   +2     4
 8 Maihar Lions                     5    2   0   3   129  130   −1     4
 9 Maihar Warriors                  5    1   0   4   116  132  −16     2
10 Torrijas Wizards                 5    1   0   4   122  142  −20     2

[Sylestone]

Cutoff for the Quebecois semifinal!

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Semifinal:
Bollonich 23–16 Gatchingerrak Union @ Quebecom Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo


3PPO

Gatchingerrak Union vs TBA @ Avondale Arena, Avondale, Sylestone


Final

Bollonich vs TBA @ Gwangbok Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

With both nations having RP'd already, time to cut off for the other semifinal..

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Semifinal #2

Sylestone 29–29 Sarzonia (33–32 AET) @ Institute Arena, Chamberley

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3PPO
Gatchingerrak Union vs Sarzonia @ Avondale Arena, Avondale, Sylestone

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Final
Bollonich vs Sylestone @ Gwangbok Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

[Sarzonia]

Publicly, Joyce Rodham was confident in her team. And why wouldn't she be? After all, the Sarzonian national handball team had won 23 consecutive matches dating back to the final group stage match of the 22nd Handball World Cup and had completed an undefeated run to a championship in the 23rd. Not only that, but in this 24th edition, Sarzonia barely broke a sweat with only the third match of the first group stage ending up with the Stars winning by less than five goals.

Privately, she was concerned. Her team was miles better than any of the teams it faced, even dispatching highly ranked Srednjaci and Abanhfleft more easily than she had a right to expect from her charges. Sylestone were also undefeated in 11 matches coming into this semifinal she felt should have been a final, but they'd just survived a one-goal victory over Skopja in the quarterfinals and a two-goal victory over Castelobruxo in the final match of the second group stage. The Hawthorns were experienced in dealing with close matches and in overcoming adversity in a way her team wasn't.

She was right to be concerned. Regulation ended with the teams level, so they had to play extra time. With time winding down in the extra time session, defender Vivianne Taylor didn't catch centre back Paul Crowley frantically motioning for her to tighten her mark on left wing Zachary Radcliffe.

She's giving him too much space, Crowley would later tell the media his thoughts about trying to get Taylor's attention. Rodham noticed and looked up helplessly. She'd already used her team's final time out and the Stars couldn't stop the clock. Sure enough, as the clock slipped under one minute remaining of extra time, Radcliffe used the extra space Taylor's mark provided, wound up and fired a shot that bounced under the crossbar of the goal, off the back of goalkeeper Pat Agnew's right shoulder, and into the net. It would prove to be the match-winner, as third ranked Sylestone escaped the Stars with a 33-32 victory in extra time.

Unfortunately for Rodham and the rest of the team, the blood feud between Taylor and Agnew that had been simmering throughout this World Cup reached its boiling point after the goal. Both Agnew and Taylor were screaming at each other and it appeared they were about to fight on the pitch. The Quebecois official showed yellow cards to both players. Then Rodham substituted both players, sending in Jim Haverchuk for Agnew and George Wompers for Taylor. After the two players arrived at the substitutes' bench, Rodham lit into them both.

"You know better than that! Both of you!" she snapped.

"Go fuck yourself!" Taylor yelled back at Rodham.

"That's it! You're off the fucking team!" Rodham yelled back. Both manager and defender had to be separated by other players and support personnel. Fortunately for the Stars, the rest of the match passed without incident. Unfortunately, the streak was over, and so, too, was the fragile unity the team developed over the course of 23 victories. After both players and Rodham had a chance to cool off, Taylor had seen the tape and finally saw Crowley frantically trying to get her to tighten her mark on Radcliffe. She saw the shot carom off the crossbar and off Agnew's shoulder. She'd blamed Agnew for what she'd dismissed as a "soft" goal, not realising that it was her soft mark on Radcliffe that opened the door for that goal.

She then saw the exchange between herself and Rodham. She knew she was wrong. However, she was still packing her bags afterward and being sent home because she was off the team. Wompers would start in her place, and the Stars would likely be looking for a new right back, whether the player be a starter or a backup to Wompers.

Javier Lopez would start in goal for the Stars in the third place playoff because Rodham would suspend Agnew for their role in the fight with Taylor. However, because the sullen Agnew did not bark back at Rodham, they were still entrenched as the likely starter for the 25th Handball World Cup. So, the running rivalry between goalkeeper and defender would come to an end, though it was not the end anyone envisioned going in.

For Taylor, her time on the Stars was at its end. She'd walk away a champion. But, as she sombrely put it when asked about the 23-match winning streak now ended, "the only streak that matters now is a one-match losing streak. And that's going to be how my tenure on this team ends. It fucking hurts."

Sarzonia would face off against Gatchingerrak Union for the consolation prize, a bronze medal. They would do so without two key starters in the lineup. Rodham made clear the alterations to the starting seven were for disciplinary reasons, but added this time, that decision came with the full support of Sarzonia Handball.

"They told me, 'we'll support whatever decisions you make' when I advised them I was suspending Agnew and kicking Taylor off the team," she said. "Winning a championship last time out and carrying a winning streak into the semifinals gave me a lot more leeway than I had last time out."

[Sylestone]

Since I've had confirmation from GGU/Quebec that they're not going to RP, it's time to cutoff the 3PPO!

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3PPO:

Sarzonia 27–29 Gatchingerrak Union

[Sarzonia]

"No regrets."

Those were the two words Sarzonian national handball team manager Joyce Rodham repeated over and over when reporters asked her about her decisions to kick erstwhile starting right back Vivianne Taylor off the team and start George Wompers in the third place playoff for the 24th Handball World Cup and to bench starting goalkeeper Pat Agnew in favour of inexperienced backup Javier Lopez.

"If Vivianne hadn't kicked herself off the team for telling me to f myself, she would have been on the substitutes' bench as well," Rodham said tersely. "No, no regrets."

Sarzonia fell to Gatchingerrak Union 29-27 in the third place playoff to deprive the defending champions of any medals, even if a Cyanea sporting event would have granted pewter medals. Following the match, a spokesperson for Sarzonia Handball said the organisation "fully and completely supports Coach Rodham and her decisions to enforce discipline, even with a potential medal at stake."

"She's won a championship," said a source familiar with the thinking of the organisation. "Until the match against Sylestone, they won 23 consecutive matches. She's earned the right to make her own decisions about how to discipline her team. We've begun discussions with her representatives about a contract extension," the source added. "And we're looking to drastically increase her salary and other compensation because of the success she's brought to this team."

For her part, Taylor apologised to the team and to Rodham for her actions. Notably, she did not mention Agnew, whom she "never once got on with."

"I apologise to the team, to Coach Rodham, to the support staff, and to Stars fans everywhere for letting you down. I let my own anger over conceding the match-winning goal cloud my better judgment and for that reason, I let all of you down." She would not answer questions about her relationship with Agnew, tersely snapping, "next question!" and then walking out of the press room when other reporters pursued the matter further.

Agnew also apologised for her role in the fracas, declining to mention Taylor.

"I'm sorry to my teammates, Coach Rodham, the staff, and the fans for letting my emotions get the best of me and not behaving in a manner befitting these colours," she said. "I let everyone down and I regret my actions."

Rodham didn't address either player's -- or former player's in the case of Taylor -- apology.

"What happened happened," she said. "I'm not interested in apologies or forgiveness. I want to see how Pat handles themself in future." She specifically did not mention Taylor because, "she's not on the team and she won't be on the team as long as I'm the manager."

As for the Stars, some of the players indicated they would be on the team flight home from Avondale, but Wompers said he would stay behind to watch the final between Sylestone and Bollonich. He said he thought Sylestone would win the match.

"They're the absolute class of this sport," he said. "Bollonich are very good, but Sylestone are another level entirely."

[Bollonich]

Top 3 Victories in the History of Bollonischian Handball

The Bollonischian team had done it once again. They had done just what they did in Electrum making it the finals of the Handball World Cup in Sylestone and Quebec and Shingoryeo. Things however were not to get easier, we would be facing against Sylestone a giant in the sport of Handball. Sylestone’s journey so far in the tournament has been flawless as they have managed to avoid defeat in the 12 matches they’ve played. We meanwhile haven’t always looked at our game, with some slip ups. Slip ups which we cannot afford in games of such high stature such as the final of the World Cup. This final is the biggest match in the careers of the entirety of the Bollonischian Handball Squad. The team will be having their eyes on that shiny trophy in our bid for the Handball World Cup victory. And we want to take this moment before the biggest game in the sport of handball to slightly look back at the history of the Bollonischian Handball National team by looking at our three greatest victories.

3) HWC 23, MD1 - Bollonich 27–25 Croblade @ Vreton City State Indoor Stadium, Vreton, Bollonich

The first match on this list is of course our first ever match as a national handball team. Coming into the 23rd Handball World Cup, we were a new team and much wasn’t really expected from us. We however delivered regardless making the quarterfinals of the 23rd HWC before eventually getting knocked out by future champions Sarzonia in the quarterfinals. This was where it all started, this match. The match where we first made our mark on the world of Handball. Playing in our first ever competitive match in front of the home fans was a big ask. The stadium was packed full with Bollonischian eager to see our team perform. The rather inexperienced team went out to face the players from Crocblade. We started well with left winger Marietta Johns really looking on top of her game. The fluid passing from the defense to the attack helped in quick transitions from defending to being on the offensive. This often caught Croclblade out as we were getting on the scoresheet. Crocblade however were not being any pushovers as they gave us quite a tough contest. Heath Adair looked deadly going into the second half of the match as Adair was our main scorer. Substitutions like those of Johnny Harell and Maxwell Shirley provided us with fresh legs who could apply their 100% in the match. They provided more pace on the flanks and this quick thinking by the management turned the game on its head as we walked from the match with a rather narrow margin. But it was a win nonetheless and the fact that it was in our first ever competitive handball match was a reason for greater pride. This victory was a major boost in confidence for the national team who rarely looked like rookies in their first ever competitive international tournament clearly displaying the strength of handball culture in Bollonich.

2) HWC 24, SF - Bollonich 23–16 Gatchingerrak Union @ Quebecom Centre, Attawapiskat, Quebec & Shingoryeo

The 24th Handball World Cup has been that classic redemption arc which you see in superhero movies. Having been knocked out in the quarterfinals last time around we knew we were capable of more. And we had come back two years later, facing the Gatchingerrak Union. We have not only bettered on our past performances but also have a realistic shot at the final. Having defeated neighbours Græntfjall in the quarterfinals were now up against another Rushmori nation in Gatchingerrak Union. This was a crucial encounter if we were to make the final where we would face either Sarzonia or Sylestone. Unlike our first match, Gatchingerrak Union were a much stronger team than our first opponents Crocblade. We started the game rather conservatively looking not to make too many mistakes. We knew how important this game was going to be. Having a very solid defense greatly added us in keeping most Gatchingerrak attempts out of our goal. The occasional time when we were on the front foot pressurising the oppositions keeper we tried to score more often than not. Such a conservative mindset worked for us as we were leading going into the second half. Things were going our way however we needed to be careful as we knew what this Gatchingerrak side was capable of. Joseph who had been known for making some of the best substitutions pulled out an ace from his pocket in the shape of the youngster Lizbeth Townsend. The youngster provided vital pace down the centre which helped us with quick transitions and also allowed us to hold onto the ball more. This helped us hold Gatchingerrak Union at bay as we secured the win and a place in the final. The final of the HWC where we’ll be up against Sylestone, the side who just defeated Sarzonia. This was a crucial victory for the team putting us in a good position going into the final with lots of confidence. This also presents us with an opportunity to win our second title in two consecutive tournament showing how dominant we’ve been recently in handball.

1) 15th Olympic Games, Final - Bollonich 31–26 Qasden @ Warburton University, Electrum

The 15th Olympic Games had been a greatly successful sports operation for Bollonischian sports as we were one of the most successful nations in Rushmore and the multiverse overall. And our handball teams really displayed what they were truly capable of. Both the mens’ and the women’ teams made the quarterfinals where the women crashed out to a difficult loss to Tikariot. The men’s team however carried on their brilliant run with quarterfinal and semifinal victories reaching the finals. Both matches were incredibly close as this set us up for a banging final against Qasden in Electrum. The team realised this was their shot and they were not going to throw it away. We started the match against Qasden on the front foot looking to catch them out early in the game. They defended well, as the contest was going to be tight. Captain Reggie Mutton’s shenanigans greatly helped us in breaking through the tight defense set up by Qasden. Qasden however were not willing to hold back, they plowed on as they were looking to counter us breaking through their ranks. And they were fairly successful. Our goals were immediately getting counteracted by goals scored by the players from Qasden. The match seemed to be in a fixed state and neither side could actually influence it. The support staffs were looking for answers, answers to this problem. Answers that would allow one side to claim to be the best handball side in the world. The answer to the problem which would give one side the gold medal and the other the silver one. Both teams started to experiment and see what would stick on the wall. But a final is no place to experiment, but both sides did do this. And soon crack s started to appear in the games of both teams. Both teams were now looking weaker as a completely new game plan requires time to adjust to. And the players didn’t have this time. The game had now been split open and whoever would take advantage of this would win. And as faith would have it, the winners were us. The Bollonischian Mens’ Handball side won the Olympics gold in handball in Electrum. The handball side were on top of the world, figuratively and literally in their discipline. This was a huge achievement for the side and a confidence booster coming into the 24th Handball World Cup. It was us putting our name beside greatness, something we’ll have a chance to do once again against Sylestone.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

With Sylestone having told me he'll be unable to RP for the final, it is time for me to cut off for the final.

Bollonich 30–23 Sylestone

Congratulations and Commiserations.