Coupe Pomme D'Or Everything Thread

by **Cotdelapoms** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:59 am

Welcome to the first ever Coupe Pomme D’Or! The tournament is being put together by FédéFoot Cotdelapoms to encourage goodwill between Cotdelapoms and certain other nations with whom she has a sporting history or political involvement. At stake will be the Pomme D'Or, a golden apple trophy, and C$5,000,000. It will also be the opening of the new national stadium in Albionpool.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four, who will play one another in a single round-robin. The top two teams in each group will advance to the Semi-Finals. Tiebreakers will be head to head, overall goal differential, overall wins, goals for and finally a coin toss. The games will be scorinated on NSFS 3, and the full style modifier range of -5 to +5 will be in effect. I will try to scorinate between 9 and 10 pm EDT. I will be following KPB points, and there will be a cumulative RP bonus.

All matches will be on a "neutral" ground, as all matches within a group will play in the same place.

Group A (Stade Fédérale, Albionpool)
Cotdelapoms
Mytannion
Kagdazka & Pazhujebu
Valladares

Group B (Stade de la rue Acadia, Montréal)
Queer Poco el Mono Ara
Saugeais
Unitopolis
Osarius

MATCHDAY 1 (April 12):
1vs4
2vs3

MATCHDAY 2 (April 13):
1vs3
2vs4

MATCHDAY 3 (April 14):
1vs2
3vs4

MATCHDAY 4 (April 15):
Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up (Stade Fédérale)
Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up (Stade de la rue Acadia)

MATCHDAY 5 (April 17:
Finals (Stade de Cotdelapoms, Albionpool, the new national stadium, which will seat about 95,000)
Third-Place Match (Stade Fédérale)

A more IC intro will come after.

by **Mytannion** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 12:54 pm

MYTANAR NATIONAL SQUAD.

Starters are in bold. Player biographies are in italics. ASSUME 'YES' TO ALL RP PERMISSIONS. Just note that we appreciate realism and no killing of players.

GKs.
1. Teddy Jakobsen, aged 34 (Atletik Thessia).
The calm and controlled goalkeeper for the most successful Mytanar football team. The Atletik goalkeeper has only conceded twenty-two goals this season and he is one of the key-parts of the well-oiled Thessia machine. As he comes towards the end of his career, you'd expect his reflexes to become slightly slower - but they are still as brilliant as ever and he still makes brilliant saves. If he's in-form, it'll be hard to score against him.

12. Jep Imago, 27 (Sydney Rovers, Mossulia).
Imago is the goalkeeper for Mossulian side, Sydney Rovers. He currently has 18 caps for the national team and was a key player in the World Cup 53 run that nearly left the national side in the World Cup proper at the first attempt, finishing narrowly fourth (the gap between 2nd and 4th was a couple of points). He is a good keeper who is known for his diving saves.

23. Rudi Holzman, aged 21 (1896 Ebor).
The young Eborian certainly is used to the cold conditions in Ebor. He has plenty of time still to develop, but his main problem may be road-games. He gets very homesick. However, when at home - his performances are brilliant, he is a commanding figure inbetween the sticks and always tells his defence what is needed to be done.

LBs.
2. Adrian Njulae, aged 22 (SK Port Jarko).
Njulae is certainly a star. He has 32 international appearances even at the tender age of 21. He is a marauder down the left wing and gets goals regularly at club level by cutting inside onto his right-foot and curling the ball into the net. He has made over 175 appearances at club level, and it doesn't look like he will leave his club side anytime soon. His crossing is accurate and he is extremely quick.

13. Christian Parmova, aged 27 (1896 Ebor).
The 26 year old, is coming towards the height of his career. Although he is a more stay-at-home fullback than Njulae - he still retains a skill when going forward. He is reliable, and a tough tackler - not taking any prisoners. He is aggressive and prone to being booked for silly offences. He is still a good player however, and that is why Theo Wekkler has picked him for the national team.

CBs.
3. Speic Fyfat, aged 24 (Atletico Jutense, Cafundeu).
A big money move for the 23 year old came in 1989. Where he was transferred to Atletico Jutense of Cafundeu from FK Trunca, for a fee reported to be around 24 million vintems which is about M(C) 8 million (Myta Corun - the currency of Mytannion). He is tall, and strong - his heading saves the team regularly off set-pieces and he has scored two international goals this way. Meaning he is a threat at the other end too. He is quick, as most Mytanars tend to be - and a behemoth - making it hard to get past this tackling centre-back.

4. Ricky Aier, aged 29 (Litala '93).
Aier plays for an extremely unfashionable team, even though he is a top player for the national side. He is a slower defender, but his anticipation and tackling usually mean he doesn't need it. If he came up against a young, pacy striker and the team were playing balls in behind him - they'd be in trouble. He is clever, and inspirational - he normally gets the team going in the changing rooms. Although his musical taste leaves a lot to be desired.

14. Fahe Mahuc, aged 22 (Parr City).
A big money move for young Mahuc took him from Rotor. Argyres to the Moneybags of Parr City. The fee was around M(C) 12 million, and he has done brilliantly since he has moved to the Nastan side. He has the highest average tackles per game statistic of any player in any league in Mytannion and he is also extremely strong - and is good at holding onto the ball even when pressured.

15. Hannes Urz, aged 20 (Atletik Thessia).
Urz plays at right-back for his club and he does a brilliant job there for Atletik. However, he is naturally a centre-back and that is where Theo Wekkler has chosen to position him. Urz is a new-breed of centre-back, he isn't strong, a good tackler and good in the air. He is all of them, and more. He can go forward and create play, he is quick and has very good finishing - which is a sign as to why he has six goals this season in eighteen appearances at club level from right-back. His inexperience could be a problem, but it isn't expected to be. He plays with a maturity that a player with ten-plus years on him may not have.

RBs.
5. Swen Kislasson, aged 22 (Olympique du Fontvielle, Valladares).
Kislasson is the next big-thing to move from a Mytanar club to Olympique du Fontvielle. The success of Miroslav Filo's move to OF is a testament to how big an impact Mytanar players/owners have made to the club in the past few seasons. He stays back and helps the defence and commands the team well. He is quick, and his long-range shooting is extraordinary - he is famed for blasting in 30+ yard free-kicks. He is extremely intelligent and can read the game before things have happened. He is strong and a good tackler meaning he is a near-perfect fullback.

16. Leven Koc, aged 19 (Hastmead Diamante CFC, Osarius).
Is the next big-thing out of the Thessia '23 academy, after they produced Filip Bosc - Leven Koc, was spotted playing in the Zenit Toranj district of the city. He is short, which could be a problem - as he isn't all that strong, but he has beefed up a lot over the past few seasons and has got significantly stronger. He has now moved on to Hastmead Diamante in Osarius, where his national side team mate - Niek van der Smeejin plays. His pace and desire to win games are the two things which have helped him become such an important player to the national side and will probably make him important for his new club side.

DMs.
6. Jan Mufiak, aged 29 (SK Port Jarko).
Mufiak currently has four goals in eighteen games for his club side. Which is fairly good for a defensive midfielder, what makes him so important however is his drive, determination and tackling. He hates losing, and would do anything to win. He breaks up the play and then looks for the best pass and makes it near-enough every time. He can also make deep runs, arriving late into the box to head the ball into the net - and he does it regularly.

21. Niek van der Smeejin, aged 22 (Hastmead Diamante, Osarius).
Niek van der Smeejin is only 21 and yet is already a huge part of the national side. He is touted as a future national team captain and this is mainly because of his never-say-die attitude. He will not admit defeat and chases everything, even if it looks like it is a lost cause. He is a tough tackler, and is clever when he is on the ball - sprinting quickly and looking for good passes. He is a good crosser of the ball too and regularly runs out wide to dink a ball in, and can take good free-kicks.

CMs.
7. Robin Hjik, aged 21 (Atletik Thessia).
Only 21, and yet has 36 international appearances - the most by any player. He has also scored five goals, and is prolific from midfielder - normally making incisive runs past defenders and stroking the ball into the net. He is possibly the most important member of the national side. He is the captain, even at his tender age - and is the proudest member of the national side, belting out the anthem before every game. He is good going both ways and scores a lot of goals, whilst preventing a lot too.

8. Lenart Goricag, aged 26 (Decraa United).
Lenart Goricag is one of the most underrated players in Mytannion. He plays for a fairly good team in the domestic league, but he is their main man. He is a defensive central midfielder, who arrives late and volleys the ball in the net - sadly for his opponents, this happens a lot. He has made 29 appearances and has scored five goals, all five are either volleys or headers. He also has one red card, the only ever one a Mytanar player has received in international football. His tackling is occasionally mis-timed although it is normally perfect. What sets him aside from other players is his pin-point passing and timing, it is why he scores a lot of goals and also leads the assists charts.

18. Joep Bang, aged 39 (Atletik Thessia).
The legend that is Joep Bang is still going even at the age of 39. He has 28 international caps and one goal, and he still looks to be going strong. He wants to reach 50 caps before he retires. But that'd mean he'd have to start a whole lot of qualifiers. He is an old-fashioned warhorse, he runs, he tackles, he argues, he shoots and scores. He does what is needed to win games, and occasionally wins games by himself. He is the inspirational figurehead of the team and the younger players look upto him for advice.

19. Jukka Ritaile, aged 26 (Woodstock Wild, Sarzonia).
Ritaile is a tricky winger for club, and will normally be brought on to do the same thing for his country - whoever is in the Attacking Midfield position normally slotted into either left or right wing. His dribbling and pace make him a weapon and his crossing leads to him being top of the assist charts nearly every season domestically. He is sadly quite injury prone and fans sometimes wonder as to why he is still selected by Theo Wekkler for his country. He has also moved to a side which is in the second division of their countries league system - this means he will probably be forced out of the national side by another player.

AM.
10. Andre Witterien, aged 28 (1896 Ebor).
Witterien played for Dukla Nastalich FK last season and he has now moved to high-flyers 1896 Ebor, who are in the title-hunt. He can pick passes where there is seemingly no opening. When he twists and turns it seems as if the ball is glued to his feet, his shooting is amazingly accurate and he could be a huge, huge player for the national side. He curls in free-kicks regularly, and he is a top goalscorer regularly in the domestic league.

17. Uwe Rosler, aged 25 (Decraa United).
The 25 year old was a bargain buy for Decraa from Carrickfinn Rangers. He was bought for the price of thirty tracksuits and now he is a huge player for United. He is pacy, and that is his main weapon - his movement and position also mean that he is a handful for defenders. He isn't the strongest of players, but he usually gives himself a step or two on his marker to move away from them. His finishing is top-class and he scores a lot of goals.

ST.
9. Radoslaw Famoc, aged 25 (Eldorado, Cafundeu).
Famoc is the top international goalscorer for Mytannion, he has 11 goals in 31 appearances meaning he averages approximately one goal every three games. He was much more prolific domestically, and now he has a move to Eldorado of Cafundeu. He cost his new team M(C) 36 million, which is the record Mytanar transfer fee. He hopes to justify this fee, and he should - his finishing and pace make for a lethal combination, he is also amazingly strong and good in the air. This makes him near-enough the complete package.

11. Miroslav Filo, aged 27 (Marinos Metropolis, Valladares).
Filo was a huge player for his old club side, and he also has an amazing goalscoring record internationally. He received the Silver Boot award for being the second-top goalscorer in the Valladar SuperLiga, with 22 goals in 38 appearances for Olympique du Fontvielle this past season - he has now moved to Marinos Metropolis for big money - and he hopes to continue his good form for his new club. Internationally, he has made seven appearances and has scored six goals. Nearly a goal a game record, he's a strong, athletic forward who can blast holes in defences with blistering, bustling runs. His finishing is calm and he has amazing composure.

20. Sami Wunderlich, aged 23 (Dukla Nastalich FK).
The 23 year old is a clever striker, he is small - so he doesn't get himself into any physical contests and he relies on his pace to sprint past defences. He is very creative too, and he has great stamina reserves meaning he can chase everything and seemingly never tire. His passing creates a lot of openings for team mates and he is extremely un-selfish meaning he could score a lot more than he does. He has made one appearance for the national side and has scored one goal.

22. Lijenost Klinicki, aged 18 (Atletik Thessia).
The seventeen year old, was a surprise inclusion for the World Cup 53 squad. He is two years older now, and he has certainly gotten a lot better. He was good even then, but now he is improved. He is tall and amazing in the air, he is also surprisingly quick over short distances and can beat many a defender over a 10-20m sprint. He is an old-fashioned striker, strong, tall, powerful. He gets a lot of headed goals and is also good at shooting when the ball is on the ground. He has made 23 caps for the national side even at the age of 18 and has scored four goals.

Manager: Theo Wekkler, 57. He is the former manager of Atletik Thessia who are the most successful club in the history of Mytanar football. He resigned last season and now concentrates fully on the national side.

Assistant Manager: Uri Sacer, 50. The assistant manager is the one who does the scouting of players as Wekkler is managing his club side during the week. He also takes the majority of training sessions and is renowned for his no-nonsense approach - he makes the players work hard.

Attacking Coach: Lijenost Burton, 47. The famed amateur league striker, he scored 367 goals in 545 appearances in the Amateur League which was the top league before the introduction of the Mytanar Takillega (which is now the top-flight of Mytanar football). Is known to be quite lenient on his players, and focusses on keeping them fit for big games.

Midfield Coach: Danny Richardson, 63. He used to be coach of 1923 Esca, when they were the dominant force in the Amateur League. He was a midfielder when he played. He is known to wander off and drink copious amounts of alcohol rather than coach the players and leaves them to train themselves.

Defensive Coach: Alex Salmond, 58. He uses statistics to coach the defenders, working on the areas where the stats say they've been bad. He is usually visible on the sideline during games with a computer and a television screen - replaying pivotal moments to relay to the coach where mistakes have been made.

Goalkeeper Coach: Mirko Schettler, 43. The former goalkeeper for Miago City - when he was at the height of his career Miago were a force. He is fun and is known for strange training regimes that tend to work. 'Method in the madness' is the line he regularly gives reporters.

Fitness Coach: Lavdrim Yukov, 65. The former doctor, has some mad, mad methods - including repeatedly dropping buckets of freezing water over players heads and making them eat fried lizards to keep fitness. The players refuse, he simply says they won't win. This hasn't been proved either way yet.

Physio: Yohann Estev, 41. Possibly the most normal member of the team management, he does what is needed and does it by the book. If a player is unfit, he will advise the Manager not to pick him. A pretty standard physio, he isn't a miracle-worker.

Starting Line-Up.            
             1. Jakobsen
2. Njulae 3. Fyfat 4. Aier 5. Kislasson
              6. Mufiak
          7. Hjik 8. Goricag
            10. Witterien
          9. Famoc 11. Filo

by **Cotdelapoms** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:10 am

The Cotdelapomais squad. First choice in bold.

Goalkeepers
Thierry Junot (Clube Imperial, Cafundeú)
Maxime Lucas (Cosmopolitan)
Yannick Latendresse (Trothwands Evolution, Osarius)

Defenders
Einar Sigurdsson (Cap Nordique)
André Blanc-Senac (Vulkan, Kagdazka & Pazhujebu)
Salvatore Eagle III (Cosmopolitan)
Jonathan Barrie (Maritime)
Raphaël Dubé (Celtic)
Sev Alves (Sparta)
Loïk Malhot (Cosmopolitan)
Sandro Buono (Montréal)

Midfielders
David Morre (Cosmopolitan)
Jesper Jensen (Pythons, QPeMA)
Sacha St-Onge (Montréal)
Rodrigo Lopez (Celtic)
Jonathan Watson (Cap Nordique)
Iestyn Rhys-Lloyd (Pyramid AC, Zarbli)
Alexandre Faille (Montréal)
René Boisbriand (Nacional, Valladares)
Christian (Cosmopolitan)

Forwards
Per-Olivier Johansson-Bakvis (Metropolis Alligators, Valladares)
François Michalak (Central United, Cafundeú)
Huw Rhys-Evans (Ridgemont Town, QPeMA)

Style modifier -2
RP Permissions: Do whatever you want, but we always appreciate realism. TG me before you do anything drastic, though I'll likely approve it.

by **Osarius** » Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:03 pm

Having accepted the offer to compete in the Coupe Pomme D'Or, the OFA requested that Benedict di Corradi select a squad of 24 to take to Rushmore. The fiery Fourgian was annoyed at first, considering the tournament to be little more than a gimmick, but was eventually brought round by the OFA chairman, Lord Kenterbury.

"Look, Bene, I understand you don't want to travel all the way there for a tournament in a nation you have only recently started to hear about in international circles, but I have good relations with this nation. Their league is growing, and we have vested interests over there."

"Do you think players like Benni and Georgie care about this tournament? This is not an important trophy. If they win, they won't care."

"It's your job to make them care."

"How?! There won't even be many fans. They can't afford to travel all the way to Rushmore so soon after holidays. Nobody has money left! And why is this my job?! I am coaching, I tell them the best way to play. They are normally motivated enough."

"Consider this a test, then. It doesn't matter how much you think they are lacking motivation, we still can't afford to have the team perform poorly on an international st-... actually, why don't you just not pick the players who aren't motivated?!"

"Because they are not the best players. You want to win, right?"

"I just don't want us to be embarassed. And you need to take a strong team so the FFC aren't offended, and think we don't care."

"But I don't care!"

"Well I do. And so does the rest of the OFA board. So you don't h-"

"OK then why are you sending us to a tournament in the middle of the season? The King's League is most important to these players, and their clubs will not appreciate me taking their players away for a few matches."

"Let the OFA worry about that. You don't have to deal with the clubs directly this time, OK?"

"No! It's not OK. How can you call me the manager and then tell the clubs that it was your decision to play in this tournament?"

"You just said you were the coach."

"You know what I mean! You can't undermine me like this and expect me to deliver results when it really matters, or secure players services on international duty when their clubs need them!"

"You have a point... but please, just... trust me on this one."

"Fine. But when the King's League teams tell you they don't want to risk sending their top players right now, don't complain to me. I already told you this."

As it turned out, di Corradi was right. Most King's League clubs were less than willing to release their key players for international duty. It took for Benni Watson to request a meeting with the management at Firewood and express a desire to take part - a revelation which was subsequently leaked to the media, of course - before other clubs followed suit.

It turned out that the players' absences would be of little consequence in a league context anyway, as the tournament fell during a cup tie weekend. However, certain players were still held back, due to "precaution" and "injury concern". Whether these players were legitimate injury worries is debatable, but the OFA had pushed the issue enough. A breakaway league was the last thing they needed.

"Hey Bene, you pick the squad yet?" Giorgio Cassetti was with di Corradi, as usual, travelling to OFA headquarters. Next to him on the plane was Roberto Barzaglione - di Corradi's other assistant and close friend - watching videos of various players on a portable DVD player.

"No, he was waiting to finalise the list with us." Barzaglione muttered, without averting his gaze from the portable monitor for even a nanosecond.

"Why? Is there a problem?" Cassetti was stunned. "He never usually asks our input, what gives?"

"Something about preparation. Think his meeting with Kenterbury pissed him off last week. He won't talk about what he's doing after the next World Cup, so maybe he's finally had enough?"

"Don't be stupid, Roby. He wouldn't walk out of the job like that."

"Maybe not, but his contract runs out then. I'm pretty sure a guy like Bene would have little trouble finding club work. If not in Osarius, then another country. The media loves him, fans find him amusing... sometimes. And he's never been short on respect from players. Maybe he could end up coaching in th-"

"No. No way."

The two continued their little exchange, blissfully unaware that di Corradi was listening the entire time. He had, in fact, been considering not renewing his contract with the OFA. He was indeed considering moving abroad. His intentions had, for this tournament, been to allow his assistants to test themselves in a management role, too. That had changed just now. Roby's words, and Giorgio's reaction. Maybe he would stay on. Ehhh... the World Cup was plenty of time away. He could decide later.

"You ladies done chatting yet?" He finally interjected. "We got a team to pick. I got most players down already, the usuals in most positions, with a few fringe players and a few youngsters to test out... Think I should throw in some older, uncapped players?"

"Like who?" Cassetti spoke up first.

"I dunno... there's uhh..." di Corradi drew a blank.

"Stick to what you know, Bene." Barzaglione muttered. "Maybe take a few kids, for the experience."

"Which kids are best to take though? Defenders won't get any playing time, and midfielders will only get late cameos."

"Then strikers?"

"No... how can I justify starting a kid over Keon?"

"Maybe you bring the kids with no intention of actually fielding them. Just being with the older players, just being in the squad... it will help them, maybe?"

"Roby... since when have you been so good at this?"

Barzaglione looked up. "I pay attention, Bene."

"Alright, well... let me know what you think of this squad list."

01 - GK - 26 years old - Jasveer GULATI (Firewood City)
02 - LB - 28 years old - Georgina CARSLEY (Greeningham City)
03 - RB - 25 years old - Flavio AQUILANI (Trothwands Evolution)
04 - CM - 23 years old - Ayanna BARCA-CARTHY (Real Jraxville)
05 - CB - 28 years old - Reiss RYERSON (Firewood City)
06 - CM - 30 years old - Hope PERANIO (Hastmead Diamante)
07 - LM - 33 years old - Ashley WATSON (Trothwands Evolution)
08 - ST - 23 years old - Dante SPERANZO (Utica United)
09 - ST - 31 years old - Keon TINTO (Hollybrent)
10 - RW - 34 years old - Benni WATSON (Firewood City)
11 - AM - 25 years old - Francesco VILLA (Hastmead Diamante)
12 - GK - 23 years old - Marco CORRADINI (Burningham City)
14 - CF - 23 years old - Madelyn VALDEZ (Violia)
15 - SW - 24 years old - Katherine HOLLAND (Cymrwell)
16 - CB - 23 years old - JayVaughn HARRIS (Utica United)
17 - CB - 20 years old - Conor KINSELLA (Burningham City)
18 - RM - 23 years old - Enrico MARTELLI (Cymrwell)
19 - LW - 22 years old - Autumn PHELPS (Violia)
20 - CM - 22 years old - Alvaro INIESTA (Hollybrent)
21 - DM - 25 years old - Arun BANGURA (Grasshoppers Turic)
22 - CM - 19 years old - Jayson DHANDA (Utica United)
24 - DM - 27 years old - Marc TREVILLE (Callisto City)
25 - LB - 22 years old - Gennaro CRISCITO (Rapid Hearthlands)
26 - ST - 17 years old - Tia LOMBARDI (Bowsston United)

"Some big names missing, Bene. Couldn't you get them released?" Giorgio sounded a little concerned, to say the least.

"Nope. Didn't hear from the OFA regarding players at foreign clubs, either. So I improvised."

"You think Lombardi is ready? And Dhanda? And Kinsella?" Giorgio couldn't believe it.

"I think Dhanda and Kinsella are future captains, Giorgio. And young Tia will be a rival for our sons... and Maria."

"Maria is doing better than Ale, you know?" Roberto Barzaglione piped up, again. "She is probably closer to a breakthrough at Firewood than he is. But they work best as a team, so that will help him. I hear Hamel wants to send them to Parania or Arcaea on loan."

"Maria was always better. Ale thinks too much." di Corradi's comments on his children were no different to those he would make about any other Osarian player eligible for selection. Did he already see them like that?

"OK. But are you sure this young squad will be seen as strong enough? It looks like you're deliberately leaving out some of the best players."

"Maybe. Not my problem though, I did my part. If Kenterbury doesn't like it... well, he can s-"

** We are now approaching Burningham International Airport. Please return to your seats and fasten your seat belts. **

The air-hostess' voice on the plane's PA system drowned out di Corradi's mini-tirade and volley of curse words. The other two didn't need to hear it though.

((OOC: Thought I'd try it a little differently this time... setting myself up a little RP plot point, just in case. Of course, IC, none of you know he's pissed off, and its no reflection whatsoever on my OOC opinion.))

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:08 pm

The Kagdazka and Pazhujebu Football Association (KPFA) is proud to present the Federation national team that will play in the Coupe Pomme D'Or, managed by the notorious witch Baba Yaga and captained by goalkeeper Zubeida Ichuvihaja. They will compete against Mytannion, Valladares, and hosts Cotdelapoms in Group A.

Squad

Number	Position	Name--------------	Nationality	Gender	Age	Caps	Club-------------------
1	GK	Zubeida Ichuvihaja (C)	Pazhujebi	Female	25	57	Romans (Zarbli)
2	RB	Jahat Chahachim	Pazhujebi	Male	25	19	Juvapanam
3	LB	Innokentiy Vaskaryev	Kagdaz	Male	29	49	Urnabhi
4	RM	Fušia Oujadda	Pazhujebi	Female	20	22	Ranca Toco (Cafundéu)
5	CB	Kiril Akhmetbekov	Kagdaz	Male	22	0	Zhevassi
6	CB	Ryurik Mizirov	Kagdaz	Male	24	50	A.F.F. (Cafundéu)
7	DM	Vsevolod Ogorodov	Kagdaz	Male	22	0	Tênis Clube (Cafundéu)
8	LM	Yuzhissa Aghimaqaj	Pazhujebi	Male	20	0	Shadows
9	ST	Zlatko Zedafski	Kagdaz	Male	36	13	Étoile Rouge (Cotdelapoms)
10	AM	Šušan'ikara Ghur	Pazhujebi	Male	41	32	Juvapanam
11	ST	Charha Chadi	Pazhujebi	Male	28	25	Royal Khaldoon (QPeMA)
12	CB	Aqhorassia Bhara	Pazhujebi	Female	22	18	Urajbina
13	GK	Baltabek Ignatyev	Kagdaz	Male	21	0	Shadows
14	ST	Igor Omelchenko	Kagdaz	Male	24	16	Zhevassi
15	LB	Athaši Hu	Pazhujebi	Male	23	27	Vulkan
16	CB	Pirdassia Bawuah	Pazhujebi	Female	21	0	Juvapanam
17	DM	Hranush Litvinov	Kagdaz	Male	23	0	Vulkan
18	RM	Zosimus Ujubnu	Pazhujebi	Male	22	0	Zhevassi
19	GK	Olga Yakoleva	Kagdaz	Female	25	0	San Pablo (Aguazul)
20	RB	Speratus Ošafi	Pazhujebi	Male	25	0	Urajbina
21	CB	Arkhip Tikhomirov	Kagdaz	Male	26	2	FKM
22	AM	Nono Jariku	Kagdaz	Male	21	0	Xenon
23	ST	Chaya Vuhumkara	Pazhujebi	Male	36	47	Vulkan

Formation

Ichuvihaja

Chahachim        Akhmetbekov         Mizirov         Vaskaryev

Ogorodov
Oujadda                             Aghimaqaj
Ghur

Zedafski                   Chadi

Uniforms

There are not proper "home" or "away" strips for the Federation national team. The wisteria and green colors are worn when the team plays in Kagdazka, and the purple and black colors are worn when the team plays in Pazhujebu. For away matches, or for neutral venue tournaments (like the Coupe Pomme D'Or), the team will alternate between the two uniforms. These kits were created by Cotdelapoms.

Style Modifier

-2

Schedule

MD1: Mytannion v The Federation (@ Stade Fédérale, Albionpool, Cotdelapoms)
MD2: Cotdelapoms v The Federation (@ Stade Fédérale, Albionpool, Cotdelapoms)
MD3: The Federation v Valladares (@ Stade Fédérale, Albionpool, Cotdelapoms)

Out of Character Stuff

1. I reserve the right to make fun of you if you somehow find a way to make my team boring in an RP. How to avoid this: go nuts! Select my goalscorers! Book my players (even a red or two is fine)! Have my players get in a fight with each other! Have the referee show up drunk! Have my players get into naughty sexual escapades with your players! I'm game. I ask only one thing: no injuries. If any of my players get hurt, I would like to RP that.

2. Please, please, please, read my NSwiki article. I've worked really hard on it and mostly kept it well maintained. I'm delighted when I can tell that someone actually takes five minutes to do some research. I'm not so delighted when I hear made-up demonyms like 'Kagdazkan' or 'Pazhujebuan.' Which brings me to...

3. The proper demonym for a person or thing from Kagdazka is 'Kagdaz.' The proper demonym for a person or thing from Pazhujebu is 'Pazhujebi.' The two countries are VERY separate, connected only politically, NOT culturally and CERTAINLY not geographically. Again, there's lot's of reading material over here.

Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers? Y
Godmod scoring events? Y
RP injuries to my players? N
Godmod injuries to my players? N
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Y
Hand out red cards to my players? Y
Godmod other events? TG me about anything major, but probably Y

by **Valladares** » Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:14 pm

THE VALLADAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL ROSTER FOR THE COUPE POMME D'OR

Style Modifier: +3
Formation: 4-3-3
Coach: José Marín

GOALKEEPERS
1. Luis Fuentes - GK - 32 - Central United (Cafundeu)
12. Tom Moore - GK - 29 - AS Bezieres
23. Paul Lacombe - GK - 27 - Fontvielle Impact

DEFENDERS
2. Ruben Calheira - DR - 31 - Eterna Stars
13. Anthony Carvalho - DR - 28 - Tannenberg FC
3. Ivan Correa - DC - 26 - Marinos Metropolis
14. Douglas Russell - DC - 30 - Club Nacional
4. Jerôme Perrin - DC - 30 - Eldorado (Cafundeu)
15. Jenson Lennon - DC - 25 - Slateport Bulls
5. Freddy Edwards - DL - 25 - Nord Energie FC
16. Steven Silvera - DL - 24 - AS Vaud

MIDFIELDERS
6. Armando Rivas - MR - 30 - Ajax Carloburgo
17. Cèdric Lamont - MR - 29 - AS Bezieres
7. Tommy Taylor - MC - 29 - Porto Lacruz (Cafundeu)
18. Manuel Santos - MC - 24 - Olympique de Fontvielle
8. Paulo Oliveira - ML - 32 - Marinos Metropolis
19. Ryan Peterson - ML - 29 - Tannenberg FC

STRIKERS
9. Yoan Gignac - FW - 22 - Fontvielle Impact
20. Frank Zapata - FW - 22 - Tannenberg FC
10. Miguel Flórez - FW - 27 - Metropolis Alligators
21. Andrés Pérez - FW - 31 - Tannenberg FC
11. Jefferson Ospina - FW - 30 - Clube Comercial (Cafundeu)
22. Jean-Pierre de Roux - FW - 20 - Fontvielle Impact

Starting Lineup: Fuentes - Calheira, Correa, Perrin, Edwards - Rivas, Taylor, Oliveira (C) - Gignac, Flórez, Ospina

RP PERMISSIONS:
In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...
Choose my goalscorers YES
Godmod scoring events YES
RP injuries to my players NO without permission. I'll determine the severity if granted permission.
Godmod injuries to my players NO without permission.
Hand out yellow cards to my players YES
Hand out red cards to my players NO I'll determine whether my players are sent off or not.
Godmod other events YES only if they involve weather conditions.

Please no killings nor anything related to unrealism. Realistic RPs will be appreciated.

KITS:

by **Cotdelapoms** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:49 am

A Rivalry Renewed

It is easy to imagine Valladar football fans' reactions upon seeing that they were drawn into a group with Cotdelapoms in the first ever Coupe Pomme D'Or. After three consecutive losses to the White Apples, they want payback on Cotdelapomais soil. Fans of Tannenberg FC especially want payback after the poor results of the club under Cotdelapomais ownership and their deep hatred for Per-Olivier Johansson-Bakvis, who scored the winner in the last matchup during the Interzonal phase of WC 54 qualifying. Johansson-Bakvis has become the brightest star of Cotdelapomais football after it was announced he was the winner of the FFC’s player of the year award, and has been heavily used in advertising for this tournament, which will surely offend the visiting TFC fans.

For the supporters of Cotdelapoms, this first match brings with it cautious optimism along with weariness. Although the likelihood for crowd disturbances is higher for the matchup with Mytannion, the Valladar fans might be out for blood at Stade Fédérale should the Apples pull off a fourth consecutive victory, and the stadium will see an enhanced police presence for this match. Albionpool Police captain Owen Berman told TV17 with a smile “We don’t expect any serious issues- the traveling Valladares fans are very well behaved, nice people. We hope they will stay that way after the match, regardless of result- although we all know who we want to win.”

As for the actual contest, it’ll be another competition between the highly attack minded José Marín and his 4-3-3 and the supremely defensive Sacha Chrétien and his 4-5-1. Tactically, Cotdelapoms should have the upper hand- if Rhys-Lloyd and Morre are both employed in defensive midfield roles. Chrétien is not releasing his lineup just yet, but it is a poorly guarded secret that the 4-5-1 will look more like a 4-2-3-1.

What is not known is who the central figure in the 3 will be- it is assumed Jesper Jensen and Sacha St-Onge will play as per usual (in fact, Christian is the only other pure winger on the team), but the central figure is currently a mystery. Rodrigo Lopez tends to be the default, and has played excellent club football recently, but Alexandre Faille is likely to take over the reins soon- and René Boisbriand’s knowledge of Valladar football could be useful. Faille, should he not start, is almost certain to come off the bench to give his markers headaches. Regardless of who is in the middle, their job will be clear- get the ball to the feet of Per-Olivier Johansson-Bakvis, who loves to score against Valladares.

“I really enjoy playing in Valladares and I really enjoy playing against them, and I especially enjoy beating them. I’m going to forget about the alligators and the Alligators for 90 minutes and try to put one or two past Fuentes. Frankie (François Michalak, Luis Fuentes’ club teammate at Central United) has been telling me what to do since he gets to practice on him, I have some new tricks. If I get a clear chance I am going to score.” Johansson-Bakvis told us.

Although Cotdelapoms holds 3 consecutive victories over Valladares, they cannot take them lightly. They are higher ranked and perhaps more technically gifted than the Apples. Armando Rivas’s handling of Jesper Jensen will be very important for the Valladars and if they can use their numbers to break down the defence they should be able to resist the Cotdelapomais counter-attack. Valladares might also have the advantage of it being a rather pleasant, warm day, which takes away some of Cotdelapoms’ home field advantage.

by **Cotdelapoms** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:26 am

Helpful facts about Cotdelapoms to help you RP:

1. Cotdelapoms is on the western-most tip of the Goose Coast of Rushmore. It's nearest neighbours are Mytannion, Nova Cambria et PBI, Sirain and Whirl Islands. It has a generally very cool climate, with average temps of about 17ºC in summer, and -2ºC in winter. A lot falls from the sky in Cotdelapoms, the winters are very snowy and the spring is very rainy- it is currently the rainy season so feel free to RP showers.

2. Cotdelapoms is almost always going through a political election. For a long time when it was under the rule of French Albion, Cotdelapoms was isolated from the world, and since earning independence and involving itself with the rest of the multiverse, it's people have been frequently known to change what exactly it is they want from their government, so they will show their displeasure and the parties will set up a new vote. This has thus led to the people ceasing to care as strong, since they know it'll all change soon anyway. The current Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Dandenault implemented something sort of like the free market to Cotdelapoms, which has improved the economy greatly, but has also led to a wave of advertisements blighting lots of free space. Dandenault has also been slowly cutting into the rights of the people.

3. Violent crime in Cotdelapoms is very low, the people are generally good hearted and polite- but petty crime is through the roof. You won't be assaulted or mugged or killed in Cotdelapoms- but you'll almost certainly encounter some vandals, drunks, prostitutes and you will almost certainly be offered drugs on the street.

4. Cotdelapomais people are among the world's most cultured, healthy, peace loving and likely to be vegetarian, but don't call them hippies. They really don't like that.

5. Football is still the second most popular sport in Cotdelapoms to ice hockey, but Cotdelapoms is far more successful internationally in football due to the FFC being far less conservative than the national ice hockey council.

6. The primary language and culture of the nation is French, but further south there are more English and native people. The two cultures get along very well in day to day life, but have vicious political battles. One of the referenda to be voted on in the next election involves moving the capital, which will cost taxpayers millions, but put it in a more representative location, as Albionpool is in a highly English area.

7. For those of you playing in Albionpool, Albionpool is a very tall city with many large buildings that is both the nation's political and financial capital. Most of Cotdelapoms' major companies are located there, and demographics skew older and more English speaking. Notable attractions include the nation's largest ferris wheel in the centre of Harris Park and Windsor Square, the nation's largest open air market. Montréal is younger and skews more French, and is the nation's capital of music and art. Notable attractions include Parc LeBlanc, a very large park in the middle of the city with long hiking trails and a biodome inside of it with multiple ecosystems, and rue Bruneau, a long street with countless amazing restaurants, music venues, fashionable boutiques and strip clubs.

8. Cotdelapomais food is largely vegetarian (or pescetarian closer to the water) and is built mostly around herbs and spices and fresh produce and bread. The most popular restaurant is the chain french fry restaurant Fritidien!, and the food bears a lot of resemblance to RL French, Italian and Spanish food. The national dishes are poutine Cotdelapomais, which involves french fries covered in a creamy butternut squash and grilled gruyere and apple sandwiches.

Here is a map:

by **Mytannion** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:47 am

by Vladimir Hyralov

As the build-up to the World Cup seems to engulf all media in Mytannion, our boys have chosen to warm-up away from the spotlight that we turn upon them. They have chosen to make the short hop across the water to the Goose Coast and our friends and neighbours - Cotdelapoms. They are preparing in a friendly tournament named the Coupe Pomme D'Or which is a tournament celebrating goodwill between nations whom Cotdelapoms has a relationship with. It will also be a celebration of the opening of the new national stadium in Albionpool, the Stade de Cotdelapoms is a beautiful structure and has been brilliantly designed it is a fitting monument to the growing sporting history that our friends over there have.

If you look at our own team however, you see players who could actually win this small-ish tournament. Although our group sure is tough, with all teams ranked highly according to the most recent World Cup rankings. We are in Group A with Cotdelapoms, Kagdazka & Pazujebu and Valladares. We've played Cotdelapoms before in a friendly and lost 1-0, but the other two teams are slightly unknown to us. We have never played Kagdazka & Pazujebu and they have no players in our league - but we have players playing in Valladares and some of their talent playing in the Mytanar Takillega. We therefore have some knowledge over the way they play.

We play Kagdazka & Pazujebu first and they are certainly a top-class side, they've got players playing in some of the best teams and leagues in the world. Fušia Oujadda, the right-sided midfielder plays at Cafundelense club Ranca Toco. She will be one player to look out for.

If we look at our own side, we know what kind of formation we will be playing generally and we also know our secondary formation. We expect to play a straightforward 4-4-2, but the midfield is a diamond. So we play a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder. This is a creative formation and deviates from our normal style of play. Most Mytanar teams play a hard style of play where they knock crosses in or use the sidelines to get their strikers into space - it is a kick and rush tactic. Our midfielders tend to get the ball down and run and pass well. This is a little bit too creative for a normal Mytanar team, but this isn't a 'normal' side - it is the national side. We'll be hoping to make plenty of chances for a frontline which finishes its' chances. We'll hope this works, but if it doesn't - we'll be heading back to the old-fashioned tactic, a 3-3-2-1-1. 3 defenders, one defensive midfielder and two wingbacks, two central midfielders - an attacking midfielder/support striker and a centre-forward. If we go to this, it'll mean our first choice tactic isn't working and Theo Wekkler will hope that this isn't what it comes to.

Another thing that will be looked at will be the choice of strike partner for Radoslaw Famoc. Miroslav Filo is brilliant but he tends to like doing things his own way - and the Famoc & Filo partnership is based on the fact that the two are very similiar. Both are quick and strong, both are calm and composed infront of goal and both can finish. Sami Wunderlich is slightly different and could perhaps combine very well with either Radoslaw Famoc or Miroslav Filo. Wunderlich is small and quick, he could play off Famoc or Filo and let them play the targetman to head the ball onto him. He can dribble through defences brilliantly well and his pace aids this completely. Lijenost Klinicki also would offer something completely different. He's an old-fashioned forward, who is tall and strong and amazing in the air. Defenders fear him because if he gets in an aerial battle, he'll win it the majority of the time. He is also surprisingly quick over shorter distances and is good at holding up the play and bringing others into the game.

If Klinicki and one of Famoc and Filo were the partnership, it'd be an old-fashioned supporting striker and clinical finisher working together. If it is Sami Wunderlich and one of Famoc and Filo it would be pace and a finisher. It would be very surprising to play Klinicki and Wunderlich together as they both are relatively inexperienced on this stage - but it'd be a short and tall partnership. I think they'll stick with Famoc and Filo, but if they were to go with one of the other combinations - at least we have plenty of options.

We'll have to wait and see how Theo Wekkler decides to go, but the expected side is: Jakobsen, Njulae, Fyfat, Aier, Kislasson, Mufiak, Hjik (Captain), Goricag, Witterien, Famoc and Filo. This is almost the 'default' side but Wekkler could still spring a few surprises, as he always does seem to do...

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:55 pm

Mahathu's Number One English Language Daily

National Team Talk

Tertius Shajarhayam – It just isn't a proper Urchins match until you hear the slanted point of view of the Mahathu Herald first! So read on, dear readers, read on, and bear in mind that if you have comments on the subject matter you can go on our website to... oh wait! There's no internet in Kagdazka and Pazhujebu! The military dictatorship government banned it! Don't we all love our government so much?!

Ahem. Never mind. So anyway, let's dig right in with our analysis of the national team selections for the Coupe Pomme D'Or. Though this is considered a friendly tournament by most media outlets in the Federation, the selections are relevant as they appear to be the same ones Baba Yaga will make when the much more important World Cup qualifying rolls around.

First and foremost, everybody can see that this is a much-changed side. The average age has plummeted down in to the mid-20s, and that's largely due to a slew of veteran retirements. Although Šušan'ikara Ghur astonishingly still has not retired, there were still a lot of guys who hung up the cleats after the last World Cup. Among the names you won't ever see in a Federation shirt again: keeper Anton Denisov, defenders Plamen Radic and Boris Timriz, and midfielders Misha Spiridonov, Lazar Nikolic, and Slava Semënov.

Hmm. You know what I just noticed? They're all Kagdaz. So are the Pazhujebis taking over? Sort of. A youth revolution has most definitely begun, as one can see by the call-ups of various uncapped players. But about only a little under half of these new faces are Pazhujebi (Aghimaqaj, Bawuah, Ujubnu, and Ošafi), while there are a fair number of Kagdaz debutants (Akhmetbekov, Ogorodov, Litvinov, Yakoleva, Jariku). The overall split of the roster is right down the middle, half Kagdaz, half Pazhujebi.

Goalkeepers. Well, it's a no-brainer that Zubeida Ichuvihaja is wearing the number one shirt. I mean, the girl has just come off a championship year in the Zarblese Duke League with Romans, and is arguably the best keeper in that league. Poise is the single word that comes to mind. She has never in her whole life performed an acrobatic save. Why? Because she's never had to. She's always in the right place at the right time, indicating a superb ability to read the game. So who better to give the captain's armband to? Evidently national team manager Baba Yaga agrees, as Ichuvihaja has obtained the captaincy following Timriz's exit.

The other keepers that will tag along will be Baltabek Ignatyev, easily the best keeper in the KPFA League First Division for the last few seasons, and Olga Yakoleva, the latter being by far the more interesting selection to talk about. Ignatyev, well... that's pretty much a no-brainer too. He's big, athletic, quick... I mean, he could be starting if it wasn't for Ichuvihaja. But Yakoleva... she's just come off a season for the Liga Aguazuleña side San Pablo in which she leaked the most goals in Aguazul's top flight! San Pablo's fans want her gone... but then there are other reasons for that. She may or may not have left the Federation in the first place because she stabbed her boyfriend. Luckily she only wound up in a city where automatic guns are manufactured. Wait... well... whatever, she'll never see the pitch anyway.

Defenders. Looks like Baba Yaga's hyper defensive 5-4-1 formation of the last World Cup is gone, but she has still brought five center backs, which would seem like a lot to an outsider, but we at the Herald are frankly relieved she didn't call up more. A.F.F.'s Ryurik Mizirov is in lovely form and is at the perfect stage in his career, so he'll be depended upon to provide stability and strength at the back. Partnering him will be a former teammate (when the two were both still at Yastrabi), Kiril Akhmetbekov of Zhevassi. Akhmetbekov is well-regarded for having shored up a Galacticos back line that used to look a shade rickety, so he should do fine.

On the right flank we have the no-brainer to end all no-brainers, Jahat Chahachim, who's just come off the best year of his career and might be one of the Federation's best players. Though he theoretically remains injury-prone, he's unmatched for tenacity in tackling, pace down the wing, and crossing ability. But on the other side, there's a great deal of controversy. Everyone in the press agrees that Athaši Hu got royally screwed when he was not given the 5246 KPFA League First Division Player of the Year award, and now he's been snubbed again. Baba Yaga's blind allegiance to Innokentiy Vaskaryev continues, and though Vaskaryev remains a good, fleet-footed wingback, he's nowhere even close to the form Hu is in.

In general though, that's a sharp-looking back four. It won't be easy to score against Kagdazka and Pazhujebu (especially with Ichuvihaja between the posts). With the exception of the aforementioned Hu, who in our estimation should be starting, he's so good, the backup brigade isn't quite as top-notch (featuring Bhara, Bawuah, Ošafi, and Tikhomirov), but if any are called into actually they'll probably do all right.

Midfielders. This is where teams could beat us. If it wasn't for Ghur still being in there, we'd have almost no experience in midfield whatsoever. At defensive midfielder, it looks like Vsevolod Ogorodov is finally getting his shot, as somebody's got to fill Spiridonov's shoes. The upside: Ogorodov has always been highly ranked by neutrals and partisans alike for his toughness, passing, and clean-up ability, and he's just kept the Cafundelense side Tênis Clube out of relegation in the world's best league. The downside: he's woefully inexperienced and quite hot-tempered, which is not going to be a benefit for a team that had grown used to the calmness of Qiva and then Spiridonov.

And over on the left, well... this is really tough. First and foremost, the options were not excellent for Baba Yaga in the first place, as Semënov and Nikolic have retired and Thašighi is out of favor for taking too much time off from football to pursue her (mostly nude) modeling career. But second of all, the option she selected was not a particularly good one. I mean, everyone is really optimistic about this Yuzhissa Aghimaqaj kid, don't get me wrong... he's possibly a star of the future... and his form at Shadows was great last year... but come on! Baba Yaga had Vazavorski and Zbruyev to choose from, and neither of them even got a call up! Even though Vazavorski is about 56 years old... and even though Zbruyev is at a club in permanent mid-table purgatory... egh. Yeah, left midfield is tough.

Luckily, over on the right we have Fušia Oujadda. Though she's had some trouble adjusting in the starting eleven for one of the world's best club sides, Ranca Toco, and didn't really find any vein of form at all until the halfway point in the Primeirona season, she is still the Federation's best player by far. And, let's not forget, even with their shaky start to the year, the Sarrafeiros still lit up in the final third of the year and ultimately won the Cafundelense championship. Oujadda will likely look more like a right-sided striker (the position she plays at Ranca Toco) than a proper midfielder, but if called back to drop into defense, she'll do it.

Up top in the trequartista position is of course "Grandpa" Ghur. At 41 years old, he can barely walk anymore, let alone run, but he still hasn't lost his touch and can still play the precisest of through balls in past defenders, as opponents of his three-time First Division champion club side Juvapanam will tell you. We're just going to go ahead and assume Ghur is never going to retire.

The midfield backups are very, very, weak, however. Litvinov is carrying an injury despite having an otherwise excellent year for runners-up Vulkan, Ujubnu shouldn't even be in the team (though I guess he did score a couple clutch goals for Zhevassi in the most recent Globe Cup), and Jariku is great, but he's waaaaaaay too inexperienced to have any impact on the international stage.

Strikers. But who feels like defending Charha Chadi and Zlatko Zedafski? No takers? We didn't think so. Chadi is younger, fitter, quicker, technically more gifted, and plays for a better side (defending Pocoan champions Royal Khaldoon), but don't write off Zedafski. He may be 36 years old and may play for a lower mid-table side, but first of all that lower mid-table side plays right here in Cotdelapoms (Étoile Rouge), and second of all he's still got the perfect skill set for the role Baba Yaga needs him to play, chiefly, poacher. Chadi will be mobile, starting cutting runs to beat defenders; Zedafski will wait for crosses and long balls and hold the ball up. Chadi will be the lightning; Zedafski will be the thunder.

The most inspiring thing about those two, however, is not their on-field relationship, but their off-field one. Former teammates at Kuratmad Angels, the two had a well publicized fistfight that resulted in Zedafski leaving the club in a huff. Chadi left Angels a year later himself, and Angels never looked the same. But in the years that have since passed, the two have gotten older and gentler, and have made up. Now, having been reunited in the national team, they appear to be the best of friends, laughing and joking in training.

The two backup strikers are no slouches either, with the spectacularly in-form Igor Omelchenko of Zhevassi, and the not-so-in-form-but-still-über-experienced veteran Vuhumkara of Vulkan. Should Kagdazka and Pazhujebu need to add another attacking threat (as if Oujadda, Ghur, Chadi, and Zedafski weren't enough), these two will do fine.

by **Cotdelapoms** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 4:20 pm

Tonight's cut-off will be in one hour and thirty minutes. If there are no further RPs, this post will be used for the results of day 1.

by **Valladares** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:06 pm

Valladares Sports Network

COUPE POMME D'OR - The Valladar NT gets ready for its debut against Cotdelapoms

LAST CALL, ROUND ONE

By: Alan Rosero,
Blogger from "The National Kickoff"

ALBIONPOOL, COTDELAPOMS (VP) - The first Coupe Pomme D'Or, a friendly tournament organized by Cotdelapoms, will be the first stop in the road for the next World Cup, and it may be the final tournament for some of the valladar best players, i.e. Paulo Oliveira, who has been the team's captain for over seven World Cup cycles, and who has stated his desire of retiring while lifting a trophy. That could be the best recognition for someone who has done so many good things for the game and the team.

This tournament will also stage the opening of the new national stadium of Cotdelapoms, the Stade de Cotdelapoms, which looks beautiful and could look even more beautiful should Valladares reaches the final match. Going into the tournament's real important information, Les Gones were drawn in Group A, along with hosts Cotdelapoms and up-and-coming nations Kagdazka and Pazhujebu and Mytannion, all of them with history facing Valladares but with Mytannion as the only nation with all-positive results for us in the record (Remember a 7-2 trouncing before the last World Cup, guys?).

Although some valladar fans still do hold some resentment against Kagdazka and Pazhujebu thanks to their victory 3-2 in Corumbá, Chiquito two World Cups ago, which also destroyed our undefeated record at home, the more traumating memories come when Cotdelapoms comes to the mind. We are still waiting for a victory against them, and they already have three wins against us in the record, so a win against them during their debut in their own tournament is just and necessary.

As usual, José Marín will bring an overly offensive squad, with Tannenberg FC's new key man, Frank Zapata as the team's main new addition. During the team's last practice session in Albionpool, the coach announced "the team you will see during this tournament will not change its offensive style in this tournament and will look to always offer an attractive, speedy and direct offensive proposal no matter any defensive tactic the other teams use to counter us". Against Cotdelapoms, it is expected the match will be a "clash of styles", as Sacha Chrétien will be expected to give problems with his 4-5-1 formation once again. In the practice, the five midfielders can be paralyzed and neutralized with speed, and Marín will have to resort to this strategy while trying to score a goal as soon as possible, in order to give an early blow to the Cotdelapomais while getting them away from the match until a second goal comes.

However, Marín has not decided how he will deploy his offensive trio, as there are three possible combinations of players for the kickoff: Gignac - Flórez - Ospina, Gignac - Pérez - Ospina or Gignac - Zapata - de Roux (the latter one for something more local), however, it can be assumed the first combination will be the one that will be used for the match, as Zapata could be part of a "special surprise" Marín would be preparing, as he let us know before departing the VFA's training camp at Fauxham.

"The only thing I can say before the debut against Cotdelapoms is that we are preparing a special surprise for them. The circumstances of that match will decide the moment to use it, but the fact is that I will use it if I deem it needed."

by **Cotdelapoms** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:52 pm

MATCHDAY 1
GROUP A
Cotdelapoms 2-1 Valladares
Mytannion 0-2 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu

GROUP B
Queer Poco el Mono Ara 1-0 Osarius
Saugeais 1-0 Unitopolis

Group A Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Cotdelapoms 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3 2 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3 3 Mytannion 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 4 Valladares 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0

Group B Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Queer Poco el Mono Ara 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3 2 Saugeais 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3 3 Unitopolis 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 4 Osarius 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:05 pm

It was a cloudy, rainy morning in Albionpool, not far from Harris Park, where the Cotdelapoms' largest ferris wheel was rotating slowly. If you were a Cotdelapomais citizen going about your business, it would have been nothing out of the ordinary to see five people leave the hotel nearby, two with umbrellas over their heads. They all had brownish-colored skin, some darker than the others, but that wasn't that unusual; it just meant they were foreigners. But one individual still stood out, a short woman underneath one of the umbrellas. Why?

Because she was playing a harmonica, that's why.

"HEY J'TOILE ERAVOUX L'E DEMPI!"

Then another riff on the harmonica.

"HEY POSI PLENOUX LA POUR OUI!"

And then another riff on the harmonica.

"Oh my fucking God, Fušia, I have never been so embarrassed to be around you in my whole life."

"HEY J'TOILE ERAVOUX L'E DEMPI!"

"That's not even French, those are just made up French-sounding words."

"HEY POSI PLENOUX LA POUR OUI!"

"Seriously, will you please just stop? You're going to offend someone."

Her four companions were on the verge of forcefully wrestling the harmonica away from her when she finally stopped, chuckling uncontrollably. They strolled leisurely down the street, the other four still looking somewhat sheepish, but still smiling. After all, they'd played very well the night before and were quite proud of themselves.

The precipitation picked up quite a bit as they walked, and by the time they reached their destination (the nearest Fritidien!) the rain was coming down in buckets. The three without umbrellas were grinning awkwardly, soaked to the bone as they stumbled into the restaurant.

"Look, Fušia, now you're going to be the rude foreigner who wanders in with a wet umbrella."

"Athaši, do you know the kind of damage you can do to a harmonica when you play it in the rain? Besides, I don’t see you teasing Grandpa, he’s got one as well.”

"Yeah, but he’s like 94 years old."

The oldest one grinned ruefully. He didn’t really like it when the rest of the team made fun of him for being old, but he was good-natured enough to take it.

“That's right, Fušia, when an elderly gentleman like myself drips his umbrella in your lap, it's an honor. When a young lady like yourself does it, it's horrendously rude."

"Your mom dripped her umbrella in my lap last night."

The others gasped, though coming from Fušia, this was hardly anything out of the ordinary. She delighted in saying or doing ridiculously inappropriate things, even if it was at Šušan'ikara's expense. She was always cracking outrageously tasteless jokes with that characteristic deadpan smirk, but it lightened up the dressing room on long road trips.

The five got in the queue.

"I'll try that gruyere apple sandwich thingy," shyly asked the tall woman who ordered first.

"Sure," responded the Cotdelapomais cashier.

"I have a question," Fušia interjected. "Is what she just ordered appropriate for breakfast, or does she just look like a dumb foreigner?"

The clerk laughed, but didn't respond, which everyone assumed meant that it was not breakfast food. But he put the tall, shy woman at ease by saying, "it's fine." He continued to awkwardly eye them as they all placed their orders. As he told them their total, he finally couldn't help himself, and blurted out, "You all play for Kagdazka and Pazhujebu, right?"

They all smiled.

"We thought you'd never ask," answered Fušia. She had by far the biggest personality of the five, and yet she was easily a full head shorter than all the others. "Fušia Oujadda," she introduced herself with a wave.

"You..." the clerk was starstruck. "You're a striker for Ranca Toco!"

"Yup." She finally felt lost for a response; she still hadn't quite got used to the idea of being a world superstar and preferred to delude herself that she wasn't one yet.

Luckily for her, the others spoke up.

"Athaši Hu," said the one who'd been egging Fušia on.

"Šušan'ikara Ghur." said the older one with graying hair.

"Jahat Chahachim," said the good-looking quiet one.

"Pirdassia Bawuah," said the tall, shy woman who'd ordered first.

"So," the cashier asked, "what are you all doing here?"

"Uh..." the confused players all said, almost in unison. "We're in a tournament called the Coupe Pomme D'Or..."

"No, no, no. I know why you're here in the country, I saw your game yesterday. I mean why are you here in Fritidien!?"

"Oh!" they all said, again almost in unison. "Šušan'ikara said we should all get out and see the city, you know, appreciate Cotdelapomais culture," answered Jahat. "So we decided to get up this morning before training and check out some of your cuisine."

"Very good," responded the young man behind the counter. "So where's the rest of the team? I want to meet that Peregrina Thašighi girl, she's HOT!"

Fušia snorted. (She and Peregrina were not exactly the best of friends.) "First of all, Peregrina's not with the team, she didn't get called up because she was too busy taking her top off in front of a camera."

The clerk thought this was great. "AWESO-"

But Fušia went on. "And second of all, the five of us usually hang out on our own on national team trips. The others call us the Juvapanam Kids."

"We all grew up in the city, and in the football club's youth system, so..." Athaši trailed off.

"Oh, okay." And then the conversation drifted back into its previous awkwardness, and, having signed autographs for the clerk and having ordered their food, the five sat down near a raindrop-coated plate-glass window in the corner.

"Hey, congratulations on winning the title again, you guys, I don't think I ever mentioned it on the plane," said Fušia to the three current Juvapanam ZL players (Šušan'ikara, Jahat, and Pirdassia) as she took a bite of her butternut-squash-infused fries.

"Thanks," they said.

Athaši coughed conspicuously with a smile on his face.

"Oh, right," Fušia caught on, "and of course somewhat smaller but still sincere congratulations to Vulkan for second place."

"Nothing compared to you, sweetheart," said Šušan'ikara, who was old enough to be Fušia's father. In many ways, she was like a daughter... she was on the same path that he had been when he was her age (he'd played for Ranca Toco himself, a long time ago), but she was more successful than he ever had been, and for that he was very proud. "How does it feel to call yourself champion of the Primeirona?"

"Well, it's tough since my Portuguese is still rubbish," she muttered with her mouth full. "Only joking. It was great. But it's still taking some getting used to, their technique is unworldly over there in Cafundéu."

"Which is probably why they offered you a contract there," Jahat said with a grin.

Fušia kept herself from smiling. She was flattered, but it wasn't her thing to lap it up. "Hey, cut it out with the ass-kissing, Chahachim; I'm not the one who got named Man of the Match last night."

Jahat grinned, for it was true. He'd really torn it up against Mytannion; having been given a lot of space by Adrian Njulae, he'd had no trouble whipping a high-velocity cross in to Zedafski in the 10th minute, and the centre forward had chested it down and whipped a shot across his body into the far corner of the net to send the white-and-red-clad Étoile Rouge supporters in attendance into a frenzy. Jahat had half expected to have been shut down at that point, but the Mytanar side continued to give him plenty of space for the rest of the game, and in the 75th minute he'd been allowed to sprint down the pitch, listing slowly into the middle (the Mytanar fullback had been worried about Fušia, who had been alongside Jahat on the right flank). Since they'd given him the shot, he'd taken it, using the outside of his boot to hammer it off the inside of the near post and in.

"Hey," said Fušia much more softly, leaning into the center of the table. "So what's the latest with the you-know-what that the Partisans are planning back in Juvapanam?"

The tone of the conversation immediately changed. The three current Juvapanam players glanced cautiously at each other, and at Athaši, who looked as curious as Fušia did. This wasn't the kind of thing the five of them would discuss anywhere back in the Federation, or even with teammates from other parts of the country.

People from Juvapanam stuck together. They had to nowadays. The five all leaned in even closer, whispering in the corner of the restaurant. No one could hear what they were saying.

by **Mytannion** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 1:32 pm

by Vladimir Hyralov

Our first game in the Coupe Pomme D'Or ended in a loss against the Federation (or more commonly known to us Mytanars as Kagdazka & Pazhujebu - now there's a way to impress your geography teachers kids, you now know a more formal name for nation). They won 2-0, which isn't so bad for ourselves and at least we kept the scoreline respectable instead of being beaten badly by an obviously far-superior team. We played well, got a few chances - but in the end the experience of a team that has qualified for a World Cup showed completely as they beat us comfortably.

Adrian Njulae, even with all his experience was shown for the 22 year old that he really is as Jahat Chahachim gave him a torrid time of it. The first chance was made by Chahachim in the 5th minute as the Federation put pressure on our defence. He knocked the ball past Njulae, sprinted onto it and cut back inside whipping a low shot at Jakobsen - who did save it well, parrying it out for a corner. As the corner was floated in, Ricky Aier leaped above the rest to head it back out and the Federation regained control of the game - passing the ball around well.

Chahachim had another chance to run at Njulae soon enough and he did well, getting past him and to the byline. He knocked it across and Zlatko Zedafski finished deftly with a good touch on his chest and then volleying the ball into the far corner of the net. He ran over to the corner where some Etoile Rouge fans were and he celebrated in front of his club team's fans, the Cotdelapomais club of course having his services week-in, week-out.

Miroslav Filo had a chance in the 32nd minute and narrowly missed as he skipped past Ryurik Mizirov and shot with power towards the top corner of the net. It struck the bar and skimmed over and into the crowd behind the goal. We narrowly missed from a corner aswell as Lenart Goricag dived low to try and head the ball past goalkeeper Zubeida Ichuvihaja who also dived low to save.

Nothing much else happened until the 75th minute as the ball was kept in the centre of the park by both teams and both our boys and the Federation looked nervous to make another foray into the others' half. However, Jahat Chahachim wasn't to be kept silent for much longer as he was passed the ball on the edge of his own box and his team counter-attacked as he sprinted down the pitch and had acres of space with Adrian Njulae attacking. He cut across, dribbling towards Ricky Aier who just wasn't quick enough to catch the 25 year old speedster. Chahachim hit the ball low with power and it went off the post and in. He wheeled away in celebration to the despair of the band of travelling Mytanars.

"Fucking hell, whenever I seem to travel anywhere supporting a football team - they lose."

"C'mon Ben, 1896 do well on the road."

"Yeah I know... But that's 1896 Ebor, it is different in the Takillega - the quality isn't as high.."

"Ah well, let's get a Fritidien... We've had that before at least, and it'll be quick."

"Yeah, what will you get Yuri?" The man who was now apparently called Ben asked.

"I dunno... Probably a pomme frites or something, it's their original thing isn't it - they had a load of huge posters about it back home..." Yuri replied, slightly indifferent and deflated about the fact that the national team had lost.

"What, in Ebor?" Ben asked with wonderment, he had been away with the army for a lot of the year and so didn't visit home often. He knew what Fritidien was, but didn't know how much his home city had changed recently.

"Yeah, it's a huge thing now... C'mon, let's get inside and eat." Yuri told him as he held the door open for his best friend.

The two walked inside, glancing around suspiciously - normally Mytanars were greeted with a huge police presence even in friendly nations like Cotdelapoms. Ben walked upto the counter and asked for two portions of pomme frites and asked for them to be brought over. They found a window seat and sat in silence as they waited for their meal to come. Yuri breathed against the window, making it mist up - he traced a word in Mytanar - if someone who could speak the language would walk past - they would chuckle.

Ben sat grimly staring at the door, when they had entered they had been frisked heavily. Sure, Cotdelapoms was a neighbour and the most friendly nation with Mytannion - but the sports fans were known to cause trouble. The door opened once again, some other foreigners - possibly Valladar or from the Federation (they were the only other people based in Albionpool) - they had darker skin than Cotdelapomais or Mytanar people - who were both similarly fair-skinned. They obviously weren't used to the cold either as they blew into their clasped hands - trying to generate some bubble of warmth. Ben and Yuri hadn't noticed it when they had been outside. They looked familiar, it looked like Ben had seen them recently.

He looked away, not thinking much more of it - but he kept his ears tuned in to what they were saying. His military instinct always taught him that. They had an accent, it wasn't hispanic like a Valladar person - but different. They were from the Federation, no doubt - possibly fans or something. Ben then looked closer... He doubted his eyes for a second, then knew different.

"Oi, Yuri... Look at them people over there.." Ben told him.

"Yeah, what about them?" Yuri asked.

"Do they look familiar to you?" Ben answered with a question.

"Er. Can't say they.. Oh wait, yeah.. Oh Juko, that's Fušia Oujadda isn't it?" Yuri was surprised, as anybody would be as people they only knew from television and newspapers were in the same room as them.

"Yeah, and her mates..." Ben continued.

"Wow, what I'd do to her if I had a few minutes.." Yuri whispered.

"Look, Yuri - you're my best mate - but I still can't stay much for your taste in women... I'd much rather have that Peregrina Thašighi." Ben winked at Yuri.

"What, that slut who gets her assets out every two minutes? Nah mate..." Yuri said.

"I wonder why she's not here.. Probably been kept behind by that dictator they have over there, she's a woman too - and alright looking from what I know.." Ben laughed.

"What, they have a dictator over there? How'd you know that?" Yuri asked quickly.

"Military knowledge, isn't it." Ben stated.

"Oh right..." Yuri muttered.

"Well yeah, it started off okay for them - they were all okay with it. Not too pleased obviously, but not all too bothered. But she's been limiting the people's rights for ages. Wouldn't surprise me if some players got kept back."

The two continued in whispered conversation as the Kagdaz and Pazhujeb players sat and ate their food, occasionally glancing over.

Neither worked up the confidence to ask for an autograph.

by **Cotdelapoms** » Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:29 pm

OOC: my computer is being difficult with its connection, so this is on my phone. nsfs still works, though!

Kagdazka & Pazhujebu 1-1 Cotdelapoms
Mytannion 0-1 Valladares

Unitopolis 4-0 QPeMA
Saugeais 0-1 Osarius

tables updated later, but:

Group A Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 4 2 Cotdelapoms 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 3 Valladares 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 4 Mytannion 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3 0

Group B Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Unitopolis 2 1 0 1 4 1 +3 3 2 Osarius 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 3 Saugeais 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 4 Queer Poco el Mono Ara 2 1 0 1 1 4 -3 3

by **Cotdelapoms** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 12:13 pm

Apples Control Destiny Against Mytannion

Two matches into the Coupe Pomme D'Or and the Apples can't be too disappointed in their performance so far- having defeated Valladares for the fourth consecutive time, and earning a hard-fought draw with Kagdazka & Pazhujebu, one of the hottest teams in world football. Cotdelapoms' will control it's own destiny in the matchup with neighbours Mytannion, and they should feel good about their chance of progressing to the semi-finals. The Apples are essentially safe so long as Valladares doesn't beat K&P by two goals fewer than Mytannion defeats Cotdelapoms. Despite Sacha Chrétien's defensive leanings, that doesn't mean he plans on parking the bus in front of goal, however.

"The Mytanars are a tough, strong, team. We have played well against two teams that are ahead of them in the world rankings, but that doesn't mean that we can take these guys lightly. They get our football on TV, they know us very well- we are going to have to go after them the exact same." the Cotdelapomais boss told us.

In its' previous match, Cotdelapoms earned a draw with Kagdazka & Pazhujebu after a heroic late strike by Huw Rhys-Evans, a late match substitution for Per-Olivier Johansson-Bakvis. In the Valladares match, Johansson-Bakvis cemented his position as villain #1 in certain parts of Valladares with two goals, but he was not very impressive against the Federation, looking worn out and aimless. It is possible we'll see François Michalak start up top against Mytannion.

One player we won't likely see for the rest of the tournament is Rodrigo Lopez, who suffered a knock against the Federation and has been sent home. As this is a friendly tournament, the rules have allowed an additional player to be selected, and so Alex Colorado has been added to the squad.

by **Mytannion** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 1:45 pm

by Vladimir Hyralov

After the match against Valladares, our boys did look slightly deflated. Sure, it is only a friendly tournament in our neighbours nation - but that doesn't stop us from wanting to compete against teams that are of a very high class. We haven't and we have been eliminated because of this, the Valladar team didn't play especially well - but they did beat us 1-0, a moment of solo class from Yoan Gignac providing the only goal of the game. Our profligacy in front of goal was our own downfall as an inexperienced strike partnership was recklessly wasteful in front of the Valladar net.

We started with Lijenost Klinicki and Sami Wunderlich up front, an old-fashioned 'small 'n' tall' strike partnership. We even had the first chance which was surprising as the last time we played Valladares we lost 7-2. Robin Hjik cleverly split the defensive partnership of Correa and Perrin with a through ball which Wunderlich ran onto - his pace leaving him plenty of time to bear down on goal - but he waited to late, trying to round the goalkeeper - who got a hand to the ball as he tried this.

We had another chance in the 32nd minute - which really shouldn't have been passed up. A ball was whipped in, with plenty of pace - Klinicki dove low to head the ball - he connected, but the ball smashed against the post. It really should have been converted and we should have been 1-0 up. On the 49th minute, Jukka Ritaile went on a mazy run and was clattered by Ruben Calheira who was awarded a yellow card, which really should have been a red - Ritaile had to be stretchered off and will be replaced by another player - but more on that later.

In the end, a piece of solo skill decided the game. Yoan Gignac was given the ball on the edge of the box, he seemingly had nowhere to go - but he flicked the ball over one defenders head - turned, nutmegged another and then only had the 'keeper to beat, he promptly lobbed the goalkeeper and scampered off, obviously pleased with his effort.

It is this kind of thing our defenders really need to learn to stop, all the training they have done hasn't paid off on the current viewing. Yeah, sure - it is only a training camp and tournament in Cotdelapoms - but we still like to win, we're competitive naturally. We like winning. We are eliminated now, but we still have to play our neighbours, our friends and our sporting enemies - Cotdelapoms. They could still qualify for the next round of the Coupe Pomme D'Or, but we could scupper their chances completely by beating them.

They will also be in a match against one of their own as Yannick Huberdeau is the replacement for Jukka Ritaile. Ritaile broke the lower part of his leg and will not be able to play in the World Cup because of this injury. Huberdeau was born in Outremont and is a box-to-box midfield player, he is expected to start as he does look to be a huge talent and Theo Wekkler wants to complete the naturalisation process. Huberdeau does have a Mytanar passport now and so can qualify to play for the national side as he hasn't been capped at the highest level by Cotdelapoms yet.

This is going to cause uproar on both sides of the coin, the Cotdelapomais fans will say we have stolen their player and some Mytanar fans won't be happy that we have to use a 'foreigner' in our national side. It will certainly be a fiery encounter, with neither side willing to give an inch. Expect tackles to fly in, flares to go off and witty chanting. 'The Cotdelapomais are twats' being one of the most blunt I heard when we first encountered each other in a football match. The fact that on the pitch and in the stands the two sides will be full of hatred for each other is completely countered by the fact that they'll be laughing and chatting together after the game.

So guys, have good fun - watch the game, give your support, don't cause too much trouble for our friends and then have a good time afterwards - just don't get too drunk yeah? Oh and as for the team, do us a favour and scupper the Apples chances of qualifying for the next round.

by **Unitopolis** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 3:04 pm

Squad

GK Robert Godfrey 	Bravia Motors (Swartaz) 21 
GK Sam Firenze 		Athletic Stanza 	29 
GK Robert Bragg 	Skyline City (Mangolana)23 
LB Aaron Miles 		Kings Club (Delaclava) 	25 
LB Joshua Blake 	Athletic Stanza 	22 
CB Mark Lloyd-Joyce 	Sparta FC (Cotdelapoms) 19 
CB Paul Grandin 	Zamba Torpedoes 	24 
CB Vladimir Smicek 	Zamba Torpedoes 	26 
RB Aaron Cole Hastmead 	Diamante (Osarius) 	23 
RB Robert Sean Morrison Van Sahar 		25 
RB Seamus O'Mathruaigh 	Wexwick 		31 
LM Frederico Paolito 	El Dorado (Cafundeu) 	23 
LM Exodus Otohegina 	Zamba Torpedoes 	21 
CDM Razinho 		VLC FC (Eastfield Lodge)25 
CM Pat Saunders 	Vulkan (Kagdazka & Pazhujebu) 27 
CM Ernie Milestone 	Unattached		34 
CAM John Freud 		New Dublin Dragons 	24 
RM Oliver Chambers 	Avivus (Hanox) 		31 
RM Oliver Boyde 	Eastern Rangers (Stuffed Taxidermists) 25 
CF Vladimir Pastiche 27 Sparta FC (Cotdelapoms) 
ST Niall Hunt 		Vaastrada FC (Swartaz) 	29 
ST Shola N'Zwanzi 	Zamba Torpedoes 	23 
ST Norman Oscar 	Black Cherry (Hanox) 	25 
ST Dennis Puffin 	Gleeson City Utd 	24

Manager - Coreninho: The greatest goalscorer in the history of Unitopolitan football aims to enhance his legendary status by bringing the team to glory in the Coupe Pomme D'or and the World Cup.
Starting Line-up (4-1-3-2)
GK Godfrey
LB Miles
CB Lloyd-Joyce
CB Grandin
RB Cole
CDM Razinho
LM Paolito
CM Saunders
RM Chambers
ST Hunt
ST Pastiche

Unitopolis' Coupe Pomme D'or has gotten off to a mixed start, with a disappointing 1 -0 loss to Saugeais on the opening day but a terrific 4-0 win over Queer Poco el Mono Ara to put us top of the group on goal difference. Vladimir Pastiche, who plys his trade in Cotdelapoms for Sparta FC, got on the scoresheet early on with a header from inside the box. Our lead was doubled when veteran Pat Saunders smashed a free-kick into the bottom corner just before half-time. After 60 minutes, Oliver Chambers was replaced by Oliver Boyde, and the substitute had an immediate impact with a wonderful cross for Niall Hunt. Hunt was on target again ten minutes from the end with a cool finish to top off a great game.

by **Cotdelapoms** » Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:09 pm

How will the group stage of the Coupe Pomme D'Or end???

MATCHDAY 3
Cotdelapoms 3-0 Mytannion
Kagdazka and Pazhujebu 0-1 Valladares
Queer Poco el Mono Ara 0-0 Saugeais
Unitopolis 1-1 Osarius

Group A Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Cotdelapoms 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 7 2 Valladares 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1 6 3 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu 3 1 1 1 3 2 +1 4 4 Mytannion 3 0 0 3 0 6 -6 0

Group B Standings

Code: Select all: Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts 1 Unitopolis 3 1 1 1 5 2 +3 4 2 Osarius 3 1 1 1 2 2 +0 4 3 Saugeais 3 1 1 1 1 1 +0 4 4 Queer Poco el Mono Ara 3 1 1 1 1 4 -3 4

SEMI FINALS:

Cotdelapoms vs. Osarius
Valladares vs. Unitopolis

Crazy finish in group B, that Unitopolis vs. QPeMA match changed the whole scene.

by **Unitopolis** » Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:21 pm

CORENINHO HAPPY WITH RESULT

Unitopolis legend Coreninho was in good form today as he held his post-match press conference, following Unitopolis' battling 1-1 draw with Osarius. The 34 year old former striker was all smiles as he answered questions from the media assembled in the press room of the Stade de la Rue Arcadia, where the final match of the group was played.

"We're through, we've done our job so far, I'm delighted with how it's worked out," he told us. "I was a little worried after the opening day [a 1-0 defeat to Saugeais] but I knew we could bounce back and we did so with a spectacular 4-0 win against Queer Poco El Mono Ara. I always knew the Osarian match would be our toughest however, even though they were fielding a weaker side than normal. I ordered my players not to underestimate youngsters like Autumn Phelps and Jason Dhanda, especially when those youngsters have veterans like [Hope] Peranio and [Keon] Tinto. Dynapolis United qualified for the Globe Cup last year in style in the Platinum League, and I have people like Aaron Cole fighting for their place in Hastmead Diamante, so I knew they were a strong outift."

Coreninho's fears came true when Osarius grabbed an early goal, from, of all people, centre-back Flavio Aquilani, who smashed home a header from Ashley Watson's cross, the two Trothwands Evolution players combining to good effect. Unitopolis bounced back however, and enjoyed a good spell of pressure before half-time. After 50 minutes, Niall Hunt had a good shot denied by Jasveer Gulati, who was in fine form in the Osarian goal, and it looked like being one of those days. But thankfully, Frederico Paolito managed to squeeze his way through two players before slotting the ball into the bottom corner, albeit via a deflection. Despite some late pressure from the Osarians requiring Coreninho bringing on an extra defender, the match ended 1-1, a result which suited both parties well enough.

"That match is over, the result isn't in doubt, so we'll move on to the next game and it's one where we'll need to be at our very best to win," said the Brazilian. "Jose Martin has them playing good, attacking football but I think we might just edge it, Ivan Correa and Jerome Perrin aren't easy to beat, but if we can entice them into going forward we can hit them on the counter attack."

He had bad news regarding injuries, with Pat Saunders and Oliver Chambers out for the match, and Paul Grandin suspended; " Pat's done his hamstring in training, he won't be playing a part in the tournament again I'm afraid," he said, "Oliver's just went over on his ankle, and he'll be back for the third place-play-off or the final, whichever game it is"

Unitopolis 1-1 Osarius - Paolito '62 / Aquilani '7

Starting Line-Up vs. Valladares (4-1-3-2) : Godfrey, Miles, Lloyd-Joyce, Smicek, Cole, Razinho, Paolito, Freud, Boyde, Hunt, Pastiche
SUBS: Firenze, Blake, Morrison, Milestone, Otohegina, N'Zwanzi, Oscar

by **Osarius** » Fri Apr 15, 2011 5:11 pm

The group stage had been tricky. It was fortunate that the team had managed to progress in the end, especially after Keon Tinto had been forced to sit out the Unitopolis match with a suspected knee problem.

"Bene, what did Dr Bocchetti say about Keon's knee?" Giorgio was the worrier of the Osarian backroom triumvirate. At least, the only openly worrying type. Roberto was too cool and calm to seem concerned about anything, while Benedict di Corradi was usually too worked up about something that went "wrong" - by that he meant 'not how I wanted it to go' - to be too concerned about players' well-being. Not that he didn't care, though. He was just loathe to admit it.

"He will be fine. He can play in the semi final." The reply was short and to the point. Like most of his answers.

"But you said Dante led the line well. You gonna risk Keon or let Dante carry on?" Giorgio kept going.

"Gio ... you ask some stupid questions sometimes." Roberto piped up. "Look at the next opponents. Home side, known for solid defence. You can't play a kid against that."

"Actually, Roby... I had a different kind of plan. We're going to turn the clock back. You remember Oberour Ar Moro? In the Baptism of Fire?"

"Jesus, Bene... I've slept a few times since then." Giorgio replied. "But I think I remember. They were the team who knocked the guys out, right? Really attacking style? Wonder free kick at the end?"

"That's them." Roberto was openly attentive now. "But what's that got to do with playing Cotdelapoms?"

"Well, we have the players here to go for a very aggressive formation. We can put them under a level of pressure they are not used to and real-"

"Wait. Didn't we try that in the Cup of Harmony?" Giorgio had a point. It wasnt the first time these teams were meeting, and with an under-strength Osarian squad, it was hard to see them overcoming the solidity of the Cotdelapomais defence with the same tactics.

"Not exactly." Benedict di Corradi's expression was strange. Some kind of twisted half-smile, half-sneer. If this had been a movie, there would have been thunder, lightning and maniacal laughter at this point. It was one of those expressions.

"Ah." Roberto picked up on it first. "You intend to unleash their 'true selves' again?" He was referring to the way di Corradi had fired the team up before that Baptism of Fire match all those years ago. His entire angle had been that players stifled their instincts on the pitch, and had told them to go out without any predetermined roles or tasks. Trying this approach with relatively inexperienced youngsters could be fatal.

"Something like that."

"But Bene, they're too young. They're not ready for that!" Giorgio worrying again.

"Let me ask you something, Gio... How old was Benni for that match? He started, after all."

"He was... about twenty-three, I think?"

"Exactly."

"Woah, hold on Bene," Roberto Barzaglione was speaking again. "Twenty-three is a very different age from twenty. And Benni was... is no ordinary player."

"Just let me tell you the plan."

"Why do you care so much anyway? You didn't even want to be here." Giorgio added more questions, and assumedly, more doubts.

"You are right about Benni, but these players have a different mindset to the original team. They are not the underdogs anymore. They are a respected - even feared, perhaps - team in global football. As for me... Well... I am an Osarian man. We don't do losing, remember. We've come all this way, and the experiment seems to be working, so I figured I would run with it." He paused for effect. "Now will you hear me out?"

* * * * *

The plan went down well. Apparently, di Corradi's insanity - at least thats what it seemed to be - was contagious. In what can only be described as a fit of madness, the Osarian starting line-up was altered dramatically.

Georgina Carsley was benched, and Ashley Watson moved back into left wingback. Aquilani stayed on, but at right wingback. The midfield was butchered, with only Ayanna Barca-Carthy surviving, alongside Jayson Dhanda. Behind them, Ryerson and Kinsella flanked Kathering Holland's libero. At the top - where, strangely enough, the Firebirds' problems had been so far - Benni Watson started as an out-and-out winger with Phelps opposite him and Madelyn Valdez ahead.

Valdez's inclusion would be the most disconcerting, probably. Nobody at international level knew what she was capable of. Why would they scout a centre forward at a mediocre Osarian club? Nobody could have foreseen her inclusion in di Corradi's squad. But everyone knew he was a good judge of ability. Even more frightening was the presence of Tia Lombardi on the bench. Just what was it about that kid that made di Corradi rate her so highly? At least with Dhanda, you could guess. Just looking at the kid, it made sense. He was so calm and confident, assured on the ball during warm ups, hitting 30 yard passes and making tackles on players with years more experience. Nobody saw Lombardi shoot during warm ups.

Either way, with these changes, somehow, the Osarian's normal 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation had become some kind of5-2-3 formation... And three of those five "defenders" were attackers! It was impossible to tell how this would affect the players, but they seemed to take it well in training. In fact, by the end of the session, it looked like a slightly toned down version of whatever it was di Corradi had done to his team eleven years previous.

"Bene... you've done it again." Giorgio Cassetti whispered in hushed tones as he watched the team train. "You've created a monster."

"Yes." di Corradi smiled that twisted smile again as he watched the training teams assault each other with wave after wave of attacking movement, which was always met with the same snarling defence and solid tackling. "... A beautiful monster."

* * * * *

An excerpt from the academydropout.osr blog

"... I couldn't understand for the life of me why di Corradi only took one senior forward, but then I studied the selections. He's transitioning away from the traditional Osarian method of having a clinical forward. He's got a crap load of goalscoring midfielders.

I don't know if this is a sign of what's to come, but I think he is trying to develop a sense of 'deeper attacking'. If you're not sure what I mean, take a look at my articles where I mention the merits of wingers playing as wingbacks or attacking fullbacks. Particularly against teams with questionable strength on the flanks.

I keep hearing that di Corradi has already picked his team to face Cotdelapoms, and it includes Ashley Watson - a left winger - playing at left wingback. Also, Katherine Holland is playing the traditional Kryosi 'libero' role, which I'm told basically entails a centre back being used for attacking purposes... She does it at Cymrwell from time to time, but that's different. They're not very strong going forward. With the Firebirds... ohhhh boy."

by **Cotdelapoms** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:39 am

First Round
Cotdelapoms 0-0 Osarius (0-1 AET, 0-1 agg)

Valladares 2-0 Unitopolis (2-0 agg)

by **Osarius** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:30 pm

After Madelyn Valdez had come off the bench againt Cotdelapoms, to score the winner deep into extra time, the stadium had fell practically silent. Across the multiverse, it was unlikely that many people were watching on OSN, either. Turns out not many Osarians seemed to be too concerned about the tournament. Not many seemed to care that their national team were perhaps about to actually win something.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that was a bit arrogant of them, really... but in truth, the GraviBall season had just started. Trothwands Titans - reigning champions of the rebranded NGB League - had been facing off against their biggest rivals, Kart Hago Gladiators, at the same time. Generally speaking, the nation kind of ground to a standstill when they played each other. It was a cliche match-up, though. East vs West. North vs South. Clean vs Dirty (depending on your perspective). Attack vs Defence (well, as defensive as you could get in GraviBall). Rich vs Poor, to some extent even.

The players came off the pitch at the final whistle, half expecting boos from the Cotdelapomais crowd. Apparently their friendliness and courtesy extended even here, as it seemed as though there was maybe a ripple of applause for the Firebirds. As soon as they reached the dressing room, Flavio Aquilani spoke up "Anyone know the score?"

There was no need to ask the sport. No need to ask who he was rooting for either, he was from Trothwands after all. "Not over yet. We're up by seven." It was Ashley Watson speaking. He was sat with headphones on, plugged into a portable media player of some sort. It wasn't clear if it was a portable satellite receiver - those were pretty popular in Osarius - or some kind of radio.

"Shit. How long?" The two continued their chatter

"Uhh... 'bout six, I think. Their ball, in neutral play still."

"You guys should probably put that away for a minute." Benni Watson warned them - his brother, mostly, it seemed - knowing the likely attitude of their manager after the result. They ignored him.

"Think we can hold it?" Flavio asked.

"Probably. Glads are just big, dumb brutes. No tactical ability really."

"Sounds familiar." Another voice. It was di Corradi. 'Don Bene' they called him - when he couldn't hear - because of the way he commanded respect whenever he walked into a room. "You are all pretty lucky we're in the final."

The team were stunned. They'd just won a hard fought match against a very well-drilled defence. Everyone knew the Cotdelapomais produced world class 'keepers for fun, too. Nobody dared argue, though. The boss just wasn't a man to be trifled with. Jermain Lewis - a bear of a man in his own right - had once admitted to being afraid of him. He called him the most intimidating opponent he'd ever faced. Granted, that may have been residual first impression fear - Lewis would have been in his teens, facing di Corradi in training at Firewood probably - but still, Jermain Lewis was big. Really big. And scary.

"Defensively, you were solid. Organised, committed, passionate." He glossed over their six yellow cards with ease. "But going forward, something was wrong." The team felt a lecture or rant coming on. "This will not be good enough against Valladares. And I did not bring you here to go on holiday. We are here to win." He paused for effect. "Do not forget that."

With that, he turned on his heel and left the room. After a brief moment of headscratching, Ashley Watson peeked out of the dressing room door to ensure he was gone and turned his media device back on.

"Wait..." He gestured as he tried to figure out what was going on. "Oh wait... Yes! Come onnn... come onnn... "

"What? What is it?!" Flavio couldn't stand the tension.

"YYYYESSSSSS!!! Titans up by seven again! Lost the lead while Don Bene was talking but just took it back."

"How l-"

"One minute." Ashley anticipated the question. "Just gotta stop the run-in now. Glads can't goal shoot!"

Apparently even the players weren't taking this tournament seriously. Benni Watson, as captain, considered having a word. He thought better of it. No point rocking the boat over this. It's not like they hadn't played well anyway... just not very... well... Osarian.

* * * * *

An excerpt from OSN's match review

"...For all their early promise, the Firebirds simply couldn't find a way past Junot. By the thirtieth minute, this apparent stonewalling from the Cotdelapomais defence and 'keeper seemed to shatter the early confidence and swagger they had.

It was almost as if, upon realising they faced an exceedingly difficult task, and having seen the very real threat of Johansson-Bakvis firsthand, the Firebirds decided to slow the game down. They suddenly got cautious. So un-Osarian, so anti-di Corradi, its just not possible to explain it.

With his ability to make changes limited, di Corradi could only - we assume - rant at his team during the interval, and it did perk them up a bit. Only to see them fade again after Keon Tinto was denied at close range by perhaps one of the saves of the century.

When the game went into extra time, di Corradi was desperate. Having used two subs already - and kept one in case of injury, as is his habit - he gambled everything on a final throw of the dice. Enter Madelyn Valdez.

Valdez replaced Tinto in perhaps the most controversial subsititution ever made by an Osarian, and it looked like being a disaster move, when she fluffed her lines from twelve yards with her first touch. The Violia hitwoman was not to be deterred though, and got right back on the proverbial horse. An encouraging word from Benni Watson - who had moved into a central playmaker's role - kept her lively. The game returned to a semblence of the rest of the match after that, though. With her teammates not entirely sure they could trust her to convert another good chance, they were loathe to play her in, it seemed. While some players made attempts to, their moves were easily telegraphed, and thus countered.

Wary of the counter-attacking threat from the home side, the Firebirds played a very deep defensive line, which effectively nullified the intended impact of Katherine Holland for most of the game so far, but in a moment of innovation and improvisation, the Cymrwell sweeper suddenly burst forward. Catching everyone by surprise, she weaved through the desperate tackles of the most advanced players in the Cotdelapomais front line - if you can really say a lone striker formation has one - before feeding Enrico Martelli on the right. Martelli was joined by Watson - the elder - on the flank, overlapping before Aquilani had time to advance. The skipper launched a floating ball high over Junot, toward the back post, where Autumn Phelps' well-struck effort was blocked on the line by the legs of the 'keeper. Unfortunately - or fortunately, depending on your perspective - Madelyn Valdez was on the end of the rebound. She delivered her line perfectly this time, faking a shot - and selling the feint beautifully - before stroking the ball calmly into the opposite side of the net.

It took them one-hundred and fifteen minutes, three subs, twelve attempts, and a fortunate deflection, but they had won the match. Hard-fought seems like an understatement, and doesn't bode well for the final against Valladares. But, if nothing else, di Corradi's selection was justified. That will probably be enough for him."

by **Valladares** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:09 pm

Valladares Sports Network

COUPE POMME D'OR - Valladares reaches the final match with a clear victory over Unitopolis

FINAL: HERE WE GO

By: Alan Rosero,
Blogger from "The National Kickoff"

MONTRÉAL, COTDELAPOMS (VP) - The Valladar National Football Team managed to make it to the final match of the first Coupe Pomme D'Or with a convincing win over Unitopolis, and showing a lot of improvement from their previous presentations in the tournament. Two goals from Jefferson Ospina were enough to send us through and I must say I'm "officially impressed" now. After the scare of the first match against the hosts, and the undeserved win against Mytannion, the team improved a lot, and against all odds I made after the match against the Apples, Valladares will be one of the two best teams in the tournament. Oh yes, Cotdelapoms: the team you have owned and beaten four straight times WILL open your national stadium...that must be kinda embarrassing. We hope to win so that becomes even more embarrassing.

Well, we'll have more time to talk about that crucial match against Osarius later. For now, let's focus on what was the match against Unitopolis, who were coming to the match against Les Gones with the first place in Group B and a resounding 4-0 win over Queer Poco el Mono Ara, one of the favorites previous to the tournament. The match was entertaining, with both teams trying to give a decent show to the fans present at the Stade de la rue Acadia. We always had the upper hand, and Les Gones only needed 20 minutes to score the first goal. In a great offensive move, with some beautiful passes, Jefferson Ospina managed to get rid of the Unitopolitan defense and score the first goal of the match. However, that goal was not enough for the Valladars, nor it was for Ospina, who could score his second goal in the match and the tournament three minutes before the halftime break.

Unitopolis tried to react during the second half, but Les Gones worked the ball well throughout the 45 remaining minutes and played with their opponents' despair, while at the same time, bringing more danger to the rival goalie. Despite I saw a less dynamic game during the second half, I think Les Gones have finally found their best form, and just in time, because the final match of the Coupe Pomme d'Or is just around the corner.

With the 2-0 victory in Montréal, Valladares are now preparing to take on Osarius, who defeated the hosts, Cotdelapoms, in a close game which needed to go to extra time to be defined. While most Valladar fans were expecting either a Valladares-QPeMA or a Valladares-Cotdelapoms match in the final, I'm sure the Valladares-Osarius match will be a great and thrilling one with lots of excitement. So that said, come on and bring that golden apple to Valladares!

* * * * *

Some training camp near Albionpool, Cotdelapoms
12:15 PM

It was a rainy day in the Valladar training camp in the outskirts of Albionpool, where the Valladar team had been training since they arrived to Cotdelapoms. After the hard-fought match against Unitopolis played two days ago in Montréal, and after the trip of the previous day, José Marín and five of the players had finished their first training session of the day and were walking towards the press room, where a press conference with Valladar journalists was to be held. The players chosen to attend the conference were the team captain, Paulo Oliveira, the strikers Jefferson Ospina, Yoan Gignac and Jean-Pierre de Roux and the goalkeeper Luis Fuentes.

While walking to the room, Gignac and de Roux were also talking. As both had been teammates since the Fontvielle Impact Academy, each one considered the other their best friend.

"The match against Unitopolis was difficult. I think we may need more than an offensive avalanche against Osarius."

"I think so, but we have already reached our first goal here: the final".

"Oh, and you think that's enough?" - Gignac asked to his mate.

"No, I know we didn't come here as tourists. I didn't came to We came to win this, no matter how."

"Well, still...the Osarians are good players. They won a tough match against Cotdelapoms and their players can handle pressure very well. We need to find out a way to defeat them without losing our style."

"Direct attacks since the kickoff can make us very predictable. That happened to us against Cotdelapoms."

"That's what I say. Tactically, the Osarians and their organization can put us in a pinch if we're not aware. Marín and Paulo have said we cannot let them impose their pace on us, we must have them cornered as soon as possible and strike in the perfect moment."

The conversation ended when the team arrived to the press room, and the coach answered to every question about the team during the previous match, but refrained from doing comments regarding the match against Osarius. The press conference lasted for around a hour and the players left the room. While leaving the press room to the restaurant to have lunch, the Gignac-de Roux conversation continued, now talking about other issues not related to strategies and such.

"Cotdelapoms is a nice country, and Albionpool reminds me of Fontvielle during this moment of the year." - Gignac said.

"Yeah, but Fontvielle has one...I mean, two rivers. And lots of factories." - de-Roux replied.

"You're counting the Danube as a river? It's more like a sewer full of boats."

"It must be raining a lot in Fontvielle...I wonder how the Impact are doing in their pre-season camp in Sion."

"I'm sure the Tamounts will have a swamp instead of a world-class stadium at this moment."

Both laughed.

"So, it feels great to "inaugurate" the Stade de Cotdelapoms, eh?" - Gignac said.

"We must make sure those Cotdelapomaise people will cry after the match, with us winning it, of course."

"We must also make sure that match will be a special farewell match for Paulo. This is his last match, and what would be better than a win?"

"He lifting the "Pomme D'Or"?" - de-Roux said, and continued...

"Should we win it, they should name the home team's end as the Paulo Oliveira End or something like that. Just to freak these people out."

"Four defeats against them are still painful. I just hope the VFA can arrange another match against them in Fontvielle during the qualifiers to get them off that cloud."

"Hey Yoan, after all you should acknowledge they're doing us a favor...Tannenberg are sinking, so that means less competence for us in the Super League."

"You may be right, bro..."

Both laughed once again.

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