Cosumar National Team - World Cup 74
Team Information
Nation: The Fiefdom of Cosumar
Government: Cosumar is a Fiefdom, which means Cosumar is divided into 21 historical "fiefs". These are now effectively provinces. Cosumar's government is a constitutional monarchy and believes wholeheartedly in complete civil rights, advancing science, conserving nature and exploring outer space. Cosumar is known for being the "Most Developed" nation in Atlantian Oceania according to WA Census, and in the Top 1% of the world's developed nations. Our current ruler, King James II, has done a remarkable job of promoting progress while simultaneously maintaining both our unique culture and diverse natural features.
Region: Atlantian Oceania (far Northeast)
Official Nicknames: Azure Dragons (typically shortened to "Dragons"), Vanquishers (as of WC 72)
Colors: Navy, Royal Blue, Silver, White
Stadium: Leviathan Arena (capacity 99,114)
Location: Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief, Cosumar
Context: Since Cosumar made its international debut in World Cup 51, this will be our 24th consecutive appearance in the tournament. In World Cup 73, new manager Gethin Ramsey built on the momentum from winning the previous Cup of Harmony to qualify Cosumar to the World Cup Finals for the first time since World Cup 62 - ending a miserable 20-year drought. Then, the Dragons advanced all the way to the quarterfinals before finally falling to eventual medalist San Jose Guayabal. With the program now rejuvenated, expectations are higher than they have been in a long time. Not qualifying would be a massive letdown.
History: Cosumar qualified for six consecutive World Cups (54-59) in its "golden age" of football, going out twice in the group stage and then four times in the Round of 16. After World Cup 59, Cosumar reached its peak ranking of #7 in the world. The National Team's gradual decline began in World Cups 60 and 61, in which they were eliminated in the qualification playoffs despite strong campaigns. They would qualify once again for World Cup 62 in Astograth, but the downward trajectory had already set in. World Cups 64-66 were particularly bleak and saw our once-elite ranking dip as low as the 80s. Many demanded that Farris Crowley, manager since WC54, be sacked... the glory days of his tenure a distant memory. But the Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF) stuck with him, and Cosumar began re-emerging as a force to be reckoned with around World Cup 67. A marvelous crop of young talent (including the likes of Francois Renault, Giovanni Aldinne and Alexander Pearce), now lovingly referred to as the "Renaissance Generation", started to restore the former sense of honor to Cosumarite soccer. They led the Dragons to several more successful WC and CoH campaigns...though they never did manage to return to the biggest stage. They came oh-so-close every time, but the Football Gods were never on their side. Their biggest achievement and swansong ended up being a 3rd place medal at Cup of Harmony 62. Farris Crowley was finally sacked after 40 years after the colossal failure of World Cup 72, in which the team put in the worst Qualifying campaign since our debut. Eight draws against lower-ranked sides. But replacement Gethin Ramsey (of Nephara fame) salvaged Cosumar's ranking by winning the subsequent Cup of Harmony. Ramsey continued to work wonders in his first World Cup in charge (the last one), leading the Dragons to their best ever finish (Quarterfinals) fresh off the back of 72's failure.
Records:
All-time Record: 270-104-147
First International Match: Cosumar 0-0 Krytenia (World Cup 51 Qualifiers MD1)
First win: Cosumar 4-3 The Ursine Northlands (World Cup 51 Qualifiers MD3)
First World Cup match: Akbarabad 3-0 Cosumar (World Cup 54, MD1)
First World Cup win: Cosumar 2-1 Al Mumtaz (World Cup 55, MD2)
Largest win: Hladio Huggers 0-7 Cosumar (World Cup 57 Qualifiers, MD12)
Largest defeat: Cosumar 0-9 Valanora (World Cup 55 Qualifiers, MD11)
Most glorious moments:
Cosumar 1-0 Cotdelapoms - Cup of Harmony 45 Third Place Playoff - Late Rikki Varshney winner for our first medalist finish.
Cosumar 4-0 Haginonia - World Cup 54 Interzonal Stage - Showdown on the final day of Qualifying with both sides' first World Cup berth at stake: we rolled.
Cosumar 1-0 Sarzonia - World Cup 57 MD3 - Dragons advance to their first Round of 16 at Sarzonia's expense.
Cosumar 7-3 Kagdazka & Pazhujebu - World Cup 60 Qualification Playoff - Brutal revenge against K&P for ousting us on penalties in the previous World Cup's Round of 16.
Cosumar 5-1 The Sarian - Cup of Harmony 64 Finals - Ramsey and the newly-christened "Vanquishers" propel Cosumar to lift a first WCC trophy.
Valanora 2–2 Cosumar (3–3 AET) (7–8 pen.) - World Cup 73 Round of 16 - After splitting the series in group play, we triumphed over the Elves to claim our first ever Quarterfinals.
Most heartbreaking moments:
Cosumar 1-1 (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs) Churchma - Cup of Harmony 45 Semifinals - Losing on penalties always hurts, especially when it's to your oldest rival so deep in a tourney.
Cosumar 0-3 Sorthern Northland - World Cup 55 MD3 - It came down to this match for a spot in the Ro16, and we got our asses kicked.
Cosumar 2-4 Sorthern Northland - World Cup 56 Round of 16 - We finally made it to the knockout rounds for the first time, just to be humbled by these guys again.
Cosumar 1-4 Jeru FC - World Cup 57 Round of 16 - Another drubbing in the Ro16.
Cosumar 0-4 The Babbage Islands - World Cup 58 Round of 16 - New Cup, same story. Dragons fall apart in the knockouts.
Cosumar 3-3 (3-3 AET, 2-4 PKs) Kagdazka & Pazhujebu - World Cup 59 Round of 16 - This is THE match that haunts the dreams of every Cosumarite to this day. We had rolled through our Qualification and World Cup groups in dominant fashion - completely undefeated. It was the greatest Cosumarite team ever assembled, seeming destined for new heights. In the Ro16, the Dragons led the Urchins 3-0 late and celebrations had already begun. But Chalia Sajid scored a flurry of goals for an unlikely hat trick in final 15 minutes to force extra time. In the eventual shootout, we would completely choke, badly missing the target twice. Complete and utter shock. Many wandered if Cosumar would EVER be able to advance to the quarterfinals and exorcise these demons. It took nearly 30 years.
Most Goals: 104 - Sur Arora (WC 63-72)
Most Assists: 77 - Irvinn Rincon (WC 51-56)
Most Caps: 191 - Luke Crisalus (WC 52-60)
More records HERE
Recent Results:
World Cup 71 Qualifying: 2nd Place in Group 15 (9-3-2), eliminated by Holy Republican Empire in playoff[/i]
Cup of Harmony 63: Eliminated in Group Stage (3rd in Group C, 1-0-2)
AOCAF 47: Eliminated in Group Stage (4th in Group A, 2-1-2)
World Cup 72 Qualifying: 5th Place in Group 13 (2-8-4)
Cup of Harmony 64: Defeated The Sarian in the Final
AOCAF 48: Eliminated by Ko-oren in Round Two, 2-0
World Cup 73 Qualifying: 2nd place in Qualifying Group 20 (10-0-2)
World Cup 73 Finals: 2nd place in Group B (2-0-1), eliminated by San Jose Guayabal in Quarterfinals
AOCAF 49: 3rd place in Group (1-2-1) in Group C
World Cup 74 Qualifying: _____???
Team: The roster consists of 24 players, 22 of which are standard human. The remaining two players (midfielders Vareza Na'Noni and Frazan Va'Goshal) are of the Vloo people (species homo cosumarensis), a humanoid race native to Cosumar. Vloo are, on average, two inches taller than humans (which admittedly can come in handy on set pieces), and they must use different footwear due to their foot structure. Vloo have pale blue skin, two small black horns and thick black hair. And tails. They are distinguished by their surnames, with typically begin with prefixes such as Na' or Va'. There has always been at least one Vloo player in the squad, but never more than four. As per the Gethin Ramsey trademark, this squad features an emphasis on pressing high and forcing opposing midfields to make mistakes, then punishing with up-tempo precise passing. Cosumar features players in some of the top leagues around the world such as the Nepharim Premiership, LigAnaia and Apox National League.
Style Modifier: +1
Post-WC73 Ranking: 18 (29.23 KPB)
Formation: 4-4-2
A basic flat 4-4-2. This formation takes advantage of one of the biggest strengths of the Cosumarite player pool: our great wide midfielders. This could leave us exploitable in center of the pitch, but it is thought that the box-to-box work rate and defensive prowess of Vareza Na'Noni will cover us there and allow the more creative Aziz Senturk to get forward. The striker partnership of Engstrom and Newman will remain unchanged - with Newman as the large target and deadly finisher and Engstrom as the smaller, quicker and more creative second striker. The 4-4-2 can easily morph into a 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-1-1 to suit specific situations.
Kit
HOME
AWAY
Cosumar's kits were prepared for the team by Meski Soccer & Sports Store of Red Blackiland for World Cup 71 and have been worn ever since. The design has been applauded by for improving upon the already-brilliant WC70 design, while still staying true to the spirit of the beloved classic kits that served the team from World Cup 54 to 69. The home and away kits make heavy use of the national colours (blue, white, silver), new Fiefdom Soccer Federation logo, and the majestic Azure Dragon that Cosumar is famous for. The goalkeeper kit features hints of the royal family's colors: Gold and Green.
First-Choice Starting XI
Goalkeeper - Jakk Winterfyll - 28 -
Exton F.C 
Winterfyll is the most talented goalkeeper Cosumar has ever produced. He already has four World Cups under his belt and has started every match for Cosumar since World Cup 71. He dominated in the Cosumarite Harlighet Ligan with Crawford City FC early in his career, setting a record for clean sheets in a season. He has since become a mainstay in the Apox National League with Exton FC, blossoming into one of the world's elite goalkeepers. He is known for his almost psychic anticipation and springy reflexes. Off the pitch, Winterfyll plays several Cosumarite folk instruments like the vevlira and the flojagu and is a regular contributor to the annual "Sounds of Ancient Cosumar" compilation CD.
Left Back - Maynard Gorham - 28 -
Papillio Mertagne 
Gorham is a strong left back who is playing the best football of his career at the moment, emerging as a key player both internationally and in LigAnaia ever since being excluded from World Cup 71. Has always possessed above-average football intelligence. Excellent tackler. Isn't as dynamic going forward as other fullbacks on the team, but can still whip in a good cross when the moment comes. Spent the early years of his career with Dusk Athletic in Cosumar and Peswick Town in Jeckland. Scored his first goal for Cosumar in World Cup 72 Qualifying and nailed a crucial penalty in the WC73 Ro16. Off the pitch he is a dark, mysterious figure. Long black hair, which he ties up during matches. He also plays bass guitar for gothic band Mors Incarnati in his spare time.
Center Back - Alexander Soarhaven - 29 -
FC Jansberg 
FC Jansberg won LigAnaia Nord this year, and Cosumarites will tell you that it was all because they had a pair of big Cosumarite defenders starting in the middle. Soarhaven & Svensson. Taking advantage of their club chemistry, Ramsey will deploy that same FC Jansberg center back pairing for the National Team. Svensson, though younger, has been around the National Team since his teen years. For Soarhaven, however, his wild success with Jansberg this year represented a career breakthrough that will earn him his first international caps at age 29. That breakthrough is made all the more impressive by the fact that he was coming off a long-term injury that sidelined him for much of last year. Soarhaven played for Stoneshore United in Cosumar before moving to Semarland. His most obvious attribute is his strong stocky build, but he's also deceptively good in the air.
Center Back - Peter Svensson - 23 -
FC Jansberg Standout product of the Na'Malsille Mariners youth system. Moved to Semarluundik Premarligaen giant FC Jansberg at age 19 after shining in the Di Bradini Cup. He immediately impressed at Jansberg, earning a starting job and helping the club win the championship in his first season. His talent translated to the LigAnaia well too, being arguably one of the best defenders in the league this year. Svensson has impressive physical might, aerial ability on set-pieces, and sends a great pass forward. Earned his first cap towards the end of WC72 Qualifying and played a bit more in WC73. He had a rocky time in the AOCAF in his first tournament as a starter, but Ramsey isn't giving up on Svensson. Is being tipped as future Cosumarite captain. He is the nephew of Herrgly Svensson, a famous Cosumarite daredevil known for skydiving out of a space station, and little brother of Erak Svensson, a Congressman.
Right Back - Sheldon Serra - 27 - Zenit Attawapiskat
Serra has the distinction of being born and living the first eight years of his life on a space station of neutral nationality. After returning to Earth and living in the nation of Indigo Plains, Serra found his land legs surprisingly quickly and discovered a natural talent for football. But because Indigo Plains does not have professional football and he was technically not born anywhere, his international eligibility was somewhat muddled. Serra eventually attended university in Cosumar and fell in love with the country, becoming a citizen at age 20. He was the Best Defensive Player of Cosumar's collegiate league at age 21, and subsequently ventured overseas to Zenit Attawapiskat, where he has been ever since. He loves it in Quebec and has done well there for the last seven years, becoming a staple in the side as the club escalated in status. With Zenit, he has played in the old Quebecois league, Repechage 49 (where they won the title) and now LigAnaia. Though small in stature, Serra is a dynamic wingback and is very technically sound. He has long been a familiar face around the National Team set-up, but finally locked up a starting spot for the foreseeable future with a brilliant World Cup 73.
Left Midfielder - Mauricio Sigler - 25 - Real Atlantea
Sigler has lived up to the hype since being labeled teen prodigy, crossing the line from "exciting young talent with potential" to true stardom when he won the Golden Ball (tournament MVP) at Cup of Harmony 64. His technical wizardry is superb, reminiscent of countryman Anders Engstrom, and his pace is off the charts. In the Harlighet Ligan, he single-handedly propelled the newly-promoted Zakhoro Aces all the way to the top half in 1001 before being purchased by a club ranked in the UICA top ten. Taeshani titans Real Atlantea. He is currently in his fourth season there as a featured player, helping the club to their billionth consecutive Champions Cup appearance. Famously scored the game-winning penalty against Valanora in the World Cup 73 knockout stage, cementing his status as a Cosumarite legend forevermore.
Center Midfielder - Vareza Na'Noni - 32 -
Avenida Principal 
One of two Vloo players at World Cup 74, Na'Noni can play almost any position due to his understanding of the game, calmness with the ball and lethal combination of size, strength and pace. After a sustained period of success at FC Samotath in Cosumar, Na'Noni announced himself to the world with a brilliant in World Cup 69. His breakout performance caught the eye of Red Star Severny of Polar Islandstates, making him the first Cosumarite to play in a league ranked #1 in the world. Four years in the Polarian league facilitated even more improvement for the talented Vloo and he has been a constant fixture for the National Team ever since. Mostly as a box-to-box midfielder, but also as a #6 and fullback. He has spent the last couple years in Farfadillis playing for Avenida Principal since he couldn't any longer take the frigid weather in Severny. Na'Noni is known for his eye-popping tattoos, including detailed patterns of constellations across his arms, a roaring dragon on his neck, and an elaborate sunset on his forehead.
Center Midfielder - Aziz Senturk - 27 -
Maximum Rovers 
Senturk's evolution over the past three years has been exhilarating to watch. He used to be a frustrating player to follow, one of those guys who would show flashes of brilliance every now and then but could never find it within himself consistently. But since taking a risky move to Nephara, Senturk has figured things out. It took a tough learning experience at South Laithland to get there, but he seems to now be at the right spot at Maximum Rovers and has gradually established himself as a top player for the club. He has always had all the right ingredients to be a dominant force...pace, technical prowess, craftiness, shooting. The difference is that now they come together on a weekly basis. Ramsey has rewarded his success at Maximum Rovers with a chance at starter's minutes here in Qualifying. He showed well as a sub in World Cup 73, scoring four goals off the bench. Senturk is a sly, crafty figure in midfield. Never afraid to take on anyone, try out an unorthodox bit of skill or launch a long-rage shot - his specialty.
Right Midfielder - Ole Öhman - 30 -
Sabrefell Athletic One of the most respected Cosumarite players around the world right now thanks to his sustained success with Sabrefell Athletic for several years. He has helped the Nepharim side win their league, the Globe Cup, and the Esportivan championship. A skilled winger, Ole can do it all - score, square that perfect ball back to the middle, cross, and he is equally good with both feet. That last part is huge as it allows Ramsey to employ him on the left or right. Made his debut as a promising young reserve in World Cup 69, but he fell out of Farris Crowley's plans after accepting a lucrative contract to play his club ball in Florgania (a vastly inferior league). Returned to the fold in World Cup 71 after resurfacing in a big way as Debutant Of The Year in the Nepharim Premiership. He has reached his peak there and has stated his desire to stay at Sabrefell long-term. He was pretty much the only Cosumarite who consistently looked good in the dreary WC72 Qualifying, leading the team with 5 goals and also notching an assist. Scored 8 goals in World Cup 73. His only downside is that he doesn't have the pace required of a truly world-class winger.
Striker - Anders Engström - 30 - CAPTAIN -
Crisisbless A Cosumarite superstar in his prime who is the best all-around player on the team. Engström (AKA Captain Andy) is the poster-boy for Cosumarite football, playing most of his career at domestic club Mallox FC before joining up with Crisisbless. Here he will occupy the "free-roaming second striker" role of the 4-4-2 slightly behind Newman, being the nimbler, more creative player of the two. Engström was voted Harlighet Ligan MVP multiple times (including four years ago, when he delivered Mallox their fourth championship) and won three Golden Boots with four consecutive 20+ goal seasons. Engström is the most technically skilled player on the team (though now rivaled by Sigler) and will be vital in setting up goal-scoring chances for others when he's not clinically burying shots himself. Though small in stature (5"8), his ball control and acceleration are of the rarest variety. Pundits use to criticize him for being unwilling to challenge himself in a foreign league, but has silenced the critics by doing quite well in Nephara. 12 goals and 9 assists in World Cup 73. Was named the 17th-best player in the world by one media outlet during that Cup. First choice to take penalties.
Striker - Ace Newman - 29 -
Urbanista Ace Newman was a star for Cassandra City in his early 20s, winning the club its first Harlighet Ligan championship. He exploded into worldwide prominence with some dominant performances in WC 70 Qualifying. As the starting right-winger, Newman surprised everyone by scoring 10 goals and also recording 6 assists. Could've been a candidate for Best Young Player of the tournament. In World Cup 71, he transitioned to fill his more natural central role up top and scored 7 goals despite missing four games with suspension. Had a monstrous 17-goal World Cup 73 cycle, including being one of the leading scorers of the World Cup group stage. Best on the team at scoring with his head thanks to his leaping ability and height, but his best attribute is his strength. He frequently will fire off powerful shots despite defenders draped all over him. He just shrugs them off. Impressive pace too. His job is to leverage these things to put the ball in the back of the net, and he is laser-focused on that task. He does it at the highest level in his club career, scoring double-digit goals for Urbanista in the ANL in recent seasons.
The Rest of the Squad
GK - Esteban Hernandez - 25 - Mierton Manatees
Morponte Fief has a legendary youth academy, and Hernandez might just be the most extraordinary talent they've ever produced. This dude's frame is massive: 6"7, broad shoulders, long arms, enormous hands. Most people that size don't have the coordination to walk and chew gum at the same time, let alone take on Audioslavian strikers. But Hernandez is one of those rare exceptions. He was considered too raw to get any serious time at World Cup 71 and 72, but that has changed. He carried Morponte Fief to a record 6th-place finish in 1001 and won U21 Player of the Year, even placing in the top five in MVP voting, before securing a move to Mierton Manatees, one of the better teams from the Taeshani Premier League. He has had his best season there this season in his third year there, but he still hasn't come close to putting any pressure on Winterfyll for that #1 spot. Fun tidbit: he nearly gave up on his professional soccer career at age 18 to go to culinary school instead.
LB - Senter Senterekoesima - 25 - Rozelle United
Pacey young wingback who was a recent standout of Cosumar's collegiate league, where his technical ability and physical fitness were miles beyond the competition. After graduating with a degree in Astrophysics from Stoneshore College, he made the jump straight to Brenecia with Saint Alexander of the A-League. Though the club was relegated in his first season, he did well enough to be picked up by Rozelle United, a club that loves to hoard Cosumarites these days. Gethin Ramsey has spoken very highly of Senterekoesima ever since he squeaked into the WC 73 roster, bumping the more experienced Jukka Lindroos. The player becoming dubbed "Senter-squared" only made three sub appearances in the last World Cup Qualifying, but he might get more significant minutes this time after putting in a couple good shifts in the AOCAF.
LB/CB - Arndu Farsgaard - 35 - Hastmeade Diamente
Dependable and versatile veteran defender who plays younger than his age. Was Cosumar's best defender in World Cups 71 and 72. Originally a hockey player with no interest in a "sissy sport" like soccer, he didn't even discover his talent for the game until age 24, after failing in his hockey career. He took to the sport quickly, rapidly moving up the ranks of the Cosumarite leagues after starting with a local semi-professional team. By the time he was 27, he was starting at center back for Sekundar Ligan regulars Keenan Athletic. At age 28, he got snatched up by famous Audioslavian club Cazadores Cathair and made a big impact in LigAnaia, thrusting him onto the radar of the National Team. After seven years in the national team, he has become a fan favorite and respected veteran presence. Just ten years ago, he was on the street after being cut from a minor league hockey team. Now he is playing for freaking Hastmeade Diamente. Crazy. He's not dominant in the air, but he has a propensity for always winning the fight for position.
CB - Jacob Pandan - 31 - Trothwands Evolution
A fairly standard but extremely reliable defender who has cemented himself in LigAnaia in recent years after a fruitful tenure at Cassandra City, one of Cosumar's top clubs. Can be made to look a bit slow on his feet by the most athletically gifted of opponents, but usually makes up for it with his effort and intelligence. Very savvy with his positioning and timing in the tackle. Not a giant, but is of a sturdy build and plays a great ball out of the back. He has been a fringe National Team player in and out of camps over the last several years, but World Cup 73 was his first time in a major tournament. He was an unlikely hero in the Round of 16 win, scoring a spectacular set-piece volley late on to take a 3-2 lead.
RB - Tomasso Tenebrosa - 26 -
Ramusok United 
Tomasso is one of the most affable people you will ever meet, never losing his cool and constantly encouraging his teammates with smiles. He is a dynamic young wingback who loves to press forward with pace, but Ramsey will need to teach him how to pick his spots because he has gotten burned in the back in the past as a result. Has some good skill with the ball and plays a nice cross, so many think he could play as a RM if needed. Came up through the FC Kaldukosic youth system and was a regular for Cosumar U18 and U21. Completed a big-money move to Ramusok United a few years ago and helped the Blues win their second title in his first season and had a good season again this year. Tenebrosa did well as the first-choice RB in World Cup 72, especially in the Cup of Harmony, but has been relegated back to more of a spot role since the arrival of Gethin Ramsey, who favors Sheldon Serra.
DM - Vyacheslav Kolen - 30 - FC Kolberg
When Ramsey needs to change the formation to include a disruptive ball-winner in the midfield, he will call on Kolen. The former AC Holmenkollen man is a savvy defender, who simply knows how to play the game. Or, at times, work the game to his advantage. He also has a soft passing touch that many defensive midfielders lack. Had a career year with FC Kolberg this year following the club's move up to LigAnaia, including a blasted Goal of the Season candidate from beyond the box. His little brother, Hans Henrik Kolen, is an Olympic swimmer for Cosumar who competed in the Electrum games earlier this year.
LM - Matt Branch - 23 -
FC Jansberg The surprise breakout star of Cosumar's DBC35-winning U21 squad. Despite not getting regular minutes with Sporting Matrolvik, he was magnificent on the international stage - racking up several goals and assists in the tournament. FC Jansberg came calling over the transfer window, offering LigAnaia prestige and the playing time he needs to further his development. Sure enough, he ripped it up in his first season with Jansberg, growing by leaps and bounds as the year wore on and they took hold of the title. Shows excellent technical ability, leadership potential, and ability to score from distance. Who knows how high this guy's ceiling is? He is stuck behind Sigler right now, but his future is bright.
CM - Tiffany Elam - 22 - Guingamp
The only female on the roster. At age 18, Elam turned down the #1 medical school in Cosumar to pursue her soccer career, moving to Kernansquillec to join Project X. She was one of the program's first standouts, immediately being offered a contract upon graduation to join Guingamp, one of Kernansquillec's biggest clubs. She has only been there a couple years but already become one of their best players. She started the last two Di Bradini Cups, guiding Cosumar to a title at 20 and a Round of 16 exit as captain at 21. With her youth career completely behind her, Elam will join up with the senior team as she did for WC73 Qualifying (during which she made 5 sub appearance). Elam's best attributes are her pace and incredible work rate. She is a true workhorse in midfield, covering more ground box-to-box than anyone else in every match. She's a good passer who can to venture forward, but she relishes the defensive work most and goes about it with real steel.
CM - Darwyn Lucassen - 32 - North Hall
Lucassen made his name in Buyan, where he emerged as one of the most important players for Garbarnia Hoyersko in the Top Division at age 27. There wasn't a whole lot to work with when he arrived from Na'Malsille Mariners, but he quickly earned the admiration of Buyanese peers, fans and media. A late-career blossomer for sure. Was subsequently granted his first senior caps in World Cup 72 - and as a starter! Scored or assisted on 12 goals in the World Cup 73 cycle. Not the most technical with the ball, but has a cool head and opportunistic creativity in the attack. Sends a great final ball through. Adaptable and jovial. The kind of guy loved by both coaches and teammates. After the Buyanese league suddenly ceased operations, he was forced to scramble to find a new club and eventually landed in LigAnaia with Century Mertagne. He never really settled in his short stint there and has since joined up with North Hall in the A-League. His parents are both people of science, his dad an astronaut and his mom a marine biologist, so his first name was an homage to pioneering scientist Charles Darwin. Lucassen himself has a deep love for geology - minerals in particular.
RM - Frazan Va'Goshal - 28 - Galatica
The second Vloo member of the team, Va'Goshal is a productive and above-average winger. He can get the job done against any opponent, though he has never quite been outstanding for Cosumar. Established himself as a young star at FC Kaldukosic then cashed-in in the Pasargan SuperLiga. He has been solid all five years at Galatica, but had a career year last season and cracked the SuperLiga Season's Best XI. His great year has earned him a look with the National Team again, from which he had been freezed out ever since his lackluster WC 71 and 72 showings. Though traditionally better for club than country, Va'Goshal is worth calling up for his potential as a late impact sub, blazing down the flanks with pace. He is not a great shot-taker, but he excels at creating angles and windows of space with the ball. He is a true playmaker in this respect, clinical in his manipulation of defenses. He has pledged to donate any earnings in World Cup 74 to Operation Goodness, a secular charity based in Kaldukosic.
AM - Augen Wittevrongel - 25 -
Barbury Town Wittevrongel emerged as one of Cosumar's youth stars after developing handsomely at Star United States youth club C.D. Spikers. After graduating from their program, he capitalized on his Di Bradini Cup success to force a move to "the most prestigious club that would have him" ... which ended up being Barbury Town. Not a bad place to establish oneself at all. Wittevrongel, who has been labeled as arrogant by some, was confident he could earn his way into regular minutes anywhere. Sure enough, he has shown well for himself so far in Apox. After a number of promising spot appearances over the past two years, he finally cracked the regular starting line-up for Barbury Town this season. Gethin Ramsey seems to trust him, especially after Wittevrongel scored a couple late goals in World Cup 73. Attacks the goal with pace, vision and aggression, but needs to better learn when to pass. He's on the thin side and can get forced around too easily against more physical opponents. When formation change necessitates a designated attacking midfield playmaker to come in behind the striker(s), it will be Wittevrongel's time to shine.
ST - Tevin Lilley - 26 - Rozelle
Lilley was Cosumar's top striker at the U23 (Olympics) and U21 levels, and has seamlessly transitioned into a productive member of the senior National Team. He was one of the top ten scorers in the Harlighet Ligan at only 20 years old, with 17 goals for Cassandra City (though he was clearly unhappy that teammate Ace Newman still had more). His elite pace nearly earned him a spot on the World Cup 70 squad, but he was one of the last cuts. His feel for the game, the precision of his touch in the crucial moments, wasn't quite where it needed to be. His fiery competitiveness often spilled over into recklessness. He could rely on his physical gifts to dominate domestically, but Farris Crowley knew he would run into a brick wall in the World Cup. Lilley needed to play abroad to continue his development. Though he didn't put up the gaudy numbers in his four years in Taeshan (with Blacklake Blues) that he did in Cosumar, Lilley has become a much more complete player according to coaches. He now has that quiet confidence and poise that can only come with experience. He's still in the shadow of Ace Newman like he was at Cassandra City, but he has embraced his role as a super-sub for Cosumar this time and will be the first striker off the bench. Rozelle, arguably one of the best clubs in Brenecia, purchased him over the recent transfer window. Expectations for him in the A-League were high, but he exceeded them, winning the Golden Boot in his first season.
ST - Belarmin Worsaw - 26 -
Wrexton F.C. The ex-Borderlandian striker has been prolific in Cosumarite leagues for years. He signed with Zakhoro Aces as a youth prospect and scored 16 goals as a teenager. After Aces were relegated, he had a 30-goal season in the Sekundar Ligan at age 20. Back in the Harlighet Ligan again, he and fellow young star Mauricio Sigler guided them to a record 9th-place finish. He then left for Eastweald, clearly meant for bigger things, and has won the Golden Boot there both of the last two years. In the two 2nd-place campaigns, he has scored a combined 48 goals in 68 matches. To fans of Cosumarite soccer, it feels like Worsaw has been around forever, but he's still only 26. The collapse of the Western Borderlands government freed up his international eligibility, and after a long process, he finally became a Cosumarite citizen prior to World Cup 73. All of a sudden, social media was a lit ablaze with people suddenly realizing what this meant for the Dragons, begging Gethin Ramsey to bring him in for World Cup 73. Which he did. And Worsaw showed extremely well, scoring 5 goals in 7 substitute appearances. Now here we are, with the former Western Borderlands World Cup player suiting up for a different (and quite superior) nation once again. But he can't get comfortable with such a deep striker pool eyeing his spot enviously. Players such as Coden Hari (Cranequin Wanderers), Linden Lucassen (Kurtz Herritik) and Kirum Ingolfsson (Rozelle United) are all vying for one of those all-too-few striker spots as well.
Staff
Manager: Gethin Ramsey
As RPed here, Farris Crowley was removed from his post as head coach of Cosumar after 38 years. The man who has replaced him is none other than...Gethin Ramsey. The Nepharim icon is probably one of the very few men who could immediately step into Crowley's shoes and own the position. The 71-year-old is exceedingly accomplished on both the international and domestic stages. He led Nephara to their first World Cup Finals (67) and successfully qualified with The Licentian Isles every year there. You can now add his Cup of Harmony triumph in his Cosumar debut to the list. In the Nepharim Premiership, he made his name as a club legend at Chenoworth Rovers and eventually coached powerhouse AFC Treason to the title. Oft considered the best manager Nephara has ever produced, Ramsey's hire has been a massive hit with fans, players and media alike. His track record of navigating World Cup Qualifying, where Cosumar has struggled for the past two decades, is impeccable. With a Cup of Harmony trophy already delivered and now a Quarterfinals run, I'd say he's already doing the same here. The new gaffer is best known for his ability to motivate players. He knows how to speak to them, how to identify with them - and they feed off his unwavering confidence. His harsh disciplinary style and frequent hairdryer treatments is a contrast to the patient, old-sage-mentor approach of Farris "Master Miyagi" Crowley. Ramsey brings with him his trusty tactical expert, Marlena Scamander, from AFC Treason.
Assistant Manager: Kennedy Kopenhaver
World Cup 72 was Kopenhaver's third as Assistant Manager since the sacking of Truda Jotunnoj (someone had to be the scapegoat for the team's failures and it wasn't going to be Crowley). Kopenhaver, 56, was once a terrific center back for the Cosumar National Team in World Cups 55-57, back when Crowley was establishing his legacy. He was infamous in Cosumar for being one of the most passionate and fiery players ever to step on a pitch. He would stop at nothing to win, even if it meant angrily telling his teammates what's what or getting himself a card. After retiring, Kopenhaver attempted a broadcasting career but was not happy. It was too far removed from the action! He then took to coaching, and spent six years as an assistant to Alvin Burnsides, Manager of Mallox FC, the most historically successful club in the Cosumarite Harlighet Ligan. After being skipped over for the managerial vacancy at Miners 47 in Apox, he jumped on the chance to work for his former mentor Farris Crowley with the National Team. Kopenhaver should bring a lot of passion and youthful energy to a team that Crowley and Jotunnoj hadn't been able to provide. He is a rare man - physically imposing yet keenly intelligent. Deceptively clever and excels at game strategy. Really knows how to motivate players.
Strategic Advisor: Marlena Scamander
Goalkeepers Coach: Anders Videfors
Defenders Coach: Artis Thomas
Midfielders Coach: Irvinn Rincon
Forwards Coach: Guiseke Seto
Head Trainer: Yvette Carson
RP Permissions
Essentially, full RP permissions. Be creative. Use my characters however you like. You can state that someone was injured, but allow me to determine the severity. I also ask that you telegram me before RPing anything extreme (like a bombing, a fan riot, extreme weather events impacting the game, etc). I'm usually up for anything, but just check with me first.
I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
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Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y
Injure Players: Y, but leave the severity up to me
Godmod Injury Events: Y, but no killing or wounding. TG me if you're doing something particularly unusual.
Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: TG me first.
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(F)
(F)
, 
(Port Christopher)
(Armeia)
SC Kiel
Northern Union
Fligsive FC
Firewood City
Bellight FC
AC Izotz Zubia
Mallox
Mandon United
Maximum Rovers
Baskita FC
Iskara Daii
Alianza FC
FC Fairleigh-Warburton
Sporting Cenial
Vaduz Portcullis
(Pridnestrovia)
Unless, perhaps, you'd like to arrange something...
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