Cornellian World Cup 2015 - (Closed, Cornellia Only)

by **Vyrsar** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:04 pm

Presented by the Värsker Deutscher Fußball-bund

Host Nation

Vyrsar is a German nation of 89 Million located in Northern Acheron. It has one of the largest developed modern economies in the region, and this is reflected through it's large and modern cities and infrastructure. Vyrsar has excellent, punctual, fast, and clean public transportation. Methods include monorails, trains, buses, and ferries. Owing to it's massive land area in comparison to population, much of Vyrsar is open land and large forests. On the northern coasts one can find beautiful geographic features such as fjords.

Vyrsar bid against Novitera to host the 2015 Cornellian World Cup, and won by popular vote. It has a long and proud footballing history, and already possesses much of the necessary infrastructure to support an event like the Cornellian Cup. All teams, on arrival, will be allocated the use of top-rated five star hotels for their stay, and will be given full and complete use of Fußball-Bundesliga club training facilities located near the match venues. Drivers and personal transportation are available to each team and their staff.

Security for the Cup will be provided courtesy of the Vyrsarian Armed Forces (Wehrmacht) and both Federal and State police forces. Ultimately, all supporters for teams that are not legally affiliated or employed by the team's league or staff will be responsible for their own behaviour. Excessive misbehaviour may result in being ejected from matches. Repeated offenses will result in a ban from attendance for any matches. Pre-payments will be refunded in that instance. All travelers and supporters to Vyrsar will be, always, expected to obey Vyrsarian law. Failure to abide by this will result in an individual being arrested, and their consulate or embassy notified of the event. Misdemeanors and crimes will be punished in accordance with Vyrsarian legal code.

All necessary media, facilities, guidance, and events at the Cup will be presented in German, English, and Latin.

Groups

Group A- Vyrsar | Gylias | Novitera | Jedoria

Group B- Adiron | Arbites | TECT | Julianicia

Group C- Schottia | Nekulturnya | Ghant | Austrania

Group D- New Edom | Allamunnic States | Shalum | Laudine

Round of 8 Match Schedule

Match Days 1-3

Match Days 4-6

Rules and Format

Match and Point Format
The tournament will start off with a Group Stage, with 4 groups of 4 teams each. They will be played in a round robin, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the next stage. Points will be awarded based on the number of wins, draws, and losses. A win is worth 3 points, a draw is worth 1 point to each team, and a loss neither gives nor takes any points. The top two teams from each group will advance into the Round of Eight. If two teams are competing for the runners-up slot with the same amount of points, the goal differential will be used to decide who advances. If two teams have the same amount of points, then the goal differential will be used to decide who will advance as the winner and who will advance as runners-Up. Here, each team will play the winning team and runners-up team of the other groups. They will not, however, play the other team from their own group. From the round of eight, the top four teams will advance to the Semifinals. The top two teams will advance to the finals, and the bottom two will play a match to decide Third and Fourth place.

Scoring

Scoring will be handled by myself and Schottia. Like the last Cup, no teams will go into the tournament with existing rank bonus. The only team with a bonus at the beginning will be the Vyrsarian National Team, which is automatically factored into the scorinator due the home advantage that is enjoyed because Vyrsar is the host nation. These points are cumulative and are awarded after each RP post cutoff, and will be held throughout the tournament. Like the last Cup, the first chance to gain this points is through posting your roster, which will be graded from 0-1 on style, clarity, and depth-of-information.

RP Bonus

Cut-offs before matches will be made known well in advance. Players will have the time from the end of the last match to the cut-off to post RP responses. The posts will be graded on overall quality, originality, depth of information, and relevancy and will be added to the team's cumulative score. Following the Quality-over-Quantity ethos, only the best post will be graded for each player. A player may feel free to post several times, but only the best will be graded.

As Schottia and I are both co-administrating the cup OOCly, we will be scoring and grading each other's RP posts and matches.

by **Gylias** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:06 pm

Gylian national football team

National information: Available on iiwiki.

Background

The national football team of the Republic of Gylias has historically had a rather limited international sports presence due to its gender-neutral roster, as the team absolutely insists that it will either be allowed to play as is or it will not participate in an event at all, which has led to it boycotting several international tournaments. Its experience consists mainly of frequently scoreless friendly matches, though it has participated in the Cornellian Cup since independence, winning in 2000 and coming second in 2014. It also participated in this year's Baptism of Fire 57, coming in last in its group, and in the 70th World Cup, coming fifth in its group.

Gylians are known for culturally regarding sport as an opportunity for enjoyment above all else, and refusing to acknowledge the competitive aspects. The national football team is no different, as its players are drawn from local football teams which never play in tournaments, but instead only play friendly matches, completely ignoring winning, losing and even scores in order to focus on having fun. Gylian players are known for a near-perfect record of good sportsmanship, having only very rarely received yellow cards due to accidents, and for frequently interacting and engaging in friendly conversation with their teammates and the other team's players on the pitch while playing.

As a secondary effect, the Gylian team's carefree playing style has given it a highly erratic record in international tournaments and a reputation for quirkiness that has often enchanted audiences due to its contrast with the regular competitive approach of other teams. This was famously expressed by Shalumite commentator Antoon Heijman's remark, "The Gylian team seems to be either amazing or awful, and nothing else in between."

The standard Gylian playing style is mainly inspired by the total football practiced by the Dutch national team in the 1970s and the tactical innovations of the Hungarian national football team in the 1950s. As such, the Gylian national football team has no fixed formation, and instead uses a fluid lineup whereby every player on the field except for the goalkeeper freely switches between multiple roles and positions, emphasising flexibility and cooperation over specialisation.

During matches, the team is also known for frequently playing at a slower pace, engaging in friendly banter with each other and casual conversation with the opposite side, and are known for indulging in eccentric actions for their own amusement, such as spontaneously turning a match into a moment of volleyball through headers and high passes, or attempting to kick the ball at the end of a roll simply because "it looked cool". In reference to this, former team manager Lausidh Zynlae remarked, "The most important thing is that our matches are never boring."

The team's shirts are white with a golden line running through the middle, regardless of whether they are the home or away team. If it would be necessary, they request that the Gylian national anthem not be played before a match in order to avoid depressing the audience.

Kits: White T-shirts with a golden line running through the middle, whenever they feel like wearing them. Their kits do not have numbers on the back, just the players' full names in large type.
Style: 0 (balanced)
Formation: Total football - no fixed formation

Players

1. Bhaksa Terneshyk
2. Kalse Ramned
3. Hurik Davidyan
4. Navan Dzíorny
5. Adna Acsir
6. Panagiotakis Xanthopoulos
7. Hana Matsuri
8. Dietmar Enns
9. Mared Terneshyk
10. Xadje Korxal
11. Naomi Mizushima
12. Nar Enylesh
13. Tzane Leuthej
14. Nels Langenberg
15. Zardáy Thashnæn
16. Arda Shanrek
17. Arevik Moushian
18. Rubinho Rodrigues

The position of goalkeeper rotates among all members for each match, and the roster is also changed for each match. Every half-time, the Gylian team will make two substitutions to rest players and give backups a turn on the field, ensuring that all members play as equally as possible throughout a match or tournament.

Manager: Amrana Eytak

Coach: Sarna Dyrvedz

I Give To My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        Y 
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y 
Injure Players:               N
Godmod Injury Events:         N
Red Card Players:             N
Yellow Card Players:          N
Godmod Other Events:          N
=================================

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:59 pm

Ghantish National Football Team

The Ghantish national football team was once a great powerhouse- winning it all in 1940, 1952, 1960, 1970 and 1980. Oftentimes they were controversial for their bad attitudes as well as edgy, gritty and hardnosed style of play. The Bullies in Black, the Pain Bringers, they were known as a team that would do whatever it took to win. The "Evil Empire"...the team that everyone else loved to hate. Yet, the glory days have long since passed, and the Ghantish teams of more recent years have been outmatched and at times, relegated to irrelevancy.

Ghantar are known for culturally regarding sport as an opportunity to come together as a nation and take pride in success. Sport, for Ghantish people, by and large is something to get fired up about. Football and hockey especially are prone to hooliganism and rowdiness, as people take to bars, clubs and arenas in order to cheer for their team. Win or lose, a party or a riot will take place somewhere. They can be sore winners or even sorer losers.

Many members of the Ghantish national team play for professional clubs either at home or abroad in order to strengthen their skills. That being said, several players have a reputation for playing "dirty." They have a very poor record in terms of good sportsmanship, having often earned yellow and red cards for their antics on the pitch.

The playing style mostly consists of balance on offense and defense, although there is no set formation. Mostly, the team tries to be flexible enough in order to respond to the opponent's style of play. The question remains, however: will Ghant return to its glory days, or will it remain the great regional has been?

Cup Champions
1940 * 1952 * 1960 * 1970 * 1980

Uniforms

Typical Formation

The Team

Nickname: The Direwolves

Formation: (3-4-3)

Manager
Michael Milakar

Keepers
1 - Aitor Abasolo (Third Captain)
4- Xavier Rivaldinho
8- Lionel Redy

Defenders
2 - Ireles Hisquexte (Captain)
5 - Mardo Umaga
9 - Unai Goycochea
11 - Luis Pondu
13 - Gorka Haribo

Midfielders
6 - Christo Ixeto
7 - Hector Dakniver
10 - Arran Hargui
12 - James Oncenito
14 - Daniel Ekaraizoz
16 - Aitor Linazasoro
18 - Markus Treto
20 - Lars Oiharzabal
22- Markos Trexero
23 - Jakob Lunensen

Strikers
3 - Damien Sturridge (Vice Captain)
15 - Inigo Erretxe
17 - Markos Poxton
19 - Sodo Rako
21 - Jon Pidar

*Italics denote starters.

=================================
I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
=================================

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Ask
Godmod injuries to my players: Ask
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Within reason.
Hand out red cards to my players: Ask
Godmod other events: Ask

I trust my opponent to act fairly.
=================================

by **Shalum** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:08 pm

Shalumite National Football Team

Coach: Arthur Cross
Assistant: Mara Felder
Goalkeeping Coach: Aria Lier
Manager: Markus Dehnert

Notable Shalumite Achievements In Cornellian Cup
1964- Winner
1998- Winner

In Shalum, football is easily the most popular sport, thanks to a mix of international popularity and the fact that it is a rather easy game to learn and play. Across the country, many people learn the sport at an early age, and continue to play it late into their adulthood, eventually passing down the experience to the next generation. It is not uncommon for a primary and secondary school to have a football team or two. Every year, college teams play against one another during the summer and fall seasons, ending with a tournament to decide who is the best team in the nation. In recent years, the Aragon Wildcats have been the most successful college team, followed closely by the Dresden FC Industrial and FC Frankfurt Arsenal. Of course, there is the Shalumite Football League (SFL), which is the group of professional teams within the country.

The team representing Shalum this year is full of new faces when compared to the team that represented Shalum in the last cup. In the last year, the national team has seen a number of changes, with Arthur Cross (the coach of the Aragon Wildcats) being appointed the new coach of the national team. During his short tenure as coach thus far, he has done a good job lighting a fire under the team, one that has not been seen since the late nineties. In recent press conferences, he has stated his confidence in achieving victories this year during the cup.

There is plenty of talent among the team's ranks this year, partly thanks to coach Cross' work, and due to the fact that most Shalumite footballers would jump at the opportunity to represent their nation. There are older faces, like the experienced Samuel Lange, but for the most part, the team is full of young guns straight from college pitches. With this, there has been some controversy about possible nepotism, as there are five players from the Aragon Wildcats that are starters, but those rumors have been at most that, simply rumors. In Shalum, teams of all levels are gender-neutral, thus you will be seeing both men and women representing the states this year.

Kits: Blue and white uniforms and shorts, with matching socks and cleats.
Style: -2 (The Shalumite team emphasizes a strong defense)
Formation: 4-3-3

Players

Offense

Forward: Samuel Lange #9
Right Wing: Sophia Pichler #10
Left Wing: Anthony Winchester #17
Substitutes: Matthias Danvers #23, Beatrix Heldt #19, Jeremy Digby #14

Midfield

Center Midfield: Sarah Walker #31
Left Half: Elijah Malcomson #8
Right Half: Emma Van Der Beek #5
Substitutes: Hector Forrest #12 and Terence Winthrope #15

Defense

Center Back: Baastian Hester #21
Sweeper: Sabine Kocher #25
Right Back: Thomas Carmichael #23
Left Back: Jennifer Goldfeld #31
Substitutes: Samuel Belleville #32 and Alastair Rafferty #33

Goalkeeper: David Benning #1
Substitute: Richard Neilson #2

I Give To My Opponent Permission To:

Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes
Injure Players: Yes
Godmod Injury Events: Yes
Red Card Players: Within Reason
Yellow Card Players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes

by **Novitera** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 4:13 pm

Novitera has never had a proud history of soccer. However money has been pouring into professional club teams as the game is becoming more popular with much of the talent coming from universities which are competitive albeit sparsely covered. The Noviteran Soccer League (NSL) while growing, lacks talent and funding compared to many nations where soccer is more popular being largely overshadowed by the Western Belisaria Football League. When it comes to the world cup the United Federation National Soccer Team (UFNST) is also a relative newcomer having only sent their first team in 1988. They have been competing in the World Cup ever since drawing from professional players in the NSL. In the World Cup Novitera has seen limited success having made it to third and fourth place twice each. The apex of their performance came in 2004 when Novitera was runner up. To this day the nation has yet to see a World Cup title but sponsors and fans alike are confident it will come.

This year the UFNST is fielding a moderately talented team with a few veterans who were present for Novitera's third place result in the 2012 world cup. They have hired Douglas Grier as the team's head coach. The Schottian saw modest success as a coach in the Schottic Premier League during the 90s though many believe his heyday has long been over. The UFNST will be coming out with their traditional offense heavy play style that borderlines on recklessness. Their strategy is strongly focused on possession, attack and risk-taking having very little to lose.

Despite having limited success in the World Cup and being low on the rankings, the Noviterans do not lack for competitive mindset that some would say is excessive. The UFNST has had a tradition of bad sportsmanship, yellow cards and even red cards making them one of the most controversial teams in Cornellia. Veterans Paul McBride, Dennis Galvez, Neil Tokunaga were all ejected from the last World Cup. The fans are no different who are prone to hooliganism, drunkeness and cheering injuries of opponent players. Managers have been criticized for doing little to mitigate this perhaps due to the behaviors correlated increase in ratings for the event among viewers in Novitera. It should be noted that the UFNST has a reputation for trash talking, unnecessary roughness and dirty play which should be no different this year.

Notable Cornellian World Cup Achievements
1998 - Third Place
2000 - Fourth Place
2004 - Runner Up
2006 - Fourth Place
2012 - Third Place

United Federation National Soccer Team
Manager: Terrell Tamura
Coach: Douglas Grier
Assistant Coach: Jordan Nichols
Assistant Coach: Toby Davis

Style: +4
Formation: 3-3-4

Goal Keepers
2 - Leroy Young
6 - Ruben Diaz

Defenders
5 - Paul Mcbride
8 - Mark Castillo
11 - Spencer Stone
18 - Derrick Shintani
20 - Tyler Hopkins
Midfielders
3 - Shawn Fujimura
9 - Gil Bright
14 - Denis Galvez (Captain)
17 - Sydney Akiyama
19 - Casey Hicks
21 - Jonathan Ohashi
22 - Bryan Kanemoto
Strikers
4 - Keith Cortez
7 - Neil Tokunaga
12 - Clarence McBride
15 - Gabriel Reyes
16 - Percy Wagner
23 - Alton Rhodes

Choose my goalscorers: Yes, preference to Tokunaga, Galvez and Clarence McBride
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Hittanryan** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 4:57 pm

The Adiran National Football Team

As one of the most popular international sports, football found its way into Adiron almost immediately after the country's founding. It was a simple but elegant game which could be played almost anywhere, even areas still in need of reconstruction. Foreign football coverage inspired kids who had fresh memories of war and privation, and helped ease the transition to normalcy with the formation of the first Adiran football clubs. The therapeutic effect football had in recovering from the horrors of the Ceti Civil War is responsible for the sport's early surge in popularity, and has been adopted as a national pasttime.

However, with western Ceti still ravaged from the Civil War, the fledgling Adiran economy still weak, and little experience in professional sports, more pressing issues took priority over sports. Adiron spent the entire 1980s almost without a single win in the international sphere, with its lone 1-0 match during the Cornellian Cup in 1990 being hailed as something between a miracle and dumb luck. Nevertheless, in the 80s Adiran talent was able to find its way onto foreign teams (which contributed to the losing streak), where they learned the tricks and trades of the old professionals.

This first generation of Adiran players was just returning to Ceti when the economy began to take off. With prosperity came sponsors for football clubs and academies, and with experience came proper organization and strategy. Adiron properly entered the arena when it advanced to the semi-finals of the 1998 Cornellian Cup following two years of steady victories. Overall Adiron is neither a laughingstock nor a superstar in the football world, but between its large talent pool and resources the Adiran Football Association has staked out a claim as a contender in the international realm. On the field, Adiran players can be fiercely competitive, but only rarely cross the bounds of good sportsmanship or professionalism. It is just a game, after all. However, exceptions were perhaps made in the game against the Imperium last year.

Roster (4-2-3-1):

Manager: Sam Drescher
Following last year's Cornellian Cup, Sam Drescher and Assistant Coach Scott Lei had a rather spectacular falling out. The official story according to Drescher was that Lei's ego got the better of him over their loss in the semi-finals of the Cup. In the team's interest, Drescher started to take a more hands-on approach in managing the team. This ultimately led to tension with Lei, who viewed this as some kind of punishment for what he considered a strong showing. According to Lei, as their relationship deteriorated, Drescher criticized Lei's tactics in the Cup as inflexible for relying on exactly the right player playing exactly the right position. Lei maintained it was reasonable to expect players to play their own positions competently and as drilled. Ultimately, this devolved further into a round of public finger pointing, culminating in Lei's resignation.

Since Lei's resignation, the Adiran team has undergone a shift in tactics. Abandoning the 4-3-3 favored by Lei and focusing more on recruiting subs, the Adiran National Team has shifted tactics but largely retains the same roster.

GK: Kurt Townsend, Puerto Rojas Hammerheads

A solid shot-stopper, only a hair shorter than Tom Hall at 198 cm, Townsend tends to play mind games during penalties. Extremely perceptive, Townsend has a keen sense of the field at all times. Sometimes the Adiran goalkeeper selects men to be marked when one particular player is judged to be a significant threat, but otherwise allows the rest of the defense to maintain their more flexible type of zonal defense. Recently traded to the Hammerheads for a hefty contract of $8 million, aided by his performance in the Cup last year.

RB: Santiago Lowe, Cornellians FC (Schottia)

Although possessing impressive stamina, passing accuracy, and speed, Lowe's main asset is his intelligence. His instincts tend to be dead on, allowing him to not only anticipate the flow of play towards his end of the field but perceiving passing opportunities throughout the field. After trading to Cornellians FC, he distinguished himself in the MPL scoring a goal and a free kick as well as connecting a few match-critical passes.

LB: Ed Chin, FC Stasburg

Complementing Brooks' and Rodriguez's "stone walls," Chin is typically the first to descend on any pass which breaches the defensive line, especially strikers. A wiry, sometimes hotheaded man, he has in the past been a bit overly aggressive on the field as well, leaving holes open that ultimately conceded caps. Where former coach Lei largely left this issue unaddressed, in Drescher's newly-favored formation the defensive midfielders offer some additional insurance.

CB: Cory Rodriguez, FC Hill Valley

The second-tallest player on defense after Townsend, Rodriguez is a strong tackler with a cool head as well as heading ability. The usual dynamic between the center backs is for Brooks to mark strikers and stick to them like glue, and for Rodriguez to support him. In this year's Cup, he'll find himself opposed to fellow Hill Valley player Mark Allen, who is playing FC for Schottia and has propelled Hill Valley to several wins this season in the Adiran leagues.

CB: Rob Brooks, Red Port Orcas

Brooks is a traditional center-back. Strong and possessed of seemingly limitless endurance, frequently Brooks is the one to mark opposing strikers. Tackling and ball control are where Brooks excels, making him an implacable counter for the typical striker. A fixture of the Orcas for nearly four years now, Brooks has just fully recovered from an ankle injury in a recent game against Stasburg.

DM: Ken Nguyen, Puerto Rojas Hammerheads

Although still a junior member of the Hammerheads squad at age 19, Nguyen already has one Cornellian Cup under his belt. It's rumored that Isidium and Sai may have approached him with offers of a nice fee, but for now he remains with the Hammerheads. Placed in the role of a defensive midfielder on the national team, Drescher intends to use Nguyen to disrupt passing rhythms and help box attackers into cul de sacs.

DM: Art Sung, Sai United

Playing midfield for Sai, Sung sometimes draws criticism for being just a bit too cautious, but his speed and passing accuracy are spot on. Drescher figured he would be perfect as a defensive mid, quickly moving upfield and connecting short passes to one of the attacking mids or possibly the striker.

CAM: Harold Davis, Isidium West

Fast and not too particular whether he's passing or shooting, Davis has the speed and stamina to position himself wherever he needs to be whenever he needs to be, and has amassed a sizable number of goals himself. Originally maligned as a jack-of-all-trades, Davis' star power has risen a bit after securing a game-deciding goal against the Imperium in the 2014 Cornellian Cup. Now the joke is that if a team playing Gylian total football was composed entirely of versatile players like Davis, everyone would be in big trouble.

LAM: Ryan Jiang, Puerto Rojas Hammerheads

Now an attacking midfield, the lightning-fast Jiang has a marked tendency to run circles around defenders and is typically the one to find the "chink in the armor." His main strengths are speed and shooting, and the ambidextrous Jiang's ball control has also improved substantially as well. Hammerhead fans claim he has developed a bit of an ego since securing third place at last year's Cup; they allege he attempts to drive home low-probability caps instead of passing.

RAM: Ralph Green, FC Stasburg

Of the forwards, Green is the most support-oriented, often focused on penetrating opposing defenses through excellent ball control, passing, and positioning. Speed and ball control are Green's strengths, which he generally uses to get the ball to the target man.

CF: Tom Hall, Red Port Orcas

Target man, striker. Something of a celebrity on the Adiran football scene, Hall reprises his role as center forward from last year's cup with his excellent ball control, strength, and shooting accuracy. Hall appears to be made entirely out of wiry, sinewy muscle, and is the tallest player on the team at just under 2 meters.

Style: -1 Balanced Defensive

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes, though a little bit in Hall or Jiang's favor wouldn't be amiss
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, within reason
Godmod other events: Yes

by **New Edom** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 6:17 pm

The New Edomite National Football Team

Nickname: The Griffons

The members are selected from the best players of the League, and is taken very seriously by many citizens as being a symbol of patriotism and the unity of the country. During the Civil Wars there virtually was no League; General Pahath-Moab having revived it was very emotional. Queen Mara was recorded bursting into tears when the League kicked off its first match two years ago.

In a tested system from the 2014 Cup, the objective of the Edomite team is to wear out opponents and strike at them hard in the second half. They will be using a 4-3-3 formation.

The colours will be black bottom white top with blue and red divided disc in the middle, symbolizing the unity of the nation and the colours of the national flag. However the New Edomite teams are accustomed to playing only wearing their shoes. Goalkeeper will be wearing green and red colours.

There has been some demoralization this year due to the continued constitutional crisis at home, but one thing that is believed might help with the peace is an across the board hope that the Griffons will perform well. In the words of the late President Perrin Pahath-Moab, “If anyone has doubted that people from different parts of the country, different backgrounds, different faiths, different cultures, could come together to succeed and have victory in peace, let those doubts now be put to rest, and let every member of the team and coaching staff know: New Edom is proud of them.”. In response to this being quoted to him this year, Coach Imlah simply said, "Amen."

(Strong Defense: +2)
RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes, but I’d like Cleopas to be able to score at least one if my team does score in a game; I’ve picked him in a previous roleplay as a dark horse.
Godmod scoring events: Sure
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Ys
Godmod other events: Yes
(see what a good sport I am?)

*Note: first listed are starting players.

Coach: Solomon Imlah (Solomon Imlah is an ex-army NCO who served in 3 major conflicts before retiring. He was also a coach of the First Army’s Football Team. He has a deep and abiding love of the game. He is known for bringing barracks room language to both the locker room and the field, for tearing a strip off players but defending them against outsiders to the bitter end. Also he is known for military style briefings of his players during pre-game prep)

Goalkeepers:
Reuben Ephrathites (24) (known for rather spectacular long range saves)
Jasper Chilion (23) (shot stopper, but can he keep up his success of the last 5 matches in the League?)
Gabriel Orpah (23)

Forwards
Joseph Mahlon (24) (Striker) (Target man. The biggest toughest player on the team, he seems to have unbelievable stamina and strength. The Padan Powerhouse is the son of a stablehand, and in spite of his height (6,3) and strength he is virtually inarticulate during interviews and meeting of VIPs)
Daniel Cleopas (22) (Striker) (excellent dribbler, but some consider him a prima donna who tries to win games on his own. However over the last year he has proven himself over and over again as a team player, and was one of the lead players for the National Team in the 2014 Cup.
Samuel Zuph (22) (Forward) (Another dribbler, emphasizing the New Edomite team’s preference for excellent ball handling.)
Tobias Smith (23) (Forward) (The Sniper; Smith is a clinical finisher, slamming balls into goals even at range when the opportunity exists.)
Jabin Schumacher (22) (Winger) (Also a good dribbler)
Gideon Zeeb (21) (Winger) (target man; he is not obviously tough like Mahlon but is one of those short men who is very feisty and tough and seems to have limitless energy)

Defenders
Defensive Midfielder is the general approach to the Defense. The Defenders are mostly selected from teams with good defense, intended to wear down the opposing team. Pabadakis and Pike are the best in the team at drawing away the opposition defense.

Michael Pabadakis (24) (Centre Back) (Pull right/Pull Left)
Israel Todo (23) (Centre Back)
David Eshtaol (23) (Centre Back)
Zebulon Pike (22) (Full Back) (Pull Right/Pull Left)
Uriel Harvester (22) (Full Back)
Raphael Gabon (22) (Full Back)

Midfielders
Midfield focuses on a lot of stamina, good tackling, passing and defusing attacks.
Josiah Levi (24) (Centre Midfield) (Creative player)
Ezra Philips (24) (Centre Midfield)
Gideon Clemens (23) (Defensive Midfield) (Creative player)
Zacharias Agag (22) (Defensive Midfield)
Mordecai Tuller (22) (Attacking Midfield)
Benjamin Nolan (22) (Attacking Midfield)

by **Allamunnic States** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 11:54 pm

Allamunnic States National Association Football Team

Nation: The Federation of Allamunnic States
Colors: Royal Blue & Steel Gray
Nickname: Regulars
Style Modifier: +1.5

Manager: Vaalhulm Shraedur (Age: 42) - Vaalhulm Shraedur enjoyed about as successful a pro career as any Allamunnic soccer player is likely to, playing for fourteen years at a reasonably high level with the Skarrsboro United AFC before retiring to be a college coach. When the time came to reform the long-defunct Allamunnic National Association Football Team, Shraedur, then working at Skarrsboro City College, was one of the first candidates discussed due to the gushing reviews of former players and staff.

Shraedur is fairly aggressive in approach, although he is not averse to changing up formations mid-match with his substitutions. All the same, he utilizes a base 3-3-4 formation, keeping more strikers on the field while keeping enough players back in the mids and on defense to ensure that defense is not sacrificed in the quest for goals. Personality-wise, Shraedur is not terribly fiery, retaining a composed, neutral demeanor in most public appearances and during matches. He has rarely lost his cool, usually in the face of what he might perceive as a flagrantly-unfair penalty against one of his players.

Team Overview:
In sharp contrast to most of its other national teams, the Allamunnic soccer team is actually not terribly rough and tumble. Although they do consider a fair amount of contact to be part of the game, they are considerably less inclined to physical contact than their gridiron counterparts, and they have a better attitude than the Regulars on the ice.

Players:

Starters
Goalkeeper
#02 - Leopyld Hulms - (26; 5'10"; 175lbs; Royal Onneria)

Backfielders
LB#32 – Daanyl Otto - (24; 6'1"; 192lbs; Foundry Union)
CB#35 - Honorius Haeldunn - (26; 6'3"; 197lbs; Foundry Union)
RB#33 - Theodur Arnstadt - (24; 6'1"; 186lbs; Riverside)

Midfielders
LM#21 - Ryan Kaarlsunn - (22; 6'1"; 188lbs; Roan Federal)
CM#25 - Izaak Bromm - (28; 6'2"; 196lbs; Skarrsboro United)
RM#24 - Selyn Jordyn - (25; 5'9"; 135lbs; Royal Onneria)

Forwards
LF#11 - Erik Drakarr - (23; 6'0"; 186lbs; Haensley North)
MF#12 - Derrik Leifsunn - (22; 6'1"; 205lbs; Dunnmaar)
IF#14 - Marie Izaaksunn - (20; 5'7"; 134lbs; Royal Onneria)
RF#17 - Theo Bromm - (22; 5'11"; 195lbs; Vaalhulmspurt)

Reserves:
K#5 - Izaak Rilyn - (23; 6'0"; 180lbs; Riverside FC)
F#13 - Lily Stoekunn - (26; 5'10"; 141lbs; Vaalhulmspurt)
F#15 - Kelly Horst - (21; 5'10"; 140lbs; Center Steppe)
M#28 - Kyl Haelmund - (23; 6'1"; 191lbs; Great Fjord)
M#27 - Derrik Kaarlsunn - (21; 6'2"; 194lbs; Foundry Union)
B#30 - Junn Horst - (27; 6'0"; 202lbs; Dunnmaar)
B#36 - Henrik Krysthulm - (23; 5'10"; 184lbs; Royal Onneria)

by **Schottia** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 4:14 am

National Football Team of Schottia

World Cup 71 Qualifiers

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Manager: Barry Gorman 46
Assistant: Jackie Lowell 51
First Team Coach: David Chettwell 62
First Team Coach: Max Linellan 41
Gk Coach: Norman Davis 39
Physio: Jimmy Anderson 49
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Style Modifier: +3

Team info
It's very hard to predict the exact make up of the Schottia Squad which will head to Vyrsar for Cornellia 15. After a potentially bruising World Cup cycle there is the distinct possibility that any of their stars could pick up an untimely injury or fall out of favour. With that in mind fans should not be overly surprised if there are new additions to the official team sheet before the start of the tournament. Six times Cornellian Cup winners Schottia, will be desperate to make amends for their quarter-finals exit last time at the hands of Adiron. The Scots went down 1-0 to the Cetan side, after coming through a tricky Group, which included Welkielas, Arbites and eventual champions New Edom.

Although the 23-man squad has many familiar faces, there are a few new inclusions, some of which will be hoping to make their first competitive appearance. The team will also receive a moral boost from the U-21s Di Brandini Cup victory in Starblaydia, four members of that starting eleven are in the current senior squad. Amongst the triumphant class of Di Bradini 33 is right-back Larry Watt, who after his recent move to Buyanese side Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, will be hoping to force his way into the starting line up for both club and country. Another U-21 graduate, plying her trade in Buyan is attacking midfielder Kim Coultan, Schottia's first woman to receive a senior cap. The Jottnar Kallsmudden teenager was brought into the squad for the Cup of Harmony last time round and fans will no doubt be excited to see what kind of an impact she can make. Craig O'Maramy and Eoin Killanen need slightly less intoduction, the two stars of the U-21s already have both caps and goals at international level and will expect to feature heavily this time round.

Another exciting new addition is Handon United midfielder Alfred Seggerson. The 24-year-old is in the squad for the first time since opting to play of Schottia after his country of birth, Kloith, went belly up. The midfielder has made several appearances in the World Cup qualifiers and is already proving himself to be a great addition, providing both goals and assists to the side. The sock inclusion, that will get a few heads turning, is former Semi-pro Chloe Rudden. The 18-year-old, who scored 24 goals in 22 games in the Women's League has recently moved to Nepharim Side North Laithland, and is tipped for big things.

Regarding the starting line up, Gorman as awlway will probably go with a settled starting eleven. The back five pretty much picks itself, with team captain Lucas D'Araby in goals, the player having recently taken over the armband from the retiring Colin Donaldson. The manager also goes with what seems to be his preferred centre-back pairing, the talented VfB Brandenberg man Darren Hanlon teaming up with veteran FC Soessch defender Chris Okywä. The right and left defensive positions will be marshaled as ever by Handon United's Jack Gorndon, and King's Park's winger-come-defender Darren O'Brian respectively.

In the midfield Gorman will more than likely start with the same four that played in the Cup of Harmony, although Seggerson, and O'Maramy could easily force their way in. Gary Corsie is usually Schottia's midfield engine room, but it is still to be seen how he will perform after the difficulties he faced being caught up in the Edomite civil war. Back on loan at Marionville for his own safety, he will partner the technically gifted former Fandon Flight man Jon Fotan. These two should be a good foil for one another, with the athleticism of Corsie and the long passing of Fotan. On the right Gorman will probably go with Port Sebastian 17-year-old Joey Bia, whom he knows well from his time at the club, and that will be balanced with Schottia's star-man and number 10, Handon United attacker Gaston Avelione on the left. Avelione has been Schottia's top scorer in the last two cycles, and you wouldn't bet against him repeating it this time round. Both he and Bia have a tendency to cut in and shoot, so it can sometimes give the formation the feel of a 4-2-3-1 when Schottia are on the attack.

Finally upfront, Schottia normally rotate the loan striker with FC Hill Valley man Mark Allen (who seems to be slightly preferred to Soessch's Bruno Schwartz), normally getting the nod. It will understandably be a bit of a battle between these two for who starts, with Port Sebastian's Paul Coine and Port James' Francis Keelinan waiting in the wings. The striker will recieve support from Eoin Killanen, with the FC Zurich man a certainty to start in the second striker position. The Captain of Schottia's excellent U-21 side will be a key player this cycle, no doubt scoring important goals for the team.

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Home - Away

The kits for this cycle have been designed by AER Sportswear of Gloriax, replacing the previous strip worn in World Cups 69 and 70. This new design has got replica shirt sales rocketing, featuring a predominantly black away strip for the first time.

Squad
The starting line up displayed here is probably the most likely eleven to play, however, if you are PRing feel free to read the player descriptions and make a few changes. Also you can check my most recent post in the RP tread to get some more up to date information.

1. GK Lucas D'Araby, 31

Handon United Height:190cm Weight:84kg (c)
Taking over the captaincy just before the last Cup of Harmony, D'Araby has been Schottia's Mr Dependable over the last decade, crossing the 100 cap tally last cycle. Eleven consecutive seasons as Handon United's No. 1 have seen him win seven league titles and four Schottic cups, after signing from minnows D'tille as a youngster. He is a towering figure in the goals and is famed for his shot stopping abilities as well will as his assured handling at crosses and corners. He was an important player for Schottia last World Cup cycle and he is one of the players in the team, you would imagine, is guaranteed a starting berth.

2. RB Jack Gordon, 30,

Handon United Height:181cm Weight:73kg
A versatile and highly adaptable defender, Jack Gordon has been an important player for Schottia in their rise up the world rankings. The Handon United full-back can play either side of defence and can fill in at centre-back if required. He is a good solid option at the back, and has the pace to get forward and support the attack. Gordon missed out on Schottia's last Cup of Harmony campaign, picking up an injury just before their first match with Turori. There is competition for his position, with Hollin's Chris Jack and WB Pallstadt's Larry Watt pushing him hard, but Gordon is likely to start the first game.

3. LB Darren O'Brian, 23,

King's Park Height:178cm Weight:71kg
Darren O'Brian has been a massive player for his club King's Park in recent seasons. Making his debut at 16 he is still the youngest player to start a game for the Handon Club. Despite normally playing left-wing domestically he has been first choice left-back for Schottia for a number of seasons now. O'Brian is solid in defence, but his real strength is in overlapping and supporting the attack. His eagerness to get forward has seen him caught out on the odd occasion.

22. CB Darren Hanlon, 22,

VfB Brandenberg Height:188cm Weight:84kg
A technically gifted modern center-back with bags of energy, Darren Hanlon firmly established himself in the team last cycle. The player who captained Schottia to the quarter finals at the last Olympics in Kytler Bay City, recently moved to Vyrsarian side VfB Brandenberg for a fee of 2.5 million. Hanlon is tipped for big things, and if his performances last season are anything to go by then there no doubt that he can go on to become one of the top defenders in the region.

5. CB Chris Okywä, 27,

Soessch Height:183cm Weight:84kg
The joker of the side, the Soessch defender is extremely popular with both fans and players alike. Okywä's main strengths are his pace and athleticism, making his partnership with Hanlon a difficult proposition for even the fastest strikers. The 27-year-old earned his first cap aged 19 and has been a mainstay of the national side ever since, he is ranked second behind D'Araby in terms of apperences in the current squad.

6. CM Gary Corsie, 22,

Fineberg Flockers (On loan at

Marrionville) Height:190cm Weight:80kg
Gary Corsie rose to fame as part of the Port Sebastian team that lifted the SPL title last season, leading to the player becoming a regular starter for his country. At the start of this season he was subject of a £15 million move to Edomite side, the Fineberg Flocker, making him Schottia's most expencive player ever. Since then however, New Edom has spiraled into a state of civil-war and Corsie is back in the Schottia, now playing for his hometown club Marionville. Corsie is a big, powerful, box-to-box style midfielder, who can help out in defence but also isn't afraid to take players on and have a shot on goal.

11. CM Jon Fotan, 23,

Fadron Flight Height:177cm Weight: 80kg
Former New Belfast Warriors star Jon Fotan made his name for Schottia playing on the left of midfield. However, the stocky 23-year-old has now been moved to his preferred position along side Corsie in the centre. Fotan is a renowned set piece specialist, and is well known for his speculative, long distance strikes, which often have a habit of sneaking in. An ever-present member of Barry Gorman's team, Fotan is by no means the fastest player in the side, but makes up for that with his skill and vision. Fotan moved to Taeshani title chasers Fadron Flight, just before the start of qualifiers.

10. AML Gaston Avelione, 28,

Handon United Height:195cm Weight: 84kg
Avelione has been Schottia's top scorer in the last two World Cup qualification cycles, and was recently voted the country's second greatest sportsman of all time. The Handon United player's pace and direct running, combined with a deadly long-range strike, makes him a hand full for any defence. Fans will fondly remember his double in the 5-2 win over West Angolan last time round. Avelone can play anywhere in attack, but is most effective behind striker, or on the left where he can cut in and shoot. The North Islander is without a doubt the first name on Barry Gorman's team-sheet.

7. AMR Jonathan Bia, 17,

Port Sebastian Height:170cm Weight:72kg
As a Schottic footballer, when your manager calls you the next Gaston Avelione, you know you're doing something right. The Dahamy born winger only received international clearance to play last year. Since then Joey (as he likes to be called) has put in some top class performances, in both the World Cup and Cup of Harmony. Bia worked was part of Gorman's SPL winning side in 2014, when they were both at Port Sebastian, and the teenager has that direct attacking style of play which is so important to the manager's tactics. Bia is a player who normally gets amongst the goals, and often attempts audacious shots.

19. ACM Eoin Killanen, 20,

FC Zurich Height:176cm Weight:70kg
Captain of Schottia's Di Bradini Cup winning side, Killanen is one of the country's top prospects. Now playing in the Vyrsarian League with top side FC Zürich, he has come on leaps and bounds, developing into one of the nations top talents. The former Lammerton wonderkid is ruthless in front of goal, and epitomises the sides' attacking approach to the game. Often criticised in the past for being selfish in possession, the £8 million rated forward has worked hard on his attitude over the past couple of years, much to the advantage of both club and country.

21. FC Mark Allen, 24,

FC Hill Valley Height:191cm Weight: 81kg
The SPL's top goal scorer last season, Allen has now very much established himself as Barry Gorman's first choice in the coveted loan-striker role. Another graduate of the same Port Sebastian side as Corsie and Bia, Allen has since joined up with Adiran club FC Hill Valley. For a big physical striker he is particularly fast across the pitch, and is known for his ability to find himself in the right place at the right time. Some quarters of the media have posed questions as to whether he offers as much as other strikers in the squad, however, no one can question his goal contribution.

Substitutes

13. GK Chris Gonzaö, 23,

Port Sebastian Height:202cm Weight:85kg
Chris Gonzaö is in the difficult position of having D'Araby ahead of him in the pecking order. His contribution at club level, and during his time in the Under-21s has shown us exactly what he is capable of. However, unless the team captain picks up an injury, the Port Sebastian keeper will need to bide his time and be patient. Gonzaö has been caped three times in friendly matches.

14. DLC David Daller, 24,

Marionville Height:190cm Weight:85kg
The Marionville captain is very much a back up player for The White and Greens. Despite being selected in the squad for the last two World Cup qualifiers, he has only made a handful of appearances from the bench. At 24, he still has some time on his side, however if he fails to make an impact soon there is a danger he will be overtaken by the young defenders coming through. Daller can play centre or left of defence, he has a good footballing ability, and is strong in the air.

4. CB John McCann, 30,

Handon United Height:191cm Weight:82kg
John McCann has time after time proven himself to be a dependable defender. This towering centre half is tough tackling, assured in the air, and has a habit of popping up at the right time to head in from set-plays. Despite all this, he has come under some criticism at times for being sluggish in possession. Vice-captain for Handon United, he has played regularly for Schottia for the last ten years. Recently he seems to have fallen out of favour with national coach Gorman, hence the reason he has been moved to the bench.

15. RB Larry Watt, 21,

Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, Height: 180cm. Weight: 75kg
One of the standout players for Marionville over the last couple of seasons, Watt eared a NSD 4,000,000 move to Buyanese team WB Pallstadt just before the start of the qualifiers. He was an important part of the Schottic Di Bradini Cup winning side, starting every match, and also played in the side that reached the quarter finals of the Olympics. A natural right back, he has the pace and strength to play in that position, possibly offering more defensively than the other wing-backs in the squad. Watt will be confident of wining his first cap and forcing his way into the first team soon.

16. RLD/M Chris Jack, 22,

Hollin Height:186cm Weight: 80kg
The Hollin wide-man is highly valued member of the squad, and can play wing-back or wing-forward, left or right. One of the more frequently used substituted in the side, he started all three matches in the Cup of Harmony, filling in for the injured Jack Gordon. The 22-year-old was originally named captain of Schottia's U-23 side at the last Olympics, before he pulled out with hamstring troubles.

23. RM Craig O'Maramy, 21,

New Belfast Warriors Height:177cm Weight: 62kg
O'Maramy is easily one of the best wide men in the Schottic league right now. A stand out player during his side's march to lifting Di Bradini Cup, he has also made five sub appearances for the senior team scoring two goals in the process. Even at 21, he is already a key player for his club New Belfast Warriors, who currently sit top of the SPL. O'Maramy is blessed with huge amounts of pace, skill and stamina. He is a good crosser of the ball, but also likes to cut in and shoot, as his goal tally at club level would suggest.

8. CM Mark Kelman, 24,

Cornellians FC Height:181cm Weight:76kg
Kelman started his career with Handon United, but after failing to break into their first team went on loan to fellow SPL club Port James. A season later he made the move permanent and become one of their most consistent midfielders. Last season he made the switch to Cornellins FC who finished second in the inaugural MPL campaign. It was here that he caught the eye of Barry Gorman, who called him up for his first cap in the last Cup of Harmony. Kelman is a great all-rounder, a solid midfielder, who combines the fetching and carrying side of the game with an attacking impetus.

17. CM Alfred Seggerson, 24,

Handon United Height:181cm Weight:79kg
Seggerson joined current club Handon United aged sixteen from Kloithian club Amothsborg Fishermen for a fee of £250,000. Since then he has grown into one of their most important first team players, making his debut two years later. His nation of birth, Kloith, has since undergone a brutal revolution and his passport was declared not valid. Seggerson has now been granted Schottic citizenship winning his first cap in a recent friendly in Flardania. Seggerson is a quick and agile midfielder, with over 250 appearances in the Schottic Premier League. He is a solid playmaker who can chip in a few goals from the midfield.

18. CM Kim Coultan, 19,

Jottnar Kallsmudden Height:160cm Weight:52kg
Kim Coultan is a player who has really burst onto the scenes in Schottia. One season ago she was on the fringes of a Dundee side narrowly securing promotion to the Premier Division. However, since Buyanese side Jottnar Kallsmudden took a chance on the teenager, her fortunes have been transformed. She now features regularly for her club in Buyan's top tier and won her first senior cap in the last Cup of Harmony. The first woman to feature for Schottia's senior side, she was also part of the Di Bradini Cup winning team, starting every match and scoring twice. Coultan is a quick agile player, who is always looking to move the ball forward. Fantastic on either foot, what the midfielder lacks in physical presence she makes up for with technique.

12. LM/F Chloe Rudden, 18,

North Laithland Height:172cm Weight:60kg
The jet-healed winger is one of the nation’s top prospects, and no doubt has a big future in the senior team. The teenager has played most of her career in the Women's Super-League, where she had a near 1 to 1 goal to game ratio last season with Handon Eagles. Rudden has recently moved to the Premier League in Nephara where she is expected to shine in one of the world's top divisions. Young and charismatic, she brings a freshness to the squad, and has the pace to leave even the fastest wing-backs standing.

20. FC Paul Coine, 26,

Port Sebastian Height:183cm Weight:81kg
Paul Coine is one of the SPL's top strikers, and was instrumental in Port Sebastian's 2014 title win. Despite his performances for his club, his international career has largely been confined to the bench. That said, he has often come on and made an impact, and has scored in the last three World Cup cycles. A fast and cut-throat attacker, Coine can play upfront or just behind the striker.

9. FC Bruno Schwartz, 26,

Soessch Height:191cm Weight:85kg
Bruno Schwartz is an old fashioned no. 9, no nonsense, hardworking, and great in the 18-yard-box. He shares loan striker duties with Mark Allen, so expect him to make a fair few sub appearances, and even start some games. He has been a consistent performer over the last few cycles for Schottia. He is interestingly the opposite of Allen, in that he is often criticised for his lack of goals, and his tendency to be too unselfish.

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Formation and tactics

Schottia are a very fast, physical side, who play a direct form of counter attacking football. Neither winger normally operates on their natural side, and therefore they often take up more central positions to cut in and shoot. For this reason the team relies heavily on attacking wing-backs to contribute width to the team. This usually means Schottia are a tricky side to defend against, however, it can lead to them being caught out at the back. The job of the two central midfielder is to protect the back four when their side is under pressure, but also to act as an outlet, using strong running or accurate passing to get the team out of danger. Schottia's three attacking midfielders all like to shoot from distance, so the loan striker has to be alert and quick enough to feed off the scraps provided from deflections and bodged clearances.

Most likely too...
The following categories operate a depth chart system, taking into account the probability that the player will be on the pitch

Permissions
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Choose my goalscorers Y 
Godmod scoring events Y
Roleplay injuries to my players Y (I will decide how long.)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y 
Hand out red cards to my players N (Y with TG)
Godmod other events Y
---
I'm very open to any interesting ideas on or of the pitch, so feel free to send me a TG. 
All I ask is that you don't kill anyone or end their career
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by **Vyrsar** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 12:33 pm

Vyrsarian National Football Team
Die Värske Fußballnationalmannschaft

Vyrsar has a long, proud, and very successful history in Football. With 6 titles and 4 runners-up, it is one of the top two footballing nations in the UCFA alongside Schottia, a nation with which it also shares a long and cordial relationship with. With the 2015 Cup being hosted in Vyrsar, the skill and efficiency of the Vyrsarian team this year now has an extra and extremely important factor- the home advantage. With its own supporters in the stands and the pride of its nation on its back, there is no doubt that the Vyrsarian team will perform to their very best.

Football in Vyrsar is a sport with tradition, and a sport for the fans created and shaped by the fans. Bundesliga games boast cheap ticket prices and extremely high fan turnouts, even in midweek matches in the middle of winter. This is a part of why Vyrsar is so successful internationally, along with simply how it is played in Vyrsar.

Vyrsarian football culture is fair, and competitive (in a fair way). A majority of traditional players will not violate the tradition and the honour of the sport for their own game, especially if it means their own reputation going down. The way Vyrsarians play football is moulded around Vyrsarian culture, and founded in the principle of maximum efficiency.

The Team

Manager: Dominik Kalb 45
Assistant: Markus Kruger 38
First Team Coach: Marcel Bar 41
First Team Coach: Erik Brauer 39
Gk Coach: Luca Schwarz 44
Physio: Stephan Ritter 36

Style Modifier: -2

This will be the first year that the Vyrsarian National Team will enter the tournament with a multisex team, the introduction of top-rated striker Alexandria Vandenberg and centre-back Lena Schmidt eliminating the team's status as an all-male team. It sees some new faces, and some returning ones.

Among the returning faces are top striker Matthias Klose, attacking midfielder Felix Scholl, and right wing Johan Neustädter. A triple threat, these three are the backbone of the Vyrsarian offence and the replacements for each of these players, while not up to the same standard, have been meticulously trained to try and be as best they could. However, these three also mean that the Vyrsarian team, while extremely deadly on attacking on the right field, lack on the other side with Jäger unable to match Neustädter's pure speed. The iron triangle of Klose, Scholl, and Neustädter work in cooperation. Neustädter's speed and extreme passing accuracy, Scholl's playmaking skill, and Klose's shot power, accuracy, and ball handling combine to make a deadly trio when they work together, especially with the attack strategy of the Vyrsarian 4-3-2-1 formation. Scholl has also been known, occasionally, to advance to something more of a forward when the time is especially right to back up Klose. Mahler and Volland, when on the attack, also move up closer to the middle of the field to back up the attacking midfielders and the striker.

On the defensive, the four attacking players will hover around the middle of the field to catch a pass or stray kick, leaving the six-man defence (not counting the goalkeeper) to do their work. On the defensive, young left back Stefan Schäfer is a rising star. His pure athleticism and aggressiveness, while it has resulted in a yellow card more than once, also greatly helps in pressuring opponents with the ball towards the centre of the defensive formation, where the steel trap of Mahler, Volland, Braun, and Baer are at their best. All four players were chosen with two main attributes in mind- their ability to pressure the offence, and their ability to spot openings. Along with Kruse, Braun is one of the most athletic, fast, and aggressive defenders on the team. He is as close to a striker's nightmare as the Vyrsarian team could find. His build, athleticism, speed, aggressiveness, composure, and anticipation are central in the speed that the Vyrsarian team is known for in moving the ball up the field to the attackers. Most frequently, depending on who is open, he will knock a straight, fast pass to Mahler or Volland who will then, without missing a beat, quickly pass it off to (usually) Neustädter to begin the attacking cycle.

The 4-2-3-1 formation of the Vyrsarian team provides them flexibility in both the attack and in the defence. To make up for lacking as many players dedicated to the attack, the Vyrsarian staff selects players who are able to work with superb teamwork and coordination, as well as with speed and the ability to anticipate the movements of defenders. The two defending midfielders cover the gaps in the center of the field left by the right, left, and attacking midfielders when they go on the attack to support the lone striker, who is of himself the tip of the spear of the attack. It also focuses greatly on the positioning of the players, relying a lot on fast and direct passing to move the ball into optimal position around opposing defenders. The two defending midfielders, who hover around the halfway area of the field when the team is attacking, act as reinforcements for the attackers. On the defence, the six man defensive wall with the four dedicated backs and two defending midfielders provide a formidable wall to breach, with key experienced talents like Braun and Kruse and upcoming talents like Schäfer creating an attacker's nightmare if having to face six defenders wasn't enough of an obstacle.

While the strengths of the formation are evident, the weaknesses depend a lot on the players on the field and how the manager plays them. The first is that the formation is inherently defensive in nature, and it is clear that it is not a formation meant to achieve a high scoring game, but rather to prevent the other team from scoring. It consolidated the midfield into two separate parts, which has led to the team being extremely good at tight and tidy possession and superb defensive security but compromises wide expanses of space in between. The two wing midfielders generally act more like wing forwards and compromise a lot of space behind them, especially when compensating for the lack of a second striker. There is also the potential dangers of the use of a lone striker. While the Iron Triangle attackers of the team have, over the years, performed excellently, there is always the threat of the lone striker being overcrowded by a usually numerically superior defence, resulting in him having to pull back and engage in a passing pattern with the other attackers to attempt to find an opening and make a chance.

A more emerging variation of this tried and tested strategy is the use of a False 9. In this strategy, the more traditionally-oriented Klose is often replaced by the younger Vandenberg, and her, together with the other three attackers, form something of an Iron Diamond instead. The goal of this, in Kalb's strategy, is to make the full use of the athleticism and skill of the front four. The main strengths of this formation are the variety and unpredicatbility, with the players each serving in less rigid roles and breaking out of more direct attack patterns and passing patterns. It serves, primarily, to unsettle usually more rigid defences and make full use of the capabilities of Vyrsar's players. The main weakness here is the lack of the traditional striker. There is still a reason that the vast majority of teams utilise it, and rightfully so, as (in her own words) Vandenberg will most likely never be as skilled a traditional striker as the famed Kaiser Klose.

These are the most common two formations/strategies. Other formations used and practiced with are:

4-1-4-1
3-4-2-1

Starting Eleven

GK 1. Alexander Dreschler

RB 4. Stefan Schäfer
CB 3. Nikolas Baer
CB 2. Tobias Braun
LB 5. Viktor Kruse

DM 8. Dominik Volland
DM 6. Kristian Mahler

AM 7. Felix Scholl
LW 11. André Jäger
RW 10. Johan Neustädter

CF 9. Matthias Klose

Some Player Information:

CF 9. Matthias 'Kaiser' Klose- Age 36
A traditional No. 9, Kaiser Klose is the one of the most successful strikers the Vyrsarian team has had for decades, first making his debut for the National Team at the age of 17 in 2002. Between his appearances in 2002 and 2006 in the Cornellian Cup, he had scored a cumulative 18 goals in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Cornellian Cups. Currently, he has 102 goals to his name in international games, one of the most successful strikers ever fielded. His combination of ball handling, anticipation, shot power and accuracy, and composure no doubt contribute to this. He is extremely close with his friend and replacement Alexandria Vandenberg, who he has extensively trained in preparation for the 2015 Cup. He has a personal reputation for being fiercely loyal to his team and his nation, as well as for being an extremely respectful and honourable player.

CF 19. Alexandria 'False 9' Vandenberg- Age 22
This young, 22-year old gifted striker from the small town of Rechberghausen in Saschsen-Anhalt is just as well known for her attractiveness as she is for her skill on the pitch. Making her club debut in 2010, she quickly gained more fame and attention for her playstyle, which encompasses a less rigid and more free style of play than the traditional No. 9 used in most clubs. While many originally saw this as a potential liability, Kalb selected her for the National Team in 2014 as both a substitute for Klose and as a False 9. Since then, she has formed a close relationship with her striker partner, and the two generally train together exclusively with the others considered a part of the Iron Triangle offence.

RW 10. Johan Neustädter- Age 25
A determined and young midfielder from the city of Dresden, Neustädter's speed and passing accuracy and power are the attributes that Kalb signed him for. He is an integral part of the Iron Triangle of Klose/Vandenberg, Scholl, and himself. Despite his faults in personality of often pretending to be cocky and always joking around, he is serious on the pitch and his speed is unmatched.

AM 7. Felix Scholl- Age 24
The third and final component of the Iron Triangle offence is Felix Scholl, a younger player out of Aareberg who's playmaking abilities impress many. He is an always calm and collected player, and his composure greatly plays into his ability to spot openings in an opposing defence and direct the offence into position to score. He was traded to the Schottic League in 2014.

CB 2. Tobias Braun- Age 31
A star defender and one of the older members of the team, Tobias Braun still reigns strong and supreme as the main leader of the defence. He is aggressive, athletic, composed, and fast. The towering man is accurate in tackling and extremely quick in gaining possession, owing to him being the strongest on the defence.

GK 1. Alexander Dreschler- Age 29
Braun's best friend, and the star goalkeeper of the Vyrsarian team, this composed, agile, and towering man is a best friend to everybody. His ability to anticipate and his coordination with the defenders are the primary reasons he is the go-to keeper for Kalb. That, and his glorious beard.

Permissions
---------------------
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Roleplay injuries to my players: Y (I will decide how long)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N
----------------------

by **Arbites** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:08 am

Arbiter National Soccer

In spite of its seeming obsession with backbreaking labor and Magi scripture, the Imperium does recognize the value sport can play. As far as entertainment is concerned, sport is generally considered wholesome, healthy, and is all but expected from boys as a "normal" recreational activity. On the international level, competition fosters a sense of national pride, useful political capital in the Imperium. Sports in the Imperium are very much male-dominated; gender-integrated teams are still something only hinted at derogatorily in bars during a disappointing match or whispered out of earshot.

Association football, however, is only the third most popular sport in the Imperium. Baseball and gridiron football are more popular and receive more in sponsorship money. The largest football stadium in the Imperium is actually a multipurpose facility which doubles as a gridiron stadium (and is not one of the largest gridiron stadiums, either). A number of other larger fields are constructed out of temporary materials for expedience and cost. In spite of this, football, as is baseball, is still popular with children for its simplicity.

Imperial football clubs are often dependent on wealthy donors and private sponsors, and membership is frequently limited by funding. Many newer members need to keep their day jobs to support themselves, transitioning to professional athletes once they've established themselves as solid players. Although relatively well-off families can afford to send prospective players to the Imperium's sole football academy, a combination of poverty, industrial accidents, health problems, and war injuries manages to limit the Imperial team's roster to those who seem naturally predisposed to football or had enough money to train properly.

Roster (4-5-1):

Manager: Steve Alexander tends to favor a more defensive style. Part of his team's training regimen involves building stamina, allowing them to grind opposing teams down by attrition. Without fail, he begins every game with prayers to the Emperor administered by Father Ross, even in secular nations or nations which profess to despise the Imperium. Alexander is young and a former player himself, and would likely still be playing if not for injuries sustained in the Second Burnt Hills War.

GK Joe Powell
Aside from his uncanny reflexes, Powell has a tendency to make free and penalty kicks hell for the opposing team. He attempts to study forwards before a given match to figure out their styles, displays an ability to read most kickers, and, when he thinks the refs will let him get away with it, will attempt to stall and build up pressure on the kicker by asking to clean his boots, demanding to know if the ball is positioned correctly, etc.

RB Ralph Wright
Off the Ball is Wright's game, working to establish passing options, connecting passes with midfield, pinning wingers, and herding opposing players towards the chaos of midfield.

LB Tim Griffin
Griffin tends to flank anything that breaches the defensive line, keeping his keen eyes on the progress of the game.

CB Sean "The Wall" Hall
With a tendency to mark players and stick to them like glue, this imposing giant works by overpowering anyone in possession as soon as they take the ball.

CB Larry Baker
Another man marking center back, Baker's height gives him an edge in interceptions, and his excellent ball control makes it frustratingly difficult to retake possession once he has wrested it from a forward.

CM Will Evans
Defensive midfield. Imperial center-mids focus on zonal defense, although Evans' strength and speed make him a spoiler for many would-be strikers and allow him to support the center forward.

CM Gerald Cooper
Defensive midfield. Cooper concentrates on zonal defense mainly through speed, interceptions, and tackles. Generally his role is to disrupt attacks by center forwards, though he has the stamina to run up and support the center forward if need be.

AMR Roy Collins
Passing and shooting accuracy are Collins' games, focusing on through shots to the center forward and seizing opportunities to exploit unprepared goalkeepers.

AML Ken Reed
Though also focusing on through shots, Reed has excellent ball control, stamina, and dribbling skills, enabling him to drive past opposing defense when need be.

AMC Tom Swain
Striker. Fast, nimble, accurate, and possessed of considerable stamina, in between through shots Swain occasionally weaves his way forward to supplement the center forward and take shots of opportunity. He is not, however, built to overpower opposing center-backs and often must work in tandem with either the center-forward or other attacking midfield.

CF Ernest Carter
Target Man. A lynchpin of the Imperial team's strategy, Carter is described as the complete package. Tall, fast, strong, accurate, and able to dribble with the best of them, Carter's purpose in his role as center-forward is to provide the otherwise defensive team its steady stream of 1-0 victories.

Style: +3 (Defensive)

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Schottia** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 6:31 am

The Daily Worker
Cornellian Cup Preview
A look at Schottia's chances, along with some predictions on who could shine in Vyrsar.
Marrian McFadden reports

Following their failure to qualify for World Cup in Felix and Yttribia, a dejected Schottia side have arrived in Vyrasar ahead of the Regional Championships. Manager Barry Gorman will be hoping for much better from his players as they look get back to winning ways following a somewhat tame showing in Group 11.

This will be Gorman’s first Cornellian Cup after his predecessor Pascal Voitle was sacked in the aftermath of his side’s quarterfinal exit at the hands of Adiron in 2014. Since then Gorman has helped Schottia break into the world’s top 100 and taken the side to successive Cup of Harmony appearances. However, this is the tournament that matters to the Schottic fans back home, and it will be upon this that he is largely judged.

Schottia have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Nekulturnya, Austrania, and five times champions Ghant. Although the Ghantish are far from the apogee of their footballing prowess, they are still a team crammed with strong players such as captain Ireles Hisquexte. While Michael Milakar’s side carry a reputation for being somewhat ill sporting and not exactly shy of a meaty challenge; on terms of playing style they are far more balanced. With this game up first Schottia will know that a good result here could do wonders for their qualification hopes. Key is going to be their ability to move the ball at pace and use their full-backs to exploit the back three of Ghant. To this end player’s like Larry Watt and Darren O’Brian will be critical to the outcome of this match. Schottia also have Craig O'Maramy and 18-year-old Chloe Rudden in the squad, both wing-forwards could be used to tighten the screw if they sense Ghant are on the ropes.

The other two sides in the group are somewhat unknown packages, both nations having just come out of a lengthy political struggle. Facing Nekulturnya and Austrania will present its own challenges however, and playing against a relatively unknown entity always requires careful consideration. It can only be imagined that SPL top scorer Ivan Archic will feature at some point for Nekulturnya, the 31-year-old’s performances for New Belfast Warriors have earned him rave reviews this season. Other than containing Archic, the most important thing for Schottia will be making sure that they take points from these games to ensure that they qualify from their group.

This tournament promises to offer a lot of excitement with any number of teams capable of reaching the final. The big question will be how reigning champions New Edom will cope with internal political situation they find themselves in. The Edomites seemed to come out of nowhere last time round, and took a few teams by surprise as they gained momentum thought-out the tournament. This time people are well aware of their star quality and will not be taking them so lightly. This said, if players like Dan Cleopas and Joseph Mahlon play as well as can, there may be little the other sides can do to stop them.

Although, from the shape of Group D, the Edomites could have certainly had a more difficult draw, there are still potential banana skins for them to avoid. Shalum are back again, after surprising a few people last year with two wins and a draw. The 1998 champions are a good defensive side, and manager Arthur Cross has been quick to big up his sides chances in the media. They may struggle against New Edom, but with solid organisation and good performances from some of the Wildcats players, an upset is possible.

The Allamunnic States are one of the first name’s on the lips of many a sports fan, however, not normally when it comes to association football. The soccer branch of the five times and reigning World Bowl Champs didn’t exactly put on much of a show in the World Cup 71 qualifiers, but Vaalhulm Shraedur’s players shouldn’t be dismissed. The Regulars may have a point to prove, and will look to emulate some of the success of there Gridiron and Hockey counterparts.

Another side the Edomites will have to negotiate are Laudine. We don’t know masses about Karles Chares’ side, except their passion for the game. Although they will go into tournament as one of the underdogs, don’t be overly surprised if they spring something in the way of shock result at some point.

The hosts Vyrasr will no doubt go in as favorites, and the six times winners will be looking to make their home advantage count. With players in their ranks such as: Johan Neustädter, King’s Parks’ Felix Scholl and Mattihas Klose in attack some of the opposition may find themselves in danger of being steam rollered. They have been handed a tricky group however, with last year’s runners up Gylias, 2012 third place side Novitera, and Jedoria. If another top side were presented with a group like this the bookies would be predicting a possible upset, but on home soil I reckon Vyrsar can qualify no problem.

Gylias are a side who have the ability to blow hot and cold, with their happy-go-luck approach to the game often their undoing. They impressed us immensely last year recording some fantastic results en route to the final, and impressed us again when they finished fifth in their World Cup 70 group. We were, however, slightly less impressed by the two points they picked up as they finished bottom of their Baptism of Fire 57 group. Here in lies the problem for our socialist cousins from across the pond: if they are expecting football to be fun, then they are going to get a rude awakening when they take on the clinical Germans.

Novitera are one of those sides for whom could go either way. You feel that they could either get it together and push Vyrsar and Gylias for a top two spot, or they could just not really turn up. The side (who in fairness, come from a nation where “soccer” is not the biggest sport), have employed the services of Schottic coach Douglas Grier, who those of you old enough, may remember from the 90’s. The Noviterans have little to lose here really, so expect them to give it a good go.

Jedoria finally are a side who may struggle. Despite boasting a player like Cornellians’ Cosmin Dobrescu in their starting eleven they didn’t really show up in any sort of way last year. They may be able to spring a surprise, but you would imagine it’s damage limitation for the West Belisarians. There was even a story in the media reporting one of their players turned up trying to play with a racket. Whether this story was accurate or not it shows the work they are going to have to put in to get any kind of a result here. From a neutral fan's point of view the West Beliasrain derby between Jedoria and Novitera should be an interesting one to watch here. The two sides are no stranger to one an other, both competing in the West Belisarian Football League Organization in Gridiron.

The other group will feature one hell of a battle between Adiron and Arbites. The Cetan sides met in the third place play-off in Schottia and the Imperium will be out for revenge. Adiron impressed us immensely last time round as Sam Descher’s players really seem to have got their act together. It was probably only a matter of time before a nation of over 200,000,000 with a developed infrastructure started producing great players. Schottic fans will be keen to get another look at Satiago Lowe; the right-back was on fantastic form as he helped Cornellian’s FC to second in the MPL.

Arbites, last year's fourth place side, will feel they have a good chance of qualifying out of Group B. However, it will no doubt come as a hollow victory if it is following a defeat to their bitter rivals. Like the Allamunnic side football is not the main sport in the Imperium, but with players like Tom Swain and Ernest Carter in their team, they probably just have enough to make it through.

The sides rounding off Group B are T.E.C.T and Julianica. The Commoners suffered a few disappointing results in 2014 (albeit in a tough group), and they will really have to raise their game to qualify ahead of the Cetans. Adiron will be looking forward to this match in particular, having defeated them 7-2 in Schottia.

Julianica are a side, which we don’t have very much information on. The South Balisarians are going to probably have a tough time of it up against some much bigger nations. Their match with T.E.C.T could go either way but other than that, there will be few holding up much hope for them.

by **New Edom** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:44 pm

THE FINEBERG TIMES

Monday April 6 2015

National Football Team Prepares for 2015 Cup!

by Tim Stanton

FINEBERG, New Edom-- Director of Sport and Youth Activities, Dr. Josiah Alexander, has reported that the National Football Team, better known as the Griffons, is ready for play. Head Coach Daniel Imlah appeared with him at a press conference where both appeared confident, relaxed, and made favourable comments about the team's chances. "They are well rested but well trained, fit and well coordinated, and they move on the pitch with a purpose," said Imlah. "I have every confidence of their success."

Football supporters in Fineberg rallied this weekend in spite of rain to declare support for the team. However there have been boycotts in most cities and towns in Gloria Regis, with leading activists calling it "a patriarchal display of violence and thuggery". It is feared that there may be a resurgence of violence in Gloria Regis. Striker Daniel Cleopas is Gloria Regian, and had this to say to reporters.

"This is (nonsense), football should be about the sport, not about politics, it's one of the few things that brings ordinary people together. I'm not a politician, my father is a plumber, and i'm proud to call myself his son and a New Edomite and Gloria Regian. If they don't like the sport, they should do something else not ruin it for those who do love it."

However in Gloria Regis and in some other parts of the country Feminist led protests against the Cornellian Cup have taken place, activists citing what they claim are statistics about domestic violence increasing during football matches.

"I believe that until our country plays the sport as the Gylians do--for pure fun rather than out of competitive aggression, that we are just encouraging the maintenance of a system that oppresses women and minorities," said Gloria Regian Minister of Culture Ekaterina Hyperion. "Furthermore, it is a sport which men and women should be playing together. There is no reason I can see why this should not be the case."

In spite of this controversy, the Griffons will be going to the Cup this year. New Edom will be up against Group D. There is a strong sense of friendly rivalry with the Imperium of Arbites. "We beat them last year--only just," said Coach Imlah with a smile to reporters in Fineberg before the team left for Vyrsar. "We will meet them in the same spirit this year--as friends competing together, doing our very best to win."

by **Hittanryan** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 7:53 pm

Cornellian Cup 2015: The Adiran Squad

By now arriving in Vyrsar, the Adiran National Football Team is going in with quite a bit of pressure this year after having victory snatched away at the last second in Schottia. With Adiron finally advancing to the semi-finals for the first time since 1998 against strong competition, the eyes of Adiron fans throughout the region are on Sam Drescher to deliver.

The Adiran roster is mostly unchanged from last year, with its starting lineup still drawing heavily from the Hammerheads with the Orcas, Hill Valley, and Stasburg represented as well. Last year's mainstays like Tom Hall and Kurt Townsend are still instantly recognizable to football fans, but some newer talents are starting to make names for themselves as well. Attacking midfielders Ryan Jiang and Harold Davis both distinguished themselves in the Cup last year. As one of the Hammerheads' wingers Jiang has scored a very respectable 18 goals in his 24 appearances in the 2014-2015 season, and Davis was recently traded to Isidium for nearly $3 million. Santiago Lowe also emerged as a breakout player after signing a contract with Cornellians FC in Schottia.

Some football fans are worried that the rather public falling out between Team Manager Drescher and former First Coach Scott Lei may have affected the team as a whole. Following the 2014 Cup, Drescher started implementing new tactics and took a more active role in the team's day-to-day. Since many of the changes involved Lei's tactics and training, Lei took this as an indictment of his performance during the Cup.

Sources close to the organization said the arguments apparently simmered behind the scenes. Lei's resentment built from what he felt was a lack of gratitude for helping deliver a third place finish, while Drescher grew frustrated with Lei's increasingly argumentative behavior over what he simply felt was best for the team. Eventually at a Hammerheads-Hill Valley match in August, the two met and were caught on camera arguing in the parking lot. The line everyone took away from that clip was Lei clearly saying "When we lost to Gylias, it was all on me. When we beat the Imps, where was the credit?"

Two weeks after the video was posted to social media, Lei resigned his position and returned to Sai United. According to Drescher the two have reconciled, and the argument was strictly over professional matters. However, Lei himself and his tactics, including the 4-3-3 from last year's Cup, are nowhere to be seen. It's not clear what impact, if any, this could have on the morale of the Adiran squad going into the Cup.

Despite its leadership shake-ups and shift in tactics, the Adiran team could just as easily be energized by the fact that they have started in the same qualifier group as the Imperium. In Schottia last year, the Adiran and Imperial teams were kept in separate brackets, only playing each other for third place after both teams were knocked out of the semi-finals. It's still not clear if this was a conscious decision last year owing to the poor relations between the two nations, but so far it appears both Adiron and the Imperium will remain in Group B in Vyrsar.

When asked if he was concerned, Drescher was confident. "I don't know if the Imperials have a problem playing another friendly game of football with us or not. All I know is that we're not going to be the ones to back down. If it's really a problem though, I suppose Alexander could always forfeit."

The fierce 2-1 grudge match for third place last year was anything but friendly, with both teams pushing themselves to their absolute limit and incurring multiple penalties. Even the crowds seemed lined up to face one another, with a flash mob organized in the Adiran stands coordinated with the team and battle hymns being sung throughout the match by the Imperial fans. Highlights from that match include Davis' memorable upset goal and the all-out Imperial offensive at the end of the match.

The consensus amongst our analysts is that the Imperials are the team to beat in the Group B qualifiers. The Imperials advanced to the semi-finals last year on a string of 1-0 victories, using their striker Ernest Carter to lock in single goals while the rest of the team mounted a nigh-impregnable defense. Only Adiron managed to score more than a single point against the Imperium, and only because the entire Imperial team abandoned their positions in a do-or-die assault on the Adiran goal foiled only by the skill and luck of Goalkeeper Townsend. By comparison, Julianica is a relative unknown in Cornellian football circles, and the Commoners while not lacking for enthusiasm simply don't have the same footballing tradition as many other squads. While an upset is always possible, it's going to be an uphill battle.

by **Novitera** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:55 pm

DASH
Internet News Media

Go Foxes! World Cup 2015

Many Noviterans are asking themselves, what is the World Cup? The event this year is most likely to be overshadowed by the NBL games that garner far more viewership in the country. Soccer simply is not a sport that draws much Noviteran attention. Nevertheless, thousands of Noviteran tourists are expected to turn out for the World Cup in Vyrsar if just to do some tourism while supporting our beloved Foxes. This year we have drawn an interesting group. San Crispiano sports betting odds setters has Vyrsar as favorites by a long shot and Gylias as second. Do not count us out however. Gylias has some kind of ridiculous anticompetitive mindset to the game even if they have won a title and we have not. It may just be soccer but Noviterans give it our all to win like we do in everything else.

If you ask the staff here at Dash, there are two things Noviterans can expect to look forward to. One is facing off against Jedoria, whose Steel Wardens beat our Roses in the Western Bowl this year. That was a serious blow to our national pride. We have an opportunity in Vyrsar to save face by taking down the Jedorians in another competition albeit a less significant one. Second, fans are hoping for another round of fisticuffs after thoroughly enjoying last year's spectacle. If the reader recalls, Paul McBride, Dennis Galvez, Neil Tokunaga of the UFNST were all ejected from a game in last year's World Cup for brawling with the Ghantish team (whose antics are similar to the Foxes' own). The three infamous instigators will be returning this year for another go at the contest.

Regardless, we can expect some kind of uncouth display from our players that never disappoints fans. It's a good thing they do what they do or else the sport would never get a following in Novitera. Douglas Grier from Schottia's Premier League has been hired as a coach yet has done nothing to change the Foxes' play style. The UFNST this year will be coming out in their typical "Cowboy" offense heavy strategy with a pinch of recklessness. We have little lose and will be throwing a lot of soccer's equivalent of "hail marys". That's not to say the UFNST is bad. We've had our chances. In 2004 the team was runner up, the closest we have ever gotten to a title. 2012 saw the Foxes reaching third place. This is evidence that Novitera has succeeded in bringing some healthy competition to the field and could do it again this year. So lets cheer on our team. See how far they can make it and hope for an upset against the favored Vyrsarians. Once it's all over you can go back to waiting until football season starts again if you aren't doing that already. Go Foxes!

by **Shalum** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 9:04 pm

Aragon International Airport

Thomas Carmichael suppressed a yawn with a balled fist as he clambered down the stairs of the team bus, one hand absently clutching the strap of his backpack as he did so. As soon as his feet were on the asphalt ground, cool night air enveloped him, causing him to reach up tug his jacket a bit tighter against his body on instinct. As he did so, his long fingers brushed against the solid fabric patch of the Shalumite national team, causing him to smile slightly with pride.

Six months ago, if you had told him that he was going to be representing his nation in the upcoming regional cup, chances were that he would have most likely scoffed and rolled his eyes, not believing a word of it. Sure, he had made it onto one of the best college soccer teams in all of Shalum, but he had never seen himself making it any further, much less the international stage. But apparently, the team coach had scouted his entire team, and had decided to give him and a few of his teammates a shot. Apparently the Arthur Cross, the team coach, was in the mood to give the team a few new faces this year.

Even though he was more than proud to represent his nation and people, the decision had been, by no means, an easy one to make. At home, he was leaving behind his Schottian partner and their five months old daughter, Anika, who could be quite the handful when she wanted to be. At first, he had every intention of declining the offer so that he could be around both of his girls more. But Sophie, his partner in question, had made it rather clear that she would support him all the way if he were to play. Of course, all bets were off if he played her home country’s team, but that was only so likely to happen. In any case, he had decided to play, promising that he would call her regularly, not to mention video chat with her and Anika whenever the opportunity arose. He was more than willing to stay up till the wee hours of the morning to speak to the two girls in his life.

Quickly, Thomas found out that getting through the airport would be easier said then done. The media and fans alike were out en masse to see the team off to the cup, and get a few pictures and videos in the meantime so that the morning news programs could have something to show the viewers at home. Self-consciously, Thomas found himself checking his state of dress via his smartphone’s camera. There was no real need though, as he was dressed like the rest of his team was, in blue and white tearaway athletic pants and a matching jacket with the Shalumite flag and team logo. The logo itself was, in a fashion true of his people, based around a bison in the center with its head raised toward the sky.

The next ten or so minutes were a blur for him as he and his team made their way through the airport as a group, a couple policemen and even a couple of armed men from the department of internal security surrounding them as they went, more than ready to ward off a fan that got too close, though the vast majority of fans knew better than to do so anyways. While they waited for their flight, the group chatted among themselves, and more than a few were willing to go to the edge of the secured area and interact with fans: signing autographs, taking selfies, and things of the like.

Thomas took this opportunity to fire off one final text to the love of his life, who he was sure was dead to the world at this hour. She had never been a morning person, and even if she was, he was rather confident that she would be tired regardless, after the send off she had given him. Chances were that they wouldn't be seeing each other for a fair amount of time, at least in person. He stated how much he loved her, and that he would massage again her when he had landed safely at an airport he couldn't dream of pronouncing. He could speak Azurlavian Gothic without a problem, but his German skills weren't even on par with his partner’s.

He and his team were boarding the plane that would take them to Vyrsar. They were all getting the five star treatment the whole way there, apparently, as the government appeared to not have spared a single expense. It was going to be a long flight, so this was more than welcome. Slipping his headphones in, Thomas smiled slightly to himself as he leaned his seat back and closed his eyes, hoping to catch a couple hours of sleep. He knew he would awake before they landed, since it was going to be a rather long flight.

The Shalumite national team was off to the races, and with any luck, they would overcome the odds at the gambling dens back home, and return as champions.

IIwiki Admin · by **Ghant** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:58 am

| WORLD NEWS | NATIONAL NEWS | LOCAL NEWS | ECONOMICS | SOUTH | NORTH | FOOD | ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS | OPINION | WEATHER

2015 Cornellian Cup Set to Begin

Ghant enters the 2015 Cornellian Cup against classic rival

Ghant shares Group C Schottia, Austrania and Nekulturnya

Special Coverage

Vyrsar- Veteran defender Ireles Hisquexte leads a young squad into a 2015 campaign filled with old and new foes. The highly vaunted Schottian squad led by Barry Gorman will be Ghant's match in the Cup. The Ghant-Schottia rivalry is old and storied, which includes the memorable 1994 Cup Final, when Schottia triumphed. Since then, Schottia has maintained a consistently high level of play, while Ghant has floundered in mediocrity. However, fresh young talent like half-Ghantish phenom Damien Sturridge look to reverse the trend. The Schottia squad is favored to win the match, as they are strong and can deliver a great deal of damage, in addition to minimizing mistakes and taking advantage of when opponents commit them. There are questions about whether the Ghantish squad can play at a high enough level consistently to win, however it should be an exciting game all together.

Also joining Group C is Nekulturnya, which is fielding a team in the Cup for the first time since 1996. While it is refreshing to see Nekulturnya return to the field for the first time in nineteen years, their squad consists of relative unknowns, while coach Boris Nianovich was a player on the 96 team. The star player on the team is 31 year old Ivan Archic, who is set to lead the team in this return to the Cup. Despite his ability, and the supposed swagger of the squad, Ghant is favored to win the match with more well established players.

Like Nekulturnya, the Austranian team is a relative newcomer onto the scene, although unlike their eastern neighbor, have never fielded a team in the history of the Cup. It remains to be seen if the first time competitor will have the gusto needed to make an immediate impact against more established squads. The upstart squad may be good, but Ghant is favored to win this match as well for similar reasons, which if everything goes according to plan, will leave Schottia and Ghant to advance out of the qualifying round and into the round of eight, where Ghant hasn't won a match since 1994.

by **Vyrsar** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 10:40 am

headlines | vyrsar | region | sports | tech | lifestyle | business | travel | environment

First Matches Kick Off in Cornellian World Cup 2015

Tens of thousands of people today packed into stadiums across the nation for the opening matches of the 2015 Cornellian World Cup. The match schedule today is an exciting one, which matches being played across the country.

Vyrsar v. Novitera at Olympiastadion Zürich
Adiron v. TECT at Stadion Bremen
Schottia v. Ghant at Aeon Arena
New Edom v. Shalum at Altana Arena

Of course the most focused on match by domestic supporters will be the kickoff between Vyrsar and Novitera. There is massive pressure on the Vyrsarian team, playing on their home turf, but there will surely be an advantage in the massive amount of support that they will also receive. It is rumoured that even the Chancellor herself will be present for the match.

The Vyrsarian roster for this cup comes with a few key changes, most notably the addition of Alexandria Vandenberg and Lena Schmidt to Kalb's roster. These two star female players have added another clever and highly effective round of tactics to Kalb's thick playbook, and it will be very interesting to see how they will perform in their first appearances in a main Cup tournament. The Cup also sees the return of fan-favourite Matthias Klose, lauded as one of Vyrsar's greatest players, as well as the rest of the famous Iron Triangle group of Matthias Klose, Alexandria Vandenberg, Johan Neustädter, and Felix Scholl.

With the tournament at home, an army of fans and supporters at their back, and their leader watching over them, the pressure is massive for the team to bring back and claim for Vyrsar a seventh title.

by **Vyrsar** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:01 pm

Presented by the Värsker Deutscher Fußball-bund

Match Results: Day One

Group A
Vyrsar 3-1 Novitera

Group B
Adiron 2-0 TECT

Group C
Schottia 5-4 Ghant

Group D
New Edom 4-3 Shalum

OOC: The results for Day Two matches will be posted at 13:00 EST on April 9th. The cutoff/post deadline is at 12:00 EST on April 9th.

by **New Edom** » Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:37 pm

Zurich, Vyrsar

Glory it was bloody glory, magnificent!

Daniel Cleopas dabbed a trickle of blood off his lip. Nothing to worry about. Least it hadn't got onto his shirt. Paying good money for a shirt, among these pervy krauts up here. Still, damned good stadium. It was shrinkingly cold up here anyway to go Edenic.

He and his teammates had shown those arrogant Shalumites with their fancy shirts and big budgets; it had looked unlikely just after half time, two to one, Samuel Lange scoring both the goals like a powerhouse, and two women. Walker and Van der Beek, stealing two offensive charges from Pabadakis and himself. It was humiliating, seeing those female necks and shanks taking the initiative! Was Ephratites fucking blind for Heaven's sake?

But then Mahlon lived up to his name the Padan Powerhouse as he took a pass and slammed it through David Benning to the net. And now, now it was tense, the tie breaker coming from a Shalumite offense that nevertheless left Walker recoiling and rocking from a knee injury and leading her off the field. Well...for a slit tail she was pretty good, Cleopas did not wish her ill and hoped it was just a sprain. Didn't do to tempt the Almighty with vanity.

Damn, but his balls were itching in the underwear and shorts. Imlah insisted on no boycott, Dr. Alexander warned that he would suspend any player who dared do such a thing or complain to the press. So ignore it, just good shower and balm later for the precious jewels, and in to battle!

Sophia Pichler supported by Malcomson ran it in past the goal in spite of a last second attempt by Joseph Levi to wrest control of the ball.

He, Cleopas, had the Griffons back on terms after 14 minutes. Receiving Zuph’s quick pass, he spectacularly flicked the ball in the air and volleyed home from the edge of the area past goal at full stretch.

It might have gone into overtime but for Pabadakis passing first to Levi then to him, and he and Mahlon together danced through the defense for the tie breaker with two minutes left. And that was it!

Celebrating in the hotel was...amazing. You could just...drink in Vyrsar! Unbelievable, and not just strong wine that would give you a bellyache if you drank too much. There was a glittering treasure horde of liquor above the bars, like an Aladdin's cave of inebriation! And what were a few songs between friends, eh?

He woke up later with a foul taste in his mouth like he'd been licking someone else's shoes, a shriveled feeling to his face, and...a pair of female buttocks and a sloping smooth pale back. A pale back? Who was this?

Then he remembered...sort of. Philips had been puking like a sick dog, and his girlfriend Zara had been disgusted. He had...wow...had he taken her to his room? He had wanted to show off, he had a great room, bigger than the house his family grew up in. He had a vague memory of...damn...she had gone out like a light...he hadn't...had he?

He checked the evidence, the various points of entry as they used to say in Militia. Yep. he had. He couldn't help grinning; if she hadn't wanted it she wouldn't have come up with him, right? But best get her out of sight--Philips was rather unimaginative and had a very poor temper, and it would be a shame to beat the crap out of a teammate even if he was too stupid to hold onto his own girl. "Come on, Zara, get up..." he said.

The girl turned to face him and glared at him sleepily. "Who the fuck is Zara?"

by **Hittanryan** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 2:39 am

Minute 35, Adiron-TECT Match
Stadion Bremen

By the first thirty minutes, it was already clear the Commoners weren't going to give it up as easy as last year. Last year they'd been wild, attacking recklessly. Sure they scored twice, but just accomplishing that left openings all over the place. The Adirans exploited that. They exploited it seven times. Either the Commoners had learned, or they were just still sore from last year. Most wouldn't blame them.

Staring down the center back in front of him, attacking midfielder Ralph Green kept advancing. No one else left—wait! Green darted to one side as a full back came at him from the side. He kept possession, but he lost ground. Next thing he knew there were defenders on both sides of him, and now a center back ahead of him. Cul-de-sac!

Screeching to a halt, Green abruptly pulled a reversal on the center back. In doing so the other two defenders were already on him; he had to act, whirling around, looking for any conceivable passing opportunity.

There! Hall was coming in quick. No time for anything else, Green made a lofted pass to the tall striker. Tracking the ball's arc, Hall leapt into the air and headed it as hard as he could, slamming into the net. The Adiran stands roared. Hall kept running, giving his usual fist pump gesture in the air. As they ran Green felt a hard slap on the shoulder and a nod as Hall ran past, an acknowledgement for his contribution.

The second goal had a long chain of events leading up to it. Started with a kick from a Commoner offsides on the Adiran half. The Adirans faked them out, with Lowe and Nguyen crossing each other only to kick it back to Davis, who connected a pass upfield where a general melee ensued for a bit until Jiang got the ball. Dancing around the center mid, Jiang took one shot that the goalkeeper managed to block with a long dive. Unfortunately in blocking it, the ball bounced back into play...right back to Jiang, with the goalkeep splayed on the turf. 2-0.

Zurich, Vyrsar

A 2-0 victory was well worth celebrating. Four members of the Adiran squad were off to hit the town, Chin, Lowe, Green, and Rodriguez. Or at least that was the plan. "Man, it's fucking cold," Rodriguez exclaimed as soon as they left their hotel. In truth it was well above freezing, but the Isidium native balked. It was in fairness his own fault for wearing a t-shirt.

"Come on, quit your bitching and look around you," Chin was saying, gesturing to the Zurich skyline. "Beer. Beautiful women. Beautiful women who carry the beer to you."

"Beautiful women won't do me nearly as much good if my dick freezes off. I'm getting a damn coat," Rodriguez said, departing, reducing their group to three.

"We're not waiting for you!" Chin called after him as, true to his word, he and the others walked off. "Too cold..." Chin remarked, shaking his head in contempt.

Eager to get off the subject of phallic frostbite, Green asked "So how's life down under, Lowe?"

Shrugging, he said "Seeing the world, long-ass flights, and a team with connections. Can't complain."

"That's just work," Green said.

Lowe considered the question. "It's quiet. Unless you're in a pub or there's a big match it's like there's almost nobody there."

"Not everyone's from the Red Port, you giant goddamn yuppie," Chin replied.

"I don't know, I found a deal on a place in the country, but way out in those hills it freaked me right the fuck out. I felt I'd wake up one day and there'd be a hooded guy holding a sickle at the end of my bed whispering 'Hey lover,'" Lowe said.

Wincing a bit, Green said "No, great, that's fine. I didn't need to, you know, sleep tonight."

"Sold the place, took a loss, moved back to Handon," Lowe concluded.

"How about something that didn't involve shitting your pants?" Chin asked.

Thinking a moment, Lowe said "Pubs were nice, played a lot of synth crap though, might've been Gylian? Food's expensive, and I swear it goes bad quicker."

Approaching the beer garden they'd picked out, Chin blithely remarked "You're a shit conversationalist, Lowe. I think I need a drink just listening to you."

by **Schottia** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:54 am

The Daily Worker
Cornellian Cup Special
Marrian McFadden reports

Schottia 5-4 Ghant
Aeon Arena
Goals: 12" Allen, 20" Killanen, 43" 86" Avelione, 65" Fotan. (Schottia)
27" Poxton, 30" 57" Sturridge, 70" Ixeto. (Ghant)
Possession: 53% - 47%
Shots: 14 - 10
On-target: 9 - 5

Schottia kicked of their Cornellian Cup challenge with a nine goal thriller against a Ghantish side who's fight and ability took us all by surprise. The last time Schottia and Ghant met in the Cornellian cup was in 1994 final. It was the last throws of the great Ghantish side of the 80's, a team who were once up there with the very best in the world but, has since gone quite. Yesterday however, we saw the seeds of a new sides, the first shoots of new growth, as the giant northern nation looks to get itself back on the footballing map.

Schottia started off the match looking very much like the side, more comfortable on the international stage. Jon Fotan, now playing in the Taeshani league with Fadron Flight, was an imposing figure in the opening ten minutes; his long passing causing the Ghant defence all sorts of problems. It was one of these 30-yard passes which set Joey Bia free down the right flank; the Dahamy born teenager did well to get past Unai Goycochea before cleverly switching back onto his favoured foot. His delivery into the box was missed by everyone except Mark Allen, who slid in to give Schottia the lead after only 12 minutes. The big Hill Valley striker, who was booed by his own fans minutes earlier for lazily failing to chase down a loose back-pass, redeemed himself by being exactly where he was supposed to be, to tap in from three yards out.

The goal really seemed to stir the atmosphere in the Aeon Arena with both sets of fans finding full voice. There were a few hefty challenges flying in from all quarters, with players on both sides lucky to escape cards. Schottia took advantage of this relative state of anarchy, however, using the chance to spring the counter-attacking football they enjoy. Larry Watt, making a rare start at right-back, robbed Hector Dakniver of possession as he looked to come forward. Running more than half of the pitch, all the Ghantish could do was back track, and try to keep pace with the BW Pallstadt kid. It was a similar story to the first goal as he whipped the ball across the area, only for it to be cleared by Ireles Hisquexte, who headed the ball from danger. Unluckily for the Ghantish captain, the ball landed at the feet of Eion Killanen, and the FC Zurich player, so deadly from anywhere around the box, buried his 20-yard effort under the outstretched Aitor Abasolo.

Schottia must have sensed at this stage that it was going to be their day; 2-0 up inside the opening 20 mins, and everything was very much going to plan. However Ghant seemed reluctant to just roll over, and much to the surprise of the Scots, began to rally. The Direwolves went close with chances from Damien Sturridge and Christo Ixeto, the latter drawing a fantastic save out of Lucas D'Araby. However, there was worse than that to come for Barry Gorman's side as their opponents pulled a goal back.

The opportunity came as a result of some great play from Damien Sturridge, who was really starting to come into the game. The centre-forward did well to hold off the challenge of Darren Hanlon, before teeing up strike partner Markos Poxton who's right footed shot soared into the net leaving D'Araby with no chance.

This seemed to rattle Schottia, who were all at sea after the goal on the half hour mark. This was a chance for Ghant to capitalise and they needed no second invitation as they launched wave after wave of attack. It didn't take long after this for Schottia to crumble yet again, this time it was King's Park man Darren O'Brian's turn to lose his marker as Inigo Erretxe rampaged forward. The attacker managed to cut the ball back to the on-rushing Sturridge who found the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box to level off the scoring. It was his sides just reward for some hard work and excellent football as they got themselves back into the match.

The equaliser finally got a reaction out of Schottia who started to realise that they were going to have their work cut out in this match. As the first half drew to a close it seemed more and more likely that the sides were going to head up the tunnel with the scores tied. Gaston Avelione however, had different ideas. The Handon UInited player, so often the hero for Schottia, showed his star quality yet again, turning Mardo Umaga, and cutting in onto his right foot. Surging into the box, it looked like he was going to square the ball for Allen who was completely unmarked in front of goal. However, in typical selfish fashion he fired his own shot in from a tight angle, which fortunately for him bounced off the trailing leg of Abasolo and into the net. The goal just on the cusp of half time proved to be crucial as the White and Green headed up the tunnel with their slender lead restored.

The second half was a good contest, midfielders like Gary Corsie and Arran Hargui were at the thick of it in the centre of the pitch as both teams looked to establish a foothold. It is always said of the Ghantish, that even if you win the game, they never make it easy for you and this was proving to be the case. Schottia were hit by a blow on 55 minutes when Eoin Killanen had to go off after a robust Aitor Abasolo tackle. The Schottic fans were enraged, but the referee kept his cards in his pocket, calming the challenge was 50-50. This forced Gorman into his first change of the match, bringing on Jottar Kallsmudden star Kim Coultan.

Despite a period of strong Schottic pressure it was to be Ghant who pulled level yet again. There were no defensive lapses this time, as there was little the six times champions could do to stop Sturridge heading in his second goal of the game from a corner kick. Schottia, who had to endure a couple of frustrating results in the World Cup qualifiers, will have been getting that familiar sinking feeling as they were left with it all to do once more.

The fans managed to stay behind their side this time, as the tiny island nation threw everything they had at the Ghantish defence. Coultan, only just on the pitch, had a long-range effort saved and only Allen will know how he headed wide with the goal at his mercy from a Fotan Corner. It was end to end stuff in Aeon, but to the relief of their fans a manager, Schottia managed to take the lead for a third time. It was Coultan again, by now coming on to a good game, who found space to release Mark Allen with a through-ball. The pass was cut out by the defence but found its way to Fotan who made his way into the box before opting for placement over power to lift the ball over Abasolo and make it 4-3 to Schottia.

The Schottic fans might have though after 65 minutes that there were no more goals in the game, but they were wrong. Once more Ghant showed that they were got going to give up a point without a fight as got themselves back level yet again. This time a James Oncenito cross picked out Sturridge who by this stage was on a hat trick. The striker’s somewhat tame header was saved by D’Araby, however he could only punch the ball clear. Midfielder Christo Ixeto won’t have been able to believe his luck as the ball fell to him with the Schottic keeper still laid out on the deck. The player made it 4-4 with a shot straight down the middle of the goal.

It was now the last throw of the dice for Schottia and, Gorman made a double change in an attempt to save the three points. Corsie made way for the more attack minded Alf Seggerson, and Craig O’Maramy came on for Joey Bia. O’Maramy’s pace made an instant impact, showing that perhaps he should have been on the pitch from the start.

The New Belfast Warriors player was involved in the crucial goal as his side finally managed to overcome the Ghantish. His pass from the corner of the 18-yard-box picked out Avelione who was unmarked, and was able to turn getting his shot away. Abasolo will perhaps have been disappointed not to have been able to make the save, and he could only watch as the ball snuck past him for Avalione’s second of the game and Schottia’s fifth.

The result was a hard fought victory, for which the Scots will be very grateful. Ghant was always going to be toughest match in this group so the win gives them a great chance of making it through. On this early showing it looks as if the Dire Wolves should comfortably follow Schottia into the next round, and if they are able to play like this again, they will give many of the bigger teams a real scare.

After the match Schottic manager Barry Gorman was asked what he thought of the game:

“I thought on the balance of play we deserved to win. I’m not trying to take anything away from Ghant, I thought they had a really good match, but I’m proud of my players, they never gave up and stuck to the task. I think the days of easy games are well and truly over. Every team in this competition is here to compete, and give a good account of themselves. The Edomites didn’t have it all their own way against Shalum, and the Noviterans didn’t give Vyrsar an easy time either.

We just need to keep our heads down and work hard. I’m just taking each game as it comes, and not taking anything for granted.”
- Barry Gorman

Line-up: D'Araby 7, Watt 8, O'Brain 6, Hanlon 7, Okywä 6, Bia 7 (75 O'Maramy 7), Avelione 9, Corsie 7 (75 Seggerson 7), Fotan 8 (55 Coultan 8 ), Killanen 7, Allen 9

Man of the Match: Avelione. Two goals at crucial times, once again Schottia's best player on the pitch.

by **Gylias** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 7:42 am

THE PEOPLE'S VOICE

Cornellian Cup 2015: A moment with Sarna Dyrvedz
The national football team coach on stepping out of the long shadow of their predecessor.
Varnal Auze | Wednesday 08 April 2015

Editor's note: We would like to thank Sarna for granting permission to use gendered pronouns in the following article.

It is only a coincidence that this year's Cornellian Cup began with a day off for the Gylian team. "Still, I have to wonder if it was a joke of sorts.", Sarna Dyrvedz commented with a smile. "Either from the hosts, or from the universe itself." The rest of her teammates are nowhere in sight, having been given a free leave to explore the city earlier after finishing their training; she will be heading out later as well to "wander about and see what's interesting around." Until then, she is passing the time with pineapple juice and Vyrsarian TV in her room.

Football has been part of Sarna's life since childhood. Raised by a single parent father, Raudan Dyrvedz, it was a constant background presence as she grew up. "I picked up my interest in football from dad, along with a few other things...", she recounted. "Dad's a pretty old-school type; he worked in a factory, so in a way he saw football as 'his' sport. It was pretty unavoidable around the house, so I was introduced to it early on." The interest led her to begin playing football regularly with her primary and secondary school teams. By her own admission, she was "a bit rubbish" at the actual sport, but remained a member of the teams due to her popularity and friendships with the other members; "I never forgot that lesson about how important loyalty is.", she adds.

Nevertheless, she had no plans to pursue an actual career in the sport, instead going to university to earn a degree in Psychology, and saving football as a hobby. Her proper entry into the sport came from being hired as an assistant for national team coach Anna Keilan in 2003, an event she likes to joke was a total fluke, and that without it she would've been doing something else. The four years she worked in the position allowed her to develop a good knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the team's functioning, paving the way for a rather unusual promotion when Anna announced her retirement in 2007.

The retirement came as a surprise for football fans who had grown to embrace Anna as a warm background presence over her 25 years coaching the national team, years in which she saw the team reach third place in the 1988 Cornellian Cup and win the 2000 Cup. Now thanks to New Edom's victory in last year's final, Gylias' team officially owns one title for each rank in the top 4.

Sarna still speaks with a degree of surprise about both Anna's retirement and her selection as successor. "You have to understand, 25 fucking years as a coach.", she stated emphatically. "Can you imagine how many people have spent their entire lives following football, and only known Anna as the coach? Even I expected she'd just carry on and on, and evolve from the adoring parent of the team to the adoring grandparent."

The transition was complicated at first by the difference between their styles. Anna's famously gentle and soft-spoken style was rounded off by a suave wardrobe that was often described as "quintessentially Gylian" by other countries' media outlets. Sarna's more rambunctious personality and preference for tracksuits, T-shirts and shorts seems closer to what one might imagine a sports coach to look like if it was necessary to invent one. In her thoughts on the contrast, she has often veered between acknowledging that "we're different as night and day... I kind of regret that we never got the chance to coach together just to take advantage of that!", and insisting that the differences between her and her predecessor are greatly exaggerated.

Snacking on peanuts, she chose today to elaborate on the latter. "I don't see myself as hugely different from Anna.", she stated. "We're essentially saying the same thing, in different ways. Let's say during training one of the team members has the ball and gets stumped on what to do next. Anna would say something like, 'You'll figure it out. I believe in you.' I would probably say, 'Yeah, the ball's not gonna answer 'cos it's a ball, so I'm afraid you'll have to think it out yourself!'. Same gist, really, but different angles."

Chuckling, she illustrates her approach by recounting an event involving retired national team member Ralf Schmidt. "Ralf, they used to like watching Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, right? They weren't so much into the millionaire part but they loved trying to answer those questions themself. So, once they got an overhead pass in training but then kinda choked in the penalty area. They turns to me and says, 'Sarna, what next?'. So I smiled and say, 'D'you want, 50:50, phone a friend, ask the audience?'. They laughed, and said, 'I thought I already asked the audience!'. And I was like, 'No, I'm pretty sure I'm the friend you phoned.' We were laughing, it was so fun. Then we huddled together with the others and talked about whether it was better for Ralf to just shoot for a goal after getting the pass or feinting out the keep and passing to whoever was near so they could kick instead."

In that respect, Sarna's approach to coaching truly is no different from Anna's, or essentially every coach the national team has had. The end goal is the same: a pleasant environment filled with camaraderie that brings out the best in players and allows them to enjoy themselves and play without overthinking. Only the methods differ.

"There's an art to making people comfortable, and that was Anna's greatest strength.", she comments, her nostalgic tone betraying the esteem in which her predecessor continues to be held and the fact that even after eight years she is still missed. "I've been so lucky to be able to work with Anna and learn all I could from her. All she really wanted out of the team was that it feel like a happy family for everyone."

It is a priority that has often drawn skepticism or mockery from other nations' football scenes (such as DASH's recent dismissal of it as a "ridiculous anticompetitive mindset"), and one that Sarna adamantly defends. "If I wanted to, I could easily look at statistics and assemble a team of only the best players in Gylias, but that wouldn't be a team, would it?", she declares. "It's a far too narrow view of it, and it misses the spirit of the game."

Such a cultural attitude towards sports of refusing to treat winning and losing as the end-all-be-all is undoubtedly strengthened by the peculiarities of the Republic's sporting practices relative to other nations'. Gylias has quite famously remained a regional holdout in its skepticism towards completely embracing professional sports. The Gylian Football Association is organised as a general union for all involved in the sport, and as such it does not maintain a league system; the absence of leagues and rankings prevents the influx of rampant commercialisation that has affected other professional sports. Football teams organise their own friendly matches, draw on a combination of amateur and "quasi-professional" players for their lineup, and primarily recruit new players from youth systems, farm teams, and volunteers. Many players have part-time jobs that leave them enough time to play and exercise together; any income received from ticket sales, donations and jobs outside of football goes into a team fund used to pay all who play in and work for the team an additional steady salary and handle upkeep expenses.

In other words, a system best tailored for Gylias.

"We run on passion, we don't really try to make money.", Sarna adds, emphatically underlining her point with body language. "Money's important for guaranteeing the first two steps on Maslow's pyramid, but have nothing to do with the rest; that's all the person."

The conversation turns to the future. In response to a question about how long she sees herself remaining the national team's coach, Sarna laughs and responds, "Until the team either gets bored of me, or decides I'm not doing a good job of it anymore."

To say the least, it seems an unlikely prospect at this point. The transition may have been lengthy but it went smoothly, helped in no small part by Anna completely supporting Sarna and reassuring the team about her effectiveness for the role. Any lingering doubts were erased within three years; today, the players express very positive opinions about her role in guiding the team.

"We are what we are as a team.", she says. "I'd rather have a team that's on-and-off; I find that more exciting to watch than one that's in the middle. I think there is a bit of room to iron out some of the kinks and stand to be a bit more consistent, but the irony is of course that we can only know where we can get better by carrying on playing."

"I know none of us will be doing this forever, so for now, I just plan to enjoy the ride and see where it takes us."

by **Allamunnic States** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:05 am

One Week Prior to the Cup
International Terminal, King Baeryk II International Airport
Staalburg, Staalmark, Allamunnic States

"I'm just saying, don't expect any miracles," the coach said, irritably as he walked down the hall. "And yes, before you say it again, I know damn well how much you were sticking your neck out getting funding renewed for this team," he said, shaking his head. "Doesn't change the fact that I've still got almost jack-shit to work with."

Hadley Thornburger was an aging man, in his early seventies, although he wore his years gracefully, for all that he looked his age. The Allamunnic Sporting Commissioner was rarely seen without his charcoal suit, steel gray shirt, and royal blue tie, matching the colors of the Federal Bicolor and the colors that all Allamunnic athletic teams wore into the fray. He filled the suit in a little bit, his figure the result of a fairly comfortable life, if not that of a man given to laziness. He had the air of a grandfather called on to raise children, warm and friendly when he could be, but ready to bring the hammer down, so to speak, if necessary.

Vaalhulm Shraedur, on the other hand, seemed like the retired soccer player that he was. There was almost a sort of nervous energy to the man, and despite being older than fifty, he seemed five years younger, his short-cut hair still holding a lot of pepper to go with streaks of salt. He had a neatly-trimmed, rather short goatee that helped round out a longish, sharper face, and he still looked to be in rather good shape, athletically-speaking. His face was not-quite dominated by a prominent nose that looked like it had been broken a couple of times, and the sharpness of icy blue eyes gave him a hawkish air.

Thornburger shrugged and looked up slightly at Shraedur, who was slightly taller. "I know how soccer is here, Vaalhulm," Thornburger said. "But that's why there's so much pressure on you to succeed. If we can even hold our own against these bigger titans of the sport, we might have a chance to grow the sport at home. Build on it, if you would." He smiled sheepishly. "I don't want to put too much pressure on you, Vaaly, but the future of Allamunnic soccer could be changed with a good showing or two in the Cornellian Cup. We used to be pretty good, if you recall..."

"That was more than sixty years ago, Mr. Thornburger," Vaalhulm said with a sigh. "You're one of very few people who remember that. We've been kind of a joke in footy for as long as I can remember," Shraedur added. "You're acting like one or two good showings will be enough to, overnight, undo fifty years of cultural shifting," he said. "Even if we do well, we have to maintain that success for an entire generation, long enough that kids grow up expecting our soccer to be as good as anyone's, for that talent base to grow up, for us to be able to build on." He shook his head. "I honestly don't know if that's realistic, given how the Board works. If we don't win our group within two or three editions of the Cup, I'd be shocked if they renew our funding. Remember what happened to Kyl Smart?"

Hadley looked pained. He remembered the rather regrettable case of the national hockey team all too well. Funding had fallen through because of paperwork issues, combined with the apathy born of a lack of success. What had happened next had been profoundly embarrassing, where the team had festered in resentment and anger, and when their funding had finally been renewed, the team had been a seething cauldron of rage that had played with an embarrassing lack of discipline, while achieving mediocre results. Smart's resentment, egged on by a near sociopath of a player, had finally resulted in that player being arrested on murder charges and Smart's sacking.

"On the whole, you are a lot more mentally-balanced than Smart is," Thornburger said, looking for a silver lining. "I trust you're not going to start telling your players to start injuring people," he said. Shraedur chuckled and shook his head.

"No, but my point is, you know how much that loss of funding for even a year or two can completely wipe out a program's progress," he said. "Even if we start building something good here, it may take a while, and it's going to require patience from the Commission," he explained. "If we get our funding cut just because we can't make up as much ground as they want, quickly enough, because we're playing from behind anyway, it's going to be a wasted effort, it's going to wipe out anything we do build, and it's going to make it harder on whatever poor sob gets the job next, five years down the line."

"And your point?" Thornburger said, as they kept walking along toward the departure area. "That doesn't change the fact that expectations are going to be high," he said, looking at Shraedur levelly. "The problem you just described is still going to exist."

Shraedur sighed. "My point, I guess, is that I would like you to tell the rest of the Commission that their expectations shouldn't be too high. Not right away, at least. They're going to need to deal patiently with the program. Maybe not with me, specifically, but with the program, or the whole exercise is going to be frustrating and counter-productive," he said. "I'm asking you to get them to take the team's funding off the table as something that needs annual renewal. Put my contract on the table, or even those of individual players. But not the program as a whole. You can't build something good with that sort of threat hanging over you."

The old Commissioner nodded. "I take your meaning, then," he said. "I will talk to the board about it, see if I can get the team's funding extended ahead of time, for a longer period of time, now. Try and make it indefinite, if I can, requiring active action to cut it." He held up one hand, forestalling any statement from Shraedur. "I cannot promise you any particular result, only that I will plead your case as well as I can. Anything else?"

A more cheerful grin split Shraedur's face at that. "Well... maybe get my funding on par with Coach Vaalburger's?"

Hadley did not even dignify the question with a response, simply giving Vaalhulm a deadpan stare for several seconds. He knew it had been a joke, of course: Shraedur could not possibly expect to get the same funding as the national gridiron team did, not when there was so much more public enthusiasm for that team, the organization was larger and, this was important, it had a proven track-record of success.

"Get on the plane, Vaalhulm. You've got a group to win," he told the soccer manager. Shraedur cocked an eyebrow as he stepped toward the departure gate, where the team was waiting.

"Don't you mean the Cup?" he said, walking away.

"You're the one who just told me at length not to have my expectations too high!" Hadley said with a laugh, waving off the coach. "I'll be there in time for the Cup, with some others. You're not going to just play in front of Vyrsarians, don't worry!" With that, the Sporting Commissioner turned and walked back towards the terminal exit.

-----~~~~~=====~~~~~-----

Shortly before Group D Match vs. Laudine

"You think Coach is going to be alright?" Ryan Kaarlsunn asked the players in general as they watched the uneasy interaction on the sideline. They recognized two of the figures from repeated exposure, of course: one was their coach, and another was Hadley Thornburger. They recognized a third from sheer public visibility.

"Yeah, probably will," Izaak Bromm said, familiar with Shraedur from their shared time in Skarrsboro. "He'll go spare at the Commissioner, of course, for not getting a heads-up, but he'll recover just fine."

"Wait, he didn't get a heads-up?" Daanyl Otto asked, glancing over at the little tableau. "I get why we weren't told, because the higher-ups don't tell us shit unless Coach tells us, but..." he shook his head. "You'd think they'd have mentioned the fucking Generalissimo would be popping in for a visit," he said, shaking his head again.

One of the team's youngest members snorted from familiarity. "Are you kidding? The Comish probably didn't know until Grimmeburger boarded the plane," he said. "Mum and Dad say he likes doing that. Catching people off-guard, I mean. Dad thinks it's like a drug for him or something." The Onnerian princess-turned-soccer player said with a chuckle. "Oh, look, Coach is coming this way!"

In point of fact, Shraedur was walking toward them, accompanied by Thornburger and Grimmeburger. Vaalhulm looked like he might throttle Thornburger when all was said and done, but he was managing to mostly keep his expression diplomatic and neutral.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Shraedur said, "We've got a visitor come to wish us well before the match." He smiled very insincerely (it looked more like he was grating his teeth) before continuing. "I'll leave you all for a moment to speak to him, and I'll go have a word with Commissioner Thornburger," he said, putting a hand on Hadley's arm and leading him away none-too-gently.

"Just came to wish you all good luck!" the Allamunnic head of state said cheerfully, shaking hands with each of the players one by one. "This is a very big deal, so I thought it might be good to come out and give some moral support!" he said. "There's few enough good things going on in the world right now, what with bloody messes in other parts. A little international friendly competition and celebration is always good. Enjoy yourselves. It's a good time to be a soccer player," he said, a jovial smile on his face, completely at odds with his reputation.

The entire situation was quite awkward for most of the team. Izaaksunn was the only one remotely comfortable, mostly because she had met Grimmeburger in person before. It was moments like that where she was acutely aware of the class divide in most of the country, the way her upbringing had been dramatically-different from her teammates, both here and in domestic play. As she had gotten to know most of them, there had almost been a certain amount of embarrassment about how much better she had had things than most of her teammates, and so she avoided talking about her upbringing overmuch.

Thankfully, although Grimmeburger clearly recognized her, he said nothing to call her out, and she could at least pretend to just be one of the team in that regard, as well.

Meanwhile, over on the sideline, Shraedur was, in fact, going spare.

"What the actual fuck, Hadley?! he growled at the Commissioner. "What are you playing at, not warning me that General Fucking Grimmeburger was coming to see our first game?!" he snarled. "You don't spring a fucking head of state on someone without warning!" Shraedur was not quite livid, but he was pushing that boundary quite heavily.

Sure enough, Thornburger confirmed Marie's suspicions. He was slightly bewildered at Shraedur's anger, although that was more from its intensity. He expected the manager to be pissed off, just not quite this much. "I didn't know he was coming until he boarded the damned plane!" he shot back. "And then they had us turn our phones off because they shut the cabin door right after. I didn't get a chance to warn you! You've heard how he is. He has a talent for showing up right when you'd rather he didn't!"

Shraedur had to admit he knew the head of state's reputation. "Still! You could have at least shot me a text or something while you were on your way to the stadium so that I would have had some inkling of what to expect," he protested, but his heart was not in it anymore. "In either case, I dunno if this is going to encourage the players, or leave them too dazed to play well. Hopefully we didn't just torpedo our focus before our first game," he said.

"Eh, they're pros. They'll shake it off," Thornburger said. "I don't think it will make a difference, honestly. Even if it would, I wasn't going to tell the guy no." He looked up at the clock counting down the time before the game. "I think I should fetch him, though, and get him up to the box. Looks like you don't have much time before the game starts."

The manager also checked the clock and nodded agreement. "Yeah, go get him, and I'll get the players ready." He wheeled and returned to the players. He was blissfully relieved to find that Grimmeburger had wandered back to Thornburger, who was now leading him back up the tunnel.

"Alrighty, folks," he said to the assembled team. "I'm not going to pretend to have any idea what the fuck that was about. But hey! Apparently we've got the head of state in audience, among many others! So y'know, maybe folks actually give a shit about us," he said cheerfully. "Laudine should be a pretty solid team, so we've got to play good fundamentals out there. Keep your head on a swivel, know where your teammates are, don't let anyone end up on an island, okay? Odds are, we are not going to have as much pure, flashy talent as a lot of others will, so we have to keep this a team game." He looked around.

"Win or lose, I'm proud of the work you all have put in just to get ready for this. Show that same fire and intensity out there, and I think you'll seriously impress some folks," he said. He made eye contact with each player, and was pleased to see very little nervousness in any of them, just steady confidence and the fire to compete. "Go get 'em."

by **Vyrsar** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 11:08 am

Zürich

Johan was sprinting up the sides as fast as he could. The Noviterans had, miraculously, managed to put them in a lost situation and had taken a show, which was thankfully and beautifully plucked out of the air by Dreschler. Their next moves were practiced, deliberate, and worked beautifully. Dreschler dropped the ball and passed it to Schäfer between the legs of a Noviteran midfielder. Schäfer wasted no time in making a powerful pass to Neustädter, and it was all over. The man took off like a rocket towards the other end of the pitch. There were two defenders, a centreback and a left back, and one wing midfielder on him. One behind, one in front, and one to his side trying to keep up with him. He glance to his left and saw a white shirt positioned in between the Noviteran centreback and right wing, around the end of the goal box, and with nothing but air between him and the goalkeeper. So he made a fast judgment call.

He planted is foot in the ground. The Noviteran defender running with him tried to turn, but slipped and landed on a knee. Johan hooked his foot under the ball, passing it through the air towards who he now identified as Klose. The ball went just over the head of the Noviteran in front of Klose. He bounced it off his chest, the ball dropping to the ground. Looking up, Klose saw the goalkeeper coming towards him. He quickly pulled his leg back and drove it forward, putting as much force as he could into his shot. It sailed just past the goalkeeper's torso, and the lack of a bang and the roaring of the crowd told him that he had made it.

Not one for large celebrations, to the chants of 'Kaiser Klose', he simply bowed to his team's supporters. That was goal number three, and with less than 3 minutes less on the clock, it practically assured victory for them.

After the match, the team was given the time to relax. Some left to go spend their little free time with family, but most just went to Scholl's large house just outside of the city. The mood was great. They had won their first match, after all, and a victory was always something to celebrate.

"Men."

Everyone looked up to Felix, standing in the centre of the room in front of everyone, and mostly in front of the television, which most of the team was watching. Sitting on a large beanbag chair on the ground next to Klose, Alexandria raised an eyebrow at Felix alongside Lena, who was on the regular leather couch.

"And women," Felix quickly added with a trademark wink at the two women and a smile. "Today we have achieved a great victory."

He began pacing back and forth, much to everyone's amusement, a glass of beer in one hand and his other making motions as he talked.

"It was a long battle, and it was a hard battle. We have sacrificed much. We have sustained casualties with grievous injuries-"

From the couch, Mahler- who had sustained a minor sprain during the match- flashed a middle finger at Felix to which everyone chuckled, Felix included.

"-love you too, Krisian, but we have sustained casualties with grievous injuries. But in the end. We have accomplished something. We have claimed victory over the evil capitalists of the south, trying to destroy us with their ways of greed and corruption! Man drup!"

Felix raised his glass with a bright and goofy smile to everyone. Chuckling, they all raised their beers- and in Dreschler's case, a pretzel- and repeated. "Man drup!"

The feeling everywhere was electric. Somehow, the city just seemed more alive. More colourful. Everywhere you looked, the tricolour or federal Schwarz-Rot-Gold flag was hanging or flying in the wind. Bars, clubs, and taverns served cocktails in colours that formed the flag. Bakeries sold cakes in the colours. The entire city was bathed in black, red, and gold. Half of the people walking about wore jerseys or team scarves.

Such was the case of people like Kayla Dienel, laying back on a blanket laid out on the lush green grass of the massive Reichstag lawn clad in her jean shorts and crop-top jersey. The weather was beautiful. The 'heat' wave left the temperature at a cool 12 degrees Celsius, and the clouds in the sky were scattered and allowed the moon to shine down. The lawn was basically containing a party for dozens of people. Yelling, singing, celebrating their first victory in the Cup. A massive screen was at the end of the lawn, opposite the Reichstag itself, that allowed everyone their to watch matches live. But there was no match on right then; rather, it was showing highlights from the first round of matches. The crowd shook the ground with their voices, singing along to the song that speakers were blasting.

"Schwarz–Rot-Gold, Fahnenmeer! Letzter Titel zu lang her! Schwarz-Rot-Gold, mit Leidenschaft! Spür was Fußball mit uns macht!"

Unlike many of the supporters who traveled to the country from overseas or from other foreign countries, the Vyrsarians were perfectly fine wearing clothes that were appropriate for a mid-spring or even summer weather. This was that weather to them, and they were enjoying it before a cold streak hit again.

But the weather was the last thing on their minds. For now, what mattered was they had won, and they were happy, because it was another step forwards towards another title.

Cornellian World Cup 2015 - (Closed, Cornellia Only)

Cornellian World Cup 2015 - (Closed, Cornellia Only)

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