Brevity Challenge Cup Rosters/RP/Results

[Kukalaya]

The Brevity Challenge Cup
Rosters/RP/Results

"OK, I'll try to keep this brief"

---

Welcome

Welcome to Kukalaya and the Brevity Challenge Cup. This is your IC thread for rosters and role-playing, and the thread where results and challenges will be posted. The OOC discussion thread is here. Details on the host nation and venues are in the following post, here. Before you post rosters, you should read the note on challenges next, and also read the roster challenge, in the third post, here.

All that's left to say is: be brief, have fun, good luck.

The Challenges & RP Bonus

RP bonuses will be reset after each match - you have to rise to the challenge with every game. Speaking of which...

Starting with the roster, every RP can respond to a small collection of challenges set each matchday when the RP bonuses are reset. Of course, you can ignore them completely, and there will be a minimum bonus just for posting. But to do well, consider the challenges. Bonuses can be had for a challenge met, and more so for creative interpretations - this is hopefully an opportunity to draw a bit of inspiration and to play with the written word. There will always be a number of challenges on offer, but all will expire after one matchday (at least in terms of bonuses, not to say you can't still use them to assist you).

Firstly, this is the Brevity Challenge Cup, so there is a word limit. 50 words. To clarify: in the group stage, it is a limit of 50 words, with a little extra bonus if you hit 50 precisely. In the knockout phase, once you are all warmed up working with limits, the bonus will only be for 50 words precisely. There will also be a limit of one RP between matches.

Do smilies count? They most certainly do - against you. Being literary puritans, smilies are illegal in Kukalaya. So use of smilies may cost you your bonus...

Extra bonuses will be awarded for the various challenges that will be set, which will include words and phrases of the day, some thematic possibilities (like - today is International Penguin Awareness Day... but not that), and additional content, like some good old fashioned miscellany, or book/film/famous character of the day, or a random wikipedia page. There will be some titles to choose from garnered from the four corners of bizarre self-publishing internet sites. And other things that (a) I haven't thought of yet or (b) will surprise you with later.

Always feel free to fire questions at me via TG or in the OOC.

Format & Schedule

RP cut-off will be 10pm-Midnight GMT.

Group Stage
MD1 - Tuesday 13 March
MD2 - Thursday 15 March
MD3 - Saturday 17 March

At the end of the Group Stage, the group winners will compete for the Brevity Challenge Cup. Group Runners-up will compete for the Quicksilver Trophy, third-placed teams for the Glass Bowl, fourth-placed teams for the Copper Plate. All teams who come away without winning a trophy will get a consolation Pewter Spoon, while the team that finishes last overall will win the highly toxic coveted Uranium Rod.

Knockout Stage
Semis - Monday 19 March
Finals - Wednesday 21 March
Semi-final losers will play in a third-paced play-off for their bracket.

The Challengers

To give some weight - but not too much - to the established order of things, teams will receive a ranking based on the most up-to-date KPB available - mid-58 - simplified by dividing up the KPB into brackets of ten and giving a rank dependent on which bracket a team currently resides in - anyone below 99th gets the minimum rank.

Aguazul			10 (8)
The Holy Empire		10
Polar Islandstates	10
Bears Armed		10
Queer Poco el Mono Ara	10
Astograth		9 (6)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega	9 (5)
Cafundeu		9 (6)
Chetkosk		9 (6)
Civil Citizenry		7
New Montreal States	7
Mapletish		4
Carmadin		3 (2)
Yesopalitha		1
Homelands our		1
Baltskandio		1

Bears Armed has already indicated that he will be dropping a couple of brackets based on the squad he is sending. When rosters are posted, there will be an opportunity for teams to drop down the rankings voluntarily depending on the nature of the squad. Teams will not be able to indicate higher rankings. Rankings will be updated according to competitors indications before first scorination.

The draw:
(conducted on Random.org List Randomizer without seeding)

MD1: 1 vs. 4 / 2 vs. 3
MD2: 4 vs. 3 / 1 vs. 2
MD3: 2 vs. 4 / 3 vs. 1

Venue arrangements in the next post.

Group A
1. New Montreal States
2. Aguazul
3. Queer Poco el Mono Ara
4. Cafundeu

Group B
1. Carmadin
2. Chetkosk
3. Andossa se Mitrin Vega
4. Yesopalitha

Group C
1. Homelands our
2. Polar Islandstates
3. Bears Armed
4. Civil Citizenry

Group D
1. Astograth
2. The Holy Empire
3. Baltskandio
4. Mapletish

[Kukalaya]

Kukalaya in 50:

Kukalaya is a sub-tropical fairly isolationist nation of people comparable in cultural history to Latinamerican and South Amerindian mix. But under the influence of technologically developed Chimor natives, the country is a near-postmodern tech urbanised society comparable with Japan in approximately seventeen years from now. Football is their greatest passion.

Brevity Challenge Cup in 50:

The Cup will take place in Esquipulas, with several stadium complexes easily able to cope with providing for the demands of international teams of all types. The public is indifferent to the outside world but will turn up in large numbers, curious about this event. Football is their greatest passion.

Esquipulas in 50:

The vast urban-industrial complex of the capital is home to thirty-eight million people in a high-tech, high-speed, high-rise city, where every building looks to have come from an architect's finest daydream. Connected by maglev railway above, on and below ground level. And eleven incredible stadia: football is their greatest passion.

---

Stadia in Esquipulas

Estadio Ocotal, in the Ocotal District;
home of Gimnástico Ocotal & FC Venados.
Capacity 63, 800

Estadio Corinto, in Corinto District;
home of Racing Corinto.
Capacity 48,300

Estadio Municipalos Toro, in Matiguá District;
home of Fortuna Jinotepe & Toro.
Capacity 92,200

Estadio Kukalaya, in Matiguá District;
home of AS Matiguás & SC Kukalayos.
Capacity 71,400

Estadio Chimor, in La Constancia District;
home of RCD La Constancia & SC Raití.
Capacity 56,400

Castille Karatá, in Karatá District;
home of Atlético Karatá.
Capacity 91,000

Estadio Quetzales, in Karatá District;
home of Deportiva Karatá and Analpas Karatá.
Capacity 46,600

Totalidad, in Dákura District;
home of 1883 Dákura Fútsal & Huracan Patzunero.
Capacity 103,900

Estadio de León, in St. Pauli District;
home of Juventud Tuapi & Laguna de León.
Capacity 44,100.

Estadio Saprissa, in Saprissa District;
home of Gimnástico Chichigalpa & Deportivo Saprissa.
Capacity 75,800

Bogliasco, in Cuidad de Bogliasco District;
home of CSD Marquense & Cuidad de Bogliasco.
Capacity 69,900

---

Stadia for the group games:

Group A:
First fixture at: Estadio Ocotal
Second fixture at: Estadio Corinto

Group B:
First fixture at: Estadio Kukalaya
Second fixture at: Estadio Chimor

Group C:
First fixture at: Castille Karatá
Second fixture at: Estadio Quetzales

Group D:
First fixture at: Totalidad
Second fixture at: Estadio de León

Stadia for the knockout fixtures, to be announced at the end of the group stage.

[Kukalaya]

Roster Challenge

There is no word limit on the roster and you are advised generally to make your roster in your usual style. RP bonus points are on offer for the roster, and will be your only bonus before MD1 – so as promised, this being a low-rent tournament - no RP is required between roster and first result. If you do RP, it won't get you extra points. And if you do RP, try to keep it in the spirit of the cup, i.e. short: fifty words max.

There is one challenge for your roster submission, based on your playing style and tactical ideas. You are permitted as always to choose your own skill modifier, from -5 to +5. However, you are also required to pick one of the five Oblique Strategies, listed below, as your initial tactical plan. Note that further strategies will become available to you with each round of games.

To score extra bonus on the roster challenge, complete a maximum fifty word explanation of your selected Oblique Strategy. There is a small extra bonus for writing 50 words precisely but it is not mandatory.

I will be using wordcounttool to check your word counts, and their definition will be the official tournament definition, so it is worth using that to check your numbers. Posting how many words you wrote will count towards your total, by the way!

Rank Yourself!

The rankings are based on the latest publish KPB rankings, and simplified into brackets of ten. So teams in the top ten get 10 ranking points, in positions 11-20 get 9 points, 21-30 get 8 and so on. Everyone from 101 down gets 1 point. But ask yourself, if you are sending a trial team of fringe players to test out for the world cup, would they be as good as your first team? If not, what bracket would you put them in? If they are pie-eating TV competition winners, would they be ranked any higher than 1? I'm leaving it up to you. If they are your first team or you think they are as good as your first team, then the rank you already have reflects that - you can't go higher. But you can rank them lower, if you want. For fun. Include it with your roster. If you do not indicate a new rank, you'll get the one indicated in the OP by default.

Oblique Strategies

Oblique Strategies, originally presented as a pack of cards, were developed by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. Each Oblique Strategy is a phrase or cryptic remark which can be used to break a creative deadlock or dilemma situation. There are presently five published editions.

I have used joshharrison's website to randomly grab these five.

Your starting strategies (pick one as your tactics):

Always the first steps.

Only a part, not the whole.

Idiot Glee.

What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?

Shut the door and listen from outside.

I look forward to seeing the rosters... First matchday is Tuesday – good luck all.

[Yesopalitha]

An Explanation

So, uh, yeah... Yesopalitha was originally going to send the National Team as a tune-up for the World Cup... But with Hilary Vander Rox in Turori playing there, and other players too busy looking for places of employment with the Yesopalithan Professional Soccer League being disbanded due to funding issues (what a shame)... The National Team couldn't make it. And then, to make matters worse, some anonymous hackers group hacked in the entry for Yesopalitha into the Brevity Challenge Cup, forcing the government to come up with something or another... Until one of the Councilmen said "Why don't we send those of Compound #2000 for a test run?!"

After due discussion and deliberation, this is the squad that Yesopalitha will be sending to the Brevity Challenge Cup - a squad of test subjects.

Wait? Isn't that against international law? Aren't they living, breathing creatures? Well... I believe a sub-explanation is in order, then.

Compound #2000 is a place where Yesopalithan Scientists are trying to... pretty much, be gods. Create life from nothing. Once they deem that the made creatures portray all the characteristics of living beings, then, they will be freed and given rights. Right now, they have successfully created eleven creatures, each with a problem that makes it not be recognized as alive.

The Yesopalithan Science Commission states that in order to be considered alive, a creature must:
A. Be able to eat on its own
B. Be able to reproduce
C. Be able to express itself to other creatures
D. Be able to expel waste on its own

OOC: Set Bonus to ZERO. I'd ask for negative rank, but I don't think that's possible.

Yesopalitha's Brevity Challenge Team (The Test Subjects)

Head Coach: Nonexistent
Assistant Coach: Nonexistant
Team Trainer: Nonexistant

#     Name       Position     Color
1     910108684     GK        Purple 
2     910104474     LD        Blue
3     910105255     CD        Red
4     910102324     RD        Cyan
5     910107475     LM        Green
6     910106852     CM        Orange
7     910100123     RM        Magenta
8     910101258     LF        Brown
9     910103577     CF        Yellow
10    910109557     RF        Tan
11    000000000     SW        Crimson

The following is a description of the Test Subjects (note that Coding is different because this is Yesopalithan)

//Running...
//Info TS#910108684
//Display? Y
Processing...

910108684
Created: 1214.56.87
Specification: Dog-like creature, 5 ft tall, 150 lbs.
Step Needed to be Fully Alive: Cannot eat unless told explicitly to do so. Also cannot reproduce.

//Close File
//Running...
//Info TS#910104474
//Display? Y
//Processing...

910104474
Created: 1258.47.58
Specification: Humanoid Creature with four feet. 6 ft tall, 220 lbs.
Step Needed to be Fully Alive: Subject spontaneously tries to kill oneself once every twenty-four hours.

//Close File
//Running...
//Info TS#910105255
//Display? Y

910105255
Created: 1004.12.23
Specification: Humanoid Creature with wings. 6 feet, 180 lbs.
Step Needed to be Fully Alive: Subject is currently too powerful to let go without supervision. Subject needs to be contained.

//Inquire "Why?"
//Reply: ACCESS DENIED
//Inquire "Ask for ACCESS"
//Reply: ACCESS DENIED. TERMINATION IN.. 10..9..
//Close File
//Running...
//Info TS#910102324
//Display? CANNOT BE FOUND
//Inquire Search: #TS910102324
//Reply: CANNOT BE FOUND

910102324
Success in 910102324.

//Inquire: More Info
//Reply: CANNOT BE FOUND. CLASSIFIED
//Close file
//Running...
//Info TS#910107475
//Display? Y

910107475
Created: 2245.32.56
Specification: Humanoid, looks like little girl. 4 ft, 150 lbs.
Steps Needed to be Fully Alive: Subject currently grows cold if left alone for too long. Subject cannot be left alone, or subject will freeze to death.

//Close File
//Running...
//Info TS#910106852,#910100123,#910101258,#910103577
//Display? Y

910106852,910100123,910101258,910103577
Created: 1547.55.36,1585.39.47,1632.23.65,4587.25.63
Specification: Four identical creatures of four feet in height and weigh 125 lbs. Different color hair (orange, magenta, brown, yellow) sets them apart.
Steps Needed to be Fully Alive: Test Subjects 910106852, 910100123, 910101258, and 910103577 cannot live unless they are all within one square mile of each other. Why this is, nobody knows.

//Close File
//Running...
//Info TS#910109557
//Reply: ACCESS DENIED
//Reboot
//Running...
//Info TS#000000000
//TERMINATED

RP Permissions: No Godmodding of any form.
Style Modifier: +2.5

Only a part, not the whole.
This group in no way shape or form is the only test subjects of compound twenty, but they are the most advanced, and the closest to achieving Alive Status. It is the hope of the scientists that they will be able to fix whatever is wrong and set them free.

[Baltskandio]

Baltskandio Starters

Keeper
Rasmus Jespersen, Hadsten

Defenders
Jens Nielsen, Jyllinge
Kent Andersen, Hadsten
Søren Gundersen, Fensmark
Rasmus Nøhr, Rønne

Midfielders
Kristjan Tamm, Laagri
Paw Henriksen, Rønne
Valter Masing, Väätsa
Lasse Jeppesen, Laagri

Attackers
Jonathan Thomsen, Løgstør
Christian Kold, Haabneeme

Tactic: Always the first steps. With the ball, only we score.

[Mapletish]

The Challenge - Accepted

After a brief long discussion in the meeting rooms of the Mapletish Football Association and The Mapletish Sports Federation,Mapletish has decided
to send a team of backyard boys,after a potential trail run between two teams,The Kai and The Bravo,each with 11 players each fighting for a place
in the Mapletish team playing in the Brevity Challenge Cup,as the name suggests it is a CHALLENGE Cup.
This two teams will play with each other for 40 matches to determine the team representing Mapletish.Both teams will play in a 3-4-3 formation.

The Kai
GK - Ely Rusty
DF - Purdie Zackary 
DF - Gabe Justin 
DF - Earl Dan 
MF - Colin Wayland
MF - Driskoll Asher
MF - Rod Teddy
MF - Zac Rodge
FW - Ralf Spike
FW - Lddy King
FW - Stevie Tatton

The Bravo
GK- Zechariah Burke
DF- Noah Vivian
DF- Zak Yorick
DF- Maynerd Malakai
MF- Matthew Russell
MF- Lemoine Warner
MF- Emmet Ern
MF- Dakota Cleveland
FW- Fred Damion
FW- Kam Scott
FW- Al Ford

The Challenge Matches

(The Kai) 2–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–2 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 3–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 3–2 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 4–3 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 2–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 3–2 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–2 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–0 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–4 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–0 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 3–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–2 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 2–2 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–0 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–0 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 3–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–2 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–0 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–0 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 2–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 1–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 0–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 0–1 (The Kai)
(The Kai) 1–1 (The Bravo)
(The Bravo) 4–4 (The Kai)

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1  (The Kai)             40   15  15  10    48   40   +8    60
2  (The Bravo)           40   10  15  15    40   48   −8    45

After 40 matches,The Kai won the challenge with 15 wins,15 draws and 10 losses and 60 points to represent Mapletish for the Brevity Challenge Cup.

The Kai
GK - Ely Rusty
DF - Purdie Zackary 
DF - Gabe Justin 
DF - Earl Dan 
MF - Colin Wayland
MF - Driskoll Asher
MF - Rod Teddy
MF - Zac Rodge
FW - Ralf Spike
FW - Lddy King
FW - Stevie Tatton

Coach : -Unknown-

//Login : Accepted//
|| Password || Reconfigure \\
||Recon ||//
Processing Info || 1.1||
The Kia will be representing Mapletish after a series of challenges as the team came out top in the 40 matches challenge,each of the
11 players from Kia are required to run a 3 sets of 2.4 Km,and clock an average timing of 8.31.45.The players will then be put onto 
a mental fitness test trail,a 25km walk under the watchful eyes of the Lieutenant from the Mapletish Army.

|| Challenge 1 & 2 || COMPLETED

\\ Opening File 2 , 1.2 // 
|| Configuring || Denied
Processing Info || 1`1 .2 ||
The players' metal strength will be stretched even more with vigorous football juggling under the *Notorious* Mapletish sun.Another
vigorous set of aerobatic exercising regime keeps the players stretched to their maximum.


|| Challenge 3 || COMPLETED

\\ALL INFO SEALED//

OPENING ....
Processing Info || 1~1||
//Password : *********\\
ID **********
Access Denied
//TRY AGAIN \\
Retuall 1.5
|| 3.1 CD Rerun ||
Not Accepted  ||

|| Re-Running System ||
SHUT DOWN 

Login ******* Encrypted 
**********************************
REBOOTED
\\Opening Previous File//

After three challenges,the players are put onto the Challenge Impossible Rig where they are made to run 25km,swim 15km,cycle 40km,walk 65km 
in the Impossible Rig and then run 10 sets of 1.6km under an average of 6.12.71.

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?

Style Modifier : +5

[Homelands our]

Homelands Our Team Roster  for The Brevity Challenge Cup
Style Modifier +4
Oblique Strategy Always the first steps

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

Choose my goalscorers Y (be realistic, no goalies scoring hat-tricks)
Godmod scoring events Y (go for it)
RP injuries to my players N (I would like to decide my own line up)
Godmod injuries to my players N (look above)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y (not if the player has already been given a yellow card, as he would miss next match)
Hand out red cards to my players N (same as injuries)
Godmod other events Y (I will do this unless you say don't so you can do it too)

We will play a 4-3-3 formation as this creates a good all-round performance from our players.

The 11 That will start Matches

GK-1-Andrew Herkison-age 23-caps 23
RB-3- David foy-age 31-caps 43
CB-4-Michael bytersn-age 21-caps 20
CB-5-Rhys davr-age 23-caps 28
LB-2-David Davis-age 35-caps 58
DM/RM-9- Karl gadi-age 19-caps 29
CM-7-Kyle mcdondals-age 27-caps 38
AM/LM-8-Lewis callder-age 31-caps 39
ST-6- Mark moddr-age 24-caps 22
ST-10-James dact-age 32-caps 41
ST-11- Captain-Jamie long-age27-caps 32
After a dreadful end to the world cup 58 campaign our coach/manager was fired , literally! So a new manager has been found he is
John Stable-age 47.
He is a Homelands Our national and is very popular with players and fans.

The team and football association are both sponsored by HO^AIR. The airline operates worldwide but focuses on flights to other airports in rushmore.

[Civil Citizenry]

"Where's the ball, sprint, create your route, what if he passes it, watch out for that defender - fuck, it's going the other way - what-"

"STOP!" Coach yelled. "You're too engrossed in the nuances. Step back and let the game play itself. Shut the door and listen from outside."

---

Civil Citizenry National Team
Roster

Wladyslaw Bashirskaya (Head Coach ~ #00 ~ Pazhujebi)
With the results of the Copa Rushmori unclear as yet, and Bashirskaya still holding onto his job, the same team competing in Astograth will journey to Kukulaya. This is a "B" team in comparison to the top squad; Bashirskaya is trying out various potential selections for the next World Cup.

Palmer Newman (Goalkeeper ~ #12 ~ 29 years old ~ North Woodlands)
Lester Kendrick (Left Defender ~ #09 ~ 25 years old ~ FC1. Surtsey Island Gulls/Polar Islandstates)
Irving Jefferson (Center Defender ~ #16 ~ 30 years old ~ North Woodlands)
Ayers Kemp (Right Defender ~ #17 ~ 26 years old ~ Briarmore FC)
Rex Parker-Stockleigh (Left Midfielder ~ #01 ~ 27 years old ~ Lalard Tanks/Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk)
Dawson Pollard-Beck (Center Midfielder ~ #04 ~ 24 years old ~ FC Salutin)
Pascal Sinclair (Center Midfielder ~ #22 ~ 29 years old ~ FC Sandside)
Landor Goldwin (Right Midfielder ~ #03 ~ 27 years old ~ FC Axel Heiburg/Polar Islandstates)
Rawdon Waldo (Left Forward ~ #14 ~ 28 years old ~ Chase Citiz)
Brigham Bond (Center Forward ~ #05 ~ 22 years old ~ Niccostrato/Erathore)
Preston Latimer (Right Forward ~ #25 ~ 21 years old ~ Chase Citiz)

Broughton Storm (Goalkeeper ~ #13 ~ 23 years old ~ FC of Groundery)
Tucker Patton (Left Defender ~ #02 ~ 28 years old ~ FC of Groundery)
Yeremi Larraza (Goalkeeper ~ #08 ~ 30 years old ~ TFC Lannymore)
Cable Washington (Center Defender ~ #10 ~ 26 years old ~ High Groth Athletic)
Howard Hudson Stanford-Wallace (Center Defender ~ #11 ~ 26 years old ~ Hill Lane)
John Averill-Worth (Right Defender ~ #21 ~ 29 years old ~ TFC Lannymore)
Tucker Chance (Left Midfielder ~ #15 ~ 30 years old ~ FC of Groundery)
Ascot Sanders (Left Midfielder ~ #18 ~ 22 years old ~ Fox Zero)
Dalton Bradshaw-Laughton (Center Midfielder ~ #07 ~ 36 years old ~ Sparta FC/FSSO)
Washington Bliss (Right Midfielder ~ #19 ~ 26 years old ~ Chase Citiz)
Carl Keaton (Right Midfielder ~ #23 ~ 25 years old ~ Merrilin FC)
Scott Farrell (Left Forward ~ #24 ~ 23 years old ~ TFC Lannymore)
Wilford Dudleigh (Center Forward ~ #20 ~ 28 years old ~ Desert Rampage)
Avery Radcliffe (Right Forward ~ #06 ~ 28 years old ~ FC of Groundery)

Information

National Demonym
Citiz
Team Nickname
Bakers
Skill Modifier
+3
Formation
3-4-3
Starters
-------------------------------- Newman --------------------------------
----------- Kemp --------- Jefferson --------- Kendrick -----------
-- Goldwin - Sinclair - Pollard-Beck - Parker-Stockleigh --
------------------ Latimer ------ Bond ------ Waldo -----------------
RP Limits
None. Choose my goalscorers, injure my players – anything that’s not supernatural or unreal. Please do not use real life pictures to represent my players or stadia.
Kits

[Aguazul]

Rank 8 (strong fringe)

Style +2

What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?

Mejia is trying to find out who to bring, and who not to bring, to World Cup 59. The players with low numbers for this tournament were the backups at World Cup 58; the others are fringe players with no international experience. Everyone here will start at least one group stage match.

Wiki article (for information about uniforms, positions, etc.)

Manager: Fernán Mejia (First tournament: WC58Qs)

Goalkeepers:
1. Dimas Maurell (Mapabore Juventud)
12. Gabriel Asprilla (ICD Villago)
23. Amado Girón (AC Mineros)

Defenders:
2. Gascon Amatrian (Alianza Ciruelas)
3. Gaspar Meolans (SK Franz Josef City, Polar Islandstates)
4. Tadio Juarez (CA Condadore)
5. Agustin Minguet (Mapabore Juventud)
13. Macario Fanez (12 de noviembre)
14. Leandro Gasquillan (Alianza Ciruelas)
15. Graciano Ascensión (ICD Villago)
16. Jorge Parahilla (San Pablo)

Midfielders:
6. Rafael Luis Robledo (Universidad de Dénprade) (captain if he's starting)
7. Diego Héctor Carranza (Unión de Ciudagua)
8. Ansuro Sarmiento (CA Condadore)
9. Ramón Galindo (Unión de Ciudagua)
17. Merlín Salomón (Cednia Beach AFC, Turori)
18. Chimo Danilo Milian (CD Quemavilla)
19. Paco León Nolasco (Ojedo Cerro)
20. Fabián Banderas (Blén CA)

Forwards:
10. Escobar Lanos (Universidad de Dénprade)
11. Muño Valcárcel (Jan Mayen Islanders, Polar Islandstates)
21. Clemente Bosque (Unión de Ciudagua)
22. Moisés Orgónez (Fábricas)

Formation: they're all going to play at some point or another, so more or less whatever.

My opponents, if they RP first, can do whatever they want.

We happen to have greenhorns (new people) joining. Expect many test lineups, then, none fittest. Tomorrow's form isn't like today's.

We are braggarts; we won our eighth World Cup (58) in a thriller, a terrific way. But what about 59, you retort, in norther lands, colder climes?

...Right. About that.

[Carmadin]

In the far reaches of Carmadin, in the places only belonging to Carmadin because of oceanspace, there is a nondescript island, one square mile in diameter. On this Island is the Monastery of the Rock, where the most devoted Carmadin Presbyterians practice their faith. The place is unknown to all but a select few, and the forty monks who reside there. What they do in the monastery is unknown, and many citizens of Carmadin did not even know of the nation's participation in this cup. The Monks, however, have decided that their work to the lord is in part done, and the Nine most aged Brothers have left the monastery to preach the word of the Lord through the best medium they could find: Football.

(OOC: Rank to 2, please)

The most ancient monk on the team is Brother Saul, and he plays keeper for the team. His strategy is to not mind the net at all, but to stand behind the goal line and the cage, and pray for the Lord's protection over the net. If his prayers are strong enough, no ball shall enter the goal. Brother Saul is Three Hundred and Forty-Seven

The four defenders, Brothers Niccodemus, Henry, Paul, and Solomon, have a strange condition never yet seen in any others. They are, as it is called "United in Faith" if one of them should lose faith in his purpose or being, the other three shall perish. This also means, however, that they work very well together, and have complete trust that anything that happens in the game is for the greater good. They plan to combine their faith in the team to make it nearly impossible to beat. The four are all Three Hundred and One

The four midfielders will be controlled by Saint Simon, Brother of the Monastery. Saint Simon has the unique gift of chanelling the energy of the Holy Spirit into projections of beings that are created out of pure love. Players attempting to defend these beings will find themselves forgiven instantly, and cleansed of all other acts against the team. Saint Simon is Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight, and will stand on the sidelines in deep meditation during each game.

The Left forward shall be Brother Frederick. Brother Frederick's belief that the Lord is acting through him makes him a very powerful vessel, and it is not uncommon to see him ascend toward the sky at random intervals and times. He says he has not acted of his own accord since his birth, and he is Two Hunderd Eighty-Seven years old.

The Right forward is Brother Regis, a large man who is the most earthly of the Monks. He has no special connection or powers except his own rather exceptional skill with a football, and it was he who introduced the Monks to the game. He is Two Hundred Fifty-Six

The "Coach" is Brother Bartholomew, a "dreamer", whose visions, he claims, are sent to him directly from the Lord. He uses this to predict the future, and thus immensly help the team's tactics. He spends the game asleep near the oppisite goal, the better to read the opponent's vibes. He is Three Hundred and Two

Tactics: Shut the Door and Listen from the Outside.

Only Brother Regis actually plays the game and is on the field during the match. Brother Frederick is a vessel of the Lord, and cannot be held responsible for his actions during a match. Saint Simon creates projections of love, and is on the sidelines. The Defense is four individulas, but their unity is such that they are as one person, and Brother Saul simply prays for protection. The team's tactics can only be described as "The oppisite of the other team's"

OOC: Please read my discussion thread post as to why I chose this team

[Chetkosk]

Brevity Challenge?...

Chetkosk Association Football Squad

Nation: Chetkosk
Nickname: The Puffins
Supporters: The Chicks
Style mod: +3.0
RP rules:
Choose my goalscorers, injure players, hand out cards...
Do whatever you like. Just know that I reserve the right to retcon anything I don't like.


A note on transfers: I will rarely ever advertise players on the transfer market. If you want to request one of the players in this squad for transfer to your domestic league you need only ask via TG, however a successful request is not guaranteed.

Home Kit

Away Kit

Alt. Kit

Goalie Kit

Played: 85
Won: 40 (47%)
Drawn: 17 (20%)
Lost: 28 (33%)
Longest Win Streak: 7
Longest Loss Streak: 4
Scored: 162 (1.91/game)
Conceded: 107 (1.26/game)
GD: +55
Biggest Win:
Chetkosk 8-1 Jedi8246
Heaviest Defeat:
Chetkosk 1-5 Polar Islandstates

A Brief History:
After debuting in a series of regional friendlies, Chetkosk began their international football career with a spirited but flawed appearance at the 43rd Baptism of Fire - though many claim Chetkosk's downfall was partly due to an unlucky draw against the tougher half of the tournament, Yevgeni Byshovetsiy was quick to claim the majority of the faults lay with his decisions, eventually resulting in the Puffins crashing out in the quarter-finals. Following this partial success the exact same squad went on to shock pundits worldwide as Chetkosk performed above and far beyond what was expected of them in the qualifying campaign of the 56th World Cup. The Puffins are one of only a select handful of nations to have ever qualified for the World Cup finals on their first attempt.

The following World Cup saw further success when the Puffins not only qualified for the finals, but also earned some points and narrowly avoided moving forward into the round of 16. Last time round the Puffins once again qualified for the finals after a significantly flawed performance in the qualifying stage, though they again failed to advance beyond the group stage. This places Chetkosk in the very small group of nations who have never failed to qualify for the World Cup proper, something that the weathered veterans of Chetkoski football are forever proud of. They now seek to advance further, and are testing some new blood.

Main Staff:
Manager: BYSHOVETSIY, Yevgeni - Aged 55
Yevgeni Abram Byshovetsiy took the role of managing Chetkosk's national team after being forced to leave the domestic club CSKA Tomska. Most of his critics were silenced by his performance during Chetkosk's Baptism of Fire campaign, but it wasn't until a stunning qualifying effort lead to the Puffins reaching the finals of the 56th World Cup that he well and truly demonstrated his ability to successfully manage the national squad. Yevgeni is a sly tactician, has a loud and powerful character and is fully prepared to think outside the box to form new strategies.

Assistant: GRUSCHMAN, Pyotr - Aged 35
Pyotr Gruschman has an extra-ordinary talent for administration - he takes care of red tape and paperwork so Byshovetsiy doesn't have to (nor does he ever want to). Although he is far less extravertive compared to his superior, he always makes sure he is heard on the rare occasions that he does speak before the team, and his words carry many years of combined knowledge and wisdom in the sport.

Head Coach: TOLSCHTIYK, Vladim - Aged 44
Vladim Tolschtiyk is a retired player who spent the last six years of his career with CFR Dynamo Vilychek. He regularly works as a guest lecturer in Sports and Physiological Science at many Chetkoski universities and he demands a high level of knowledge and ability in his coaching staff. Vladim is adept at noticing psychological and physiological problems in the players well ahead of time - his reports of squad fitness, form and morale are rarely anything but accurate. Recently his team has been bolstered by Igor Mostovoi, the now retired star of Chetkosk's defence.


Squad:
GK: SCHERBAK, Anatoli - #1 - aged 23 - Atlético Central (Cafundéu)
80 caps
Scherbak won himself a place on the starting lineup through some excellent performances in the Baptism of Fire, and has taken on the number one goalkeeping role from Vasili Opuytsk following his recent retirement. His ability to dive in peculiar directions in a split second make him an ideal international goalkeeper, and following World Cup 56 he secured a transfer to Cafundéu. He is a rising star, but is prone to small, recurring injuries that remove him from action for a game at a time.

LB: KASAEV, Diniyar - #2 - aged 31 - Grêmio Lux (Cafundéu)
81 caps, 2 goals
Kasaev used to be starting left back for CSKA Tsaritin Saints, a club that regularly enjoys a top five finish in the Chetkoski domestic league. He was also transferred to Cafundéu after World Cup 56, and the Saints' left defence has looked weaker ever since. He is a solid player and his foul tally is one of the lowest in the squad, but he is notorious for his inability to cure his pungent foot smell post game.

CB: ONOPKO, Aleksandr - #3 - aged 28 - FKM (Kagdazka & Pazhujebu)
78 caps, 1 goal
Aleksandr made his mark on the squad with his great height, towering over the other players and dominating the penalty box. His long stride ensured he can get back to defend against all but the fastest of breaks, though he does have a tendency to play people on-side. Onopko spent a long time in domestic clubs before being recognised by foreign scouts, and has enjoyed playing in Kagdazka and Pazhujebu

RB: MAKHSENEV, Viktor - #5 - aged 24 - CSKA Tomska
55 caps
Makhsenev is a young player who has great pace and speed along the wing. He is also blessed with an ability to avoid injury, and has never missed an international game due to injury during his time on the squad. His recent promotion to the starting 11 has come due to the retirement of Anton Smertin, a legendary Chetkoski player who has left a tough legacy to follow for those who take his place.

LM: TSARAPKIN, Iosif - #6 - aged 25 - Echegoyan FC (Astograth)
46 caps, 3 goals
Tsarapkin adds a utility element to the midfield, and is also seen as Borodiuk's apprentice. His talent for dead balls has allowed him to take on the role that his mentor used to fill, and he will certainly feel the pressure of the nation's eyes upon him when it comes to going for goal as the Puffins 1st choice set piece taker.

CM: VORONIN, Marko - #7 - aged 32 - Chitlanqaxl (Alta Moqoexa)
59 caps, 7 goals
Voronin is an accomplished sportsman, playing for the largest club in Alta Moqoexa, and inspired his younger brother to follow him into the professional sporting world - though his brother is a rugby man. Marko has been plagued with groin injuries in the past, and it was questionable whether or not he would play for much longer, but his current form looks hopeful.

CM: OBSTANTOV, Georgi - #8 - aged 29 - CSKA Tsaritin Saints
70 caps, 4 goals
This centre midfielder takes a long time to break form - whether it's good form or bad. As such he is a steady and reliable presence in the midfield and can often act as a lynchpin for the Chetkosk team to really around. For the time being, he has taken on the captain's armband from Heimpfel, who has also retired.

RM: SIMIERTINO, Alexey - #9 - aged 29 - Primorsky Cape FC
72 caps, 6 goals
Alexey was originally a relatively unknown member of the starting lineup until his domestic team won the previous season's playoff and were promoted to the premier league. He has enjoyed a step up in his media coverage since then, and has not yet tired of the invasion into his private life. A constant source of stick for his teammates is the large number of modelling contracts that Alexey completes on the side of his sporting duties.

AM: KURZHAKOV, Roman - #10 - aged 26 - TSG Krasnonar
63 caps, 18 goals
Roman has taken the place of Chetkoski legend Nico Tussak in attacking midfield, and has thus far made a superb job of filling his boots. He is not afraid to run the entire pitch several times over if he has to, and can cause a hinderance to the opposing team by being in places they don't expect him to be. Through his energetic efforts each game Roman has become an attractive target for foreign transfer.

ST: ANYUKOV, Joachim - #11 - aged 27 - Racing Club Liyakovski
38 caps, 5 goals
Anyukov is a tall and built individual whose strength in his foot more than makes up for his slow running speed. He also has no problems playing the entire game and putting all of his effort into each touch of the ball. Torbinskiy's recent retirement left a gap in the attack, allowing Anyukov to get a lot more time off the bench and on the pitch.

CF: PUZIN, Tomislav - #22 - aged 25 - Quite sure I sent this player abroad somewhere, but I can't remember where
46 caps, 27 goals
Puzin is a solid striking talent that found his way into high level football with the AZS Kemenovsk Rangers' highly successful grass roots programme. His recent move to premier league club Oransberg St. Thunder has thrust him into the limelight and he is now considered a strong starting forward.

Default 3-5-2 Formation:

Reserve:
GK: DOLGONOSOV, Nikolev - #20 - aged 25 - FC Kedesk Harbour
4 caps
Dolgonosov performs well when facing penalties due to his ability to keep and calm and cool head.

GK: GABULOV, Denis - #23 - aged 30 - Zenit Berlinengrad
1 cap
Gabulov remains the third choice goalkeeper despite his experience over the younger Scherbak.

CB: ZENIZEV, Klement - #4 - aged 22 - Red Star Kemenovsk FC
0 caps
Zenizev is a product of the Red Star Kemenovsk FC grass roots programme. He rarely gets to play for his club, but he has succeeded in performing well in trials for the national squad.

CB: BESCHASTYN, Vladimir - #16 - aged 28 - Torpedo Yaroslavl
45 caps, 1 goal
Beschastyn is seen in many ways as Mostovoi's apprentice. He admires the older player and aspires to be as vital to the team as Igor is now.

LB: BYKO, Arkady - #12 - aged 21 - Txatalactan (Alta Moqoexa)
23 caps
Byko is a new young talent who already has experience playing abroad. His tackles are hard, but usually accurate.

RB: KANATOVA, Boris - #18 - aged 21 - CSKA Tsaritin Saints
0 caps
Kanatova is a new name from the Tsaritin Saint defence, and is rather unique in that he is the only member of the squad who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Syndrome. Naturally, the rest of the squad take every opportunity to mess up his carefully arranged possessions.

CM: ZOLKIN, Stanislav - #21 - aged 23 - CSKA Smolensk
0 caps
Zolkin is a short individual, but very quick on his feet, who finds his low centre of gravity useful when taller opposing players attempt to push him around the pitch, as they usually do.

CM: GROMYKO, Yefin - #13 - aged 19 - AIK Vilnosnyvetzsny Ice
0 caps
Yefin Gromyko is a distant relation of nor retired captain Sebastien Heimpfel, and thus found his inspiration a little closer to home than most. He now hopes to attain his first international caps.

LM: SILVIRIDOV, Immanuil - #19 - aged 20 - Zenit Berlinengrad
0 caps
Immanuil is a lightning fast wing player who always plays aggressively. He prides himself on the quality of his crosses and keeps his head up to retain a sense of what is going on around him.

CM: KONDRATENKO, Lev - #15 - aged 24 - AIK Vilnosnyvetzsny Ice
19 caps
Kondratenko is a relatively new addition to the squad, bringing a strong tactical mind that is very useful in his position as a defensive midfielder.

ST: CHASTAKORLENKA, Oleg - #17 - aged 24 - CFR Dynamo Vilychek
0 caps
Oleg Chastakorlenka is an orphan from the city of Vilychek. It is there that he found his lucky break in the inner city sports regimes and he was snapped up to the youth teams for CFR Dynamo Vilychek. He has suffered with a serious calf injury for several years and has now only just returned to the professional football sphere.

RF: BELOI, Semyon - #14 - aged 18 - Viking Kzerstavo
0 caps
Beloi has dual nationality, his father being of Malaysian origin (OOC note: this nationality is open for replacement with any "eastern" themed nation rather than a real one), but chooses to live and play in Chetkosk. He plays for Viking Kzerstavo in the cold northern province of Kedrovyna.





Brevity Challenge Rank: 6

Oblique Strategy: What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?

Byshovetsiy's dilemma, his choice, his burden. How can he replace those who retire? How can he push the Puffins further than they've ever gone before? This tournament is all about testing new blood, trying new players and formations and seeing what works. If the tests fail, the manager will go.

[Polar Islandstates]

Team Name: The Federation of Polar Islandstates
Country Shorthand Names: The Federation, The FPI, PIS
Citizens of The FPI are: Polarians
Team Nickname: The Terns
Official Supporters Group: The Twitchers (as in, birdwatchers)

KIT COLOURS: - courtesy of Barrengeka Kits, Astograth:

"Hello, and welcome to this brief bulletin on the Brevity Challenge Cup. Sol Kirkkegaard has given 23 players on the fringes the final chance to impress him following the DBC and Copa campaigns, we'll see how they do and whether they can snatch a place in the squad. First, the players..."

GK
#1 - GK - Ole Gorrechategi - Age 31 - FC Torshavn
#12 - GK - Max Poulsen - Age 19 - Callisto City (Osarius)
#13 - GK - Nicolaj Thorsen - Age 20 - FC Cape St Paul
A well respected club veteran gets the chance to seal a spot, along with two impressive youngsters. With a broad range of experience at both international and club level, all are sure to learn from each other in this last chance saloon. Kirkkegaard wants a healthier goals against column now.

DEF
#2 - DR - Zacharias Juul - Age 23 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#3 - DC - Torre Urfstadt - Age 23 - Club ESF (Valanora)
#4 - DC - Jan Kowalski - Age 29 - East Franz Athletic
#5 - DL - Edvar Folke - Age 22 - Merrilin FC (Civil Citizenry)
#19 - DR - Dima Petersen - Age 20 - Ituraitz FC (Astograth)
#21 - DL - Luka Baalsen - Age 23 - East Franz Athletic
#22 - DC - Julius Oyen-Spekke - Age 20 - Resolute Storm 1913 FC
#23 - DC - Simmo Gretzla - Age 21 - Jasmuur Eagles (Swartaz)
Kowalski is the most experienced member here, with Urfstadt, Juul and Folke enjoying a whirlwind of hype around them at the moment. Petersen and Oyen-Spekke are talented individuals, and Baalsen and Gretzla want to prove their ability and why they deserve a place in the squad once and for all.

MID
#6 - MC - Emrahn Vik - Age 21 - SK Aasiaat Harbour
#7 - MC - Niko Lepka - Age 21 - Royal Vosaroni Antenelli (Erathore)
#8 - MC - Pol Sundstrom - Age 32 - Sherwood FC (Civil Citizenry)
#11 - MC - Jorgen-Franz Bru - Age 23 - East Franz Athletic
#14 - MR - Jon Kjaer - Age 25 - Mar Sara FC (Valanora)
#15 - ML - Ole Berghaus - Age 24 - Gimnasia (Kagdazka and Pazhujebu)
#16 - MR - Mikhail Magyar - Age 21 - TFC Lannymore (Civil Citizenry)
#20 - ML - Kjetil Huytspurr - Age 21 - FC Axel Heiburg
In Vik and Lepka we may be seeing the future Terns midfield, whilst Sundstrom and Bru will add some grit to affairs. With only two wingers likely to be in the final squad, four get the chance to impress - Kjaer, Berghaus, and for the first time, Magyar and Huytspurr.

ATT
#9 - ST - Ellis Elmsvikur - Age 22 - Iturributa United (Astograth)
#10 - ST - Patrick Ackermann-Finn - Age 32 - Ranca Toco (Cafundéu)
#17 - ST - Lewis Bergen - Age 23 - Vincanto FC (Erathore)
#18 - ST - Alexei Kaplowitz - Age 23 - Vincanto FC (Erathore)
Bergen and Kaplowitz are the same age and play at the same club, a readymade partnership for the national team. Is it worth clearing a space for the both of them though? Or even to take and not the other? Ackermann-Finn and Elmsvikur will be aiming to show why not.


Possible Starting formation:
--------------------- Gorrechategi ---------------------
------ Folke ---- Kowalski -- Urfstadt ---- Juul ------
----------------- Sundstrom -- Lepka ------------------
-- Kjaer ----------------------------------- Huytspurr --
----------- Ackermann-Finn -- Elmsvikur ------------

Modifier: 0
New Rank: 8
Oblique Strategy: Shut the door and listen from outside
In addition to trying out fringe players, we are trying out a new possession based tactic. Aiming to mop up possession and keep it, they will shut the door, test the opposition from the flanks, and then open the door and strike quickly once all has been heard and understood.


The opponent can...
Choose my goalscorers? Yes
Godmod scoring events? Yes
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, and I reserve the right to change the severity in a follow-up RP
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, but only 1 per match
Godmod other events? TG me first, but I'm always open to ideas

[New Montreal States]

PALADINS ANNOUNCE ROSTER FOR BREVITY CHALLENGE

Will take full starting XI into deadliest group of death yet drawn

NEW MONTREAL - The Ministry of Morale has released the roster for the upcoming Brevity Challenge Cup in the footballer's urban paradise of Kukalaya. After a spirited internal debate on whether to send the full starting XI or a "futures" roster, the Ministry has decided to send the same side that played the CoH, with only a few changes to the bench. [[OOC: full rank]] Sources privy to the decision announced that this was because of the incredible strength of Group A, which the Paladins will be sharing with Aguazul, Queer Poco el Mono Ara, and Cafundéu. The presence of two recent World Cup co-hosts - along with the side that won both those cups - convinced coach Jean-Modeste Taschereau that there was more to be gained from the experience of playing three all-multiverse sides then there was to be lost from injury risks. "Even if they send half-strength or U23s to the tourney, we'll still learn a tremendous amount by playing these guys in succession," Taschereau said during his press conference after the roster announcement. Our source in the Ministry added this explanation: "People here are worried about being stuck with that Uranium Rod. It really doesn't sound very safe at all."

Taschereau had this to say about the homicidally difficult group draw (Oblique Strategy in italics):

"We're the weakest team in this group. We need to shut the door and listen from outside. We've got a lot to learn about Just What Is It That Makes Today's Football Teams So Different, So Appealing. We're just gonna have to buckle down and learn Portuguese to understand them."


The press, meanwhile, are up in arms about a requirement that all match reports be filed at precisely 50 words, with no margin for error one way or another. Our reporters have attempted to preview the Paladins side for this tournament within the new requirements; this is what you'll be reading through for the next two weeks.

All ages are for the midpoint between WC58 and WC59
Formation: 2-6-2
Style: Taschereau's version of the 2-6-2 plays a +2
Coaches: Jacques-Modeste Taschereau, age 57, head coach; Ernie McGonagall, age 42, strikers; Norman Lajoie, age 46, midfield; Vincent Kent-Mercier, age 60, backs; Étienne Lajeunesse, age 44, keepers

KEEPERS in 50 words

1 Édgar Thibault, age 29, FC Sandside, Civil Citizenry
55 Chet Oakes, age 22, St-Cathérine-des-Isles-Moyennes
91 Marcel Johnstone-Beaumont, age 23, CF Chateauguay

Édgar Thibault has been rock solid throughout his 8-year career, first at Dorion Poules, then at FC Sandside in Citz. Except for a catastrophic defeat at World #1 Sorthern Northland in WC 57, Thibault has been golden, and no matter how gnarly the offense gets he can keep the Paladins in contention.

DEFENSE

33 Cory Taylor, CB, age 27, Sorel Black Dragons, 1 goal
76 William St. John de la Ware, age 24, Sorel Black Dragons, 0 goals
18 Jeremy Steelman, age 23, Répentigny War Eagles
24 Hubert Séguin-Holmes, age 21, NM Patriotes

Taylor and de la Ware have teamed up to patrol the backfield for the cynical, Karelia-playing Black Dragons for four years now, and bring the same chemistry and physical play to the Paladins as well. They were particularly strong in the Cup of Harmony, at least until Astrogath came calling.

MIDFIELD

12 Jocelyn Brisebois, LDMF, age 25, City of New Montreal, 2 goals
78 Martin Kennedy, RDMF, age 21, CF Chateauguay, 0 goals
14 Joe Webb, CMF, age 24, Répentigny War Eagles, 1 goal
40 Pwim Charbonneau, LMF, age 24, Mutual of Bloomington, 3 goals
27 Benoit Gallagher, RMF, age 22, Alliance Sportif Ville-Marie, 0 goals
49 Guillaume Ouillemet, AMF, age 26, Philemon Mariners, 5 goals
8 Neil Poussin, DMF/CB, age 20, Mutual of Bloomington, 0 goals
7 Christian Ponder, CMF, age 24, Dorion Poules, 3 goals
20 Yann Chrétien, CMF/DMF, age 23, NM Patriotes, 0 goals
12 André Vaillancourt-Bosquet, AMF/RMF, age 31, St. James Seagulls, 8 goals
34 Patrick Clifton, LMF/RMF, age 26, CF Laval, 0 goals
29 Donald Taylor, CMF/LMF/RMF/AMF, age 20, CF Sherbrooke, 0 goals

Webb and Ouillemet are usually the two fastest midfielders on the pitch; both use this to good advantage. Brisebois a defensive ace; watch for Poussin to come off the bench at Kennedy's expense. Vaillancourt-Bosquet will come on in second half for offensive boost. Charbonneau has blossomed since becoming left midfielder.

STRIKERS

6 Rhéal Ackersley, CF, age 23, CF Valdemont, 5 goals
3 Loic Bacon, SS, age 24, NM Patriotes, 0 goals
10 Lionel Bonsecours, SS, age 22, Répentigny War Eagles, 0 goals
33 Trent Cheltenham, CF/SS, age 24, Moncton Sands Coyotes, 0 goals

Loic Bacon is the only new starter on the side, taking Lionel Bonsecours' place at SS. Bonsecours has yet to score a goal for the Paladins, and Bacon's nine goals in eleven games for NM Patriotes not only won him a spot on the team, but also a starting job.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

The Official Roster of the Sea Dragons for the Brevity Challenge Cup. Please note that this is not the 1st side that competes in the World Cup nor is it the U19 girls version that normally graces the AOCAF. This edition of the Sea Dragons are comprised of an A-Star Dwarven squad. Dwarven players are slowly catching their Vegai counterparts in skill and tenacity with Ombar playing on the national side. That being said, this squad should be ranked a 5 rather than a 9.

This squad plays from the same base 5-3-2 as the national side without as much sliding forward. (the national side classifies their selves as a 3-2-2-1-2) the style should be a -4

Manager: Birrin Ogrebane
Have you ever heard of the old, crotchety Grandfather who growls and snarls over everything and constantly reminds you of just how tough things were “back in his day?” That is Birrin. No matter what, you lose the argument.

Starting XI
RF 10 Glorgrat Gemfist
Consistent forward who understands his limits and strives in picking his chances.

LF 11 Belbar Ironcarver
Cocky and Brash, Belbar is the chance taker up front.

RM 12 Falak Stonehand
If anyone is likely to break position, it is Falak. He has a cannon for a leg and score on very long shots othersw would never have a chance at

CM 13 Rotu Granitehelm
The set-up man. Crosses and brilliant plays forward are his art

LM 14 Gegir Onyxoath
Quite boring to watch, Gegir is a echnical wizard who rarely gets the bad end of any play

RB 15 Kager Copperbeard
RCB 16 Klob Copperhelm
CB 17 Kalderzin Oakbeard
LCB 18 Kalderkas Tunnelquarry
LB 19 Kilro Bloodspike
Collectively known as 5KDoom, these guys hit hard, trash talk, and generally make life miserable for opposing offenses. These guys play with attitude.

K 20 Gilur Silveraxe
Athletic and quick, a swell as very tall for a Dwarf (4’11), Gilur holds his net as personal property that no one is allowed to deface.

Note: There are no reserves. Birrin will play short if needs be rather than send in another player. Play hurt or odnt play at all is his motto.

RP Junk: Do anything but kill my players.


Oblique Strategy: Idiot Glee.

The one thing that can not be taken away is our comfort in our defensive style. We are comfortable with knowing who we are. Like the village idiot, we are gleeful in our own minds and the rest of the world be damned. May you find peace in your idiocy. (50 words)

[Bears Armed]

Bears Armed

‘The Bear-Belles’

Yes, it still is an all-female team. As I’ve explained before, this is because the main ball-game that's traditionally been played in Bears Armed is actually a form of Rugby, but [for several reasons] the professional league for that sport is all-male and so some of the female players decided that switching to Soccer — and trying to establish a professional league for that sport for themselves instead — might be a viable alternative: They were right, because that professional league was founded shortly after WC44 and so has now been in operation for over fifty years.

According to Bears Armed’s timeline, this Cup is occurring in 2068AD which is the year before WC59’s qualifiers begin.



Staff

Manager & Chief Coach: Urra ‘Honey’ SunBlesséd _ A female Ursine from the Sun Clan, she has 63 years of experience in football and played for the Bear-Belles from BoF#31 right through into WC#57. She is now 80 years old but, although not amongst the people from the team’s former staff who were “rejuvenated” in 2042, still seems quite ‘young’ both physically and mentally. She is right-pawed, with ‘honey-brown’ fur, and has very good eyesight even by human (rather than Ursine) standards. She is a very accurate kicker, and was therefore one of the usual first choices for taking free kicks & penalties. Her nickname comes from her fur-colour, and her very sweet nature: Originally it was also because (as we must admit…) she was rather “thick”, but then she ‘grew-up’ mentally during WWC12 & the qualifiers for WC50 so that now she has a verrry good mind indeed… She acted as manager for the [“unified”] U21 teams that Bears Armed entered in DBC13 (=> runners-up) and DBC14 (=> quarter-finals), WC58 (with its qualifiers) was her first competition in charge of the country’s senior team.
She will also act as this team’s only substitute player, if she decides that this is really necessary, but probably only if one of the other players isn’t actually fit to play on the day of the game rather than as a mid-match replacement.

Deputy Manager (Admin): Amarra Marra o Harruor
(female Ursine, from Clan Harruor Erruur; formerly a staff member at BAAS, appointed to this job just before DBC21; age = 27, fur = medium-brown).

Doctor: Rebearrch’hra o RedRose
(female Ursine, from the RedRose ‘Free Sept’; age = 32, left-pawed, fur = medium brown with reddish highlights; hired just before DBC21.)

Physio: Behrthye NorthWalker
(female Harr’aynau [humanoid], from Clan WildWoods; age = 28, right-handed, hair = ginger; hired just before DBC21.)

Routemaster (this job involves handling all of the squad’s travelling arrangements): This is currently a part of Amarra Marra o Harruor’s duties.

Chaplain, ‘One Plus Seven’: Urrsulha Nightfall
(female Ursine from the Silver-of-Night; age = mid-30s, left-pawed, fur = silvery; assigned to this job, by the Great Medicine Society, just before the qualifiers for WC57.)

Chaplain, Ursion: Derrik Ommin
(male Ursine, from Clan Artorran; age = 34; right-pawed, fur = light brown & fairly short, he is a bit closer to ‘human’ in shape than is the average Ursine; seconded to this post from the staff of the ArchPriest of New Sarrum, who is the Earthly head of the Ursion Church; he is a keen student of Football, both nationally & internationally, and can bore for England Bears Armed on the details of teams’ records & players’ careers [and about the statistics involved, too: Did I mention yet that he originally trained as a statistician? ^_^ ] — if you give him even half a chance…)

Security Chief: Major Arran Warrd
(male Ursine, from Clan Herrchaum; age = 33, left-pawed, fur = dark grey; easily overlooked, most of the time; seconded from [an unspecified unit within] the Confederal Army to this job just before the qualifiers for WC57.)

Caterers: Jorrdon Blue.


“Mascot”: ‘The Wise Grorrfinn’ (male ‘TrueBear’; age = undisclosed [but considering some of his appearances in old stories apparently somewhere over 1’500, at least...], ambidextrous, fur = medium-brown); during WC54 it was revealed that he is the maternal grandfather of Urra ‘Honey’ SunBlesséd.


Roster

(#1) Arrna Redwood _ Clan = Redwood; home team = Mighty Redwoods, category & usual position = Goalkeeper, experience = 10 years; age = 24 years, left-pawed, fur = medium-brown shading with hints of chestnut, 7’ tall. (She made her international debut in DBC20.)


(#2) Thistle o GreenHills _ Clan = GreenWoods; home team = River City, category = Defender or Midfielder, usual position = Left Back, experience = 11 years; age = 23 years, left-pawed, fur = medium-brown; living up to the considerable promise that she showed as a youngster. (She made her international debut in DBC19, as a substitute, and was then a starter in DBC20.)

(#3) Urrth’hra o Barrdenn _ Clan = GreenWoods; Home team = LakePort Lionesses, category = Defender, usual position = Right Back, experience = 6 years; age = 20, left-pawed, fur = very light brown; she plays very well, but off of the pitch sometimes seems a bit lost.


(#4) Sarra-Darra o WestFells _ Clan = WestWoods; Home team = Wiston United, category = Defender or Lynchpin or Midfielder, usual position = Lynchpin, experience = 8 years; age = 23 years, ambidextrous, fur = medium-brown. (She made her international debut in DBC20.)

(#5) Beorra o Redwood _ Clan = Redwood; home team = Harr Burran Heroines, category = Midfielder or Lynchpin, preferred & usual position = Midfield Left, experience = 11 years; age = 23 years, left-pawed, fur = dark brown. She is the team’s Captain. (She made her international debut in DBC19, as a substitute, and was then a starter — and captain — in DBC20.)

(#6) Urma Lightning _ Clan = Gunnar; Home team = Hero’s Park Heroines, category = Midfielder, usual position = Midfield Right, experience = 7 year; age = 20, right-pawed, fur = light brown.

(#7) Syrrae o Wirrenne _Clan = Herrchaum; Home team = Merlchester Rovers, category = Forward, usual position = Left Forward (Inside Left) but also good as Centre Forward, experience = 5 years; age = 19, left-pawed, fur = ‘platinum-blonde’; seems to have an [almost?] psychic instinct about where the ball and other players will be next.

(#10) Irronnae NorthStar _ Clan = NorthStar [ ‘Free Sept’]; Home team = NorthPort Navigators, category = Forward, usual position = Centre Forward, experience = 5 years; age =19 , ambidextrous, fur = ‘silver’; a brilliant player, despite her youth, and widely forecast to achieve great things.

(#11) Teddorhrra Thunder _ Clan = Gunnar; home team = Newton Arsenal, category = Forward or Winger, preferred & usual position = Right Forward (Inside Right), experience = 12 years; age = 24, right-pawed, fur = dark brown. She is the team’s Deputy Captain. (She made her international debut in DBC19, as a substitute, and was then a starter in DBC20.)

(#12) Arrietta ‘Not That One’ Potter _ Clan = GreyBear; home team = GramBridge Town, category = Winger or [Attacking] Midfielder, preferred & usual position = Right Winger (Outside Right), experience = 12 years; age = 23, right-pawed, fur = light brown with silvery highlights. . (She made her international debut in DBC19, as a substitute, and was then a starter in DBC20.)

(#13) Irritti NorthWalker _ Harr’aynau humanoid _ Clan = WildWoods; home team = WildFair Warriors, category = Winger, preferred & usual position = Left Winger (Outside Left), experience = 11 years; age = 24, left-footed, hair = scarlet, verrry fast on her feet. (She made her international debut in DBC19, and was then a starter in DBC20.)



The only ‘substitute’ available is the team’s manager, Urra ‘Honey’ SunBlesséd. There are “good” reasons why this is the case.


___________________________________________________________________________


Style: Offensive, modifier = +3… ("A good offence is the best defence"...)
The Bears' usual formation features a front row of at least 5 (normally arranged as 3 strikers & 2 wingers), with 2 midfielders, 2 backs, and either a ‘Defensive Centre’ (whose starting position would be at the midpoint of an imaginary cross drawn between those other four non-forwards’ positions) or a third midfielder depending on the Manager’s decision before each match.
However, this time around, Urra may experiment with some alternative arrangements...


______________________________________________________________________


Opponents may _

Choose my goalscorers: Y (but the Forwards, and then the Wingers, are likeliest to fill this role...)
Godmod Scoring Events: Y

RP injuries to my players / Godmod injuries to my players / Hand out Yellow cards to my players / Hand out Red cards to my players: Y to all, at least to start with, but remember what I've written here and keep it in limits accordingly... Any serious offences by my players would probably result in injuries to your players, and causing any serious injuries to my players would probably require such obviously-deliberate attacks that your players would get yellow or even red cards as a result too. Don’t kill anybody, or inflict injuries that would be serious enough to end careers, without checking with me & getting my approval (which is unlikely to be granted…) first.

Godmod Other Events: Y, I suppose, at least as long as you do so in an AMUSING way... but please remember that Ursines are fully sapient beings, as much as Humans are, not instinct-driven animals. Oh, and of course female Ursines are not sexually interested in Humans (of either sex), and it's very unlikely that female Harr'ayanau would be either. Please don't have them run amok or outright revert to animality, without checking by TG first, don't make assumptions about their views on politics or religion, and don't do anything that would make more than one of them incapable of playing in their next game...

______________________________________________________


Kit: This incarnation of the team will wear the usual set of designs (from ‘ediraf’) that the Belles have favoured in the past, with the ‘Association’ badges correctly staying ‘BAAS’ rather than [the now obsolete] ‘BAMAS’. See "here" for details.
Bears Armed has traditionally used base-8 arithmetic, for several reasons, and this has affected the set of numbers used for this team’s players: Also, the number “22” has deliberately been left unassigned out of respect for its first [& only] wearer who died a heroine’s death during the year immediately following WC444…



NOTES

Ursines may tend to be a bit less agile & slower to accelerate than humans on average, but this team's members were carefully selected so the gap between them & their opponents in this respect should be narrower than some people might expect. They do tend to have [slightly] poorer eyesight than humans, on the whole (although the members of both Clan Gunnar and the Sun Clan are generally an exception to this rule, and the eyesight of the latter group is actually often at [slightly] better-than-human levels instead), so long-distance passes & shots at goal will tend to be rarer behaviour for them than they are for human teams... but their typical size & strength mean that when they're running with the ball it will probably take a very brave human — as well as a very skilled one — to tackle them successfully (or, at least, one who has reasonable experience of playing against Ursines…), which should balance that factor pretty well. They don’t jump very well, but then they’re generally rather taller than most Human players to start with so they shouldn’t need to jump as often in order to intercept [relatively] high shots...
Ursines are physically robust, of course, which means that they're much less likely than humans are to suffer injuries in falls or collisions. The females of this species are more even-tempered than the males, and the team's members will try to stay on their best behaviour not only in order to do well in this contest but also to impress upon the watching humans that Ursines aren't just "dumb beasts". They will not 'dive', or feign injury in other ways, because suggesting that they could be harmed so easily goes strongly against the grain. ‘Northlanders’ are maybe not quite as "civilised" as the 'Mainlanders'… or, at any rate, that’s the traditional stereotype..
Cold weather should pose no problem to them, even if there's snow or ice on the pitch, but tropical heat might prove awkward...


Unless our hosts at the match in question object, this team's members (including the designated substitutes for the match in question) will perform a [fairly short] ritual that's called the 'harrdiharr'[/url] on the pitch just before play begins... This is a traditional war-dance, meant to over-awe opponents, that has come to be a customary prelude for team games as well (similar to the [RL] New Zealanders' 'haka'...). : )
As has now been seen during various tournaments, some of our fans like to take drums — and possibly also 'Urrs-horns' [which are similar to Alpenhorns, cow-horns, or other "musical instruments", too — along to the matches…

The team is accompanied by a number of sapient ravens, who are there to gather information about the rival sides and to provide air cover in case of hostile waterfowl (and also because Raven Himself wants them to do some looking around…).

Oblique Strategy: What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?
With an all-new squad, Urra will try some new tactics too and may shift the ratio of players between defence, midfield and attack based on what she knows of the opponents' usual ways.

[Astograth]

The Astograth National Football Team

Style: +3
Ranking: 6
Colours
Wiki Page

Manager - Powell Pieran
Love him or hate him, there's no denying that the 51 year-old Citiz manager has forever earned himself a place in Astograthian football history after leading the national team to their first World Cup finals and their first trophy a cycle later. Despite the manager's legal problems with the Citiz FA, the FAF have confirmed Pieran in his post for the entirety of the coming World Cup season, and have high hopes to qualify for World Cup 59.

Therefore, the current Cup of Harmony champions have set out with the goal of scoping out who should join the squad for World Cup 59, using the Copa Rushmori and the Brevity Challenge Cup to test out fringe players. For this, Pieran has replaced the CoH squad almost entirely, with keepers Larretape and Irungarai expected to be given more of a chance to play along with striker Itzaina Erreka; Pieran is satisfied with Ikatz Ansotegi and Bartosz Slusarski but left them on anyway to provide support in their respective areas. The squad is, therefore, highly experimental and potentially fragile, but Pieran will consider it a success if he can draw two or three standout players and avoid a disastrous performance in the tournament.

So, Powell Pieran's Oblique Strategy? "What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?", of course! Trying out players, formations, mind-games, scoreboards and the latest in time-wasting tactics is the name of the game here. It might lead to the Citiz toning down his recent offensive inclination, or exacerbating it...

Starting XI:
(Caps current as of the start of Copa Rushmori VIII)
#1 - GK - Cheru Larretape (C) - Age 28 - Royal Rumiatzi – 25 caps, 38 goals against, 8 clean sheets
The captain of Royal Rumiatzi has been called up to the Astograthian many times but has never been able to dethrone Zernin Aira as starting keeper. He was given a chance several times in the World Cup 58 qualifiers, however, and strong showings in those have translated into a call-up for the Copa Rushmori. Pieran is also looking to test Irungarai, however, so there should be plenty of alternation.

#2 - LCB – Itziar Amiso - Age 28 – Gimnasia – Uncapped
Amiso has played in one of the KPFA League's top clubs for several seasons now, and although previously overlooked for the recklessness he displayed in Astograth he has cleaned up his act considerably and could quickly become a top defender.

#4 - CB - Dion Jantot - Age 26 - Royal Rumiatzi – Uncapped
Previously capped by Southern Cynocephali, Dion Jantot has recently been naturalised by Astograth and accepted the national team's call-up in light of the Cynoceph retirement from international football. A tall defender with plenty of talent, an excellent workrate and a solid club career; a likely candidate to make the WC59 squad.

#3 - RCB - Abdoulaye Bocandé - Age 22 – Echegoyan FC - Uncapped
Although of Zenegalese descent, Bocandé has been naturalised after being transferred to Astograth from the Tamarindo league. A crucial part of Echegoyan FC's rise to the top and eventual championship run, he is a blood-and-guts defender with no fear of crunching tackles or studs to the face.

#20 - DM - Diegoche Lizaran - Age 30 - FC Torshavn – 1 cap
Mostly a ball-stealer, Lizaran never stood out amidst all the other Astograthian midfielders until he committed his heart and soul into qualifying Urbizania Wanderers to the Globe Cup, which earned him a transfer to Polarian outfit FC Torshavn. Now a proud Cygnus Cup winner, Lizaran has high hopes of becoming an established member of Olibondeka.

#11 - LM - Zuzen Barta - Age 25 - Northbrook Diamonds FK – 9 caps, 1 goal
A quick little devil who rose through the ranks of Iturributa United and the U21 national team, competing in three Di Bradini Cups before earning a place in the team that reached the finals of World Cup 57. Didn't manage to fully convince Pieran, though, so he was cut for the following campaign and is now back with a vengeance.

#14 - RM - Lukar Mendikoa - Age 27 - Emberton Reds – 15 caps
Part of Ituraitz FC during their most successful period, Mendikoa is an incredible sprinter. He can run the full length of the pitch at top speed, with or without the ball, and leave defenders in the dust, but the cross isn't always as accurate as he'd like. He can hit the ball surprisingly hard for a man his size, though, which turns him into a credible goal threat.

#16 - AM - Aintza Lekea - Age 22 – Juvillian Martinax – 2 caps
Signed at a remarkably young age by the renowned FC Mildrid of Erathore and then transferred to the equally massive Juvillian Martinax, where he has quickly become one of the top-rated players in the Seria-A. Selfish with the ball and a bit of a diver, but his tricks and free kicks are brilliant. Suits Pieran just fine. A strong candidate for someday taking up the mantle of national team playmaker, though his attitude is strongly rejected by the Astograthian fans.

#10 - LCF - Formerio Iturralde - Age 22 - Casuals Osteria - Uncapped
Formerio Iturralde burns with ambition, and he was kept tucked away in the Iturributa United reserves for so long that when he was brought out for Di Bradini Cup 20 he simply ignited, scoring 6 goals in 4 matches. There was no keeping hold of him when Krytenian giants Casuals Osteria showed interest, and Iturralde looks forward to taking the national team by storm. He thinks of himself as the be-all end-all of football, so failure to get into the WC59 squad is something that he simply won't allow.

#9 - CF – Itzaina Erreka - Age 26 - Iturributa United – 21 caps, 4 goals
One of the Astograthian league's top forwards, Erreka has yet to properly establish himself in the national team, and given the amount of chances he's been given it's fair to say time is running out. He is rather tall but not a particularly great header or finisher; what sets him apart is his excellent positioning and poacher's instinct, capable of getting into the right place at the right time and keeping a cool head to score.

#18 - RCF – Iker Malik - Age 21 - Sporting Iturributa – 4 caps, 1 goal
Born to an Erathi father and an Astograthian mother, Malik was brought through the youth ranks of AF Mildrid until bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 18 as a prolific goalscorer, banging in 29 in his last season in the Seria-A and earning numerous accolades. Now he has returned to his motherland to play for Sporting Iturributa and laid claim to his Astograthian nationality, which resulted in a quick call-up to the past Copa Rushmori but was judged too big of a risk to take to the World Cup. Quick and elusive, he shakes off markers with ease before slotting the ball home from within the box.

Substitutes:
#13 - GK - Aztore Irungarai - Age 27 - Sporting Iturributa – 4 caps, 5 goals against, 3 clean sheets
A good all-around keeper, Irungarai has fulfilled the expectations of him at club level as he stepped up to replace the prestigious Zernin Aira. After a brief Di Bradini Cup performance some years ago, he has cemented himself as reliable and commanding, if slightly burdened by the reputation of his predecessor and Sporting's fine defensive tradition.

#23 - GK – Urgutz Martinena - Age 25 - Juvillian Martinax – Uncapped
A Di Bradini Cup participant, Martinena was starting keeper for Royal Arexa during their battles for promotion and relegation, with such great talent as to be snapped up by Erathi giants Juvillian Martinax. Though one of the highest-rated keepers in the Seria-A, his chances of playing at this Copa Rushmori are very low.

#5 - LCB - Eusko Kuruchet - Age 24 - Al Haxire – 3 caps
From the distant Taeshani league comes the hardworking Kuruchet, veteran of two Di Bradini Cups. Bred in the youth ranks of Royal Association, he left for Al Haxire at a young age on the back of his terrific positioning. His marking is a bit off, though, which can place the team under unnecessary pressure.

#12 - CB - Erramun Echebarria - Age 25 - Yuzhny Equinox – 6 caps
A product of the prolific Sporting Iturributa school of defenders, Echebarria isn't particularly tall or strong, but makes up for it with speed, stamina and bravery. Despite his short age he has plenty of experience, having started at Sporting for several seasons before falling out with the manager and moving to Yuzhny, where he doesn't enjoy as much success but doesn't have to bear the burden of anyone's legacy.

#19 - RCB - Ixona Ertze - Age 30 - Sporting Iturributa – 4 caps
Played sufficiently well at South Factory for long enough that the notoriously defensive Sporting took an interest in him. Rather technically limited, however, and he definitely doesn't do fancy stuff like play short passes. It's always long balls, blood and guts defending with him, which isn't to say it isn't effective either...

#6 - DM – Ion Arreta - Age 28 - Royal Rumiatzi – Uncapped
One of the lowest-profile players in the prestigious Royal Rumiatzi, Arreta is nonetheless a vital piece in the centre of the pitch, pressuring and cutting off attacks before they become a threat, though his tackles are often mistimed. Untested as far as the national team goes, but he should prove an interesting addition.

#17 - LM – Kauldi Ayatsbehers - Age 25 - Royal Rumiatzi – 2 caps
Ayatsbehers is on of the finest products of the Royal Rumiatzi youth ranks in recent years. A very aggressive player, he has been a constant in Rumiatzi's recent seasons. Prefers to cut inside and either shoot or play a short pass backwards instead of going wide and crossing.

#7 - RM – Bartosz Slusarski - Age 25 - Royal Rumiatzi – 16 caps, 3 goals
Slusarski, a naturalised Mytanar, was called up for World Cup 58 and proceeded to impress, providing several key goals and assists throughout the cycle. He should still be on his toes, however, because Itzeder Unzueta is the undisputed starter and Lukar Mendikoa could yet nab his spot on the substitutes' bench.

#8 - AM - Anixi Eturaspe - Age 22 - Echegoyan FC – Uncapped
An exciting young player and key part of Echegoyan's title-winning season. Nominally an attacking midfielder, but he likes to drop a bit deeper to recover the ball. His dribbling is good and his passing even better, which means that he can string together attacks all on his own, employing one-twos and sudden sprints to leave the striker through on goal.

#21 - RCF – Ikatz Ansotegi - Age 25 – Ituraitz FC – 31 caps, 12 goals
Ansotegi is built like a rugby forward and is deceptively fast, dragging the entire defense behind him before powering the ball into the net. Holds the record for most goals scored in a single match for Astograth, having put five past the helpless Melbergia. He earned Pieran's trust - and that of most Astograthians - on that night, but he still has a long way to go to be considered undisputed.

#22 - CF - Hurko Atristain - Age 24 - Red Star Severny – Uncapped
Atristain established a good scoring partnership with Ellis Elmsvikur at Urbizania Wanderers, but he was still just another striker among many when transferred to Red Star Severny of the Polarian Divisjon One. Once there, the previously unremarkable forward began to bang in the goals on a regular basis and became the team's driving force, his commitment eventually winning him the division's Signing of the Year award. Naturally, he has caught Pieran's attention, and will be looking to emulate his club form at the Copa.

#15 - CF - Kauldi Isasmendi - Age 23 - Iturributa Racing Club - Uncapped
Isasmendi is a good second-rate striker, being his club's top scorer and newly chosen as captain for his strong leadership. Has played for the U21s, but doesn't look ready to be a regular on the senior national team anytime soon.

Captain: Cheru Larretape
Free Kick Taker: Aintza Lekea
Penalty Taker: Aintza Lekea
Right Corner: Zuzen Barta
Left Corner: Aintza Lekea

All RP permissions are YES, barring career-ending incidents.

[Cafundeu]

THE BREVITY CUP CAFUNDELENSE SQUAD
"The support groups all-stars"

---

All around the world there are support groups. People facing difficulties, wanting to learn more about something or even willing to help someone in need or looking for someone to talk to. And of course in Cafundéu this situation isn't different. Although it is true that the people involved in the Cafundelense support groups end having to pay a lot of money just to participate in the meetings, they surely manage to find some relief and some new strength during the sessions. And, after noticing this opportunity, the support groups of Cafundéu have united themselves in order to give their most participative members some kind of reward: to participate in a world football competition, representing the country and forgetting their issues for a while.

So, to the official squad:

1- Nélson Caninha
Group: Alcoholics Anonymous
Representative of the second biggest support group of Cafundéu, just behind the one involved with the people desperate with the amount of costs and taxes in the country, Caninha only manages to be a good goalkeeper because he has stopped drinking, after his participation in the Alcoholics Anonymous group. His reflexes have improved, and he manages to stay at the same place standing up, looking at just one ball instead of three of them. But, of course, he may be tempted... it is his job to resist any provocation.

2- Débora Brigadeiro
Group: Bulimics Anonymous
Thanks to her own efforts and the help of the group, Brigadeiro was able to save her own life, controlling her disorder and managing to preserve her health. And this without being forced to become fat, as she had feared that could happen. A much respected member of the squad, for being a good example for the other members of the support groups, she is a very fast winger.

3- Olegário Larápio
Group: Kleptomaniacs Anonymous
A middle-aged man who used to have a collection of more than a thousand stolen items, from valuable jewellery to useless souvenirs just as advertising flyers or juice cans taken from local bars. When he first appeared in the support group, everyone considered him to be a lost case. However, he proved them wrong and now controls well his urge. You can be assured that, if something goes missing in your hotel room or in the changing rooms, it wasn't him who took it.

4- Nayara Soneca
Group: Narcoleptics Anonymous
Now comes one of the difficult cases in which one simply cannot stop the practice that is harming his or her life. Nayara has a good job, many friends, but lately her narcolepsy is affecting her in the worst moment, just as the moment in which she was forced to walk nearly ten kilometers for missing the right bus stop for sleeping inside the bus. Her participation in the support group is to help her to face these bad moments, and she is learning to avoid major problems.

5- Henrique Paixão
Group: Jealous Anonymous
Although he is part of the group directed at people with relationship problems involving jealousy, Henrique's case could be adapted to other groups such as the Paranoid ones, the Anxious ones, the Unbalanced-Emotions-Out-Of-Control ones in general. The feelings he has in situations involving his girlfriend are so intense that you simply can't know how he will react. Right now, his efforts in controlling himself have been difficult, but he is slowly making progress.

6- Ciro Alberto Tranquilidade
Group: Sighers Anonymous
Laughed at by many other members of the squad, he can only sigh at their reactions when he tells them his support group. And that's what he does all the time: he sighs. But he claims that it is a serious distraction to his daily life, since people always find it difficult to know why he is sighing, when in fact there is no reason at all for that. Won a personal battle against the Burpers Anonymous representative for this spot in the squad.

7- Isabela Aposta
Group: Debtors Anonymous
The representative of the biggest support group of Cafundéu, which only grows in size: of the people having difficulties to pay for all the living costs of the country, furious at the amount of taxes thrown at them and desperate to find a solution to this pressure in their lives involving money. However, this is a support group that has never achieved anything substantial in Cafundéu, and in fact even the ones wanting to help the members are in debt themselves.

8- Daniel Abez
Group: Identities Anonymous
This one is a tricky case. He simply cannot identify himself with his current identity, but neither with other ones he has created for himself: which include people of both genders, with different tastes and different objectives in life. None of these identities seem to complete him. The work on him is going slowly, since the support group responsibles simply don't know what to do with him. However, he is such a good football player that he got this place in the squad and will be the captain.

9- Zélia Fossa
Group: Depressed Anonymous
A girl who plays some good football, and seems to find a bit of distraction with the sport, seen as the biggest hope for her current condition. From a rich family, many people say that she has no reasons to be so depressed, but life is unpredictable and there are things that just happen. As expected, it is very difficult to motivate her, but she tends to follow orders without complaint, or in fact without a single comment.

10- Michel Estádio
Group: Footballers Anonymous
Many people try to stop playing or following football. Because their wives hate the sport, because they had some bad experiences, because this could trigger some health problem... but it is difficult when you live in a country with passion for the sport. Michel is one of the people who tried to stop playing football, and entered the support group for this. But his participation in this squad makes it clear that he has failed in his objective.

11- Alexia Beleza
Group: Narcisists Anonymous
Another player who could join many different groups, since she has also a compulsion at having plastical surgeries and shopping for cosmetics. It is difficult for her to leave her mirror at home, and her participation in this football squad was meant to be some kind of shock treatment, to force her to enter in a tough event which will take many days, taking some of her time to take care of her beauty.

This squad would be ranked between 5-7.

Tactic: Always the first steps. The first step is the most difficult one for these people in the squad, since it is the moment when they have to face their problem and seek for help.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

50 Hamlet-quoting words

“What to increase? What to reduce? What to maintain?” Juan Tzimisces asked himself. These were important questions in putting together a new football team. Since brevity is the soul of wit, and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, he would be brief and make a decision. A team of poetry!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not 50 words

The Holy Empire is fielding a team of poetry. Not poets, but football-playing personifications of different styles of poetry. Why? Partially because I can, and partially because I want to see if I can meet the 50 word challenge in as many of the styles of poetry on the team as possible. From an RP perspective, assume each player plays in a manner appropriate to his (or her) poetic style. Explanations of all the styles should be available on Wiki. I'm really not sure I can pull this off - but I'll give it a red hot go.

Goal:
Heroic Couplet

Defence:
Elegy
Anacreontics
Blank verse

Midfield:
Slavic antithesis
Nonsense verse
Free verse
Alliterative verse

Forwards:
Haiku
Envoi

Rankings: The Holy Empire is a top ten team, and should be ranked as such.

Style: Frosty Football is attacking football - the Holy Empire uses the most attacking formation possible.

RP Instructions: Knock yourselves out.

Kits: The Holy Empire plays in its classic gold, red, and black. When I have a moment, I'll post a picture.

[Kukalaya]

MATCHDAY 1

Group A
New Montreal States 2–1 Cafundeu
Aguazul 3–2 Queer Poco el Mono Ara

Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Aguazul                  1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    3
2 New Montreal States      1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Queer Poco el Mono Ara   1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0
4 Cafundeu                 1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group B
Carmadin 2–4 Yesopalitha
Chetkosk 0–2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Yesopalitha              1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
2 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega   1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Carmadin                 1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0
4 Chetkosk                 1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group C
Homelands our 3–6 Civil Citizenry
Polar Islandstates 3–1 Bears Armed

Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Civil Citizenry          1   1  0  0    6   3  +3    3
2 Polar Islandstates       1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Bears Armed              1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
4 Homelands our            1   0  0  1    3   6  −3    0

Group D
Astograth 5–2 Mapletish
The Holy Empire 7–1 Baltskandio

Group D                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Holy Empire          1   1  0  0    7   1  +6    3
2 Astograth                1   1  0  0    5   2  +3    3
3 Mapletish                1   0  0  1    2   5  −3    0
4 Baltskandio              1   0  0  1    1   7  −6    0

---

Post Matchday 1 Challenges

An RP before the next matchday will get you a minimum bonus. Extras are available if you keep under the limit of 50 words.

There are further bonuses on offer for good uses of the word and/or phrase of the day...

Word of the day (From iPhone Dictionary.com App): Astringent

Phrase of the day – it is not often enough that I have an opportunity to use one of my two favourite phrases (the other one tomorrow): Hammer and tongs

And now... Free words!

That's right, to ease you in gently, have some free words on me. Below are five titles from the self-publishing website Lulu.com: hand-picked for their potential, I make no assurances on the quality of the books they represent. You can use any or all of these titles within your next RP, either as a title or a phrase in your RP, at no extra cost: you still have your 50 words on top. Go on, indulge the inner Tolstoy. Of course there will be a bonus for using one or several, as long as it's not gratuitous – it has to make sense.

Will Work For Biscuits
Gladys Harrison's Golden Nuggets
The Escape from Bucharest
Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe
The Chaos Organisation

And finally, your daily Schott of goodness:
Every day there will be something from one of several volumes of Ben Schott's Miscellany – books of bizarre lists, rules and facts that I always keep to hand when I need an idea, and quick. Bonus is available for an interesting use of this material.

Excerpts from the complete list of Alfred Hitchcock's Cameos

Of his first cameo, in The Lodger: “strictly utilitarian – we had to fill the screen. Later on it became a superstition, then a gag. But by now it's a rather troublesome gag, and I'm very careful to show up in the first five minutes so as to let the people look at the rest of the movie with no further distraction.”

1926 The Lodger... First seated in a newsroom, and then as a bystander when the lodger is lynched by a crowd

1929 Blackmail... Being pestered by a small boy as he tries to read on a train

1941 Suspicion... Posting a letter in a village postbox

1946 Notorious... Drinking champagne at a party

1955 To Catch A Thief... Sitting on a bus next to character John Robins (Cary Grant) who looks at him.

---

Here end the challenges, good luck. Matchday 2 will be scorinated on Thursday 10pm - midnight GMT.

[Polar Islandstates]

Phonetapping Elmsvikur:
"A wasp, yeah. I got an astringent for it, came back, and played hammer and tongs all match. The FPIFA? Ha, 'the chaos organisation'. No, no pay yet, but, we will work for biscuits if we have to. We just want to play. Anyway, I'll call later, I'm off to drink champagne at the party!"

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

"Will Work For Biscuits" and "The Chaos Organization’s Superstar"

Those were the messages painted on the locker of forward Rotu Granitehelm’s locker following a slew of bad practices leading up to the match against Chetkosk. That insult, accompanied by several astringent tirades from Birrin, must have done the trick. Rotu was brilliant in a 2-0 victory. (50 words)

[Mapletish]

"Hammer and Tongs" was the phrase used today as Mapletish lost to Astograth 5-2 today.Forward Lddy King scored a double for The Chaos Organisation.Mapletish was in chaos for the entire match.5 goals in 45 minutes and the Maplish keeper will work for biscuits since he is in trouble.*SIGHS*

[Aguazul]

They play in blue like the hottest stars in the sky, the best team in the world, although these players aren't that good yet. It's just an approximation of Aguazul's peak. Like black body radiation and the ultraviolet catastrophe, the model breaks down and they only got the winner on an own goal in the eightieth minute.

[Homelands our]

"Hello, I have here a Hammer and tongs that smells like astringent. Anyway he will make The Escape from Bucharest if you Will Work For Biscuits as you are both members of The Chaos Organisation and ate Gladys Harrison's Golden Nuggets before the Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe."

[Astograth]

"We must work hammer and tongs to improve," wrote down Pieran, "5-2 isn't good enough. Otherwise at the World Cup we'll be a bigger failure than dear Aunt Gladys Harrison's golden nuggets, which all turned out to be fake. And I wish there wasn't a creepy fat man sat next to me right now."