POLAASKAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM, WORLD CUP 70 SQUAD
NATIONAL STADIUM - Natunolstadjon, Polaaberg, 63,000
HOME KIT - Dark Blue with White trim
AWAY KIT - White with Dark Blue trim
STAFF:Manager: Ulrik Leonardsen, 51 (SEM)Usually, most national teams won’t appoint a foreign manager as their first manager. Well, Polaaskan have. They’ve looked to experienced Semar Ulrik Leonardsen, who has managed the national teams of Matykland and Haelesces. Ulrik Leonardsen has been known to use tactics such as the 4-3-1-2, or “the Iceberg”, made famous by Polar Islandstates many cycles ago. Well, his signature one at the moment is the 4-2-3-1, or, more favourable at the moment, the 4-1-2-1-2, so look out for either of those when Polaaskan play. Other than that, Leonardsen is a rather quiet man, rarely speaking to the media. Once, when he was managing Rumenlo Sapruna in Semarland, he made his assistant speak to the media. But when it is on the pitch, he sure has a loud voice, and will be there to put the motivation behind the team.
Assistant Manager: Jakob Freidrich, 39It’s always hard to find a good assistant that’ll go well with your manager, when they do not come together. Well, the PFA thought that 39 year old Freidrich, who led SC Martinsberg to the title in the last pre-PFA Season, would be the right man for the job. Despite his young age, Freidrich is a tactical genius. Surpisingly, Freidrich is the tactician and Leonardsen is the shouter, many think it should be the other way round! But Freidrich has stated himself he does not wish to work as the manager yet, wanting to have some more experience in his career before he goes onto managing a national team. But anyway, Freidrich is perfect for Leonardsen, and Leonarden without Freidrich will be like cereal without milk.
PLAYERS:#1 - GK - Teemu Petersen - Age 25 - SK Martinsberg - 11 CapsTowering goalkeeper Teemu Petersen kept the most cleansheets out of any other goalkeeper in the last three pre-PFA seasons. With some slight Semar ancestry, he was even asked to play for the Semarland national team, as Polaaskan did not even have an FA, let alone a national team. But Petersen refused and kept loyal to his country, believing that one day that national call-up will come. And here he is, No.1 for his club and No.1 for his country, going to Polaaskan’s first ever football tournament, the Baptism of Fire, and then the 70th World Cup. What more could be better for Teemu? Aside from that, he has a good relationship with his team mates, and is the perfect goalkeeper for Leonardsen and Freidrich’s plans.
#2 - RB - Jonathan van Leonardsen - Age 23 - SCKH - 9 capsJonathan van Leonardsen is the perfect definition of a wing-back. Marauding, fast, an outstanding cross. One of the fastest players on the team, van Leonardsen could easily have been a sprinter, like his father and uncle. But, after being scouted by Nq85 at 9 years old, van Leonardsen never looked back and secured a move to SCKH as soon as the trials ended. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Magnus Hardstrom and Petter Berg, who never got to play for the national team, van Leonardsen is highly rated. Probably going to be selected over the more defensive Timo Asker, van Leonardsen could make this right-back spot all his for many years to come.
#3 - LB - Vasili Semshov - Age 24 - Oslo Klub - 11 capsVasili Semshov, like van Leonardsen on the right-hand side, is a wing-back. Though he does not have exactly blistering pace like van Leonardsen, he’s still fast and has all the other qualities of a wing-back. Semshov, like other players, started off at Azhlesk Dynamos, before moving to SK Lundsholm at 12 years old. At the end of his scholarship, he was surprisingly released but picked up by Oslo Klub, who nurtured and transformed into a marauding, attacking left-back who eventually went on to play as a wing-back. Comfortable with both feet, Semshov is a born starter and will be looking to get as many assists for his country as he does with his club.
#4 - CB - Nikolay Dimitrov - Age 28 - Azhlesk Dynamos - 2 capsLooking for a hulking centre-back? You’ve found Nikolay Dimitrov. At 28 years old, his time in the national team may be cut short, not only due to age, but a little niggling injury that often occurs every few months. For some reason, Dimitrov is not the player he used to be, and is likely to lose his spot. But when he’s on the field, he can play like a captain, and has an excellent tackle that always wins the ball but can sometimes trip an opponent. He does not have the grace as other centre-backs like Markus Pallessen, he’s more of a “demolition man”, as Leonardsen called him. But if he plays, forwards beware, because you’re unlikely to score when Dimitrov’s about.
#5 - CB - Sol Arke - Age 28 - SK Martinsberg - 11 caps, 2 goals - CAPTAINLike Dimitrov, Arke is a hulking, intimidating centre-back. But he rarely gets injured and has always got a winning mentality. Impressing for SK Martinsberg, Freidrich has persuaded Leonardsen to make Arke captain, which is a very good decision. Fearless and bold, Arke is the perfect centre-back. Always winning the ball off an opponent, Arke can then follow up with a long clearance or he can pick a perfect pass to find a team-mate. Arke impressed in the trials, as Leonardsen stated he was “the best centre-back there”, so he looks to have nailed his spot and written his name all over it. He also has an amazing header, scoring his first goal for the team in their second match with a bulllet header.
#6 - DM - Frans Laurensen - Age 32 - Dynamo Renesburg - 10 capsFrans Laurensen is the right person for the defensive midfield slot. Only venturing into the final third when told, Laurensen’s job is to tackle the opposition before they get to the sticky end that is Sol Arke, then distribute the ball out to more attacking players. Laurensen was a candidate for the captaincy, but was overlooked. This and the next will probably be his only world cups, as Laurensen is now 32 years old. But age does not matter for the Renesburg holding midfielder. Watching him play, you’ll find him to be in the mold of the Semar holding midfielders Adren Christiansen-Hallensburg and Morten Poulsen.
#7 - LW - Lukas Karlstrom - Age 23 - SK Martinsberg - 11 caps, 2 goalsClever and fast, Lukas Karlstrom is comfortable on the wing, or playing as an attacking midfielder. Either way, he will be bound to create a goal, or even score one himself. With incredible pace and an outstanding cross, Karlstrom is highly rated. Being chased by numerous clubs, Karlstrom is rather loyal to SK Martinsberg, being one of their core players. But he’ll happily play for anyone, as long as he starts, which is something he may not get as Leonardsen’s 4-3-1-2 does not suit him, with the “3” being too inner, and the “1” likely to be taking up by young star Jon van Axelsen or even Iiro Mihaylov. However, when he does play he will definitely be one to watch.
#8 - CM - Iiro Mihaylov - Age 24 - FC New Llama (SLL) - 11 caps, 3 goalsCreative and technical, Iiro Mihaylov always performs to the best of his ability. Whether it be in the centre of the park, or in the attacking midfield slot he usually plays in, Mihaylov is a creative playmaker who is always hard to win the ball off. Famous for scoring the first goal of the trials, Mihaylov scores goals but will usually create them more. A very very impressive Baptism of Fire saw him move from Red Star Slazhnov, all the way to Super-Llamaland, to play for FC New Llama and become the first Polaaskan player to play abroad. The creative midfielder will be looking to impress there, and will be looking to impress at the World Cup. Will likely to start every game due to his influential play and amazing creativeness.
#9 - FW - Patrik Ael - Age 25 - FC Kolberg (SEM) - 7 caps, 2 goalsPatrik Ael is the typical target man - tall, strong and good at scoring goals. He usually scores more goals via his head than rather his foot, but either way, he is still capable at scoring from both. Usually preferred for the target man role over Willem Jakobsen, Ael will likely start alongside Timo Heinckel up front. Currently playing for FC Kolberg, after a switch from his home team, Southwik Hardcastles, Ael is looking to stay there for quite a long time, which the club will be very very grateful for as he is certain to be a key player in the team and one of their main source of goals. He’ll be looking to replicate his club form for the national team, too, and with the way he is playing at the moment that wish looks guaranteed.
#10 - FW - Timo Heinckel - Age 26 - CSKA Quebec (QUE) - 11 caps, 10 goalsEvery team will always have that star striker. That one who scores a goal a game, is always on target, first choice. Well, Polaaskan have Timo Heinckel. His very impressive form in the Baptism of Fire saw him stay in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, sealing a move to CSKA Quebec, where he will likely play for a long time. One of the best players in the Polaaskan football trials, held before the Baptism of Fire, Heinckel is an amazing striker, who can score from virtually anywhere in the final third. Whether it be a simple tap in from five yards or a blazing screamer from 40 yards, you can guarantee Timo Heinckel will score.
#11 - RW - Mikke Leonardsen - Age 27 - FC Aaneshel - 7 capsMikke Leonardsen thoroughly impressed the coaches with his darting runs, fancy dribbles and sharp goals. In five appearances he netted three times and assisted twice. He also won two Man of the Match performances. Aside from that, Leonardsen is a right-side midfielder - comfortable on either the wing or in a more central position. He has said himself he’s more suited to a more central role, somewhere that the manager will play him in a 4-3-1-2 formation. He can also be used as a support striker or an attacking midfielder if really needed, but he’ll most likely started on the right-hand side.
#12 - GK - Aleks Johansen - Age 23 - Sudbricks - 2 capsUsually, playing as a goalkeeper for a second-division club won’t get you a place in the national team. But for Aleks Johansen, it has. A reliable back-up keeper with a good frame, Johansen, despite having these qualities, won’t likely play at all. He was the star keeper for Beta Squad in the trials, as well as being the youngest goalkeeper there altogether. But with Petersen and Sokolov to compete with, playing time is expected to be low at the most for the Sudbricks goalkeeper.
#13 - CB - Markus Pallesen - Age 27 - North Estenlund Rovers - 2 capsSeeing graceful centre-backs this days is fairly uncommon. Well, Markus Pallessen is graceful
and composed on the ball, and an excellent passer. With these qualities, he might as well be a midfielder you’d think, but no, he’s a centre-back. He can calmly whip the ball away from the opponent, then play it expertly outfield. He would probably be starting alongside Arke at centre-back, but he carries an injury from the first friendly against Polaaskan B, so he won’t be playing for quite a few games, which is quite a blow seeing as Nikolay Dimitrov carries an injury as well. But not to fear, Pallessen will be back soon - and opponents better get ready.
#14 - AM - Jon van Axelsen - Age 17 - SK Bauhaus - 6 caps, 1 goalTalented young prodigy was a surprise call up to the trials, let alone the squad, for some at first. But when they saw his immense talent, reminiscent of that of Semarland’s Demba Cisse and Polar Islandstates’ Alexsandr van Sorensen, they disagreed with their earlier thought. Proudly the first person ever to score a goal for the national team, with a blistering screamer against Polaaskan B, van Axelsen is not only a born goalscorer but a creator too, which makes him the perfect attacking midfielder. Already playing in the first team of Divisjon Two club SK Bauhaus, van Axelsen is very likely to move away.
#15 - RW - Johan Pekarik - Age 24 - Northbrook Volcano FK - 9 caps, 1 goalPacy with an amazing cross, Johan Pekarik is your perfect winger. Star player for Northbrook Volcano, Pekarik is one of the most highly thought of players in the squad. Despite making only a few trial appearance, Pekarik impressed the whole coaching team, with his lightning fast runs and perfect crossers. Pekarik can also get a cross in too. Pekarik can also play in centre-midfield only if needed, as well as that he is a capable attacking midfielder. Thanks to his brilliant play, he looks to have made the right-wing berth his own.
#16 - FW - Willem Jakobsen - Age 28 - North Estenlund Rovers - 5 capsWillem Jakobsen is yet another target man - tall with a great header. He is a stronger player than Ael, but scores less goals than him. However, Jakobsen is strong and holds up the ball very well - something that can prove to be quite valuable for the team. But, he is fourth in the pecking order behind Heinckel, Ael and Blonqvist, but may well come on as a substitute occasionally. Other than that, Jakobsen plays for North Estenlund Rovers, one of the bigger clubs. He is one of their best strikers, and if he is in good form for them, Jakobsen could cement a regular place in the national team.
#17 - CM - Riko van Bommel - Age 29 - FC Roslenborg - 6 caps, 1 goalMore of a driving, attacking midfielder than a more neutral, central midfielder, Riko van Bommel is a combative, all-action, box-to-box midfielder who won’t back down for anybody. Always showing true grit and fighting spirit, van Bommel is very tough. However, his downside that he fouls the opposition quite often. Playing for FC Roslenborg, he’ll be looking to leave after an argument with the management team, which would also benefit the club as he is worth quite a lot.
#18 - FW - Heiko Blonqvist - Age 26 - Azhlesk Dynamos - 10 caps, 3 goalsIt’s very, very hard to believe that a talented striker like Heiko Blonqvist is playing Polaaskan’s second division. Yes, that’s right, Blonqvist is the shining light of the side of Azhlesk Dynamos, situated in the remote Azhlesk region of Polaaskan. Blonqvist is a talented striker who will most likely be used as a “super sub”. He is capable of scoring crucial goals late in the game, but is also a very good starter too.
#19 - RB - Timo Asker - Age 26 - 1. FC Stagnov Athletic - 4 capsTimo Asker is the more defensive right-back on the team, but of course he loves going forward. Another player, like Blonqvist, playing in DivisjonTwo, for Stagnov, Asker is one of those talented players that will likely move to the Premardivisjon or abroad. Starting of Czechny Yulinsk of the fifth tier’s academy, Asker only recently was signed by Stagnov for 2.5 million, a record in the 5th division. Nevertheless, Asker will be quick to spring into action if anything happens to van Leonardsen. Also, he is capable at playing in the centre-back role, something Ulrik Leonardsen will value very much.
#20 - LB - Artem Makarov - Age 20 - 1.FC Rakavolzhniya - 1 capUnder-21 left-back Artem Makarov was picked over BoF reserve Soren Akselsen, and trialists Dimitri Lukansson and Knut Normansson. A speedy, attacking left-back, just like Vasili Semshov, Makarov has lots of potential. Definitely one to watch for the moment.
#21 - DM - Christian Hogg - Age 28 - Oslo Klub - 10 caps - Vice-captainEvery team needs that gritty, no-nonsense, tough defender. That’s right, Polaaskan have got Christian Hogg. Capable of playing in defensive midfield, or at the moment centre-back, where he will likely start due to the slight injuries of Nikolay Dimitrov and Markus Pallessen going into the tournament. Regardless, he will be likely starting, being the vice-captain for the team. Hogg plays domestically at Oslo Klub, a mid-table side looking to achieve greater things. Like quite a few of the team, Hogg is linked with a move abroad. Depending on his form in the tournament, this could realistically happen.
#22 - GK - Timo Sokolov - Age 24 - Matsholm Athletic - 2 capsTimo Sokolov is your perfect back-up. He hardly makes mistakes, and has a good mentality on and off the pitch. However, he faces second or probable third choice due to Leonardsen’s preference of Teemu Petersen and Aleks Johansen. But then again, if Leonardsen needs a reliable keeper, Sokolov’s the right man for the job.
#23 - FW - Renat Lindquist - Age 19 - SC Kristiansberg - 1 capRenat Lindquist has smacked in loads of goals for his club, SC Kristiansberg, and has also shown lots of talent. Replacing Soren Kvist, he has bags of potential. Lindquist was one of the original 92 in the football trials, but did not make the final 46 due to an injury, which was quite a setback for Polaaskan. And when he plays, he’ll be an excitement to watch.
TACTICALLY SPEAKING - 4-1-2-1-2Polaaskan will play as a 4-1-2-1-2, with Teemu Petersen in goal, Vasili Semshov at left-back, Sol Arke and Christian Hogg, (both captain and vice-captain respectively), in the centre-back roles. Jonathan van Leonardsen will start at right-back. Frans Laurensen will be the defensive midfielder, with Lukas Karlstrom on the left side and Mikke Leonardsen on the right, with Iiro Mihaylov as the attacking midfielder. Timo Heinckel and Heiko Blonqvist will likely start up front, although Leonardsen may want to substitute Blonqvist with Patrik Ael instead. Johan Pekarik and young prodigy Jon Van Axelsen will be itching to come off the bench, while Willem Jakobsen and Renat Lindquist will provide reliable back-up strikers. Riko van Bommel is also capable of playing the defensive midfield role. Hogg may return to that, if Pallesen or Dimitrov return from injury and start at centre-back.
Tactically speaking, Karlstrom, Mihaylov and Leonardsen will be the creative force, striving to assist Heinckel and Blonqvist up front. Laurensen will be there to cover Arke and Hogg, with wing-backs Semshov and van Leonardsen providing extra wing support. The Polaa game is fast and explosive, so get ready for some exciting football!
KEY PLAYERS:Captain - Sol ARKE
Vice Captain - Christian HOGG
Penalty Taker - Iiro MIHAYLOV
Free Kick Taker - Iiro MIHAYLOV
Left Corner - Vasili SEMSHOV/Lukas KARLSTROM
Right Corner - Jonathan VAN LEONARDSEN/Mikke LEONARDSEN
Playmaker - Iiro MIHAYLOV
Star Player - Iiro MIHAYLOV/Lukas KARLSTROM/Timo HEINCKEL
Most Likely To Be Foul - Christian HOGG
Most Likely To Be Fouled - Iiro MIHAYLOV
Starting XI (4-1-2-1-2): STYLE MOD = +3I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
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Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: N
Injure Players: Y, I will decide the length of injury
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y, no more than 1 per game please unless you TG me first
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: Y, but please keep it realistic
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