Copa Rushmori XXXI - Everything Thread (Rushmore only)

by **Mytanija** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:43 pm

Sign-Up Thread - Host Bid - Copa Rushmori XXX

Welcome to the 31st edition of the Copa Rushmori in Mytanija. The FSM is honoured to be bringing the region's most prestigious tournament to the country for the very first time and is looking forward to showcasing the country to the rest of the region following an extremely difficult period in Mytanija's history.

Group Draw.

Group A
Valladares (3)
Eastfield Lodge (5)
Qusmo (17)
Mytanija (18)

Venues:
MD1 - 1 vs 4 (Radnika, Esca), 2 vs 3 (Kotrba, Esca)
MD2 - 4 vs 3 (Novi Atletskistadion, Thessia), 1 vs 2 (Kotrba, Esca)
MD3 - 2 vs 4 (Westfalenstadion, Prizren), 3 vs 1 (Kotrba, Esca)

Group B
Nephara (1)
Darmen (8)
Savojarna (10)
Oberour Ar Moro (28)

Venues:
MD1 - 1 vs 4 (Olujastadion, Ebor), 2 vs 3 (Novi Kaunostadion, Thessia)
MD2 - 4 vs 3 (Olujastadion, Ebor), 1 vs 2 (Novi Kaunostadion, Thessia)
MD3 - 2 vs 4 (Olujastadion, Ebor), 3 vs 1 (Novi Kaunostadion, Thessia)

Group C
Eura (2)
Pridnestrovia (7)
Taeshan (11)
Crystalline Caverns (24)

Venues:
MD1 - 1 vs 4 (Novi Atletskistadion, Thessia), 2 vs 3 (Miagostadion, Miago)
MD2 - 4 vs 3 (Radnika, Esca), 1 vs 2 (Miagostadion, Miago)
MD3 - 2 vs 4 (Novi Atletskistadion, Thessia), 3 vs 1 (Miagostadion, Miago)

Group D
Pasarga (4)
Sargossa (9)
Cassadaigua (12)
Mareibat (UR)

Venues:
MD1 - 1 vs 4 (Westfalenstadion, Prizren), 2 vs 3 (Novi Zavej Park, Arsika)
MD2 - 4 vs 3 (Westfalenstadion, Prizren), 1 vs 2 (Novi Zavej Park, Arsika)
MD3 - 2 vs 4 (Radnika, Esca), 3 vs 1 (Novi Zavej Park, Arsika)

Schedule.
23rd November: Group Draw
25th November: MD1 - 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3
27th November: MD2 - 4 vs 3, 1 vs 2
29th November: MD3 - 2 vs 4, 3 vs 1
1st December: Quarter Finals - QF1: 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B; QF2: 1st Group C vs 2nd Group D; QF3: 1st Group B vs 2nd Group A; QF4: 1st Group D vs 2nd Group C
3rd December: Semi Finals - SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2; SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
4th December: 3rd/4th place play-off - Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2
5th December: Final - Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

Cut-off times will be between 23:30-02:00 GMT.

As the Everything Thread this is the place to post your national team's roster and any role-plays you choose to do. In your roster post please include the ever useful RP permissions box to let your opponents know what you're okay with them doing in their post-match RPs:

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y/N
Godmod scoring events: Y/N
RP injuries to my players: Y/N
Godmod injuries to my players: Y/N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y/N
Hand out red cards to my players: Y/N
Godmod other events: Y/N

You may also include a style modifier between -5 (more defensive, think Inter's catenaccio from the 1960s), and +5 (more attacking, e.g. Ian Holloway's Blackpool side during the 2010/11 Premier League season), which will reflect your national team's style of football depending on your preference.

The post following this shall include a travel guide for supporters that may wish to make a trip to Mytanija in order to follow their team during the tournament, including information on the stadiums and host cities and wider information on the culture and customs of the country as a whole. We hope it is of use.

You may begin posting rosters and role-plays!

by **Mytanija** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:44 pm

MYTANIJA TRAVEL GUIDE - PART 1

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 31st edition of the Copa Rushmori in Mytanija. The FSM is honoured to be bringing the region's most prestigious tournament to the country for the very first time and is looking forward to showcasing the country to the rest of the region following an extremely difficult period in Mytanija's history. This tournament was bid for by the FSM (Mytanar Football Federation) under the Regeneration and Reconciliation Programme, a government programme which is aimed at rebuilding a country still recovering from the aftermath of the Mytanar Conflict and creating a culture of reconciliation between the various regions and ethnic groups within Mytanija, which may have found themselves on different sides during the Mytanar Conflict. The Regeneration and Reconciliation Programme hopes to use football's special place within the national psyche as a focal point for the country to unite around and further both key aims of the Programme.

Mytanija is a country made up of 7 different regions, each with their own ethnic group, culture and quirks and this can make the country a somewhat complicated place to visit. This guide is designed in the hope that it may make a travellers trip easier and provide them with useful information so that they can truly make themselves at home within the country throughout the tournament.

HISTORY

Mytanija has had a somewhat stormy history, with war and revolution characterising the country's experience of the past millennium, more or less. Around 75 years ago Mytanija was ruled by an absolute monarchy, the House of Kombarov, who had united all of Mytanija's regions under one ruler about 100 years prior. People were poor and had to work under what was essentially a feudal system if they didn't live in one of Mytanija's cities. Eventually, people became tired of this situation and political theorists like Juri Tolic and Alex Util began to agitate and organise for a socialist revolution. This eventually occurred with the exceedingly blood Mytanar Revolution. Post-revolution, the country was looking for leaders and the revolutionaries weren't exactly sure where to go and there was a short-lived attempt at constitutional monarchy. This failed quickly and the revolution therefore continued, with many hardliners feeling the country's massive wealth issue and the disparity between rich and poor had to be addressed before the revolution could be considered to be complete. This led to massive purges of and retribution taken against members of the former ruling class.

Juri Tolic and Alex Util came to the forefront of the country's politics as the leaders of the revolution and they were increasingly important post-revolution too. Tolic was a member of the more hard-line faction of the Government and promoted policies such as rapid industrialisation, the theory of socialism in one country, a totalitarian state, collectivisation of agriculture, a cult of personality, along with class-based violence and purges of those considered to be part of the bourgeoisie. Tolic became Premier and whilst some of his policies were popular due to the improved standard of living they helped create, the authoritarian nature of his regime was despised by many across Mytanija. Alex Util was part of the more liberal socialist wing of Government and his debates with Tolic in the House of Representatives are legendary. Tolic lost the support of the House when he encouraged the military to move in to crush dissent in various cities around the country and his Government fell, he was killed shortly after by an unknown assassin and Util swept into power. Util was pragmatic and did what he believes to be the best thing for Mytanija, promoting a policy he called 'openness and restructuring', in which he allowed private actors to become involved in the Mytanar economy and he encouraged the idea of democratic elections for the first time. Util died a hero in his home city Thessia, aged 74.

The first democratic elections in Mytanija were won by Radnika, the big-tent centre-left party that was created in the wake of Util's premiership. Premier Pamic became the first democratic leader of the country and was in power for 15 years (three terms), before retiring from the political scene. Pamic oversaw years of unprecedented growth and opened Mytanija up to investment from foreign countries for the first time. He also was active in foreign policy, defending the rights of ethnic Mytanars in Pobedyvika against Citiz oppression. Pamic is seen as another political hero in Mytanija and is arguably one of the few politicians who opponents found it very difficult to say a bad word about due to the success he had. He combined a quiet and unassuming nature with fierce intelligence and diligence and led the country from a very poor economic position towards the realms of most modern Rushmori countries.

Ten years after Pamic's rule ended there was a real power vacuum at the top of Mytanar politics and a lack of good politicians to fill it. This led to a military coup, headed up by young upstart Natella Kalinina. Kalinina was soon in power and people likened her leadership of the country as a cross between the Kombarov's absolute monarchy and Tolic's socialist rule. She implemented discriminatory policies against those she personally considered undesirable, include concentration camps and enforced labour. This was soon met with violent resistance, particularly in the areas hit hardest by her policies (i.e. Thessia, Visoravna and Rauchnya), she particularly didn't like the people of those regions and she didn't like Catholics, Muslims and Jews either. She felt the Zentrian Orthodox Church was the only legitimate religious group in Mytanija and tried to enforce it upon the people of the country, even in regions where it had never existed before. She was eventually removed following the Mytanar Conflict, one of the worst modern day (civil) wars seen anywhere in the world, but arguably the worst in Rushmore. The Otpor, supported by the Eurans organised resistance against Kalinina's rule and eventually the Eurans landed troops to support the Otpor in a significant land campaign. Kalinina fled to Sargossa and was eventually caught by Otpor agents, notably Elita Ryzaev, and extradited to face charges in Eura. Her treatment of certain ethnic and religious groups, LGBT+ people, left-wing academics and activists, gypsies etc was horrific and her crimes against humanity will never be forgotten. Many in Zentria, Magevskaya and certain parts of Vojovitica (i.e. Miago), and Nasto and Avnalia supported her rule, though, and that is what makes the reconciliation process now so difficult.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

Mytanija is located in south-west Rushmore just off the Goose Coast. The country is made up of the mainland and five islands, with the majority of the nation's population living in mainland Mytanija. The largest of the southern islands is called Nasto, with the chain of three smaller islands known as Avnalia. Magevskaya is located just off the north-east coast of the mainland, close to Princess Béatrice Island and Astograthian possession Bakartirla. Close neighbours include Swartaz (the only country Mytanija shares a land border with), and then Goose Coast nations such as Cotdelapoms to the south and Astograth and Civil Citizenry to the south-east.

Much of the mainland is covered by swathes of pine forests, which stretch from the north of the Thessian region, south through Vojovitica and east across north-western Zentria and southwards around Eskobirsk. Many will know this already, with Mytanar timber being well known for its quality.

In the far north, the region of Visoravna is essentially a large coastal plain, with this also being the case for much of northern and north-eastern Zentria, in central Zentria there are two mountainous areas: one just north of Eskobirsk and the second around Pozrozhdeny, the rest of the region is largely made up of grassy plains, including around Esca and the areas towards the southern coast. Rauchnya in the north of the country is Mytanija's smallest region and its two major cities are both coastal, with sharp hills then separating them from lowlands in the southern part of the region.

Thessia, as aforementioned, is covered in pine forest and there is a major mountainous region (including Mytanija's highest peak, Ebena), in the western areas of the region close to the border with Swartaz, the rest of the region is more flat, particularly when you cross the River Etva around the cities of Thessia and Ibon and close to the shores of Ozero Lisica, the largest lake in the country. Vojovitica is also covered with pine forest, but is a little less mountainous and instead of high-altitude peaks has a lot more short and sharp hilly terrain. This is best seen around Prizren, with one of the country's favourite Spring Classic cycle races Cieszin-Prizren utilising the terrain around the latter city to great effect.

Magevskaya has a singular large mountainous region in the middle of the island, with the coastal areas all being low-lying as you would expect, including around Stratenberg and Vostochnaya Tochna. Nasto has a band of mountainous terrain through the centre of the island, with a couple of significant peaks, this mountain chain almost surrounds the city of Dyka in the middle of Nasto. Apart from this the terrain on Nasto, especially around the coastal areas is excellent arable land and very flat. Avnalia is all low-lying, arable land and this has led to the three islands becoming known as the breadbasket and greengrocer of Mytanija, with much of the nation's agricultural produce coming from the three islands.

The weather across Mytanija can vary quite a bit but for the most part the country has a largely temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and rainy, cold-to-mild winters. This is quite a general description and different cities around Mytanija can experience quite different weather patterns over the course of the year.

The far north of the country - i.e. Visoravna - possesses a somewhat more Mediterranean climate to the rest of the nation experiencing hot and dry summers, albeit with extremely wet and windy conditions through autumn and winter. The Thessia region, being entirely inland, experiences colder conditions than much of the country and no small amount of rainfall. Snow is not uncommon during winter, particularly in the mountainous south-west of the region around Sigurno and Zavolje. Summer temperatures in Thessia tend to be a little milder than the rest of Mytanija. Vojovitica has fairly similar weather to Thessia for the most part, with slightly warmer summers and this increasingly being the case the further south you go.

Zentria is Mytanija's largest region and the region where the capital, Esca, is located. Zentria tends to have relatively long, warm summers and then like much of the country experiences a lot of rainfall during autumn and winter, with temperatures varying between cold and mild. Vojovitica, the region in the south-west of Mytanija, has very similar conditions to Zentria. Magevskaya, off the north-east coast, tends to experience the most rainfall of any of the Mytanar regions and can also be bitterly cold during autumn and winter.

Nasto and Avnalia, the islands off the southern coast of the mainland essentially have a shared climate, similar in nature to that of Visoravna, with hot, sunny summer conditions and then extreme rain and wind during autumn and winter. Nasto and Avnalia experience their summer season for longer than much of the country to, usually starting about a month before the rest of the country.

More information on the weather to be expected in each host city can be found in each specific host city tab.

TRANSPORT

Given the proliferation of modern air travel, getting to Mytanija should be relatively easy for the Copa Rushmori. The vast majority of international flights will arrive in either Esca International Airport or Thessia Alex Util Airport, although it is likely that most major Rushmori cities will also have the odd flight to Prizren International each week also. Put simply, flying to Mytanija is straightforward and will be the main method for supporters to travel to the tournament.

Once landed, onward travel from the major airports may be necessary and this can be done by domestic air travel. Tickets for domestic air travel can be purchased online with a number of operators.

Tickets tend to be relatively expensive, particularly when compared to the price of rail fares for example. Planes used for domestic flights will tend to be quite old and cramped, but flight times will be quick (~0.5-2hrs) and domestic flights are the recommended method of travel for supporters trying to get from the major airports in Esca, Thessia and Prizren to games in Arsika given the favourable journey time compared to the identical route(s) on the rail network.

For most supporters the primary method of travel will be by train. Železnice Mytanija (Mytanar Rail, whose logo can be seen to the right, all stations will have a large sign outside featuring the logo and the station name), is the state-owned rail company that operates the rail network within the country. Tickets are generally cheap and quite flexible and the trains operate regularly, with major routes often running services every 30-45 minutes. The trains are modern and major routes are all high-speed, making for approximately 2hr45min journeys on the Esca-Thessia, Esca-Prizren and Thessia-Ebor routes and an even shorter 1hr30min journey on the Thessia-Miago line. The exception is on the Esca-Arsika route and that journey can take anywhere from 6hr30min to 8hrs, depending on which route is taken, given the slower railway in Nasto and the need to travel across the recently rebuilt Trunca-Istina LINK Bridge. Domestic flights are the recommended method of travel for supporters attending games in Arsika. Rail stations in Mytanija tend to be quite ostentatious with grand entrances and works of art and murals lining the walls, a relic of the Kalinina regime. The stations boast many amenities including bars and restaurants and are generally kept clean and in good working order.

Some may choose to hire private vehicles (cars and coaches), in order to do this the driver must be able to present their national driving licence and a Foreign Driver Permit to the rental company. The Foreign Driver Permit can be applied for online and simply confirms that the driver has been tested to the required standard the Mytanar Driving Test would expect. Many Rushmori nations have a test that is similar to the Mytanar version and would meet the standard of the Mytanar Driving Test, so this is not particularly prohibitive. Private vehicles may be convenient for supporters that plan to be in Mytanija for more than one game or indeed the entire tournament and coaches will likely be a very favourable method of travel for Supporters' Clubs/Groups that plan to arrive at games and walk to the stadium together or are bringing large flags, drums and other equipment they may wish to use to help cheer them team on. Mytanar Autoput (i.e. motorways/interstate highway/autobahn etc) roads are not the best outside the major routes (i.e. Esca-Thessia, Esca-Prizren, Thessia-Prizren; those travelling to Miago benefit by the city being on the Thessia-Prizren route), and for those travelling to Ebor and Arsika driving is not particularly advised due to the lengthy travel time and road conditions. Driving is a good way to see the natural beauty of Mytanija, though, so for travellers for whom time is not prohibitive it could be a great way to travel around the country. It should be noted that traffic in Mytanija drives on the left and almost all vehicles in the country will possess manual transmission gearboxes, will run on petrol or diesel and tend to be older models than many travellers may be used to.

More information on local travel in each host city can be found in each specific host city tab.

SOCIETY & CULTURE

Each different region of Mytanija speaks a different language, for the most part these are mutually intelligible though. Zentrian (OOC: Serbian), the language that is spoken in the country's largest region, traditionally used a Cyrillic alphabet but this is falling out of use in modern times with people tending to use Latin script. Some signs in Esca may still be in the old Cyrillic alphabet and if you pick up copies of certain newspapers they may have parts of their front page written in Cyrillic but it shouldn't be a huge issue. Vojovitican (OOC: Croatian), the language that will be spoken in Miago and Prizren, is mutually intelligible with Zentrian and indeed with Thessian (OOC: Bosnian), so a rough translation in any of those languages should see you on your way if you need to find out some information. All three are widely spoken across Mytanija and you will find people in Ebor speaking Zentrian and people in Arsika speaking Thessian, that's just the way it goes. In Visoravna, i.e. Ebor, they speak Visorav (OOC: Slovene), and in Nasto, i.e. Arsika they speak Avnali (OOC: Macedonian), a language that began in the trio of Avnali islands and spread across Nasto too. These are more local languages and whilst people will appreciate tourists trying to speak the local language in Ebor and Arsika, they won't be offended if you address them in Zentrian, Vojovitican or Thessian as they will most likely have some understanding of those too.

There is significant regionalism in Mytanija and in the past many would have felt a tie to their region first before Mytanija as a whole, this is slowly changing though, with the nation's relatively young population beginning to start feeling Mytanar first according to recent polls conducted by Prizren's Kavka University. This regionalism was historically based upon ethnic nationalism, with each region generally corresponding to an ethnic group of the same name. This ethnic nationalism was played upon by Kalinina's regime and was a cause of the Mytanar Conflict, her belief that Zentrians, Magevs and Vojoviticans were superior to the other ethnic groups in Mytanija resulted in discriminatory laws and eventually the people of Thessia, Visoravna and Rauchnya fought back. Kalinina's regime operated concentration camps during the Mytanar Conflict to exterminate so called undesirables, mostly Thessians and Rauchiks, but also left-wing activists, LGBT+ individuals, gypsies etc. There are still deep scars in the national psyche surrounding the Mytanar Conflict and the reconciliation process between different groups remains ongoing. For reference, the seven regions of Mytanija are: Visoravna, Thessia, Rauchnya, Magevskaya, Vojovitica, Zentria, Nasto and Avnalia.

Religion is relatively important in Mytanija, with many in certain regions being fiercely devout, particularly in rural areas. The Zentrian Orthodox branch of Christianity is particularly important in Zentria and Magevskaya, whilst Roman Catholicism is more popular in Vojovitica, Thessia and Visoravna. Thessia is a good example of how people of different faiths can live alongside each other within Mytanija: there is a strong Liberal Islamic community with the Great Mosque in the city being the biggest in Mytanija, they live alongside Thessia's Catholics and the large Jewish community in the city in perfect harmony. The Avdivedjic Synagogue is similarly the largest Jewish place of worship in the country. There is a large Jewish community in Prizren, too. In Nasto and Avnalia, the population is roughly split between Catholics and Zentrian Orthodox. Increasingly people describe themselves as irreligious or atheist, particularly young people.

Mytanija is generally a fairly liberal, economically centre-left nation. It is legal to drink alcohol aged 16 and cannabis is perfectly legal, indeed, it is common to see people smoking a joint at a bar or even walking through any Mytanar city. There is no smoking ban in public areas which could be an issue for some people, especially given the fact that smoking (particularly of cigarettes) is extremely popular to the point that it is believed to be Mytanija's number one health issue with an extremely high incidence of respiratory disease in the country. Purchasing firearms is very difficult in the country due to the tough gun laws, but in practice it is quite easy to purchase a firearm given the fact that many weapons used during the Mytanar Conflict have never been recovered and it is believed many are now in the possession of organised crime groups. Since the Mytanar Conflict there has been a degree of toughness when it comes to discriminatory language based on ethnicity/region, with the scars of that war still being there and many believing that it has been necessary in order for the country to recover. Historically the country has had free speech written into its constitution but this is currently a little bit of a murky area, although many satirical political magazines are prepared to push the boundaries as much as they can especially when it comes to things like religion, ethnicity etc. The country is headed into its first election since the end of the Mytanar Conflict and the Copa Rushmori is seen as the final success of the Provisional Government that has acted in the interim under Bruno Petric's stewardship.

Mytanija is a culturally rich place, with more information available about the culture of each host city in each specific host city tab. For an overview, musically Mytanija is extremely diverse with all sorts of music being popular and no shortage of music venues to be found around the country. Otskok is a national phenomenon, with electronic repetitive beats and spoken word lyrics it is a mixture between old and new and some of the best artists and collectives really paint a picture of what it is to live in modern Mytanija, highlighting many of the ills and problems of modern society etc. Indie music is also extremely popular with bands such as The Aurora and The Pink Skies holding massive gigs at outdoor venues around the country to thousands of people. In terms of the arts and literature there are many reputable Mytanars that have been enormously skilled in both areas: artists include Akavov, Etcepin, Jovac-Savic and Zlaticanin and their works can be seen at galleries all over the country. There have been many wondrous Mytanar wordsmiths down the years, the most well known is perhaps Dorde Arsic, the creator of the seminal Laertiades a story about the day-in-the-life of a number of protagonists who lived in Thessia, there is also Evgeny Pivec, the dystopian novelist, as well as modern writer Anastasija Darkovic, known for her feminist allegories. Food is crucial to life and given the melting pot of cultures, nationalities and religions that call Mytanija home there is such a range of food that it is hard to identify one singular Mytanar cuisine. Get out and try the street food, its often of excellent quality and much more reasonably priced than many of the pricier restaurants.

Click here for Part 2!

by **Crystalline Caverns** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 9:41 pm

Crystalline Caverns
"The Frostac Wolves"

Roster
Goalkeepers
- Clovis Terrano
- Sekar Sersiuppe
- John Pastoni

Defenders
- Josceline Arik 
- Austin Timour
- Vanamo Starkeysa 
- Maksym Kujesmart
- Tufayl Muffie 
- Topaz Cerulean 

Midfielders
- Dan Castellini (C) 
- Balint Tovnia 
- Brodie Wavers 
- Etzel Zircon 
- Rien 
- Cosimo Planetaris
- Zerah Buani  

Strikers
- Landen Smoker 
- Bituin Coinicus 
- Chasper Magedy
- Seffora Phirestone

Coaching Staff
- Gaston Rolf (Head Manager)
- Velvet Armitage (Assistant Manager)

Starting XI
Kits (Brought to you by the kit sponsor I forgot from Kita-Hinode)

Other Info

Skill: 2.24 (24th)
Style: -4

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
- Choose my goalscorers: Yes
- Godmod scoring events: Yes (TG First!)
- RP injuries to my players: Get my consent first, then we'll talk injuries ;3
- Godmod injuries to my players: See above
- Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
- Hand out red cards to my players: TG for approval
- Godmod other events: As long as you aren't killing my people, you should be good.

by **Pasarga** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 9:51 pm

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Pasarga Roster
Nickname: Wanderers
Ranking: 11th
Most Caps: Mór Császár (196)
Most Goals: Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (106)

Kits

Home Away Third
Modifier: +1

Manager: Mór Császár, age 47
Assistant: Mezei Orbán, age 46

Goalkeepers

GK: Thorsten Gerber, age 29, CA Paulinthal
GK: Aswad Munif Shalhoub, age 30, OAS Royal FC

GK: Lucas Lemann, age 30, Eletti Valligiani

Defenders

LB: Ciriaco Trevisano, age 25, Club Stein-los
LB: Florian Kuefer, age 27, Stein-los Turkish
CB: Neci Földessy, age 28, CA Paulinthal
CB: Ralf Bader, age 24, Directus

CB: Renata Novaković, age 21, Baskita FC
CB: Christian Berg, age 24, Starling

RB: Dirk Freitag, age 27, Falourr

RB: Linka Polak, age 24, Baskita FC (F)

Midfielders

RW: Erik Földessy age 20, CA Paulinthal
RW: Ádám Berecz, age 22, Baskita FC
D/MC: Szalyk Földessy, age 19, Samaj FC

D/MC: Ríkharður Valdemarsson, age 29, Northern Union

MC: Jürgen Eisenhower, age 28, Revolutionaires

MC: Matthias Maur, age 24, Club Stein-los
LW: Orsolya Gere, age 24, Baskita FC
AML/LW: Kati Szöllôsy, age 25, Tanrısal (F)

Strikers

ST: Aimée Hétu, age 29, Tanrısal (F)
ST: Jagoda Kovačević, age 20, Eastwaeld

(F)
ST: Brancaleone Arcuri, age 27, Holdenberg

ST: Mücahit Aardenburg, age 23, Club Stein-los

by **Darmen** » Tue Nov 20, 2018 9:54 pm

OOC: Copa Rushmori 31 will occur in August, 2042 in the Darmeni timeline. Ages are correct as of July 29, 2042.

National Football Team of Darmen
presented by the
Darmeni Football Association

Record (Modern-era only, since Copa Rushmori 24): 168 matches, 79 wins, 37 draws, 52 losses, 340 GF, 277 GA, .580 Win %

Caps
1 Alberich Goldschmidt 133
2 Felix Lucanus        129
3 Ritchie Porsche      121
4 Mordecai Ó Cuilinn   100
5 Zachariah Butler      98

Goals
 1 Felix Lucanus        75
 2 Daniel Norton        38
 3 Craig Blackwood      32
 4 Brian Firmin         18
T5 Temple Fylan         15
T5 Alberich Goldschmidt 15

Manager - Godefroy Abascal - 39 years old
Manager since: Friday, December 2, 2039 (Copa Rushmori 28) | Record: 95 matches, 54 wins, 17 draws, 24 losses, 202 GF, 141 GA, .658 Win %

Abascal first made a name for himself by taking Darmen to the Gold Medal Match of the 12th Olympics and winning it, 3-2 over Cocoabo Forest. Since then he has led the All Greens to two World Cup Finals appearances: eliminated in the group stage of World Cup 80 and by Nephara in the Round of Sixteen in World Cup 61. Abascal is a calm presence on the sideline, rarely giving out orders to the players on the field. His press conferences are also fairly calm, Abascal takes the time to formulate well crafted answers. Ask a dumb question however, and he'll laugh you out of the room. Abascal does suffer the occasional panic attack, usually pre-match.

Coaching Staff

Position          Name                 Age
Assistant Manager Berhtoald Myers      34
Offensive Coach   Iwan Perrault        47
Defensive Coach   Evan Bullock         48
Goalkeeping Coach Martín Findlay       37

A solid coaching staff, they can often be seen on the bench conversing with one another over possible tactical changes. Sometimes they make suggestions to Abascal, but he rarely takes their advice in-game. Myers is occasionally called upon to fill in for Abascal when the Manager's panic attacks rule him out of his position on the touch-line, and Myers does a good job of filling the gaffers shoes. Myers is often rumored to become a manager in his own right whenever the top position becomes open at any of the big name clubs in Darmen, but he has so far stuck to his job with the All Greens. The other three assistants are all solid teachers of the relevant skills they coach.

23 Man Roster

. # Name                 Pos Age Club                      Caps Goals
 1 Hyman Campo          GK  22  Scott City FC              70   0
 2 Jean Virgo           LB  27  Chuckio FC                 72   3
 3 Silver Abbey         CB  23  Tempala United Saints      85   1
 4 Klopas Maddox        RB  28  Atlético Augusta           47   2
 5 Alberich Goldschmidt DM  29  MTK Kingsville            133  15
 6 Riley Mac Pharlain   LM  23  Sterling City United       35   4
 7 Abraham Cardoso      LCM 22  Brham United                9   1
 8 Zachariah Butler     RCM 28  Brham United               98  13
 9 Juanito Stafford     RM  24  Rogerton Valladar CF       70   7
10 Skylar Hurst         LF  24  Atlético Augusta           14  10
11 Craig Blackwood      RF  21  Royal PFC                  60  32

12 Fiacre Knopp         GK  30  Club Jim Falls              2   0
13 Feliciano Espinosa   LB  20  Romanopolis United          1   0
14 Cormac Krämer        CB  22  Atlético Augusta            8   0
15 Cyrus Spalding       RB  21  Scott City FC              14   0
16 Kerr Ramírez         DM  25  Rushmore United            42   2
17 Mordecai Ó Cuilinn   LM  25  Chippewa Valley United FC 100   8
18 Víedharr Svendsen    LCM 19  Tempala United Saints       0   0
19 Alan McNeil          RCM 24  MTK Kingsville             22   3
20 Aquila Freud         RM  21  Sleepy Hollow (Taeshan)    35   5
21 Brian Firmin         LF  25  Johnho United              52  18
22 Ivan Borde           RF  20  Darmen City United          0   0
23 Njáll Wyman          GK  24  Johnho United               1   0

Atlético Augusta          3
Brham United              2
Chippewa Valley United FC 1
Chuckio FC                1
Club Jim Falls            1
Darmen City United        1
Johnho United             2
MTK Kingsville            2
Rogerton Valladar CF      1
Romanopolis United        1
Royal PFC                 1
Rushmore United           1
Scott City FC             2
Sleepy Hollow (Taeshan)   1
Sterling City United      1
Tempala United Saints     2

Abascal has selected a younger team to compete in Mytanija, but there's still plenty of experience in both the starting lineup and on the bench. Hyman Campo has completed his record setting $12 million move to Scott City FC from the Suburban Warriors, and will remain the All Greens first choice keeper. He'll be backed up by Fiacre Knopp - who at 30 years old is the oldest player selected to the team - and Njáll Wyman.

The back line looks somewhat similar with Jean Virgo and Silver Abbey retaining their spots, but Ritchie Porsche appears to have come to the end of his career. His replacement is Klopas Maddox, who at 28 years old will have only a short time to make an impression on All Greens' history. Alberich Goldschmidt, as would be expected, will continue in his usual position between the back three and the midfield. He will also assume the captaincy from Felix Lucanus, who has been dropped from the team for the Copa but is likely to return for the 82nd World Cup campaign.

In midfield, the right side remains the same, Zachariah Butler and Juanito Stafford providing the veteran presence. On the left side, Riley Mac Pharlain has been given the nod ahead of Mordecai Ó Cuilinn, who will take a seat on the bench. Mac Pharlain has left school to join Sterling City United, a move that has only further inflated his ego. To complete the Brham United pairing in the center of midfield, Abraham Cardoso has replaced Marcellinus Winton, but uncapped Víedharr Svendsen is pushing hard to take the job from both of them, having impressed many fans and pundits at underage level.

Up front, Craig Blackwood is hoping an impressive performance at this tournament and in the World Cup qualifiers will help him get the big money transfer away from Royal PFC he so desperately wants at the end of the season. With Lucanus absent from the team, Skylar Hurst has been selected ahead of Brian Firmin, but Hurst's goal scoring record seems to justify the decision.

Tactics
Formation: 3-1-4-2
Style Modifier: +3

Darmen will alternate between the counter-attack and possession oriented football. When counter-attacking, play will likely begin with the defensive-midfielder winning the ball and making an outlet pass to one of the outside midfielders. While not out-and-out wingers, they have many of the same qualities and will use their pace to make their way down the touch-lines before crossing into the box. The strike partnership will always be defined as having one target man and one poacher. Atypically, it is the target man who will score the majority of goals, while the poacher and potentially a midfielder will take shots should any subsequent chances present themselves. However, if either of the outside midfielders are stopped before they can make their crosses, Darmen's chances of attacking will disappear for the near future as the team regroups into its defensive formation.

When playing with possession, it is the goal of the Darmeni midfield to lull their opponents to sleep by stringing together large sums of passes. Against highly ranked sides, sequences of 20-30 passes being strung together before the ball even enters the final third are common. Against lesser ranked opponents, its not unheard of for the team to string together 40-50 passes before going forward to attack the goal. Additionally, any of the Darmeni midfielders may choose to show off an individual skill, for instance they might hold the ball loosely in front of them, inviting an opposing player to make a tackle, before attempting to nutmeg that player as they arrive. Such antics are rare however when facing tougher opponents. While dominating the possession can often frustrate the opposition and cause them to lose concentration, it can just as easily make the All Greens fall asleep themselves and become vulnerable to the counter-attack. Either way, it is almost a certainty that one of the goalkeepers will be called into action, it's only a question of which one.

Defensively, man-to-man marking of the main attacking opponents is the preferred method of limiting the amount of saves the Goalkeeper is needed to make. The defensive-midfielder operates almost like a sweeper, only located in front of the back line rather than behind it. On corners and free-kicks, Darmen will exclusively mark their opponents man-to-man, zonal marking is considered too unreliable.

Team Roles
Captain: Alberich Goldschmidt
Vice-Captain: Zachariah Butler
Left Corner: Alberich Goldschmidt
Right Corner: Alberich Goldschmdit
Penalties: Craig Blackwood
Free-kicks: Alberich Goldschmidt

Team Personality
The Darmeni team will never argue with the referee. Indeed, if anything needs to be brought to the attention of the referee it will be done by either the Captain or Vice-Captain in a respectful manner (or to the fourth-official by the Manager). With regards to foul/dirty play, the Darmeni team will not provoke, or retaliate against any opposition player. Darmeni's expect each team to keep to itself and deal with its own trouble makers; any opposition player who attempts to prevent a conflict by pushing or pulling a Darmeni away from the scene will be promptly told off, as that is the duty of the Darmeni Captain.

Nonetheless, Darmen will play in a relatively aggressive manner. Tackles will be conducted in a way which ensures the opponent ends up on the ground, but causing injury will be avoided as much as possible. On set pieces, Darmenis will stand their ground and will not be easily pushed around, they will not however engage in hugging. In fact, if any opposing player tries to push past them, it is not uncommon for the Darmeni player to feign resistance before simply stepping aside and watching as the opposing player stumbles past on their way to ground. This occasionally backfires however, as the referee may mistake the incidence as having been a foul in the box.

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: YES PLEASE!
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, minor only.
Godmod injuries to my players: NO
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES, within reason. Contact me if you have anything major planned.
Hand out red cards to my players: YES, no more than two. Contact me if you have anything major planned.
Godmod other events: YES. Contact me if you have anything major planned.

Contact me via TG or Discord. TG's are preferred.

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Fri Nov 23, 2018 9:36 am

Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
National Football Feam

Roster for Copa Rusmori XXXI

Management position: Coach Name, age (Previous Position) (record)

Interim Manager: Andreit Jugleeur, age 40 (National Team Assistant)

Assistant Manager: Kerrien Goncourt, age 39 (retired Meridian player)

Assistant Manager: Arzhur Janquin, age 60 (former Estipen Assistant Manager)

Pos # Player Name, age (Professional Team)
international caps and goals

REGULAR STARTING 11

GK 1 Laurens Desainctvictori, age 27 (Myrrh-Streamer)
21 caps in international competition

LB 2 Maudez d'Annet, age 23 (Arsenal Justiniana)
25 caps in international competition

RB 3 Lunen Margas, age 22 (Occident)
22 caps in international competition

SW 10 Phelippon de Gentilli, age 28 (Altair)
24 caps, 9 goals in international competition

SW 11 Josselyn Pessiere, age 32 (Patrons)
22 caps, 7 goals in international competition

LM 5 Guénael Frarin, age 26, (de la Charite)
Uncapped in international competition

RM 6 Peterne de Courbueil, age 21 (Patrons)
Uncapped in international competition

CM 4 Geoffroy Dlajoenie deyt Fijac, Captain, age 25 (Cyrene Bay)
26 caps, 2 goals in international competition

LW 7 Eneour Pique-Pain, age 23 (Patrons)
26 caps, 2 goals in international competition

RW 8 Ruran l’Ermite, age 25 (Regium Immortal)
21 caps, 6 goals in international competition

ST 9 Kerrian Odierne, age 28 (Cyrene Bay)
26 caps, 14 goals in international competition

RESERVES
GK 12 Raphael Friquan, age 32 (Invicta)
2 caps in international competition

GK 24 Eleiran de Launay, age 29 (Porzeziny)
Uncapped in international competition

LB 14 Gwion du Bourc-la-Reyne, age 26 (de la Charite)
Uncapped in international competition

RB 15 Dinan de Boissi, age 28 (Myrrh-Streamer)
Uncapped in international competition

SW 22 Huon Tosannus, age 30 (Cyrene Bay)
Uncapped in international competition

SW 23 Drev Brébeuf, age 25 (Meridian)
10 caps, 1 goal in international competition

LM 17 Ruvonig Bouclier de Fer, age 27 (Lhanaton Xavam FC)
24 caps, 1 goal in international competition

RM 18 Brevalan Gaspard, age 27 (Meteor)
23 caps, 3 goals in international competition

CM 16 Pierres Branon, age 26 (Patrons)
5 caps in international competition

LW 19 Jakou Chirot, age 27 (Aris)
Uncapped in international competition

RW 20 Geruaise d'Anevers, age 21 (Confessor)
11 caps, 1 goal in international competition

ST 21 Nycollas Mauranghas, age 22 (Regium United)
8 caps, 4 goals in international competition

FIRST CHOICE AND SECOND CHOICE SHIRTS

RP Permissions
If my opponent RPs first, I give him permission to:

Choose my Scorers:              Yes
Choose Scoring Events:          Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:          Yes
RP Injuries to my Players:      Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players:  Yes
Yellow Card my Players:         Yes
Red Card my Players:            Yes
Godmod Other Events:            TG me first, but Yes
Style Modifiers:                +5.0

Team information compiled using official sources of the former Oberour Ar Moro Football Management Committee (FMC) stored at the FMC records depository at Melito d'Argentueill College, Auscanium. All information acquired under the Regime Records Transparency Act - 1st Post-Tumults Parliament

by **Mytanija** » Fri Nov 23, 2018 7:32 pm

MYTANIJA TRAVEL GUIDE - PART 2

HOST CITIES:

Ebor is a city of around 2 million people located on the far north coast of Mytanija, in the region of Visoravna. Ebor experiences a warmer climate than most of the country, with hot, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. There are some outstanding beaches located nearby, Ebor has experienced something of a tourist boom in the years since the Mytanar Conflict, with holidaymakers from around Rushmore visiting to take advantage of the beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Perhaps the most iconic thing about the city is its white, terracotta-roofed buildings, built for the sunny conditions the city experiences during summer. Ebor has an important port, with many large ships docking to transport goods to and from the city. It was an important city in the resistance against Kalinina's forces during the Mytanar Conflict, too, with many considering it to be the first place that the Otpor were able to rally and begin to turn the tide of the Conflict against the dictator.

Notable attractions: Marjan Cathedral, Historic Old Town and Palace of Domnius, Mosor Street, Ebor Marina, Davecka Beach

LOCAL'S GUIDE by Semir Logar
Which tourist attraction do I absolutely have to see? The Historic Old Town and Palace of Domnius has to be the star attraction for tourists. The Old Town's labyrinthine streets will be an adventure in their own right, built over narrow canals which were here from the city's foundation, you will find something new down every alleyway. The Palace of Domnius dates back to antiquity and is the Palace of the Ancient Emperor of Visoravna, who extended his rule over much of northern Mytanija hundreds of years ago.
And something a little different? Well, if you want to see how the rich live, it's worth taking a walk down Mosor Street to look in the shops that the rich and famous spend their money. The street leads right onto Ebor Marina, where the yachts those same rich and famous people own are docked. It's rumoured that Mytanar national team manager Robin Hjik has a boat docked there.
What clothes should I pack? T-shirts and shorts and something to swim in, no trip to Ebor during the height of summer is complete without a visit to Davecka Beach.
What's the best way to get around? Ebor is small enough to walk around, to be honest. Most of the hotels in the city are based around the Old Town area and the major sights are within walking distance. If you fancy taking a trip to see where the majority of locals live, hire a bicycle and cycle up the coast into the eastern part of Ebor where high-rise towers are set next to large villas, with rich and poor living right next to each other.
Where should I grab something to eat? Ebor's seafood is exceptional and the place to go is Obrenovic's. It is where the locals eat and they cook fresh seafood every day, with the menu changing dependent on what has been caught. Really authentic local food.
Best place to celebrate a win/drown my sorrows after a loss? Drinking culture in Ebor is a little more sophisticated than other cities in Mytanija and wine bars are extremely popular, with the best one being Marvin's, a bar with a jazz theme that overlooks the Ebor Marina. Be careful of the pompous Euran that runs the place, though.
One piece of advice I should absolutely stick to? Bring suncream.

OLUJASTADION

Location: Luka Ebora, Ebor, Visoravna
Capacity: 42,500
Tenants: 1896 Ebor
Hosting: MD1 - Group B 1 vs 4; MD 2 - Group B 4 vs 3; MD3 - Group B 2 vs 4; QF2

The Olujastadion is based in the less beautiful port area of Ebor, not exactly like the picture postcard area around the Old Town which is where tourists generally visit, but it still makes for an interesting backdrop to the football. Games here will be played out in hot conditions and players may need to take water breaks in order to be fully comfortable and safe. The Olujastadion is a stadium that has been around basically as long as football has been played in Mytanija, it is the same ground that 1896 Ebor have always played in and as such the supporters here have a significant emotional attachment to the stadium. The people of Ebor tend to be reliant on tourism for jobs and are therefore extremely open to foreigners, although they will be all too ready to make a quick buck if they feel they can.

It should be noted that organised crime gangs are significantly active in Ebor and travellers should therefore be vigilant, it is unlikely that gangs will do anything to harm ordinary tourists and are more likely to be found fighting each other in turf wars over where they're allowed to sell drugs. The Policija have cracked down on gangs in Ebor during the run-up to the tournament, but it is almost certain dealers will find a way to sell their product during the tournament given the desire of football fans to celebrate positive results.

Miago is a hard-nosed, blue-collar city of around 2 million people in the north of the Vojovitica region. It is an important industrial hub, the people tend to be working-class, uneducated and financially precarious - tending to work in the city's heavy industry. The air quality in Miago is the worst in the nation and that is a product of all the factories in the city along with the coal power stations that power them. There are also two large nuclear power plants outside the city, 'Energija-Nuklearna' the city's football team demonstrating quite clearly where they got their name from. Generally, Miago is not the sort of place you would go to on holiday, either, with a high crime rate and a lot of deprived neighbourhoods. For many locals it is seen as a place that has been forgotten by government, with the decline of living standards in the city going unchecked despite the city being so important to the Mytanar economy due to the heavy industry located there. Miago was generally a city that supported Natella Kalinina's regime as she elevated the city to one of Mytanija's most important due to its services to the economy and politically many in the city yearn for a return to those times as Miago was given the sense of importance many felt it deserved. In the run-up to the Copa Rushmori, the government has made an effort to try and clean-up the city and make it more attractive to tourists, with significant funds being put towards trying to make the air cleaner so that it doesn't affect the players.

Notable attractions: Zeca Zolev, Krupa Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Miago Musem of Science and Industry, Gameta Square, Saint Josip's Church

LOCAL'S GUIDE by Anamarija Ivic
Which tourist attraction do I absolutely have to see? Zeca Zolev. The monument to the workers and coal miners of Miago is quite magnificent and its position in front of the giant smokestacks of the city's major industrial area is quite fitting, really pushing home the point and demonstrating the importance of the city to Mytanija.
And something a little different? Well, it remains on the theme of industry, but the Museum of Science and Industry is really interesting and something a little out of the ordinary. They run classes and interactive experiments and there really is something for all the family. They also played an important part in the drive to improve the air quality in Miago in the run up to the tournament.
What clothes should I pack? Bring a raincoat, but pack for summer temperatures. The weather can be slightly oppressive in Miago during summer, with the poor air quality contributing to a greenhouse effect in the city, with the industrial fumes sitting in the air and not allowing clean air to get into the atmosphere which can lead to the city gradually heating up.
What's the best way to get around? The city's bus system is one of the most organised in Mytanija, a necessity given the sheer number of workers that need to get around the city during the day. It's fairly straightforward and conductors will be happy to guide you if you require assistance.
Where should I grab something to eat? I'd honestly stick to chain restaurants if I were you, if there's one thing Miago isn't known for it's good food.
Best place to celebrate a win/drown my sorrows after a loss? Now, they do know how to drink and Gameta Square is lined with bars and clubs, with almost any being a sure bet for a good time. Eksplozija is probably the number one venue, though, with a large bar area and then an underground club that blasts out Miago's slightly unusual take on otskok at all hours of the day and night.
One piece of advice I should absolutely stick to? Ignore the warnings about people from Miago being far-right nutcases, that's just a minority of Energija-Nuklearna fans. You may not get world-class cuisine in the city, but the locals know how to have a good time and will take an interest in trying to show the good side of the city if tourists are willing to engage.

MIAGOSTADION

Location: Jedarna, Miago, Vojovitica
Capacity: 50,000
Tenants: Energija-Nuklearna Miago
Hosting: MD1 - Group C 2 vs 3; MD2 - Group C 1 vs 2; MD3 - Group C 3 vs 1; QF4

The Miagostadion is an old stadium that has all the modern amenities you could wish for, with the club who call it home - Energija-Nuklearna - spending a lot of money on improvements in recent years. It is believed that the FSM and the Government supported them in this endeavour as the club are not exactly known for being big spenders, but it has made the stadium really fit for top-level football and the stars of the Copa Rushmori should feel right at home. The Miagostadion is located in the Jedarna area of the city (just on the outskirts of the city centre), it is a working-class area and one where many who were or continue to be involved in the nuclear energy industry live, with Energija-Nuklearna traditionally being the club that represented workers from the energy industry. As it is now, Miago is more or less a one club city, with almost everybody supporting Energija-Nuklearna, which makes for quite an atmosphere at home games.

There are large grassy areas around the stadium where fans often congregate before and after games and it is expected that they will be turned into fan parks during the tournament, with lots of activities and food stalls for supporters to get involved in and try before and after games. Larger fan parks will be located in the city centre of Miago, with big screens which will allow fans that have missed out on tickets to follow their country's fixtures if they so wish to.

Prizren is the third largest city in Mytanija, with a population of around 3 million people. It is located in the south-west of Mytanija and the south-west of Vojovitica, the region it is located in. Prizren is a beautiful city, very often named Mytanija's most aesthetically pleasing and it has an enormous cultural importance too. Many of Mytanija's most famous creators have lived in the city at some point, whether they be artists, musicans, philosophers or whatever. The Kavka University is one of the best in the country with Prizren's two other further education institutions also having solid reputations. Tourists often take in the sights including the city's famous Astronomical Clock, Prizren Castle, or take a walk alongside the river. Prizren's cobbled streets are probably its defining feature, though, and they're used in Mytanija's other favourite sport: cycling. The spring classic Cieszin-Prizren finishes in the city and utilises the cobbled roads and some of the steeply rising streets to create a tough and exciting finish.

Notable attractions: Prizren Castle, Astronomical Clock, Kavka University and Gardens, Golden Lane, Karlo Bridge

LOCAL'S GUIDE by Oliver Buzov
Which tourist attraction do I absolutely have to see? The Astronomical Clock is a real experience, when it reaches the hour, the figures come alive and begin to move and music plays. It's like something out of a fairy story. The skeleton figure is quite scary, though, I wouldn't recommend going when it is time for that to come around. The Old Prince is probably the best one, waving his cap and holding his stein of beer, he looks ready for a party!
And something a little different? Well, the Astronomical Clock is different, but I'd also recommend Golden Lane. It's a street in the grounds of Prizren Castle, with colourful houses on both sides. It has been the home of famous writers and philosophers and perhaps most (in)famously alchemists, with King Karlo the Great being proponent of alchemy and believing that if Prizren had the best alchemists it could rule all Mytanija. He was wrong, but it makes for a good story.
What clothes should I pack? During summer I usually walk around in jeans and a t-shirt fairly comfortably, it isn't too hot in Prizren. On a good day you could put shorts on. It's hardly like Ebor wear you can get away with just wearing swimming trunks, though!
What's the best way to get around? If you're around the city centre then you can walk everywhere, all the major sights are within walking distance of one another. If you're feeling adventurous then you can probably walk to and from you accommodation too, but if that's a stretch too far then jump on the city's tram system. It's basically free, with conductors rarely bothering to check tickets, it does stop running quite early though (usually around 9PM), so it can leave you stuck if you miss the last tram.
Where should I grab something to eat? Pivaric's Bakery on Golden Lane is the best bakery in the whole of Mytanija and it's not just me saying that, it has won an award for the past five years running. It's also been there for hundreds of years, so they surely know how to bake all manner of tasty treats by now! From freshly baked bread to cakes, they make it all and it's all brilliant.
Best place to celebrate a win/drown my sorrows after a loss? They love beer in Prizren and they serve it in 2 litre steins, so you'd better come prepared. They have large beer halls dotted around the city centre so it's really a case of take your pick. My favourite is Antonic's on the outskirts of the Old Town. There's also the Ice Bar, located next door, if you fancy something a bit different. Take a big coat if you're going there, though, it's quite literally freezing.
One piece of advice I should absolutely stick to? Keep any bags close to you, whilst Prizren may seem like a charming and quaint fairytale town, it's not always and pickpockets are active at all times and will quite simply slash bag straps and run if they can't pinch something from your pocket.

WESTFALENSTADION

Location: Liria, Prizren, Vojovitica
Capacity: 84,000
Tenants: Liria Prizren
Hosting: MD1 - Group D 1 vs 4; MD2 - Group D 4 vs 3; MD3 - Group A 2 vs 4; SF2

Westfalenstadion is the largest stadium in the country and it rises out of the squat terraced houses of the Liria neighbourhood like a behemoth towering over all it surveys, the 25,000 capacity terrace at one end of the stadium is the largest standing area in the country and the noise it emanates is terrifying. This is known as the Yellow Wall and that is the name of the ultras group that usually occupy the middle sector at the front of the terrace and creates the atmosphere. They won't be here during this tournament though, so it's up to your country's fans to make the noise in the ground!

The stadium has hosted UICA finals in the past and it's a suitable venue for the Copa Rushmori, with the enormous capacity and modern amenities making it perfect for this level of football. The Liria neighbourhood is a working class one, there is no particular danger presented by this, the citizens of Prizren are generally well-educated no matter what background due to the city's excellent higher education institutes and are extremely welcoming to foreigners as a result, with many lecturing at Kavka University or either of the two other tertiary education institutes in the city.

Arsika is the largest city on the island of Nasto, located off the southern coast of mainland Mytanija. Arsika has a population of around 1 million people and is an important commercial centre for Nasto and Avnalia. It has a large port and this is crucial in the transport of goods to and from Nasto, both in domestic and international freight. Arsika is a city that is modernising quickly, trying to build on its position as the biggest city in Nasto and Avnalia and it is a popular city with young people. Students have increasingly chosen to call Arsika home ahead of more traditional university cities like Prizren and Thessia. Its warmer weather, combined with the young population and reputation as a bit of a party city are believed to be behind this. Guinec, the most popular Mytanar beer, is brewed in the city and can be found in any bar or pub in Arsika. Otolek Gaol is a slightly haunting place, being the prison of would-be revolutionaries dating back to the Kombarov Monarchy. Kalinina jailed many a resistance leader in Otolek Gaol too.

Notable attractions: Uta-Vaja Bridge, Otolek Gaol, Guinec Storehouse, Saint Stevan's Cathedral, Museum of Modern Art

LOCAL'S GUIDE by Angelina Gecevska
Which tourist attraction do I absolutely have to see? The Uta-Vaja Bridge has to be seen, spanning the distance across the enormous harbour and being high up enough to allow enormous ships to pass under it is a real feat of modern engineering and is probably the project that the Provisional Government and the Eurans can be most proud of from the rebuild following the Mytanar Conflict.
And something a little different? Two options here, go to the Otolek Gaol for an informative and spooky experience. Tour guides will recount the very real stories of various prisoners that were held at Otolek as they show you around and it is also meant to be one of the most haunted buildings in Mytanija. Or, you could go to the Guinec Storehouse and sample various types of Guinec beers, from the #1 Guinec Lager to the #13 Guinec Pale Ale, there's something for everyone and even if you don't find something you like by the end you'll be too drunk to tell anyway.
What clothes should I pack? Summery clothes and bring your shades, it's hot in Nasto.
What's the best way to get around? Taxis are trustworthy and reasonably priced in Arsika, catering to the large and still growing student population means they're well vetted and reliable. If you want to go public transport then hop on the underground, it's a bit stuffy down there though, but they are moving to modernise it.
Where should I grab something to eat? Well, you're spoilt for choice in terms of fresh produce in Arsika, you have fresh food from Avnalia delivered all the time as well as freshly caught fish from the sea. Go to Surf 'n' Turf in the city's hip Pirovka area and try their steak and salmon dish, it's fantastic.
Best place to celebrate a win/drown my sorrows after a loss? Guinec Storehouse? You could literally have a piss up in a brewery if you wanted? But no, in terms of proper bars and clubs you're spoilt for choice: Academy is popular among students, DuKa is popular among young professionals and then the various small bars found along the seafront are popular among everyone. You won't be stuck in Arsika.
One piece of advice I should absolutely stick to? Get to Arsika before it becomes overly popular. The Tourist Board are rumoured to be launching a big programme aimed at attracting people to Arsika similar to the one they launched for Ebor. Look what happened there. Get here first and then you can say you went to Arsika before it was cool.

NOVI ZAVEJ PARK

Location: Beloma, Arsika, Nasto and Avnalia
Capacity: 30,000
Tenants: FK Arsika
Hosting: MD1 - Group D 2 vs 3; MD2 - Group D 1 vs 2; MD3 - Group D 3 vs 1

The only stadium that has been newly built for this tournament (and to give FK Arsika a modern home too, of course), Novi Zavej Park is a part of the massive regeneration and modernisation of Arsika. The FSM felt like they had to host a game in Nasto and Avnalia given the presence of a city like Arsika and the club and local government lobbied hard to get the new ground built and to host some games as part of the Copa Rushmori - much to the chagrin of those in Magevskaya and Rauchnya. Novi Zavej Park is all steel and glass, a beautiful piece of modern architecture and a venue that symbolises Arsika's forward thinking outlook and attitude. The Beloma area that the stadium is located in is where a lot of new tech firms have based their headquarters and it is believed that deals may have been struck to try out some innovative new technology in the stadium as FK Arsika and the FSM work together to try and make the ground the most high-tech in Mytanija.

The first game at the stadium was played out in a friendly between Mytanija and Qusmo, with the away side winning 1-0. The crowd was as partisan as you would expect, with the FSM basing games away from Esca as they try and gain a competitive advantage. This game was a suitable curtain raiser for the new ground though, with Rushmori rivals meeting at the stadium. Qusmo may be back shortly, dependent on the group draw.

by **Savojarna** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 8:19 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Women's team returns again to follow up on WC 80 success

Sjoedrhavn - Under the current alternating regime, the Savojar Men's and Women's Team switch their participation in the World Cup and Copa, on the basis of the Copa being the beginning of a switch cycle that will end with the World Cup, Cup of Harmony or WCQ in the following year. The first full cycle of the women's team was very successful, with the Savojars reaching their only ever World Cup, where they were chanceless to advance out of a group with eventual World Champions Brenecia and the perennial favourite and Rushmori rival Eura. Since then, international representation was taken over by the Men's team, which struggled in a difficult group and eventually ceded the playoff spot to Nova Anglicana in the final few matches of the group. Following a slightly unlucky early exit in the Cup of Harmony, they now have to pass the baton to the women's team again.

TEAM

STAFF
Coach: Lise Asbeck (47)
Assistant Coach: Mikaela Rangren (41), Dmitri Simunov (33)
Goalkeeper Coach: Valtteri Andersson (41)
Doctor: Dr. Christer Ljungberg (47)

STYLE: +1.7

STARTING XI:
GK #1 Viktorija Petrova (31, 186 cm)
LB #5 Kristina Midström (34, 169 cm) -- C
CB #2 Petra Ernberg (26, 178 cm)
CB #4 Linne Kjaer (24, 182 cm)
RB #3 Anna Reskilainen (32, 162 cm)
DM #6 Stefanie Raukanen (30, 179 cm)
CM #8 Victoria Maersk (23, 157 cm)
OM #14 Lenka Otalainen (25, 168 cm)
LF #7 Malin Haakonson (28, 168 cm)
ST #11 Freya Sigurdsdottir (28, 193 cm)
RF #10 Irina Jarkasjärvi (32, 183 cm)

BENCH
GK #12 Lotte Ronne (24, 180 cm)
GK #21 Andrea Jovanova (24, 176 cm)
ST #9 Ragnhild Viilanen (24, 175 cm)
LF #13 Paula Sorendal (28, 169 cm)
CM #15 Ekaterina Vailova (33, 174 cm)
CB #16 Denise Rydberg (29, 186 cm)
RB #17 Alexandra Martinova (25, 172 cm)
DM #19 Svetlana Namenkova (23, 172 cm)
CB #20 Nina Rasmussen (27, 184 cm)
RF #22 Alina Lund (26, 158 cm)
LB #23 Kaisa Hytamäki (29, 181 cm)

ROLES
Captain: Midström => Petrova
Free Kicks (direct): Jarkasjärvi
Free Kicks (long): Raukanen (left), Jarkasjärvi (center/right)
Corners: Haakonson (left), Jarkasjärvi (right)
Penalty Kick: Jarkasjärvi => Sigurdsdottir => Vailova => Midström => Haakonson [also progression for shooutouts]

PLAYSTYLE
Savojarna's women play fairly balanced, but with a slightly offensive bias. The team usually relies on speed, strength and fast counters for their goals, as well as the great technics of Jarkasjärvi, who is a constant danger with set pieces. Their main weapon in attack is Sigurdsdottir, the tallest player of the team, who is a very good header. Both fullbacks are very fast and good at crossings, as well as the LF and RF of the team, which will make the striker a constant threat. In defense, the team has opted for speed rather than physical strength as there were concerns if the latter strategy would work against the world's best men's teams. Among the substitutes, the most prominent players of the team are Tanja Mahlström, who has a name as a great joker; Svetlana Namenkova who is the captain of the Savojar Women's U21; and Kaisa Hytamäki, a player who is especially known for her speed and her offensive qualities.

KITS

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by **Darmen** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 12:24 pm

3:00pm Friday, August 8th, 2042
Thessia, Mytanija

For the sixth straight day, beams of sunlight uncharacteristically bore down on the largest city in Mytanija. Not a single rain drop had fallen, and many of the five million inhabitants of the city begin to worry that this was just the start of a much larger drought. The flowers and other plants located in the green spaces throughout the city were beginning to wilt. City officials were doing their best to keep the plants in good shape however, as thousands of tourists flocked to the city to cheer on their respective teams in the 31st edition of the Copa Rushmori.

Meanwhile, on the fifth floor of a four-star Thessian hotel, there was a group of men who were not at all enjoying the sunshine. One of them leaped out of his seat, stormed over to the window, and pulled the drapes shut. "There, that should take care of the glare," said Evan Bullock, the All Greens' Defensive coach, as he returned to his seat.

"Thank you," said Godefroy Abascal, setting the scouting report on Savojarna the coaching staff had just compiled aside. While the Savojar's decision to switch between their men's and women's teams didn't make a whole lot of sense to Abascal - why not just combine the teams? - it sure did make for a massive headache when it came to creating a game plan ahead of the two team's second only meeting. That match would take place tomorrow at the Novi Kaunostadion, and would be important for the All Greens to take three points from as the next match would be by far the most difficult.

Abascal put the DVD of the All Greens-Cormorants match from the World Cup into the DVD player, and pressed play. The 4-5 loss in the Round of Sixteen had bugged Abascal ever since the referee had blow his whistle. The All Greens had been so close, but defensive lapses prevented them from advancing to the Quarterfinals. Abascal suspected that the Nepharans felt much the same way, just with the added relief of having ended up on the right side of the scoreline. Abascal and his coaching staff were going to use the extra time to get started scouting for their second match of the Copa.

Meanwhile, the players were finishing their tour of the city. Starting with a visit to the Walls of Thessia, the twenty-three man squad was glad to leave the somber mood there behind, as they took in the history of football in the city at the Thessia Football Museum. Nineteen year old Víedharr Svendsen, the youngest player on the Darmeni squad, was being chewed out by a museum employee for bringing his poutine into exhibit area. Svendsen tried to defend himself, explaining to the museum employee that the poutine was just too good to throw away. The employee pointed to the nearest trashcan, Svendsen pointed to the door with a gravy colored finger. The rest of the team laughed at the two, particularly Svendsen, for being caught ~~red~~ gravy-handed. Finally, Darmeni captain Alberich Goldschmidt stepped in, grabbing Svendsen by the shoulder and leading him away, the rest of the team following along. "You have some wonderful exhibits here, sir," said Goldschmidt, a massive grin on his face, "we've learned an awful lot about football history in this city, and we hope to make some ourselves tomorrow. Good bye now."

As the team hurriedly exited the museum, their eyes taking a moment to adjust to the sunlight, their laughter increased in volume. Some of the locals and other passers by glanced at the team, wondering exactly what the All Greens were up to. The laughter finally subsided, not because of the locals giving them odd looks, but the team had decided to head back to Pierre's to pick up more poutine.

by **Sargossa** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 2:31 pm

Copa Rushmori XXXI

Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'

The Sargossan national side is experiencing something of a purple patch, following up a runner’s up spot at the last Copa with a run to the last sixteen of World Cup 81. A run which saw them send world number two Farfadillis home and then push eventual winners Vilita right to the brink, before losing out by the odd goal in seven. After those efforts the decision has been taken to rest the majority of the World Cup squad, with only a handful of fringe players making it into Copa contention. It’s also a move that will allow the coaching staff to look at some potential replacements for key attackers who are now the wrong side of thirty.

Expected to be joining the players in Mytanija are huge numbers of travelling supporters, buoyed by both the upswing in fortunes and a group draw that has seen Sargossa based in one of the nation’s more attractive destinations. The demand for tickets has been such that the Foreign Ministry is considering opening a temporary consulate in Arsika, in addition to the main embassy in Esca. A move largely based on concerns fuelled by well documented historical incidents of unruly Mytanar fans at past sporting events and a slight unease at how an influx of large numbers of Sargossans will be received by the locals. Sources from Mytanija have indicated a certain level of simmering ill-feeling directed towards the Eurans following their involvement in the Mytanar Civil War (albeit, on the winning side). Sargossan involvement was much less overt and on a far smaller scale but any residual effect is yet to be seen. Although Arsika is not entirely a stranger to Sargossan visitors, being a common destination for Sargossan shipping.

Head Coach

Rodrigo Defederico
Former international midfielder who starred in the SuperLiga, before plying his trade in Astograth. After a spell in charge of the Olympic side he led hometown club Dunas Del Sol to the Copa Sargossa final in his first full season in charge. Upon appointment to the national team he rescued a stuttering WC80 qualification campaign, steering the Corsairs to a World Cup Finals appearance, and repeated the feat at WC81. Between World Cups he led the side to the Copa Rushmori XXX final, losing to Nephara.

Backroom Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Raúl Churín
Defensive Coach: Guillermo Lucena
Attacking Coach: Alejandro Tapia
Goalkeeping Coach: Armando Abad
Fitness Coach: Mario Sánchez
Team Doctor: Dr Carla Segura

Talent

GK: 1. Roberto Penedo (22) – Dunas Del Sol
GK: 13. Raul Garrido (29) – Porto Alegro Azul
GK: 25. Ricardo Piñón (24) – Estrella Torreón

Having gone to the World Cup as third choice keeper Dunas Del Sol stopper Roberto Penedo will get the nod between the sticks in Mytanija. He is no stranger to the coach, who handed him a senior debut when in charge at the Estadio Del Sol. Ricardo Piñón is an interesting addition, having enjoyed a fine first season in the top flight after being plucked from the relative obscurity of the Liga Azula. And Garrido is a solid and reliable pro with years of SuperLiga experience to draw upon if required.

DR: 2. Daniel Miralles (26) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 5. Enrique Muñoz (24) – Sporting San Marquez
DC: 6. Jesús Venegas (26) – Sportivo Soluca
DL: 3. Alex Vallejos (29) – Alianza Jucaro
DLC: 12. Fabián Parra (25) – Dínamo Maturín
DRC: 14. Luís Camargo (24) – Dunas Del Sol
DL: 19. Saúl Escribano (22) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 21: Alejandro Braga (31) – Sporting San Marquez

After a domestic season in which they had the SuperLiga’s best defensive record it’s perhaps little surprise to find three quarters of Sportivo Soluca’s back four on the plane to Mytanija. Although their involvement may be limited by use of Defederico’s preferred back three. Jesús Venegas is most likely to feature but, at 5’10”, he’s a little on the short side for a Sargossan centreback. Although he makes up for it in pace and precision. Enrique Muñoz has been in formidable form domestically and was an obvious choice for this tournament. Parra and Camargo provided backup options during the World Cup qualifiers and will be hopeful of some increased match time here.

MC: 4. Marcos Aguayo (26) – Petro Mercada
AMR: 7. Diego Puebla (25) – El Nacional
MC: 8. César Goyoso (22) – Sporting San Marquez
AML: 11. Carlos Álvarez (28) – Porto Alegro Azul
AMRC: 15. Mariano Carballar (25) – Sportivo Soluca
MC: 16. Rafael Bustamanté (23) – El Nacional
DMC: 18. Luís Vazquez (26) – Sportivo Cordova
DMC: 22. Ignacio Navarro (30) – Sporting San Marquez
AMLC: 24. Ángel Mina (27) – Daroca Marinos

If ever there were a time for Rafael Bustamanté to pick up the mantle this is probably it. With Alejandro Vecino now thirty four someone has to be ready to step into the role of schemer in chief. Bustamanté has been hailed as the natural successor for along time but has largely flattered to deceive, amid a spate of disciplinary and off field issues. Waiting in the wings is César Goyoso, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since emerging from Sporting’s famed academy and could challenge Bustamanté. Aguayo offers a tireless presence in the centre of the pitch, in a classic bot-to-box mould and both Vazquez and Navarro are midfield battlers in something of a Sargossan tradition.

FC: 9. Fabián Guzmán (24) – Sporting San Marquez
FLC: 10. Miguel Ángel Berganza (25) – El Nacional
FC: 17. Tomas Murillo (23) – Alianza Jucaro
FR: 20. Orlando Correa (26) – Sportivo Soluca
FL: 23. Andrés Saavedra (24) – Estrella Torreón

A major factor in Sargossa’s recent success has been their fluid attacking play, with the wonderful interchanging of Iván Mayoral, Miguel Marí and Matías Cáceres. Key to that has been the versatility of those players, notably Cáceres’ ability to play in the centre or on the right and Marí’s penchant to roam all across the attacking third. But with Marí and Mayoral the wrong side of thirty sourcing some alternatives might not be such a bad idea. Fabián Guzmán is already considered the heir apparent to Mayoral and was an impressive impact sub during World Cup qualifying so he’s expected to lead the line. It’s around him that the question marks sit. Correa and Saavedra are out-and-out wingers while Berganza is a more of a forward.

Style

Defederico credits former Sargossan great Ernesto Farías for his own tactical approach, a 3-4-3 system with a high defensive line and an emphasis on pressing and harrying the opposition into a mistake. He is also far more attack minded than his predecessor and his players are encouraged to get the ball from front to back at a rapid pace. Long balls are consider anathema, with even the goalkeeper encouraged to slide a pass to the defender rather than hoofing it up field. The system is relatively fluid, with 5-3-2, 3-4-1-2 and 5-4-1 all used to some degree in recent matches.

The SuperLiga is quite a physical league so challenges can often be described as 'uncompromising' and cards are pretty common. Gamesmanship, while never encouraged, is also not particularly uncommon. But diving is considered particularly stigmatic so Sargossan players are unlikely to be found doing it.

The opening fixture against Cassadaigua is already being mooted as a qualification decider, given the winner is likely to be the side that finishes second behind Pasarga. Consequently The Corsairs will be looking to knock the Dagans over early so you can expect to see the standard 3-4-3. Against Pasarga though a more circumspect 5-3-2 will likely be how they lineup.

Style Modifier = (+3)

Kit
Courtesy of ediraf

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by **Qusmo** » Sat Nov 24, 2018 11:59 pm

Qusmo eyes difficult road ahead in Mytanija for Copa Rushmori XXXI

Fuzpon Qusma & national team manager Avarn-Oxolt Ban have announced their twenty-five-player roster for the upcoming Copa Rushmori in Mytanija.

“Anyone who thinks about where we were at the end of the last Copa Rushmori & then considers where we are today will realize that the progress that our nation has made in such a short time is incredible,” Avarn-Oxolt began. “We’ve improved at every level, & our performances have served as evidence of that. That has led, of course, to some tough decisions on personnel. There are so many players in our pool who are capable of being real contributors to this team. However, after making some difficult choices, we’re confident that the twenty-five players who we have picked are capable of accomplishing great things in Mytanija.”

Avarn-Oxolt also announced the eleven players they plan to put on the pitch for their opening match. “Just like finalizing the twenty-five-player roster, figuring out our best Starting XI was not easy by any stretch of the imagination,” Avarn-Oxolt emphasized. “We’ve had two goalkeepers who have proven that they have what it takes to don the №1 kit for their nation through some outstanding performances, but they’re not infallible. We have a defense which has been phenomenal on the whole, but they have been exploited at times, especially against top offenses. We’ve been tremendously fortunate to have a player like Ilinx-Kepex Zev be the leader of this team since we’ve started competing, but no one else in the midfield have quite made themselves irreplaceable. & we have some phenomenal players up front who have demonstrated their worth with their clubs, but that doesn’t always guarantee that they’re on form in international duty.”

“Ultimately,” continued Avarn-Oxolt, “we decided to make one change in our Starting XI. Of course, the UICA competitions were pushed behind the Cup of Harmony this year, so we didn’t have that knowledge available to us. Had the schedule been what it was last year, we would have looked at things much differently. We had Qusma clubs make it to the Series B Champions’ Cup quarterfinals, the Globe Cup sixteenth-finals, & the Champions’ Cup quarterfinals. Those kind of performances really stood out to us when we were making our roster selections for this tournament - &, indeed, for the selection of our starting lineup. In the end, we decided to give Prant-Pertz Gor the №11 kit. We just could not overlook the kind of performances they had in that amazing run through the Champions’ Cup.”

“Of course, that means that Xilit-Zaxac Yol will be on the bench,” Avarn-Oxolt confirmed. “They will be a super sub of sorts, & we know that they have great things in them. They have shown us plenty of times already that they’re more than capable of scoring, & I am sure that I will be able to call on them at key points in matches if I need to. However, I want to give Gor a chance. Yol has been a fixture in our lineup since the beginning. That has limited a lot of opportunities for other players to shine. Given the phenomenal form that Gor displayed in the Champions’ Cup, we feel like this would be the perfect time to see what Gor is capable of if they are given confidence, trust, & a genuine chance to succeed.”

Avarn-Oxolt then discussed other roster changes for the Copa Rushmori. “We’ve decided to leave Rilan-Jerat Nev at home for this tournament. Ultimately, we have great confidence in Prant-Pertz Gor at striker & Paliv-Xilit Max at poacher. If either of those players get in a funk, Xilit-Zaxac Yol will be more than capable of filling in. &, of course, we also have Jralv-Nexev Pec & Ozolx-Mazur Guv sitting on the bench if we need more bodies up front. In the end, we had to make the choice between taking a third striker or taking another midfielder. Ultimately, we opted to strengthen our midfield depth. Rilan-Jerat is a good player, & we’re sure that they’ll be back on the national team soon; at the moment, however, we have to address our team’s needs. Of course, I have discussed the matter with Nev, & they understand.”

“With that said, we think that the position of greatest need on our roster is having a second defensive midfielder. Our back three has done wonders, but against some top competition, it could have really used some help. At times, we think that the player we assign to that role has struggled to find answers for top-class opposition. We think that a part of that might be due to how much we’re asking of Yamaj-Blonz Jok & Yunal-Julad Waz, serving both as starters frequently & substitutes for Ilinx-Kepex Zev whenever we can afford to take them out of the match for a rest. So, we’re hoping that a third option in that role can help to ease the burden on them, & hopefully result in some better performances. Looking at the options, we really had three true defensive midfielders in the fifty-player pool. Aside from Yunal-Julad Waz, we have two players who have only been capped in friendlies. Ultimately, we had to determine who would contribute the most for us on defense, & after a lot of deliberation, we decided that Jerat-Jonto Jan would be the one for us,” the manager concluded. “We have confidence that they’ll be able to shore up our defensive efforts & that our whole central midfield will be better off for it.”

“With that said, we’re very happy with the team we have assembled. We have the pieces; it’s just a matter of having all of them come together for a whole tournament run. If Xynat-Evela Cuf can make some key saves at some key moments, if we can continue to have the kind of defense that has powered us ever since our World Cup 81 Qualifying campaign began, if Ilinx-Kepex Zev continues to be a marshal in the midfield & control possession, & if we can unlock the kind of magic in the final third that Paliv-Xilit Max conjured up in Kita-Hinode & Prant-Pertz Gor discovered in the Champions’ Cup, there’s no limit to what this team can do,” Avarn-Oxolt exclaimed.

“That’s not to say that anything will be guaranteed for us,” Avarn-Oxolt warned. “The road is far from easy. The fact that there are so few teams competing in this tournament serves to concentrate its talent. Valladares is one of the top teams in this tournament, & they’re one of the favourites to win it all. Eastfield Lodge, of course, is another top team; they’re the best out of Pot 2, & they are more than capable of making a deep run. & it would be an injustice to not talk about Mytanija. They play well above what their ranking would suggest; they should not be in Pot 4, & I’d say that they are, by far, the most dangerous team from that pot, especially given that they will have rapturous partisans supporting them at every match. In fact, I’d even suggest that Group A might be the Group of Death of this tournament. No one is getting out with a free pass; every team will have to earn their ticket to the quarterfinals.”

“We’re glad to have played each of these teams before. We know how they play. We know their tendencies. We know their strengths. We know their weaknesses. We know how we can try to exploit them. We know how they will try to exploit us. We know them,” the manager repeated. “& throughout this group stage, the entire coaching staff & I are going to have to be very busy coming up with schemes & strategies in order to neutralize - or at least minimize - some of our opponents’ weapons, & to maximize our own matchups & skill sets. I truly do believe that we are a good team, but so is every other team in this group. We are going to have to fight, scrap, & claw for every point we can get, in every match, against every opponent. With that said, everyone on this squad is ready to get started.”

Twenty-Five-Player National Team Roster
Players assigned shirts 1-11 will start Group Stage Matchday One

N° Ps Name (Age)                 Club                  Caps  Starts   Goals

 1 GK Xynat-Evela Cuf (27)    KF Trosoc               42      41       0
12 GK Vanza-Jerat Gep (27)    Southern Star           22      21       0
25 GK Pilta-Jerat Zev (32)    KF Koflir                4       4       0

 2 CB Cunix-Betva Tla (28)    KF Niom                 63      63       1
 3 CB Yelto-Alfan Ono (25)    KF Koflir               46      41       1
 4 CB Zenon-Gerol Kal (24)    KF Koflir               54      53       0
13 CB Ozolx-Alfan Ixi (26)    KF Werzin               41      31       1
14 CB Lynul-Savar Mal (30)    Klyde                    9       3       0
15 LB Yoltz-Tlanx Sal (25)    KF Koflir               13       5       0
16 RB Nirlo-Betva Uzo (25)    KF Atlant               25       7       0

 5 CM Yamaj-Blonz Jok (21)    KF Werzin               37      28       1
 6 CM Ilinx-Kepex Zev (32)    KF Qastyr               66      66       7
 7 AM Ilinx-Vulav Ixi (26)    KF Poldanz              51      48       4
 8 LM Helek-Nenzi Ono (22)    KF Qastyr               22      16       0
 9 RM Ilinx-Iblix Tla (29)    KF Trew                 25      18       1
17 DM Yunal-Julad Waz (26)    KF Poldanz              45      36       2
18 DM Jerat-Jonto Jan (23)    FK Metropola Borograd    3       1       0
19 AM Gavax-Nenzi Abe (24)    KF Trew                 24      13       3
20 LM Kynda-Sevet Pec (20)    KF Koflir               49      48       3
21 RM Forzu-Ralox Kal (26)    KF Qastyr               47      47       1

10 SS Paliv-Xilit Max (24)    Pascal Maschu           43      37      21
11 ST Prant-Pertz Gor (26)    Loconstead United       33      14       6
22 LW Ozolx-Mazur Guv (28)    Hoima Warriors          26       6       5
23 RW Jralv-Nexev Pec (26)    KF Poldanz              22       6       0
24 ST Xilit-Zaxac Yol (24)    KF Poldanz              57      54      27

Special Roles
Formation: 3 - 5 - 2
Manager: Avarn-Oxolt Ban (67 y.o.)
Captain: Ilinx-Kepex Zev
Corners: Ilinx-Vulav Ixi
Free Kicks: Prant-Pertz Gor
Penalties: Prant-Pertz Gor

Kit Information
From a prepared statement from Fuzpon Qusma in lieu of an actual image
"Our home kit will be in our national colours, red & gold. Emblematic of our national flag, a thick two-colour sash will run from the right shoulder down to the left hip, both front & back. The top sash colour will be gold, & the bottom sash colour will be red. Above the sash will be a red field, while below the sash will be a gold field. Our shorts will be red & our socks will be gold. On the back, we will have a large red circle outlined in gold to recall our flag, break the sash, & allow clearer kit numbers, which will be printed in gold, just like the sun on our flag. Highlights throughout the kit will be gold. Our clash kit will be white with the full, uninterrupted, two-colour sash on front & back. We will have black numbers & red highlights, complemented by the same red shorts & gold socks. Our goalkeepers' kits will be black with the sash on the front side only, with white numbers, gold highlights, black shorts, & black socks. We believe that these kits are not only striking, but will represent our country well internationally. We are proud to represent Qusmo, & we eagerly look forward to the matches ahead."

Note on Qusma Culture
All Qusma are biologically androgynous; you should refer to them in your RPs as they or them. Speaking of referring to Qusmi’y, if you plan to use names, know that the “first” name - the long, hyphenated one - is a Qusmi’s family name, & the “last” name - the short, unhyphenated one - is their given name. On the subject of proper nomenclature, when you read my RPs, you should know that Qusmo refers to the country of Qusmo, Qusma is an adjective for something that is from or of Qusmo, a Qusmi is a person who is from Qusmo, & Qusmi’y are a group of more than one Qusmi. (In other words, Qusmo is to Scotland as Qusma is to Scottish as Qusmi is to one Scot as Qusmi'y are to several Scots.) I keep most of my RPs stored in my sportswire; feel free to reference these or contact me directly if you have any questions or would like to learn more.

Qusma History
Total Record
32 wins - 15 draws - 24 losses
1.56 points per match from 71 matches

Competitive Record
25 wins - 11 draws - 15 losses
1.69 points per match from 51 matches

Rushmori Record
3 wins - 1 draw - 5 losses
1.11 points per match from 9 matches

Event                     Opponent          Venue        Result
World Cup 80 Qualifiers   Ceni              Visitor      L  2-5
World Cup 80 Qualifiers   Ceni              Host         L  1-5
Copa Rushmori XXX         Valladares        Neutral      L  0-1  *
Copa Rushmori XXX         East Neutralia    Neutral      W  1-0
Copa Rushmori XXX         Savojarna         Neutral      L  0-1
Copa Rushmori XXX         Ceni              Neutral      L  0-3
World Cup 81 Qualifiers   Eastfield Lodge   Host         D  0-0  *
World Cup 81 Qualifiers   Eastfield Lodge   Visitor      W  6-3  *
Friendly                  Mytanija          Visitor      W  1-0  *
Matches with asterisks were played against Group A opponents

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by **Nephara** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 3:05 am

NEPHARA
World Ranking: 3rd
Preferred Formation: 4-2-3-1
Secondary Formation: 4-4-2
Style Modifier: 0
Home Stadium: The Farham Arena in Sabrefell is reserved for the biggest games, but Nephara is a large enough country that it spreads its matches across the nation.
Kit Supplier: ediraf
Nickname: The Cormorants

Nephara were thoroughly convincing in qualifying, winning all but one match, and come into the World Cup in fine fettle and as reigning Rushmori champions. There's no questions of authority, no squabbling behind the scenes, and little uncertainty - Michael Brandon is likely to step down after the World Cup, but his force of will ensures he's no lame duck. Oh, and they're first seeds, which should avoid the groups of death the Cormorants tend to get into. The Cormorants are, justifiably, among the favourites to win it all.

Overall Record
401 wins - 72 draws - 106 losses
1260 scored - 681 conceded

Trophies
Baptism of Fire 51
Cup of Harmony 61
World Cup 74
Eagle's Cup 5
Copa Rushmori 30
5 Campionati Esportiva - 6, 8, 10, 15 and 18
Only the second nation in history to achieve the 'Grand Slam' of WCC titles - represented by three stars on the crest.
Most Caps
172 - Hadrian Belfast
155 - Elaine Ashdown
141 - Tosca Marlowe
137 - Cathy Stokes
136 - Tanith Rainsford
134 - Michael Brandon
129 - Adnan Szalai
128 - Dieter Konoval
126 - Anna Shrike, Malachite Scharner
116 - Dale Brightley, Diandra Ballard, Sasha Christener, Penumbra Amokachi
112 - Konrad Gosforth
111 - Calliope Katskalidis
108 - Gerhard Thunder
104 - Rook Cathar
103 - Keith Rowland, Sieglinde Lohengrin

Most Goals
65 - Penumbra Amokachi
59 - Estrella Hawke
57 - Gerhard Thunder
55 - Rook Cathar
50 - Elaine Ashdown

Most Clean Sheets
44 - Diandra Ballard (116 caps)
29 - Apostolos Tsattalios (87 caps)
28 - Portia Thrift (78 caps), Kieron Riordan (66 caps)
24 - Reece Coleman (51 caps)

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        Y*
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    N
Injure Players:               Y**
Godmod Injury Events:         N
Red Card Players:             Y***
Yellow Card Players:          Y
Godmod Other Events:          N
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* Gosforth takes penalties and right-footed set pieces. Strongbow takes left-footed set pieces.
** I'll have the final say on how long the player will be out, but feel free to make them look severe as you want.
*** One per match.

Tactics

As always, the Cormorants play hard and physical on the defensive and quick, broad and ruthless on the attack, especially loving to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Set pieces are also something of a specialty. They usually press hard and try and wear out the opponent, but are willing to sit back if they need to preserve a lead. The fullbacks are expected to overlap with their wingers and provide much of the team's width. The strikers - mostly, anyway - are all very physical and very capable of finishing, pressing high as the first defenders but also striving to get on the end of chances and to finish what the midfield starts. Nepharim play rough, some might even say dirty - but at least it's always honest, and outright cheating isn't tolerated culturally.

Staff
Manager - Aidan Brosque - Age 54
Assistant Manager - Bryony Johansen - Age 41
Aidan Brosque has come steadily up the ranks, and this feels like a natural capstone to his career. Brosque - known only as a player for his longevity as a brutal centre-half - cut his teeth at Chenoworth Harriers, forging them into a UICA contender from nothing with a focus on physicality and hard work. He applied that same philosophy and siege mentality to Crisisbless, renowned for their habit of choking - he took them to the Premiership title. After a somewhat acrimonious departure there, he knows he wasn't the favourite for the job (that was the Chromatik, Lisa Amos of Starling) and that's only made him more determined. Bryony Johansen has also spent some time in the hot seat, though with vastly less success at Extreme Hills, and was also a dominant centre-half.

Goalkeepers
Core
1 - GK - Andreas Swoboda (

Holdenberg) - Age 32 - 27 caps, 15 clean sheets
A capable, reliable goalkeeper, Swoboda's quietly ticked along in the background. Until, at some point recently, he managed to turn from being a consistent 7/10 into a consistent 8/10. His distribution is peerless, his shot-stopping consistent, his command unflinching. Very quietly, he's nudged his way into world-class territory.

12 - GK - Hesterine Mercator (

Eastweald) - Age 26 - 9 caps, 6 clean sheets
Narrow-shouldered and rather horse-faced, Mercator carries the hopes of Nephara's future on her shoulders. She's outspoken on and off the pitch, unafraid to give referees and defenders alike a piece of her mind. A sharp, acrobatic shot-stopper, a little weak in the air.

20 - GK - Anthoulis Matraxis (

Creed United) - Age 27 - 5 caps, 2 clean sheets
An athletic, quick-footed goalkeeper, with excellent distribution skills. Matraxis is thoroughly in the modern mould. As far as his shot-stopping goes, he's... well... maddeningly inconsistent, to tell the truth. On his day, he's up there with the best, but sometimes he's a liability.

Defenders
2 - RB - Leona Rafford (

Crisisbless) - Age 30 - 83 caps, 7 goals
A true larrikin on and off the pitch, with a decidedly combative streak. Lightning-quick running down the right, not letting her diminutive stature stop her. Has taken a couple more injuries of late, and might just be starting to slow a bit.

3 - LB - Marcin Close (

Brinemouth) - Age 24 - 18 caps
An athletic fullback who has boundless energy, constantly chasing up the flank and tracking back diligently, a quiet and unremarkable professional of the pitch. With a maturity belying his years, Close just does what is needed.

5 - CB - Dieter Konoval (

KT Moreazerua) - Age 33 - 128 caps, 4 goals
A bruiser at his core, Konoval's most at home bullying small, weak forwards. Not as tall as some might expect, and used to make up for it with pace in his youth - this, however, is probably his last tournament. He's been a colossus for the national team, and hopes to bring home one last trophy.

6 - CB - Dragora Steelhenge (

Ramusok United) - Age 28 - 38 caps, 1 goal
A tall, assured centre-half who belies her age with a regal bearing and a real bite in the tackle. Mentally resolute, and has worked hard on her ability to recover from errors.

18 - RB - Eloise Kielseng (

Kingsgrove) - Age 25 - 21 caps
Something of a surprise in the squad to some, but Kielseng's been a quiet success story early in her career, making a mark in Ceni after leaving Athletic. Defends well, attacks well, fast, gets the basics right. Set to become only the second Brenecia-based player to get capped for the Cormorants in the modern era.

19 - LB - Lux Vicelich (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 27 - 40 caps, 1 goal
Another quick, spiky fullback, with a distinctly dirty streak. A street kid from the Moths with a rough past, but a very bright future. Loves to go forward and can drop a cross on anything.

22 - CB - Roxelana Thorn (

Revolutionaries) - Age 22 - 15 caps
Thorn feels like she could be the woman of the future. Tall, decisive and muscular, Thorn throws herself fearlessly into any challenge to keep the ball out of her net. The art of defending - the joy of defending - is not lost, not as long as Thorn is here.

Midfielders
4 - DM - Monica Rowland (

Bastion, c) - Age 27 - 54 caps, 1 goal
A fiercely ambitious midfielder with a razor-sharp intelligence, Rowland is set for great things and knows it. A genuinely assured presence on the ball, Rowland makes everything around her calmer right up until she sends a ferocious bullet pass downfield. Euran by birth and culture, but her father, Keith, won a century of caps for the Cormorants - she followed suit due to the opportunities for female footballers there. Her driven, professional mentality made her captain material in Brosque's eyes.

8 - CM - Rusalka Klein (

Crawford City FC) - Age 28 - 53 caps, 13 goals
A lanky, elegant player who strides through the midfield with a charming confidence. Very easy to watch in possession, diligent at winning it back, and her clear ambition and eagerness to leave a mark are an asset to her play. She doesn't just fade out of games - when she's on the pitch, you know.

14 - AM - Josie Webster (

Raynor City United) - Age 27 - 8 caps, 3 goals
A tall, elegant playmaker who just makes it all look so easy. Plays with the gentle confidence of someone with nothing to lose, and the directness of a born winner.

15 - CM - Circe Rosenthal (

Directus) - Age 27 - 33 caps, 6 goals
A sturdy, classy midfielder who seizes the initiative at any given chance. Always getting the ball moving forward, and unafraid to get stuck into challenges on the defensive end.

21 - AM - Chimera Moxham (

Crawford City FC) - Age 23 - 25 caps, 8 goals
Aren't playmakers meant to be classy? Moxham isn't. She's arrogant, but not in an elegant way, she just always believes she knows the right thing to do, on and off the pitch. Perhaps annoyingly, she's usually right. Decision-making can be a bit flaky, but she has the pace, the eye for goal and even the defensive workrate to make up for it.

23 - HM - Servet Misidjan (

AFC Treason) - Age 29 - 62 caps, 2 goals
An elegant, austere and hard-running player with wonderful technique and intelligence on the ball. Sometimes fades out of games, and isn't perhaps as physical as most Nepharim, but it's made up for by sheer class. In theory.

Forwards
7 - RW - Ishtar Fanaiyan (

Eastweald) - Age 27 - 53 caps, 15 goals
Iskandrian by birth, Fanaiyan's endured terrible hardships and will take nothing for granted as a professional. Lightning-quick, a bastion of athleticism. Probably the star of the last World Cup, adding a real spark with her drive and directness.

9 - ST - Estrella Hawke (

Sabrefell Athletic) - Age 29 - 103 caps, 59 goals
Statuesque and athletic, Hawke's very strong, very quick and ruthless with the ball at her feet. Her first touch can be her downfall, and she's at her most comfortable charging forward at full pelt. As a pure striker's striker, she's world-class.

10 - ST - Aristide Metzger (

AFC Treason) - Age 23 - 5 caps, 3 goals
Metzger has had to be patient, sticking with his hometown club, but has steadily been able to force his foot in the door as Roddy Fraser age. And, no, he isn't nearly as clinical a goalscorer... yet. He's an all-action forward, with no setting to dial down the tempo. Plays hard and fast, and prefers power over placement.

11 - LW - Rowena Strongbow (

Directus) - Age 27 - 84 caps, 25 goals
A powerful, old-school Nepharim winger who burst onto the scene a while back and has impressed everyone for club and country. Surely one of the world's best players, having never taken a step back in her career. The first woman to ply her trade in Eura's leagues.

13 - RW - Monako Saroszi (

Ulsa) - Age 24 - 30 caps, 6 goals
A fearless, driving winger, unafraid to get their hands dirty to get back the ball. They exude a quiet confidence that manifests itself on the pitch as flashy, decisive moves, and they're unafraid to take on a shot themselves. Still somewhat raw, and on something of a goal drought.

16 - LW - Marisha Staunton (

Crisisbless) - Age 25 - 16 caps, 2 goals
Is the classic winger dead? Apparently not. Staunton brightens things up with pace and directness, a fair right peg, a thunderous left. While a little lightweight in her early days, Staunton's breakthrough at Crisisbless came with a lot of work at the gym. She's a powerful figure these days.

17 - ST - Kurtis Bastable (

Hornchurch) - Age 21 - Uncapped
There's been plenty of articles bemoaning Nephara's relative lack of striking depth of late, so the emergence of Bastable has come as a salve.

ABBREVIATED ROSTER
Goalkeepers: 1 - Andreas Swoboda (Holdenberg, EUR), 12 - Hesterine Mercator (Eastweald, COS), 20 - Anthoulis Matraxis (Creed United)
Defenders: 2 - Leona Rafford (Crisisbless), 3 - Marcin Close (Brinemouth), 5 - Dieter Konoval (KT Moreazerua, AUD), 6 - Dragora Steelhenge (Ramusok United, COS), 18 - Eloise Kielseng (Kingsgrove, BRE), 19 - Lux Vicelich (Sabrefell Moths), 22 - Roxelana Thorn (Revolutionaries, EUR)
Midfielders: 4 - Monica Rowland (Bastion, EUR), 8 - Rusalka Klein (Crawford City FC, COS), 14 - Josie Webster (Raynor City United, VAL), 15 - Circe Rosenthal (Directus, EUR), 21 - Chimera Moxham (Crawford City FC, COS), 23 - Servet Misidjan (AFC Treason)
Forwards: 7 - Ishtar Fanaiyan (Eastweald, COS), 9 - Estrella Hawke (Sabrefell Athletic), 10 - Aristide Metzger (AFC Treason), 11 - Rowena Strongbow (Directus, EUR), 13 - Monako Saroszi (Ulsa, EUR), 16 - Marisha Staunton (Crisisbless), 17 - Kurtis Bastable (Hornchurch, EUR)

by **Savojarna** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 6:36 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Difficult Copa campaign ahead for Savojarna

Thessia, MYT - With only sixteen teams, the 31st Copa Rushmori in Mytanija is one of the smallest recent competitions, meaning that there will be a tough group stage ahead of the Savojars. With only the top four seeded due to the small tournament, the Savojars have two better-ranked teams in their group, one of them Rushmori Number One Nephara. Mytanija, a nation in the Southwest of Rushmore that was often more known for its conflict-ridden past (with Savojarna having had overall good relations with the socialist Tolic government, but having broken ties during the Kalinina rule and being neutral in the war that toppled her), now wants to establish a new international image by inviting the region's best to the country. Savojarna's focus on Mytanija is currently divided between the Copa and the Handball World Cup, also taking place in the country at the moment. Savojarna are headquartered near Thessia for both events and will host a Cultural Exchange Night in the most populous city of Mytanija after the third match.

The Savojar group

The first game of the Copa tomorrow evening in Thessia will be the decisive game of the campaign already when Savojarna face Darmen, only moderately better placed than the Northlights in the Copa Ranking. The Darmeni came second behind the surprising Commonwealth of Baker Park in the last World Cup Qualification, beating our neighbours Taeshan quite convincingly. Following that, they qualified for the final tournament with an aggregate score of 9-4 against Abanhfleft, and finished second in Group A behind hosts Banija, but ahead of Pasarga and Apox. In the octofinals, they fought a spectacular fight yet again and lost 5-4 to heavyweight Nephara. With five men in the midfield, their offensive formation and playstyle will be a tough challenge for Savojarna. However, they typically employ a back three, which often benefits the Savojar play relying on two fast wingers. Therefore, fans can be optimistic that we may at least hold Darmen to a draw. This would be crucial, as the two teams are most likely to battle it out for the second group place behind the top favourites, Nephara.

But first, the Northlights will face Oberour ar Moro. Despite coming only seventh in a WCQ group featuring Mercedini and Vilita, they convinced the organisers to invite them to the Cup of Harmony thanks to an entertaining play. Judging by the statistics, they are the worst team of the Copa aside from the unranked Mareibat, for which we have little information. However, Oberour ar Moro have a shinier history than their current post-conflict state implies, and their unconditional offence could upset an unconcentrated opponent. The Savojar counter-attacks could find openings behind their offensive approach, but the question remains whether the defence holds and whether Lise Asbeck is willing to modify her tactics to play rather passively against a team that is generally expected to be one of the weaker sides in the Copa. A victory against the Dominion will be crucial in order to not lose all chances to qualify for the KO round.

Hopefully, we will already have (almost) secured qualification before the last game, because this game will be the toughest of them all. Nephara are the defending champions of the Copa Rushmori and number three of the world. The team also stormed to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, but lost in a spectacular 4-3 against later World Champions and Savojar rivals Vilita. Nephara are a particularly interesting opponent for the Savojars as both teams employ similar tactics, even though the Nepharim approach is even closer to the Savojar men's team than to the more active and offensive women's side. It will nevertheless be more than difficult for the Northlights as Nephara are setting out to win their second Copa in a row. Asbeck noted another potential disadvantage in a highly physical play of the Cormorants, which has been an issue for the Savojar women in the past. However, she also pointed out that the Nepharim may be a bit tired following the WC81 octofinal rematch against Darmen and might rest some of their best players if they have already qualified at this point.

The other groups

Group A, featuring the hosts (that were not seeded in this year), is potentially the clearest, having drawn the highest seed of Pot 2, Eastfield Lodge, as well as the lowest seed of Pot 3, Qusmo. However, Qusmo have proven in the past that they can punch above their weight and will aim for an upset, while the hosts Mytanija will be perfectly motivated to pull off a surprise in this group. It is completed by Valladares, the number 3 of Rushmore and always a force to be reckoned with. In this group, we predict Valladares to hold onto their slight edge over Eastfield Lodge, who have not been too prone to surprises recently, but we still predict them to beat Qusmo and take the second spot in the group.

Group C features another Rushmori heavyweight, Eura. The Eurans will be challenged by Pridnestrovia and Taeshan, but like with the other two Big Three nations, we cannot really see them giving up the top spot of this group. However, Pridnestrovia vs. Taeshan will be a narrow fight for the second spot in this group. Our Northern neighbours disappointed in the last Copa, where they had only managed to get one point in a draw against Sarrbia and lost against Mapletish and Pasarga. The Pridnestrovians reached the quarterfinal, but did not get past Valladares there. With this past, we predict the Pridnestrovians to have the edge over a Taeshan with a somewhat questionable form. For the Crystalline Caverns, the goal is likely to get some points and exposure, but hardly a shot at the quarterfinals.

Finally, Group D is the only group not to feature one of the traditional three Rushmori heavyweights. However, Pasarga are not someone to scoff at either, and they will look to make it out of this group on the top. Their heaviest challengers will definitely be Sargossa, a team that was in the finals of the latest Copa, where Pasarga took an early exit in a 0-1 against Darmen in the octofinals. Both teams also qualified for the latest World Cup, with Sargossa again getting farther than their opponents. The challengers lost 4-3 against Vilita in the octofinals, while Pasarga failed to qualify out of a hard group with Banija, Darmen and Apox. Looking at this record, we predict Sargossa to win the group ahead of Pasarga, while Copa 30 hosts Cassadaigua and the unranked Mareibat will probably be unable to upset this duo.

The outlook

We do not want to look too far ahead, but what if the Savojars do make it out of this tough group? We would likely make it as second, which would mean another clash with Valladares, who beat us 3-0 in the Copa 30 group stage. This is likely to repeat itself (even though hopefully not as clearly), so we would be unlikely to reach our first Copa Rushmori semifinals. Nevertheless, in this hard group, reaching the second quarterfinal in a row would be a success. Nephara would probably also be favoured in our predicted matchup against Eastfield Lodge, leading to two group winners qualifying for the semifinals. Potentially closer matches are on the menu in the other half, with Eura vs. Pasarga (we would see a slight advantage for the Eurans here) and Sargossa vs. Pridnestrovia, a close duel with the edge (according to our prediction) for the vice champions of Cassadaigua. From here on, it all gets too speculative to be truly worth further predictions, but we can say that in any case, there is no easy path to victory for any team.

The broadcasting

STV2 will, as usual, broadcast all matches of the Savojar team. The games will mostly be played in the early bracket to make sure they can be broadcast in Savojarna despite the five hours of time difference between the two countries. Our first matchup against Darmen and the game against Nephara will be broadcast at 22:30 Savojar time, whereas the Oberour ar Moro matchup will be at a rather unpractical 3:00. However, we will also re-run the match on the following day at 19:00 before the usual Copa coverage, and have the full game available online. Additionally, SavojarSports.sj will live-blog all Savojar matches as well as provide a background stream in cooperation with the SFFB, showing you what is going on on the Savojar bench.

by **Mytanija** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 3:19 pm

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: MYTANAR TWENTY-THREE MAN SQUAD FOR COPA RUSHMORI XXXI.

Robin Hjik and Lev Repin have named the squad for the upcoming Copa Rushmori, hosted in Mytanija for the very first time. Naturally the FSM want the team to put in a good performance on home soil, especially given the disappointing outcome the last time out with Mytanija failing to get out of the group stage. The squad features two uncapped players with Hjik and Repin hoping to build on the more promising showing during the Cup of Harmony, with Mytanija progressing to the quarter finals where they finally fell to a Juvencus in a 3-2 thriller. Some at the FSM are quietly optimistic that this group of players could do pretty well in the Copa Rushmori given the tournament experience they now possess and having home advantage, with Mytanija's notoriously partisan football supporters potentially able to influence games with the atmosphere they create in the stands. There is also a feeling that the members of the under-21 squad that won the 40th Di Bradini Cup are beginning to come of age, with no less than 6 members of that team named in this squad.

##  Pos.    Name                Age  Caps/Goals  Club                    Notes
01  GK      Pedja Kasun         24   7/0         Ararat Severyan         DBC 40 winner
02  DL/ML   Srdan Vukovic       24   12/1        1896 Ebor               DBC 40 winner
03  DC      Damir Azanovic      33   32/0        Crvena Zvezda           Captain
04  DC      Niksa Obadko        26   25/1        Liria Prizren
05  DR      Petr Isaev          26   35/1        Crvena Zvezda
06  DMC/MC  Branko Brkljacic    25   12/0        Atletik Thessia
07  MC      Tahir Fejzuli       25   36/3        Atletik Thessia
08  MC      Grigor Todorov      29   33/1        Pikemouth (BRE)
09  ST      Jezdimir Ocokoljic  22   37/15       Newrook City (NPH)      DBC 40 winner
10  AMC     Jasno Odonelec      22   23/5        Clichy-sous-Bois (PRH)
11  ST      Nebojsa Aleksic     26   22/5        Tekstil Ibon
12  GK      Jasmin Savic        28   31/0        Atletik Thessia
13  DL      Tihomir Feric       26   26/0        Atletik Thessia
14  DC      Mojmir Anac         24   21/0        Olympic Thessia         DBC 40 winner
15  DC      Drazen Zupan        30   4/0         Ararat Severyan
16  DR      Branko Nikolov      25   0/0         Liria Prizren
17  DMC     Duje Madar          32   13/0        Energija-Nuklearna
18  MC      Mateja Stojkovic    29   18/0        Ararat Severyan
19  MC      Mehmet Elvahic      28   20/1        Tekstil Ibon
20  AMC/SS  Ermin Drzic         23   1/0         Workers Union (EUR)     DBC 40 winner
21  ST      Alen Zekic          30   22/2        Liria Prizren
22  ST      Anton-Dusan Straka  24   0/0         Liria Prizren           DBC 40 winner
23  GK      Adel Gudelj         34   1/0         Liria Prizren

Player Information.

GOALKEEPERS.
#1: Pedja Kasun, 24, Ararat Severyan (MYT).
7 caps, 0 goals
Being the best goalkeeper in the Top League two seasons in a row will gain you some admirers that's for sure and in the case of 6'5 stopper Kasun, Robin Hjik is certainly one of them. The national team manager has elevated Kasun to the country's starting goalkeeper spot ahead of incumbent Savic for the very first time and we may be witnessing a true changing of the guard here. Kasun is supremely athletic and has excellent distribution too, a thoroughly modern young goalkeeper. He has a long career ahead of him too, with goalkeepers usually lasting a little longer than outfield players, Kasun could prove very difficult to shift if he can translate his domestic performances to the national team job.

#12: Jasmin Savic, 28, Atletik Thessia (MYT).
31 caps, 0 goals
So Savic is the most experienced goalkeeper Mytanija have at international level, but his performances with Atletik have left a fair bit to be desired in recent seasons. He has done fairly well with the national side, but some are beginning to put this down to the way the national side play: Hjik and Repin have focused on staying solid at the back and many feel that this has benefited Savic no end. Atletik have less of an emphasis on defending and it has exposed him a little, if truth be told. He will remain a decent back-up for Kasun, standing at 6'3 and good at anticipating shots, he's always prepared to charge out to close down the angles too. His distribution lets him down a little and may be a part of the reason Hjik has gone with Kasun ahead of him this time around.

#23: Adel Gudelj, 34, Liria Prizren (MYT).
1 cap, 0 goals
Gudelj is a reliable performer and extremely no-nonsense, known for berating his defence, opponents and referees with the same vigour. Mytanija's return to the international footballing scene perhaps came a little too late for Gudelj, he would likely have collected a good amount of caps had the national team re-joined the international scene say 5 years earlier. As it is, he has his 1 solitary cap and it's unlikely he'll add too many more. Still a reliable third-choice goalkeeper though, he finished 3rd in the Top League's Golden Glove Award last season - ahead of the national side's second choice Jasmin Savic.

STRIKERS.
#9: Jezdimir Ocokoljic, 22, Newrook City (NPH).
37 caps, 15 goals
Mytanija's only real bona fide world class superstar at the minute, Ocokoljic (at times, singlehandedly), dragged Crvena Zvezda to the Top League title last season before Nepharim side Newrook City came in for him and he felt it was time to move, leaving on the highest of highs with his boyhood club winning its second ever league and cup double. He's a dab hand at finding space and likes to operate 'in between the lines', playing as a trequartista most of the time. A clinical finisher who remains composed in front of goal, his movement off the ball allows him plenty of opportunities. Has really developed physically over the past couple of years and where he once may have been roughed up by physical centre-halves he can now more than hold his own and still retains an ability to embarrass any defender that does attempt to get overly physical due to his speed and dribbling ability. Takes some short range free kicks.

#11: Nebojsa Aleksic, 26, Tekstil Ibon (MYT).
22 caps, 5 goals
A real modern day complete forward, Aleksic offers height along with his pace and is a very good finisher at domestic level, his goal scoring record with the national team isn't quite as good. He won't bring as much to the build-up play as Zekic, but if he is given a chance in front of goal he will likely take it. Aleksic is a player that has played lower-league football for his hometown club Tekstil in the past and this means he is fully prepared to get involved in the dirty side of the game and he can often be seen clipping at the heels of opponents and generally being a pain to play against. He has an excellent disciplinary record despite this, something of an oxymoron.

#21: Alen Zekic, 30, Liria Prizren (MYT).
22 caps, 2 goals
Zekic is a tall centre forward and it is his size and physical presence that make him a useful weapon when used alongside Ocokoljic, for example, as he provides a quite different sort of threat and will give defenders something a little different to consider - his hold-up and link-up play are excellent. His goal record for the national side is nowhere near as good as his goal scoring record at domestic level and that may reflect the difference in quality of opposition. He has moved to Liria Prizren over the summer as Atletik brought in two new forwards, he described it as a "massive wrench" to be leaving the club he has spent his entire career at, but the transfer could be the change Zekic needs to reignite a career that was seemingly beginning to tail off.

#22: Anton-Dusan Straka, 24, Liria Prizren (MYT).
Uncapped
The second uncapped player in the national side, Anton-Dusan Straka has really begun to come-of-age. His move from Arka to Liria came at the right time in his young career as he scored 20 goals in 30 appearances for Liria last season, finishing 2nd in the Golden Boot and 3rd in the Young Player of the Season Award (and there's no shame in finishing behind Ocokoljic in the Golden Boot!). Straka is a striker who operates amazingly well either in the penalty area - an old-fashioned fox in the box - or on the last man as he tries to break the offside trap. He will be caught offside regularly, but his speed and determination to keep trying make him a danger to play a high defensive line against. He wasn't always a composed finisher, but he has done a lot of work on it in the past few seasons and his composure and accuracy are now up there with the best Mytanija has.

Team roles.
Captaincy: If he's on the pitch it will always be Azanovic, if he goes off for whatever reason the order after him is: Todorov, Isaev, Obadko/Anac (dependent on which is on the pitch). There shouldn't really be a situation where it gets beyond that but if so it'll fall to either Ocokoljic or Odonelec to put the armband on.
Corners: Tahir Fejzuli takes them, irrespective of which side the corner is on. If he isn't on the pitch it will tend to be Jasno Odonelec (who will otherwise be in the box, given the fact he is a reasonable aerial threat).
Short free kicks: Ocokoljic or Fejzuli, basically. Ocokoljic is more likely to take them from the left as he's right-footed and Fejzuli more likely from the right as he's left-footed. Odonelec would be next choice and Branko Brkljacic would offer a different method of taking it which mainly involves just hitting the ball as hard as he possibly can.
Long free kicks: Fejzuli again. The full-backs will always stay back on long free kicks and Fejzuli will be unlikely to be any further than halfway into the opposition's half also as defence against any counter-attacks (both centre-backs will usually be in the opponent's penalty area). If he's not on the pitch it will likely fall to either of the full-backs to hoof it into the opponent's penalty area.
Penalties: In the game first choice would be Ocokoljic and second would be Fejzuli. If neither are on the pitch alternatives would include (in order) Odonelec, Azanovic, Todorov and Aleksic. In the event of a penalty shoot-out the order would be something like: Odonelec; Ocokoljic; Fejzuli; Azanovic; Todorov; Aleksic; Brkljacic, Isaev. If it goes beyond that then both teams need to get better penalty takers.

Kits.
Home: Green and white hooped shirt, green shorts and green and white hooped socks.
Away: Black shirt with green and orange trim, black shorts and black socks.
Third: All red kit.
Goalkeeper Home: All black kit.
Goalkeeper Away: All yellow kit.
Goalkeeper Third: All black kit.

Things to note:

• Robin Hjik is the team's manager and is widely regarded as the best footballer Mytannion has ever produced, he amassed 182 caps for the national side and scored 73 goals from midfield winning Cup of Harmony 56 in the process. Hjik isn't the biggest tinkerer, he won't change formations regularly in a game and will instead make substitutions that bring different sorts of players into the game rather than big tactical switches. This is something he is occasionally criticised for by the Mytanar media as it can leave the team vulnerable to the opposition's tactical changes. Luckily for him Lev Repin is an excellent tactician and is usually the one in charge of tactical changes during the game. It is expected that Hjik will soon retire from management with Repin ready to take over the national side's reigns.

• Lev Repin is his assistant and arguably the second greatest: 177 caps and 14 goals from full back, winning Copa Rushmori XVII and Cup of Harmony 56 and 59. They make a solid managerial duo also, winning Di Bradini Cup 40 with the under-21 squad. He is gaining a reputation as an excellent tactician, with his changes during the Cup of Harmony bringing noticeable results as the team made it through to the quarters before falling to a much higher ranked Juvencus side. Expected to become national team manager in the coming years.

• Mytanija has qualified to 11 World Cups, reaching the quarter finals in World Cup 68. Mytanija has won the Copa Rushmori once (XVII), to go with two victories in the Cup of Harmony (56 and 59); and a Di Bradini Cup win (DBC40). Some of these achievements were made under the names Mytannion/the Mytanar Region, Mytanija is ICly the exact same place.

• The team's best players currently are Jezdimir Ocokoljic, Tahir Fejzuli and Jasno Odonelec so they will tend to have the greatest role in any successes the team has, conversely if they have a bad game, the team's performance will suffer.

• The team's playing style is essentially a counter-attacking one, willing to soak up pressure with a supremely well-drilled defence before winning the ball and quickly advancing up the field with pace. There are a couple of players (Ocokoljic, Odonelec, Fejzuli), that are adept at breaking down tight defences themselves but the rest of the squad isn't quite at that level and therefore speed and off-the-ball movement are crucial to try and create chances in fast breaks.

• The national team's defence has managed to make the step up to international level from domestic level. They were all considered consistently solid performers domestically, but there remained some questions over how good they would be on the global stage, but a good performance during World Cup qualifiers (21 goals conceded in 18 games, 2nd best in the qualifying group and only 5 more goals than group winners Eura conceded), as well as progression to the Cup of Harmony's quarter finals have vindicated the ability of the Mytanar defence.

• Mytanars are renowned for being passionate and therefore will not be afraid of confrontation if they feel they're on the end of a particularly rough tackle. At the same time Mytanars are not afraid of gamesmanship and may perform some questionable tackles of their own, along with tactical fouls to prevent the opponent from gaining momentum. Furthermore, diving, crowding referees and even intentional handballs (OOC: so Maradona's Hand of God and Suarez for Uruguay versus Ghana, that sort of stuff), to influence the game are not beyond Mytanar players. They will argue that winning is the most important thing and will do anything they can to achieve victory. Some might call it dirty, Mytanars don't, that won't stop them complaining when things go against them naturally.

• Mytanar fans are well-known for being hooligans, causing problems wherever they go and being prone to violence. They also make outstanding choreographies for their domestic sides and occasionally the national team (if they aren't fighting each other), so pyrotechnics, flags and lots of noise and alcohol are common place. Corteos (organised marches from a specific place to the stadium), are also common, these can lead to areas being shutdown as the sheer numbers of fans walking along roads block traffic and can lead to issues as police attempt to marshal supporters too. Given the ongoing political situation in Mytanija, whether ultra groups are able to put aside differences regarding politics, ethnicity etc for the national side is a pertinent question and the answer to it may change even from game to game.

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y, you may comment on severity although I shall have final say
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y, Mytanars are notoriously passionate and prone to gamesmanship so may accumulate these at an extremely high rate
Hand out red cards to my players: Y, see above, although no more than two in one game please
Godmod other events: Y

Style modifier: -2.5

by **Eura** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 6:24 pm

The Euran Football Association’s 31st Copa Rushmori Squad

Manager: Daniel Belgrave (60, Eura)

Assistant Manager: Mike Humphrey (63, Eura)

Styles and Permission

Style Modifier: +0

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

Choose my goalscorers – YES
Godmod scoring events – YES
RP injuries to my players – YES
Godmod injuries to my players – YES (But only how the injury happens, not the extent of the injury)
Hand out yellow cards to my players – YES
Hand out red cards to my players – YES
Godmod other events – YES, provided you keep events within the realms of realism, so no deaths etc.

30 man squad

Shirt number – name – position – age – caps – goals – club
Caps and goals not included currently as stats are out of date by one cycle

Goalkeepers

1 – Robert Griffin – GK – 30 – Sabrefell Moths (Nephara)
13 – Kevin Belgrave - GK - 26 - Directus
30 – Ryan Bull - GK - 27 - Brinemouth (Nephara)

Defenders

2 – Scott Coles - RB - 29 - Ulsa
3 – Ben Hall - LB - 26 - Oakstone
4 – John Leach – CB – 30 – Ulsa
5 – Harvey Blake - CB - 26 - Spartangrad
15 – Charles Roberts - CB - 24 - Bastion
19 – Samuel Hopkins - CB - 25 - Eastweald (Cosumar)
21 – Jon Haines - RB - 26 - Sabrefell Moths (Nephara)
23 – James Lord - LB - 24 - Holdenberg City
25 – Oliver Murray - CB - 30 - Holdenberg
27 – Steve Fox - RB - 23 - Sabrefell Athletic (Nephara)

Midfielders

6 – John Talbot - CDM - 29 - Spartangrad
7 – Oscar Coltrane - AM - 30 - Sabrefell Athletic (Nephara)
8 – Liam Armstrong - CM - 27 - Starling (Nephara)
11 - Tom Robson - LM - 35 - Brigham
12 - Anthony Townsend - RM - 26 - Ma Alameome (Farfadillis)
16 – Alex Wyatt - CM - 30 - Revolutionaries
18 – Harry Gravesen - CM - 27 - Spartangrad
20 – Rhys Griffiths - AM - 24 - Revolutionaries
22 – Dominic Miller - LW - 29 - Bastion
24 – Frank Bevan - CM - 24 - Holdenberg
28 – Sebastian Field CM – 24 – Farrenton Athletic
29 - Harrison Burns - RM - 27 - Bastion

Forwards

9 – Josh Holmes – AM/CF – 30 – Revolutionaries
10 – Dion Underwood - ST - 30 - Bastion
14 – Lofty Jones - CF - 32 - Bastion
17 – Brian Bond - LW/ST - 24 - Oakstone
26 – Morgan Fox - CF - 26 - Falourr

Preferred starting lineup

Note; does not take into account suspensions, injuries or any other change. At the end of each RP I post, I will try to give a team for the next match and formation type. If no such lineup is posted, assume that there have been no changes and use the lineup below.

GK - 1. R Griffin
RWB - 2. S Coles
RCB - 4. J Leach
LCB - 5. H Blake
LWB - 3. B Hall
CDM - 6. J Talbot
RCM - 8. L Armstrong
LCM - 18. H Gravesen
RAM - 12. A Townsend
LAM - 7. O Coltrane
ST - 10. D Underwood

Eura may sometimes play 4-2-2-2 with Coltrane shifted to the left and Robson benched for another striker, usually Holmes, or a 4-3-3 with a middle of Armstrong/Coltrane/Talbot and a front three of Underwood/Jones/Holmes.

Subs

13. D Belgrave
21. J Haines
15. C Roberts
23. J Lord
16. A Wyatt
20. R Griffiths
11. T Robson
9. J Holmes
17. B Bond

Player Roles

Squad Captain: Scott Coles
Vice Captain: Robert Griffin
Direct free kicks: Oscar Coltrane (Right footed)
Indirect free kicks: Liam Armstrong (Right footed)
Right corner: Oscar Coltrane (Right footed)
Left corner: Oscar Coltrane (Right footed)
Penalties: 1. Liam Armstrong 2. Oscar Coltrane 3. Dion Underwood 4. Anthony Townsend 5. Scott Coles

Kits

by **Trans-Dniesters** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 6:43 pm

THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED SOCIALIST STATES OF PRIDNESTROVIA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM

It has been many years since Field Marshal Stepan Stepanovich Stepanenko was defeated in glorious battle by the forces of the Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft, many years since the greatest field marshal the world has ever seen was undisputably beaten by the forces of a faraway country that was still in the midst of recovering from a devastating religious civil war. Those years have seen humiliation upon humiliation bestowed by these meddling foreigners upon the once and only rightful ruler of the United Socialist States, Field Marshal Stepan Stepanovich Stepanenko. The nation, and our Great Leader, was forced to accept a humiliating peace with the "Democratic" Republic, which saw our glorious nation become a mere "client state" of these troublesome foreigners. In exchange, Great Leader Field Marshal Stepan Stepanovich Stepanenko, would remain in position as rightful ruler of the Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia, as befitting his station in life. Yet knowing that he is only ruler by virtue of a foreigner's whim has weighed down hard on the Great Leader Field Marshal. This resulted in the great United Socialist States closing itself off from the rest of the multiverse, so that no foreigner would see the shame that had been wrought upon the Great Leader.

But no longer. Great Leader Field Marshal Stepan Stepanovich Stepanenko has decided that the time for seclusion is over. No longer will Pridnestrovia remain under the shadow of the foreigners that had forced itself upon our great nation. We will show that Pridnestrovia has what it takes to become a real and true member of the multiversal community. But we will not do it through our military force. Instead, we will show that we are the best in the multiverse through sports! Sports, which is just codified barbarism! This will show the multiverse that Pridnestrovia is the best sporting country in the world! We will defeat every other nation that dares come up against us!

(OOC: I love being a dictatorial country's propaganda writer)

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: The Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia
Demonym: Pridnestrovian
Team colors: Green and red
Style modifier: -5 (This time it's all defensive)
Formation: 3-5-2
Head coach: Gaëtano Bernardeschi (82 y/o, Abanhfleft)

STARTERS
GK: Ferdinand Julius ABBING 34 y/o, Dinamo Bender

, vice-captain
Five years as the starting goalkeeper of Dinamo Bender and leading them to the Pridnestrovian Cup twice in those five years is surely the sign of a great goalkeeper, good enough to dethrone Svyatoslav Alkaev from the number 1 spot and take it for himself. Ferdinand Abbing is an excellent space manager and can handle anything from inside his box and also doesn't hesitate to rush out and put fear in the hearts of rushing opposition players. (Basically a clone of Manuel Neuer.)

RB: Yuri Artyomovich TYMOSHENKO 33 y/o, Sporting Ceneisis

(Abanhfleft)
Younger brother of Pridnestrovian women's national football team defender Yelena Tymoshenko. Like his sister, Yuri is good in the air and has a wicked good right foot that can send the ball into the back of the net if he hits the ball just right. But unlike his sister, when he turns crap, it becomes immediately noticeable during the 90 minutes of play as when he's crap, he's really, really crap.

CB: Aleksey Valentinovich VASILYEV 35 y/o, Locomotive Imgortur

(Abanhfleft)
Whoever said that a back line of only three defenders would be torn to pieces in the Fleftic Premier League obviously hadn't predicted the rise of Aleksey Vasilyev in the center back position, and while the departure of Charles Amoroso to Farfadillis may leave Locomotive in a dangerous position following their 7th-place finish last season, but hopefully some activity in the transfer window will add some strength to the backbone and add defensive strength alongside Vasilyev.

LB: Adam Vladimirovich VADIMENKO 29 y/o, Centus Serpents

(Cosumar)
It's not that Adam Vadimenko isn't good; it's just that he's tired of always being on loan from Sheriff Tiraspol. In fact, he spent three years on loan with Rosenpfelblatz North End in Abanhfleft! He did manage to break into the Sheriff first team when he was 25 years old but by then, he had already had enough of Sheriff and decided to strike out for greener pastures. Vadimenko's main ability is to make the last-ditch tackle that can stop an opponent from scoring, but a problem that has remained with him since his first appearance for Sheriff is that his tackles are almost like a hit-or-miss; one moment, he saves his team from otherwise clear-cut goalscoring chances by the opponents and other times, he's on the ground quicker than anyone else and is therefore left behind in the dust, and the opponents score anyway.

RM: Mark Ilyich POLZIN 31 y/o, Deschutes FC

(Dunnes)
Mark Polzin has been in the Pridnestrovian national team ever since they made their first appearance in international football in the 58th Baptism of Fire in Mizuyuki and the Equestrian States, thanks to his impressive performances for Elektrik Admiralnaya, almost singlehandedly bringing them up to the Pridnestrovian Super League for the first time in over 30 years by himself. Of course, that was when he played as the deep midfielder who could pick out passes to his teammates in the final third. But when he was deployed more as a ball-winning midfielder, added to the fact that the upper-tier management of Elektrik seemed content to keep fighting against relegation season after season, Polzin decided that perhaps it was time to move away from the club that had given him his big break. He eventually earned a move to Nephara's Newrook City but, like a lot of players, was a victim of the ruthless nature of the league and was eventually cut from the team after only a season with them. There are rumors though that he has signed a new contract with another team, this one from the nation of Dunnes, and he hopes to stay there quite a bit longer.

RDM: Demyan Isayevich WASYLYK 35 y/o, Dinamo Bender

Wasylyk plays well for both club and country, and he did score the 20-yard shot that let the Dynamos equalize against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Derby of All Derbies (even though he missed the penalty shot during the Pridnestrovian Cup Final against the same team). He has a penchant for the long shot from outside the box, and he does tend to convert these chances half of the time. Perhaps being a little more clinical in finishing shots and taking chances from inside the box could turn him into a real goalscoring threat.

CDM: Valentin Olegovich FUNAR 36 y/o, Admiral Novorossiysk-na-Dnistr

Funar's calming presence in the center of midfield means that little to no mistakes happen in that part of the pitch whenever he's around. He has a mean tackle and can thunder in shots from long range, sometimes as far as the halfway line, but if he has a weakness, it is that sometimes he can be caught off guard when it comes to going back on defense. He plays well for Admiral Novorossiysk, but many people believe that he deserves a move to another, bigger club. Perhaps his performances in the Copa Rushmori will finally get him a move away from the midtable club.

LDM: Vladislav Branimirovich BOGOMOLOV 36 y/o, Sheriff Tiraspol

, captain
One of the more dependable players in Pridnestrovia's packed defensive midfield, Bogomolov is yet another product of Sheriff's Academy of Football, and this shows in his high defensive output and work rate. Bogomolov will not hesitate to tackle and get physical with opposing players, which means that he has a career filled with bookings and sending offs. Opposing players may try to use this to get Bogomolov sent off, but more times than not, he doesn't need too much encouragement. He's happy and willing to do much of the dirty work himself.

LM: Demyan Georgiyevich PAJARI 30 y/o, Dinamo Bender

Pajari is the second player to be elevated from the bench to the starting lineup following the retirement from international football of his Dinamo teammate Yaroslav Wasylyshyn, who made the decision to hang up his international boots after getting injured in the same friendly against Abanhfleft that also convinced Isidor Petrov to retire from international footy. This isn't to say that Pajari isn't any good. He's got tons of potential, whole bagloads of them, and about the only thing holding him back from realizing this is the fact that he's got two left feet and can't control a long ball to save his life.

CF: Boyan Metodiev RADEV 32 y/o, Marinos Thimpodopoulos

(Fhulghamous Peninsula, playing in the Fleftic Premier League)
Radev's performances in Baptism of Fire 58, World Cup 71 and Cup of Harmony 63 earned him a transfer from Sheriff Tiraspol's bench and into the starting lineup of Marinos Thimpodopoulos, the Fhulghamous-based club that turned into last season's surprise package in the Fleftic Premier League, not only achieving safety within the top flight but also getting up to a 10th place finish, the club's best ever finish to date, which isn't saying much considering that that was the Mariners' first season in the Prem. Radev combined with Pruski international Lukasz Przyborowski and German-born striker Friedemann Aleshire to make Marinos the third-highest scoring team in last season's Premier League, with only Arsenal de Releinthi and Riuwiee United scoring more than the colonial club. Radev is currently on hot form and will look to pass this onto his appearances for the national team.

CF: Karl-Otto Peter SCHERMER 33 y/o, Sporting Ceneisis

(Abanhfleft)

RESERVES
GK: Gavril Konstantinovich KORNEYCHUK 28 y/o, Star City FC

GK: Fyodor Isaakovich EKSTATOV 29 y/o, Fortuna Novonikolaysk

DEF: Aleksey Naftaliyevich KARDASHENKO 30 y/o, Dinamo Bender

DEF: Branislav Aleksandrovich NOCHEVSKI 27 y/o, Chernomorets Bratsk

DEF: Urgan Abramovich SPETSIUK 26 y/o, Sheriff Tiraspol

MID: Vladimir Ustinovich KRUPIN 31 y/o, Kimmirut Panhandle

(Abanhfleft)

MID: Horea Vladislav ANTONESCU 27 y/o, FC Universitatea Vanatori

MID: Mikhail Igorovich NESTERENKO 32 y/o, Dinamo Bender

MID: Yuri Milanov LARIONOV 31 y/o, Vorpommern Nyqvist

MID: Klaus Ludwig KHVASHCHYNSKI 28 y/o, Union Rheinburg

FW: Wilfried Thomas HALBERSTAM 37 y/o, CSKA Tiraspol

FW: Akhmet Magomedovich DAVIDOV 27 y/o, Fortuna Novonikolaysk

STARTING LINEUP

KITS (by Adidulas)

IMPORTANT STATISTICS
Win-loss record: 57-19-55 (penalty shootouts are counted as draws regardless of final result)
First international match: VS Aynard (W 6-0)
First win: VS Aynard (6-0)
First loss: VS Fratton (0-1)
Biggest win: VS Nurkama (9-0)
Biggest loss: VS Pasarga (2-6)

RECORDS
BOF 58: 6-1-2 (lost to The Hakifao Isles in the final)
WC 71: 6-2-6 (fifth in Group 12 of qualifying)
COH 63: 1-1-2 (knocked out by Zenic in round of 16)
CR 22: 1-0-2 (third in Group A)
CR 23: 3-0-3 (knocked out by Saintland in round of 16)
CR 24: 1-0-3 (knocked out by Valladares in round of 16)
WC 75: 6-4-7 (fourth in Group A of finals group stage)
CR 25: 1-0-3 (knocked out by Pasarga in round of 16)
CR 26: 2-0-3 (knocked out by Eastern Sunrise Islands in quarterfinals)
GCoS 2: 4-2-1 (lost to The Redvale in the final)
CR 27: 3-2-3 (lost to Nephara in third place playoff on penalties)
GCoS 3: 6-2-0 (champions, defeated Rhineland Sued in the final)
CR 28: 1-2-1 (lost to Sameba in the Round of 16)
WC 79: 5-0-13 (8th out of 10 teams in Group 1 of qualifiers)
CoH 71: 1-1-2 (4th out of 5 teams in Group F)
CR 29: 5-0-2 (runners-up, lost to Valladares in final)
CMC 1: 2-2-0 (lost to Terre des Gaules in Round of 16 on penalties)
CR 30: 3-0-2 (lost to Valladares in quarterfinals)

SCHEDULE
MD1: Eura vs Pridnestrovia @ Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Valladares (cap. est. 60,207) L 1-2
MD2: Pridnestrovia vs Dunnes @ Alain Tramontin Stadium, Eterna City, Valladares (cap. est. 60,207) W 7-0
MD3: Cassadaigua vs Pridnestrovia @ Estádio Estadual Armando Bozzelli, Campo Grande, Valladares (cap. est. 58,259) W 1-0
RO16: Taeshan vs Pridnestrovia @ Estádio Estadual Armando Bozzelli, Campo Grande, Valladares (cap. est. 58,259) W 2-0
QF: Darmen vs Pridnestrovia @ Stade de Foix-Jules Picot, Bezieres, Valladares (cap. est. 63,150)

HOME STADIUM (NEW ARMY STADIUM, TIRASPOL)

New Army Stadium in Tiraspol is the home stadium of CSKA Tiraspol and can comfortably seat over 80,000 spectators following a three-year capacity expansion project.

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (I decide severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (3 per game)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (1 per 2 games)
Godmod other events: Yes (TG me first)

by **Mytanija** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 7:06 pm

Ilija sat eyes transfixed on the television screen. Around him, his family’s belongings were packed away in cardboard boxes. They were moving from the apartment that he had lived in for four years of his life to a house in a slightly nicer part of town. That was all a little above him, though, at 7 years of age he was only bothered about one thing, football. It just so happened that Mytanija were hosting the Copa Rushmori for the first time in the country’s history and the whole nation was abuzz for the occasion. Ilija was too young to remember the national team during qualification for the previous World Cup or the subsequent Cup of Harmony. This was his first ever international tournament and whilst that fact was lost on him a little bit, the fact it was being played in Mytanija wasn’t. Everybody, children and adults alike, was awaiting the start of the tournament with bated breath.

He had run home from school with his best friend Dino, they had excitedly chatted about the game tonight, Mytanija would be playing Valladares at Radnika in the tournament’s opening game. Earlier in the day, at lunchtime they had kicked a ball about, imagining that they were the players that would be on the pitch playing for the national team in the evening. Each had pretended they were a specific player, Dino had chosen Ocokoljic. Ilija always liked the way Tahir Fejzuli played, though, so he had been him. He was left-footed too, like Ilija. Ilija had mimicked the way he took free kicks, trying to bend one past Ivan – as the tallest kid in their class he naturally chose to be Pedja Kasun.

And now it was here, the build-up had started, Adrian Njulae – 90 caps and 2 goals for Mytanija, apparently, but all way before Ilija was born, too long ago for him to even comprehend, really – welcomed them to the Copa Rushmori:

“Hello and welcome to the MRK’s coverage of the Copa Rushmori right here in Mytanija. It is the first time the tournament has ever been hosting in our country, but that doesn’t mean that we have no history with the tournament…” He trailed off smiling as a montage started showing historic goals by both Mytanar players and other national teams, Ilija didn’t even know that some of the countries were in Rushmore, but he liked watching the old footage. There were names he had never heard of: Skye, Sharp, Urrustoy. They all looked like good players, though. Then there were some he had heard of, mainly because of his father talking to him about them: Hjik, Repin, Haugen, v Tuhinju, van Huijgevoort.

For Ilija, aged 7, it was captivating.

“Quite something, isn’t it?” Njulae was back again, smiling at somebody out of shot, he then turned back to the camera. “Well, we’ll have to see if any of the current crop can make memories that will put them into a highlight reel like that one day. I have two men with me who did that more than most. Welcome to Iivari Kaitanen and Martin Latka.”

“Cheers Adrian.” They replied in unison.

“Even if Mytanija don’t go anywhere in this tournament, it’s a real success being able to host this tournament here for the first time, isn’t it Martin?”

“Absolutely Adrian, we’ve come a long way in the past few years and I think it’s a way of demonstrating that to the rest of Rushmore. It’s always a bit surprising to think that we haven’t hosted the tournament before, if we look back at our day—”

“Oh, don’t do that, you’re making me feel old!” Adrian quipped, laughing.

“Too true,” Martin Latka chuckled, “But it is a wonder as to why the FSM never managed to put a bid together back then when our team was as strong as it was. This will be a real boost to that team out on the field, but it’s a boost to the country as well.”

“Quite and even in your day Iivari, the team was arguably even stronger then, your record winning trophies speaks for itself after all – two Cups of Harmony and a Copa Rushmori, is it?” Adrian asked, smiling.

“That was right the last time I checked!” Iivari laughed. “But yeah Martin is absolutely right, I imagine if we’d had home advantage a couple of times back in those days we could have maybe added another trophy or two, but it’s great for those lads that are going to play today and it’s a massive thing for our country as well, after all that has gone on over the past few decades.”

Ilija was born after the Mytanar Conflict had ended, but his parents had lived through it and they didn’t talk about it much. They were going to learn about it in school next year, in the 4th year of Primary School. He didn’t know too much about it other than that it was a good thing that it had ended.

The men on the television were wittering on again about something or other, but the camera had cut to players out on the pitch, warming up for the game. There was Ocokoljic, the camera was stuck on him, and everybody knew he was the key player for Mytanija. It then cut to Jasno Odonelec and there he was: Tahir Fejzuli! Ilija’s favourite player. Odonelec and Fejzuli were leaning on each other, stretching. Ilija wasn’t really listening to what the men were saying, he was more bothered about the players on the screen.

“Ilija, come on, we need to move some more of these boxes to the new house!” Mum shouted from the top of the stairs that led down to the ground level. They lived in a first-floor flat, something Mum always said she wasn’t going to miss. Ilija wasn’t really sure why she would miss it, living in the flat was cool. Right now, he was more bothered about missing the football, though.

“But Mum! The game is about to start! Mytanija are playing, I don’t want to miss it!”

“The game isn’t going to kick-off for another 45 minutes yet!”

“Yeah but I might miss something!” Ilija protested, looking at his Mum in desperation.

“Alright,” His Mum sighed and then smiled. “I’ll go get some more stuff packed, but as soon as this game finishes we’re going okay. You’re a big boy now and I need you to give me a hand!”

“Yes! Thanks Mum!” Ilija exclaimed, eyes glued on the television once again.

by **Qusmo** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 8:10 pm

SPONY LUQ TELEVISION

Hello, all. Welcome to Spony Luq Television, broadcasting from Qanz, Qusmo. Fans of football in Qusmo have been delighted over the past year, with an impressive performance in World Cup 81 Qualifying followed by a run through Cup of Harmony 73, capped off with a bronze medal. After the national team impressed, Qusma clubs took their turn in the international spotlight, as Fuzpon Qusma was represented in all UICA event group stages & all senior UICA competition knockout rounds. Most memorably, Pug Qusmyra champions KF Qastyr made it all the way to the Champions’ Cup quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions RGS Athletic of Eastfield Lodge. Now, the national team prepares to take the stage again, hoping to build off of these impressive performances in Mytanija at Copa Rushmori XXXI. After a successful Tour of the Multiverse friendly campaign, a Qusma side will face a team from Eastfield Lodge again before having rematches with Tour of the Multiverse opponents Mytanija & Copa Rushmori XXX rivals Valladares in Group A, with two tickets to the quarterfinals up for grabs. With that, let’s get to our first question, from a viewer in Qanz.

Did the friendlies mean anything?

Well, Fuzpon Qusma does seem to like its friendlies, but they often don’t give us much predictive power over how Qusmo will do when the matches matter most. Let’s not forget that, after Qusmo defeated the Squornshelan Remnant States in the Cup of Harmony quarterfinals, the team had not won any of their past nine friendlies - but they had not lost in their past fourteen competitive matches to that point, dating back to the first half of World Cup 81 Qualifiers. Qusmo’s latest string of four friendlies, however, featured three wins & a draw against very solid competition. Here’s what we think was different between the latest Tour of the Multiverse & the previous editions of friendlies that Qusmo played.

In short, Qusmo had more motivation. They played more like they were in competitive matches than in friendlies. They started the tour against Tinhampton, the Cup of Harmony 73 champions - who Qusmo would have played in the final had Qusmo beaten Juvencus in the semifinal, just as they had in the group stage of the tournament. The starting lineup was the same as the one which closed out the Cup of Harmony, & many of the players made it clear that they wanted to send a message that they could have beaten the Miners & lifted the trophy had they gotten the opportunity. Every Qusmi on the pitch played with a fire beneath them; to them, even though there were only three thousand people in attendance at the intimate Tin Park, it was no friendly that they were playing in. That’s how they walked away with a 1-0 win.

Next, Qusmo got to play the only other nation to have made its debut in the World Cup 80 cycle to have performed as well as Qusmo thus far. Beepee were the champions of that cycle’s Baptism of Fire, the sixty-seventh edition of the tournament for debutants; however, the South Pacificans have lagged behind Qusmo in performance since then. In World Cup 80 Qualifying, Qusmo wollopped Beepee by a score of 4-0 in Qusmo’s second-ever match, & the first to be played in Beepee’s national stadium; to this date, Qusmo has had no win by a greater margin, & despite a 1-0 loss in the return leg at Mastad Qanza, Qusma fans have thought of their team as clearly better ever since. Qusmo, thus far, stands above Beepee; however, there is one team as new as Qusmo that has not just done as well as the Qusmi’y, but even better: Baker Park. Qusmo certainly has been successful, qualifying for the knockouts at two Cups of Harmony, & even going all the way to the semifinals this time around. However, Baker Park has been even better, qualifying for the World Cup in both its attempts & earning wins at each visit, even gracing the Round of Sixteen in their latest showing. &, after two previous editions of the series, Qusmo had never defeated Baker Park, having one draw & one loss to their name. The players in red & gold wanted a win - & they got it, by a score of 1-0, evening the series overall.

After that, Qusmo went on another road visit, but they did not have to travel outside Atlantian Oceania. In fact, they faced their most familiar foe: Qasden. The two Qs first met in the group stage of Cup of Harmony 72; a draw allowed Qusmo to win Group E, perhaps a springboard for the team’s success the following cycle. Then, Qusmo won a rematch in a friendly. However, the teams’ third match was also the first for Cralt-Nirlo Fox; the Qusmi was a finalist to become the Qads’ manager, & they were invited to lead Qasden for a single match against their homeland as the final test. Qasden secured their first win in the series, & Cralt-Nirlo was hired. Cralt-Nirlo’s high-octane attack had stymied the normally-secure Qusma defense twice before, in 3-1 & 4-3 wins for the Qads, & Qusmo wanted to show one of its own that they still had it. They were not quite able to hand Cralt-Nirlo their first loss against their home country, but the defense played better than they ever had against the former KF Estraj manager, & Prant-Pertz Gor collected a brace that helped push them into Qusmo’s starting lineup to start this Copa Rushmori, allowing Qusmo to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw in Mastad Qastyra’s opening match.

Finally, to close out the friendly series, Qusma national team manager Avarn-Oxolt Ban put what they felt was their best starting lineup on the pitch. Avarn-Oxolt made it clear, as Qusmo headed back to Rushmore, that the friendly was to be approached as a competitive match; it would prepare the team for the matches to come. After all, that was why they scheduled the friendly in Mytanija, the nation which would host the Copa Rushmori. In fact, it was the first friendly that Qusmo had ever played against an opponent from its own region of Rushmore, despite it being Qusmo’s twentieth friendly overall. Fuzpon Qusma knows that, historically, it has not done well against Rushmori opposition; prior to the World Cup 81 Qualifiers, when Qusmo drew one match & won the other against Eastfield Lodge, Qusmo had a record of five losses in six matches against their regionmates. Their sole win was a 1-0 result against East Neutralia, a nation then-unranked in the KPB & Rushmori rankings, which was barely enough to squeeze Qusmo in as the fourth & final third-place team to advance out of the group stage of Copa Rushmori XXX & into the Round of Sixteen, where they were shellacked by Ceni - by far, Qusmo’s most dominant rival.

Mytanija & Qusmo had never before met, but they had already begun to have some history; when Qusmo advanced to the Copa Rushmori XXX knockout rounds as the tournament’s fourth third-place team, it was Mytanija which was the fifth third-place team, squeezed out on goal difference. Then, in Qusmo’s Cup of Harmony run, their paths came close again. Had Mytanija won their quarterfinal match against Juvencus, the two teams would have played for a place in the tournament final; as it was, Juvencus eliminated Mytanija & then Qusmo in successive rounds. Qusmo & Mytanija had come so close to each other; now, the two teams were to actually meet on the pitch. In the end, a superb defensive effort by Qusmo’s back line secured a major 1-0 win for Qusmo; combined with Qusmo’s performances in World Cup 80 Qualifiers against Eastfield Lodge, perhaps it demonstrates that Qusmo might be putting their woes against other teams from Rushmore behind them.

Qusmo will hope that that, indeed, is the case. Shortly after Qusmo wrapped up its friendly series, it learned that it will be playing Eastfield Lodge, Mytanija, & Valladares in Group A of this Copa Rushmori. This is an incredibly loaded group for Qusmo; had this tournament been organized as it was for its previous two editions, with twenty-four teams split into four pots of six, with the host automatically being placed in Pot 1, every one of Qusmo’s groupmates would have been placed in Pot 1 of this edition. Eastfield Lodge is the top team from Pot 2, & they would be in Pot 1 if not for a poor KPB bonus - or simply how small this tournament is. Mytanija, too, is the top team in its pot, & that does not even take into account the fact that the Mytanars will get to play this Copa Rushmori on their own shores. In fact, Qusmo is tied with Mytanija on ranking points earned in Copas Rushmori; they are one place above the Mytanars in the Rushmori rankings simply on their fraction of a point’s edge in KPB bonus. Meanwhile, Valladares is one of the three regional heavyweights who are the clear favourites to win the tournament - just as they have won two Copas Rushmori in the past, & made the finals of a Cup of Harmony, a World Cup, & two additional Copas Rushmori.

To illustrate what Qusmo is up against, though Qusmo is only 0.13 points ahead of Mytanija in the rankings, they are 16.08 points behind Eastfield Lodge - a gap larger than the number of points possessed by the next-highest-ranked team in this Copa, Pridnestrovia - & 24.22 points behind Valladares; that’s more points than what fourth-ranked, Pot 1 team Pasarga - the team which won Copa Rushmori XXI, Copa Rushmori XXV, & World Cup 72 - has. Curiously, if you look at another set of rankings - the KPBs - it will claim that Qusmo actually is the best team in this group. There, Qusmo is ranked fortieth, above Mytanija’s eighty-eighth, Valladares’s sixty-second, & Eastfield Lodge’s forty-fourth. Keeping Qusmo’s historic struggles against fellow Rushmoris in mind, though, & considering the success that Mytanija, Copa Rushmori XVII champions, & Eastfield Lodge, Copa Rushmori XXVIII champions, & Valladares, Copa Rushmori XXVI & Copa Rushmori XXIX champions, have enjoyed in this tournament, Qusmo certainly has its work cut out for it.

As such, despite Qusmo’s success of late, we cannot expect it to continue in this stellar Group A. That is no indictment of Qusmo’s quality; it is simply a recognition of how talented its opponents will be. The best plausible scenario for Qusmo starts with a draw against Eastfield Lodge on the opening matchday, followed by a win against the hosts. This is the least Qusmo can, realistically, have heading to their final match of the group stage, against Valladares, if they want to make the quarterfinals. Valladares will be heavy favourites; if Qusmo is in need of any points at that stage, they will be in trouble. Still, even with four points, Qusmo will need some help - probably from Valladares. If Valladares wins all three of its group stage matches, & Qusmo’s matches go as we’ve outlined, it would come down to the match between Mytanija & Eastfield Lodge. In that scenario, Qusmo would be through with a Mytanija win or draw, but if Eastfield Lodge comes through with the win, the two teams’ fates would come down to a tiebreaker, with four points apiece & an inconclusive head-to-head tiebreaker.

This is the best-case scenario for Qusmo - but will it actually come to bear? It sets up Qusmo with a mountain of a match to begin; if they don’t get an improbable result against Eastfield Lodge, their hopes will dwindle greatly. Even if they do secure a point on the opening day, they will then need to defeat Mytanija on its home soil; even a draw would likely be enough to send Qusmo packing after the group stage. &, of course, even if Qusmo does hold Eastfield Lodge & even if the team does defeat Mytanija, this advancement scenario would be dependent on other results, & possibly tiebreakers, outside of its control. This is Qusmo’s likeliest path out of the group, but that does not mean that it is likely. In fact, we think that Qusmo has roughly the same odds of advancing out of the group stage as it does crashing out with three losses - a result which would be unprecedentedly bad, among all international competitions any Qusma team has competed in. Instead, we have Qusmo holding Eastfield Lodge to a draw on the opening matchday but following up that performance with one loss to Mytanija & another to Valladares, allowing Valladares to win the group with a perfect nine points, Eastfield Lodge to advance with four, Mytanija to put in a respectable performance with three, & Qusmo to finish dead last with one.

Let’s imagine that, somehow, Qusmo was able to emerge from Group A. Who would they play? The answer is a team from Group B. They would likely be playing Group B’s winner, as Group A’s runner-up; however, if, somehow, Qusmo were to win its group, it would play the runner-up of Group B. In any event, if Qusmo does well in the group stage, fans might want to pay attention to what is happening with Nephara, Darmen, Savojarna, & Oberour Ar Moro. To make things very simple, if Qusmo goes through, they will likely have to face Nephara in the quarterfinals. They are the defending Copa Rushmori champions, & it was only World Cup 74 when they became world champions. They are the highest-ranked team in the region, in both the KPB & Rushmori rankings, & the third-ranked team in the Multiverse. Qusmo has never even faced a team ranked higher than thirteenth in the KPB rankings, much less third, & much less had any semblance of success against such teams. Four points in the group stage & a loss in the second round would be a wonderful accomplishment for Qusmo.

However, if Qusmo can win the group, or if a team can topple Nephara in Group B, things might be a bit different. Behind Nephara in Group B is Darmen, Savojarna, & Oberour Ar Moro. Oberour Ar Moro is a solid team, but Darmen & Savojarna provide challenges that we doubt they can overcome. We expect Nephara to be able to win all of its matches, & we think that Darmen & Savojarna will each be able to take care of business against Oberour Ar Moro. In the end, then, the second ticket out of Group B & into the knockouts will come down to the Matchday One clash between the pair of Copa Rushmori XXX quarterfinalists. We expect that the hockey-lovers, who nearly eliminated Qusmo from the previous Copa Rushmori with a win on the final matchday of the group stage, will be able to earn second place in their group again.

Since we are already indulging ourselves in unlikely hypotheticals, let’s take a look at the other two groups in the tournament; if Qusmo were to advance to the semifinals, it would be a team from one of these that they would play at that stage. Eura is the second-ranked team in the region, & the fourth-ranked team in the world; they are one of the favourites to win the whole tournament, & we certainly don’t expect them to lose their group. Crystalline Caverns has enough quality that they might be able to pull an upset; however, Qusma fans will know star striker Landen Smoker mostly for playing for freshly-relegated KF Rejin, & it would certainly be an upset. Again, the drama comes in determining who will finish second & who will be third. Pridnestrovia performed admirably well in the last edition, & we think that they can continue that good form here; on the other hand, Taeshan was the only team from the last tournament’s top two pots to fail to make the knockout rounds, & we are not confident that they will avoid disappointment this time, either. In fact, we predict that Eura will finish with nine points, Pridnestrovia with six, & Taeshan & Crystalline Caverns each with one.

Finally, then, we arrive at Group D. The group is headlined by Pasarga, ranked eleventh in the world; however, no one can count Sargossa out. In fact, the Corsairs marched all the way to the final in the last edition of this tournament - while Pasarga was left behind in the Round of Sixteen. The previous hosts of this tournament, Cassadaigua will be a challenge from Pot 3; however, they have a lot to deal with in order to get to the quarterfinals. Unfortunately for Mareibat, the sole unranked team in this tournament, that means that the road will be extremely difficult for them. In fact, we do not see them picking up any points in this tournament. However, we do think highly of Cassadaigua, predicting them to hold Sargossa to a draw - but we think even more highly of Sargossa, expecting them to upset Pasarga & win Group D with seven points, followed by Pasarga on six, Cassadaigua on four, & Mareibat on none.

This Copa Rushmori is extremely small in size - but not in talent. It will be a challenge for every team to perform well & even to get out of the group stage. Qusmo has a chance to reach the second round, just as they have in every tournament the national team has ever played in thus far; however, despite all of Qusmo’s talent & recent stellar form, it would still be a major accomplishment just to advance to the quarterfinals.

by **Mytanija** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 8:16 pm

CUT-OFF - MATCHDAY 1

Welcome to Mytanija.

Group A
Valladares 0–0 Mytanija
Eastfield Lodge 0–1 Qusmo

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Qusmo                    1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Mytanija                 1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
  Valladares               1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 Eastfield Lodge          1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group B
Nephara 2–0 Oberour Ar Moro
Darmen 2–2 Savojarna

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nephara                  1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Darmen                   1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
  Savojarna                1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4 Oberour Ar Moro          1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group C
Eura 2–0 Crystalline Caverns
Pridnestrovia 0–1 Taeshan

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Eura                     1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Taeshan                  1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Pridnestrovia            1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Crystalline Caverns      1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group D
Pasarga 1–0 Mareibat
Sargossa 5–2 Cassadaigua

  Group D                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sargossa                 1   1  0  0    5   2  +3    3
2 Pasarga                  1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Mareibat                 1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Cassadaigua              1   0  0  1    2   5  −3    0

by **Nephara** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 3:58 am

Nephara 2 - 0 Oberour Ar Moro
(4-3-3) 1 - Swoboda; 18 - Kielseng, 5 - Konoval, 6 - Steelhenge, 3 - Close (19 - Vicelich 64'); 15 - Rosenthal, 4 - Rowland, 21 - Moxham (14 - Webster 79'); 13 - Saroszi, 9 - Hawke (17 - Bastable 59'), 11 - Strongbow
Goals: Rosenthal 16', Saroszi 53'

A lot of Nephara's best players over the years have arrived with a Euran accent.
Michael Brandon, Keith Rowland and Reece Coleman are perhaps most to blame, leaving Nephara at a young age before making their Premiership debuts to join a league that was, at the time, vastly stronger and more advanced. Eura were an old hand even then, and their scouts knew that rough Nepharim diamonds were being wasted on brutally physical football, on pitches windswept dry of moisture. By the time they'd established themselves, ready for the callup, the Euran dialect had established itself in their voices. After Keith Rowland, of course, had come his daughter Monica - Euran in basically everything relevant.
But Kurtis Bastable was more like the first batch. And the accent hadn't yet bedded in, though it was starting to bleed into his vowels. He'd left North Sabrefell's academy at 16, two months after signing professional terms, snapped up not by either giant of the city or the youth-hoarding Chariots but by Hornchurch, whose scouts saw him on... dry, windswept youth pitches, hammering in the goals.
He was one of those kids who seemed to have it all, to an almost suspicious degree. Kids who are athletic, fast, strong both mentally and physically, hard-working... good home life, even? No, they always have a catch.
Except Kurtis Bastable, it seemed. His scouting report was as flawless as a teenage number 10 at a Baptism of Fire. Sure, he had a neck tattoo, and sometimes his emotions could get away from him, but... well, a neck tattoo put you right at home in the Cormorants. Particularly these Cormorants.
Aidan Brosque had a neck tattoo, too. And arm tattoos, wrists, chest... and his right knuckles, even. Still a smart dark grey suit, though. You had to keep up standards. He'd been a hard-bitten centre-half in his day, still playing close to 40, and that had been deeply in the windswept days, the mullet years, where the Premiership forged an identity as a league ranked in the mid-20s through being physical, passionate, unrelenting... fast, and more technical than most had given it credit for. More than that, he wanted neck tattoo-type players in his squad. The Cormorants had been established under Brandon as a professional, disciplined unit. Now it was time to let a bit of mongrel back in.
That was the message Brosque's employment said, at least. Lisa Amos had been the pundits' favourite, after sterling work for Chromatika and Starling; Daniella Strauss had been preferred by a few enthusiastic fans, a thrilling and well-liked up-and-comer... just maybe five years too soon. Rook Cathar and Andreu Bartolnicci, well, everyone who loved memes wanted one of them in the hot seat. And, well, putting Reinhard Shale or Theresa Riether back in charge wasn't impossible, either.
But Brosque had always been the 'safe' option, not so much more of the same - there wasn't going to be a more of the same - as someone who would keep the same focuses on the team, those same values, that same Nepharim mentality. With a few more neck tattoos. Maybe even put some mullets back into circulation. Eloise Kielseng had a good one going.

Brosque mashed his finger at the whiteboard hard enough to echo around the changing room.
"Key players! De Gentilli, Pessiere - yeah, I've done my fucking homework, you'd best believe it. They roam, full-backs drop in behind, looks more like a fuckin'... 2-4-1-3 going forward, right? Those sweepers-" He jabbed his finger in again. "Those are the threat. Stop them, you stop the team. That means we all run - even you, Mox! Get a caution or I'll think you aren't doing your fucking job right. Let 'em roam, they'll get something - a set piece, or a ball to the big lad Odierne. If he gets chances, he takes 'em. Right?"
"Right," his players echoed back.
Brosque gave them a good, long stare. "Don't piss me about, lads," he hissed.
"Right!" came back the call, with forced enthusiasm. And Brosque smiled, in a way that did not reach his eyes.
"Look. We got a few thousand green shirts came the way out here. We got a few thousand empty seats, 'cause this is a nothing game. And we got thirty thousand cunts out there, neutrals, away fans, whatever, and they want us to fail. They expect us to clean 'em out- they ought to, we're gonna. But they think we're arrogant, or that we're bastards - well, they're right about that one. Or they think we're the villains here. They want us to fail, and they're gonna have a fucking field day if we do, alright?"
"Yeah!"
"So make 'em go home fucking crying."

It was an interesting way to close out a team talk, but judging by the shaved bear who came through the tunnel loosening the tie around his bull-neck, still with the power about him to imply he could walk right out onto the pitch again... well, it was going to be an interesting time for the national team. He prowled the touchline, glowering, gritting his teeth with every missed pass... but by the same token, clapping with every hard challenge, exhorting them forward when a head dropped. When a low, dropping shot from Pique-Pain drew an impressively sharp save from Swoboda, his first involvement in the game, the microphones picked him up shouting "ANDI, YOU GOOD CUNT!"
He believed the goals would come, and they did. Moxham found Strongbow from distance, the winger caught the defence in sixes and sevens to try and cover their retreat before bulleting a pass to Circe Rosenthal, who took one touch, then a second to get it rolling and a third to stroke it low past Desainctvictori. Suspect finishing stopped the score from being racked up, and Oberour were able to threaten with quick and dangerous movement, but Moxham charged down a pass from the veteran Pessiere, waited just a second until she saw the defence blink before playing an expertly-weighted pass down the middle, where Hawke, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, passed it along for Saroszi to whip it into the empty net. Best of all? A clean sheet against a side known for their eye for goal.
And Bastable? Well... no fairytales there. He came on around the hour mark, tracked back, helped chase down the sweepers. He drew two fairly manageable saves from Desainctvictori and missed a presentable half-chance under pressure. It was a perfectly acceptable 6/10 performance.
And you know, maybe that was enough.

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 9:17 pm

The Interim
Why is Oberour Ar Moro being led in the Copa Rushmori by an "Interim Manager"?

By Kare Busquent

Right before the beginning of a new season of the Football System, Oberour Ar Moro National Team Manager Daric de l'Amie announced his resignation. His contract was set to go through the Copa Rushmori, but it sounds like de l'Amie jumped before he was pushed out. He's now safely and happily back at Cyrene Bay once again serving as Chief Scout. While the official organs were unanmous in saying that his job was not in jeopardy, with a 5-7-6 result in World Cup Qualifying, and a 0-1-2 result in the Cup of Harmony, de l'Amie's hold on the top spot was tenuous at best. So off he went.

Word that leaked out of the Ministry of Culture indicates that the only candidate for the job after de l'Amie stepped down was Regium Immortal Manager and Antenne Sports analyst Kadvael Heault. Heault had, of course, become a sensation analyzing qualifying and the Cup of Harmony. To common fan and Committee-member alike, he was the picture of a manager. Reports are he was offered a contract without even an interview. Rumors then say he turned them down flat.

With a media profile as enhanced as his, Heault had the ability to turn down a job offer from the FMC. In an official press release from Regium Immortal, he said that he was not a candidate for the National Team Manager post "at this time", as he wanted to remain with Immortal at least another season to lead them to the Premier Division, while continuing his work at Antenne Sports. And so the FMC had no manager, and seemingly no real prospects for a manager.

But they did have assistant managers still under contract. And so for the Copa de Rushmori, the Football Management Committee named Andreit Jugleeur as the "Interim Manager". As it was explained, he was the interim manager until a full-time manager could be hired for World Cup Qualifying. Reportedly Jugleeur will be a candidate for the job, but a source in the know told New Game "There is nothing at all Jugleeur can do to keep the job. He's there for three games, probably, and then gone."

One-On-One With Andreit Jugleeur
NewGame's candid and revealing nterview with the National Team Interim Manager

By Tudual de Gricourt

Andreit Jugleeur is not grumpy and old like Æthelhelm Heusaff. He's not excitable and eccentric like Dmitri Natus. He's not a preparation-obsessed bundle of nerves like Daric de l'Amie. Andreit Jugleeur, as National Team Manager is something slightly different: A nerd.

"A nerd? Thanks a lot," said Jugleeur as I caught up with him during last-minute preparations at the temporary Mytanija team headquarters in Ebor. "Can't you call me well-educated, or a student of the game, or something?"

The "Interim Manager" of the Oberour Ar Moro National Team is a young-looking 40, known in Oberour circles as a football tactician, first under Kadvael Heault at Regium Immortal, and then under Daric de l'Amie with the National Team. His appointment, and his first-and-foremost strategic focus, is new for the team.

"You make me sound like a general pushing little soldier figurines around a giant board or something." Jugleeur says. My major role for my last two jobs was strategy, sure, but that's not the only thing I can do."

Then what do Kerrien Goncourt and Arzhur Janquin do? Kerrien is returning as an Assistant, serving as a tactical man-manager for the Dragoons, keeping the team in check. Janquin is a new addition as Assistant, known as a coach with a focus on developing technical ability before he was sacked alongside Tristanig Bernard at Estipen.

"We're all complementing each other strengths. I don't know every coach, but I doubt there's one person that can do every single thing required of a coaching and managing staff. You need help, and you build each other up. That's my thinking." You can't tell from the voice recording of our interview, but his brow started to furrow here. "Do you think another manager could do it all?"

Was Jugleeur feeling the pressure of the Interim title, and from his former boss Kadvael Heault. "I'm the Manager. There is no one else with the job. Kadvael is the Manager for Regium Immortal. I have immense respect for him, of course. Total respect. I wouldn't be here without him." What about his criticism of the team in his television work? "He has the right to his opinion. It's our job to give him less to complain about. To talk about, I mean. Negatively. You know."

There were a lot of changes to the National Team roster. Some starters were benched, some players were booted. "Daric did a fantastic job with spotting talent. Everything good anyone has said about him as a scout is true, completely. But now is not the time for potential. We have three games to get to advance. If we have guys we know 100% about already, we can plan better."

Like Guénael Frarin? "He scores a lot of goals. We'll need the goals." So why was he not on the roster during qualifying? "Ruvonig [Bouclier de Fer] is very talented. He must be, he's still on the roster. I think Guénael fits more what I'm trying to do, but less what Daric was trying to do." Which was? "If you think you'll hear me say one negative thing about Daric de l'Amie, you're wrong." Why do you think that? "Because that's what you're fishing for."

I started asking about the Copa roster. It seemed at camp that Jugleeur was looking for a new Sweeper to pair up with Phelippon de Gentilli, and may have accepted any excuse to send Josselyn Pessiere home. And yet, here Pessiere remains in the starting 11. "Because Pessiere is a good Sweeper, and a good Vice-Captain. I don't know how you got that impression."

And what of the captain, Geoffroy Dlajoenie deyt Fijac? Geoffroy came into a lot of criticism as the later the team went into Qualifying and into the Cup of Harmony, it seemed the team started to tune him out. This was Daric de l'Amie's Captain, why is he still on the job? "Because the team did not and has not tuned him out. He's a leader on the pitch, there's no one else I wanted as Captain."

Would you say that Oberour Ar Moro's best football player is their goalkeeper? "He's one of the best 23, for sure. Anyone who can stare down the attacks Laurent [Desainctvictori] did is incredibly talented. If we're successful, he'll be a major part of it."

As would Kerrian Odierne, right? "He's fantastic. I'm not going to complain where our goals come from." Do you think the rest of the team could do more? "I didn't say that. We'll work to create opportunities for everyone and anyone on the field."

Eneour Pique-Pain made a big move after the Cup of Harmony, as Patrons set the domestic transfer fee record to add him to their side. "It makes sense. You've seen him play."

There has been some talk that Nycollas Mauranghas is a potential star in making, but stuck on the bench. "There's no reason to sit Kerrian. Nycollas understands, and he's been a great teammate. I've been wondering if we can put Nycollas in alongside Kerrian at some points. I'm not sure if two strikers will ruin the balance of the formation, but I've been talking to people about it." And what have they said? "They've called it something to think about."

This was when a Ministry of Culture minder came in to the room to announce my time was up. As I rose, I had to ask what Andreit thought about his job title: Interim Manager.

He shrugged as he walked with me to the door. "I've got football to think about more than anything else." I don't think I believe him.

Excerpted from an article on NewGame, a sporting blog. Copa Rushmori XXXI information compiled using official sources of the former Oberour Ar Moro Football Management Committee (FMC) stored at the FMC records depository at Melito d'Argentueill College, Auscanium. All information acquired under the Regime Records Transparency Act - 1st Post-Tumults Parliament.

by **Darmen** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 10:32 pm

5:57am Tuesday, August 12th, 2042
Thessia, Mytanija

Godefroy Abascal fought hard to keep his breakfast in his stomach. The match against the Cormorants wasn't even taking place until tomorrow afternoon. The higher-ups at the DFA had made it exceptionally clear that Abascal's job was safe, regardless of how the All Greens' results in the group stage went. Why was he so damned nervous?

Abascal walked out onto his hotel room's balcony. The smell of rain lingered in the air, an early morning shower had put an end to the lack of precipitation in Thessia. Regardless, the threat of a potentially serious drought still loomed over the city. He leaned over the balcony's railing.

That was the first mistake.

The second mistake had been made by an unfortunate elderly Mytanar woman, who had positioned herself almost directly underneath Abascal's balcony. Almost. The bits and pieces of half-digested bagels and cream splattered just feet from the woman, giving her quite the fright. By some miracle of divine providence, none of the vomit actually made contact with her.

"Sorry," sputtered Abascal, hurrying back inside to reach the toilet. He was fairly certain the woman hadn't heard him, either because he still had half a breakfast in his stomach or because she was old and her hearing was fading. It didn't matter really. After ensuring the remaining portion of his breakfast no longer hand any intentions of escaping his stomach, he stumbled over to the phone in the room and rang the room across the hall.

"It's six o'clock in the morni..." started Berhtoald Myers, the All Greens' Assistant Manager, before he was cut off by a rather revolting sound on the other end of the line.

"Have you ever... had to vomit... but only gotten half way through it... I think I just about choked," said Abascal, struggling to speak. "Listen, you might be on for tomorrow against Nephara if this anxiety doesn't subside."

"Have you tried any of those strategies your therapist suggested?" asked Myers.

"No-puh," replied Abascal, sarcasm oozing from his voice. "None of the crap that worthless piece of ooooh-I-have-a-four-year-degree-in-psychology-I-know-how-people's-brains-work has suggested has worked. It's like he doesn't even listen to me in those damned sessions."

"Ever thought of dumping him for someone with a six year degree in psychology. How about one of them specialist folks that specialize in only dealing with anxiety?" Myers desperately wanted to return to sleeping.

"You know, that's not a half bad suggestion. Thanks. I feel better already. In fact, do you..."

"HELL NO!" yelled Myers, slamming the phone back onto its holder, pulling a pillow over his head, and drifting off to sleep, dreaming of that one girl he had never asked out. No, no, that wasn't the right dream. Bunnies. Yes, that was it, the dream to put him back to sleep. Bunnies.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Abascal composed himself, and went back to watching a DVD of the Nephara-Oberour Ar Moro match. He feverishly scribbled notes, almost half of them about how to stop the three Nepharan's up top. After what seemed like a long time, but was in fact only half an hour, Abascal was interrupted by a fist pounding on his door. Opening it, he found the hotel's manager and a visibly-shaken elderly Mytanar woman standing in the hall.

Raising a finger to ask for the two Mytanar's patience, Abascal cleared his throat. "Let me explain..." he said, before emptying his stomach of the rest of his bagels and cream. The elderly Mytanar woman shrieked in horror, running off down the hall. Abascal and the Manager made eye contact, each opening their mouths to speak. Abascal was successful in getting his words out first. "Your gonna clean that up right? Wouldn't want a poor review would you? Mind sending a doctor too?" Abascal quickly closed the door and rushed back to the phone.

Damn. The bunnies faded from Myers' dream, as he answered the phone. It was Abascal, again.

"Hate to be a pain mate, but, uh, think we might want to change hotels. I know its only the day before the match, but I don't think the Hotel Manager likes us much."

Myers sighed and threw the phone onto the floor. Moments later in his dream, the Killer Bunny of Caerbannog was gnawing at Abascal's throat.

Darmen 2–2 Savojarna
Campo - Virgo, Abbey, Maddox (Spalding 66') - Goldschmidt - Mac Pharlain (Ó Cuilinn 83'), Cardoso, Butler (GOAL 34'), Stafford - Hurst (Firmin 71'), Blackwood (GOAL 79')

by **Sargossa** » Tue Nov 27, 2018 8:39 am

A game of two halves. A boring little piece of footballing nomenclature but one that was more than suitable in describing the Copa Rushmori encounter between Cassadaigua and Sargossa. The new look Corsairs had started the match in Arsika with a glacial level of speed and had rightly ended the first forty five minutes with a deficit. Fabián Guzmán’s scrambled effort from a partially cleared corner was all they had to show. While Caitlyn Mayer’s smart header and a fine twenty yard drive from Breanne Rothers had put the two time former World Champions deservedly in front at the interval.

Then came half time, some words of wisdom from the coach and the introduction of César Goyoso for the much more defence minded Luís Vazquez. Although you’d be forgiven in thinking that all eleven had been replaced, given the difference in performance from one half to the other. Andrés Saavedra levelled the scores, tapping in a scintillating low ball into the box from Carlo Álvarez, before Goyoso picked out Guzmán in the penalty area, allowing the Sporting San Marquez to slide the ball beyond Kristen Speller.

Rodrigo Defederico’s decision to deploy his wide attackers on the opposite flanks to their more natural position was probably met with a raise eyebrow, particularly after their ineffective first half performances. But a coach can go from clueless to genius in the blink of an eye. As exemplified when Orlando Correa cut in from the left and unleashed a dipping right footed effort that fair tore the back of the net off. The Dagan side at this stage were looking a little punch drunk and substitute Miguel Ángel Berganza took full advantage when he reacted quickest to Goyoso’s lobbed ball into the box, turning the defender and poking the ball passed the onrushing keeper.

It was a goal to round off a second half performance that Defederico described as ‘heavyweight’ in his post-match press conference. When asked whether his choice of phrase was in any way related to recent media reports from Savojarna and eluded to on Qusmo television (the Football Federation apparently employing interns to monitor all foreign coverage of this tournament for some reason) that Group D was lacking any regional heavy hitters he nodded.

‘It certainly made my halftime team talk a lot easier’, admitted. ‘I just read the boys the article from SavojarSports.sj, with particular focus on what they’d term “traditional Rushmori heavyweights” and how this group is lacking them. There’s about fifty-eight Copa appearances shared between ourselves and Pasarga, dating back to the very first tournament in Nethertopia. Not to mention the small matter of five rather ostentatious trophies displayed in Soluca and Torgos. If anything, Group D is the most traditional of any of the groups. This group may not produce the tournament winners but if it did I don’t believe it would be the biggest shock in the world.’

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:51 am

TEAM CASSADAIGUA- Copa Rushmori 31

Coach- Brittany Cutler (47)

Starters in Green
Subs in Blue
Reserves in Red

Goalkeepers:
#20- Kristen Speller (32)- Starter in WC78-80
#21- Lizzie Perkins (31)- Substitute in WC78-80, Starter CR 29
#31- Kelsey Morgan (26)- Starter in DBC 41 & 42, Sub CR 29, Reserve WC 80

Defenders:
#22- Lupe Enriquez (24)- Starter in DBC 41 & CR 29, Starter & Captain DBC 42, Sub WC 79 & 80
#2- Jessica Curran (31)- Starter in WC78-80
#4- Chelsea Blake (32)- Starter in WC78-80, Starter and Captain in CR 29 (*Team Captain*)
#6- Brooke Sorrentino (25)- Starter in DBC 42
#3- Taylor Young (26)- Substitute in DBC 41 & CR 29, Reserve in WC 80
#24- Diana Foster (24)- Substitute in DBC 41 & CR 29
#27- Ashley Crocker (26)- Starter in DBC 41 & CR 29, Reserve in WC 80
#29- Brooke Sutter (20)- Starter in SWC 6 & DBC 43

Midfielders:
#19- Rachel Brenner (29)- Substitute in WC78, Starter WC 79 & 80
#23- Sierra Mattison (26)- Starter WC 80, DBC 41, & CR 29
#8- Shelby Martin (26)- Starter WC 80, DBC 41, & CR 29
#9- Breanne Rothers (26)- Sub WC 80, Starter DBC 41, & CR 29
#25- Emma McKee (25)- Reserve WC 79 & 80, Starter DBC 41, CR 29
#28- Yolanda Castellano (27)- Sub CR 29, Reserve WC 80
#32- Taylor Southwick (26)- Reserve CR 29
#34- Lauren Hayden (27)- International Debut

Forwards:
#12- Caitlyn Mayer (25)- Starter in DBC 41, 42 & CR 29, Reserve WC 79 & 80
#16- Chelsea Monroe (26)- Starter in DBC 41 & 42, Reserve WC 79 & 80, Sub CR 29
#26- Rachel Stover (25)- Sub DBC 42, Reserve CR 29
#35- Ashley Dahlin (21)- Starter DBC 43
#37- Sarah Huff (31)- Substitute in WC78-80 & CR 29
#71- Rachel Schanke (18) (Granddaughter of Jessica, who #17 is retired for. Hence the #71)- Starter SWC 6, Sub DBC 43

Retired Kit numbers (these numbers are retired in international soccer at all levels)
#1 is retired in honor of Allison Salamida
#5 is retired in honor of Michelle Fuller
#7 is retired in honor of Shannon Myers
#10 is retired in honor of Brittany Lawton
#11 is retired in honor of Courtney Ferguson
#13 is retired in honor of Meaghan Bateman
#14 is retired in honor of Stacie Kerrigan-Fraser
#15 is retired in honor of Erica Lambert
#17 is retired in honor of Jessica Schanke
#18 is retired in honor of Taylor Connolly

RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes but only say they hurt
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, no more then one more then you give yourself.
Godmod other events: TG idea first. If it fits the theme of my team, I probably will allow it.

Style Mod: +2

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:59 am

Team Lacked Spark Against Sargossa,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

As is usually the case, Team Cassadaigua uses the Copa Rushmori to experiment with formations and various strategies at the highest of levels. That was not really the situation with the match against Sargossa. Like the last Copa Rushmori, which was managed by Brittany Cutler, this one is as well as regular manager Stephanie Sweeney has opted to take the tournament off. There are some people that question Sweeney in that regards, but she has earned the right to make that decision.

The first half saw the Fillies play quite well. In fact, I would go as far as to say I was impressed with their effort. However, in the second half, it was clear that one team felt that their work was done and began making plans for the rest of the weekend, while the other came out with a fury. Hopefully our team at least made some quality plans, because the adjustments of the Sargossans simply made us look silly. They were the runners up last time, losing to Nephara in Concord Heights. This time around, they look like they are hungry to atone for that loss. While the Dagans looked quite poor. Perhaps some will light the proverbial spark up you know where for the next match, taking place in Prizren against Mareibat.

Copa Rushmori XXXI - Everything Thread (Rushmore only)

Copa Rushmori XXXI - Everything Thread (Rushmore only)

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