Copa Rushmori XXXV - Everything Thread

[Astograth]

Bid

Welcome to the thirty-fifth edition of Rushmore's premier football competition! This time around we will have 30 nations vying for the coveted title of Rushmori champions, currently held by Eura following their win over Savojarna in Eastfield Lodge.

All participating nations will be drawn into six seeded round-robin groups of five, and the top two from each group will advance to the Round of 16 along with the top four third-placed teams, ranked by points and the same tiebreakers as the group stage, which are head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, goal difference, RP bonus (explained in-character as “drawing of lots”) and finally, if necessary, actual OOC drawing of lots. The knockout bracket system to be used will be the same as for Copa Rushmori 32, diagrammed here. First-place teams will be ranked against each other according to tie-breakers and seeded accordingly, with the top four playing against the four third-placed teams (also ranked) and the remaining two against second-placed teams. Second-placed teams will be split into two tables according to whether the first-placed teams of their group are on the right or left side of the bracket, ranked within that table, and seeded against each other or a first-placed team. This system guarantees groupmates cannot play each other until the semifinals, and group winners against runners-up can only play each other in the final.

Astograth will scorinate Groups A-C and cut off at 04:00 UTC, while Savojarna will scorinate Groups D-F and cut off at 07:00-08:00 UTC. The time in UTC is currently one hour earlier than the time in the UK and four hours later than the US East Coast, so for someone on the US East Coast these cutoffs would be between midnight and 4 AM of the listed day, while for someone in the UK they would be between 5 and 9 AM. For someone on the US West Coast, the cutoffs would be between 9 PM of the previous day and 1 AM of the listed day, for someone in the Central European timezone they would be between 6 and 10 AM, and for someone in eastern Australia they'd be between 2 and 6 PM The tentative schedule is as follows:

GROUP DRAW

POTS

Hosts: Savojarna, Astograth
Pot 1: Eura, Nephara, Pasarga, Sargossa
Pot 2: Cassadaigua, Darmen, Taeshan, Eastfield Lodge, Crystalline Caverns, Oberour Ar Moro
Pot 3: The Askari Union, Pridnestrovia, Valladares, Olastor, Falkyr, Plane of Possibility
Pot 4: Mavinet, Southwest Eastnorth, Kalosia, Nethertopia, Logria, Pedestrian States
Pot 5: Kalactanian Rushmore Territories, Græntfjall, Yuezhou, Ostralo, Ancharmunn, Rea San Vegas

Note: Updated ranks are here. Unranked teams were randomly drawn into Pots 4 and 5. Teams not listed in the CR ranks but with KPB points, namely Astograth and Plane of Possibility, were given rank points representing 20% of their KPB in accordance with the CR formula; this comes out to 2.866 and 1.586 respectively. Hosts were drawn automatically into groups A and D. Top seeds are listed second in each group in order for them to play the opening match, the way xkoranate organises fixtures.

GROUP A
Crystalline Caverns
Savojarna
Olastor
Nethertopia
Yuezhou

GROUP B
Taeshan
Pasarga
Plane of Possibility
Pedestrian States
Ostralo

GROUP C
Oberour Ar Moro
Eura
Pridnestrovia
Mavinet
Ancharmunn

GROUP D
Eastfield Lodge
Astograth
The Askari Union
Southwest Eastnorth
Græntfjall

GROUP E
Cassadaigua
Nephara
Falkyr
Logria
Kalactanian Rushmore Territories

GROUP F
Darmen
Sargossa
Valladares
Kalosia
Rea San Vegas

GROUP SCHEDULE
MD1, July 22: 2v5, 3v4
MD2, July 24: 5v3, 1v2
MD3, July 26: 3v1, 4v5
MD4, July 28: 1v4, 2v3
MD5, July 30: 4v2, 5v1

ROUND OF 16
August 2
L1: Eura 1–0 Yuezhou @ Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman, Sjoedrhavn, Savojarna
L2: Valladares 1–0 Taeshan @ Stadion Park Suhonen, Virkaja, Savojarna
L3: Savojarna 4–0 Eastfield Lodge @ Stadion Traktorov, St Andrei, Savojarna
L4: Sargossa 3–1 Pridnestrovia @ Stadion General Erik Harden, Thorsborg, Savojarna
R1: Pasarga 3–3 Darmen (4–3 AET) @ Silanes Park, Echegoyan, Astograth
R2: Nephara 2–1 Græntfjall @ Castle Hill, Gesterlake, Astograth
R3: Cassadaigua 2–2 Plane of Possibility (4–2 AET) @ The Enclave, Antiguoko, Astograth
R4: Southwest Eastnorth 2–2 Crystalline Caverns (2–2 AET) (4–3 pen.) @ Goyaingerua Stadium, Arexa, Astograth

QUARTERFINALS
August 4
Q1: Eura 3–3 Valladares (3–3 AET) (1–4 pen.) @ Stadion General Erik Harden, Thorsborg, Savojarna
Q2: Savojarna 1–0 Sargossa @ Stadion Admiral Rjurden, Pawlograd, Savojarna
Q3: Pasarga 0-2 Nephara @ Old City Stadium, Iturributa, Astograth
Q4: Cassadaigua 1-3 Southwest Eastnorth @ Ituraitz Sporting Ground, Ituraitz, Astograth

SEMIFINALS
August 6
SF1: Valladares 3-6 Savojarna @ Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman, Sjoedrhavn, Savojarna
SF2: Nephara 3–3 Southwest Eastnorth (4–3 AET) @ North Point Stadium, Olarria, Astograth

THIRD PLACE MATCH
August 8
Valladares 4-3 Southwest Eastnorth @ Grand Duke's Stadium, Rumiatzi, Astograth

FINAL
August 9
Savojarna 2-2 Nephara (2–5 AET) @ Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman, Sjoedrhavn, Savojarna

[Savojarna]

WELCOME TO
SAVOJARNA

VENUES
Group A
Group A will play their matches in the cities of Sjoedrhavn and Thorsborg, located on the island of Vesterholm.

Sjoedrhavn is the capital of Savojarna and the biggest city of the country, with just shy of two million inhabitants in its city limits. It is located around a bay that served as a natural harbour for centuries, and although Sjoedrhavn’s industrial harbour - still an important economic part of the city - has been moved outwards, the ferries to Russica and Sumanen still depart in the old harbour, and it still shapes the city. The capital boasts many cultural institutions, but also a thriving bar scene in the Docklands quarter and in the cellars of its mediaeval old town. Sjoedrhavn is also the home to Savojarna’s main international airport, and thus likely to be the first place for visitors to land.
The stadium used in Sjoedrhavn is the Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman, or “The Bjurman” for locals, the home stadium of the Savojar national team, and not used by any club side. It fits 76’800 people in an all-seater arrangement, and is located in Revolutionsparken (Park of the Revolution), a large green area in Northwestern Sjoedrhavn, next to a canal. The recently renovated stadium is reached easily via metro (station “Nationalstadion”).

Group matches in Sjoedrhavn:
MD1: Savojarna vs Yuezhou (opening match of CR 35)
MD2: Yuezhou vs Olastor
MD3: Olastor vs Crystalline Caverns
MD4: Crystalline Caverns vs Nethertopia
MD5: Nethertopia vs Savojarna

Thorsborg is located roughly 90 minutes north of Sjoedrhavn, linked by a modern highspeed rail line. The city is the old industrial capital of Savojarna, located on a step in the geography that makes it a prime spot for harnessing water power. Traditionally, it was said that Thorsborg makes goods and Sjoedrhavn sells them; but recently, the city has been transferring from industrial manufacturing to high-tech development and manufacturing. The transition has attracted a new audience, making the second biggest city of Savojarna a hub for new trends in electronic music, art, and street culture. It is also home to the country’s biggest technical university, and its biggest army base.
The stadium in Thorsborg is the Stadion General Erik Harden, the home stadium of army club and reigning Savojar champion CASK Thorsborg. Fitting 62’000 people, the Stadion General Erik Harden is an older stadium, which has been converted into an all-seater for international purposes six years ago and seen a bit of an internal makeover back then. It is located in the Army Sports Area to the East of the city, accessible with public transport (station “Hardens torg”) and a short walk.

Group matches in Thorsborg:
MD1: Olastor vs Nethertopia
MD2: Crystalline Caverns vs Savojarna
MD3: Nethertopia vs Yuezhou
MD4: Savojarna vs Olastor
MD5: Yuezhou vs Crystalline Caverns

Group B
Group B will play their matches in the cities of Pawlograd and St. Andrei in the mainland province of Russica Savojar.

Pawlograd is the biggest city and commercial centre of Russica, and the second largest city in the country with 1.6 million inhabitants. It has a port that has traditionally been the strongest and most important fortress, although overshadowed in trade by the southern city of Jaromirgrad; after the Savojar conquest (one of Savojarna’s historic tactical masterpieces) it has been transformed into the general seat of power due to the better defensive position of the city. It is a working class city at heart, but also has small pockets of upper middle class Russican elites and is the historic centre of Russian Liberalism, especially at the Russian Academy. As it has been a centre of both Russian and Savojarsk culture, the city is an exciting blend of cultures and features many restaurants, bars, clubs, musea, and entertainment options.
The stadium in Pawlograd is Torpedo Pawlograd’s Stadion Admiral Rjurden, situated in the docklands in a lively street, and equipped with a temporary additional third rank in order to bring capacity up to 57’500 in an all-seater stadium. The stadium is commonly packed with rowdy supporters, as Pawlograd has an almost uniquely passionate fan culture. It is also the only stadium commonly reached by foot from the city centre, as it’s only a short stroll from the seaside bar and pub district.

Group matches in Pawlograd:
MD1: Pasarga vs Ostralo
MD2: Ostralo vs Plane of Possibility
MD3: Plane of Possibility vs Taeshan
MD4: Taeshan vs Pedestrian States
MD5: Pedestrian States vs Pasarga

St. Andrei is the historic capital of Russica, and the centre of Savojar Christianity as well as its ancient seat of power. The city has been somewhat relegated to secondary status with a smaller population of roughly 550’000 people after the Revolution, as it had lost both the function as a capital and the formal influence of the Church had been going down. It is still an absolute centre of culture, with many cathedrals and churches as well as a great museum on Russican culture and history in the Museum of Russica. The city is also excellently connected to Pawlograd and the South of Russica, for those bored of the ancient sights.
Stadion Traktorov, home of Traktor St. Andrei, is the oldest stadium in the Savojar half of the Copa, built around forty years ago as a large bowl of almost eighty-thousand people, although it was retrofitted to its modern capacity for safety reasons relatively soon after, and given a roof. For the Copa, its large standing ramp behind the goal has been reduced into largely sitting places, and some facilities were modernised. The stadium lies in the Virov district, near the train station St. Andrei-Virov, and is reachable by inter-city trains as well as local trams and busses.

Group matches in St. Andrei:
MD1: Plane of Possibility vs Pedestrian States
MD2: Taeshan vs Pasarga
MD3: Pedestrian States vs Ostralo
MD4: Pasarga vs Plane of Possibility
MD5: Ostralo vs Taeshan

Group C
Group C will play their matches in the cities of Hovikkära and Virkaja, located on the island of Sumanen.

Hovikkära is the southernmost and biggest city in Sumanen with 950’000 people, and often referred to as “the Sumani Sjoedrhavn”. Equipped with a massive port that is used to ship the timber found in Sumanen to the rest of the world, the city is built around trade. Its old town features magnificent trading houses, whereas its more outside districts are full of dockworkers and industrial heritage. The city hosts two modern art musea, one state-run focusing on paintings and sculptures, and one run by a local collective focusing more on contemporary street art; it also is the place of Savojarna’s main punk scene and a bustling concert calendar as a consequence.
The stadium used in Hovikkära is Pohjoiskaivaa, the Northern Trench, named after the former defensive structure that stood in its place and is now a well-visited park. It hosts 46’000 people and is commonly the home of Transport Hovikkära in the SFS A, known for their loud fans that gather on the impressive 6’500-man standing ramp behind the Western goal. The stadium has high stands, contributing to a loud and sometimes almost claustrophobic atmosphere.

Group matches in Hovikkära:
MD1: Eura vs Ancharmunn
MD2: Ancharmunn vs Pridnestrovia
MD3: Pridnestrovia vs Oberour ar Moro
MD4: Oberour ar Moro vs Mavinet
MD5: Mavinet vs Eura

Virkaja is the capital of Sumanen, although not its biggest city. Hosting about 600’000 people, it is built by a lake in the middle of the woods, and a commercial centre due to the big logging collectives of Sumanen all being located there as well as the local government. The city has long been considered somewhat of a dead place, mainly relevant for business and government, but saw a renaissance after some immigration from other islands to benefit from the city’s cheap standards of living paired with its decent (although not great) university. Virkaja is also becoming a popular hub for exploration into the forests and lakes around it, and for trips to Northern Sumanen with its popular hills, skiing stations (in winter) and the famous Northern Sumani Dragon Park, the last remaining place where the Sumani Forest Dragon - a special and highly endangered species that does not commonly breathe fire in order to adapt to life in flammable environment - survives.
Its stadium is the Stadion Patrik Suhonen, named after the father of the Savojar Air Force, and home stadium of the Air Force team Savojars Vinge Virkaja, or SVV for short. Hosting 52’000, the stadium is a complete rebuild in the place of the older Stadion Patrik Suhonen, and the most modern stadium on this side of the tournament. It is located at the Southern end of town, reachable by a local railway trip to “Virkaja Etelä - Stadion”.

Group matches in Virkaja:
MD1: Pridnestrovia vs Mavinet
MD2: Oberour ar Moro vs Eura
MD3: Mavinet vs Ancharmunn
MD4: Eura vs Pridnestrovia
MD5: Ancharmunn vs Oberour ar Moro

[Astograth]

WELCOME TO
ASTOGRATH

VENUES
Group D
Group D will play their matches in the cities of Rumiatzi, Urbizania and Echegoyan.

Rumiatzi is the national capital of Astograth and its largest city, a metropolis of more than 10 million people sprawling outward from the Leizaran river valley it is centred on. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, dense urban area, with the central areas surrounding its historical core kept deliberately low-rise. Street traffic is notoriously difficult, but its robust public transport, including the underground Metro, is highly developed and efficient. Rumiatzi International Airport is likely to be the main port of entry for long-distance flights. Culturally, Rumiatzi and its surrounding province represents the core of State sponsored Astograthian identity. It will host group stage matches and the final at Grand Duke’s Stadium (90,000), centrepiece of the nation’s sporting infrastructure and previous host of a Copa Rushmori and World Cup final, among other international events. It is the home stadium of the Astograthian national team and is also in annual use for the final of the Astograthian Royal Cup, the promotion playoffs of the Astograthian Second Division, and the championship match of the Second Division B.

Group matches in Rumiatzi:
MD1, Astograth v Graintfjall.
MD2, Eastfield Lodge v Astograth.
MD3, The Askari Union v Eastfield Lodge.
MD5, Southwest Eastnorth v Astograth.

Urbizania is capital of its eponymous province, located south of Rumiatzi and set into the same river valley. It has a population of nearly 700 thousand people and slowly conurbating with the metropolitan area of Rumiatzi – to their chagrin. Urbizania is well-connected with the capital, and is regarded by many as its more artsy neighbour, less dirty and crowded. It has a notable first, second and third-generation migrant population from Civil Citizenry. Urbizania will host matches at Cherketzo Arena (53,200), whose regular tenants are Urbizania Wanderers, six-time champions of Astograth and one-time winners of the UICA Champions’ Cup.

Group matches in Urbizania:
MD3, Southwest Eastnorth v Graintfjall.
MD4, Eastfield Lodge v Southwest Eastnorth.
MD5, Graintfjall v Eastfield Lodge.

Echegoyan is capital of its eponymous province, located to the north of Rumiatzi. The geography of the city, and its province in general, is dominated by the Blue Mountains, or Mendilorro Ardin, which run east to west cutting off the Astograthian coastline from the rest of the country. It has a population of around 2.5 million people and serves as the nation’s hub for winter sports, mountain sports and nature tourism. More than 2000 metres above sea level, Echegoyan can present a real challenge for players and fans not used to the altitude. It will host matches at Silanes Park (55,140), a brutalist construction of curvy, unclad concrete originally built to host World Cup 62. Notably, it is the only ground in the country to feature undersoil heating – but shouldn’t need it for this Copa Rushmori. Its regular tenants are Echegoyan FC, three-time champions of Astograth; their local rivalry with Blue Mountain Range is famously the most violent in the country. Both teams have a reputation as hard-hitting cheats, deserved or not, which fans take in stride.

Group matches in Echegoyan:
MD1, The Askari Union v Southwest Eastnorth.
MD2, Graintfjall v The Askari Union.
MD4, Astograth v The Askari Union.

Group E
Group E will play their matches in the cities of Iturributa, Ituraitz and Olarria.

Iturributa is the capital of its eponymous province, located on the eastern end of Astograth’s coastline, which forms its northern border. It is the second largest city in the country, with nearly 8 million people, stretching southwards from its historical core along the coastline. Iturributa is famed for its white beaches and warm weather, and is the country’s top tourist destination. The region speaks its own variant of Astograthian, has a strong local identity, and was formerly known as the Free Republic of Iturributa, a breakaway state that existed between the years 646 and 661 (the current year as of the CR is 684), with no official recognition from Astograth. The politics surrounding this are touchy, and pro-separatist sentiments are dealt with harshly. Iturributa will hold its matches at Old City Stadium (72,000), the second largest ground in the country. It is co-owned and operated by Sporting Iturributa and Iturributa United, two of Astograth’s most successful clubs and who absolutely despise each other.

Group matches in Iturributa:
MD1, Falkyr v Logria.
MD2, Kalactanian Rushmore Territories v Falkyr.
MD4, Nephara v Falkyr.

Ituraitz is the capital of its eponymous province, located on the western end of Astograth’s coastline, which forms its northern border. It is the third largest city in the country, with nearly 6 million people. Ituraitz is built along a thin stretch of land between the sea and a series of hill ranges that come down from the Blue Mountains. Consequently, it is extremely dense along the flat land it does have, and has built up the hills and down the valley as much as possible. Ituraitz is the home of Astograth’s second-largest port, of the Astograthian Navy, and the spiritual centre of its maritime history. It is proud of its local dialect and culture and, like Iturributa, expresses low-key desires of separatism. Ituraitz will host matches at the Ituraitz Sporting Ground (63,000), a publicly-owned multiple-use venue well-known for being the only one in Astograth to feature a full (retractable) roof. Its domestic tenants are the one-time UICA Champions’ Cup winners Ituraitz FC and their rivals, the oldest club in the country: Ituraitz Victory.

Group matches in Iturributa:
MD3, Logria v Kalactanian Rushmore Territories .
MD4, Cassadaigua v Logria.
MD5, Kalactanian Rushmore Territories v Cassadaigua.

Olarria is the capital of its eponymous province, located in the middle of Astograth’s coastline, which forms its northern border. It has a population of approximately 900 million people and is notable for being the country’s main port, with several massive complexes of terminals along the shoreline. Historically, the city and region of Olarria were contested between Iturributa and Ituraitz, and is a melting pot of both regions’ influences while siding with neither. Popular tourist destinations in the city include two full-rigged museum sailing ships, well-preserved 4th and 3rd century villas of the local elites, and the castle of the counts of Olarria, presently part of the Grand Duke’s personal property. Olarria will host its matches at North Point Stadium (61,270), which has been completely rebuilt and expanded for this Copa Rushmori while maintaining its signature feature: a vertiginous structure of three steep tiers enclosing upon the pitch, shaped to amplify acoustics and make the home crowd truly terrifying to behold. Its regular tenants are Athletic Club Olarria, mainstays of the Astograthian First Division stalking for their first title.

Group matches in Olarria:
MD1, Nephara v Kalactanian Rushmore Territories.
MD2, Cassadaigua v Nephara.
MD3, Falkyr v Cassadaigua.
MD5, Logria v Nephara.

Group F
Group F will play their matches in the cities of Gesterlake, Arexa and Antiguoko.

Gesterlake is the capital of the Twin Cities province, sometimes also called Araxes after the river it is centred on. Gesterlake is one half of the titular Twin Cities and is Astograth’s most ancient settlement, with the oldest, prehistoric, archaeological record. It was the original capital of the Kingdom of Astograth, the fracturing of which is Year 0 for the Astograthian calendar. Now a modern city of more than 1 million people, it is a popular destination for domestic and international tourism and a hub for the country’s technological development, serving as the home base of local giant Astek. Attractions include the city’s various archaeological museums, some located in underground ruins, boat trips on the Araxes river, the public library, which is housed in a former palace and, most famously, the ruins of Gesterlake Castle, from which derive the arms of Gesterlake and, from them, the flag of Astograth. The city will host its matches at Castle Hill (48,861), located near the base of the titular hill and whose regular tenants are Gesterlake FC of the Astograthian First Division. In preparation for the Copa Rushmori, the stadium has been expanded by nearly a fourth of its former capacity and completely refitted.

Group matches in Gesterlake:
MD1, Sargossa v Rea San Vegas.
MD2, Darmen v Sargossa.
MD3, Valladares v Darmen.
MD5, Kalosia v Sargossa.

Arexa is the second largest city of the Twin Cities province, sometimes also called Araxes after the river it is centred on. It is one half of the titular Twin Cities and is the second oldest city in Astograth – it has spent much of its history playing second fiddle to Gesterlake, which has engendered a deep rivalry between the two twins. A city of approximately 750 thousand people, Arexa has a reputation for good cuisine and artisanal crafts, especially its lamb dishes, knitted wool and glazed ceramics. Thick wool cloaks and capes, not habitually seen in the rest of Astograth, are a common sight in Arexa to withstand the rain. Arexa will host its matches at Goyaingerua Stadium (45,596), located very close to the city centre. Its regular tenants are one-time domestic cup winners Royal Arexa, currently in the Second Division. In preparation for the Copa Rushmori, the stadium has been expanded to almost 150% of its former capacity, and completely refitted.

Group matches in Arexa:
MD3, Kalosia v Rea San Vegas.
MD4, Darmen v Kalosia.
MD5, Rea San Vegas v Darmen.

Antiguoko is the capital of its eponymous province, located to the east of Gesterlake and Arexa. Home to 700 million people, Antiguoko is, like its neighbours, a city with very ancient origins. Its low-density urban area is built on the vast green plains that make up the Astograthian east, and has developed into an industrial heavyweight that processes enormous much of the country’s foodstuffs, as well as being at the heart of its dairy industry through the internationally known Yogutz. Neither the landscape nor historic buildings are major tourist destinations, but the city’s factories have stepped in to offer lively, eye-catching educational tours of their main facilities. Antiguoko will host matches at The Enclave (45,058), home ground of the First Division’s Antiguoko FC. In preparation for the Copa Rushmori, the stadium has been expanded to almost 150% of its former capacity, completely refitted and, at long last, done away with its infamous stands of mismatched size and style.

Group matches in Antiguoko:
MD1, Valladares v Kalosia.
MD2, Rea San Vegas v Valladares.
MD4, Sargossa v Valladares.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Ahead of time, the Futbol Astograthiko Federazioa have sought out training facilities and five-star accommodations for every team that will be competing in Astograth, along with a liaison officer in charge of coordinating between the team and tournament organisers. Of course, each association is entitled to seek out their own arrangements or modify those proposed by the FAF, and may do as they like with their liaison officer, none of which come with any cost or penalty:

Astograth: Will stay and train at the FAF High Performance Complex in Miotako, eastern Rumiatzi.

Cassadaigua: Are offered to stay at Hotel Mendiburu in Olarria and train at the facilities of Argos Olarria, the city’s main hub for amateur football and Olympic sports. The Mendiburu occupies 8 floors of the modern, 46-story Ondikola Tower in southern Olarria, with privileged views toward both the bay and the mountains. Their liaison officer will be Lapurdi Landaboure, male, 29 years old, native of East Anzar province.

Darmen: Are offered to stay at the King’s Arms Hotel in Gesterlake and train at the facilities of Berlasko FC, the city’s second-largest football club, currently in Second Division B. The King’s Arms is a family-run business occupying a historic, expansive three-story domed building in western Gesterlake, a sector that has evolved into one of the more trendy, alternative areas of the city, popular with urban artists, musicians and artisans. Their liaison officer will be Iban Oxalde, male, 46 years old, native of the Twin Cities province.

Eastfield Lodge: Are offered to stay at the Palace Hotel in Rumiatzi and train at the facilities of Royal Ibarbe, a First Division football club from the neighbour city of Ibarbe. The Palace Hotel is located in the wealthy northern borough of Kondaraka, very close to Ibarbe, and unlike some others on this list is not a real palace but is still a 26-story, five-star luxury hotel at the edge of one of the city’s largest public parks. Their liaison officer will be Olar Berraondo, female, 47 years old, native of Urbizania province.

Falkyr: Are offered to stay at the Barrertze Suites in Iturributa and train at the facilities of Iturributa United, one of the city’s major football clubs. Barrertze is one of the country’s most powerful conglomerates, and the branch of its hotel chain in Iturributa is one of the best in the city, consisting of a tall, resplendently white building right at the edge of the city’s most important beach – mobs of tourists and fans may be a problem, on second thought. Their liaison officer will be Eguzki Endilaharzu, male, 37 years old, native of Rumiatzi province.

Graintfjall: Are offered to stay at Villa Anzoategi in Urbizania and train at the facilities of the Urbizania Centre for Olympic Excellence, a public institution. Villa Anzoategi is technically located just outside of Urbizania and consists of a spacious country retreat organised around a traditional Astograthian manor house. Their liaison officer will be Aire Poyone, female, 53 years old, native of Ituraitz province.

Kalactanian Rushmore Territories: Are offered to stay at the Bold Horizons Hotel in Ituraitz and train at the facilities of Ximun Orieta FC, one of the city’s football clubs, currently in Second Division. The Bold Horizons is a six-story ultra-modern construction up in the hilly areas of Ituraitz, built in a sharp pyramid shape with sheer, all-glass façades. Their liaison officer will be Aztore Zulaika, male, 29 years old, native of Rumiatzi province.

Kalosia: Are offered to stay the Goyanarte Hotel in Arexa and train at the facilities of Royal Arexa, the city’s largest football club, currently competing in Second Division. The Goyanarte is a four-story, nearly 300-year-old building in traditional Araxes Valley style, with fully modernised interiors and in a quiet part of the city’s northern sector. Their liaison officer will be Mahats Garayzabal, female, 48 years old, native of East Anzar province.

Logria: Are offered to stay at the Delgi Manor Hotel in Ituraitz and train at the facilities of Ituraitz Victory, one of the city’s First Division football clubs. Delgi Manor is a 5th century five-story building on the eastern edge of Ituraitz, originally built as an English-speaking boarding school for the elite, later purchased by the wealthy Delgi family and refitted as a stately home, now a hotel. Logria’s liaison officer will be Anter Ulibi, male, 55 years old, native of Ituraitz province.

Nephara: Are offered to stay at the historic Aldasoro Hotel in Olarria and train at the facilities of Athletic Club Olarria, the city’s main professional football club. The Aldasoro is a 6th century 11-story Candelariasian Revival building located toward the more scenic western end of the Olarrian coast, away from the docks. Their liaison officer will be Leizarraga Alge, male, 34 years old, native of Olarria province.

Rea San Vegas: Are offered to stay at the Teleria Hotel in Arexa and train at the facilities of Old City Central, the city’s second largest football club, currently competing in Second Division. The Teleria Hotel offers boutique accommodations built into the side of a hill on the western edge of Arexa, affording a vantage point of beautiful views over the valley. Their liaison officer will be Peru Echarte, male, 52 years old, native of Echegoyan province.

Sargossa: Are offered to stay at the Aitor Suites in Gesterlake, and train at the facilities of Gesterlake FC, the city’s largest football club. The Aitor Suites are housed in a converted 2rd century palace in the southern end of the city, with baroque furnishings and decorations to match - don’t stain the carpet. Their liaison officer will be Andregoto Narbais, female, 24 years old, native of the Twin Cities province.

Southwest Eastnorth: Are offered to stay at the Etor Hotel in Urbizania, and train at the facilities of Urbizania Wanderers, the city’s main football club. The Etor Hotel is a four-story building in downtown Urbizania built in the traditional style of the city, with cream coloured façade, ceramic tile roof, tall arches and finely sculpted mouldings. Their liaison officer will be Burtzea Uriburu, female, 42 years old, native of Basabe province.

The Askari Union: Are offered to stay at King’s Lodge, Echegoyan, and train at the facilities of Echegoyan FC, one of the city’s main football clubs. King’s Lodge is located in the northern suburbs of the city, on the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and themed as a luxury ski lodge with ample open spaces… some distance from the actual ski resorts, though. Their liaison officer will be Ekhi Toloza, male, 29 years old, native of Rumiatzi province.

Valladares: Are offered to stay at the Barrertze Hotel in Antiguoko and train at the facilities of Antiguoko FC, the city’s main football club. Barrertze is one of the most powerful conglomerates in Astograth, and in Antiguoko offers a hotel that is one of the few skyscrapers in the city centre. It caters toward high-level executives, entertainers and, of course, professional athletes. Their liaison officer will be Otsana Ergi, female, 60 years old, native of Iturributa province.

[Ostralo]

Formation: 4-5-1
Coach: Ben Neily
Assistant Coach: Roberts Puttonse
Style Mod +5
Starting XKI

Joel Sheepso
Frest Nione
Poin Wannain
Oslo Poiss
Grant Ostro

George Benst
Ifani Srikon
Jason Struch
Jordi Nesess
Frant Frollet

Onsome Farie

Bench:
Eden Watt
Mcauley Tanner
Jaidan Wyatt
Kurtis Keenan
Jaxon Sinclair
Nathan Andrew
Cieran Schaefer

[Yue Zhou]

THE PEOPLE'S FEDERATION OF YUEZHOU - NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
月州人民联邦 - 国际足球队

Manager: Yuan Zilai
Assistant Manager: Chen Huikang
Nickname: The Red Dragons
Formation: 5-3-2
Style Modifier: -1.5
First-Choice Lineup
Playstyle: While Yuan Zilai would like to play a more defensive style, he has recognized that Yuezhou is not strong enough aerially or defending long balls to do so. Instead, he has opted to emphasize an aggressive midfield press. Yuezhou will aim to heavily cover the center of the field and force their opponents to the wings, while using the cover of their back five to aggressively try to win the ball back. With the ball, Yuezhou play a fast-paced, counterattacking style, aiming to rapidly pass the ball up the field and fluidly exploit spaces with constant running and one-touch passes.

GOALKEEPERS
#01 - RUO Xiaolan (f) - 33 - Cypher Town (NPH)

Ruo Xiaolan is a very athletic goalkeeper - as well as, after helping Cypher Town secure promotion to Nephara's top flight, the first female player on the national team. She’s a high-flying shot-stopper who, despite some rawness, came into her own as a keeper in the Nepharim Premiership - the first professional league she played in. At thirty-three years old, she’s lost some of her athleticism, but compensates for this with her experience and better feel for goalkeeping, especially on set pieces, where she has upgraded from “terrible” to “below-average”.

#12 - WANG Bo - 24 - Dynamo Dalian
#23 - LU Qiang - 27 - SC Jiangdong

Wang Bo is a polished shot-stopper with strong leadership abilities who was rewarded for his efforts with a Golden Gloves award. Lu Qiang is more modern, better at playing the ball from the back, but undoubtedly worse at actually stopping the ball from going into the net.

DEFENDERS
#02 - KANG Enlai - 23 - Dynamo Dalian
#03 - REN Fang - 26 - FC Shanbei
#05 - HAN Jian - 28 - Yincheng Capitals
#06 - GUO Xiawei - 23 - Tanques AOE (KOR)
#13 - QIU Geming - 30 - Beian City

The Red Dragons’ defensive strengths come more from their organization, discipline, and hard work rather than any special talents. Guo Xiawei, the only member of the back five to sign abroad, has the most potential for his skill on the ball and flashes of brilliance. However, he’s also the outlier in an undisciplined, cautious defense, and tends to make silly mistakes on defense. Ren Fang and Han Jian are strong, aerially adept, and athletic enough to get by, although both tend to just hoof it whenever they win the ball. Kang Enlai is the more ambitious of the two fullbacks and will provide width on the left flank, while Qiu Geming is more cautious and often drifts inwards when Guo and Kang push up.

#14 - LIN Wangming - 34 - Beian City
#15 - ZHU Aiguo - 22 - Yincheng Capitals
#16 - ZHUANG Chonglin - 31 - Beian Athletic
#17 - WU Jing - 34 - Canterlot Stars (EQS)

Lin Wangming and Wu Jing are veteran full-backs who previously started for the Red Dragons, but Lin Wangming’s attacking nature hasn’t caught up to the fact that he’s not quick enough to reliably get back any more, and Wu Jing is cautious to a fault. Zhuang Chonglin will often spell Guo Xiawei when the Red Dragons need to protect a lead, while Zhu Aiguo is an aggressive change of pace that will help win the ball back and push forward at the cost of defensive stability.

MIDFIELDERS
#07 - YANG Tao - 23 - Yincheng Capitals
#08 - GU Zhalei (C) - 29 - Archbishop FC (NOV)
#11 - CHEN Xiwei - 26 - Beiyun Stars

Gu Zhalei is an energetic presser, an accurate (if not very creative) passer, and the heart of the Red Dragons’ tactical setup. Flanking him, Yang and Chen are equally energetic, but not nearly as technically skilled. They’re mostly there to press aggressively, win the ball back, and kick the opponents to stop counterattacks.

#18 - WEN Xiaohui (f) - 19 - Interdimensional Misei (HIN)
#19 - LI Jing - 23 - SC Jiangdong
#24 - GAO Renling - 31 - Sporting New Arch (XAN)

Wen Xiaohui, the niece of controversial star midfielder Wen Xiaoli, could be Yuezhou’s next big thing, but although her pace and playmaking make her a future star, she’s incredibly raw and not a great tactical fit. Gao’s biggest strength is his motor, followed closely by his field vision, and he’ll be used as an attacking substitute for Yang or Chen. The young Li Jing is very quick and best on the counterattack, but may lack the discipline to adhere to Yuan’s pressing style.

FORWARDS
#09 - HUANG Shedong - 23 - Beian City
#10 - LIU Huiying (f) - 21 - Tractor Club Sawayama (SQR)

Huang Shedong and Liu Huiying form an incredibly fluid front line. Neither are particularly good at hold-up play or in the air, but both excel at finding gaps in the opponents’ defense and using dribbling and short passes to exploit them. Liu is the stronger passer, and as such tends to drop back more to connect the midfield and attack, and Huang the better finisher who stays up more.

#20 - LUO Dan - 21 - Beian Athletic
#21 - YU Wei - 30 - SC Jiangdong
#22 - WANG Jiahui - 20 - Yincheng Capitals

The experienced Yu Wei is a strong aerial presence and decent finisher, while Luo and Wang are more mobile forwards who can fill Huang and Liu’s roles ably.

RP Permissions: Anything non-godmod is fine, TG/DM me for permission to godmod. I determine severity of injuries.

[Rhododactylia]

Nickname: Easterners

Formation: 3-2-5

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        (Y)/N
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y/(N)
Injure Players:               (Y)/N [make sure to tell me first]
Godmod Injury Events:         Y/(N)
Red Card Players:             Y/(N) [Double yellow is okay though if you tell me first]
Yellow Card Players:          (Y)/N
Godmod Other Events:          Y/(N)
=================================

Style Mod: -4 (pretty defensive for a 3-2-5, but who cares?)

Starting 11:

Goalkeeper: #1 Lormand Kala
Defender: #2 Rabad Shals
Defender: #4 Amand Odnor
Defender: #3 Ogarl Hamov
Midfielder: #6 Lormand Radi
Midfielder: #5 Adin Fahd
Forward: #13 Oind Kars
Forward: #11 Onsin Hoese (C)
Forward: #14 Newbin Shadles
Forward: #10 Ardin Keanev
Forward: #9 Alandir Kasdy

Lineup:

---

BEFORE COPA RUSHMORI:

TOTAL GAMES PLAYED: 3

TREND (LAST 5 GAMES) L W D (L means loss, W means win, D means draw)

[Falkyr]

The Queen's Wings

Manager: Dagmar Nilsson
Assistant Manager: Sjurd Stendahl (FAC)
Formation: 5-4-1
Style: -1.5
Colors: Blue and red diagonal stripes; yellow accents.

Now six years removed from The Rift, the Falkyr struggle to make sense of a world where they aren't the big dogs in their neighborhood and their actions have tangible repercussions. And amidst it all, the first players to mature in this version of Rushmore make their break into the national team.

(Blue means male, Green means female)
Starting XI:
Pos - Age - Name - # <Note>
ST - 29 - Imriška Grahn           - #9  <PEN>
LM - 33 - Jonas Ljungman          - #11 
CM - 28 - Ågot Sienkiewicz        - #10 <SET> (FAC)
CM - 27 - Tatiana Tennfjord       - #8 
RM - 32 - Irene Andréasson        - #7
LB - 31 - Patryk Westerberg       - #3
CB - 28 - Zlatica Mäkinen         - #69
SW - 29 - Zdzisława Laukkanen     - #0  <CPT>
CB - 26 - Dan Vollan              - #4
RB - 30 - Jesper Frank            - #2
GK - 28 - Bronimir Smolarek       - #1

Substitutes:
F  - 25 - Katharina Kristoffersen - #99
M  - 20 - Kimmo Björk             - #19
M  - 29 - Juhani Ząbek            - #18
M  - 23 - Juha Jankovič           - #17 (FAC)
D  - 30 - Rajmund Berglund        - #16
D  - 26 - Ilona Nilsen            - #15
D  - 21 - Edvard Losnedahl        - #14
D  - 28 - Eric Sundén             - #13
GK - 23 - Katrine Berg            - #12
GK - 33 - Halvdan Hjort           - #20

RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
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

[Mavinet]

MAVINET NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

INFORMATION
Head Coach: Nguyen Minh Quan
Assistant Coach: Phan Vinh Hien
Trigram: MAV
Nickname: The Water Buffaloes
Demonym: Mavinese
Style: +3

---

OFFICIAL SQUAD

The Mavinese national football team are ready to get back into international action, starting with the regional Copa Rushmori 35 at Astograth and Savojarna. Aiming to deliver a better performance than the last edition of the cup, where the Water Buffaloes ended pointless and conceded a whopping 17 goals, the most in the tournament. Head Coach Nguyen Minh Quan made several changes to the roster, opting to drop a few senior names in favor of younger and more competitive alternatives. Most of the changes are made in the defense department, where Mavinet is weakest. Defenders Ha Van Thao, Le Luong Minh and Le Nguyen Viet Sang are the newest additions to the roster. Up front, reliable names like Tran Hoang Minh, Nguyen Quang Khai, Ho Vu Thanh Hoang or Vo Thanh Hai continue to feature, with some new faces in Ha Anh Vu, Phung Thieu Van and Pham Thai Gia rounding up a overall younger and more energetic offense.

PLAYER DETAILS
Starters in green
Names are written in Mavinese order, Last name - Middle name - First name

POS.	   NUM.		NAME				        AGE	TEAM              
GK	   1		Nguyen Hoang Trung (VC)		        32	LoKa Trung Son FC		
GK	   13		Pham Anh Dung				30	Phuc Chau Port			
GK	   21		Do Manh Cuong				23	Vinh An Dai Hoa			

RB/RWB	   2		Le Luong Minh			        29	Thuong Giang FC			
RB/RWB	   22		Trinh Van Hau			        26	Phuc Chau Port
CB	   4		Do Tan Thanh 				30	Thuong Giang FC
CB	   5		Ho Hung Dung				30	Vinh An Dai Hoa
CB	   6		Ha Van Thao				27	TelcomMavi FC
CB	   18		Nguyen Minh Quyet			28	LoKa Trung Son
LB/LWB	   23		Le Nguyen Viet Sang		        26	Thuong Giang FC
LB/LWB	   3		Do Phuoc Long				27	Vinh An Dai Hoa

CDM/CM	   7		Hoang Phuc Nguyen			27	Phuc Chau Port
CDM	   8		Lam Tri Thong				28	Vinh An Dai Hoa
CM/CAM	   10		Tran Hoang Minh				28	Vinh An Dai Hoa
CM	   11		Nguyen Quang Khai (C)		        31	Phuc Chau Port FC
CAM	   17		Nguyen Hoai Trung Dung			29	Phuc Chau Port
LM/LW	   12		Vu Tien Linh				26	Thuong Giang FC
LM/LW	   14		Ha Anh Vu				27	MCB Dai Nam
RW/LW	   15		Ho Vu Thanh Hoang			23	Vinh An Dai Hoa
RM/RW	   16		Phung Thieu Van				25	TelcomMavi FC

ST	   9		Vo Thanh Hai				29	Vinh An Dai Hoa
ST	   19		Tran Duc Vinh				27	ALT Vinh Thuy
ST	   20		Pham Thai Gia				24	Phuc Chau Port

FORMATION

---

KITS
Vinh An Inc., Mavinet's largest sportswear and sport equipment manufacturer, present the third-generation kits for the national team, incorporating several traditional patterns and symbols of the country. The kits also feature famous Pho Tranh traditional paintings, reimagined in digital form by artist Lam Xuan.

---

PERMISSION

Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y (within reason)
Injure Players: Y (I decide severity)
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y (discuss with me)
Yellow Card Players: Y (up to 3 players, 2nd yellow for a player possible, discuss first)
Godmod Other Events: Y (not life-threatening or career-ending)

[Graintfjall]

[img]huge%20fuck%20off%20logo.jpg[/img]

[img]shit%20is%20absolutely%20gargantuan.png[/img]

Team name: Græntfjall
TLA: GRÆ [GRF when not available]
Demonym: Græntfjaller
Team nickname: Snow Wolves

Kit: Blue with white piping; alternate is the reverse; GK wears red. Because all Græntfjaller names are patronymic, players typically have their first name on the backs of their shirts.

Coach: Sigtryggur Brynjólfursson
Assistant coach: Særún Toresdóttir

Not tremendously experienced, and instinctively defensive in their thinking, it’s probably fair to say that Sigtryggur and Særún are approaching their duties with not getting horribly embarrassed further to the front of their minds than actually winning. They’re not going to be animated touchline presences and will be respectful of other managers and of match officials – possibly to a fault, as their rather bloodless style influences the team’s staid tactics. They will tend to play 4-4-2 by default and shift to 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 later on, and especially if the team should somehow luck into a 1-0 lead.

Squad: A 23-person squad has been named for the tournament, although in practice those numbered 1-11 should be expected to start unless otherwise stated.

• The Græntfjaller Premier League is gender-mixed and it is seen as uncontroversial for men and women to play alongside each other. If you find this unrealistic you are welcome to RP surprised reaction [although given the general state of NS Sports it would surely be not too much of an outlier] but it won’t be something we dwell on. The men tend to be taller and stronger, women smaller and more agile with better ball skills, but there are exceptions.
• All men have patronymic -son surnames, all women -dóttir.
• Players are professional, but just barely. Salaries in the league are living wage level. No one here is a millionaire.
• In general, Græntfjaller players are athletic and have excellent whole-match fitness, disciplined, and not prone to violence or emotional outbursts. They are, however, not tremendously skilled.

Goalkeepers

1. Alexander Leonardsson (31) – Altendalur
12. Fabian Snæþórsson (25) – Drumchapel United [GLZ]
13. Björnólfur Ernestisson (18) – AK Stanimir [ZRH]

The young reserves have both recently been among the first cohort of Græntfjallers to sign foreign contracts. Both, however, are likely to remain warming the bench to Alexander, a tall and basically competent, if not spectacularly agile, presence who kept a clean-sheet in the team's inaugural run-out against Megistos.

Defenders

2. Ralf Álfarsson (35) – Folte
3. Else Svennsdóttir (25) – Gunzlach
4. Vilbjörn Hjörleifursson (37) – Molding
5. Emeli Vilbertsdóttir (22) – Folte
14. Theo Nicolajsson (25) – Kuodorf
15. Hilmar Farmansson (29) – Platinastigrade [ZRH]
16. Karoline Vernerisdóttir (28) – Molding

Ralf and Vilbjörn are the kind of tall, strong center-backs who will defend corners with aplomb and then fail to make a routine 10 yard pass. Else and Emeli are pacy full-backs better suited to playing forward in wing-back roles but might be exposed defensively in the more orthodox back-4 formation. Theo and Hilmar could serve as an extra center-back in a 5-back formation, while Karoline has two good feet [always a plus for a professional footballer] and can serve on either flank.

Midfielders

6. Bríana Noahsdóttir (23) – Steinaux
7. Amanda Guttisdóttir (20) – Kuodorf
8. Matthias Raphaelsson (20) – Oost-Hartburg
11. Álfar Ásvaldursson (23) – Mühlrich
17. Ketilbjörg Aunosdóttir (31) – Korsbach
18. Andrin Franklínsson (32) – Altendalur
19. Gabríel Svennsson (22) – Gunzlach
20. Hlégestur Snæþórsson (30) – Steinaux
21. Hrærekur Jvarsson (29) – Steinaux
23. Sara Kristoffersdóttir (16) – Fliserboding

The midfield plays as a fairly squashed diamond, with Amanda, probably the team’s most assured presence on the ball with good vision and passing, if not quite the physical size to go up against the world’s best defenses, trending in front and Álfar dropping back. The wings are asymmetric: Matthias likes to cut in from the left, while Bríana tends to stay out wide and whip in crosses. So basically it’s a tremendously ugly quadrilateral formation. The bench is filled out by mostly sturdy holding players who can bolster the defensive side, while 16 year whizz-kid Sara [so-called because she was so excited to get the call-up she wet herself] on the bench is either a sign of exciting things to come, or of how bone-dry the nation’s talent reserves are.

Forwards

9. Jason Þórhallursson (20) – Gunzlach
10. Dan Antoninsson (30) – Oost-Hartburg
22. Justiina Dannysdóttir (25) – Estdal

Scorer of the first goal in the team’s international history and golden boot in the GPL, Jason is the closest thing to a star in the team, which is really not saying a lot. He and Dan form a classic 9-10 pairing, with 9 not caring to track back much further than the opposition 6-yard box, and Dan running himself ragged over the other 95% of the field. With Justiina another 10, the lack of reserves clearly points to a shift to more defensive formations being likely once the substitutions roll.

Style modifier: -2.5

RP permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Y [if a penalty, please use Jason; if a direct free-kick, Amanda]
Godmod Scoring Events: Y
Hand Out Yellow Cards: Y
Hand Out Red Cards: Y
Injure My Players: Y [say they are injured but let me decide the severity and consequences]
Godmod Other Events: Y

[Nethertopia]

Nethertopian National Team

Introduction
Nickname: The Falcons
Style modifier: -2.0
Association: Nethertopian Football Association (NeFA)
First international appearance: Baptism of Fire 27 (World Cup 40 Cycle)
First CR appearance: Copa Rushmori 1 (hosts)
Manager: Sjon Opdeheuvel (52)
Assistant manager: Boris Kietecs (39)

It’s the return of the Nethertopian National Team to the bright shining lights of international football! After about 60 years of silence from the Falcons, it’s their (probably less than) glorious return to stadiums around the world. Starting with Copa Rushmori 35. With plans to upgrade the semi-professional Nethertopian national league, the NUMPTIES, to a full-fledged full time league again, ready to enter the next cycle of IFCF-tournaments, the NeFA’s future is looking bright. Or, realistically, maybe there’s a bit of a sheen somewhere hidden between a lot of rust.

Recently appointed manager Sjon Opdeheuvel has a history with the two biggest national clubs NAPPC and Tenderville United, having supervised both clubs during their semi-professional spells in the last years. His protegé Boris Kietecs, decended of first national team manager Rob Kietecs, followed suit and will act as Sjon’s assistant. Their squad is composed of the best and brightest of the Nethertopian national league. They hope to take at least a couple of points home to Nethertopia. If anything, it’s nice for the lads and lasses to get out of the country for a bit.

Nevertheless, Savojarna can expect a host of enthousiastic Nethertopian fans flooding the nation, ready to have all their hopes and dreams crushed in Copa Rushmori 35. Time to play some football!


Team and formation

Players
Starting players in blue

No.     Pos       Age     Name                          Gen    Team
1       GK        26      Noud Vreman (VC)              F      NAPPC (NTH) 
12      GK        22      Marjoleine Nije Bijvank       F      FC DePardenti (NTH)
23      GK        29      Jan-Douwe Tissing             M      Tenderville United (NTH)
2       LB        23      Huib ten Bos                  M      Tenderville United (NTH) 
13      LB        28      Harm Vlogtman                 M      SVV Stoedt (NTH)
3       CB        27      Twan Storm van 's Gravesande  M      Tenderville United (NTH) 
4       CB        20      Ur'gor Gro-om (Ursine)        F      The Grey Towers (NTH) 
5       CB        29      Peter-jan Tielbeeke           M      NAPPC (NTH) 
14      CB/CDM    24      Dirk-Jan Plaggenmersch        M      NAPPC (NTH)
15      CB        29      Pieter-Jan Jansen             M      Blue-White Udenbergen (NTH)
16      CB        30      Cathelijn Nijhoff             F      Sportivo Gretor (NTH)
6       RB        30      Siert Orgelo                  M      FC DePardenti (NTH) 
17      RB        26      Jan-Hendrik Eisink            M      NAPPC (NTH)
7       CDM/CM    29      Wijnanda Schopman             F      September Hawks (NTH) 
8       DM        33      Gijsje Wanrooij               F      Tenderville United (NTH) 
10      CM        30      Gust Sicke                    M      SVV Stoedt (NTH) 
18      CM/RM/CAM 25      Joeri Bekedam                 M      Blue-White Udenbergen (NTH)
19      CM   	  21      Jelle Boerkamp                M      Tenderville United (NTH)
20      RM/RW	  30      Eefje Petersen                F      The Grey Towers (NTH)
9       RM/RW/ST  27      Martin van Bamberg (cap)      M      Tenderville United (NTH) 
11      CAM/ST    28      Stan Verlinden                M      NAPPC (NTH) 
21      CAM/ST    24      Mannes Oldegberts             M      Peregrinus City Marbles (NTH)
22      LW/ST     20      Hubrecht Maat                 M      VVV Ran (NTH)

Formation and usual line-up



Positions and playing style
Goalkeeper
Noud Vreman tends to be a reliable goalie, specialized in one-on-ones. She lacks the footballing aspect of the game, but makes up for it with a farther-than-usual throwing ability. Expect a lot of distribution to the wing backs from her.

Defenders
Playing with three centre backs is Opdeheuvel’s way of trying to make sure the Falcon’s aren’t butchered in their return to international football. Leading from the heart of the defence is Ur’gor Gro-om, the only Ursine to be playing in the national team. Standing a few feet taller than her teammates, she mostly fulfils the ausputzer role. Flanking her are experienced Peter-jan Tielbeeke and the magnificently named Twan Storm van 's Gravesande, both defenders who are more technically gifted than the options on the bench. Wingback Huib ten Bos has a nasty cross in his repertoire, while Sirt Orgelo is more known for his speed and high work rate.

Midfielders
Even more defensive stability built in here, with a deep lying playmaker in Gijsje Wanrooij. What she lacks in size, she makes up in ferocity. She’s ready to distribute the ball directly through to the striker couple, or look more closely to pass towards her flanking mezzalas. While Gust Sicke has more flair to him, Wijnanda Schopman tends to be more aggressive in her playing style. Both mezzalas will look for the overlap from their respective wing backs, or will try through balls to the strikers if they’re in a promising position.

Attackers
Martin van Bamberg and Stan Verlinden are both star strikers at the top two clubs in Nethertopia. Van Bamberg plays as a shadow striker, trying to link up to the more prolific Verlinden if possible. Both players are nimble and quick though, and will mostly look to make runs at opponents during counter attacks. Expect quick breaks from these two if the Falcons capture the ball in their own half.

Bench options
Opdeheuvel’s options seem to be a bit limited. Squad depth could be better for the Falcons. The defending options are more kick-and-rush than this team would like to play, except for right back Jan-Hendrik Eisink. Though he might miss the pace to make the first team. Jelle Boerkamp is an exciting prospect who despite his age is knocking on the first team’s door. Eefje Petersen is the odd one out in this team, normally acting as a right winger at The Grey Towers. She could be brought on for her pace and precise passing as both midfielder and attacker though. Mannes Oldegberts’ strong physique could be used as a last resort option when the team is trailing behind, while young Hubrecht Maat is a decent replacement for either striker.


Kits
Home

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RP Permissions

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y
Just do what suits you right, but please refrain from either killing and/or maiming anyone.

[Valladares]

THE VALLADAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL ROSTER FOR THE 35^TH COPA RUSHMORI

Coaching Staff:

Head coach: Jessica Curran (Cassadaigua)
Assistant coach: Sergio Acevedo
Goalkeeping coach: Martin Légendre
Fitness coach: Ramón Estiaguirre
Team doctor: Jacques Pelletier
Physiotherapist: Dante Palazzi
Video analyst: Lorenzo Coombs

Squad:

GOALKEEPERS
1. Paulo Gaviria - GK - 34 - Nacional (Captain)
12. Pierre Dussan - GK - 34 - AS Bezieres
23. Lucien Chamoun - GK - 24 - Fontvielle Impact

DEFENDERS
2. Jair Marrugo - RB - 30 - Nacional
3. Martín Delgado - CB - 31 - Port Sebastian (Schottia)
4. Santiago Rueda - LB - 32 - Nacional
13. Daniel Brown - RB - 28 - Bohemians Metropolis
14. Thiago Matheus - CB - 29 - Metropolis Alligators
15. Geoffrey Démont - LB - 32 - Fontvielle Impact

MIDFIELDERS
5. Leonardo Rojas - MC - 32 - AS Bezieres
6. Christian O'Brien - MC - 25 - Tanrısal (Pasarga)
7. Ronald Mickel - AMR - 30 - Kitara Athletic Association (Banija)
8. Mateo Padilla - AML - 32 - Fontvielle Impact
16. Bryan Castillo - MC - 30 - Hondo FC (Valanora)
17. Gaëtan Malicki - MC - 30 - Syneca AC (Squornshelan Remnant States)
18. Daniel Lachlant - AMR - 24 - Club Stein-los (Pasarga)
19. Alexis Durmisi - AML - 25 - Urbizania Wanderers (Astograth)

FORWARDS
9. Wilfried Baume - FW - 29 - AC Izotz Zubia (Audioslavia)
10. Alexandre - FW - 30 - Montreal Koreana (Royal Kingdom of Quebec)
11. Thibault Benezet - FW - 25 - Sabrefell Athletic (Nephara)
20. Alfred Valdivia - FW - 31 - Bohemians Metropolis
21. Aiden Pearson - FW - 31 - RGS Athletic (Eastfield Lodge)
22. Valentin Germain - FW - 27 - Crisisbless (Nephara)

Starting Lineup, Formation, and Tactics:

The Valladar national football team is known for having its traditional 3-2-2-3 (or 3-4-3 for general reference) formation, which can turn into either a very aggressive yet non-conventional 3-2-5 for attacking or a 5-4-1 (a 3-6-1, even) when the team feel the need to enter into a defensive mode. La Nacional will always be looking to attack and retain ball possession for as long as possible, trying to score many goals in the shortest possible time and mounting an insurmountable lead for the second half of the match when players from both teams start showing signs of fatigue. This squad mostly relies on the speed of both Ronald Mickel and Mateo Padilla on the wings both in attack and in defense modes, with Leonardo Rojas and Christian O'Brien playing the role of defensive midfielders that was well covered by Jonathan Bosetti and Pedro Pedretti in the past: both should be able to retreat to the defensive line with ease whenever the team lose ball possession in order to form a line of 5 defenders, thus giving rival forwards a very hard time when trying to break through the Valladar defense. Wilfried Baume, Alexandre, and Thibault Benezet will be playing together up front, and the trio are well prepared under the premises of the typical Valladar forward: very speedy and talented, with the ability to seemingly harmless crosses into goals, create chances and score goals out of nothing, and kill defenses with speed and lethal counterattacks.

Style Modifier: +2.5

Kits (Brought to you by Meski Sports):

First
Alternate
GK/Third

RP Permissions:

In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...
Choose my goalscorers YES
Godmod scoring events YES
RP injuries to my players NO without permission. I'll determine the severity if granted permission.
Godmod injuries to my players NO without permission.
Hand out yellow cards to my players YES
Hand out red cards to my players NO - I'll determine whether my players are sent off or not.
Godmod other events YES only if they involve weather conditions.

Special requests:
1) Please no killings, and definitely no pandemic-related RPing.
2) Try to be as realistic as possible, and last but no least...
3) Have fun.

[Darmen]

National Football Team of Darmen
presented by the
Darmeni Football Association

Record (Modern-era only, since Copa Rushmori 24): 293 matches, 143 wins, 59 draws, 91 losses, 630 GF, 496 GA, .555 Win %

Caps
 1 Alberich Goldschmidt 204
 2 Silver Abbey         168
 3 Juanito Stafford     157
 4 Hyman Campo          153
 5 Craig Blackwood      146
 6 Mordecai Ó Cuilinn   142
 7 Felix Lucanus        139
 8 Ritchie Porsche      121
 9 Zachariah Butler     115
10 Riley Mac Pharlain   113

Goals
 1 Craig Blackwood      100
 2 Felix Lucanus         80
 3 Skylar Hurst          47
 4 Daniel Norton         38
 5 Brian Firmin          30
 6 Juanito Stafford      26
 7 Riley Mac Pharlain    23
 8 Alberich Goldschmidt  19
   Víedharr Svendsen     19
10 Abraham Cardoso       17
   Colin Russell         17

Coaching Staff

Position          Name                 Age
Manager           Berhtoald Myers      41
Assistant Manager Soan Lafrentz        54
Offensive Coach   Iwan Perrault        54
Defensive Coach   Evan Bullock         55
Goalkeeping Coach Martín Findlay       44
Psychologist      Desmond Ó Damháin    47

23 Player Roster

# Pos Name               Age Club                      Caps Goals
 1 GK  Hyman Campo        27  Scott City FC             153    0
 2 LB  Philippus Deniaud  27  FC Capri (VAL)             12    0
 3 LCB Aurelio Di Stefano 26  Sterling City United       51    2
 4 RCB Silver Abbey       28  Tempala United Saints     168    3
 5 RB  Cyrus Spalding     26  Scott City FC              87    4
 6 LDM Kerr Ramírez       30  Pikemouth (BRE)            93    3
 7 RDM Avidan Tobias      26  Chippewa Valley United FC  56    2
 8 LM  Riley Mac Pharlain 28  Sterling City United      113   23
 9 CM  Víedharr Svendsen  24  Tempala United Saints      67   19
10 RM  Juanito Stafford   29  Rogerton Valladar CF      157   26
11 ST  Craig Blackwood    26  Sterling City United      146  100

12 GK  Daniel Abram       27  Royal PFC                  36    0
13 LB  Feliciano Espinosa 25  Romanopolis United         80    1
14 LCB Manu Ó Baoghill    24  Olympique Chuckio          29    0
15 RCB Cormac Krämer      27  Atlético Augusta           45    1
16 RB  Curtis Tremblay    24  Bayern Phoenix (TAE)       28    2
17 LDM Joel Good          25  Atlético Augusta           41    1
18 RDM Hákon Thorn        24  Portes Ava United           5    0
19 LM  Codie Armbruster   27  Scott City FC              49    5
20 CM  Abraham Cardoso    27  AFC Mayville (EUR)         80   17
21 RM  Aquila Freud       26  Sleepy Hollow (TAE)        85   11
22 ST  Skylar Hurst       29  Atlético Augusta           83   47
23 GK  Myrddin Falkenrath 24  Lynx FC                    20    0

Tactics
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Style Mod: +1
See: Brian Schmetzer and the Seattle Sounders.


Team Roles
Captain: Silver Abbey
Vice-Captain: Juanito Stafford
Left Corner: Kerr Ramírez
Right Corner: Juanito Stafford
Penalties: Craig Blackwood
Free-kicks: Juanito Stafford

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
Choose my scorers: YES PLEASE!
Choose my scoring events: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
RP injuries to my players: YES, no more than one per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Godmod Injuries to my players: NO
Give Yellow Cards to my players: YES, no more than two per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Give Red Cards to my players: YES, no more than one per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Godmod other events: MAYBE. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Style Modifier: +1

[Oberour Ar Moro]

Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
National Football Team

Copa Rushmori XXXV Roster

Staff

Manager: Matthieu Augier, age 37 (previously Anceaume Manager)
Assistant Manager: Thoumas d'Herbigny, age 56 (previously National U-18 Manager)
Assistant Manager: Kenerin Arbalastrier, age 42 (previously Anceaume Assistant Manager)

Players
Starters in bold (Domestic Club (Nation if not in Oberour Ar Moro)

Goalkeepers

1 GK Laurens Desainctvictori, age 30 (Dursten Easterners (Xanneria))
12 GK Sanson de Dreux, age 28 (Cyrene Bay)
24 GK Olliuier le Duc, age 26 (Myrrh-Streamer)

Defenders

2 LB Gwion du Bourc-la-Reyne, age 30 (de la Charite)
3 RB Claudes Filion, age 23 (Elektriklestirmespor (Timuria))
14 LB Donatien Calenge, age 22 (Cyrene Bay)
15 RB Tivio de Malhortye, age 25 (Olympique Chuckio (Darmen))

Sweepers

10 SW Marzhin Petit, age 28 (Invicta)
11 SW Mathieux Helleu, age 25 (Cyrene Bay)
22 SW Noel l’Aulogier, age 25 (Pescium)
23 SW Deklan Charpentier, age 28 (Confessor)

Midfielders

5 LM Thommas du Contant de la Mollette, age 27 (Patrons)
6 RM Peterne de Courbueil, age 25 (Patrons)
4 CM Pierres Branon, CM, age 29 (Invicta)
17 LM Roparzh Ricouart, age 27 (Regium Immortal)
18 RM Helier Moquet l'Aisné, age 28 (Anceaume)
16 CM Brioc de la Rochelle, age 24 (Saint Louis)

Forwards

7 LW Eneour Pique-Pain, age 26 (Patrons)
8 RW Ruran l’Ermite, age 28 (Cyrene Bay)
9 ST Taran Bele, age 25 (Invicta)
19 LW Denig Regnault, age 28 (CS Saint-Rémy (Kelssek))
20 RW Eccliseus Moulleren, age 25 (Esperance)
21 ST Nycollas Mauranghas, age 25 (Regium United)

Formation

First and Second-Choice Shirts

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, just don't kill anyone
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, just don't kill anyone
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes
Give Red Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Please TG me, and I'll probably say yes

Style Modifier: +5

[Pasarga]

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: 26th
Most Caps: Mór Császár (196)
Most Goals: Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (124)


Kits

Home Away Third
Modifier: +1

Manager: Meriadoc Griffiths , age 48
Assistant: Anna Kováts, age 46 (F)

Home Stadium: Stade de Torgos (90,000)

Goalkeepers
GK: Sasa Szatmáry, age 32, Club Stein-los (F)
GK: Lisístrato Ramírez Alvardo, age 31, Cornellians
GK: Ambrus Galambos, age 29, Stein-los Turkish

In theory, the squad is spoiled for choice at the keeper position, with three keepers who have performed extremely well for their domestic teams and at times for the national team. Galambos took hold of the number one shirt with a solid display in the Eagles' Cup and then more often than not providing key saves in the World Cup qualifiers. Yet in the Finals, the keeper was unable to perform up to that same standard and that may have well broken his confidence. The first match will be the testing grounds for Galambos and should he not rise back to the occasions, Alvardo with their dynamite reflexes will be quickly slotted in to attempt to take the position as theirs.

Defenders
LB/LW: Deli Ács, age, 26, Directus
LB: Carlo Iadanza, age 28, Galatica
CB: Lazar Meier, age 27, Directus
CB: Laborc Szöllössy, age 26, Spartangrad
CB: Torsten Mueller, age 30, Stein-los Turkish
CB: Asztrik Szalay, age 26, Handon United
R/CB: Tabor Csikós, age 26, Spartangrad
RB: Igor Topić, age 28, Ramusok United

The change to a more technical defensive line that was comfortable with the ball at their feet seemed to have a bit of merit but it struggled to produce the consistent defensive work both in the qualifiers and then in the Finals. If Mueller wants a chance to remain on the squad for the next round of qualifiers, he's going to have to show a lot of improvement in leading the defensive line with Meier. Ács has fully matured into a dynamic force on the left hand of the field, with solid enough defensive work to play as a fullback and attacking prowess to play as a winger or wide midfielder, while the right side of the defense is the more traditional Pasargan workhouse of a fullback with a bit of defensive bite.

Midfielders

RW: Jan Gersten, age 29, Bastion
RW: Ildiko Kálmán, age 23, Lujano (F)
AMC: Mária Vöröss, age 26, Royal Canterlot HC
A/MC: Márió Szölösi, age 23, Ulsa
D/MC: Szalyk Földessy, age 26, Crawford City FC
D/MC: Zita Szöcs, age 27, Mar Sara FC (F)
LW: Pellegrin Csapó, age 23, Marque
LW: Etilka Szöllössy, age 27, Manechester City HC (F)

The midfield as a whole is a giant question mark for the Wanderers, as there has been quite a bit of upheaval in its personnel over the last four years and there is no stand out world class player orchestrating it as was the case before. If there is that player, it might be Jan Gersten who has quietly gone about his business and been one of the most consistent performers for both club and country for a few years now. There is plenty of promise in this midfield, yet we have yet to see that promise be delivered upon by any except for Gersten for more than a game or two at a time. Mária Vöröss can be a dynamic playmaker on her day but she is lacking that consistency, while Márió Szölösi is looking to get more starting time at his club before he can really lay claim to a NT starting spot. The left wing is the weakest point in all this, as none of the players there have been tested truthfully on the international stage.

Strikers

AMC/ST: Alexander Jager, age 30, Revolutionaries
ST: Adrián Makai, age 28, North Hall
ST: Nataša Horvat, age 28, Olympia FC (F)
ST: Júlia Müller, age 27, Rozelle (F)

As much as he might have tried to, Jager could not put this team on his shoulders and carry them through the Finals, much to his own personal chagrin. However one can not deny the amount of goals that he was able to convert as well as provide and thus he remains as a starter even as he comes to the wrong side of thirty. Müller was often the recipient of Jager's hard work and put in her fair share amount of goals, as did Horvat and Makai when given a chance, though the former has just that certain flair about her that gets her the starting nod. This group continues the current lineage of good strikers, but not quite being enough to provide complete cover for the faults in the rest of the squad.

Tactics

The new Brenecian manager has come with a positive attitude and look to refine the tactics being used rather than trying to reinventing the wheel. Known for having a preference for pacy players who have a good amount of technical skill, the team will likely be looking to use the creative players in the middle to try and dominate and wear down their opponents. One can fully expect the team to try and win the war of attrition with their pace, stamina, and skill, keeping possession when they can and looking to fly on the counter when their defense gets hemmed in.

Captain: Deli Ács
Corner Taker: Jan Gersten
Set Pieces: Alexander Jager
Penalties: Júlia Müller

[Astograth]

The cutoff for the Savojar half of the Copa Rushmori (Groups A-C) will be 24 hours and 15 minutes from now, with the cutoff for groups D-F some hours later as detailed in the OP.

A writing prompt, which you can use or ignore as you wish with no penalty or bonus associated with using it: How does your national team arrive at the tournament? Did everything go smoothly or were there any issues? Any stopovers? Does everyone travel together or separately? How do the team feel about what's upcoming? Do they travel by plane or some other method? Teleportation, airships, spaceships, and regular ships have all been seen at the Copa Rushmori.

[Crystalline Caverns]

Crystalline Caverns
"Anyone want some wolves?"

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Roster

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Goalkeepers
- Clovis Terrano
- Sekar Sersiuppe
- Marque Glacies
Defenders
- Josceline Arik 
- Austin Timour
- Vanamo Starkeysa 
- Maksym Kujesmart
- Tufayl Muffie 
- Fjordham Alsein
Midfielders
- Dan Castellini (C) 
- Balint Tovnia 
- Brodie Wavers 
- Etzel Zircon 
- Neo Dortmund 
- Cosimo Planetaris
- Zerah Buani
Strikers
- Landen Smoker 
- Seffora Phirestone 
- Bituin Coinicus
- Gay Jatsby
Coaching Staff
- Gaston Rolf (Head Manager still, somehow)
- Björk Björk (Assistant Manager)
Starting XI

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

---

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Other Info

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Style: -4
Nickname: The Frostac Wolves (Or just anything ice-related, really)

---

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
- Choose my goalscorers: Yes
- Godmod scoring events: Yes (The crazier, the better!)
- RP injuries to my players: Get my ok 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.

[Plane of Possibility]

Planer National Football Team
Formation: 4-3-3
Style Modifier: +3
Starting XI:

GK Hope Lamont, Half-Elf Cleric, Light Domain
RB Kosxire Duskborn, Tiefling Bard, College of Valor
CB Riki Dremont, Tifling Wizard, School of Transmutation
CB Sir Samuel Urael III, Human Paladin, Oath of Vengeance
LB Malmong Shadow, Tiefling Rogue, Assassin
RM Sigrun Irota, Mountain Dwarf Ranger, Beast Master
CM Fribis Vierra, Tiefling Barbarian, Berserker
LM Sorrow Song, Tiefling Sorcerer, Divine Soul
RW Ariqine Arrowstorm, Tiefling Monk, Way of the Open Hand
ST M'tok K'nen, Half Orc Fighter, Battle Master
LW Malaia Mietre, Tiefling Druid, Circle of the Moon

RP Permissions: Anything except death.

Home Field: Field of Dreams (Cap. Endless)

One week before any visitor arrives at the Field of Dreams, they'd receive a Teleportation Scroll in their mail; the team, its retinue, and one film crew would be allowed to teleport to the Field of Dreams. The Field of Dreams is a regulation-sized pitch where all the film crew's electronics would be fueled by the realm's magic; the crew would be allowed to broadcast the match, but that would be all. No other visitors of any kind are allowed in the Plane of Possibility.

[Graintfjall]

Article posted on the optimistic fan blog, www.GlassHalfFull.græ

Græntfjall, the most dominant team in not just world football but all of world sport, travel to the Copa Rushmori as such overwhelming favorites that actually playing the tournament itself, rather than simply awarding them the trophy now, must be considered a slight. Undefeated with a 100% record, Græntfjall have never lost a single match of international football – nor even conceded so much as one goal.

Finn Eltonsson, co-leader of the ‘Snow Wolf Pack’ fan army, was all confidence before the tournament began. “Every time the Snow Wolves step on the pitch, they win. Sample size be damned, we know what’s going to happen. Why not just hand over the trophy now instead of proceeding with this farce, which will only embarrass those unfortunate enough to stand in their way?”

Henning Freddysson, another Snow Wolves fan planning on making the trip as part of an independent tour group, eschewing the Snow Wolf Pack whose reputation for rowdy cleaning flash-mobs in which they spontaneously pick up all the litter left after a game and sort it by waste category, has earned them the ‘bad boys’ tag of international football, was nonetheless similarly ebullient: “Um, hello? Just look at their record. Is there another team in this tournament whose form guide is literally all W’s?”

Manager Sigtryggur Brynjólfursson was more cautious, graciously setting aside the issue. “You know we’ve only ever played one match, right?” he asked a reporter who was busy flogging a large, dead equine with an enormous and increasingly blunt stick.

Article posted on the pessimistic fan blog, www.GlassHalfFullOfPiss.græ

The Snow Wolves will start in the Astrograth national capital, Rumiatzi, where they will lose to the hosts. They will then travel north to the Blue Mountain resort of Urbizania. A winter sports hub, the city should prove more hospitable to the Græntfjallers used to such alpine environs, and they plan on enjoying their stay there, and then on losing to The Askari Union.

For the second half of the qualifying stage they will travel south to Urbiziana for a three-day spell, first losing to Southwest Eastnorth, last losing to Eastfield Lodge, and in between playing an intra-squad practice match at the Center for Olympic Excellence on the day off, which they will also somehow conspire to lose to themselves.

Asked about the demanding touring schedule, assistant coach Særún Toresdóttir said she was excited to have the opportunity to lose in all three Astrograth cities hosting group D games. “When I found out we were going to be based at Villa Anzoategi I was a bit worried we might be stuck losing all our games in Urbiziana,” she said, “But now the schedule’s been released I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to experience losing in other cities, too.”

[Rea San Vegas]

From the sandy deserts Oil/Casino wealth we bring bring a speech from King Elvis V who gives a huge thanks to Astograth & Savojarna for welcoming them Rea San Vegas in there first Copa Rushmore. We hope to bring our culture to this event. We hope with Copa America factbook that we will be able to preserve the history of this great event.

Coaching Staff:

Head coach: Prince Elvis VI (Son of Elvis V)
Assistant coach: Jevon Moulden Cassadaigua

GOALKEEPERS
1. Xander 'The Cat' Menicucci GK - 21
12. Fidenzio 'The Grin' Bommarito GK - 26
23. Ubertino 'The Snake' Heacock GK - 34

DEFENDERS
2. Giustiniano 'The Hump' Trivett RB - 27
3. Romeo 'The Bull' Rado (Captain) CB - 35
4. Zechariah 'The Bat' Greaver LB - 28
13. Vespasiano 'Flowers' Trupiano RB - 27
14. Metello 'The Humpback' Grieve CB - 24
15. Vito 'Mad Eyed' Lampley LB - 37

MIDFIELDERS
5. Hassan 'The Wild' Panetta MC - 21
6. Everardo 'Venom' Emma MC - 18
7. Ulderico 'Pink Panther' Fucile AMR - 28
8. Arrigo 'Mad Hatter' Pico AML - 32
16. Peleo 'Cheater' Tryon MC - 29
17. Gaëtan Malicki MC - 23
18. Roberto 'Moneybags' Ketchem AMR - 35
19. Evandro 'Muscles' Edgecombe AML - 18

FORWARDS
9. Vitalico 'Mad Bomber' Spendlove FW - 27
10. Zenobio 'Old Guy' Panelli FW - 22
11. Empirio 'Tommy Gun' Morganelli FW - 23
20. Minervino 'The Nose' Tilly FW - 27
21. Ariel 'Danger' Sartain FW - 19
22. Dylon 'Mumbler' Scarlata FW - 26

[Nephara]

NEPHARA
World Ranking: 5th
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Secondary Formation: 4-3-3
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

Last time, third at the World Cup was followed by third in the Copa Rushmori. Now, Nephara have silver medals around their collective necks. You can safely bet on Savojarna or Sargossa to meet up and win the final, then. This is a Cormorants side in a managed transition, as ugly as the word may sound, but Strauss is desperately trying to manage a sense of continuity while waiting for the next generation to be ready. Strongbow, Close and Chalk are gone, while it's likely the last dance of Saroszi and Metzger. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Overall Record
493 wins - 86 draws - 123 losses
1622 scored - 828 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 'Triple Crown' of WCC titles - represented by three stars on the crest.
Second in footballing ability only to 6PupperFunnerRunnies.

Most Caps
172 - Hadrian Belfast
162 - Rowena Strongbow
155 - Elaine Ashdown
150 - Estrella Hawke
143 - Dieter Konoval
141 - Tosca Marlowe
137 - Cathy Stokes
136 - Tanith Rainsford
134 - Michael Brandon
129 - Adnan Szalai
126 - Anna Shrike, Malachite Scharner
116 - Dale Brightley, Diandra Ballard, Sasha Christener, Penumbra Amokachi
112 - Konrad Gosforth, Chimera Moxham
111 - Calliope Katskalidis
108 - Gerhard Thunder, Monako Saroszi
107 - Marcin Close
104 - Rook Cathar
103 - Keith Rowland, Sieglinde Lohengrin
100 - Leona Rafford

Most Goals
91 - Estrella Hawke
65 - Penumbra Amokachi
57 - Gerhard Thunder
55 - Rook Cathar, Rowena Strongbow
50 - Elaine Ashdown

Most Clean Sheets
44 - Diandra Ballard (116 caps)
30 - Apostolos Tsattalios (90 caps)
28 - Portia Thrift (78 caps), Kieron Riordan (66 caps)
24 - Reece Coleman (51 caps), Andreas Swoboda (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
=================================

* Moxham takes most set pieces, including penalties.
** 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

Nepharan football is based around playing hard, pressing aggressively, playing for keeps. Occasionally this leaves gaps behind the high defensive line, though most Nepharan goalkeepers are in the sweeping mould these days to compensate. Marchers are, by and large, a physically imposing folk, and eager to throw their size around. The footballing culture is intensely competitive, and those that survive to make their way to the top are hellbent on winning at any cost. Elbows to the face. Subtle digs in the ribs. Diving is dishonest when opponents do it but streetwise when Nepharim do it. In short, Nephara are the bully from two years above who picked you, specifically, out as a natural target.

That is often the foreign perspective, but it overlooks a key fact; Nepharan football can honestly be beautiful to watch. Generations of players brought up on dry plains or asphalt play the ball quickly and fearlessly along the ground, never sideways when there's a forward option open, always looking to stretch and probe and stay one really good pass away from a goal. Nepharim are undoubtedly physical, even cynical, but their success has been built off the backs of ruthless, fast-paced passing football.

The Godhead
For home matches, and during international tournaments, Nephara wheels out the 'Godhead', a giant boulder with an eerie resemblance to Gethin Ramsey, first manager of the Cormorants in the modern era and by now long dead. Nepharim have a superstitious streak, and while nobody's saying it is, in fact, the mystic reincarnation of their most iconic leader, nobody's quite not saying it, either. The Godhead is traditionally 'walked' to the stadium by Nepharim ultras using an intricate series of ropes, and often a flare is wedged into its 'mouth' to simulate a smoking cigar.

Staff
Manager - Daniella Strauss - Age 51
Assistant Manager - Ivy Herrick - Age 42
A former striker, Strauss has never done it at a truly big club - but then, the obvious candidates tend to fail for Nephara. Strauss turned a terrible Corvette side into a credible Premiership outfit for a time, and started to revitalise Southfell United before the Cormorants came calling. Unusually for Nepharim, she likes to keep ahold of the ball, but likes to play quick, aggressive football, with a high line choking the opposition. Monica Brightwater has hung up her proverbial boots; Strauss is now master, she requires an apprentice. So she's stolen the irascible Herrick, who believes herself to be something like fifteen years older after a stint greasy churning in Bonesea, an undoubted hard woman with a keen tactical mind.

Goalkeepers
Core
1 - GK - Hesterine Mercator ( Eastweald) - Age 31 - 83 caps, 30 clean sheets
Narrow-shouldered and rather horse-faced, Mercator carries the hopes of Nephara's... present. 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.

12 - GK - Alexandra Markgraf ( Sabrefell Moths) - Age 25 - Uncapped
Already well-travelled, Markgraf is making her mark as an athletic, agile shot-stopper, the kind of goalkeeper who can fly into the top corner and flick the ball over the top in a single fluid motion. There is an error in her game every now and again, but her skill will soon catch up to her confidence.

20 - GK - Aranea Provost ( Holdenberg) - Age 22 - 4 caps, 4 clean sheets
Anyone with any sense has their eye on Provost. She's sharp, spry, with the height and deceptive power to command her area, and only getting better year on year. She broke through at Brookford, playing every minute across a successful season, and is now winning a place at Holdenberg.

Defenders
2 - RB - Rovena Stride ( AFC Treason) - Age 24 - 44 caps, 3 goals
Stride's surname is apt. She's fast; very fast. She's still raw, and still occasionally slips up in her duties, but she tries to just do the simple things. Just, does all of them at once, racing upfield for overlapping runs to lash in raking low crosses, before tracking back at full speed to put in a crunching sliding tackle.

3 - LB - Vivica Muscadin ( Sabrefell Moths) - Age 23 - 14 caps, 3 goals
Like many prospects from the Moths, Muscadin is sharp and trained to win at any and all costs. She strides the field with an easy arrogance and a ferocious burst of pace, and anyone trying to get past her is due a stud in the back of the knee. So, no, she's not interested in playing nice.

5 - CB - Roxelana Thorn ( Revolutionaries, c) - Age 28 - 96 caps, 2 goals
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. She has grown into a truly world-class defender.

6 - CB - Ilyana Brosch ( Brinemouth) - Age 29 - 76 caps, 5 goals
A tall, grave figure, with a dense web of tattoos. Brosch doesn't really get angry. She just stares. It's worse, somehow. She's an uncompromising defender who sticks tight to her task, and is growing increasingly confident in possession.

18 - RB - Linde Rostock ( Stahlburg City) - Age 23 - Uncapped
A diminutive youth who slotted in naturally to a fullback position, Rostock took that training and then grew into a lean, powerful 5'8" frame. She's got an easy sharpness on the ball backed up by a brutal physicality where she has to. Defensively, she's peerless. Going forward, perhaps, slightly uninspired. But she's a top-class player in the making.

19 - LB - Sander Katarec ( Starling) - Age 28 - 27 caps, 1 goal
A coltish, attacking fullback, Katarec excels at dealing damage down the left. Intelligent enough to find the right channels for a run or a pass, Katarec can deal serious damage, and he's sharp enough defensively to cover himself.

22 - CB - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason) - Age 27 - 28 caps, 2 goals
Lockheed is a powerhouse, someone who was on no lists of future greats until injuries at the Stags thrust him into the firing line and he stood up flawlessly to the task. He combines physicality with intelligence and no small mastery of the dark arts.

Midfielders
4 - HM - Tawny Shone ( Sabrefell Moths) - Age 28 - 88 caps, 6 goals
A true street-scrapper, from the hard part of Sabrefell. That reflects in her play, uncompromising and full-throttle despite her relatively small size, scampering around and committing niggling fouls.and sneaky ankle-taps. She's far more than a destroyer, though, and that becomes clear the moment she glides onto the ball and picks out a perfect pass from range.

7 - RM - Marica Kuepper ( Jungle Strike) - Age 28 - 58 caps, 18 goals
Nepharan wingers do not generally have a reputation for flair - nevertheless, here the mercurial Marica Kuepper is, combining the traditional lightning pace, general bittiness and ability to handle herself in a scrap with the... let's be honest, arrogance required to really like humiliating her markers.

8 - CM - Lothaire Cromwell ( AFC Treason) - Age 22 - Uncapped
Cromwell has serious potential, the kind of player whose statistical multi-scale radar looks like a circle. He held down the midfield for the U21s and can certainly play that role, but at heart he needs to run, and room to run forward into the box at the perfect moment. He's tall, strong, fast, he'll brawl, he can pick out a pass, and he's a leader in the making.

11 - LM - Morena Deventer ( Brinemouth) - Age 27 - 59 caps, 20 goals
Deventer's got a real sense of mischief about her. She's a trouble-maker, at least on the pitch. Maybe a little off it. But her impish goblin grin conceals a brilliant football intelligence, which brings the best from her considerable technique and pace. Somewhat lightweight, and has a slight tendency to overthink things at this stage.

13 - RM - Monako Saroszi ( Ulsa) - Age 30 - 108 caps, 30 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. Certainly mercurial and prone to attracting red cards, they've lived up to being one of the squad's leadership figures, especially after a rash of retirements.

15 - HM - Mercurio Kastriot ( Crisisbless) - Age 27 - 23 caps
While Kastriot is a boxy, scrappy bruiser of a man, he's known as one of the Premiership's most progressive, oddly elegant defensive midfielders in possession. He will use any and all tricks to stop the opponent dead in their tracks, and knows just about every way to kill a game.

16 - LM - Rasmus Caracole ( Coret Hawks) - Age 24 - 4 caps, 2 goals
Smart, rangy and frictionless, Caracole's the thinking man's winger. He can occasionally hesitate a little too long, but the payoff tends to be worth it; that ball is going precisely where it's needed to. He's a quiet sort, but a tireless worker.

21 - CM - Chimera Moxham ( Crawford City FC) - Age 29 - 112 caps, 43 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.

Forwards
9 - ST - Kurtis Bastable ( Ulsa) - Age 27 - 70 caps, 39 goals
A sturdy figure with a low centre of gravity, immense strength and resilience, a deceptive change of pace and an unerring eye for goal, Bastable has emerged as the natural successor to Estrella Hawke, though he's less versatile in his skillset and better with the ball at his feet.

10 - ST - Aristide Metzger ( AFC Treason) - Age 30 - 87 caps, 41 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 aged. 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.

14 - ST - Arista Tzorvas ( CA Paulinthal) - Age 27 - 18 caps, 11 goals
Tzorvas has been around in her time, and swayed in and out of international reckoning. Regardless, she appears to have timed her run well. When high on confidence, and of late she's been high on confidence, Tzorvas combines top-quality athleticism with ruthless finishing, a generally strong all-rounder up front.

17 - ST - Voska Avetisyan ( Cornellians) - Age 23 - 13 caps, 7 goals
This... this is a sneaky one. Avetisyan's never been to mainland Nephara in her life. But like many Iskandrians, there's mainlander blood somewhere, and it's easy to get dual citizenship. And it's amazing how quickly you can get papers if you're a tall, powerful battering ram of a striker.

23 - ST - Konrad Lovelace ( Revolutionaries) - Age 25 - 31 caps, 15 goals
'The new Estrella Hawke', according to excitable headlines that don't pay attention to anything that matters. They're both from Starling, they're both strikers, they're both athletic, they're both good. Thus far, Lovelace lacks a real dimension besides blistering pace, football intelligence and a ruthless finish - and also lacks a right boot. But he can still do the damage.

ABBREVIATED ROSTER
Goalkeepers: 1 - Hesterine Mercator (Eastweald, COS), 12 - Alexandra Markgraf (Sabrefell Moths), 20 - Aranea Provost (Holdefnberg, EUR)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Vivica Muscadin (Sabrefell Moths), 5 - Roxelana Thorn (Revolutionaries, EUR, c), 6 - Ilyana Brosch (Brinemouth), 18 - Linde Rostock (Stahlburg City), 19 - Sander Katarec (Starling), 22 - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason)
Midfielders: 4 - Tawny Shone (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Marica Kuepper (Jungle Strike, VIL), 8 - Lothaire Cromwell (AFC Treason), 11 - Morena Deventer (Brinemouth), 13 - Monako Saroszi (Ulsa, EUR), 15 - Mercurio Kastriot (Crisisbless), 16 - Rasmus Caracole (Coret Hawks), 21 - Chimera Moxham (Crawford City FC, COS)
Forwards: 9 - Kurtis Bastable (Ulsa, EUR), 10 - Aristide Metzger (AFC Treason), 14 - Arista Tzorvas (CA Paulinthal, PAS), 17 - Voska Avetisyan (Cornellians, SCT), 23 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR)

[Savojarna]

Savojar Roster for Copa Rushmori 35

TEAM

STAFF

Coach: Mikaela Rangren
Age: 48 // Coach since: Copa Rushmori 34
Mikaela Rangren has been working as an assistant coach to Lise Asbeck in the legendary World Cup 81 run, and has served two more national managers in the NT. Now she has taken over the reigns for an attempt at salvaging the Savojar NT ship from its bumbling course. She has been given a contract until the end of WC 85, and her appointment represents a turn away from intricate tactics and towards more Savojar virtues. She will probably look for a more direct approach to the game, relying on Savojarna’s physical culture and passionate, fighting spirit. Rangren has shown a particular strength in keeping the team together, and it seemed like her continued presence as a mediator may have helped to get the team back on track quickly after the split surrounding Jurtanen in the World Cup 84 qualification. Her Copa campaign has seen her highly successful at integrating new talent, advancing to the finals and losing to Eura only very narrowly.

Coaching Team: Johan Andreassen, Alexey Jotanov, Asgeir Rundberg
Ages: 46, 49, 66 // Special functions: Main assistant, Video coach, Physical trainer
Andreassen is an old friend of Rangren who has gone through coaching education together with her. He now supports her as an all-round assistant, although he will probably focus more on leading the team on the pitch rather than supporting tactics and preparation.
Jotanov is a rather creative tactical mind and one half of the U-21 co-coaching team. He has been brought on board as part of the WC90 project to create a more unified approach across the three Savojar national teams (adult, U21, U18). He will be here mainly to support Rangren off the pitch with video trainings and tactics briefing.
Rundberg got introduced after criticisms that the team had not been sufficiently prepared for the long WCQ campaign. As physical and conditioning trainer, he has a reputation of a tough and demanding man, although he works closely with the medical team to ensure Savojarna's players are well prepared for their games.

Goalkeeper Coach: Valtteri Andersson
Age: 49
Andersson was a long-term goalkeeper for Energie Thorsborg and got directly transferred into the club's youth department when he retired at age 33. Following some good work with the club's youth department, he got trained as a GK coach and worked with the first team and the U21 of Energie for a while before being brought onto the squad of the NT early on. He still works with Energie on the side and is reputed to be very good at developing a goalkeeper's weaknesses.

Doctor: Dr. Christer Ljungberg
Age: 55
Christer is the head of the medical team of the Savojar NT and generally has a reputation of being the team’s good soul. Many players have come to him over the years to discuss their insecurities or physical problems, to the point that many consider Ljungberg to essentially be a second mental coach.

CORE TEAM

#1 Iiro Pakanen
Position: GK // Age: 27 // Height: 194 cm // Club: Jinja City FC (BNJ)
Pakanen has moved abroad after being a bit overlooked in Savojarna, and he quickly grabbed a strong hold of the lead goalie position at Jinja City FC. He is a pretty strong goalkeeper with good reflexes on the line and a very calm behaviour, helped by his experience on the international stage with Jinja City. Now, he’s being brought back to the homeland in the national team, expected to take up the legacy of recently retired legend Viktorija Petrova.

#2 Flemming Skov
Position: RB // Age: 26 // Height: 185 cm // Club: Admiral Storevik
Part of the legendary DBC 45 squad, Skov’s career has stalled a little as he was locked behind a strong Lucas Bengtsson, but he has managed to fight back for his position and got rewarded by a starting position at champions Admiral, who have gone on a transfer offensive. He is an aggressive fullback who will provide offensive pressure, and known for both speed and stamina. Will likely come off the bench if Savojarna are behind.

#3 Trent Ullqvist
Position: CB // Age: 27 // Height: 184 cm // Club: Lokomotive Jarnstad
Ullqvist has collected some caps at the youth level, joining the DBC in the class of Krister Voynov. However, he hasn’t made the big show thus far, primarily due to a lack of outstanding strengths. By the side of former national team defender Denis Metanov, and now with Nephar Roy Coyner, he has shown at his club that he can be a versatile defender, winning balls with physical strength as well as with positioning. On the ball, he lacks the creativity of a Zirkova or a Kjaer, but is technically adept enough to play short passes to a wingback or a central midfielder, who can then construct play.

#4 Joonas Andersson
Position: DM // Age: 35 // Height: 187 cm // Club: Admiral Storevik
Andersson is the defensive anchor point of the Savojar midfield, and has shown a splendid championship season with Admiral. He is not very fast, but has excellent judgment and tackling skills, making him the pivot of the defence. He will often drop back between the two CB's if Savojarna have the ball and secure the defence to allow the wingbacks to overlap. Also regularly drops back against wide teams, as he is taller than most CB's in the roster and can help with aerial defence.

#5 Matts Pedersen
Position: LB // Age: 25 // Height: 187 cm // Club: Tanrısal (PAS)
Pedersen is another fast, aggressive fullback who is extremely persistent, but joins the offence aggressively. This leads to him being vulnerable to counters over the left side, where he might not be able to react in time if he was too advanced before. He has excellent 1v1 skills on both sides of the ball, but is a bit lacking in passing accuracy. His past issues with decision-making are now considered largely overcome thanks to his high-level experience in Pasarga, and he is considered a mental leader in the team.

#6 Paddi Gren
Position: CM // Age: 25 // Height: 177 cm // Club: CASK Thorsborg
A more offensive option despite his odd number for the position (which he inherited from Hoyberg), Paddi Gren makes his first appearance on the international stage after two good SFS seasons. Gren is a midfielder that can be used in a variety of positions, with good dribbling skills and a special taste for dangerous free kicks. Although he plays in a playmaker position for CASK, his strength lies more in winning and carrying the ball, making him more of a natural shuttler who excels in a flat midfield four, or when supported by creative wingers like at his domestic CASK.

#7 Mikhail Jashkin
Position: RF // Age: 25 // Height: 176 cm // Club: Directus (EUR)
A fast and technically gifted hybrid winger who is known for a deadly eye and his laser-like passes. While he has decent crossing skills, he tends to opt for a flat pass into the box or a dribbling instead, acting almost as a false nine that plays wide on the right. He is one of the most observed players on the team, and his move to Eura has greatly helped him to develop further into the dominating forward he is today. Was recently rewarded with becoming the most expensive Savojar player in history as he moved to Directus for 24 million NSD.

#8 Victoria Maersk [C]
Position: CM // Age: 31 // Height: 157 cm // Club: Vermillion Rage (NPH)
Maersk is a classical box-to-box allrounder who is strong in most tasks, besides her aerial inferiority due to height, and has a high stamina and speed. While not excelling at anything, she is considered a utility player that will probably see a lot of playtime in various positions and roles depending on the situation. Moved to North Sabrefell in a state of insecurity, and has grown into a central force at her club, despite their recent relegation.

#9 Arvid Jotansson
Position: ST // Age: 28 // Height: 192 cm // Club: Admiral Storevik
Jotansson can assume a more forward role or something akin to a false nine, but is more at home in the box. He is a tall, physical striker who is not particularly fast, but very hard to separate from the ball and has a strong shot as well as a good eye for his teammates. Used to be a trusty substitute, but with Voynov gone at his club and Sigurdsdottir in a slump at the NT, he is becoming a viable starter after a strong season at Admiral.

#10 Morten Poulsen
Position: OM // Age: 25 // Height: 180 cm // Club: Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Poulsen grew from shaky prospect to bona-fide playmaker at Parti, and has enjoyed the love of their fans for a while now. He was also a part of the legendary DBC 45 team, although primarily as a substitute. He is a creative player that has a large stamina and a good shot, but defensively lacks caution sometimes. Plays in a very similar system at Partisan, which should make his inclusion in the team not too hard.

#11 Simon Jacobsen
Position: ST // Age: 24 // Height: 177 cm // Club: Alnio (CMT)
The Savojarised namesake of Starblaydi legend Simeone di Bradini has played in two DBCs, and has now rejoined the national team thanks to the bad shape of Sigurdsdottir. He is a fast striker using his positioning and speed as a key weapon, working best in conjunction with another, more physical striker who can open gaps for him. Defensively, he runs a lot and has good pressing skills, but sometimes lacks in ball-winning ability.

#12 Thomas Larsen
Position: GK // Age: 31 // Height: 195 cm // Club: CASK Thorsborg
Considered almost equal to Petrova and one of the best goalies of Savojarna, but stood in her shadow due to Petrova's NT pedigree and is now edged out by Pakanen after the latter’s success in Banija. Larsen is quite athletic and assumes control of his box. Especially at standards and in crossing situations, he likes to use his height to pluck the ball out of the sky, but he is a bit slow on the line. Has a very good read of strikers.

#13 Polina Zirkova
Position: CB // Age: 24 // Height: 182 cm // Club: Ulsa (EUR)
Zirkova is a pretty exciting defensive player and considered one of the most exciting young players in Savojarna right now. She is defensively solid, although not impassable. Her excitement comes from the abilities in building up the game. Zirkova often moves up to assist the midfielders, or plays long balls from the back to one of the wingers hanging back or even all the way to the playmaker. She also is confident on the ball herself, occasionally dazzling the audience with a good dribble. However, sometimes her judgement is lacking and she commits mistakes unnecessarily.

#14 Rika Lundell
Position: OM // Age: 23 // Height: 167 cm // Club: North Laithland (NPH)
Having emerged more or less out of nowhere, Rika Lundell has become one of the stars of the current SFS season and is considered part of the miraculous rise of Rotor Värstjö. Lundell is an extremely agile player with dazzling technique, and a good eye for openings and passing lanes. Her defensive capabilities, as well as her chance at withstanding physical opposition, are a bit lacklustre, but she often finds ways to compensate by thinking ahead and using her speed to her advantage.

#15 Steinar Aarsoy
Position: LM // Age: 26 // Height: 179 cm // Club: Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Steinar Aarsoy played a second convincing season in a row with Partisan, and cot the call over an aging Ville Mertonen in consequence. He is a more traditional winger than the likes of Voynov, but has a good eye and is very fast. He also often passes back to the edge of the box or into the midfield if there is open space, and isn’t shy of working backwards if required.

#16 Markus Mellin
Position: RF // Age: 30 // Height: 187 cm // Club: North Hall (BRE)
Mellin is a hybrid winger, aiming for the goal more than for the cross, and can also be used in a striker position. He is a physical player, with a strong body and breaking through the lines. He also likes using his height to position himself at the far post, aiming for any spare balls. After a breakout season at Torpedo, he was transferred to Brenecia, where he has fit right in and managed a decent season, earning himself another call-up.

#17 Bjarne Thorvaldsson
Position: LB // Age: 28 // Height: 180 cm // Club: Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Thorvaldsson is a physically strong and defensively minded player with relatively high likelihood of fouls. Hard to pass, but also rarely moving forward, he is somewhat of a polar opposite to Pedersen, and looks like he comes straight out of mediaeval Savojarna with a tall, hulking presence and a wild beard. When he has the ball, chances are he tries to get rid of it as fast as possible, even if it means smacking it into the stands.

#18 Sergey Nweke
Position: ST // Age: 22 // Height: 184 cm // Club: CASK Thorsborg
Half-Banijan striker Sergey Nweke has played his youth football in Savojarna, but was increasingly linked with Banija’s national team recently. The call-up to the Cup of Harmony may be done with the idea of locking him into the Savojar shirt, but Nweke has the experience of multiple SFS seasons under the belt now and probably can earn at least a joker spot on the national team in his own right. He is a solid, physically strong and quick player with good finishing capabilities and a nose for dangerous openings.

#19 Krister Voynov
Position: LF // Age: 27 // Height: 177 cm // Club: Raynor City United (VAL)
Potentially the most exciting single player in the Savojar team, this fast and skilful winger is a constant threat. Voynov loves to swing inside to challenge an opposing defender directly and is extremely good in 1v1 situations. He also scores many goals with a strong and precise shot, and has accurate passing skills as well. His main weakness is a lack of defensive work, forcing the left side to cover for his roaming.

#20 Linne Kjaer
Position: CB // Age: 30 // Height: 182 cm // Club: Dynamo Sjoedrhavn
Similar to Omark, she is technically and positionally strong and knows what to do on the ball. Kjaer is somewhat slow but makes up for this mistake by knowing very well where to stand, and has a great skill in standing duels for the ball. Her tackles can be a bit shaky at times and may lead to mistakes or fouls, which is why she rarely resorts to them. Kjaer is also important as the organiser of the defence.

#21 Alexey Nurkanen
Position: RB // Age: 30 // Height: 180 cm // Club: Libertas Bergheim
Nurkanen is very fast and a precise tackler, as well as having good judgment in building up plays. He often overlaps dangerously as well, having a great cross that can find the head of his teammates in the box. Nurkanen's stamina is lauded for often running up and down the line all day long, but he can sometimes be a bit out of the water when challenged in a fast counter due to his overlaps.

#22 Aleksandra Virulainen
Position: GK // Age: 23 // Height: 181 cm // Club: Partisan Sjoedrhavn
Virulainen uses a great awareness and control of the box to counter-act her comparatively lower height and has shown brilliant oversight. She is among the best goalkeepers in Savojarna, and by far the best of her age, when it comes to ball-on-foot skills, and many see her as Petrova's eventual successor in the national team. Has made an appearance as starting goalie in DBC 47 and was a part of the most recent World Cup campaign, although she still awaits her first elite NT match. May get the call given her recent promotion to starting keeper at Partisan.

#23 Roman Forsberg
Position: CB // Age: 27 // Height: 188 cm // Club: Olympia Borograd (STL)
Forsberg is another one of the Savojar ball-secure, modern CB's, but shows some nerves at times. He has greatly profited from taking on a more important role in his club and has cut down on his mistakes, but is still prone to occasional over-aggressive positioning or similar faults. His best skill is his heading, as he is a very strong jumper and tall player. He will often join the attack on standards.

STARTING XI:



TACTICS

STYLE: -1

ROLES
Captain: Maersk - Voynov - Andersson - Pedersen
Free Kicks (direct): Voynov (left, centre), Jashkin (right)
Free Kicks (long): Maersk
Corners: Pedersen (left), Jashkin (right)
Penalty Kick: Maersk, Jotansson, Poulsen, Jacobsen, Voynov, Andersson, Gren [also progression for shooutouts]

KITS

Designed and manufactured by ediraf

RP PERMISSIONS
Choose Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Scoring: N
Injure Players: Y (no longer than the rest of the tournament)
Godmod Injuries: N
Yellow Cards: Y
Red Cards: Y - not more than one
Godmod other events: N

I am open to discussing all RP permissions via TG or Discord, if you have a specific plan.

[Nethertopia]

”… That concludes our report on the only rainy day this month. Who would’ve guessed that it would be during the Coronation Holiday! Very unlucky.
In other news, the Falcons have landed in Sjoedrhaven and have travelled to Thorsborg. In one day they will face Olastor in the Stadion General Erik Harden. All 18.000 tickets assigned to Nethertopia have been sold out. Fans dressed in white and blue have been spotted all around the Army Sorts Area. Our sports reporter Stefano Stroopwafel has conducted an interview with gaffer Sjon Opdeheuvel, talking about the chances of the Falcons in the Copa Rushmori.”
…
“Mister Opdeheuvel, how are the chances of the Falcons in the Copa Rushmori?“
“Well, to be honest Stef, we’re looking at a tough group here. Getting points to even get out of the group will be extr…”
“Mister Van Patten?”
”…cult. I mean, the time when we were playing actual proper final stages of World Cups is long long ago.”
“We’re just not that good anymore?”
“Yes, you can definitely say that, Stef. The level of professional football in our nation has dropped to pre-Baptism of Fire level because of the Containment Politics. With our squad depth, I fear that we basically need to start over ag…”
*Click*

“Mister Van Patten, it’s almost time for lunch. You know what that means, right?”
Mertijn van Patten sighed. Sergio, his nurse, looked expectantly at him, remote in hand. He knew exactly what that meant. It meant, like every day, that his news viewing ended abruptly just before the weather. Which was a bugger, especially since that last item was of interest to the senior. It also meant that he had to take his seven different pills.
“Thanks Sergio, just give me the pills. See if I can swallow them without any problems today.”
The nurse smiled at Mertijn. Mertijn liked the kid, despite his impatience to let him finish the news. There were others to help before lunch started, so it really wasn’t the kid’s fault. Serio opened a large cannister with six dividers, displayed the pills on the table and poured a glass of water for Mertijn.
“I’m sure it will be fine, mister Van Patten.”
Urgh, those damned pills. One for his blood pressure, another to keep the heart ticking at a decent rate, then there was one against forgetfulness… And several others. For more and more problems against a creaking body. Mertijn really felt the ninety-six years he spent on this earth every time he needed to take those. Those pills really scraped against his throat. Thankfully none got stuck so far. He grabbed the first one, an oval one, amber coloured, gently put it on his tongue and swallowed it with a gulp of water. Six to go.

“That last item, mister Van Patten, that was about the football, wasn’t it? My sister’s really into it these days.”
“Is that so? You never told me about that. Did she get tickets for the games, is she going to Savojarna?”
Sergio beamed. “No no, she hasn’t got any tickets, but she’s definitely in Savojarna! She’s in the national team!”
A smile warmed Mertijn’s face. He looked to Sergio again, after swallowing the second pill. “Ah, I see, Marjoleine Nije Bijvank is your sister, isn’t she? You two look quite alike. Same posture, both tall. Same nose actually.”
“Well spotted mister Van Patten! I’m impressed! She’s not even a starter, how do you know her name actually?”
“The thing is,” answered Mertijn, “I really enjoy watching football. I’ve followed the NUMPTIES for all my life, although I’m glad we’re getting a professional league again.” His smile broadened. The third pill followed it’s two predecessors. “Back in the day, I used to kick the ball around myself as well. Good times.”
“Really, mister Van Patten? I wouldn’t have guessed for the life of me. It’s not really my cup of tea anyway. But I am proud of my little sister. I do hope she gets a chance to play in the tourney!”
Mertijn knew that those chances would be quite low. Noud Vreman was two classes better than Sergio’s sister.
“I’ll cross my fingers for you,” wished Mertijn anyway. Down went pill number four.

“Well, I’m sorry for turning off the TV, mister Van Patten. If I’d knew you were so into it, I’d let you finish the item.”
Pills five and six were supposed to be taken together. The toughest batch of them. This day though, there was no struggle. The glass was void of water now. Sergio quickly brought a refill.
“Don’t worry about it Sergio, I can just watch it back with iTV,” answered Mertijn. He scowled at pill number seven.
“Now, down you go.”
“There we go, not that hard after all again. I’ll see you during lunch, mister Van Patten!” The nurse grabbed his oversized bag of equipment and pills. Nothing in there for Mertijn anymore, but plenty for his peers. Tomorrow there would be a new challenge of seven pills again. A stark contrast with the challenges Mertijn had faces in his youth.
With a quick motion Sergio closed the door, leaving Mertijn sitting alone across his TV again. The elder grabbed the remote and pressed the watch-back-button.

“Well, to be honest Stef, we’re looking at a tough group here. Getting points to even get out of the group will be extremely difficult. I mean, the time when we were playing actual proper final stages of World Cups is long long ago.”
“We’re just not that good anymore?”
“Yes, you can definitely say that, Stef. The level of professional football in our nation has dropped to pre Baptism of Fire level because of the Containment Politics. With our squad depth, I fear that we basically need to start over again.”
…
“Well, that’s all the time we have for this bulletin on the Falcons. Tune in tonight at nine to see the full interview and an in-depth review of the Falcon’s chances in the Copa Rushmori by Stefano Stroopwafel. He will be joined by former Sargossan national team assistant coach Raúl Churín, the newly appointed manager of Sportivo Gretor. Also present is pundit Claudio van Patten, former semi-professional player of Tenderville United and grandson of former Falcon captain Mertijn van Patten, who led the Falcons to a third place in World Cup 51.
And now for the weather…”

[Cassadaigua]

TEAM CASSADAIGUA- Copa Rushmori 35

Coach- Stephanie Sweeney (59)- 8th World Cup
By getting Cassadiagua to qualify for World Cup 81, Stephanie was able to silence most of her doubters that were not impressed with the effort in World Cup 80. After World Cup 81, Cassadaigua has only continued to progress further and get closer to the dream of a third title. Therefore, Stephanie has completely safe job security at this time. She has not always managed the Copa Rushmori sides, but she typically has.

Starters in Green
Subs in Blue
Reserves in Red

Goalkeepers:
#21- Tiffany Nelson (28)- Reserve WC 83 & 84, Sub WC 85, Starter DBC 44 & CR 34
#31- Kelsey Morgan (34)- Starter WC 83-85, Sub WC 81 & 82, Reserve WC 80 & CR 30-31, Starter in DBC 41 & 42, Sub CR 29
#20- Danielle Cotter (23)- Reserve WC 85, Starter DBC 47, CR 34

The goalkeepers are somewhat interesting mostly because Kelsey Morgan continues to stick around. There was a lot of question that Nelson was overtaking her before the last cycle, and Tiffany got the chance for regular duty here in the Copa Rushmori last time out, as Morgan was not part of the roster. Nelson, who did get a handful of WC 85 qualifying starts, is the starter but Kelsey Morgan keeps playing well enough to be here. It’s the first time in a while that she’s going to be on the Copa Rushmori roster.

Defenders:
#3- Brooke Sutter (28)- Starter & Captain DBC 44, Starter WC 84 & 85, SWC 6, DBC 43 & CR 34, Reserve CR 31, WC 82 & 83
#6- Kimberly Carson (28)- Starter WC 84 & 85, DBC 43, CR 34
#4- Katie Standish (24)- Starter WC 85, Reserve DBC 44 & CR 34
#2- Michelle Graves (22)- Sub WC 85, Starter DBC 47 & Sub CR 34
#24- Sierra Swift (23)- Sub WC 85, Starter DBC 47
#29- Devon Daniels (24)- Wonder Cup 2, various roles
#22- Lupe Enriquez (34) (Busukuma AC, Banija)- Starter in WC 81-85, DBC 41, CR 29-34, Starter & Captain DBC 42, Sub WC 79 & 80
#32- Summer Speers (22)- Reserve DBC 47

- Here we have a very similar group, especially with the starters as is seen with the senior team. The main difference, and it is a critical one, is that Lupe Enriquez is not in the starting lineup. She is capable still, and could still be a starter or sub in World Cup 86, but here she’s mainly going to help out in practice, and be an unofficial coach that could eligible to play.

*- I’ve noticed that there was a past tournament where I neglected to update Lupe Enriquez’s age. I have fixed that now, but it is why, if you’re really paying close attention to my rosters, that she has aged three years since WC 85 while everyone else has aged one year.

Midfielders:
#9- Zack Pierce (30)- Starter WC 81-85, CR 34 (Captain), BPC, DBC 42, Reserve WC 80
#16- Meghan Wolcott (26) (Herzegovina City FC, Banija)- Starter WC 84 & 85, CR 34, DBC 44
#19- Preston Newfeld (26)- Sub WC 84 & 85, Starter CR 34 & DBC 44
#8- Courtney Graham (24)- Reserve WC 84 & 85, Starter CR 34
#25- Emma McKee (32)- Reserve WC 79 & 80, Starter DBC 41, CR 29, Sub WC 81-85, CR 30 & 34
#34- Danielle Porter (23)- Reserve WC 84 & 85, Sub CR 34
#36- Sarah Giles (22)- Starter DBC 47
#37- Heather Barrick (22)- Starter DBC 47

The team says goodbye to Sierra Mattison and Shelby Mayer. Mattison was the underrated straw that stirred the drink to our offense, and it is very possible that her #23 is going to join the list of retired numbers. Sierra, now 34, is still active as a player domestically. With the number not being reissued on this team, those suspicions are present. Preston Newfeld has been groomed for this for a long time, so he’ll be fine. Courtney Graham and Emma McKee will probably split a lot of time. The team would rather see Graham take over that role, as evidenced by her being given the #8 formerly worn by Mayer.

Forwards:
#71- Rachel Schanke (26)- (Granddaughter of Jessica, who #17 is retired for. Hence the #71)- Starter WC 84-85 & DBC 44, SWC 6, Sub DBC 43 & WC 83, Reserve WC 81, CR 30 ** TEAM CAPTAIN **
#27- Madison McClain (24)- Sub WC 84 & 85, Starter CR 34
#26- Eddie Malone (31)- Starter WC 85, Sub WC 81 & 84, Reserve WC 82, Starter BPC
#12- Ashley Dahlin (29)- Starter DBC 44, Reserve WC 83, Sub CR 34 & WC 85
#28- Loreen Hazen (22)- Reserve WC 85, Sub DBC 47
#38- Taylor Russo (22)- Reserve WC 84, Sub CR 34

Rachel Schanke will continue to be the focal point of the offense, and now this will be her first captaincy of a national team. Joining her up front is Madison McClain, who is coming off a huge year domestically, and that has propelled her over both Eddie Malone and Ashley Dahlin. Those two will still be back, and serve as subs.

Team Info:
Style Mod: +2
Formation: 4-4-2
People from Cassadaigua are referred to as Cassadagans.
Team nickname: Fillies. Also, we are commonly referred to as the Dagans

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.

Pandemic RP Note: While I fully respect the right of everyone to RP their nation as they see fit, and that includes whether or not they want to RP a pandemic, please be aware that I will not be interacting with any such RP. If necessary, I will simply not do a dedicated match report for that matchup, or if I do, focus only on my team or non-pandemic related elements.


Kits: (Pink= home, White= away, Black= keeper or third. Thanks Donnacona!)

If there is a conflict with the white kit, the team will wear pink.

Retired Kit Numbers:
#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
#33 is retired in honor of Hannah Ranucci

[Cassadaigua]

Copa Rushmori Set To Begin,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

There never seems to be a slow down in international sports does there? Just when we get a breather from the World Cup, the team gets rolling in the World Bowl, and with that over now, the focus has been on the World Baseball Classic. That will still be the case, but very soon, the Copa Rushmori will be getting under way, making a total of three soccer tournaments in which Cassadaigua is actively participating in. This is the only one where senior players are taking part. The Sporting World Cup is in the latter rounds of the playoffs, but our Fillies continue to do a great job there, doing so with tons of emotion, when considering what happened to Steffie Garrett. Out in Valanora, the Di Bradini Cup recently kicked off. We don’t always do that great there for some reason, but they did win their opening match. Now, we get a chance to the see the senior team. In the past, we have seen the Copa Rushmori rosters not have much carryover from the senior team, but starting with the last one, and now this one, that trend has shifted towards seeing a roster that is close to what the World Cup roster would be if we were playing it this year. Right now, we don’t know where World Cup 86 will be, as there are four bids that are active. CASE President Taylor Connolly says that at this time, the organization is non-committal to any of the four bids. “We are glad to see options, and they are all very interesting. There is an appeal to all four of them in some capacity, for us.”

Right now, the team prepares for a Copa that is hosted by the nations of Astograth and Savojarna. For the group stage, Cassadaigua will be playing in Astograth and has already begun to set up shop at Argos Olarria. Manager Sweeney commended the facilities and the accommodations at the nearby Hotel Mendiburu so far, “Everything has been great for us as soon as we landed here. They have gone out of their way to make sure that we are completely comfortable, starting with the fabulous hotel, and then the world class facility for us to practice on for the match. I would like to thank the organizers for this tremendous hospitality.” Forward Ashley Dahlin said that city reminds her of a Starksville, only much bigger, “The port views are incredible. Picture Starksville being the size of Concord Heights, and I think that is a good example of where we are right now.”

The highlighted group opponent is Nephara. One of the best things about the Copa Rushmori is the chance to play a high quality side with something on the line, and this time, our showdown with Nephara is that game. The match will be held on matchday 2, but be our first game due to a matchday one bye, and it will be in Olarria. Nephara is also training within the city, so we’re glad it is big enough for the two of us. Other groupmates are Logria, Falkyr, and Kalactanian Rushmore Territories. The team should advance without dramatic trouble as long as they play to their ability.

[Yue Zhou]

Unnamed Hotel, Sjoedrhavn, Savojarna

Huang Shedong was exhausted. The team had turned up at Yincheng International Airport perfectly on time to catch their flight, only to be met with a three-hour delay for "aircraft maintenance". They'd eventually found a way to reach the Savojar capital via a connecting flight, but the connection had extended their trip by several hours, and Wen Xiaohui's luggage had briefly gone missing at the airport (not because of "those fucking YFA fascists" as Wen had suggested, but a clerical error by one of the airport workers). By the time the Red Dragons had arrived in Sjoedrhavn, it was already late at night. Luckily, they'd arrived a few days before the start of the tournament, but Shedong was not looking forward to one of the strict Yuan Zilai's early-morning training sessions tomorrow.

To get as much sleep as possible before the inevitable wakeup call, he had gone straight to bed. His roommate, a young Yincheng striker named Wang Jiahui, had had other plans and had been scrolling through the Yue news on his phone since they'd gotten to the hotel, but had been generally respectful of Shedong's desire to sleep as much as humanly possible. At least, so he'd thought.

"Hey, you know what the trouble with Ren Qiang is?" Wang Jiahui said, turning to the other bed.

"...What?"

"He doesn't go hard enough on the SNM. They're practically trying to secede from Yuezhou at this point, and he's just content to stick his head in the sand and let those (racial slur)s do whatever they want."

"Bro, it's-"

Wang Jiahui ignored the interjection and kept going. "Sure am glad none of those guys are on our team this time. Although I heard that snake Wen Xiaoli's niece is here. Wasn't his brother the guy that k-"

"It's two in the fucking morning. If I'm dead in training tomorrow because you're up all night reading about Ren Qiang, we're going to have serious problems tomorrow." Wang Jiahui mumbled something in response, to which Shedong shoved his pillow over his head and turned away.

Three hotel doors down, Yuan Zilai was frantically looking through the reams of opposition analysis that had been prepared for him. The Red Dragons had been the honor of participating in the Copa Rushmori's opening match, but it also meant that their reintroduction to the international football community - as well as Yuan's first match in charge after a moderately successful tenure that would likely be a drubbing at the hands of hosts Savojarna.

The last time Yuezhou had seriously participated in international football, they had done so first through Qiu Hanying's defensive 5-4-1 and then through Alex Cartwright's free-flowing, offensive style. Yuan had watched plenty of film of both styles, and drew the same conclusion that the international community generally had while watching Yuezhou - that they were utterly hopeless as a national team. So before he'd gone into the interview for the Red Dragons coaching job, he'd spent weeks cooped up in his study, trying to devise the perfect system for a nation of Yuezhou's caliber.

He was very proud of what he'd come up with, and judging by the fact that he'd beaten a number of far more qualified managers to get the job, so was the YFA. Yuan's system had, in their words, borrowed the stability and hard-work of Qiu's system while keeping the free-flowing, quick-paced attack of Cartwright's and introducing an aggressive midfield press to take advantage of his players' workrate and discipline. But so far it was completely untested, and Savojarna would certainly prove to be a difficult first test for them.

So he stayed up late into the night, studying Andersson and Mærsk's responses to different press styles, analyzing the danger of the wingers Jashkin and Voynov - the latter a quick, skillful winger who would probably be most dangerous against Yue's center-focused playstyle, and trying to predict how Liu and Huang would stack up against Savojarna's disciplined back line. It was a thankless task, but it was the only way a team like Yuezhou could hope to even have a chance against the hosts.