AOCAF Cup LXI - Everything Thread

[Legalese]

“We now return you to the Joel Dondlinger Show on FVS Sport! Coming to you live from his studio above Francopolis’s favorite dive bar, here’s Joel Dondlinger!”

“Welcome back, folks! We’ll get back to more on the upcoming AOCAF Cup, but first, we have Kamari Osofsky in the studio. You might remember Kamari as number seven on the pitch for the Legalese National Soccer Team, but I hear you’re taking a slightly different role come this AOCAF?

“Hi Joel, great to be here. That’s right, I won’t be going to Equestria, but instead playing for our National Gridiron Team in the AO Bowl.”

“So, Kamari, what exactly is gridiron?”

“You see, Joel, Gridiron football is a game of speed, violence, and occasionally a kicked ball or two. A cynical type might call it violence with committee meetings, but it’s much more than that.”

“I see. But why do they call it football?”

“Lots of things are called football, and gridiron is related to a line of the same. We don’t use the term here to help differentiate it from association football, or soccer -- that’s the better known game. But it’s been played in Legalese for years, in some form or another. Heck, a team of Legalites somehow made the first AO Bowl finals, I’ve heard.”

“Really? Who was involved in that?”

“I don’t know, Joel. The only written evidence of it happening was a news story that said ‘Legalese loses AO Bowl Final, Nobody Cares’.”

“Sheesh, that’s rough. I know that sporting events became second fiddle for a long time here, and it’s turned out for the better, but I don’t think the press would have been that harsh even now about a regional near-success. But still, why the switch to gridiron?”

“Partly my choice, partly Myles. I’ll be cheering on our boys and watching them as they head to Equestria, but with a younger side, it was good chance for me to help out our Gridiron side, and take on the reins.”

“So, describe to me your position, and how it compares to what you do on the pitch.”

“Well, I’m the quarterback and kicking specialist. The quarterback isn’t that different from the central midfield role -- both help direct the flow of play, and can set the tone of the game. However, the play and the ball has to go through the quarterback, where a team could try to bypass the midfield with some strategies in soccer. The kicking’s not that much different, though -- just the targets are different, like kicking it over the bar instead of under it.”

“So, there you have it. Thanks for stopping by, Kamari, and best of luck on the gridiron.”

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

© Sporting Times Weekend 2020
Men's Squad get Regional Call
by Fiona Devlin, National Soccer Writer

The international soccer calendar--much like annual solar one that regulates our lives--doesn't take any breaks, so the FAC will embark upon a new cycle, seeking to maintain or surpass the achievements earned during the previous Regional/WCC series.

The successive semi-final appearances in both AOCAF LX in Farfadillis & World Cup 85 in Mriin & Farfadillis (again) have brought closer attention to the Baker Park National Team, magnifying the influence of Manager Ichi Tuzzio's vision over the most successful period in NT history; over the 58 matches played since Pamela Scott's departure, the results have broken all previous records: 41 victories against just 9 defeats and 8 draws.

Jennifer Prescott led an all-female squad to the Bronze in last edition of the "The Multiverse's Toughest Tournament not called the World Cup", and this time it will be an all-male side that will compete. The major difference outside of the obvious gender switch will be reflected in the squad itself; 10 of the 23 players on the roster will be earning their first or second senior team cap.

Maestro Tuzzio brings a young, relatively inexperienced side to Equestria, intent on running the rule over a batch of potential call-ups for the next qualifying campaign.

During a three match friendly series, the team have shown their offensive capability, putting six goals past Poafmersia at Sportsmen's Park and overcoming a stout Sylestone defense for a 2-0 away win, along with the record setting match against Megistos; the 11-3 win was discounted by Tuzzio's staff as an unfair reflection on the hosts' abilities, and even the nearly complete change to the starting XI at halftime failed to hold the score down, to the embarrassment of the FAC.

FAC show their pride for coaching prodigy

One of the subjects that raised a great deal of buzz among the Sporting & Technical departments as the preparation for the AOCAF began was the announcement of Jessica Curran as the new National Team Manager of Valladares.

The accolades and well wishes came down from the upper levels of the FAC leadership--Executive Director David Carlson; Sporting Director Trevor Richmond; NT Manager Ichi Tuzzio; Women's NT Manager Jennifer Prescott; NT 1st Team Coach Tony Weiss; FAC Technical Director Zoe Montgomery; and Coordinator of Coaching Development Ryan Zavaros.

A former National Team standout for Cassadaigua, Curran was appointed to manage the Under-18 & Under-21 sides for her country; although both Dagan squads failed to advance from the Group Stage, U18 boss Darren Kirby, along with Prescott & Weiss--in charge of the U21's--were impressed with Curran's enthusiasm and knowledge in their separate interactions with the defender who was seemingly on a track to be an important part of future of CASE (Cassadaigua's governing body).

A discussion with CASE Executive Director Taylor Connolly resulted in the FAC offering Curran a position equivalent to a paid, full-time internship, with the opportunity to work across all aspects of the NT and Development Program, while also earning a Pro Coaching Badge.

Curran served on the staff of the AOCAF LX squad; contributed player evaluation scouting and opposition video scouting for the NT during WCQ; served as an instructional coach for defenders at FAC youth camps & as a traveling development coach; and concluded with a 3 month residency at Riverside City FC, where she went through the final stages of her Pro License course.

"We are delighted to wish Jessica the best of luck upon her new adventure", David Carlson said in a press release. "She brought to us an outside perspective and fresh pair of eyes to what we do here; she brought comparable knowledge of how Stephanie Sweeney and her staff operates & approaches situations; and she threw herself headfirst into the the various opportunities we asked her to undertake. She will always be a friend of the FAC, and we hope she will remember us as a part of her life."

Jen Prescott added her own appreciation. "I was impressed with Jessica from our first meeting, and told her that she shouldn't hesitate to stay in touch; I told her that Darren (Kirby) had spoke highly of her, and that we (FAC) hoped that there could be more cooperation between our associations in the future. Imagine my surprise a short time later when she appeared at the Development Center, and the first assignment they give her was a staff job for the AOCAF. We were thrilled to have her along for the ride. I have unreserved confidence she will be a huge success in Valladares with their national team."

[Hapilopper]

The Hapilopper National Football Team

Full nation name: The Dominion of Hapilopper
Trigramme: HAP
Nicknames: The Thrashers, The Haps
Team Colors: Blue, Green and White

Info:
There exists a dark cloud over the Hapilopper National Football Team following a disastrous qualifying effort for the 85th World Cup. Accusations of "shenanigans" and "match fixing" have run rampant across Hapiloppian circles, and in an effort to try to let the talk die down, the team skipped the Cup of Harmony. The team will participate in this AOCAF, but investigations are running rampant into why a team like the Hapiloppians did as poorly as they did. According to those close to the investigations, it is possible that nobody will be safe. Watch this space, because players could wind up getting axed as a result. The goal for the AOCAF is to not completely embarass themselves and prove that what happened in the World Cup qualifiers was an anomaly.

MANAGER/HEAD COACH: Buddy Martinez
40-year old Buddy Martinez has been promoted to the title of manager of the national team, having served as assistant manager under Thom Perkins. With Perkins departing after the last Cup of Harmony, Martinez was promoted, and almost instantly, changes were made. The team still relies on an attacking form of football, but has shifted to a 4-4-2 formation. Martinez could find himself in deep trouble, though, depending on how the investigations into the World Cup qualifying debacle go.

Martinez's staff includes:
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Carlos Wallace
ASSISTANT COACH: Charles Waters
GOALKEEPING COACH: Duke Wright
TRAINER: Marc James
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Jim McNeil
PHYSIO: Russ Oliver

The Fans:
Typically, Hapiloppian fans, including the members of the "Traveling Thrashers" supporters group are among the wildest fans in sport, and promise to be exactly that for the AOCAF. Expect to see fans dancing along to 1970s funk music, slamming drums as loudly as possible, waving their flags, and throwing streamers for every Hapiloppian goal. Hapiloppians like to have fun and they'll find ways to get under the opposing team's skin, within reason, of course. They travel well, they make the most of it, and they'll make your AOCAF a memorable one, in a good way. Before every match and every goal, look for the Hapiloppian fans to slam their drums and blow their horns to the tune of a song very similar to a popular 1979 hit song, "Rise".


Uniforms:

From left: The team's primary kit, the secondary kit and the goalkeeper's kit.

These uniforms, as seen here, are the HNFT's designated regular season kits. Should Hapilopper, by some miracle, make the knockout stage of the AOCAF, the team will unveil a gaudier, livelier uniform for its team to wear. These uniforms, the "playoff specials," are a Hapiloppian sports tradition, and a tradition held very dear since the early 1970s when the West Hampton Royals introduced the "playoff special" to the Hapiloppian sports culture.

TYPICAL STARTING PLAYERS:

(NOTE: All teams mentioned are as of the end of Transfer Window 26. Since I am sitting out this transfer window, let me know if there has been any changes.)

#1 | Rod Hughes | Goalkeeper | Sterling City United (Darmen)
For the second straight cycle, Rod Hughes has been given the number one jersey, emblematic of the starting goalkeeper for the Hapilopper National Football Team. Hughes gained the spot following Cooter Harris's meltdown at last year's AOCAF, where he went ballistic following a very bad game for the Haps against Equestria, one of the top teams in all the multiverse. Hughes's performance in the 84th World Cup qualifications were good enough for HFA brass to give Rod a vote of confidence for this World Cup cycle.

#2 | Kendrick Ayers | Defenseman/Right Fullback | Capital City United
21-year old Kendrick Ayers burst on the scene following that magical run in the Di Bradini Cup, and has become an important piece of the defensive efforts of both the HNFT and Capital City United, one of several teams that plays in Hapilopper City in the Hapilopper Football Association. Ayers is known for stopping offensive efforts with impunity. Away from the pitch, Kendrick enjoys watching professional wrestling and participates in parkour, much to the chagrin of HFA head brass.

#3 | Colin McLain | Defenseman/Left Fullback | Hapilopper City Highway Patrol
Prior to joining the Hapilopper National Football Team, Colin McLain was known for one thing: A feud with Ernie Stevenson, who at the time played for Soldiers. The two were involved in a number of high-profile incidents over the years, but that petered out when the Haps ran roughshod over the rest of the field in the 70th Baptism of Fire and when Ernie was signed by Leichhardt in Nephara. Nevertheless, Colin is still one of the more physical players in Hapilopper, and will not object to tackling players with impunity. He's been overshadowed by Nate Ellis's insane antics, but that doesn't mean Colin won't do something ridiculous himself.

#4 | Carl Peterson | Defenseman/Centerback | Surrey Perimeter College
One of the real revelations from recent training sessions was Carl Peterson, a 19-year old Political Science major at Surrey Perimeter College. A teammate of Fernie Fairburn at SPC, Carl tagged along and surprised the HFA brass with some incredible performances in the training sessions, to the point that he has been given a starting position on the HNFT for this World Cup cycle. How he does with the opportunity remains to be seen.

#5 | Nathan Ellis | Defenseman/Centerback | Southfell United (Nephara)
Ahh, Nate Ellis. Named "Most likely to start a riot in another nation" by FootySport, a Hapiloppian soccer magazine, Ellis is one of the most violent players in all of international football, and is known as much for suplexing opposing players as he is keeping them away from goal. During the last World Cup qualifier, Ellis clotheslined Alexis Fotellis and became the most hated man in all of Vdara. Other players will be smart to be wary of Ellis.

#6 | Fernie Fairburn | Defensive Midfielder | Surrey Perimeter College
The HNFT's resident party animal, Fernie Fairburn rejoins the team for a second World Cup cycle. Fernie has become an important cog in the Hapiloppian midfield, either in an effort to stop an offensive effort or to get one started for the Haps. Back at Surrey Perimeter, Fairburn is well-known for his parties, including one just weeks before the AOCAF which saw a passerby get beaned by a mannequin wearing a Nate Ellis Southfell United jersey, having been defenestrated from Fairburn's dorm window at Kensley Hall. Ellis was not pleased.

#7 | Auggie Burton | Defensive/Central Midfielder | Capital FC (Xanneria)
August "Auggie" Burton, last year, was one of the members of the Junior Haps that joined the HNFT following some incredible performances in that Di Bradini Cup that the Haps nearly won. Auggie got a starting position off that performance, a position he got to keep based off his performance in the qualifying phase of World Cup 84. Still considered one of the top rising young stars in Hapiloppian sport, a player expected to be among Hapilopper's elite for years to come, even as he plays in Xanneria.

#8 | Murray Hunnisett | Attacking Midfielder | Istria City FC (Banija)
Murray Hunnisett, the younger brother of baseball star Leroy, became known a year ago for being one of the "Hapilopper Ten" that got picked up by an international team. Both the Hunnisett brothers now call Banija, a fellow Glorious Southwest nation, home these days. He still remains one of the key pieces of the HNFT and a crucial piece of the national team's midfield. With formation changes, Murray is expected to fire shots to Claire Randall on the left side in most situations.

#9 | Bobby East | Attacking Midfielder | FC Kaiserhaven (Siovanija and Teusland)
Beautiful Bobby East, the quiet attacking midfielder for FC Kaiserhaven, is seeing his role change on the HNFT this year with a changed formation. In years past, Beautiful Bobby was the last step of the equation before firing it off to Ernie Stevenson for the inevitable goal. He'll still do so but on the right side of the pitch in most situations. Bobby is known as one of the nicest people in Hapiloppian sport, and teammates have told tales of him paying for everybody's dinner, even when not asked to.

#10 | Claire Randall | Forward | Clayton City Ladies FC (Baker Park)
One of the rising stars of Hapiloppian football, Claire Randall is the first and, so far only, woman to play on the Hapilopper National Football Team. She's had a rough go of it at Clayton City in Baker Park, but she's improving by the day. With the change in formations from the 4-2-3-1 to the 4-4-2, Claire has received a starting number and will serve as one of the leading two strikers on the national team. Her demeanor has shifted somewhat since her debut, possibly owing to her relationship with Chris Holmes, the resident klutz of the NSSCRA stock car racing series. His clumsiness has reportedly rubbed off on her.

#11 | Ernie Stevenson | Forward | Leichhardt (Nephara)
Ernie Stevenson is perhaps the most well-known of all the Hapiloppian footballers owing largely to his flashy, charismatic style of attacking football. He's pulled off quite a lot of entertaining maneuvers as he worked to score goals for the HNFT or for Leichhardt, the Nepharim side that has jumped to the top rung of one of the top football leagues in the multiverse off the play of this Hapiloppian dynamo. Younger brother of Drake Stevenson.

TYPICAL BENCH PLAYERS:

#12 | Patrick Morris | Forward | Pinkerton City SC
Pat Morris, one of Pinkerton’s top strikers, scored 21 goals last year, but remains #3 on the striker’s depth chart, getting leapfrogged by Claire Randall. Morris is a threat from primarily the right side of the pitch, and defenders would be very smart to trap him on the left side, as his usefulness typically goes downhill very quickly on that side of the pitch.

#14 | John Cornett | Forward | Gladerial United (Valanora)
John Cornett, Garvinson’s foul-mouthed striker, is one of Hapilopper's ten players that got transferred out to international football teams. Formerly the leader of Garvinson's "Midnight Express" Trio, Cornett is known for his vile temper and his poor behavior, such as that time he threatened to attack a referee with a beer bottle. Rumors persist of some kind of incident involving him and Steve Swindlehurst during a training session not too long ago.

#16 | Stan Long | Midfielder | United Marietta (Xanneria)
In a past life, Stan Long was one-third of Garvinson's "Midnight Express" trio, along with Bobby East and John Cornett, that helped propel Garvinson to the top of the HFA table, before getting sold off in a fire sale post-season. These days, he plays for Xannerian side United Marietta. Reportedly has a black belt in karate.

#18 | Steve Swindlehurst | Midfielder | Raceway Football Club
Steve Swindlehurst, who can be placed anywhere ahead of the midpoint of the field, is a strong midfielder for Raceway Football Club in Buckridge. Swindlehurst is known for one of the luckiest goals in HFA history, scoring from 55 yards out when no one was paying attention in a match two years ago. Reportedly has some kind of enmity with John Cornett over an unspecified incident that for one reason or another, nobody's going into details about.

#21 | Steve Erickson | Midfielder | 1830 Cathair (Audioslavia)
With the change in formations, Steve Erickson, the playmaking midfielder and striker for Audioslavian side 1830 Cathair, got the shaft from the HNFT and was relegated to a bench role. Erickson wasn't too happy about it, but some suggested that Erickson's tendency to "simulate" injuries - or, in other words, flop like a jackass, something that HFA officials have vowed to stamp out - cost him his starting position.

#24 | Paul Dibble | Defenseman | Juavi FC (Valanora)
Paul Dibble is a fantastic defensive player. He'll make sure you know that. Unfortunately, his all-out style of play, which has put him in card trouble in the past, and injury trouble as well - has started to take its toll, and in an effort to preserve their defenseman so he can continue to play for club and country, Dibble has been relegated to a bench role. Dibble plays bass guitar for a band, "The Yellow Cards" in his spare time with several other defensemen.

#25 | Todd Brantley | Midfielder | West Hampton Sports Club
27-year old Todd Brantley, a key piece of the West Hampton Sports Club's midfield, was a late addition to the squad following an injury to Brandon Herbert during a training session. Brantley is also a goal-scoring threat and scored nine goals last year for WHSC. An avid car collector, Brantley's collection includes a 1942 Preston Phaeton convertible, one of five ever built, and an unusual 1985 Preston Skychief shooting brake.

#26 | Clive Blackburn | Defenseman | Hapilopper City Soldiers
Clive Blackburn, a right fullback for The Soldiers, is a strong defenseman and will likely be named as a constant bench player, eligible to be subbed on. Blackburn, 30, is one of the more efficient defensive players in Hapiloppian football.

#30 | Colt Delaney | Goalkeeper | West Hampton Sports Club
Colt Delaney is the third-most efficient goaltender in Hapiloppian football, registering one goal allowed per 141 minutes last year. Delaney, however, has been also plagued by injuries and his playing time could be non-existent.

#46 | Pancakes Taggart | Midfielder | Capital City United
Poor Pancakes. Pancakes Taggart, considered by Hapiloppian media to be "the meat and potatoes" of the HNFT during the 83rd World Cup Cycle, was relegated to a bench role for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the HNFT had seen a better player at that position in Fernie Fairburn. Pancakes, however, has vowed to stay on the team to be one of the top substitutes on the national team. Rumored to be a part of a consortium looking to purchase the International House of Flapjacks restaurant chain.

#60 | Cooter Harris | Goalkeeper | Northshore FC (Xanneria)
He's back! The last time we saw Cooter Harris on the HNFT, he was in the midst of a full-fledged nervous breakdown caused by an 8-1 drubbing of the Haps by the Equestrians. Having been axed from the team for a cycle, Cooter has made a comeback of sorts playing for Northshore FC in Xanneria. He's not the starting goalkeeper, but he could find himself back in front of the net before long.

#75 | Eli Tyrrell | Midfielder | Surrey United
One of the scrappiest players in all of Hapiloppian football, Eli Tyrrell saw some limited playing time during the last World Cup cycle on sheer force of will alone. Tyrrell is a roughhousing midfielder and can take the ball away just as well as can run with it. Maybe not the most talented player on the HNFT, but is popular among his teammates and coaches for his scrappiness.


Style Mod: +3

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but TG me if you want to do something serious
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
Godmod other events: Yes, but TG me first
RP Coronavirus-related events: No. A RL pandemic does not exist in Hapilopper and Hapiloppians do not have it.

[Banija]

Banija National Team- The Kadongo Kamu

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan(s)
Association: Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA)
Nickname: The Kadongo Kamu
Manager: Marcus Waters, 54 years old, native of the Equestrian States. Took over the interim manager role after Matchday 9 of World Cup 80 Qualifying; became the full-time manager at the end of that World Cup Qualification campaign.
Senior Assistant Manager: George Wangolo. 45 years old. Former national team player. Played center back, former captain for World Cup 79 cycle. Banija's first ever Galactico long-lister. After retirement from his playing days, he began to manage on the college circuit in Banija. He managed the women's soccer team at the University of Moravica for four seasons, leading them to the national championship game in his fourth season. He was hired as the manager of Banija's youth national teams, as well as the Senior Assistant Manager. He managed the U21 national team to glory at the 47th Di Bradini Cup.
Captain: Gitonga Kahara.
Alternate Captain: Kuma Bultum
Home Kits: Green
Away Kits: White
Alternate: Orange

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod other events: Yes(However, there is a hard ban on any Banijan nationals, player or fans or whoever, from catching a pandemic).
Style modifier: +2

Brief National Team History
The Kadongo Kamu have played in exactly 350 games, as of the end of World Cup 85. We have participated in 10 World Cup Qualifying campaigns, having previously participated in(WCQ73, WCQ74, WCQ75, WCQ76, WCQ77, WCQ79, WCQ80, WCQ82, WCQ84, WCQ85) and will now play in our sixth consecutive World Cup(WC80-WC85). We have also participated in Baptism of Fire 60, and been a participant in three different Cup of Harmonies(CoH 66, CoH 67, and CoH 71). In three Cup of Harmonies, Banija has never once moved past the group stage in the competition, and in their lone Baptism of Fire, they earned a lone point. In World Cup 80, Banija was eliminated in the group stages, though in World Cup 81, Banija won Group A and went to the Round of 16 before falling in extra time, on home soil, to Turori by a score of 1-1(2-1 AET). in World Cup 82, Banija won its opening game 3-1 before losing its next two games, its last one in heartbreaking fashion to Pasarga to be eliminated in the group stages. In World Cup 83, Banija stunned the world by beating then two-time defending world champions Vilita in the quarterfinals en route to a bronze medal. In World Cup 84, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. In World Cup 85, we defeated the world #1 ranked Vilita squad, en route to our second bronze medal in three Finals appearances.

After not competing at all during the World Cup 78 Cycle due to the RBSA's bankruptcy, they re-entered the world of international football in World Cup 79 cycle. A shocking World Cup 79 Qualification campaign saw them on the brink of qualifying, but the team simply ran out of gas and lost 4 of their final 5 matches to not make it to Ceni/Drawkland. Since then, the U21 team got 3rd place at the 42nd Di Bradini Cup, and the national team advanced to the quarterfinals of AOCAF LV, AOCAF LVI, and AOCAF LVII, establishing themselves as a strong regional side, falling to the eventual champs in the latter two tournaments. They stunningly qualified for World Cup 80, after starting poorly by losing 5 of their first 9, to going unbeaten in the second half of qualifying, where they won 7 of those games. In the World Cup 80 Qualification playoffs, a 3-0 first leg victory in Montreal, Royal Kingdom of Quebec, powered the team through to their first ever appearance in the World Cup Finals, advancing to sport's pre-eminent competition 5-3 on aggregate over Mercedini. While a pair of one goal losses saw them eliminated after two games, they earned their first ever victory at the World Cup Finals in a 2-0 win over New Gazi in their final group stage game. As they hosted World Cup 81, they went directly to the tournament, and went to their first ever knockout stages, winning Group A before falling, 1-1(2-1 AET) to Turori in the Round of 16. They cruised to qualification in World Cup 82, maintaining a top two spot in their World Cup Qualification group behind Brenecia for the entirety of the World Cup 82 Qualification campaign, getting to the tournament with relative ease before bowing out in the group stages.

The World Cup 83 cycle was their strongest yet. Starting with AOCAF LVIII on home soil, co-hosted with the Commonwealth of Baker Park, the Kadongo Kamu won 6 consecutive matches to open the tournament, taking their winning streak all the way to the final. Unfortunately, they were felled, 4-2, at home to their archrivals, the Equestrian States. Co-hosting World Cup 83 as well, the Banijans made a miraclous run at the World Cup, upending 5th ranked South Covelllo on penalties, and defeating the then two-time defending world champions Vilita in the quarterfinals, before falling, 3-2, at the national stadium to Starblaydia. They added to the trophy case, however, earning a bronze medal after defeating Cassadaigua in the 3rd place playoff game.

The World Cup 84 cycle, the first with real title expectations for the Banijans, was a disappointment in the regionals, as we fell 1-0 to Ko-oren in the AOCAF Round of 16, although we advanced to the quarterfinals of World Cup 84 before dropping to Eura in extra time. The World Cup 85 cycle seems to be a promise of hope for the Banijans. Although AOCAF LX was a rough tournament for the Banijans, it was surrounded by two excellent tournament performances for the Banijans. We won the U21 World Cup(DBC 47), and are just coming off earning our first ever senior-level trophy, by winning the 8th Eagle's Cup to be admitted as a full, permanent member of the Eagle's Club right before the beginning of World Cup Qualifying. Following that, the Banijans dominated World Cup 85 Qualifying, going wire-to-wire as the first place team in their World Cup Qualifying group, as well as earning more points in World Cup Qualifying(67) than any other team did throughout the entire campaign. Those strong performances both in the Eagle's Cup and World Cup Qualifying have caused fans to put an up and down AOCAF behind them, and heighten the standard for World Cup 85. While they escaped the group stages with four points, strong wins over Vilita and Zwangzug in the knockouts put them on course for a medal, as they eventually beat allies Baker Park in the bronze medal match, after falling 3-2 to the Free Republics in the semifinal.

Statistics(All up to date as of the end of World Cup 85, not including pre-AOCAF LXI friendlies):
All-Time Record: 184-120-46(W-L-D)
All-Time Winning Percentage: 52.57% (Wins over total games played)
All-Time Points Percentage: 56.95% (Wins plus 1/3rd of draws over total games played)
Current WCC Rank: #1
Current AOCAF Rank: #3
Top 10 All-Time Leading Goal Scorers: Italicized players are retired from international duty.
1. Gitonga Kahara(90 goals)
2. Ilman Jawara(56) goals)
3. Chibuzo Afolayan(54 goals)
4. Kiggwe Mavuto(43 goals)
5. Namakula Kawesa(42 goals)
6. Toyuwa Okafor(37 goals)
7. Assefa Yitebarke(35 goals)
8. Isaac Georgiadis(27 goals)
9. Nwabudike Ugonna(26 goals)
10. Saa Okoro(23 goals)

World Cup Appearances: 6- World Cup 80, World Cup 81(co-hosts), World Cup 82, World Cup 83(co-hosts), World Cup 84, World Cup 85

Trophy Cabinet:
Senior-Level
Champions of Eagle's Cup VIII
Winner of the Afro-Carribean Heritage Festival
2nd Place at AOCAF LVIII
3rd Place at World Cup 83
3rd place at World Cup 85
3rd place at the United Valhaven Regional Football Championships

Youth Level
3rd place at 42nd Di Bradini Cup
Champions of the 8th Sporting World Cup
Champions of the 47th Di Bradini Cup

List of National Team managers
1. Kizza Kabila(Banija). Manager for Baptism of Fire 60 and the World Cup 73 Qualification Campaign. Overall record of 0-14-1(W-L-D).

Kizza Kabila is the only Banijan to have ever managed the national team. Hired for Banija's first foray onto the international scene in this sport, his reign was universally derided as a disaster. Managing 15 games, he drew his first game in the Baptism of Fire, and not only lost the next two, he then lost ever single match in the 12 game World Cup Qualification campaign for World Cup 73, with the side only scoring 5 goals across the entire campaign. Unceremoniously fired after becoming one of few managers to go through an entire World Cup Qualification campaign without earning a single point, he, alongside the entire board of the RBSA, resigned after the last game. He was disgraced in the sport after the campaign, and, to this point, has never returned to top-level soccer.

2.Jan Cassallerus(San Llera): Hired before the start of the World Cup 74 Qualification Campaign, managed through the World Cup 77 Qualification Campaign. Overall Record of 27-32-16(W-L-D).

Banija put its eyes abroad, searching for a foreign manager before the World Cup 74 Qualification campaign, and found Jan Cassallerus. He is Banija's longest ever serving manager, being at the helm for four entire World Cup cycles, and being at the helm for 75 total games, a kind of longevity unheard of in the modern game, especially managing the national team. He started winning a game at the Coupe D'Esquarium, in what was known as the group of death. He was largely celebrated for bringing the team into relevancy. The expectations were through the floor, following Kizza Kabila, but he brought the team to Cup of Harmony 66 and Cup of Harmony 67, as well as advancing in Olympic Qualifying and getting third place at the United Valhaven Regional Football Championships. He was forced into retirement after the World Cup 77 Qualification campaign, when the RBSA declared bankruptcy, and could not participate in the World Cup 78 Qualification Campaign due to their inability to compensate players and staff.

3. Randolf Cherry(Drawkland): Hired before the start of the World Cup 79 Qualification Campaign. Overall Record of 20-24-2(W-L-D)

Randolf Cherry, after the RBSA got its act together, was hired- controversially- as the manager of the national team. Not that his own hire was controversial, it was applauded across the sports spectrum here at home. He was given a 3 cycle contract, and everyone knew what the goal was- to make the World Cup Finals at least once over the course of the contract. They understood that it would take time to climb the rankings, and they were willing to give him the leash. However, he came in a very awkward situation. Adama Sowe, the Chairman of the RBSA, allegedly first offered the job to Sarah Owens, out of the Equestrian States. Of course, it is illegal in Banija for women to coach men's professional teams, and that caused controversy. And yet, here he was- the manager of the national team.

His own home country of Drawkland is, of course, very progressive in that area, where the sport is dominated by the ladies. Regardless, he had an excellent start to his reign as a manger, and was initially extremely popular. He won his first game, in a special Eagles Club match, against Aggrey-Fynn Land. He lost his first few qualifiers, but he went on a dear through the middle of qualifying, which included a 7 game winning streak on home soil. Big wins against then 4th ranked Chromatika at home and then 32nd ranked Eshan, put them in the conversation of World Cup Qualification, though they were simply not strong enough.

The Cup of Harmony was considered a disaster, finishing in dead last in their group. The competition maybe simply isn't for the Banijans, eh? But they were strong throughout the offseason, making a surprising quarterfinal run in AOCAF LV and bringing high hopes to the squad going into World Cup 80 Qualification. Hopes were through the roof for the national team, maybe even bordering unrealistic. They struggled, and the campaign got worse as the pressure built, as the squad lost their final four qualifiers of the first half of qualifying. With the campaign seemingly in free-fall, he was fired, as the RBSA said they wanted time to conduct "an open, thorough, search."

4. Marcus Waters(Equestrian States): Hired after the 1st half of World Cup 80 Qualifying, present manager of the national team. Overall record of 137-50-27(W-L-D). All-time winning percentage of 64.02%. All-time points percentage of 68.22%.

Marcus Waters was the national team's assistant manager with Randolf Cherry above him, and the manager of the youth national teams. He first gained notoreity in Banija after successfully leading the U21 team to a 3rd place finish at the 42nd Di Bradini Cup. With his abilities clear, it made sense to move onto him as the interim manager as they searched for a permanent manager ahead of the second half of World Cup Qualifying. However, he was able to complete a stunning turnaround of this team. His first game in charge, he changed nearly the entire backline, and had a massive upset, away to Qasden, by a score of 3-2. A 3-0 victory over Razenthuria in the other mid-qualifying friendly got high hopes for him.

Marcus Waters went out with an intent to keep his team focused, despite everything going on at home. He has proven adept at navigating the political minefield that is this job, especially with his own country of origin essentially at war with Banija. He didn't lose a single game in the second half of qualifying, winning 7 games to get to the playoffs, including when the team was forced to play home games in Montreal due to ongoing violence within Banija. He was widely applauded for getting the team ready to play in Montreal, and winning 1-0 against Turori, the group's top seeded squad, and a 3-0 win in Montreal in the Qualification playoffs. While the RBSA interviewed four other candidates, his successful push through the World Cup Qualification playoffs and into Banija's first-ever World Cup Finals essentially clinched the job for him, as he put pen to paper to take the interim tag off of his title ahead of the 80th World Cup Finals.

Since then, of course, he has done a lot to garner the confidence of the higher-ups, and of the fans. Falling to the eventual champions in the quarterfinals of both AOCAF LVI and AOCAF LVII was widely seen as a positive. As well as, of course, a surprising Fourth Place finish in the Cup of Champions Six, highlighted by a surprising point earned in their matchup against Nephara, while also pushing through to the Round of 16 of World Cup 81, pleasing the home fans. A different sort of pressure faces him this campaign, however.

For the first time in his reign, you could say that Banija had a disappointing tournament, failing to advance in World Cup 82 beyond the group stages. It might be harsh to say that- on paper, advancing from a group with both Pasarga and Farfadillis is a tall order if your team is not Pasarga or Farfadillis. They responded well, however, winning six consecutive games at AOCAF LVIII, and knocking off major nations including Cosumar and Mriin at the tournament, before being felled in the final, in their own capitol of Busukuma, to Equestria. Following up with a World Cup on home soil, they continued that momentum forward from AOCAF LVIII, as the Banijans took on the role of giantslayers on home soil. They beat the 5th ranked South Covello side, and the then two-time defending world champions Vilita, before eventually falling to Starblaydia in the semifinals, though they still earned a bronze medal. Although momentum was blunted after a tough 1-0 defeat to Ko-oren that secured an early exit from AOCAF LIX, they followed that up with their second straight appearance in the World Cup Quarterfinals, where they fell to Eura in extra time.

The World Cup 85 cycle has been considered largely a successful one. While the AOCAF was a disappointment, rebounding from that with an Eagle's Cup trophy, and then following that up with a record Qualifying campaign, alongside a bronze medal from the World Cup and the KPB #1 overall ranking, means ever higher expectations for the Equestrian.

1. The Equestrian States. All time Banijan record against opponent- 0-6-1(W-L-T).

The Equestrian States are easily Banija's biggest rival, and by a country mile. It has all the makings of a good international sporting rivalry- plenty of matches played, history of competitive matches, geopolitical rivalry, player familiarity, and, of course, geographical proximity- all those boxes are checked. They've played each other 5 times, and Banija has come out on the losing end each and every time, most recently a 4-0 clobbering at the hands of the Equestrian States during Banija's final friendly before this qualification tournament began.

Three times have they played in competitive competition, and three times Banija has fallen. The Equestrian States eliminated Banija from Cup of Harmony 71 in group play, while also defeating the Banijans in both the opening match of World Cup 80, and the final group stage match of AOCAF LVI, though the Banijans still advanced to the quarterfinals of that tournament. The familiarity of players between each other is strong. Banija's present and most successfull all-time manager, Marcus Waters, is Equestrian. A number of players in each country play in leagues in the other. Famous Equestrian NT players like Aaron Aiza, Rosie Tyler, and Josef Lawrenz, ply their trade in the Banijan Soccer League, with Aiza particularly growing to superstar status while winning league titles at Herzegovina City FC.

Banija's first ever major final in this sport, at the senior level, was against none other than Equestria at the national stadium, with the winner to be crowned champions of AOCAF LVIII Final. In front of a decidedly pro-Banijan crowd, it was the Equestrians who dashed Banijan dreams of glory on their home turf as they picked up their first ever major international silverware, with a 4-2 victory. That victory has made the Banijans just that much hungrier to defeat their bitter rivals, and though the history is lopsided in favor of Equestria, that has just fueled the fire on this side of the matchup. The two sides co-hosted World Cup 83 together, and almost had a rematch of their AOCAF LVIII Final in the World Cup Final, though Banija could not fulfill its end of the bargain as they fell to a stronger Starblaydia side in the semifinals. Equestria, of course went on to win the World Cup, and the next AOCAF to boot, establish a fully fledged dynasty. The Banijans, in pre WOrld Cup 84 Qualification friendlies, got their first ever result against the Equestrians, a 0-0 draw in Everfree.

2. Eshan. Banijan all time record against opponent: 3-2-1(W-L-T)

Banija's other major rival is Eshan. Another regional rivalry, it doesn't carry quite the same weight as the Equestrian States, but they've played four high stakes competitive matches against each other, all in the same cycle. In World Cup 79 Qualifying, the two nations were in the same qualification group. Banija had an upset win in the first half of qualifying that vaulted them into serious discussions about making the final tournament, only to fall on the return trip, which effectively eliminated them from attending World Cup 79. And in the ensuing AOCAF LV tournament, they were drawn into the same group, and Eshan easily embarassed the Banijans, winning 5-1.

The draw did not seem to favor the Banijans, as the pair were drawn together in the Round of 16. This time, it was the Banijans who got the last laugh. After a thrilling 4-4 draw, the Banijans won on penalties and advanced to the quarterfinals of their first AOCAF, an overwhelming success. While they have not played each other since AOCAF LV, on a competitive or on a friendly basis, the rivalry is still an important one for many fans of the Kadongo Kamu.

The rivalry was renewed when the two teams were drawn against each other in World Cup 82 Qualifying, with the pair of nations favorites to compete for the group's 2nd qualifying spot, with Brenecia widely favored to win their World Cup Qualification group. Banija won the first match in Busukuma, while they drew on the return leg, as Banija clinched the World Cup Qualification spot as Eshan did not qualify for the World Cup Finals.

Jerseys

Full credit to Filindostan for the design and production of these jersies. Thank you very much!

Do whatever you want besides godmodding the actual goals(I prefer the actual goals to be real). If anybody dies, please TG me who so I can replace them.

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=fx97m

Roster for AOCAF LXI

Starters: 4-2-1-3
Players who are based in a foreign league are bolded.
Players who have their first ever competitive callup received in World Cup 85 Qualifying are green.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, Banija's only national professional soccer league.
GK #1 Jumu Sanneh. Age 35. Plays for Turoki United in the Vilitan League's Declasse Division.
RB #27 Uzoma Iruka. Age 25(Female). Plays for Hoima Warriors in the BSL.
CB #3 Kuma Bultum. Age 25. Plays for Raynor City United in Valanora.
CB #5 Demba Kinteh. Age 22. Plays for Port Sebastian in Schottia. Captain of the U18 Sporting World Cup 8 championship squad.
LB #13 Fekati Abdi. Age 29. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL.
RCM #6 Mzukisi Nzo. Age 23. Plays for Yaton FC in the Taeshan Premier League.
LCM #8 Kizza Okafor. Age 31. Plays for the Coret Hawks in the Nepharim Premiership.
CAM #10 Namakula Kawesa. Age 28. (Female). Plays for Tanrısal in Pasarga. .
RW #22 Madu Okparra. Age 25. Plays for Raynor City United in Valanora.
LW #11 Gitonga Kahara. Age 34. Plays for the Hoima Warriors in the BSL. Captain.
ST #17 Ilman Jawara. Age 28. Plays for Soldarian FC in Valanora.
Bench:
GK #23 Wanda Kouyaté. Age 23(Female). Just signed by Jungle Strike FC in Vilita.
GK #35 François Tantoh. Age 28. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the BSL.
RB #2 Ephrem Selassiee. Age 33. Plays for Sterling City United in Darmen.
CB #20 Kawsu Kaba. Age 29. Plays for Starling in Nephara. Captained Di Bradini Cup 44 side.
LB #4 Lama Nyang. Age 22. Plays for Jinja City FC in the BSL.
CM #15 Amadi Uche. Age 29. Plays for Wexax United in Valanora.
CM #14 Ablie Kah. Age 31. Plays for Istria City FC in the BSL.
CAM/CM #29 Kiggwe Basamula. 28 years old. Plays for the Busembe Timberwolves in the BSL.
CAM #21 Enyinnaya Jideofor. Age 26. Plays for Lhor in Chromatika.
LW #18 Samba Ogunsola. Age 20. Plays for Holdenberg City in Eura.
RW/LW #12 Nwabudike Ugonna. Age 29. Plays for FC Rotmunde 1932 in the Republikaliga in Siovanija & Teusland.
ST #19 Idai Uster. Age 22(Female). Plays for AFC Treason in the Nepharim Premiership.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Gitonga Kahara. Our corner kicks are taken by Gitonga Kahara.
- Our penalty kicks are taken by Ilman Jawara.
- In terms of substitutions, anybody is OK to substitute off the pitch besides Kahara, Kawesa, and the goalkeeper. They all play 90 minutes in every match, unless any of them get a red card or are injured.
- Kahara is widely considered the team's best player, and he is the focal point of the attack.

Extended Player Pool
These members of the player pool were invited to camp, and will take part in World Cup 85 Qualifying. The original plan was to change players out every four matchdays, however, Banija's hot start made the manager not make any changes to the 23 for the entire first half of Qualifying. He's made a number of changes to start the second half, and he'll continue to find opportunities for more players in the pool to play throughout Qualifying.

CM #40 Cyper Corr. 21 years old. Plays for the Northern Stallions in Brenecia.
CM #51 Immaculate Kaba(Female). 22 years old. Plays for Capitol City FC in the BSL.
CM #34 Musa Gaye. 23 years old. Plays for Jinja CIty FC in the BSL.
CAM #49 Abigail Admassu. 21 years old. Plays for Energie Thorsborg in Savojarna.
CB #62 Chiokie Uchie. 21 years old. Plays for Marine Coast United in Vilita.
LW/RW Alanso Tamba. Age 33. Plays for Crisisbless United in the Nepharim Premiership.
RW/RM #71 Anwar Dawit. Age 21. Plays for Kitara AA in the BSL. Captain of the DBC 47 Championship team.
CAM #44 Momodou Sene. 23 years old. Plays for 1912 Stelburg in the Republikgaliga.
ST #24 Kabir Jobateh. Age 32. Plays for FC Kolberg in Semarland. Starter on the bronze medal 42nd Di Bradini Cup squad.

1. CAM Namakula Kawesa

Namakula Kawesa is one of the most interesting players to follow on this team. She is the first woman to ever put on the green and white for the senior national side, the first beneficiary of the repeal of the gender segregation law within the country. Implementation has been slow, as there are only a handful of female players in the BSL right now, but the rise in change of culture is always slow. Still, she has smashed that glass ceiling on her own, and Kawesa is looking to ensure that she is well respected on the national and international stage.

With her platform comes great expectation, and with great expectation comes great pressure. So far, she has been able to handle it. She scored crucial goals at AOCAF LVIII en route for the Banijan run to the final of that tournament, as she came off the bench behind Okparro. She did the same at World Cup 83, playing crucial minutes there as well. She was able to earn herself attention in the transfer market, and now she plays for the Gwinevra Barbarians. She has shown her talent for the Barbarians, scoring seven goals in the league and 11 in all competitions in her first season for the Barbarians, where she was a regular fixture in their starting XI, and helped the team get 2nd in the league and earn a Champions Cup berth, as well as scoring in the Marshall Cup Final, which is Apox's major domestic cup competition. She has performed at expectation in Apox.

And now, of course, with Okparro's retirement, she has been handed the #10 jersey for the national team. This is a big moment for her, as she is now a full-time starter for the Kadongo Kamu. There are younger players who are chomping at the bit to wear the #10 jersey- youngsters like Momodou Sene and Abigail Admassu, fresh off of U21 World Cup glory, are making move to big money leagues to try and get her spot. The pressure is also building on her. She had a strong Eagle's Cup VIII, and while she has a stranglehold on the #10 jersey, the RBSA has recently declared the upcoming Olympiad a 'priority tournament', and she's widely expected to captain the women's national side there. Can she push out all the rumors about the Olympics, and focus her energy on the task at hand- competing successfully in the AOCAFs?

2. CB Kawsu Kaba

The center back has been excellent in his appearances for the Hoima Warriors in the BSL, with his past domestic season earning him plaudits from many around, and him just missing out on a spot on the All-Pro Team. The problem with Kaba, while extremely talented, is that, especially for hte national team, he lacks consistency. HE has been benched on numerous occasions by Marcus Waters, though he always goes back to Kaba to start a game, and play a majority of the match. Then 35 year old Center Back Abate Brehanu, however, repeatedly replaced Kaba defending big leads in big moments, illustrating the lack of the confidence in him.

But now, Brehanu has retired following the national team's bronze medals at World Cup 83, and Kaba has been asked to step up. He is competing fiercely and constantly with Demba Kinteh for the second starting center back spot in the squad. After winning a struggle with his club, he has decided to go on to play in the Nepharim Premiership, as Starling have just signed him for $8 million NSDs. He's hoping his move out of Banija to a top 5 league will pay dividends in the end, and help him earn his starting spot back.

3. LW Gitonga Kahara

With the retirements of Chibuzo Afolayan and Assefa Yitebarke from the national team, the boy wonder is the undisputed star of the Kadongo Kamu, and has long been hailed as the savior of the sport in this country. That tells you everything you need to know about the Boy Wonder's meteoric rise through Banijan soccer. He has been given lots of nicknames- the Boy Wonder, Banija's Football Savior, the Deliverer, etc... And he has never played a professional club game on Banijan soil. When he was just 16 years old, he moved to Project Olimpo in Kita-Hinode, and starred in their youth league, one of the world's best. Project Olimpo won a league title, and Gitonga Kahara was the star of the team, winning the Golden Boot that season. He then, of course, went to the U21 World Cup as the player everybody had their eyes on- was he the real deal?

The answer was an emphatic yes. Gitonga Kahara, and the team in general, simply could not stop scoring in Valanora. He scored a stunning 10 goals at the Di Bradini Cup- taking the tournament by storm, and being not only the best player on the pitch for the Banijans, but arguably the best player on the pitch at the tournament in general. His value, and name, exploded on the international scene. Randolf Cherry, much to the chagrin of Project Olimpo officials, was pushing him to leave before the window- see what he'd do in a top-flight league, while his value was high with the memory of the Di Bradini Cup fresh. Of course, during the window, he'd be able to probably get a better deal. But the fact of the matter was this- a move was better for his immediate career prospects, even if it was a serious question mark for his long-term career prospects.

He went to Polaris, in the Terranean League East. He helped lead his team earn the Pablito Numede Trophy, and, with a third place finish, finish with a berth in the Champions Cup. He looked likely to be a star in that league for a long, long time to come- and then, it came crashing down, as the Terrenean League East has faltered. He then made a big money move to OAS Royal FC, becoming the first ever Banijan to make an 8 digit move, being valued at $10 million NSDs by the side from Northeast Atlantian Oceania.

He is in his prime, and now, this is his team. Kahara is going to wear the armband going forward, for the first time at any level in his career. While the 23 went unchanged from the beginning of AOCAF LVIII, through the Champions Cup and all the way through World Cup 83, there has been a correction, with quite a few veterans calling it quits on their international careers, leaving time for the next generation to shine. He proved he still had it last cycle, scoring four times during World Cup 84, including the match winner in their quarterfinal match against Zwangzug. He's firmly established his legacy as one of Banija's greatest, but can he continue to build on it at AOCAF LXI?

4. GK Jumu Sanneh

The 35 year old goalkeeper has had a very interesting journey, at least in terms of his international career. He has been playing in VIlita for years, playing in the country's DeClasse Division. After Delbin Kasekende left the Banijan national team to start for the Islander national team following World Cup 80, there was a competition between the two then young guns- Lemuel Bereket and Jumu Sanneh. After the World Cup 81 cycle, Bereket asserted himself, and gripped tightly onto the #1 jersey for World Cup cycles 82-84. But Sanneh waited patiently. And with Bereket, now 35 years old, deciding to retire from international duty and extend his club career in Farfadillis, Sanneh has finally gotten a chance to wear the #1 jeersey.

He has starred in the DeClasse Division in Vilita- earning the second highest goalkeeper rating, and winning five man of the match awards throughout last season. And he was largely starter throughout AOCAF LX and Eagle's Cup VIII, where he struggled. He was benched during World Cup 85 for the younger Francois Tantoh. He has decided to stay on the squad for another cycle, or at least for the AOCAFs. Can the veteran earn his spot back in the starting lineup?

Group Stage Opponents
Matchday 1: Tropicorp(19)
Matchday 2: Dogsmouth(35)
Matchday 3: Verceola (UR)
Matchday 4: Chromatika(12)
Matchday 5: Blouman Empire(53)

[Gyatso-kai]

Gyatso-kai Men's National Football Team
凯海洋国家足球队
Kaihaiyáng Guójia Zúqiú Duì
Gyats'kai Tsad droten Taab’rugam

Official Name: Gyatso-kai Men’s National Football Team / 凯海洋国家足球队 (Kaihaiyáng Guójia Guójia Zúqiú Duì) / Gyats'kai Tsad droten Taab’rugam
Official Nation Name: The Avatarian Republics of Gyatso-kai / 凯海洋降世神通共和国 (Kaihaiyáng Jiàngshì Shéntong Gònghéguó) / Tsad Gyats'kai Jettise
Country Code: GKI
Officiating League: The Republic Premier Football League (RPFL)
Founded: 1876 (228 AKy)
Regional Officiating Body: The Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football (AOCAF)
Year of Membership: 2019.2 (63 AAg)
World Cup Record: 142-46-53 (WDL)
AOCAF Record: 4-2-8 (WDL)
Titles: 0 (Third AOCAF Appearance)
World Rank: 116th (After Cup of Harmony LXXVI)
AOCAF Rank: 28th (After AOCAF LIX)
Nickname: Bisons

The Roster

When RP'ing, the name of my players in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS AND BOLD are the player's family names. These are the names on their jersey and the name professional commentators would call out when making observations. Also, do not write the names in all capital letters, as this is somewhat annoying when reading; I just imagine someone reading calmly along then suddenly SHOUTING the player's name. For example, if writing about FENG Shaoli making a long shot, one would write "Feng made a long shot..." as opposed to "FENG made a long shot..." If you have any further questions regarding names, please feel free to telegram me.

Players age ONE YEAR in-between cups.

Starting players will have their names in GREEN type
Alternate players will have their names in BLUE type
Reserve Players will have their names in STANDARD type.
Travelling Players will be in tables.

22- ZHAO Baoli
Height: 187cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 27 years old - Team: Enceri FC

With the announcement of Aki Kio’los making his retirement official, there was only one man for the job of starting keeper for the Bisons. At just 27-years-of-age, Zhao Baoli is set to make his first official tournament as the Number One goalkeeper at AOCAF LXI. Fast and agile, as most keepers are, Zhao has a tendency to play medium-range passes incredibly accurately, as opposed to the short-range clears that were made common by Kio’los; this change in style is set to give the Bisons a bit more room to make plays on the offense, breaking up the opponent’s momentum, as well as preventing short-range clears from becoming odd-man rushes on the net. All of this is seen as a welcomed change by Head Coach Tay’haai, as the Bisons move to make their game more offense-driven and rely less and less on good defence to outlast an opponent.

Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Form: A
CAPS: 23 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

33- ARMOK Hikari
Height: 177cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 26 years old - Team: Southern AFC

Coming off a successful third season with Southern AFC, Armok Hikari has continued to develop rather nicely when compared to his style back at his alma mater, University of Omashu. With Aki Kip’los having announced his retirement, Armok finds himself moving into a firm backup role for the National Team.

Unlike Zhao and his sniping mid-range clears, Armok tends to favor the long-range kicks out to midpitch so as to clear as much action from the back end as possible. Also, Armok is a much more traditional goalkeeper when compared to the very ball-heavy play styles of the first two men in the corps; he firmly believes that his primary goal is to stop balls from getting to the net, and by clearing out the attacking zone quickly, it gives him a chance to set the team up more defensively as he does tend to hand over possession often, but that allows him to focus on the main job of stopping balls and not worrying about diving out of the box and going for more ‘flashy’ plays.

At just a year younger than Zhao, Armok is comparable in experience on a professional level, and after last World Cup garnishing eight caps for the Bisons, is set to become a fixture on the national team roster for some time so long as he proves to be successful.

Rating: B - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: B
CAPS: 8 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: WC 85

44- HAMADA Roshi
Height: 181cm - Weight: 88kg – Age: 20 years old - Team: Royal Fire Nation University

The newest blood to be added to the Goalkeeping Corps, Hamada Roshi is one of the first players to be promoted from the Travelling Corps to the main roster. A young player in his third semester at one of the most prestigious universities in Gyato-kai, it is unlikely that Hamada will ever step foot between the pipes this tournament. However, one can never be certain of what lays beyond tomorrow, and as such, Hamada is preparing for this spot as if he were the starter.

A player who developed an odd style in the Fire Nation, Hamada is known for stepping way in front of the net and attempting to use his physique to stop a offensive player before getting to the ball. Many attribute this odd quirk to Hamada and his twin brother Yoshi having grown up playing ice hockey; whereas Roshi would go on to find his love in football, his brother Yoshi continues to attract scouts on the ice at the University of Kyoko in the Fire Nation. Equally adept at his position as a younger Kio’los, many see Hamada as an eventual stopgate between Zhao/Armok and the next generational keeper for the Bisons.
Rating: B- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: C
CAPS: N/A :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: None

Travelling With the Team

Name		Age		School					Nation              .
PAO Lishin	22		Heibai University			Earth
LEE Fendao	18		Academy of South Kibago		Mandalore
TSUTSAMA Yen	19		University of Adirolf			Fire

As had been done under Vhett, Head Coach Tay’haai has instituted a Travelling Corps so as to bring young and upcoming players along with the Bisons to show them what Multiverse Play is all about. Pao, having been passed up for the promotion to Alternate, has found himself distant from the other keepers on the Travelling Corps; maybe a bit bitter, maybe a bit more driven to one day take Hamada’s spot. Lee is a much younger player, brought in from a developmental academy in KIbago Province, who is somewhat of a star in the Avatarian Soccer circle; having not let in a single goal in three seasons and representing his Academy at the national level. The newest addition, Tsutsama Yen, is a relative newcomer to the multiverse; having a somewhat average season at UA, he came to the National Team tryouts and put up some impressive physical numbers through the Combine, and thus found his way into the third spot.

Left Defenders:
2- Auranaq ITAWAKU
Height: 196cm - Weight: 82kg – Age: 37 years old - Team: Concord Dusk AFC
A beast of a man, Auranaq Itawaku has the distinction of being only one of two players on the Bisons who has ever travelled to a World Cup; both Aki Kio’los and Itawaku travelled with the Bisons back in World Cup 68.

In his time since that travelling appearance, Itawaku has managed to pack the form of a gridiron player into the body of a footballer; able to give strong tackles and bulldoze his way through an opponent, Itawaku is just as comfortable dancing around the pitch and keep the ball away from any keen and overzealous opponents. His aggressive style of play, combined with his sheer size, has earned him the loving nickname of “The Beast of the North”. Even as he takes the title of oldest player on the Bisons from Kio’los following the former’s retirement, Itawaku shows no sign of slowing down as his 40s look over the horizon.

Worth noting that in WC 85, Auranaq had a hell of a showing, managing to score not only his first career goal on the Bisons, but also managing to rack up six goals through the tournament. What inspired such a performance? Many attribute it to the change-up in his midfield partner, Guanyu Jun, who has been feeding more goals into the back of the offensive zone to take advantage of off-man combos and the stronger legs of the defensemen.

Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Form: A
CAPS: 51 :: GOALS: 6 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

12- PAM Kai
Height: 183cm - Weight: 86kg – Age: 24 years old - Team: Senlin Timbers
-
The backup to the Beast of the North, Pam Kai is a bit smaller and significantly younger. Though, that doesn’t stop the younger Water Tribesman from doing his best to keep up with Itawaku in the weight room and out on the pitch. Pam carries with him youthful vigor and determination, although he forewent another year at Northern University to pursue his professional career; which, judging by a rather subpar performance in Senlin, has many analysts feeling that he may have made the jump to the pros a bit to soon.
Rating: A- - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Form: A
CAPS: 12 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85


16- TERCAR Shuajo
Height: 178cm - Weight: 75kg – Age: 23 years old - Team: Northern University

At 23 years of age, Tercar Shuajo plays a very similar style to Auranaq, which means substitutions into the team can be done effortlessly. A very quick and agile defender, Tercar has yet to make his way onto the pitch through four campaigns, though he is still prepared should the need arise. Given he is nearly 10kg lighter than both Pam and Itawaku, Tercar has to use his feet and agility to outmaneuver most other players instead of relying on sheer mass to take away a ball.
Rating: B- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: C
CAPS: 0 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: None

Central Defenders
5- HASHIMOTO Isamiru
Height: 178cm - Weight: 75kg – Age: 30 years old - Team: Ba Sing Se UNITED

One of the most highly-rated player for the Bison defence, Hashimoto Isamiru, or “Hashi” as he is loving called by fans, has shown himself to be a very valuable asset to the team. A strong defensive player who often falls in to a full-back position, Hashimoto has made great strides in improving his passing and marking skills since he was traded to Ba Sing Se UNITED from Keldabe FC after a very disappointing season which saw Kelabe not advance to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

In the last tournament – the 85th World Cup – Hashimoto saw himself rack up a pair of goals late in the tournament, making his multiverse scoring debut in the second leg match against Kohnhead; showing many of his doubters that the last two seasons in Ba Sing Se have started to pay off.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 50 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

15- UTHAN A’den
Height: 185cm - Weight: 83kg – Age: 21 years old - Team:Kyoshi State University

As was during the Bisons’ last World Cup run, Number 15 is worn by a man incredibly deceptive in appearance and performance. A large and physically imposing player, Uthan A’den does not play a very physical game like Auranaq or Hashimoto, but instead proves himself to be one of the fastest players on the team; one who uses that speed to outpace and overtake many of his opponents. Less prove to tackle and trip, and more likely to simply run up from behind and steal the ball mid-dribble, expect to see Uthan engaging opponents closer to the net than you will be comfortable with from previous Bisons campaigns.

Rating: A- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: A - Form: A
CAPS: 50 :: GOALS: 7 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

15- Ganham Ri’om
Height: 175cm - Weight: 70kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Concord Dusk AFC

Though not as fast as Uthan, Ganham Ri’om is a full-back more focused on the offence, who uses his skill with the ball to often drive the offence from the backfield. Though Ganham can have some minor difficulties when tasked with defence (given that he played his entire career at Hatsu State as a offensive midfielder before switching to defence when drafted), he is a very dedicated player and works hard to improve where he knows there are weakness.

Rating: B+ - Team Relationship: B - Morale: A - Form: B
CAPS: 13 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85

Right Defenders:

3- SOMCHAI Kikwan
Height: 187cm - Weight: 83kg – Age: 32 years old - Team: Itakawai City

While certainly not the oldest player in the defence, Somchai Kikwan does serve as the counterpoint to Uthan’s youthful excitement. Having graduated from Kyoshi State, Somchai is very familiar to the style of play Uthan is used to, and the two of them communicate very well on the side of the field. Very adept at playing the middle of the field, when pushed to the right side, Somchai is quick to adapt and has the endurance and stamina to keep up with the demands.

Having made his multiverse debut last World Cup, Somchai continues to struggle with a nagging lower body injury. Often, he will start a game, and then take the next game off, or start two games and have to rest three. Given his Water Tribe background, many wonder why he has not yet seen a Northern Healer to work on the injury; however, some suspect it maybe due to either personal pride or a misplaced sense of masculinity to suffer through pain rather than be healed. Whatever the reason, with his first National cap out of the way, it is time for Somchai to show why Head Coach Tay’haai kept him on the roster through four tournaments without a start…
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 9 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: WC 85

13- MI’REZ Yman
Height: 177cm - Weight: 76kg – Age: 34 years old - Team: Solus FC

A mixture of strength, speed and technicality, Mi’rez Yman is able to often outperform many oppoenets strictly through his quick feet and often amusing antics; known to make oppoenets laugh mid-stride, Mi’rez is not the player the media wants to mic up and have talk to the crowd. Though even with his quirks, Mi’rez is a very valuable players to the defensive corps.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: B – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 44 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

23- HUANG Aodhán
Height: 183cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Makapu ERUPT

Originally signed into the Taap-B team Kaolin FC right out of college, Huang Aodhán was quick to mature and found his way onto the Makapu ERUPT. A quick study, he adapted well to his new team and soon made it to their starting eleven. Huang is a natural athlete, with impressive speed and stamina to match, though at such a young age compared to his linemates, he has much to learn before he finds himself a staple on the front lines of Avatarian Football; though he did find himself a late game substitution for Mi’rez in the AOCAF LX matchup against Delaclava as well as a couple of matches during WC 85.

Rating: C – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: C
CAPS: 7:: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 60, WC 84-85

Travelling With the Team

Position	Name		Age		School				Nation                |
RD		KATO Zhao Ling	21		Enceri State University		Mandalorian	
RD		YAMADA Goro	20		Republic City State University	Fire
LD		Khánh KA’LOMI	19		Univ. of the Southern Tribes	Water
LD		Tarou ADEEN	21		Omashu State University		Mandalorian
CD		ZHOU Hiroto	20		Kibago University		Earth

The Travelling Corps for Defense is a mixed group of under-21s who are all potential future Bisons. Kato, from Enceri, is coming off a All-Star season in the Southern Islands Conference, having been credited with the most goals by any defenseman in season. Yamada and Ka’lomi are most first-time A-squad for their respective schools, and seem to play complementary styles, so it wouldn’t be unlikely to see them as a future starting pair. Adeen, though coming back from a lower body strain he acquired before his selection was announced, is the opposite of Ka’lomi; more defense driven and much more adept at wide pitch running and helping drive offense. Zhou, fresh from a rather disappointing season at KU, still managed to shine as he was selected in the Coaches Poll as the third best centreback in the ACSA having 32 Assists in 24 games

Defensive Midfielders:

7- TAKAHASHI Hikaru
Height: 178cm - Weight: 76kg – Age: 33 years old - Team: Northern AFC

A strong defensive midfielder. Takahashi Hikaru’s strength lies in his kicks; easily able to send a ball soaring across the pitch with surprising accuracy, Takahashi is known for feeding the ball to the strikers and catching many opposing defences off-guard. He often has great vision, and he is easily able to read the play and can adapt accordingly.

Rating: S – Team Relationship: S – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 52 :: GOALS: 15 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

6- MA Haijiang
Height: 187cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 30 years old - Team: Northern AFC

Head Coach Tay’haai made the unusual selection of having both of his defensive midfielders come from the same team, for reasons most can ascertain. A proven veteran on the pitch, Ma Haijiang complements Takahashi’s strong kicks and accuracy with the speed to overcome most opponents; if he can not strike a ball deep, Takahashi will often send a volley up to Ma who will then run it into the offensive zone before lasering the ball to an open forward. Expect to see either Ma or Takahashi in the assist column for plenty of goals.

Rating: A- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 50 :: GOALS: 9 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

17- YOSHIDA Arata
Height: 177cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 28 years old - Team: Royal Flames

Yoshida Arata is a dedicated player who has worked incredibly hard to make his way to the national team; having spent several months training with one of the greatest Avatarian midfielders to ever play the game, Bralor Kotyc’e. Time spent with Bralor has proven to greatly improve his game, seeing Yoshida climb up the ranks during the Trials for the national team.

Though, Yoshida is not a player you will often notice. He is not one for showboating, and very rarely makes a goal or garnishes an assist. Instead, he focuses his time on the pitch by setting up the offense for a great pass, a decisive tackle that often swings the game’s momentum, or just being able to intercept the ball at the most opportune time. One of the best midfielders in the Southern Conference of the RPFL, Yoshida is sure to see time on the pitch by relieving Takahashi or Ma in the later games of the competition.

Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: B
CAPS: 11 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85

Neutral Midfielders:

18- HISAKAWA Si Woo
Height: 183cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 31 years old - Team: Senlin Timbers

An extremely technical midfielder, Hisakawa Si Woo is not one to shy away from trying for goals. More aept at reading the play and setting up his forwards, Hisakawa is a bit more impatient than one would like, and he posseses the speed and agility to run through a good defence and find the back of the net on occasion. He is also the only player on the Bisons who is currently unsigned; his contract with the Taap-A team Omashu Athletic ended after AOCAF LX, and with nothing really to showcase his worth, Omashu Athletic chose to not sign Hisakawa; a fact that has certainly hurt his morale going into the last World Cup. However, an impressive showing, including four goals at WC 85, saw Hisakawa sign a two-year contract with the Senlin Timbers just days after the completion of the group stage.

Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 36 :: GOALS: 5 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84, CoH 76

Attacking Midfielders:

8- YU Shichiro
Height: 183cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 26 years old - Team: Keldabe FC

With a very offensive-minded footballing style, Yu Shichiro works as the last link between the midfield and the offence. Much like Hisakawa, Yu has been known to even advance from the midfield to score quite a few key goals in pivotal games, including the 2019.2 Ve’vut Cup winning goal against Concord Dusk AFC. He has a powerful long shot and is exceptional at heading, both of which are aided by his height. However, as skilled as he is in offense, Yu still prefers to pass the ball up to forwards for an assist in a goal as opposed to being the star player.

Rating: A- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 30 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85


11- GUANYU Jun
Height: 185cm - Weight: 81kg – Age: 23 years old - Team: Omashu Athletic (Taap-A)
A very creative midfielder, Guanyu Jun is very capable of making plays on the fly; with great vision and quick feet, he often can set up his forwards for a great goal or keep the ball moving through the middle. Though having graduated from Heibai University right after AOCAF, Guanyu, who managed to only appear in a single game during AOCAF, started in the next two World Cups as well as AOCAF 60, before being knocked off his starting position by Yu Shichiro coming into AOCAF 61. Who knows how that will play out, seeing as how many in the sports world see Guanyu as more of a playmaker than Yu and a bit more skilled despite being three years his junior.

Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 22 :: GOALS: 4 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85

14 – Fei’kao SONG
Height: 185cm - Weight: 81kg – Age: 22 years old - Team: FC Mando

Relatively young when compared to his teammates, Fei’kao Song chose to forgo his collegiate career, getting drafted by FC Mando the day before his twentieth birthday. Despite all the fanfare of his first season behind him, Song has not had a promising start to his sophomore season. Given his still-developing skills in midfield, his is seen as a comparatively weak player and often spends more time with the coaching staff than other more-seasoned players. Song, much like Hisakawa, is a technical player by nature whose greatest asset is not in his aim or power, but in the art of dribbling which he uses at every opportunity. While more prone to provide assists on plays as opposed to goals, Song has proven himself through Trials to Tay’haai and earned a spot on the National Team, albeit a reserve position.

Rating: B- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: C
CAPS: 2 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 60, CoH 76

Travelling With the Team

Position	Name			Age		School					Nation
DM		INOUE Anernerk		23		Uni. of the Northern Tribes		Water
DM		Kal ITOWA		23		Uni. of the Southern Tribes		Water
NM		Penlu SAITO		20		Chomain State Academy			Fire
OM		SHAO Mi’ka		22		Univeristy of Kibago			Water
OM		DIK Up’lis		21		Omashu State University			Earth

Mostly comprised of Water Tribesmen, the Midfield Travelling Corps is a grabbag of talent. From the University of the Northern Tribes come home-grown Inoue Anernerk, who at just like his father, the famed Inoue Kuruk, completed back-to-back double-digit scoring seasons in his last two seasons of college; impressive for a man who is supposed to be on the defensive midfield. From UST, Kal Itowa mirrors the success of Inoue, though a career less filled with goals and more with assists. Penlu Saito, a young player from the developmental Chomain State Academy, hopes to see a professional contract within the year, and with such a great season in the ADFL, you can be sure he will at least entertain some good offers. Out of the University of Kibago, Shao Mi’ka is a relatively quiet player who has had offers from both Gaoling Union and Senlin Timbers. Dik Up’lis rounds out the Travelling Corps, bringing from Omashu State a drive for excellence many teams would love to have, even if it comes with a bit more maturing to be fostered.

9 - Dag’da SKIRATA
Height: 185cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 22 years old - Team: University of Adirolf

From the fabled and illustrious Skirata family, Dag’da Skirata continues to show why the Skirata’s are the most famous Avatarian family in sports; from his grandfather Kad coaching the Men’s National Ice Hockey Team to his father A’den’s 59 goals in 190 caps for the Bisons, Dag’da has some massive shoes to fill. Though his youthful energy often times shows itself in classic mistakes, Skirata is able to power his way through many the defender and be it by foot or by head, he finds the net more often than not. In his first season with the Adirolf Gators, A’den went for 19 goals in 10 caps, including the last game before AOCAF where he received his first hattrick in a stellar 4-0 victory of their rivals from Adirolf State.

Rating: S – Team Relationship: S – Morale: S – Form: A
CAPS: 59 :: GOALS: 21 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

10 - SONG Kaoru
[i]Height: 178cm - Weight: 74kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: FC Mando

Much like Skirata, Song Kaoru comes from a sports-centric family; with his father a coach in the RPFL, his mother a third-line winger for the Ice Bisons and his younger brother the star goalkeeper for Itakawai City, fans and critics have come to expect nothing but greatness from Song. They have certainly not been disappointed in domestic play, with Song showing a near-effortless game on the pitch. Dodging defenders as if they were standing still, sniping balls past nets which might as well have been empty, Song has quickly become the media’s favorite player... especially with how he loves to be interviewed.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 59 :: GOALS: 15 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

21- LI Yuuta
Height: 185cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 27 years old - Team: Island FC

Older than both of the starting forwards, Li Yuuta also fins himself the oldest member of the Forward Corps. Playing the last four seasons in Island FC, Li has continued to develop as a well-rounded secondary striker; able to shield the ball from the other team and hold them off long enough for either of the Bisons’ primary stikers to get into position for a great shot. Li is very adept at striking himself, having led Island FC in Goals Scored last season.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 9 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

19 - KIM Vinh Lành
Height: 185cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Island FC

A seasoned pivot man through five seasons at Island FC, Kim Vinh Lành is known for his ability to read the pitch and place himself ahead of a ball to bring in an attempt --- even if the pass is terrible --- through his excellent ball-handling skills. Albeit not the most conditioned player, with stamina that often finds him at the back of the pack during running exercises, Kim makes up for his endurance with incredibly fast bursts to the goal.

Rating: B – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 0 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: None

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The 7 alternative options – can appear in friendlies:
Goalkeeper: ARMOK Hikari
Full-Back: PAM Kai
Defender: MI’REZ Yman, HUANG Aodhàn
Defensive Midfielder: YOSHIDA Arata
Offensive Midfielder: GUANYU Jun, Fei’kao SONG
Attacker: LI Yuuata
Extra: KIM Vinh Lành

Captain: TAKAHASI Hikaru
Vice-Captain: Aurnaq ITAWAKU
Third Captain: MA Haijiang

Kick Takers (in order of ability)
Free kicks: SONG Kaoru
Right corners: Aurnaq ITAWAKU, UTHAN A’den
Left corners: TAKAHASHI Hikaru, UTHAN A’den
Penalties: Dag’da SKIRATA, TAKAHASHI Hikaru, MA Haijiang, Aurnaq ITWAKU, HASHIMOTO Isamiru, YU Shichiro, SOMCHAI Kikwan

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Head Coach: Kad’e TAY’HAAI
Height: 182cm – Weight: 76kg – Age 58 years old – Team: University of Adirolf, Head Coach

With 253 caps in Multiverse Play, and originally having been dubbed “The Next One” as a player, it only seemed right when Vhett Boba, the esteemed Head Coach of the Natonal Team since World Cup 57, stepped down that Kad’e Tay’haai would step into his boots. After such an illustrious career in football, Tay’haai found himself retiring from the sport in 2016.2 and moving on to become an assistant coach for the University of Adirolf for three cycles, before stepping into the role of Head Coach in 2018.3. While Adirolf has not quite enjoyed great success through the ACSA, it has begun to turn itself around; after boasting their first losing record in 32 years, the Adirolf Gators came out of 2019.2 with a 17-7-0 record and a second place finish in the National Championships.

Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Confidence: A
Tourn. Coached: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

Assistant Coach: WONG Haru
Height: 185cm – Weight: 88kg – Age 47 years old – Team: FC Itakawai, Assistant General Manager

Once a star defender for the Bisons, following his retirement from national and multiverse play, Wong Haru made a name for himself with a brief stint in coaching professionally; first as a Defensive Coach for Solus FC for two years and then FC She Pass for another four. However, when Wakahisa Hikaru – whose infamous knee injury in the championship game for the Republic Chalice brought the nation to tears and ended his professional career – called Wong to bring onboard FC Itakawai when they shifted ownership, it was a call he could not pass up. Being the head coach of one of the RPFL’s best teams for nearly 8 years truly honed his knowledge of the game as well as his abilities to analyze and coach players to greatness. Of course, it was an easy decision for Tay’haai to bring an old teammate on-board to be his assistant coach, who then filled out his coaching staff wth even more veterans of the Bisons...

Rating: B - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Confidence: B
Tourn. Coached: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85, CoH 76

Coaching Assistants: KUSONAGI Batou, PHAM Vinh Lành, KRYSE Pre (Forwards), NAKAMURA Batou and MAKI LI (Defence), KITA Bai’a, NISHIMURA Kenshin (Goalkeeper)

Head Medical Officer: Doctor FONG Jintao
Height: 190cm – Weight: 82kg – Age 32 years old
Following the retirement of Wen Wuchin after the 85th World Cup, the much-younger Doctor Fong Jintao replaced the “Ol’Doc” as he was so lovingly referred to as by the team. Having served through the Grand Army of the Republic, Doctor Fong is a veritable successor to the Ol’Doc’s history as the last member of the Old Guard – all staff appointed by former-Head Coach and now Director Boba Vhett. When not travelling with the team, Wen carries the rank of Captain, First Class and serves in the 501st Legion in the First Territorial Army, stationed in Republic City; specifically, he is a resident Surgeon within the Third Avatarian Guard, and is seen as a competitor for the soon-to-be-vacated position of Head Assistant Surgeon in the Capital Medical Facility, thanks to another former member of the Old Guard retiring from that post.
Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Confidence: A
Medical Assistants: HU Haicheng, HONG Sujin, LEE Jiabao

Security Chief: Captain AKAAN (RC-4648)
Height: 183cm – Weight: 81kg – Age: 44 years old CHRONOLOGICAL (48 years old BIOLOGICAL)
A clone officer within the Grand Army of the Republic, RC-4868 was appointed Chief of Security for the National Team in 2011.1. Each time the team travels abroad --- so long as he is not engaged in a mission --- RC-4868 is pulled from service and placed into the spotlight of security. He is battle-hardened, having been raised since birth for war and combat, and as such often views these assignments with true boredom. The seven men he brings with him on assignment share the same sentiments of the ‘mission’, however, their ‘unwaivering loyalty’ to the Republic prevents any negative speak during the assignment. Each is a member of the Avatarian Guard, whose sole responsibility is to defend the Avatar at both home and abroad; this protection then extends to all sports teams travelling beyond the borders of the Five Nations.
Rating: A – Strength: A – Tactics: A – Skill: A
Security Assistants: CT-2234, CT-45-9934, CC-8341, CT-2401, CC-75-3341, RC-1346, RC-4321, RC-4555

President of the ALAF: HIS RIGHT HONOURABLE VHETTBoba
Age: 72 – Time in the job: 8 Years

Once the longest serving Head Coach in Avatarian History – with a record spanning 261 games, ten World Cups and multiple other multiverse competitions – it was only right for Vhett to step into the role of President of the Avatarian Leagues of Association Football. Having brought a team from nothing to the quarterfinals in 8 World Cups is not something to look away from, and although his career was tarnished slightly by the final performances of the Bisons – going 5-7-1 in his last World Cup – Vhett is confident that soon glory will be returned to the Avatarian Republics, although initial performances in all four tournaments to date have been far from promising.

Rating: S - Influence: A - Morale: A - Confidence: A – History: S

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Kits

For the Sixty-First Edition of the Atlantian Oceania regional tournament , The Bisons will be using the same kits worn since AOCAF LIX.

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-------------05--------------------04-------------
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--------07------------------------------06--------
-------------18--------------------08-------------
-------------------09--------10-------------------
 

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::: TO BE ANNOUNCED :::

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Style: +4.0 out of 5.0
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:[\/b] Yes
[b]Injure to my players: Yes for minor, one-game-out injuries. I will decide and RP any further inactivity for a player caused by your injury.
Godmod injuries: Yes for minor, one-game-out injuries
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes, within reason
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes (1 MAX PER GAME)
Godmod Other Events: Yes, within reason. Please telegram me if you’re in doubt.

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*

[Flavovespia]

Introduction

Flavovespia were relatively successful in the World Cup Qualifiers 85, 4th out of 13 in their group, somewhat exceeding early expectations. They reached the Round of 16 in the Cup of Harmony 77, after a group stage performance of 3 wins and 1 loss. Flavovespia are about equal to expectations in the AOCAF Cup 60, doing enough to go into the knockout stages, but little more than that, before a loss to Cosumar in the play-off for the Round of 16. Flavovespia travel to Equestria for AOCAF Cup 61, hopeful to continue their upward trajectory, but aware they're beginning to reach the stage where upwards trends are no longer guaranteed.

Kit

Home-Away-Third

The kits from World Cup 85 and the Cup of Harmony 77 are retained again for the following AOCAF Cup 61. A design that's been popular in Flavovespia, the FV chest graphic works well, and the collar and trim work well together, in the eyes of many. The away kit is all white, for now seemingly the colour of choice for away kits, and uses the same template as the home kit. Third kits are rarely used by Flavovespia, but one has been produced. Colour choice is seemingly more colourful and unique for the third kit, this one following the trend with claret, white and bright green the 3 colours adorning the kit.

Roster

(Note, all caps and goals are taken as of the start of WCQ 85)
Goalkeepers

1 David Meehan 31 GK Bavingtor FC 60 0

12 Richard Hartwell 27 GK Capital FC (Xanneria) 5 0

23 Aarif Muhammad 21 GK Stanmorn FC 0 0

It’s not much of a surprise to see David Meehan handed the #1 jersey again. His performances at the Cup of Harmony 77 were sufficient enough for him to remain between the posts, with none of the other Flavovespian keepers able to dislodge him from that spot yet. Richard Hartwell is back, his appearances at the World Cup Qualifiers 85 sufficiently good enough for Richard Crawford to keep him in the squad. One of a handful of foreign based Flavovespian keepers, he gets more than enough practice in shot stopping for Capital FC in Xanneria. A debutant comes in to the squad, with Aarif Muhammad coming in. The 21 year old really stood out in what was otherwise a pretty substandard season by Stanmorn’s expectations. He’s seen as potentially the #1 goalkeeper of the future for Flavovespia, but may need a little time before that day comes.

Left Backs

2 Ronald Maddox 30 LWB Marthorpe City FC 60 2

13 Scott Vaughan 29 LB Kings Lunsel FC 20 0

The same two left backs from the Cup of Harmony 77 continue on the AOCAF Cup 61. Ronald Maddox is an experienced head at the left back position now for Flavovespia. A wing back by trade at club level, he’s grown into the more defensive role needed internationally, even If he’s probably not one of the stars of the national side. Scott Vaughan gave a solid account of himself in the World Cup Qualifiers 85, but got limited time in the Cup of Harmony 77. He’s at least a competent backup, and will certainly be pushing for some starts in the AOCAF Cup 61.

Centre Backs

4 Alexander May 28 CB Langmere Green Rovers FC 43 1

5 Tony Gardner 26 CB Kings Lunsel FC 74 2

14 Mark James 32 CB Marthorpe City FC 60 1

15 Paul Rodwell 26 CB Langmere Green Rovers FC 0 0

Tony Gardner unsurprisingly has the #5 again. High up on the Flavovespia caps list, he’s at close to his full potential, and has established himself as the keystone of the Flavovespia defence recently. Alexander May however moves into the starting XI it seems. He played quite well in the World Cup Qualifiers 85, but wasn’t favoured for most of the Cup of Harmony 77 games, conceding a contentious penalty in a match against Kohnhead when he got a start. Nevertheless, good club form gives him a chance as a starter for Flavovespia again.

Mark James drops to the bench. The red card against The Appraisal To The Allmighty MR TAYTO soured his international reputation, but he did redeem himself in the Cup of Harmony 77. However at 32, it feels like the AOCAF Cup 61 and potentially World Cup Qualifiers 86 may be his swansong for the national side. The other centre back in the squad is a debutant, Paul Rodwell. He was a big money move from Waldster to Langmere Green Rovers a few seasons ago. Now, having won the league with Langmere Green Rovers, he’s earned the right to represent Flavovespia. He’ll be looking to take any opportunity he can to try and establish himself in the national side.

Right Backs

3 Stephen Shepherd 28 RB Waldster FC 40 0

16 David Blythe 23 RWB Marthorpe City FC 24 0

No change from the Cup of Harmony 77 squad in terms of the right back position. Stephen Shepherd has played his way back into the national team in the last few years, and his set to continue as the starting right back of Flavovespia. Still at the age where he can add to his tally of 40 caps, but probably starting to look over his shoulder a little at the up and coming players. David Blythe is one of those. Still only 23, he’s already on 24 caps, and could be a part of the national team picture for a while. Similar in style to club teammate Ronald Maddox at Marthope City, and alongside Mark James, makes up a trio of Marthorpe City defenders in the national side.

Left Midfielders

8 Jonathan Feld 27 LM Marthorpe City FC 59 6

19 William Somers 29 LM Loxthorpe Rovers FC4 0

Jonathan Feld continues on the left midfield, likely in an advanced role in Crawford’s 4-2-2-2 setup. A very consistent performer for Flavovespia, he’s held down this position for a while now, despite playing in a central midfield trio domestically. His goals in World Cup Qualifiers 85 and the Cup of Harmony 77 showed he was more than just a creator out wide, and at 27, still has plenty of years left in the tank. William Somers is the second choice at left midfield. He looked okay in his few World Cup Qualifiers 85 matches, given his lack of caps, but is a step down from Feld in the eyes of many. Nevertheless, he edges out David Michael for the call-up, so Crawford must have confidence in him.

Centre Midfielders

6 Valentine Richmond 27 CM Westwood Garden City FC 24 1

7 James King 31 CM Stanmorn FC 79 10 (vc)

17 Brian Buttery 29 CM Waldster FC 13 0

18 Murad Ahmed 25 CM Langmere Green Rovers FC 12 1

James King continues as vice-captain and a talisman in the heart of the Flavovespia midfield. With a great eye for passing and a threat from set-pieces, he’s one of the proverbial “first names on the team sheet”. He also now brings an experience at international level that can help both in the games where Flavovespia are underdogs, and the games Flavovespia are expected to do well in. Alongside side him in the #6 is Valentine Richmond. Last season’s breakout star, both domestically for Westwood Garden City and internationally for Flavovespia. He’s likely set for a big money move this transfer window, but for now, he’ll be looking to deliver on from his impressive debut performances at the World Cup Qualifiers 85 and the Cup of Harmony 77.

Brian Buttery drops to the bench for Flavovespia. His debut at the AOCAF Cup 60 was enough to initially have him listed as the starter for the World Cup Qualifiers 85, but he didn’t seem to find the rhythm and level of performances needed to stay in the starting XI. At 29, he knows he needs to perform at his peak, to stay in the squad before younger players catch up to him. Murad Ahmed is the other back up central midfielder. A solid debut cycle means he keeps his place in the national team, buoyed on by being part of the title-winning Langmere Green Rovers side. Both Buttery and Ahmed will likely see some minutes in this tournament, and it’s up to them to make them count.


Right Midfielders

11 Steven Hall 28 RAM Kings Lunsel FC 83 27 (c)

22 Christopher Ace 25 RM St Astons City FC15 1

Steven Hall is probably the face of Flavovespian football, the captain and star player of the side once again leads the side. By his standards, the last cycle was probably somewhat disappointing. He was injured for some games, and wasn’t as effective in a few stints up front, although he was still a menace on the wings. The dynamic player can be both a goalscoring and assist threat, and will be key for Flavovespia’s chances. He’s likely also to be the first Flavovespian to break the 100 cap barrier. Christopher Ace is the back up on the right wing. He’s probably one of the top 11 players in the side on talent, but isn’t likely to dislodge Hall from the starting XI, and so his career has been largely stints off the bench, save for the time Hall was injured. In terms of technical ability, Ace is a little raw compared to the best in Flavovespia, but his pace, acceleration and agility are arguably second to none. A major problem for tiring legs of opposition defenders late in a game, if Ace is subbed on.


Forwards

9 Ramon Martin 32 CF Langmere Green Rovers FC 35 13

10 Scott Coleman 25 CF Stanmorn FC 65 34

20 Terence Daley 30 CF Marthorpe City FC 40 10

21 John Lawler 27 CF Waldster FC 11 5

The striker position has been a bit of an enigma for Flavovespia recently. Scott Coleman is the #10, and at one point was hoped to be on the level of Steven Hall. Coleman however hasn’t quite fulfilled that potential, and at club level hasn’t always delivered. Internationally however, his 5 goals in the Cup of Harmony 77 means he’s on a run of form of 8 goals in 10 games, certainly not a record to be ignored. Ramon Martin lines up alongside him. Having drifted out of the national picture, great performances to help Langmere Green Rovers lift the title, alongside a fine run of form in the World Cup Qualifiers 85 keeps him in the national picture, at least for AOCAF Cup 61.

Terence Daley is on the bench. Although more of a creator than a finisher, his goalscoring record in international football hasn’t proven sufficient to impress Crawford, despite his domestic form for Marthorpe City. More needs to be shown from Daley, else his international career will likely fade away. John Lawler was once seem as a transfer bust, but turned it around to get called up for the World Cup Qualifiers 85. A streak of 4 in 3, eventually leading to 5 goals in 9 appearances kept him in the squad for Cup of Harmony 77, and now AOCAF Cup 61. He may not be a star striker, but has shown grit and determination to drag himself out of the perception of a bust to an international goalscorer.

Manager

Richard Crawford, 48

Crawford certainly raised his popularity with the FFA based on his performances at the World Cup Qualifiers 85 and Cup of Harmony 77. A somewhat slow start, especially away from home was a concern to begin with, but by the end of the World Cup Qualifiers Flavovespia had a real sting in their tail. Reaching the Round of 16 was reasonably well regarded by Flavovespians. Crawford will be going into the AOCAF Cup 61 aiming to first avoid any heavy losses unlike last time, and to try and take the team further than before. Whilst things have gone well recently, it only takes a bad downturn, and he could be replaced. Crawford favours a 4-2-2-2 formation, although will occasionally switch to a 4-1-2-1-2 or a 5-2-1-2.

Predicted Starting XI:

MD1: Meehan, Maddox-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Richmond-King(vc), Feld-Hall(c), Martin-Coleman
MD2: Meehan, Maddox-Rodwell-Gardner-Shepherd, Richmond-King(vc), Somers-Hall(c), Martin-Coleman
MD3: Meehan, Maddox-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Richmond-King(vc), Feld-Hall(c), Martin-Coleman
MD4: Hartwell, Maddox-James-Gardner-Shepherd, Feld-Buttery-King(vc)-Hall, Daley-Coleman
MD5: Muhammad, Maddox-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Buttery, Richmond-King(vc),Hall, Lawler-Coleman
Ro24: Muhammad, Maddox-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Buttery, Richmond-King(vc),Hall, Lawler-Coleman
Ro16: Muhammad, Maddox-James-Gardner-Blythe, Buttery, Richmond-King(vc),Hall, Lawler-Coleman

Style Mod: 0

Code: Select all

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: TG me or Discord me first
RP injuries to my players: Y, I choose length of injury
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me or Discord me first, I choose length of injury
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y (although if you want multiple Red Cards, TG me or Discord me first)
Godmod other events: TG me or Discord me first

COVID-19 specific issues: Flavovespians are assumed to be vaccinated/immune against this. However if your nation is in a pandemic, assume the Flavovespia NT take specific precautions to avoid infection (i.e. isolating at all times before and after the match, daily tests. If you have any particular questions or RP lines that may involve my permission, TG me or Discord me.

I'll try and post the next MD line-up here before each match. If not, assume the same as previous in the event of a win, or some rotation otherwise. Feel free to use any player as a sub (within reason), unless they're listed as injured or suspended

Code: Select all

OOC Info: The year in Flavovespia is 30AU. Player ages are taken from the start of the year, but the player teams reflect the most recent transfer window. TG me or Discord me if you need some IC or OOC info for RP purposes.

[Hapilopper]

The office of the Hapilopper City Herald, Hapilopper City
Three weeks after World Cup 85
A handful of reporters were sitting around a television in the office of the Hapilopper City Herald, the largest newspaper in the Dominion of Hapilopper, watching an announcement being made by Max Greenwell, the head of the Hapilopper Football Association. Greenwell had just endured his first World Cup qualifying campaign as the head of the HFA, which oversaw the Hapilopper National Football Team, which, until the second half of qualifying for the 85th World Cup, had been Hapilopper’s best success story in a long time. But the wheels fell off the wagon, so to speak, and the HNFT dropped match after match, and people were asking “why?”

“And I’m asking why too,” Greenwell said on the television. “Which is why, starting immediately, we will be launching an extensive investigation into what went wrong and why. There is no reason for an organization like ours to have fallen flat on our faces the way we did, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

The handful of reporters in the Herald office looked at each other a little lazily, wondering what would come out of this investigation. Obviously there had to have been some kind of explanation into how a team like the Hapilopper National Football Team would have failed so miserably. Was it the players just being unmotivated? Was it bad luck? Bad playing from good players? Were they just outplayed by teams they didn’t take as seriously as they should have?

“I feel like they’re taking this way too seriously,” said reporter Bill Martin, a watchdog reporter for the Herald. “I mean, teams have bad seasons every now and then. Players have off nights. Whatever. I just hope they don’t use resources that would be needed elsewhere.”

“No kidding,” said Doug Goodman, a recent hire from the Hapilopper Television Network who had been positioned to cover Team Blue for the upcoming NSSCRA season. “This might be to save face and find a fall guy. Buddy Martinez is screwed.”

“Think they’ll fire him?” Bill asked.

“Yes,” Doug replied.

“Well, whatever happens, Bill, if you find that the police get involved, look into it,” said editor Joseph Brown. “I’m going to talk to Stephanie and Bruce when they get back from the announcement, but I figure we might just let them do their own thing and put in their press release when they’re done.”

“Yeah, will do,” Bill said. “I think this is some PR bullshit and then they’ll come to a conclusion that anyone would have seen coming. They’re going to make a circus out of firing Buddy Martinez.”

About a half-hour later, when HNFT beat writer Stephanie Jones and photographer Bruce Barnes came back from the announcement at the HFA headquarters, they came to the same conclusion. They were visibly annoyed with having been dragged out there, and having to deal with Hapilopper City traffic, which was unpleasant on a good day and downright ridiculous when sections of the Trans-Hapilopper Highway crossing Hapilopper City was undergoing road work.

“Bunch of fucking idiots,” Stephanie said as she walked into the newsroom. “That was the biggest waste of time I’ve endured. I’ve got two things on deadline and I’ve got to deal with this?”

Sports editor Rod Knuckles and Joseph Brown stepped out of an office and called Stephanie and Bill in for a meeting. Both editors agreed that this press conference had not been worth the time and effort put out, but that wasn’t Stephanie’s fault – she had been assigned the press conference and she did what was asked of her.

“But we’ve got to put something in,” Rod said. “I mean, we can’t just not put something in, readers are gonna think something’s up. I mean, we all know that presser was bullshit…”

“It was a goddamn circus,” Stephanie said. “They’re going to make this a dog and pony show and fire Buddy Martinez at the end of it. I mean, I don’t know Buddy all that well, but they’re doing him wrong. He did all he could, but something else was up.”

“What did you see?” Rod asked. “You were at all the matches.”

“Well, at one point, we were doing great,” Stephanie replied. “Hell, we were doing more than great. But then it just seemed like the players quit caring. It just seemed like there was some kind of, I don’t know, something that just slowed them down. It wasn’t Buddy’s fault, so if he gets fired, it’ll be a damn shame.”

“Well, just put something in because it’s going to get clicks and eyeballs,” Joseph said. “Now, the reason Bill’s here is if the local authorities get involved, and I don’t know if they will or not, but if they do, I’m going to see if Bill can figure out how much is being spent on this investigation.”

“Sounds good,” Stephanie said.

At first, it seemed like a bit overkill for the Herald to do much else other than just let the HFA do their investigation and call it a day. But something stunk to the noses of those in the paper, and as it turned out, it was not a bad idea.

The headline in the next day's Hapilopper City Herald sports page spoke of an investigation ongoing.

The next day after the story ran in the Herald, Stephanie got a phone call from a mysterious voice, from someone who claimed to be with the Hapilopper National Football Team.

“This investigation is bogus,” the person said. “I’ll be in the parking deck of Capital Stadium at midnight to explain.”

“Um… OK, can you send any info through email?” Stephanie asked.

“Too dangerous,” the person said. “I don’t want this getting back to me or something terrible could happen. My anonymity is very important.”

“OK, we’ll send someone there,” Stephanie said before hanging up the phone. She stood up and looked over a divider separating the sports reporters from the general news reporters, and found Bill Martin nowhere to be found. A handful of news reporters were on hand, many working on their stories for the day.

“Has anyone seen Bill?” Stephanie asked. “I need him to take care of something tonight. I don’t feel safe enough to do it and I’d rather have Bill do it.”

“He’s in the break room getting coffee,” one of the reporters said, not even looking from his computer screen, as he worked on a story from a planning committee meeting from the night before. “But I’d be careful, he’s apparently got something planned tonight. Some kind of league race on eRacing. He was real excited about it.”

“Well, whatever this guy’s asked for, I want to make sure it’s taken care of and I don’t want to be out there by myself that late at night,” Stephanie said.

“Fair point.”

Capital Stadium Parking Deck, Hapilopper City
That night – late that night, to be exact
To say the very least, the parking deck at Capital Stadium, when empty late at night, was actually kind of eerie. It was a weekday night, so the bars outside had let out, save for a few stragglers who were trying to get that last beer of the night taken care of. There was no game going on today or tomorrow, so there were only a few cars in the lot – Bill Martin’s old Preston Skyhawk compact car and a security vehicle wandering around the parking deck.

Bill was sitting in his car, trying to not be seen by anyone. Sports reporter Stephanie Jones had pleaded with him that morning to take care of whoever had asked her to show up to the Capital Stadium parking deck that late at night. She was leery of whoever had asked her to show up to a deserted parking lot that late. After all, there were some creepy individuals in Hapilopper City, and the last thing she wanted was to go from byline to headline.

Bill, she reasoned, could handle himself. He had been a reporter for the Hap City Herald for about 15 years and had seen some stuff. He had started out chasing crime scenes and reporting on some of the most horrific scenes that had unfolded in the city. He had seen the worst of humanity, and had been witness to some of the most well-known beloved personalities in Hapilopper City drop to the level of the utterly frightening. He knew death when he saw it, so this was no big deal.

And in case this turned out to be a set-up, Bill also carried a piece with him, a .25 caliber pistol, just in case someone was here to do serious harm. He wondered if he would have to use it. After all, this part of Hapilopper City, when there was no game going on, in the middle of the night, was not the best place in the world to be.

Even with some of the things he had seen, some butterflies still came about him as he saw a shadowy figure walking towards his car. He wondered if this was the individual coming here to meet the reporter. Bill stepped out of the car, and placed his hand on his left pocket, where his pistol sat. He wondered if he would have to use it.

“Stephanie Jones send you here?” the anonymous person asked. “She sounded nervous over the phone.”

“Yeah,” Bill said, looking around the parking deck, delaying a bit. “What’s up?”

“First of all, you didn’t hear this from me. You won’t hear nothing from me. And as far as I’m concerned, this isn’t happening,” the person said. “But everything said yesterday was bullshit. If you want to know what went wrong, look up top.”

“What do you mean ‘look up top’?” Bill asked. “Ernie Stevenson? Buddy Martinez?”

“No,” the person responded. “I mean up top. Not of the team. The association. Up top. Look at where he was before.”

“Uh, are you talking about Max Greenwell?” Bill asked.

“Think about it. I can’t say any more,” the person said before walking off.

[Audioslavia]

Audioslavia
National Team

#   Pos    Name
 1   G     Goran Stroud              20 AUD 1830 Cathair
 2   D RL  Anxo Osorio               26 AUD KT Itzalovalle
 3   D L   Asztrik Puskás            28 AUD KT Moreazerua
 4   M C   Moses Moxey               19 AUD KT Itzalovalle
 5   D C   Leonardo Ceron            21 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
 6   D C   Riccardo Rastelli         22 BNJ Jinja City FC
 7   M R   Andries Nijland           29 AUD 1830 Cathair
 8   M C   Tigran Deschapelles       21 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
 9   F C   Santiago Rosel            20 VLD Marinos Metropolis
10  AM LC  Rickson Marañón           31 AUD 1830 Cathair
11  AM L   Kyran Knudsen             28 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
12   F C   Olly Masiku               25 VIL Eastal Lunar
13  DM C   Iago Cacho                22 AUD Cazadores Cathair
14   M RC  Erwin Spijkers            18 AUD Oljestaden IF
15   D C   Alejandro Consuegra       19 AUD KT Itzalovalle
16   D C   David Logan               22 EUR Holdenberg
17 AM/F C  Eurico Da Rosa            17 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
18  DM C   Arial Skidoomacher        23 AUD KT Itzalovalle
19   F C   Gabirel Zozaia            21 AUD KT Itzalovalle
20 D/M RCL Angelo Castaldo           20 PAS CA Paulinthal
21   D C   Marwyn Asterisk           22 AUD KT Moreazerua
22   G     Maren Artetxebarria       21 AUD KT Moreazerua
23   G     Xarles Zarragoitia        24 CMT Brisara FC

OOC: Player ages are the same as they were during the last World Cup, but the AOCAF Cup takes place two years after it. 
I’m doing a handwave.

Starting Lineup

Overview
The golden generations of Audioslavian football were cycles 59 to 65, during which time the national side won a Baptism of Fire, three AOCAF Cups and two NS World Cups. The national team won nothing of import before and has won nothing since, despite competing in international football between cycles 4 and 29, 59 and 78 and since World Cup 80.

Historically, the national side has a history of doing reasonably well in tournaments. In recent years, this has slipped to simply ‘sometimes doing ok’.

Manager
Sean Patterick has been a controversial figure in the dugout since his arrival before the previous AOCAF Cup. First of all, his Bulls side were humiliated against EOT in the second round of the last AOCAF. Retribution was gained via two comprehensive victories over their Calanian foes during the last World Cup qualifiers, but the Bulls did so playing a bizzarre striker-less 5-5-0 formation.

Following from Audioslavia’s group-stage exit in World Cup 85, the FFA have decided to allow Patterick to continue as Audioslavia manager, setting him the target of at least a quarter-final appearance at the AOCAF Cup. Should he miss that, it’s likely that he will be replaced.

Style

Audioslavia line-up with a fairly traditional 4-5-1 formation, with the athletic Santiago Rosel as the sole forward man.

Audioslavia have always played a brand of football dubbed kontrapuntzeka - counter-attacking to you or I. The side play deep when not in possession and, when regaining the ball, break quickly, with the four forwardmost midfielders turning into strikers and making probing runs. The idea is to play the ball fast, first-touch, and not give the opposition time to organize.

When in possession, Audioslavia play cautiously, attempting to bring their opponents to them and drag players out of position to exploit the weaknesses.

Audioslavians tend to be a little on the lithe side, with all players bar centre-halves and goalkeepers topping out at about 5’10. They make up for their size disadvantage by utilising gamesmanship and general dirty tactics - shirt-pulling, diving, shouting at the referee together so that the ref can’t send everyone off, and so on.

Audioslavians tend not to be the best technical players on the planet, and so their close control and ability to spray hollywood passes isn't as high as other similarly skilled national teams, but what they lack in that they make up for in fitness, speed and sheer bloody-mindedness. Many Audioslavia matches are decided by goals late on in games, as the Bulls take advantage of tiring opponents.

Players
As with most Bulls lineups in the AOCAF Cup, the squad is a touch younger than a typical World Cup squad.

Rickson Marañón has long been the national team's best playmaker, but the Cathair man is getting on a little and isn't quite suited to the Bulls' counter-attacking play. Team-mate Knudsen retains his spot on the left flank however, with promising youngster Erwin Spijkers on the right flank. Moxey and Deschapelles are now embedded as first choice for the Bulls, with Iago Cacho playing in a defensive role in midfield.

At the back, Rastelli, Ceron and Logan are all top quality centre-halves, while full-backs Osorio and Puskás are a little weaker. Up front Santiago Rosel's recent big-money move to Marinos Metropolis is likely to give him some much-needed game time, though the jury is still out on whether or not he can lead the line effectively for the national team.

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Y
Choose my scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: Y
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Y
Give Red Cards to my players:  Y
Godmod other events: Y
Style Modifier: -2.4

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Lady Hoopsters eye Olympics
by Kerri Harper, Reporting from Belle Haven
for The Times

Ahead of the Summer Olympic Games, BP Basketball have pulled together an all-woman squad to participate in the Atlantian Oceania Basketball Championships in Tropicorp.

UBP Women's Head Coach Audrey Snider will be in charge of the twelve player roster, with help from Endborough College's Caren Hunter and University of Ezriquay's Larry Albert; the trio pushed the group through a 7 day training camp at BPB headquarters in Brentwood ahead of the departure for the tournament.

The Olympic Committee of the Commonwealth have stated that they will enter both men's & women's teams into the Summer games, but Snider lobbied the Executive Council of BPB for the chance to represent the country in this regional championship.

"I brought up the point that the UAC have sent men's teams to the NSCAA both times, which exposed those players to international competition on a regular basis. I think we should get a chance to measure how far we've come from last time."

[Xannerian AO Territory]

Can small underdog Miners do anything?
Excerpt from http://www.flox.xan/territorialfa

EQUESTRIA - Heading into the 61st edition of the AOCAF, the Territorial Miners are looking for better things, coming off of a horrid debut campaign that resulted in 0 points and 15 goals allowed, the Miners are hoping to at least secure a better placing in AOCAF 61. While that dud of a showing saw the Miners give up nearly 4 goals a game, they also managed to score nearly two a game as well, and that has coach ROydell Spencer looking up

The goal is at least two points this toruniment, we got some guy playing in the mainland now who didn't have the same experiences three years ago. I think we could see a huge lift in our stature, I know we're only a simple mining colony but I think we can go toe to toe with some of the big boys in AO eventually. Just need time to develop the game more.

As coach Spencer said, the AO Territory is a mining colony. Located in the far north of AO, the "Territory" as it is simply known to locals is a fairly remote, cold, and generally sparsely populated region known for it's abundance of unfounded natural resources. This means a lot of the footballing in the AOT is in-front of small crowds of a few thousand and most of which are Miners on there off day there to socialize and booze it with their buddies. Territorial football has long been a social session. While the territory has proven to produce talent as now four of the players on the national team roster have signed to play for teams in the Mainland, and these aren't push around teams, Liga B qualifier Rapido Burns, former Omega Division team Mainland FC and Yoennis Burt at Sporting New Arch are some of the prime examples of quality teams that the AOT is sending its players too.

The source of our nations wealth - These rock digging son of a guns

But this has not come without controversy. You see there is rumored to be some animosity amongst team members who play on the Territorial giant Red Dog Athletic Club and Jeff Putz. Putz is the fourth Territorial to play in Xannerian mainland and he plays for first time 4th tier champion RD Fair Toby FC, now the problem lies in with both the owner of RD Fair Toby FC and Red Dog Athletic. The owner of both of these team is Red Dog Mining company. So it appear at least from the casual fan's optics that they put one of there better territorial players tot he newly formed mainland Xanneria team. Well this will be an interesting story to follow it seems that it may play into the games with either no effect or a negative one, we'll see.

[Timuria]

AOCAF Squad Announced

Quick summary by the editors

Kits (Home/Away/Goalkeeper):

Coaching Staff:

Manager: Bekir Altingunes
Age: 50
Bio: Bekir Altingunes is a man running out of time, at least if his contract situation is to be taken at face value. He has so far led the Red Wolves to a record of 44-21-32 (W-D-L) in his time as the Red Wolves inaugural manager. A record like that would surely have led to at least an offer of extension, but for Mr Altingunes that seems to be just out of his reach with the Football Federation wanting to maximise their leverage in negotiations. He faces an uncertain future with this tournament falling by the wayside in the minds of the public given some false dawns from the Red Wolves.

Assistant Manager: Senol Tarimcioglu
Age: 65
Bio: A statistician turned Director of Football at Super League side Hisar, he has turned out to be an essential part of Bekir's staff, with his personnel insights proving invaluable in providing the national team with the best talent available now an easier task with development of players improving across the board and international success for individual players. An often underrated element of his role is the tactical insights he provides the manager during the matches with several of the best substitutions and tactical shifts being accredited to him by the manager. While his age is certainly advanced he has not indicated at all that he'd look to leave either his club or his national team role and is said to be on the pushing hard for staff to be hired as the national team seeks to expand its operation.

Goalkeeping Coach: Hasan Kocaeli
Age: 45
Bio: The former national team goalkeeper and current Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi player has been asked to lend his expertise to the national team and offer specialised training to the three goalkeepers in the squad. His excellent performances in the Super League as well as his time as third goalkeeper where he effectively fulfilled the role he is currently filling will stand him in good stead as he begins his coaching career. Wth a talented group of three goalkeepers to coach, he's certainly got what many regard as the best job among the coaching staff.

Players:

Goalkeepers:

1. Iskender Nur (Tihon (CMT)) Caps: 51
Age: 24
Positions: GK
Bio: The talented keeper has now become something of an undisputed number one, with his performances in the qualifiers and Cup of Harmony being generally solid and him showing off his capability. There have of course been questions asked of him as the team's number one issue yet again seemed to stem from the defence not being able to keep up with the offence in terms of quality, but he wasn't by and large the problem and so will be going into this as the number one keeper.

12. Murat Yigithan (East End FC (XAN)) Caps: 29
Age: 31
Positions: GK
Bio: Murat Yigithan had been the national team's top keeper for a short while but now he's relegated to first backup duty. He's perhaps the most acomplished goalkeeper on the squad in terms of how he handles himself, but he's not been producing at the same level as the number one keeper Iskender Nur. He'll be ready to step in as always if the worst should happen to Iskender. His recent transfer out of the country has made the potential goalkeeping controversy a more likely occurance if Iskender slips up.

23. Saban Inekci (Hisar FK) Caps: 15
Age: 34
Positions: GK
Bio: Saban Inekci has had a good season in the Super League so far and is one of the bright spots on a floundering reigning champion side Hisar, with masterful performances. He will be the Red Wolves' third keeper as they try to qualify for the World Cup, but can consider himself very unlucky to not be in contention for starting, bested by two superb keepers. If things go very wrong he will step in, but he will provide a set of eyes for the coaching staff and his fellow keepers, adopting a mentor role as the eldest in that room.

Defenders:

2. Ozbek Sarikaya (Bassabook Old Boys (ZWZ)) Caps: 80 Goals: 3
Age: 36
Positions: DL
Bio: Ozbek Sarikaya is a player firmly in the sunset phase of his career, but that doesn't mean that he has nothing to offer and isn't clearly the best full back the team has to offer. He has found a measure of success abroad after his time in Timuria seemed to come to a natural end and many wondered if he would be able to be as consistent as he has been previously. Regardless it appears he has produced sufficiently good performances to justify his starting role and has the trust of Bekir Altingunes, a rare commodity in this defence. This will like, sadly, be his final tournament with the Red Wolves.

3. Kemal Colak (Miners FC (CMT)) Caps: 30 Goals: 1
Positions: DC
Age: 21
Bio: The young centre back made his way abroad due to a lack of appropriate Super League team for him to feed into from his youth side, he went to Chromatika like Iskender Nur and found himself a solid contributor to their campaign which led to them staying afloat. The Arhavi native is a lightning fast player for his age and surprisingly mature in his decision making, both attributes and the way he's demonstrated it in the qualifiers and in the Cup of Harmony means that him and Berker will likely be the primary centre back pairing for the Red Wolves for a long time.

4. Berker Balkan (Uryanspor) Caps: 47 Goals: 0
Positions: DC
Age: 24
Bio: The young centre back has enjoyed a meteoric rise and is now considered the centre back of the present and the future for both his club and his country. Now he took his chance at the previous AOCAF and followed that up with an excellent series of performances during the qualifiers and is now seemingly a permanent fixture in the defence. A part of Uryanspor's famously strong defence and famously ambitious and talented, he opted to stay with his club Uryanspor for one final attempt at a Super League title.

5. Gokdeniz Dag (VC) (Uryanspor) Caps: 80 Goals: 0
Positions: DR
Age: 29
Bio: A regular and solid performer for the national team he will work opposite his good friend and former teammate Ozbek Sarikaya on the opposite flank, however he is known to be a professional and positive influence across the squad he will be relied upon to provide more of the same solid play that has lead him to be the first name on the teamsheet almost every match at both international and club level. His reliability and leadership will be key to a defence that has had more than its fair share of troubles at inconvenient times.

13. Eyup Mustafa (Almat JK) Caps: 55 Goals: 1
Positions: DC, DR
Age: 32
Bio: Capable of playing both as a full back and a centre back, Eyup has now been asked to take a step back in favour of a gifted pair of centre backs and is now handing off to them. That being said he still has a lot of talent and experience to offer the squad and his 55 caps will be a valuable resource off the bench. He has struggled at club level as Almat have moved to a new system, but he can still deliver and Bekir Altingunes is nothing if not loyal to players who have delivered for him in the past.

18. Zeynel Abidin Birkan (Iturributa United (ASG)) Caps: 7 Goals: 0
Positions: DL
Age: 22
Bio: The young left back has been performing very well since he came onto the scene this year, replacing Beyhan Enver though he's less versatile than the two footed left back. He's been a bright spot on the slightly reduced defence of the reigning Super League champions. He'll be gaining critical experience behind a talented and experience starter in Ozbek Sarikaya who will need a successor and clearly Bekir Altingunes and his assistant have found the man they think can fulfil that role in the coming years. His limited appearences have given life to the idea that he is the obvious successor to Ozbek Sarikaya and is getting closer to his time to shine.

20. Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu (Unattached) Caps: 27 Goals: 0
Positions: DC, DL, DR
Age: 30
Bio: A gritty, determined player who has not seen very much of the field for the national team, but has shown large amounts of leadership and flashes of quality as he's played across all defensive positions at club level. Yildiray is the ultimate depth player and after the relegation of his side Kilicspor from the Super League he decided that he should play abroad a move which tested his abilities and was made with the intention of getting him a larger role in the national team. This is a gamble that has led to him being a priority substitute not quite a starter, but he remains in and around the squad when others may not have.

Midfielders:
6. Reza Karaduman (Wirr Tsi (CMT)) Caps: 34 Goals: 1
Positions: MC, DM
Age: 21
Bio: A young player who was forced by the lack of appropriate Super League side to take his services abroad, he has found himself a key player in the midfield for Wirr Tsi in Chromatika. An Arhavi native who has shown an exceptional well of talent. Having built on his early experience at the AOCAF, he is now a true starting calibre player at the age of 21 and will be expected to be a leader on this team. He will now be expected to work alongside the much more experienced Ertan Renda and give him the freedom to roam upfield while he effectively acts as a holding midfielder and a screen for the defence.

7. Caner Turan (Northshore FC (XAN)) Caps: 86 Goals: 21
Positions: AML, AMR
Age: 28
Bio: Considered the most gifted player on the team, he is a two footed winger who operates both as an inside forward and as a traditional winger. He and his new partner on the opposite flank will be able to switch freely if they find themselves unable to breakthrough against their particular opposite number, indicating Altingunes' confidence in his attackers. He will now be expected to use both his raw talent and the experience he's gained to truly lead the offensive side of the team now he's entering what should be the peak of his career.

8. Ertan Renda (C) (Elektriklestirmespor) Caps: 87 Goals: 25
Positions: AMC, MC
Age: 30
Bio: The diminutive, often lethargic looking player always takes opposition players by surprise. He isn't particularly fast, nor is he especially technically gifted and he doesn't really show any particular flair in general open play, but he's shown flashes of brilliance and genius throughout his international career and his career at club level. He is a very technical player who shows that his main talent is getting the job done. His determination makes him a valuable asset in such an intense and high pressing system. He has had to adapt to his new primary role as a central midfielder a bit deeper than he'd like at both club and international level, but he's shown that he's more than capable of playing the role perfectly if given the right support.

9. Volkan Ayhan (Advernians (HWY)) Caps: 33 Goals: 4
Positions: AMR
Age: 30
Bio: He was part of an attacking side who scored more than 100 goals in his final Super League season and was a key, if underrated player in that side. He has leveraged this and Manat's tactical realignment to propel himself abroad in order to showcase his skills without being overshadowed by his teammates and become a noteworthy player in his own right. He has been invisible at times, but with little in the way of acceptable long term alternatives he finds himself the top right winger yet again.

10. Vatan Ercetin (Jinja City FC (BNJ)) Caps: 84 Goals: 59
Positions: ST, AMC
Age: 26
Bio: The supremely talented Vatan Ercetin drops back into the number 10 role that he fills at his club side in neighbouring Banija. He's formed an excpetional partnership with his teammates at club level and Bekir Altingunes has taken note, hoping to maximise the firepower the side puts on the pitch at any one time, by ensuring him and Ismail Burhan both start. He wont be used to being a number 10 at this level, but his vision in the role and his ability to be a goal scoring threat, evidenced by his absurd return of 56 goals in 79 appearences, but he will now be hoping to replicate some of his best moments and get his teammates on the score sheet.

15. Yerkebulan Suyumbayev (Advernians (HWY)) Caps: 13 Goals: 6
Positions: AML
Age: 23
Bio: The young winger made his way abroad after a lack of acceptable club to take him on from youth level. He went on to have an exceptional season, to the point that he is now looking to move on after playing so well. Bekir Altingunes clearly noticed, bringing him into the squad to porvide cover for arguably the most talented player on the team in the form of Caner Turan, who he is often compared to. Expect to see him thrown on to try to change matches with his energy and flair.

16. Metin Aytacoglu (Elektriklestirmespor) Caps: 14 Goals: 1
Positions: AMC
Age: 30
Bio: Metin showed himself to be a talented and capable player when he was called upon in relief of Vatan Ercetin, while he isn't likely to see a lot of action the team can be assured there is a solid backup option. He may have been a more gifted player technically than the previous occupant of the starting role ahead of him, there's no argument that can be made to put him ahead of Vatan Ercetin who is a supreme talent, even compared to a player who shows bright flashes like Metin.

17. Atilla Acar (Zvezda Vlaikograd (STL)) Caps: 60 Goals: 3
Positions: MC
Age: 31
Bio: Easily recognisable with his long flowing black hair and long beard, both of which flow as he endlessly runs up and down the pitch in the role of a box-to-box midfielder. Very capable of delivering pin point passes over long distances. He has moved on from Demirspor to ply his trade abroad and he brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable from the bench, rumoured to have taken his relegation to the bench well he will be an important mind on the team whether on or off the pitch.

19. Tekin Yavuz (Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi) Caps: 47 Goals: 10
Positions: AMR, AML, AMC
Age: 36
Bio: The aging star Tekin Yavuz has been running amok at his club DBFT, but his advanced years means that the national team has moved from him as a starter and are now leaning on his experience and versatility to be a factor from the bench. He will provide immense technical ability off the bench as well as a wealth of insight and intelligence on the pitch. His physical decline has been undeniable as he reaches his mid-30s, but all good players find a way to contribute as their gifts fade and he is undoubtedly a good player.

21. Sabah Tanriseven (Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi) Caps: 13 Goals: 2
Positions: MC
Age: 22
Bio: The young midfielder has been a revelation in the first half of the Super League season as his DBFT side make a shocking challenge for the title. He has been both an exceptional defensive screen and a great creative playmaker. He will probably be a priority substitute in matches when the Red Wolves need a bit of extra energy and enthusiasm, this is a player who delights in being on the pitch and may even be one of the best players on this side. If he's tempered with experience and gets enough time from the bench he could well become a start midfielder for a side that at times looks like it needs a good balance for Ertan Renda.

Attackers:

11. Ismail Burhan (Nomadik (SKR)) Caps: 52 Goals: 38
Positions: ST
Age: 29
Bio: Ismail took his chance to be the starting striker after his (friendly) rival Vatan Ercetin was moved to the number 10 slot, with a fantastic AOCAF tournament. He is a prolific finisher in the Super League and has delivered a fantastic return at international level. He has well and truly made the starting striker spot his, with none of the other candidates really showing enough in extended periods to usurp him, yet. He will be looking over his shoulder at the fantastic Omer Tameroglu who has been electric in his opportunities on the pitch. His move abroad has sparked controversy but hasn't effected his international prospects, yet.

14. Omer Tameroglu (Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi) Caps: 12 Goals: 9
Positions: ST
Age: 28
Bio: Ismail Burhan's former teammate who got out of his shadow and went on to become his main rival for the top scorer position in the Super League with half the season gone. He has yet to surpass his former teammate at either domestic or international level, but his performances have drawn the attention of the national team and he will now be given a few chances from the bench to show he is every bit as good as Ismail Burhan. The belief that he's a better fit for the system than Ismail Burhan is still up in the air, with many wondering if there is a chance that Omer could leapfrog Ismail.

22. Bayram Tansu (Elektriklestirmespor) Caps: 7 Goals: 6
Positions: ST
Age: 30
Bio: The third choice striker who has also been something of a revelation at club level with an impressive return of 9 goals in 18 matches in the first half of the Super League season. His rise from Amateur League player who spearheaded a surprise cup run to a Vizier's Cup final to national team striker is complete. A true cinderella story. He's unlikely to take the final step and seize the mantle of starting striker, but his fantastic return in his limited time on the pitch has meant he's become a fan favourite.

Expected starting XI (4-2-3-1):
GK: Iskender Nur
DL: Ozbek Sarikaya
DC: Kemal Colak
DC: Berker Balkan
DR: Gokdeniz Dag
MC: Ertan Renda
MC: Reza Karaduman
AML: Caner Turan
AMC: Vatan Ercetin
AMR: Volkan Ayhan
ST: Ismail Burhan

OOC Stuff:
Trigram: TMR
Style Modifier: +3
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (but maximum of 2 players, with only one missing a maximum of one game)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (maximum of 4)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (Maximum of 1)
Godmod other events: No (soft no, please TG me or get a hold of me on Discord)

[Hapilopper]

The office of the Hapilopper City Herald, Hapilopper City
The day after Bill Martin met with a shadowy figure at Capital Stadium
“Well? What did he say?” Stephanie asked Bill as he came from the break room, coffee cup in hand, the morning after meeting with a shadowy figure.

“He said ‘look up top’, and that was it,” Bill said. “He said up top of the association and ‘where he was before.’”

The night before, Bill Martin, investigative reporter for the Hapilopper City Herald, had met with a shadowy figure in an empty Capital Stadium parking lot. The person, who may or may not have been with the Hapilopper National Football Team, gave two pointers to Bill that night, stating that Max Greenwell, head of the HNFT, had lied to everyone during his press conference announcing an investigation, and that the problem may have lied with “up top”.

Giving it some thought, Bill walked into editor Joseph Brown’s office and asked about Max Greenwell, to see if he knew him at all.

“Max Greenwell, that’s the head of the HFA, right? The guy that replaced Dom Probst?” Joseph said. “Well, uh, you can look through our archives, because I know that name sounds familiar, but I’ve always known him to be one of the biggest philanthropists in all of Hapilopper. He gives money – thousands of dollars each year – to kids that can’t afford to eat a decent meal every day. I know he’s done a lot for the Big Siblings of Hapilopper for those that need a father figure.”

“That doesn’t concern me,” Bill interrupted. “You can do all these things but still be up to something. I remember about ten years ago that guy that was all over children’s television, you know, the guy that was there for all the kids, the charities and that shit? Well, turns out he was a monster. Turns out he was one of the most evil human beings walking.”

“Yeah, but you know, that guy was something else,” Joseph said. “I get what you’re saying, but, still. If you want to pursue this, go ahead, but you’re gonna run into roadblocks. I’m not gonna stop you, but someone’s gonna try to. If you find something, great, but if not, don’t be surprised.”

“Worth a look,” Bill said, as he stepped out of the editor’s office and walked towards the archives of the Herald.

The archive room of the Hapilopper City Herald was small for a newspaper that had been in place for over 130 years. It reeked of mothballs and maybe a little bit of mold from newsprint that had been left in storage for decades. Much of the newspaper’s archives, with the small exception of a period in the 1920s, had been converted into microfiche, a microfilm format that allowed archivists to condense large newspapers into small reels for anyone to see. There were still a handful of huge books waiting to be converted, and it was clear their condition was less than optimal.

Throughout the day, Bill looked through the archive, looking for stories on Max Greenwell. He was certain he had heard that name before he joined the Hapilopper Football Association. When that search was fruitless – primarily because he didn’t know where he was looking, he went out to ask Stephanie where Max had been hired from.

“To tell the truth, I’m not really sure,” Stephanie said. “When he replaced Dom Probst, he was brought in so suddenly and I don’t even know if the HFA Board vetted him. But you could call a few people. Gene Mandel might be able to help you out. He was on the HFA board before he resigned at the start of the qualifying last year. I think he works for the Auto Dealers of Hapilopper.”

Bill called up Mandel, hoping for a lead into what might have been a dead end. To his relief, he got it.

“Max Greenwell? Yeah, I left the HFA Board of Directors because of him,” Mandel said. “He came in and the first thing he wanted to was restructure the whole organization. He wanted to micromanage everything and make sure it was going his way. To hell with what Dom Probst had done to put together the HFA and the national team. That’s a big reason why Thom Perkins didn’t come back from his sabbatical he went on after that Cup of Harmony. He saw what Max was doing and he hated it.”

“So, what exactly was he doing?” Bill asked.

“He came from a background that wasn’t entirely in sports,” Mandel explained. “I mean, he kind of was in sports, but not in the way you’d think.”

“How so?”

“Well, he had a company – has a company, I mean, called ‘Max Money’,” Mandel said. “The company says it’ll max out whatever winnings you get from betting on sporting events. And the last time I checked, this included the Hapilopper National Football Team. I asked him about it and he told me it wasn’t a problem, but I don’t really believe that.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you know he’s got to get a huge cut every time someone uses his system,” Mandel said. “They tell you who to bet on and how much to put down for each bet. He gets rich, the marks get fucked. And that’s all they are that use his system, a bunch of marks. I’m sure you can look that company up, and by the way, this is off record. You know how much people love Greenwell. If my name is attached to this, they’re gonna nail me and the Auto Dealers.”

“Right.”

Mandel hung up the phone and Bill got to work looking up Max Money. A look on a Hapiloppian government website showed, indeed, the company “Max Money, LLC,” but it was registered to an individual named William Maxwell. It also had a phone number attached to it. Figuring it could either be something or nothing at all, Bill called the number.

“Hapilopper Football Association, this is Jane, can I help you?” the voice on the other end of the line said.

“Uh… hi,” Bill said, kind of surprised that the number went right to the HFA. “This is Bill Martin from the Hapilopper City Herald, is there a William Maxwell available?”

The voice on the other end of the line went silent for a few seconds, almost as if to contemplate what to say.

“Sir, I think you have the wrong number,” the voice said after a while, almost as if reading off a script. “William Maxwell is not available at this number.”

The line quickly disconnected and Bill shook his head in disbelief. It was interesting that, on that government website, a phone number for Max Money, LLC went straight to the Hapilopper Football Association. If anything, that was a huge red flag to him.

Another red flag was being raised over at HFA headquarters.

Headquarters of the Hapilopper Football Association, Hapilopper City
The same time
Max Greenwell was holding court with a couple of prospective sponsors in his spacious office. The office overlooked the HNFT’s practice pitch where the national team would get ready for matches with other international clubs before friendlies, or World Cup qualifying efforts or the Baptism of Fire. The meeting was going pretty well, and it seemed likely that the Haps would get two additional sponsors – in C:\RetroHut, a popular retro gaming superstore, and Seton Boats, a popular manufacturer of watercraft.

This was part of what attracted Max to the HFA. Max had boasted of an uncanny ability to “make money beyond what we could predict” in an effort to fund international tournaments such as the World Cup and the Cup of Harmony. Consequently, the HFA Board initially did not bat much of an eye to his appointment. The fact that Max had kept his name in the public eye with donations to local charities sure looked good too.

So he did not have much reason to worry when his receptionist, Katie Shepherd, came into his office in the midst of the meeting. This happened occasionally, often to hand him a note or whatever, but this time she looked a little uneasy.

“Mr. Greenwell, I need to talk with you about something,” Katie said. “And I would prefer it if we did it privately. I feel like this is an urgent matter.”

“Yeah, certainly,” Max said, looking at the two sponsor reps. “Gentlemen, this may take five minutes.”

The two sponsor reps stepped out of the office as Katie sat at a chair. She looked a bit uneasy.

“Mr. Greenwell,” Katie said as the door closed. “I just got off the phone with a Bill Martin from the Hapilopper City Herald looking for a William Maxwell. You wouldn’t know why someone was looking for a Mr. William Maxwell, would you?”

Max looked up and took a very deep breath.

“William Maxwell?” Max asked. “I’m curious how someone at the Herald would know to ask for someone with that name. That name… not many people know that name. There’s a reason for that, too. You know why, right? I mean, obviously you came in here worried about it.”

“Well… I mean, I’ve heard it.”

“Yeah,” Max said. “I don’t use that name when I’m working in my capacity as HFA head. If I do, it might get muddled with what I do with Max Money, and I’m concerned what could happen if the HFA and Max Money get intertwined. It could sink football here, and it could sink me. It could sink you. So if you hear someone ask for a William Maxwell, hang up the phone and get me and tell me who’s asking for that name.”

[Xannerian Sunbelt Islands]

Sunbelt Island Sugar Daddies/Mommas


UNIFORMS

INFO
COACH: Callum Longquist (45 y/o)
FORMATION 2-4-4
STYLE: +2


ROSTER

ST  #10 Jurickson St Paul - Plantation FC
 ST #3 Peter Skaird - Winston Eagles
RDM #40 Adam Bryne - Winston Millionaires
COM #8 Deegan Truman - Gordon City Speed
COM #18 Desmond Hull-Sinclaire Jr - Gordon City Rainbow Warriors  
LDM  #38 Ella Elton-Elliot - Gordon City Rainbow Warriors
RB  #11 Kyle St Paul - Gordon City Rainbow Warriors
RCB #29 Matt Song - Winston Eagles
LCB #40 Kelsey Reynolds - Gordon City Speed
LB #68 Jarvis Stout -  Plantation FC
GK #0 Luigi Vittantonio Perendiatani -  United Marietta FC - XANNERIA

RESERVES

ST Peter O'Brien - Gordon City Rainbow Warriors
ST #19 Lucas Lux - Union Laguada - XANNERIA
OM #5 Belle Watson - Gordon City Speed
DM #2 Ogden Fife - Samurai Cop AC - STARCOM RACING
DM #4 Mark Meeks - Winston Notoro FC
LB #55 Barry Rice - Winston Notoro FC
CB #12 Railey Gondor - Gordon City Speed 
CB  #52 Jeff Mears - Winston Millionaires 
RB #9 Will Drummond - Winston Eagles
GK #00 Bernardo Harrison - Winston Eagles

[Valanora]

From the Offices of the VSC does the Marauder information come

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (no more than three weeks out)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y

What is the name of…

…the five time World Cup champions?
The Eternal Empire -or- Valanora (known prior to World Cup 37 as Elves Security Forces)

...the other nations involved in Valanora?
Sabine and Caddonia, Vyinta, and Dark Templara

…the nation in which this Commonwealth play their home matches?
Elves Security Forces (sometimes ESF in shortphrase)

…people from the Commonwealth?
Vanorians or Vanors

…the person who created this mess?
Elves Security Forces

Style Modifier: +2

Kits

Home Away

Manager
Colin Donaldson
Age: 54
Former Schottia skipper, and assistant boss under Lionel Mah, he is a legendary figure back home. He served his apprenticeship during Schottia’s rise to the top of the World Rankings, and has witnessed success - and the sacrifices required – up close. He’s attack minded, but not gung-ho, and will assess the squad before making a decision. Three years into his tenure, Donaldson has not made good on the promise he made to the VSC to make the Marauders true competitors for titles again, though his success in The Eagle's Cup has given a bit of hope among fans and the decision makers that Donaldson just needed some time to fit the players into his system.

Assistant Manager
Jens Reiniger
Age: 48
Reiniger was an intelligent defender in his playing days with Crawford City FC and the idea of stepping away from the game after his playing retirement didn't sit well with him. Reiniger believes in strict discipline but in being fair, while also preferring to play a possession based defensive tactic, that takes advantage of the opposition when they overextend. Much was admired about his single-minded approach to playing the 'right way', but his lack of a Plan B sank him in the rough waters of the Nepharim Premiership. The VSC hopes that attitude and defensive prowess would be better utilized in a national team capacity.

Keeper

1 Sean Smørdal, Starling
Age - 32
Sex - M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 181 lbs
His height, sheer natural athleticism, and profound reflexes have been put to the test both domestically and for the national teams. There are many glimpses of what could be a stand out keeper for the ages but there seems to be a lack of focus to keep that majesty going. Regardless, he has proven to be one of the better keepers in the Marauders recent history and is heads and shoulders above the competition for the number one jersey. If he were to only refine that focus, get more consistent, then the Marauders could lessen their worry about defense and get back to playing the free flowing attacking play that they made famous nearly eighty years ago.

Defenders

4 Iben Fjørtoft, Raynor City United
Age - 32
Sex - F
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 158 lbs
Iben is a quick defender that typically plays on the right side for her the Rockers but can play more centrally if needed to. She is a quiet force that doesn't like to get forward unless she absolutely needs to, preferring to be that agile cover defender that allows the more offensive minded midfielders to get into the attacking area.

6 Eivind Strømmen, Eastal Lunar FC
Age - 31
Sex - M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 191 lbs
Eivind is a strong and steely defender with a bit of a no nonsense approach to the game and is known for some bone crushing tackles that somehow are always deemed to be clean by officials.

2 Matheo Dybvik, Rozelle
Age - 28
Sex - M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 164 lbs
Matheo is a smart centerback who has the versatility to both put in crunching tackles and also play it out of the back, perhaps a touch of his heritage mixed in with his time in Brenecia. Unlike at his club, he will be asked to drift out wide to mark attackers, which is the biggest question mark of his game.

Midfield

8 Nora Kirkhus, Mar Sara FC
Age: 32
Sex - F
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 151 lbs
Nora was one of the first true stars to emerge from the Empire after the elves had all but left for other worlds. A quick and deadly crosser of the ball, she modeled her game a bit after va Drake and it seems only fitting that she is taking his place in the starting eleven after his sudden retirement. Age has yet to catch up to her, though she lacks the same finishing class or threat from a long shot her predecessor does, however she is quite an adequate replacement and more solid when being forced to defend.

7 Yuki Hatsune , FC Capri
Age - 32
Sex - M
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 147 lbs
This midfielder was born in the Sunrise Islands but came to Valanora at an early age and has really blossomed over the last five or so seasons to a versatile midfielder, though he prefers to play a little further up the pitch in a more attacking role. He's got an accurate shot from long range and can mix it up with most other players in the middle in those fifty-fifty balls, though he would prefer to leave that part of the game to the defenders and more defensive minded midfielders.

10 Laborious Hawk, Bastion
Age - 745
Sex -M
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 213 lbs
Words do not even begin to define his talent, his talent defines words. He was awarded one of the spots that the Vanorians have in the World Cup Hall of Fame, with it being very well deserved, as he has and continues to earn everything he has been given every single day. Hawk simply strives to be the very best footballer, captain, and teammate that there can be, with the hunger for perfection driving him forth on and off the pitch.

5 Jakob Larsen, Unioneers
Age - 28
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 174 lbs
A tall and lanky fellow, but don't let the lithe frame fool you, he is a destroyer through and through and will not think twice about putting in a crunching challenge on you in a fifty-fifty situation. Perhaps due to playing over in Eura, Larsen is a bit more of a physical player than most Vanorians but has that touch of technical class that one has come to expect from a Vanorian midfielder.

3 Simon Kvaal, Pikemouth
Age - 29
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 158 lbs
Truly a masterful maestro out wide, with both the dynamic passing and crossing ability that makes managers salivate and desire his services for their own club. With the departure of most of the elves, now bar Hawk, Kvaal finally has been given his chance to show that he is up to the Vanorian standard and can proudly be adorned in that five star crested kit that he grew up idolizing.

Strikers

9 Harlem Saxstrom , Mar Sara FC
Age - 27
Sex - F
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 154 lbs
This is something of a coup, with Saxstrom being fast tracked by the government to get their dual nationality sorted following the collapsing events in Apox and then filing the nationality switch with the WCC. Saxstrom was a part of Apox' squad during last qualifiers but was somewhat on the periphery, however the talent was there and has shown in their first two seasons with the Flames with Saxstrom banging in the goals. At a good pace and a powerful shot, she looks to hopefully be the missing jewel in the crown of the Marauders' attack and could be the key to unlocking those squads that like to play ten behind the ball against the side.

11 Thor Møller, Shamrock Cathair
Age - 28
Sex - M
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 157 lbs
Few wondered if this day would come, but it has come at last as Thor makes good on the promise that so many saw from him as teenager and is into the full national team and among the starting eleven. Stronger than what he appears and reasonably quick enough to get past more bulky defenders, his shot is arguably his best asset with it seemingly a thunderstruck ball with laser guided accuracy, if you believed the fans. Decent enough at the build up play if needed but he does prefer to run at the defense rather than playing with his back to the net.

Subs
13 GK Brynjar Eide, age 34, Ibini FC
23 GK Samuel Nygård, age 32, Soldarian FC
15 L/CB Hans Vold, age 29, Rolalas FC
16 CB Sebastian Sønsteby, age 32, Raynor City United
17 RB Amalie Asghar, age 30, Harbor
18 LW Max Bergersen, age 29, Soldarian FC
21 RW Pánfilo Veliz, age 25, FC Capri
20 MC Silje Kleveland, age 28, Soldarian FC (F)
16 MC Sabrina Möller. age 28, FC Capri (F)
22 AMC Marco Grunewald, age 23, Raynor City United
14 ST Mariel Paulsen, age 27, Hondo FC (F)
19 ST Amalie Gundersen, age 30, Southfell United

Captain: Laborious Hawk
Set Piece Taker: Laborious Hawk
Penalty Taker: Thor Møller
Right Corner: Nora Kirkhus
Left Corner: Simon Kvaal

[Demot]

Demot "Dynamo" Roster

Kits

Home Away

Manager: Scott Gaines, age 54
Assistant: Gary Josephs, age 51

Modifier: +4

GK: Ramón Coleman, age 23, Tiranyus FC
GK: Erica Caldwell, age 25, Skyhaven FC(F)
GK: Elsie Morris, age 29, Santa Rosa FC (F)
LB: Maureen Price, age 30, Likewell Kirk
LB: Melvin Kinney, age 27, Freestone FC
CB: Jacqueline Juárez, age 24, Skyhaven FC (F)
CB: Judy Nelson, age 29, Atalantian FC (F)
RB: Julio Jordan, age 24, Druidisian United
RB: Ralph Sanders, age 30, Skyhaven FC
RW: Judith Mason, age 24, Club Demot (F)
RW: Diane McDonald, age 30, Tiranyus FC (F)
LW: Irene Osborne, age 24, Atalantian FC (F)
LW: Irene Murray, age 30, Oceanic United (F)
MC: Rafael Fields, age 29, Druidisian United
MC: Ricardo Henderson, age 23, Club Demot
AMC: Theodore Dunlap, age 25, Oceanic United
AMC: Randy Banks, age 27, Santa Rosa FC
AMC: Edgar Méndez, age 22, Likewell Kirk
AMC: Margaret Castañeda, age 23, Freestone FC (F)
ST: Gabriel Baldwin, age 23, Druidisian FC
ST: Gilbert Irwin, age 24, Skyhaven FC
ST: Valerie Lynch, age 30, Santa Rosa FC (F)
ST: André Maynard, age 26, Likewell Kirk

Morris
Sanders             Nelson               Price
McDonald                     Fields                      Murray
 Banks                 Méndez  
     Maynard       Lynch    

I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: N
Injure Players: Y, but no more than two games out
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: TG me first.
=================================

[Xannerian Sunbelt Islands]

The Sugar Whats?
Excerpt from http://www.flox.xan/territorialfa

EQUESTRIA - The newest team in the AOCAF is the same one of last years. The Xannerian Sunbelt Islands are a small chain of islands in the central of Atlantian Oceania, that exist as a territory for the Xannerian populace at home in Esportiva. The Sunbelt Islands have gotten a weird look from the other competitors mainly for the weird name. The "Sugar Daddies/Sugar Mommas" nick name is surely unique. Oddly it's history is weird too. In the days of the early 1900s Sugar and coffee were luxury items in Xanneria. Xannerians every where wanted to have lower priced goods from tropical regions but tariffs and obviously issues related to an inability to grow said crops and tariffs on crops coming into Xanneria fromt he coffee/sugar growing regions made the prices of the goods only affordable to the wealthy.

So after much delegation, a team of explorers were sent out and a small chain of islands south of Mriin were settled upon for a new crop growing region in what turned out to be Atlantean Oceania. But the Sugar Daddies/Mommas origin is a bit more sinister. In the days of tension between Xanneria and Tonissia, it was common for the slowly deteriorating Tonissian populace to aggressively refer to The Sunbelt Islands as Xanneria's "Sugar Daddy". This was meant by many Tonissians as a snide snarky slur towards the Sunbelters but they embraced it in The Sunbelt Islands, and in someways it was true. THe Sunbelt Island had been an important port for the struggling isolated Xanneria was able to get goods from friendly AO nations such as Mriin and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, were to then be shipped to the sluggish Xannerians.

With the de-isolation of Xanneria and the International sports being more and more favored by the Xannerians it was only time that the "Sugar Daddies" in the Sunbelt would join. So here we are in AOCAF 61, three years after the miners from up north first joined attempting our own start.

[Krytenia]

Let's Hope For Some Low BP
By Rami Niblick in Canterlot, Equestria

FORTY-EIGHT teams counted in, and forty-eight counted back again. The draw for the sixty-first AOCAF Cup was nothing if not large. With such a sizeable field, the good news for Krytenia is that it spreads out the field. The Dragons were placed in Pot Two for the draw, immediately ensuring they avoided the likes of Starblaydia and Audioslavia in the group phase. Instead, they have been given the challenge of AOCAF LX's bronze medallists, Baker Park.

The remainder of the draw, meanwhile, is an odd mix of teams that, if we're honest, Krytenia should be absolutely crushing for the most part. Oontaz are the best of a bad bunch, whilst the likes of Lochario, Lindmark, and the XAOT should provide little more than cursory resistance against the might of Messrs Smith, Kennedy, and Mendonca. Hell, if JJP's feeling experimental, we might even see the likes of up-and-comers Apollo Peters and Daniel Moulier getting a run-out.

One thing is for sure, though. Nothing less than four wins from five will be acceptable for a Dragons team that is looking to build a base from which to challenge the world. A win against the Commonwealth wouldn't go amiss either, but we're still building, so that's more hope than expectation. Here's to starting off with a complete marmalisation of Lochario. Onward!

[Chromatika]

Choose my Lineup: No. I will be listing the starting lineup for each match at the end of each RP. You can choose my subs, though.
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, I choose the severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, 3 max.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, 2 max. Please TG me.
Godmod other events: No

---

U-25 TEAM ROSTER FOR AOCAF 60

Kits Credit: Kirola, Logo Credit: Vulpine Sportif

TEAM INFORMATION
WC Record: 152-39-56 (wins/draws/losses), 541 scored, 322 conceded
Overall Record: 196-54-80 (wins/draws/losses), 723 scored, 459 conceded
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Style Modifier: +2
Denonym: Chromatik
Nickname: The Anomalies
Venue: Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Chromatika (Cap. 144,000)

CURRENT TEAM INFORMATION
Chromatika started off 0-0-4 and didn't qualify for the World Cup for the first time in so long. Then, they lost out in the first round of playoffs in the ensuing Cup of Harmony. This has led to an utter change in office personnel, strategy, and just everything.

MANAGEMENT

MANAGER
Richard Valens, 43 WC Record: Debut Overall Record: Debut Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
Formerly of Shanton Town, Valens is a nurturer of young talent and has an eye for talent. Quiet and calculating (kind of like Silian Parker of old), Valens will have the country focusing on him after such a disastrous previous campaign. A Krytenian leading Chromatika when Krytenia is one of Chromatika's biggest rivals? If you can't beat them... Join them, we suppose?

ASSISTANT MANAGER
Tim Landers, 57 Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
Formerly of Steckholl United, Landers is no stranger to taking a squad that is on a rebound. He'll have to be more of a vocal part of the squad, but is suited for the task. The Assistant Manager position for the Chromatik squad will always be one that deals with the players more on a personal level; he'll be okay with the job.

TEAM PHYSICIAN
Zoe "Z" Benne, 36 Debut Cycle: 80
After graduating summa cum laude from Chromatik City College University with a degree in Sports Physiology, Zoe, affectionately called "Z" by her peers, worked at the Capitalizt Dome until the CFF came calling. Strikingly beautiful and fit, nobody would question her if she put on the uniform herself and went out on the pitch; her physique definitely belong out there. Smart, calculating, and personable, there were actually some concerns about her becoming a visual distraction to the players, which were shot down quickly by her professionalism and integrity. That being said, the Chromatik locker room will be... a bit more spicy than before. The players have done an admirable job of keeping things professional between them, which has allowed her to perform her duties without a problem. It is hard to believe that the team didn't have a physio for a long time. Now rumored to be dating a now-retired Erika Morningstar - much to the conservative Chromatik media's chagrin - "Z" has really settled into her role.

---

Records:
Italics indicate still active

Most Caps:
Luuk Aart - 164
Keira Andisori - 164
Rachel Hellion - 162
Erika Morningstar - 155
Meagan Kelly - 143
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 133
Alyss Montague - 130
Zlastica Ellen - 127
Gabriella Antonio - 125
Trenn Rien - 123
Sandra Sybill - 122
Lucjusz Stef - 121
Aysu Damjana - 111
Carrol Liam - 110
Jazmin Dragana - 105
Player with under 100 caps not listed

Most Goals:
Keira Andisori - 123
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 83
Gabriella Antonio - 43
Olimpia Vidal - 35
Ki Niro - 33
Trenn Rien - 30
Rowena Sierra - 28
Beaunia Andisori - 25
Rachel Hellion - 24
Alyss Montague - 23
Jazmin Dragana - 21
Meagan Kelly - 20
Players with under 20 goals not listed

---

PLAYERS

GOALKEEPERS
1. Ferret Tioux. 25 | Sabrefell Athletic | 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 24 | Goals Allowed: 34 | Debut Cycle: 84
12. Marseille Alexander, 24 | Bikarish | 6 ft 5 in| Uncapped | Goals Allowed: None | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

RIGHT BACKS
2. Kai Xiao, 25 | Farrenton Athletic | 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 34 | Debut Cycle: 84
13. Dina Chapman, 24 | FK Torpedo Pawlograd | 6 ft 4 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

CENTER BACKS
3. Henri de Aea, 25 | Holdenberg | 6 ft 7 in | Caps: 71 | Goals: 1 | Debut Cycle: 80
4. Giles Ken, 25 | Montreal Koreana | 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 16 | Debut Cycle: 84
14. Nadezhda Odling, 24 | René Skaé | 6 ft 8 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
15. Solomon Torres, 24 | AFC Mayville | 6 ft 2 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

LEFT BACKS
5. Nina Pomeroy, 25 | Oakstone | 6 ft 2 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
16. Marietta Adams, 23 | Brisara FC | 5 ft 10 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

RIGHT WINGERS
6. Oriane Marc, 24 | AFC Serpentine | 6 ft 4 in | Caps: 15 | Goals: 3 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 60
17. Augustus Humphreys, 24 | Miners FC | 5 ft 11 in | Caps: 5 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 60

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
7. Enigma Armageddon, 25 | Energija Chernovets | 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 77 | Goals: 12 | Debut Cycle: 80
18. Min-Seok Kim, 25 | Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi | Caps: 31 | Goals: 1 | Debut Cycle: 84
23. Kateryna Zuniga, 23 | Sabrefell Moths | 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 12 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 60

LEFT WINGERS
8. Andréa Croix-Pierre, 25 | Willox Street Pirates | 6 ft 7 in | Caps: 36 | Goals: 8 | Debut Cycle: 80
19. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov, 21 | Crossroads | 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 10 | Goals: 3 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 60

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
9. Mi-Jung Kim, 25 | Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi | 5 ft 11 in | Caps: 19 Goals: 4 | Debut Cycle: 84
20. Morgan Arnold, 24 | Traal Athletics | 6 ft 3 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

STRIKERS
10. Wang Yuan, 24 | NGSA Ulyanof | 6 ft 1 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
11. Ignace Thibodeaux, 25 | FC Rotmunde 1932 | 6 ft 8 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
21. Prisca Rogers, 24 | Chromatik | 6 ft 2 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
22. Renate Haggard, 22 Felswyr State University | 6 ft 3 in | Uncapped | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61

Roster Highlights:
For being new, Richard Valens and Tim Landers have decided to stick to the Chromatik mindset of having the AOCAF be a tournament where they test out the best U-25 prospects. Some of the players are established names, like Ferret Tioux, Kai Xiao, Henri de Aea, Enigma Armageddon, and Andréa Croix-Pierre. What is interesting to discuss, then, are the new additions.

Two positions that are being taken up entirely by new players is Left Back and Striker. Nina Pomeroy has quietly become a reliable defender for Oakstone, and will be the primary enforcer for the squad, while Marietta Adams is an intriguing prospect at both aerial defending and headers off set pieces.

Of the four new strikers, it's hard to tell who should start and who shouldn't. Valens and Landers are to allow each of the four to start and see how they do. Wang Yuan is the most talked about, having led Alnio University of the Arts on an unlikely run; Ignace Thibodeaux - all six feet, eight inches of him - will be alongside him in the opening match. Don't count out the likes of Prisca Rogers and Renate Haggard, though.

The rest of the new players are on the bench, but it is likely they'll all get some playing time.

[Dogsmouth]

Dogsmouth is a curious backwater in the GSW. A land that knows only overcast and rain, towns sparsely spread among the vast marshflats and forested swamps, and populated by the sort of people that are happy to call it home. The Dogi (pronounced similar to the Venetian title--or, yes, the meme) are easily spotted by their long, rough hair, toothy grins, and wild eyes.

Manager - Meredyth Shepherd - The most decorated Dogi manager of recent memory with Oakport. Known to be a taskmaster.
Style: 4-5-1, -3

Starters
GK - Eliot McCauley - Patient, vigilant, confident.
LB - Errol Avery - Quick and tricky.
CB - Colwyn Faulkner - Stocky, strong, fearless. Plays in Brenecia.
CB - Amelia Tuff - Tall, careful, clever. Plays in Ko-oren.
RB - Wilfreda Breckinridge - High stamina, slow to react.
DM - Emma Tirrell - Omniscient (metaphorically).
LM - Shyla Benn - Strong left boot. Not much else.
CM - Wulfnoth Robinson - Pack mentality, taste for blood.
CM - Aureole Rivers - Fancy footwork and solid passing.
RM - Ellie Dyson - Runs more than strictly necessary.
ST - Cynthia Rayne - Mercurial thunderstorm. Plays in Nephara.

Subs
GK - Lauren Wickham
GK - Jazlyn Wakefield
LB - Arlo Reed
CB - Delia Stanford
CB - Mark Tindall
RB - Archibald Peak
LM - Berniece Parsons
CM - Edwyna Alvey
RM - Reannon Bain
AM - Calanthia Brewster
ST - Athelbryth Kersey

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (minor, out-for-the-game max)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Home >> Sports >> International

---

AOCAF Cup 61(or LXI): A Preview

a group of passionate cheer The Lieutanents against Zwangzug, WCQ85

by Antonov Vasilyev

It is no doubt that Twicetagria's game is football, or soccer as it's known in the southwest. While we don't actually have any sporting, let alone football, achievements as of now, the fans will definitely be treated to some of the best professional football in the AOCAF Cup. The Lieutenants just missed the playoffs in the previous cup by H2H, but now they will promise not to disappoint the Армия(Army), their over-enthusiastic fanbase. Last cup, Twicetagria's group was dominated by the presence of big teams like Chromatika, Krytenia(the hosts then) and Flavovespia. While we won't be seeing any of them this year, we are treated to some huge names: Starblaydia, [the] Royal Kingdom of Quebec and Ko-oren are the biggest teams we'll be facing this time, not to mention that it will take much effort and dedication to even draw any of them.
Obviously, at VVS, we first analyze the whole cup, as well as our boys and groupmates before we kick off. Here, now, is our preview of the 61st edition of the AOCAF.

Roster
We'll start off pretty simple. Our roster.
The roster has pretty much had a huge makeover, with only 2 out of the previous 23 to have actually stayed in the squad. We are being treated with budding and blooming talents, cautiously handpicked by Ryoviste.
Between the two posts lies Jamie Han and his omnipresence in front of goal. He was the main shot stopper last cycle, and he still is. Goes to show how age doesn't hamper skill. Along with him is Haniet and Namin, who have fought to a well-deserved call up to their duties. We're expecting some wondrous goalkeeping from them, as they are obviously the best of this nation.
The other surviving artefact of Rylie Kim's squad, Korros Cho has improved from his dreadful form in his maiden tournaments. Having rebuilding himself from his ashes, Cho has received another cap, although his old age may be a factor for his appearances in the Starting XI.
Romanov, Vasiliev, Martins and Holffman-Agapetus make up the defense. They look solid, and their talents overlap each other, creating an unbreakable force in our opinion. Aelius, Mazepin and Koulouris are our defense substitutes for this cycle. They'll be hoping to impress on the pitch when the time comes, that's for sure.
Rominetskiy is the midfielder who is expected to aid the defense most of the time. Despite being able to play as a central mid, he feels that defense is his strong point. His other handymen, Dargozhov and Apollon, will be the attacking midfielders. They will be acting as wingers to support the attacker.
Adrian may not have acquired as much fame as his twin, but he still got a spot in the national team, which is more than enough for him. Jeremys and Hallescu may be in their 30s, but it can't stop them from being bullish towards the opposition. Despite their (probable) little play time, they will make the most of $2. Andi is an all-rounder, able to play as both defending and attacking mid. This, however, wasn't enough for Ryoviste to hand her a spot in the starting line up.
Everyone knows Augustin Vladimirescu. Seriously. If you haven't heard of him, you live under a rock. The diamond of his generation, he is deemed as the golden player of the team. A good control of the ball, dribbling abilities and accurate shot-taking, he is definitely the full package. We expect him to rack up quite a few. Aidor, Maelorus, Harakrets and Longwangs are all prolific strikers. However, they didn't get a slot in the XI. Maybe it's 'cause their only strong area is attacking, and when they aren't shooting they're vulnerable.

Group C
We will be competing in Group C this time round. The winners of each group will advance to the Round of 16, while the second and third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 24. While the top three(see way above) may be impenetrable, if Twicetagria is in their form, they'll be fighting for a spot, that's for sure.

Ko-oren and Starblaydia are undoubtedly the heavyweights of the group. They both are in the lofty heights of top 10 in AO rankings. It will probably be hard to defeat them, but as long as we score against them or draw, we should be fine. We think it will be extremely hard to defeat them.
RKQ is another name which has risen in the past cycle. After their rebirth and swift climb to the top, they are most definitely a contender for at least the quarters or semis. However, they can be weak towards lower-ranked teams, as we've seen on certain occasions in WCQ85. If we could rack up all our energy, we could possibly win against them, though it'll probably be one goal to separate us. We predict that we will have a moderate chance of gaining points over them. The difficulty seems to be moderate for us.
Iskandervale and Tamgu are names we've never heard much from in recent history. They both are ranked below us in terms of AO rankings, so we should have no problem defeating them. It looks like an easy job for the lads.

So there it is, our final preview of the contest. We'll be giving matchday previews, as well as previews. Make sure to catch our match against RKQ on SportzeTV, 7.30 p.m. We'll see you soon tomorrow.

[Semarland]

"...and why is "frustration" the word you choose to sum up your thoughts on the past five years?"

"I mean, "the gap" was bad enough. Just when we thought we were back to it, it got snatched away from our fingertips for another five years. Now what? We've slipped down the rankings regionally, God knows if we're even ranked for the World Cup, and our domestic league isn't in the top 32 like it once was."

"Oh, don't be such a pessimist Kadeem. I'm sure the league is in the top 60 or something. Still impressive given there's almost 160 ranked and we haven't competed on a global scale for the past five years."

"Yeah, that's true. But global competition is what makes this job worth it."

The psychologist nodded and scribbled into her notepad as Kadeem Bailey-Foster leaned back into his chair. The captain of a successful Eikborg Club side, who he had led to their first two Premarligaen titles, back-to-back, might it be added, and was now ready to start in the brand new Semarland side who had made their return to AOCAF football. A friendly loss to Omerica in their inaugural game wasn't much of a disappointment, aside from the fact it was their first ever game, but Kadeem was worried that the national team would show themselves up on a more-observed stage.

"It's not "showing yourselves up", Kadeem. For God's sake, you lot haven't even played together for more than 90 minutes. You've got two other players from your club in the squad, there's representation from everywhere. You need time to gel, there's no rush."

Kadeem rolled his eyes at that comment. No rush? He was the wrong side of thirty, and probably only had an AOCAF, a World Cup and maybe another AOCAF cycle before he'd retire and let his club-teammate, Courtney Simms, take his place in the team. Or Nestor Richards. Or whoever Kadell Stevens picked to partner captain Cyril Ansah. Kadeem had to focus on his club football too. The dream was to lead Eikborg Club to three league titles in a row, and with that, he'd consider returning his family back to York. Born in Jansberg, he moved to York aged two and was signed by FC York as a nine year old.

Impressing enough for Semarland U16s at the Norhalne Shield, coincidentally playing alongside Cyril even back then, he was snapped up by Eikborg Club and progressed swiftly through the academy to the first team and the national U21 side, representing his country again with Cyril, plus other contemporaries in the squad such as Max Mikkelmarkt and Etienne Marshall of FC Nuholm, Jamal Gray, now at Aalemark Sport and Javan Parfitt-Hendricks, now of FC Jansberg. Other national team alumni in that team included Marcos Sevenoaks, Sehun Otudeko, Rashaan Brighton, Jonah Bokila and Jemal Blackshaw, who all declined subsequent callups and effectively retired from international duty. What a side that was, perhaps one of the most successful in terms of senior team callups, but most of those players had their careers disrupted by that fateful seven year gap from proper professional football.

Rashaan now played abroad, one of the first players to exit Semarland after the gap, and he encouraged Kadeem over the phone to go back to York when he was ready. "Don't be afraid to go back when the time is right," he said. "You only get one chance to do what you really want to do."

Kadeem loved Eikborg. They gave him a chance, the fans loved him, and he was captaining the side to glory. But his wife Ayana wished to return to York, and his old friends from back then would love to have him back there too.

Kadeem stared past the psychologist, Amara something-or-other, and looked out at his teammates training. He saw young Jaden Akyeampong dribble past two players and chip it over the advancing Jamal Gray. He thought back to his younger teammates at Eikborg Club who would no doubt join Jaden in the national side one day. Shone Andrews was on the heels of him and Courtney Simms in defence, and Shakeem Northbridge had been solid at left back following the much older Saido Diallo's injury problems. Rune Bogard, Hakim Belmarsh, Roheem Roberts. Roheem had been one of the top scorers last season, and would have no doubt been the fourth striker if there was one. Learning from Kwaeome Richards, who had returned from Cosumar two years ago and signed for Eikborg was definitely helping the 22-year old's development and it meant club and country were in safe hands for the years to come.

But for now, he had to focus on now. A tough group that included Farfadillis, who had hosted a Baptism of Fire with Semarland some years ago, Busoga Islands, Siovanija and Teusland. There would be no doubt Kadeem and his teammates would have their work cut out, but he remembered Amara's words. "There's no rush." All he could do was savour the moment and enjoy the time he had left.

[Flavovespia]

With the draw for the AOCAF Cup 61 group stages complete, let’s take a look at the 5 opponents Flavovespia will face off against, in order of matches to be played.

Northwest Kalactin

Last time out they made it to the Round of 24, the same stage as Flavovespia. In the group stage, they came away with 5 points, but one of those was against Starblaydia. Then in the knockout stages, they clawed back a 2 goal deficit to equalise against Vilita and Turori, but Nii'arala Milaaso would end the hopes of a major upset and comeback. Northwest Kalactin have been around for a fair few cycles now, although internal corruption prevented them playing internationally for a while. They’ll certainly come into AOCAF Cup 61 with the belief that they can reach the knockout stages again, and for Flavovespia, an opening match that isn’t going to be easy. The retirement of Wendell Jakerein may be a challenge to overcome, but football teams are rarely defined by one player, and Mark Romero will be keen to establish his own legacy.

Overseas Territories of Sylestone

A debutant nation, Flavovespia played the parent nation Sylestone in the World Cup Qualifiers, with Flavovespia victorious on both occasions. Sylestone is an unusual nation, the players largely being sentient objects that are normally considered inanimate. Certainly it’s the first time most strikers had to face off against a literal Brick Wall in goal. Overseas Territories of Sylestone are nicknamed The Sports Equipment. As with their parent nation, this team appears to be sentient Sports Equipment. Soccer Goal in Goal in particular is something that will probably have to be seen to be believed. As an unranked nation, Flavovespia will look at their 2nd opponents and hope to take 3 points, but nothing is ever guaranteed in international football.

Qasden

The one group opponent Flavovespia have met before, back in World Cup Qualifiers 84. Not very successfully though for Flavovespia, as they lost 3-0 and 0-1, in what was a qualifying campaign to forget. They were also out in the Round of 24 last time, although they were unfortunate to come up against the co-hosts Farfadillis. Qasden are an experienced side, relative to many in the AOCAF Cup 61, and being in Pot 2 is a reflection of this. Certainly not a game Flavovespia will be favoured in, although of course revenge will be on the mind of the Flavovespians. They play in an attractive blue and red halved shirt adorned with gold trim. Full details of their roster are yet to be released, but they’re a nation who based on the last AOCAF Cup, enjoy experience in their ranks, with maybe an aversion to giving young guns a chance.

Valanora

Valanora are without a doubt the most famous team in this group, and also one of the most famous across Atlantian Oceania and the footballing world. With 5 World Cups and 4 AOCAF Cups, they’re the sort of nation teams dream of facing off against, even if often the result is fairly predictable. Last time they “only” made it to the Round of 16, but were unfortunate to be 3rd with 3 wins and 1 loss, and would lose to eventual winners Ko-oren. Valanora, also The Eternal Empire, will be coming into AOCAF Cup 61 to try and make up for their somewhat early exit last time out. The team will be captained by Laborious Hawk, a player who’s talent is beyond words, and will be the one to watch out for when Flavovespia take on the top seeds.

Delaclava

Delaclava have recently returned to international football after a long hiatus away. 1 point in the last ACOAF Cup was probably somewhat below expectactions, although they will have a chance at revenge on Northwest Kalactin again. They’re not afraid to attack, with even their back 3 getting in on the act at times. Delaclava play a very forward 3-5-2, and expect a lot of their players in terms of work rate and distance covered. The last group game for Flavovespia, with that style of play of Delaclava, who knows what could happen, depending on the permutations needed to make the knockout stages?

[Huayramarca]

Football Federation of Huayramarca



Official Roster for the 61^st AOCAF Championship

About Huayramarca: The Plurinational State of Huayramarca, also known as ”Huayramarca Mamallaqta” in Quechua and ”Huayramarca Suyu” in Aymara (literally: Windy Country), is an extraordinarily diverse nation in terms of geography that’s located up north Atlantian Oceania. Crossing three time zones, from the coasts to the jungle, passing massive cordilleras such as the Andes and Sierra, a nation with 36 million inhabitants that belong to 9 different ethnical groups.

Huayramarca as such is a relatively new nation for the traditional standards of it, since it was constituted on 1822 (currently, we sit on 1980 according to the Inca Calendar), the main focus of building this nation was to help different ethnic groups to gather force into the region, in order to be recognized multiversally as a nation, hence, may gather some international protection in case their rights would be abused all of a sudden by an external force.

Being completely ignorant on what was happening on the neighborhood, the Aymara, Quechua, Shuar, Guarani, Montubio, Tsáchila, Huaorani, Andoa and Candoshi ethnics decided to form the Republic with the support of neighboring nations such as the Royal Kingdom of Québec. Migration from Québec happened in the late XIX century, mostly peoples known as ”Guayabalenses” decided to move in order to seek a stable place for their families, considering that their home soil was apparently brushed off the map by a dictator called “Gregory”. That last point forced the Huayramarcans into a stronger union in order to survive.

Until the middle XX century, Huayramarca managed to survive economically from llama, alpaca and vicuña herding, since its skins are highly valuable in neighboring Québec due to their strong winters; also, coffee production helped Huayramarca to build some solid institutions that promoted national expansion near the neighboring Cocoabo Forest, that place is “La Selva”, a lush but quite dangerous forest with hundreds of rivers that come from the Andes. After some years of exploration, the authorities met the first indigenous peoples of the zone, which were exploited in order to produce rubber for tires and some mysterious chickens that were provided in order to even more mysterious sacrifices to a deity, which the local people and even the rest of Huayramarca wasn’t able to understand how she works, granted, it’s not even a part of the Incan Mythology which includes Inti (the Sun god) and others.

Said abuses committed against the jungle inhabitants caused a heavy political turmoil around 1950, which formed a divide in the nation that still remains until today: Serranos (highlanders), Costeños (coastals) against Siramas (jungle inhabitants); Those divides weren’t noticeable in economic terms but politically, with constant attempts of coup ‘d etat against the government. That situation caused some issues with the neighboring Québec, who neglected to support financially any of those groups if they don’t manage to cooperate between themselves in order to provide prosperity to a heavily hunger-suffering nation back in the time.

Aymara and Quechua peoples took the power during the remaining part of the 50’s until 1969. On that period, Huayramarca suffered a lot of “huaycos” (mudslides) caused by heavy rain storms near the Andes and Sierra, those events killed at least 300,000 people and urged for an attempt to reincorporate Huayramarca back into normality, but, how? The main bet of the government was to aim for the tourism industry, spamming the developed nations of Atlantian Oceania in order to make some tourists visit sacred places such as Illimani (a mountain that’s devoted as god for the Aymara folk), Huayna Picchu (the royal Incan palace for Quechua) and the sun drenched coast ranging from Guayaquil to Lima (specially Montañita, the best beach par excellence in northern Atlantian Oceania).

The formula was working decently, since the economy was reporting high growth numbers, but seemed to cause some lack of satisfaction on certain zones of the country, specially on the Jungle. Their inhabitants decided to support the Costeño elite in order to beat the Serrano government. 1969 election would be marked for the Huayramarcan history by the magnitude of the sabotage made against the current government, to the point of bribery or killings for their supporters, those incidents made the Costeño elite take control of government and focus even more on the Coast and Jungle, leaving aside the Sierra.

Currently, Huayramarca has a huge wealth gap between zones, the coast boasts the fact of being the economical engine of the nation despite the fact that the capital city is in the Sierra Region, while the Jungle is slowly developing with some cities such as Ormeño, Madre Santa, Virú and several others boosted by oil findings and rubber production. Sierra may be in disadvantage, but recent developments in neighboring nations may make them turn relevant once again in the nation, since lithium batteries demand is growing up and Huayramarca’s Sierra possesses one of the biggest lithium reserves of the entire multiverse.

Basically, Huayramarca is a nation of contrasts and never—ending conflicts that’s well into the deep borehole named “the natural resource course” a hard situation to overcome due to the lack of proper education, critical thinking and result-focused mindset on the population, that constantly seeks for shelter in entertainment industries such as soap operas, music, and now football. Right now, power struggles between the Costeño government led by Hugo Mina and leftist pro-Serrano social movement “Ñucanchi Ñan” is making people more fond into football, since they really need an oxygen supply inbetween a lot of crisis and turmoil that could lead to the radicalization of this conflict, to the point of seeing Ñucanchi Ñan turning into a guerrilla, which would turn things darker for the Huayramarcan people.

Facts about the nation

Official Name: Estado Plurinacional de Huayramarca - Huayramarcan Plurinational State.
Motto: Unión y Libertad - Union and Freedom.
National Anthem: Noble Huayramarca, tu hermosa bandera.
Capital City: Huayramarca D.M. (Distrito Metropolitano) - Huayramarcan Metropolitan District.
Highest Point: Nevado Inti (7,920 masl)
Currency: Inti (I$ 1 = N$ 0.33)
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (main); Six other indigenous languages.

Football-wise Information: As a society, Huayramarcans enjoy sports a lot, specially when politics may turn the nation into a chaos every second, they just want to run away from that horrible and desperate situation and may try luck on football.

Considering the levels of poverty on Huayramarca, many young people may give a shot for football in the chaotic Liga 1 or lower tiers, with the hopes of achieving a decent salary that may help their families to get away from poverty and huayco-prone neighborhoods. Liga 1 has sixteen teams from different parts of the country, mostly focused on the Sierra and Costa regions since those are the most heavily populated ones.

In the last year, the president of the Plurinational State, Hugo Mina (Costeño), thought it would be a great idea to form a fringe squad for the AOCAF and then try to make it into Baptism of Fire or World Cup Qualifiers, hence he asked for Eliezer González (head of the Huayramarcan Football Federation) to try and apply for said tournaments. He sent notes in order to sign-up for those events, but he sent them incorrectly, at AOCAF, he sent it to a grandmother living up near the Andean Organization for Coffee, Agriculture and Forests (located at Cumbayá) instead of sending it to the proper AOCAF tournament organizing committee, which turned González into laughing stock for several weeks in Huayramarca. Despite that, González managed to sign-up properly for the WC, despite he was rejected for BoF because he applied to the “Burger of Fire” and not the Baptism of Fire.

After all, the HFF managed to convince 25 players from the amateur-ish Liga 1 sides to build the National Team, whose nickname is resumed to “Kuntur” (The Condors), all those players range from being high school students, to chemists, bus drivers, and even people from the local tavern, whose preference is revealed on how they named their team “Real Ebriedad”, which was later supported by Cristalina, the main brewery firm from Huayramarca. Those 25 players decided to investigate some football techniques and decided to apply them at the different games they played on the inaugural Liga 1 season that was won by Real Ebriedad (in a game where corruption was noticeable as how the referee was given beer instead of an energetic beverage).

Nothing that would be possible without the support of Omar Caicedo, a Costeño who migrated to Québec and decided to learn some football techniques while managing Beyreuth University, where he won three national titles out of eight seasons on his span with them. Caicedo is a fan of high-pressure football, known as “gegenpressing” or “El Huayco” as Huayramarcans may call if (specially Serranos, since they might be quite shy or sometimes plain dumb that doesn’t like to attack) Anyways, Caicedo’s strategy proved right on some matches played by Huayramarca against their northern neighbor, the Royal Kingdom of Québec, beating them 5-1 at Huayramarca’s Estadio Nacional (located at 4,012 masl only?!…) and tying 2-2 at Iqaluit’s Ice Hockey Rink (that’s what the players thought at playing in a frozen city… ¡Achachay!) If you wonder what’s ¡Achachay! Well, figure out you’re on top of the mountain receiving wind and gelid weather right into you, if you did it, welcome to Huayramarcan’s sense of cold shivering!

Well, coming back to football, Caicedo’s devotion for 4-2-3-1 is unquestionable, he always loves to boast of having a neat defense, two defending mid fielders that may aim to recover possession when needed, or even having one of them switching to creative duties in support of the team’s brain, Ian Mamani, then, two wingers feeding the sole striker up in the middle of the box. That striker may often go back and try to recover balls and make a power play from himself with support of a winger and then seek for a goal. He did demonstrated a lot during the first part of the World Cup Qualifiers, earning some mixed results during it, but it failed for a part of the second half, where the team accumulated an 11 winless game streak added that they weren't capable to snatch a win during their first eight local games, in fact, their first home win came at the 9th home game, after that, they won three out of their four last home games, earning a 8 games unbeaten streak to finish off the Qualifiers, which was a quite impressive recovery after having their morale smashed on the floor and some players even considered suicide, since they were considered to be a mediocre living fail walking through their home cities streets.

Said streak wasn’t a mere happening, it was somehow a confirmation on how the Huayramarcan National Team had turned into a squad that tried to consolidate themselves as a hardworking team, with limited chances to put some squads in troubles but capable enough to defend well and to avoid harm being done against them. The Cup of Harmony 77 was an interesting test for the team, to see if they are capable to handle out the nerves of what it implies to be struggling for a knockout spot until the last second of the last match, which is what happened to the Condors, since they tied their first three games, they had a chance to get into the last rounds but they had to face Port Ember, the top seed of their group. Huayramarca succumbed to the nerves and wasted a 2-0 lead to see how Port Ember scored five goals in quick succession, nothing more to do for a Huayramarcan squad that seemed capable to pull off a decent feat.

This AOCAF tournament will see how a somehow forged squad could perform against the top dogs into their region, a path that won’t show immediate results and may fuel some anger amongst the Huayramarcan populace and media, but, the patience of Omar Caicedo and his pupils will be determinant in order to see if this generation profiles themselves to be somehow relevant or will be submerged into the dark deep of mediocrity.

Something that makes Huayramarcan football so distinguishable is that they are prone to do long range shots, due that they are used to play at significant heights, the lack of oxygen may make the ball travel further without applying a lot of strength during the mechanics of kicking the football, that is known as the “Andean Effect” and may cause serious troubles for visiting sides on Huayramarca, adding the main fact that breathing might be harder for those used to low altitudes.

Without further ado, the starting XI and substitutes are presented in the following tables:

Starting Eleven



Substitutes

Summary


Nota bene: Only official matches are taken into consideration for current record, caps and goals – Updated after CoH 77.

Nickname: The Condors.
Current Record: 8-11-9 
Most Caps: 10 players tied at 28.
Most Goals: Bryan Tello (13)
Biggest Win: 5-1 (vs. Independent Athletes of Québec / Friendly)
Most Important Game: 3-1 (vs. Greater Lausitz / WC 85, MD 18 - First home win)
Biggest Defeat: 0-4 (vs. Jeruselem / WC 85, MD 12)

Captain: Ian Mamani.
Second Captain:Kevin Quispe.
Third Captain: Nicolás Allauca.
Most likely to score: Bryan Tello
Most likely to get red carded: Kevin Quispe.
Prone to get injuries: Gabriel Sayritupac.
The genius: Ian Mamani.
The motivating soul: Santiago Chumacero.

Manager: Omar Caicedo. (38)
Assistant: Rubén Condori. (52)
Physio: Lautaro Huamán. (59)
GK Trainer: Martín Zubeldía (41)
Doctor: Luciano Zambrano. (51)

Team mentality: Huayramarcans, per se, are bold and quite diverse between the team due to the regional contrasts among them: You might note some surnames such as: Condori, Mamani, Quispe, Sayritupac, etc. Those are Serrano surnames. Serranos as such are quite shy people with non-serranos, between them, great footballing societies may be made due to their complete understanding of each other, they are quite homogenous on how they act and may be predictable for each other. But, for the non-expert eye, Serranos are one on their kind and could result unpredictable for them, since they love to do things at fast pace between them, without doubt one could send a 60 meters cross with complete confidence that they might find their teammate, with this, you can notice that Serranos are overconfident on themselves and somewhat dubious with Costeños and Siramas. Other characteristic of Serranos is that they are quite easy to intimidate, being shy and short-sized doesn’t helps, but in that situation, they might opt to act even better than they do for the sake of shutting your mouth.

Costeños and Siramas (jungle) in the other hand are confident with everybody, even if they might not receive the same treatment by their Serrano fellows. Those two groups conform the rest of the team and might do good societies on field, declining the quality of their chemistry when trying to connect with Serranos, due to the latter shy mood. Physically speaking, Costeño and Siramas are people who boast being the tallest overall in the team, also, their mania for body preparation at gyms make them suitable to defensive duties and running on the wings since they love running crazily (they usually do that, since they are used to run away from police or a mob of angry Serranos after robbing).

Overall, the team has some issues while trying to build chemistry, since there are two well-marked groups with some issues, but may try to join forces when needed or when they are being heavily massacred (football-wise) such as it happened on World Cup Qualifiers, when they were 3-2-6 on the first half of Qualifiers, they managed to comeback decently with a 5-6-2 sheet for the second leg, turning it into an overall 8-8-8, which is nothing bad for the usual accountability of unranked nations. Leaving aside those issues, the team boasts some decent characteristics for running on the wings, the team itself is fast paced but may have problems while struggling physically (especially if a Serrano is trying to mark) since they aren’t so strong to do that, albeit, the consequences of it may be noticeable only with high-ranked teams.

To finish with this part, Huayramarca is that kind of team that may be overconfident sometimes, but if you press them to their limits, they might react in unsuspected ways, be those positive or negative for their interests, you don’t know what would happen in the Serrano, Costeño or Sirama mindset. As they do on the local league, they might try to do some antics to their rivals, be it: providing beer instead of water to their rivals, or the classiest one, giving distillated “ayahuasca” (vodka-like alcohol) and pass it like water and make their rivals be drunk, taking advantage of their influence to beat the rival team. Of course, they might not abuse of this resource, Serranos might ask Inti for it.

Game Scheme: Caicedo aims to use always a 4-2-3-1 scheme that he dubs it as “El huayco” (the mudslide) due to an analogy he made of his team with such a devastating natural phenomena: “We aim to build a fast team, aiming to be unpredictable for the others while using our regional paradigms in our favor. The less known we are, the more lethal we could be and that’s why I love not having a specific plan.” That’s what Caicedo wants to use, but in reality, there are some hints to analyze what he loves to do with his teams, especially on Beyreuth University of Québec.

El Huayco is a style of play in which you look to win back the ball as soon as you lose it, and you try to win it back as high up the pitch as possible; that means you’re closing down a lot to put pressure on the player that's just won the ball back.

The idea is that the player who just won the ball will be vulnerable and won't have time to think about his first pass. You just close him down to win the ball back quickly as high up the pitch as possible, and then you initiate a counter attack. You're likely already half way there and ready to go past into space and score a goal.

You can also use this tactic to target specific weak players, if you have noticed a weakness in a certain team. Maybe central defenders or full backs aren't comfortable on the ball, and you can look to press and close down certain individuals to try and make the most out of this game pressing style.

For the last purpose mentioned, Serranos are heavily important, they might be the analogue of a dog felling your fear and then attacking, they as collective love to use their different point of views and implement them as one while attacking, then fast passes and maybe a long range shot may happen, especially if the team is playing on the highlands. If the team is playing on the coast or jungle, they might seek to control the ball and make the rival team run behind the ball for some time, in order to cause climatic exhaust on them, since coast and jungle are hot and terribly humid in this part of Atlantian Oceania, so it may pose a real challenge for teams not used to play in such conditions.

To achieve Caicedo’s main goal, there are several prerequisites for successful counterpressing. The decisive factor is the overall positioning of the team and their playing style right before attempting to counterpress. The players must play as close to one another as possible so that they can press together as a unit right after the ball is lost – which is a given in short passing football. At the same time, they should not stick so close to one another that they neglect to cover enough space. Usually, a good layout in possession and a good shape behind the lost ball go hand in hand.

Some trainers use the basic rule of thumb to “occupy the fewest possible zones with individual players, but the greatest possible distance between the players within those zones so that they don’t occupy the same space” to make the positioning simple to understand; although, with a rule of thumb like this, some aspects are lost in terms of complexity.

Many teams also have problems deciding when to stop pressing, for example, when we stop pressing if we can’t win the ball back? When should we retreat? How long should you press and with how many players? This is particularly problematic because the position of the ball is always changing. Therefore, there is a theory created by Caicedo – the five second rule. Immediately after losing the ball the team should press at top speed and with maximum intensity for five seconds.

If the team hasn’t recovered the ball within five seconds and there is no chance of immediately winning it, they should fall back into their defensive formation. Depending on the team, the number of seconds may vary. It is recommended that the strategic basics of “El Huayco” be coached in order to develop a flexible, situation-specific length of time for counterpressing.

For scorination purposes, set the style modifer of Huayramarca at +1.

The Kits: Huayramarca’s social mindset is to aim for local consumption in the long term, hence the HFF decided to hire “eva Sportswear” to manufacture the kits for the national team. “eva” decided to take the ball out of the park with some unique designs for Huayramarca, reflecting the national identity and adding up some motivational phrases on them for mere sake of marketing. Those kits are based on the geography of this nation, from the coast, to the highlands and jungle in order to promote a sense of national unity, especially on a stage that the national team might try to do something decent in their first World Cup Qualifiers venture.

As backgrounds, you might notice some decent spots that Huayramarca has to offer, such as Huayna Picchu, the mythical castle built in the Andes and thought to be built for the Incaic Emperors some centuries ago. On the second kit, the sacred Illimani, a mountain located just outskirts Huayramarca’s Metropolitan District, this 6540 masl mountain is believed to be an angel sent my Inti to protect the city against any disaster. On the third kit, the gigantic Guayas River is displayed, with some Guayaquil neighborhoods in it (Guayaquil is the third biggest city in Huayramarca), also possible home for some World Cup Qualifier games.

As for the goalkeeper kits, in their main kit, the second largest city of Huayramarca, and the main coastal city, Lima is featured, this city is known for their gorges near the coast, something like a potential protection against disasters as the so frightening tsunamis. To finish with, the magnificent Chimborazo mountain is featured in the background for the away goalkeeper shirt, with some important animals for the Huayramarcan folk such as the wild vicuñas, known for their weird habit of flesh-eating (Beware if you go there and see one of those, they might not be friendly if meat isn’t given to them).

Players description - Starting XI.

Nota bene: All players have zero caps, since the statistics taken into consideration were before the beginning of WCQ 85 - For national purposes, friendlies are never taken into consideration for official registries.

N°1 - Juan Mamani - GK - 22 yrs - Team: Ate FC - Height: 1.88 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 1

Mamani is an individual that believes he always is right, he tends to be creative when saving balls of creating some innovative ideas to take the ball forward, based so much in the fact that he is protective, spontaneous and loves to be independent in his actions. Currently, he is sad because he broke up with his girlfriend. Despite his relationship failure, he might seek some attention as the goalkeeper of the national team, forming decent bonds with his teammates in order to leave the baby steps soon in terms of footballing level. Also, he's brother with the creative mid of this team, Ian Mamani. He also has the curious record of scoring a free kick goal against Greater Lausitz, that goal helped Huayramarca to get their first ever victory at home soil on World Cup 85^th, matchday 18^th.

N°2 - Kevin Quispe - RCB - 18 yrs - Team: Real Ebriedad - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 27 - Goals: 2

A pretty average guy in terms of intelligence that has no life plan, hence he left studies in order to make a living with football. He is very secretive, doesn't likes even to tell his teammates what will be his next movement because he knows we will be wrong, Quispe has serious issues with anger management and may be rebellious, he is cold and ignores what the others might feel or think about him, he doesn't gives a fu*k of anything. Anyways, he's flabbergasted by the fact of being called to the national team, even more by the fact of being part of the starting XI.

N°4 - Carlos Vilca - LFB - 23 yrs - Team: Sporting Club El Alto - Height: 1.78 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 5

Vilca exemplifies the stereotype of a Serrano, he is overly analytical and optimistic, with some patience when a player might approach to him, he might take some minutes to make a mental profile of who he will face and how to block him in its right side. Despite being coordinated and loving to be the center of attention, he loves to be quiet and solitary with his own personal code of conduct, he might be extremely fair while robbing balls and could try to be the surprise factor, since he tends to react when needed, his two goals to equalize the match against Darmen (both first and second leg) helped Huayramarca to snatch vital points against a superior rival. Right now, he's submissive by the fact of being called by Caicedo for the national team.

N°6 - Felipe Fernández - RFB - 18 yrs - Team: Club Atlético Lima - Height: 1.85 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 2

Pipe, as known by his teammates is an extremely intelligent right fool back that adapts quite quickly to any situation he might face, he loves being orderly and hates mess. When playing, he is straight-forward and might argument with rivals, referee and even his teammates, he rarely praises others and values learning from experience, hence why he has a promissory future in football. Right now, he's kind by the chance given by the HFF to play for the national team.

N°14 - Santiago Chumacero - LCB - 22 yrs - Team: FC Atahualpa - Height: 1.81 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 7

Chumacero's perception of things might be out of this world, his mind might be some steps forward the others and might help to anticipate to some movements that may be done by the rival. For that purpose, he's always flexible, active and plays like he would be killed if he does a mistake, he's loyal with his team, faithful and gentle, hence he might be the motivator of the squad. Chumacero's right now really sorry with his mom, because he robbed her I$ 100 Intis to get a room and go with his girlfriend to a hotel and experience some intimacy. Also, he feels inspired by the fact of scoring 6 goals during the whole World Cup Qualifier process, four of those goals came on two consecutive matches, basically, a polyvalent when needed.

N°17 - Orlando Mina - CM - 19 yrs - Team: Sporting Club El Alto - Height: 1.95 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 2

One of the two defensive mid of the team, being the classical Costeño out there, Mina is the tallest and strongest player of the squad. Mina's attitude is being original and stubborn, giving you some classical Costeño vibes, consistent in his performance and devoted to God, he cares a lot about what he does, since he tries always to correct his mistakes and not suffering on them, instead, he uses them as feedback to improve his game and abilities. Mina's sad right now because his mother was fired from the job, although, he might provide some food for his family while playing with The Condors.

N°11 - Ian Mamani - CF - 19 yrs - Team: Illimani FC - Height: 1.65 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 7

The second of the Mamani brothers in this team, along with Juan, Ian has what Juan might lack sometimes, creativity and brightness, although they play in totally different positions and roles in the team. This creative mid and captain of the team is one of the big things among this team, a fast-paced and fussy person with lots of potential, euphoria that drives him to perform as what he can do, being the best of the entire nation in his role. Large crosses are his specialty, including long-range shots when playing on the highlands. Right now, his euphoria level has increased a lot, considering he got called to the national team, the fact of being called captain and being on the international TV screen for WCQ.

N°8 - Nicolás Allauca - CF - 24 yrs - Team: Huayramarca FC - Height: 1.80 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 6

Nico was a bus driver until the last three weeks prior to WC 85 Qualifiers, when he decided to enter to the amateur football world of Huayramarca, he was in luck that Caicedo watched him plat and fell in love on how he performed. Allauca is spontaneous and may not like to do training, he is a fast-moving and extremely practical (hates theories) defensive mid, that may mutate to a second creative mid with Ian Mamani and has also a decent capability to score goals while going to attack. Allauca is blunt, might hurt you with his eyes and ignores rules, he might be dramatical when somebody tackles or fouls him, in order to make that player get sent off of at least yellow carded. Nico is pleased with Caicedo for being called up to the team once again.

N°7 - Abraham Mendoza - LF - 20 yrs - Team: Huayramarca FC - Height: 1.63 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 2

The smallest of the entire team, Mendoza is a mentally strong individual who loves to work hard, play hard and also be a strong leader inside the team in terms of order. A competent but realistic player who may not be spectacular while playing on the wings, but pragmatical and effective when achieving his purposes. Perhaps, on his personal life he is the best positioned of all the group, since he's currently studying Industrial Engineering at the Huayramarcan Technical University and he's scoring some of the best grades ever in that institution. You might notice how Abraham's personal discipline is, and this is translated even to football, where he tries to compliment some weaknesses that he may have as his height, but he tries to compensate with some decent body-building routines. He might not be a prolific scorer for the standards of a winger, but he has at least a 35% of assists for the total of Huayramarcan goals scored during the Qualifiers, hence, somebody to take care of.


N°21 - Gabriel Sayritupac - RF - 20 yrs - Team: Real Ebriedad - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 8

Sayri as he's known by many people in his native Tulcán (near the Québécois-Huayramarcan border) is an artistic person in all senses of his life. Usually he makes a living by painting portraits of people visiting the Chimborazo National Forest Reserve, sometimes working on a local brewery or doing some football for fun. He doesn't stands being alone and might be that easy-going Serrano (which is weird, if we come to think it). He has some genetic problems that makes him quite prone to injuries, and when those occur, Sayri decides to get inebriated to let frustration go away. A dirty antic he has is that he's well known for giving alcoholic beverages to the rivals instead of water, he has developed modified ayahuasca in order to make it feel and look like water, which has fooled some teams. Keep an eye on him!

Despite that, Sayritupac is a well skilled winger, an antithesis of Mendoza, since he loves to be artistical while dribbling and doing a cross, he might try to do rabonas while shooting or passing and will keep attacking, even more than the usual for a winger like him, he always loves to risk it all.

N°21 - Bryan Tello - ST - 25 yrs - Team: Club Sport Cumbayá - Height: 1.86 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 13

A decently heighted Costeño as forward is always a neat solution for your goal needs, with good pace, stride and also physic abilities Tello is what every team may need for up front. He's factual since he studied Philosophy at the University of Cumbayá, a committed and self-confident man who might be extremely traditional to his striker role, he might seek for some space in order to go front, use his strength and move towards the goal. Tello is a somewhat strong leader among the shadows of the Huayramarcan national team, an outgoing and straight-forward person that could sometimes aggressive since he's prone to be insensitive. He's right now interested in evolving as a legend for Huayramarcan football, something that he is slowly building up, and those key goals against Nephara and Jeruselem prove it.

Substitutes:

Nota bene: In order to have a deeper understanding of Huayramarcan players, take in consideration the following list of personalities for the substitutes. For a better understanding of said list, take time to watch the substitute players list posted again down here and follow the order of said list. The first player on this list, has his mindset reflected in the left of the first row, the second in the right of the first row and then, so on until the last one:

Useful Information and Stadia: Before introducing the stadia, there’s some handy information for away fans who might visit Huayramarca. As said before, this nation has a quite complex geography and some long distances to travel for away fans, since there are only two airports: Huayramarca International Airport, located near Huayramarca Metropolitan District at the highlands, and the Jorge Guerra International Airport in Lima, on the coast. You might need to go up mountains or driving through them which is a complete odyssey due to the risks caused by the Andean geography itself.

People in Huayramarca might be passional about football pretty much everywhere, but more hostile when you go down the mountains, driving to the coast. Down there, if people don’t attack you, weather might do due to the offensive humidity, mosquitoes and heat that may occur there. In Lima, despite being in the coast, the weather is mild and great to play football, but there might be some sandstorms due to the deserts located south of said city. Coastal teams usually play at afternoon, when humidity may suffocate those not used to deal with it.

Same happens at the jungle, but the mosquito issue multiplies thousand-fold, also as humidity caused by constant rains that pass there in their transit to the highlands. Water absorption made by trees cause severe issues with an extremely humid weather, hence jungle teams decide to play often at noon, in order to torture rival teams.

On the Sierra things get worse, since the main problem up there is respiration. For a physical activity like football, people might need some weeks to acclimatize altitude and get an efficient breathing pattern that might supply their physical effort needs. Several cities are above the 2500 masl, even the capital city, which is located at 4000 masl, it doesn’t matters at which time they decide to play, if a team isn’t acclimatized, they will even faint during the game if they don’t have with them oxygen tanks to breathe before the game or if they don’t get some treatment into an hyperbaric chamber.

Stadia are distributed in order to have an equal distribution for regions, considering that there will be twelve local games at Huayramarca, Sierra, Costa and Jungla will receive four matches each one. Each region will receive a high tier rival and then a randomized sort of three other teams in other matchdays. You might contact the Huayramarcan Football Federation (OOC: TG me or shout me at Discord!) in case of more information or solving some needs for your team and fans.

Sierra:

Estadio Nacional de Huayramarca - Capacity: 45,500 - Huayramarca Metropolitan District.

Tenants: Ministry of Culture and Sports of Huayramarca.
Built in: 1968.
Altitude: 4012 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Illimani FC, Real Ebriedad, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: Built in 1968, the Estadio Nacional is the jewel in the not so well-shaped crown of the Huayramarcan sport venues, an olympic stadium that might be a nightmare for visiting teams due to the altitude and weather of the city, which tends to be somewhat hostile everyday, even more if it's played at noon due to the sun's radiation at that altitude. Despite being an olympic stadium, people tends to set a lot of pressure in it, especially from the neighboring appartment blocks which tends to be crowded for the matches being held there (they might aim lasers from there, take care!).

Also, the walls near the dressing room have some curious messages as such: "Welcome to Huayramarca D.M. At 4,000 meters above sea level "is one of the first things the visiting teams will read upon entering the dressing room, perhaps to make clear the conditions to which they will be subjected throughout the game. It is still somewhat intimidating the following warning that is issued when they leave the visiting dressing room "Caution, if you have the following symptoms: Headache, vertigo, fatigue, tachycardia, nausea or vomiting, wheezing, dyspnea or inappetence, go to the medical staff, we are at your disposal."

Jungla:

Estadio Olímpico del Oriente - Capacity: 26,000 - Sechura.

Tenants: MuniSechura - Municipality of Sechura.
Built in: 1945.
Altitude: 560 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Sociedad Petrolera, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: One of the biggest stadia in Huayramarca, the main hub of sports in the Jungle region is located at Sechura, a city of about 300,000 inhabitants which serves as logistical hub for operations of rubber production and for explorations into the dense jungle nearby. Sociedad Petrolera is a modest Liga 1 side, but one that tends to attract almost ticket sell outs every game, since people in that region tends to be quite passionated of football in order to forget their not so good daily life. At that city, one should take care of humidity, which tends to be quite strong at times, hence teams usually play there on afternoon or night, since heat might be something difficult to stand even for locals.

Costa:

Estadio Metropolitano del Guayas - Capacity: 62,000 - Guayaquil.

Tenants: Autoridad Guayaquileña de Deportes - Guayaquilean Sports Authority.
Built in: 1980.
Altitude: 15 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Guayaquil Wanderers, Barcelona Sporting Club, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: A kettle pot, that's the definition for the biggest stadium in all of Huayramarca. "El Metropolitano" is the most recently built stadium in the nation and will make the debut for international football in Huayramarca. Hosts two teams and the fan athmosphere in Guayaquil is perhaps one of the most intimidatory ones in the multiverse, fans throwing you stones while receiving, throwing flares, extremely noisy people all around and the incredibly hot and humid weather that dominates the city may be lethal for some teams when trying to visit. Rescuing a tie from here may be considered something great, since you survived the "Guayaco" hell. Hence that, teams often love to play at the afternoon, specially at 3:00 P.M. in order to squeeze out the rivals in exhaust.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
    Godmod scoring events: No.
    RP injuries to my players: Yes. (Contact me first, so we can agree)
    Godmod injuries to my players: Y (Contact me as well)
    Give red cards to my players: Y (Maximum of 3).
    Godmod other events: Y (Contact me first.)

[The Overseas Territories of Sylestone]

O. T. Sylestone (OTS) are just about to play in the first AOCAF and their first-ever games. And who are they playing in the first match day? Valanora. Valanora. Top pot of Group H. In the top ten sides in the world. Five-time winner of the World Cup. Unarguably regarded as the best side ever to play World Football. You can just see OTS’s chances here. They’re playing against elves, supreme beings who are just so frickin’ good as everything. Especially football. The only thing OTS can do is shock them with their abnormal lineup. Make them kick the wrong soccer ball. Make them kick into the wrong goal. But honestly, OTS can’t win here. All they can do is try their best and hope to keep it under 5-0.

Prediction: Valanora 6-0 Overseas Territories of Sylestone

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Siovanija & Teusland National Football Team

Facts

Nation Name: United Republics of Siovanija and Teusland
Short Names: Siovanija and Teusland, the United Republics
Demonyms: Siovanijan, Teus
FA: Siovanija and Teusland Football Association (STFA)
Colours: Blue and gold
Anthem: ‘High Mountain Skies’
Capital City: Borograd
Other Major Cities: St. Jakob, Stelburg, Vlaikograd, Chernovets, Felsenkirchen
Highest Domestic League: Republikaliga
Nicknames: The Goldhorns
Style Modifier: +2.5

Coaching Staff

Manager: Gavin Hughes (APX) - 129 games in charge, 68-25-36

Siovanija & Teusland returned to the World Cup Final at World Cup 85 - but the result was somewhat disappointing. The team had built themselves up a bit before the first game, talking about their confidence level - talk that looked bad in hindsight after a 3-0 loss to Eura on the first day. A 1-0 win over eventual Semifinalists Baker Park was the lone bright spot, as the Goldhorns crumbled under pressure on the final day against Terre Septentrionale in a 1-0 loss. The Goldhorns have utilized the 4-3-3 formation to great success in recent competition, the midfield of Thorsten Kramer, Viktor Dimitrov and Todor Mihailov a key part in the game plan. For this AOCAF, Hughes has made some slight tactical adjustments to free up the Goldhorns’ attackers a bit more. Scoring only 1 goal at the World Cup was a major disappointment for a team that prides itself on its forward depth, and with the wingers now being given more freedom to stay up high on defence, there’s hope that the scoring touch will be ignited again. There’s a big question that needs to be asked of this team here. Are they the team that went on a 23-game unbeaten streak heading into the World Cup? Or the team that went 1-1-1 with only 1 goal for?

23-man Squad

All caps and goals up to date as of the end of World Cup 85. Some players (currently 2, eventually more) have NSWiki articles, those will be linked as well.

Goalkeepers

GK -- Ewald Heuser -- 24y/o -- #1 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 35 caps, 10 clean sheets
GK -- Anatoli Sveteikov -- 30y/o -- #22 -- Olympia Borograd -- 15 caps, 3 clean sheets
GK -- Yanko Zhelyaskov -- 31y/o -- #23 -- Farrenton Athletic (EUR) -- 44 caps, 8 clean sheets

Ewald Heuser is the best goalkeeper in the country, dominant for FC Teussen Stelburg at home and having a firm grasp on the #1 shirt for his country as well. Heuser was strong in Qualifiers, and was arguably the Goldhorns’ best player at the World Cup Finals. He kept a clean sheet against Baker Park in that important win, and was so good on the last day against Terre Septentrionale despite the loss. A strong sweeper keeper, he’s absolutely part of the core of this team, and the players in front of him have great confidence playing in front of him. Anatoli Sveteikov, the starter for Olympia Borograd, has always been a loyal servant for his country despite not necessarily being rewarded for it. His international form is much better than the other backup, Yanko Zhelyaskov, and Sveteikov might finally be given a chance in the near future.

Left Back

LB -- Edgar Steimle -- 25y/o -- #3 -- 1912 Stelburg -- 60 caps, 2 assists
LB -- Axel Richter -- 23y/o -- #13 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 16 caps

Edgar Steimle has had to develop a thick skin playing in such an important position for the national team and his club from a very young age, and despite some mistakes in the past due to inexperience, he’s one of this team’s finest players now. Capped 60 times by his country, he is a strong, speedy full back capable of moving the ball quickly down the field. Backing him up is Axel Richter, from FC Teussen Stelburg, who has been strong in his 16 appearances - but he, too, still has some of that inexperience about him.

Centre Back

CB -- Karl-Heinz Jager -- 25y/o -- #4 -- Raynor City United (VAL) -- 89 caps, 6 goals, 2 assists
CB -- Raphael Klopfer (C) -- 32y/o -- #5 -- 1912 Stelburg -- 140 caps, 5 goals, 4 assists
CB -- Erich Thierse -- 28y/o -- #14 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 35 caps, 1 goal
CB -- Tristan Niedermayer -- 23y/o -- #15 -- AFC Corvistone (NPH) -- 10 caps

The Jager-Klopfer duo has been rock-solid for the Goldhorns in recent history, particularly during that excellent run in the Qualifiers. They have brilliant chemistry, and seem to be perfectly suited to each other’s tendencies. Jager is just entering his prime, while Klopfer is heading towards the end, and that’s where the other two names come in. Erich Thierse is considered one of the best defenders in the Republikaliga and is fresh off a big money move to FC Teussen Stelburg this summer. He’ll be looking to build on 35 caps here. Tristan Niedermayer was also on the move this summer, with interest from clubs across the multiverse before settling on AFC Corvistone in Nephara. He’s been capped ten times, and is identified as one of the core players for this team as it transitions into the next generation.

Right Back

RB -- Darijen Vesele -- 23y/o -- #2 -- Rene Skae (FFD) -- 16 caps, 1 goal, 2 assists
RB -- Pierre-Louis Lotbiniere -- 24y/o -- #12 -- 1912 Stelburg -- 47 caps, 4 assists

The message to both of these players in Qualifiers was clear: the starting position is up for grabs, so go out and take it. And while both players performed admirably, it’s Darijen Vesele that has won the number 2 shirt for the AOCAF. His 16 caps saw a fullback committed to going forward with perhaps the best eye for a cross on this team - and he managed to play a key role for the team when he played. Lotbiniere has changed his game a bit for his club, using his pace to add to his ability to get back after making deep runs. He’s a bit more cautious now, too, and that’s something the Goldhorns are sure to be happy with - the ‘caution-to-the-wind’ approach wasn’t always a positive for the team.

Centre Midfield

CM -- Thorsten Kramer (VC) -- 28y/o -- #6 -- 1830 Cathair (AUD) -- 158 caps, 48 goals, 61 assists
CM -- Todor Mihailov -- 24y/o -- #8 -- Yeaddin Owls (VIL) -- 61 caps, 3 goals, 8 assists
CM -- Heinrich Bahr -- 23y/o -- #16 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 24 caps, 2 goals, 1 assist

It’s hard to think of Thorsten Kramer as one of the veterans of this team. Many still see him as the fresh-faced boy with wavy-blonde hair that took the field in World Cup 80. He has, however, truly come a long way since then - and has become one of the best players in the world. A Champions’ League winner with Cathair - and a losing finalist this year. 3 National League titles, and the captain of one of the best teams in the world. He’s now been a key part of this team for many, many years, and still has more to go. He plays in a deeper playmaking role for his country, but also regularly moves up to play behind the striker as he does for his club in the number 10 role, as part of the Goldhorns’ midfield strategy. Beside him again is Todor Mihailov, the calm, confident midfielder so good on the ball, the man on whom the national team relies to dictate the tempo of the game. Mihailov’s role is also played by young Teussen midfielder Heinrich Bahr. Bahr was one of the better players for his club this season as they finished runners-up, and perhaps pairing the two Teus together could be a trick for the team here at the AOCAF.

Left Wing

LW -- Mario Kogler -- 27y/o #7 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 60 caps, 10 goals, 14 assists
LW -- Lojze Kokalj -- 22y/o -- #17 -- Olympia Borograd -- 23 caps, 2 goals

The skilled, speedy Mario Kogler is the Goldhorns’ top option on the left wing, with 10 goals across his 60 caps for his country. He’s been a star for his club, too, one of the best players in the league, and he is very difficult to defend. Lojze Kokalj, meanwhile, has made a name for himself at home as a physical winger who can bully defenders. He’s not all brawn, however - he’s got quite the brain, too, and is quite skilled on the ball. He has an eye for goal as well, making him an interesting player for this team.

Centre Attacking Midfield

CAM -- Viktor Dimitrov -- 31y/o -- #10 -- Energija Chernovets -- 130 caps, 8 goals, 60 assists
CAM -- Leopold Bliznakov -- 22y/o -- #20 -- Zvezda Vlaikograd -- 9 caps, 1 goal, 5 assists

The creative machine of the team is Viktor Dimitrov, the veteran Chernovets midfielder who has played such a key role in this team’s development from its earliest days. Always capable of playing in a great through ball or making a smart pass, Dimitrov is at his best in that number ten role. Leopold Bliznakov is widely considered to be the heir to Dimitrov’s throne, the Zvezda midfielder quite quick on the ball and a strong playmaker in his own right. He hasn’t had too many opportunities for his country, however - although he was brought into the squad for the World Cup Finals.

Right Wing

RW -- Lukas Tauscher -- 23y/o -- #11 -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 50 caps, 14 goals, 15 assists
RW -- Ivo Romanov -- 34y/o -- #21 -- Olympia Borograd -- 127 caps, 53 goals, 35 assists

Very much a case of old and new here. Lukas Tauscher is the new star of this team, perhaps the best of the young players making their way into the first team here. He’s the star of Teussen, probably the star of the Republikaliga too. Quick and smart, he’s a constant threat to any defender, and he’s going to be looking to take a big step in his career here. Ivo Romanov, meanwhile, is entering his last AOCAF tournament. The Olympia Borograd winger has announced that World Cup 86 will be his last campaign with this national team, and thus it’s one last chance for Romanov to make some noise at this tournament. He’s had a stellar international record - one of only 2 players in the history of the national team to score over 50 goals. And he’s ready to play any role required of him to get the Goldhorns as far as possible here.

Centre Forward

CF -- Michael Ribbeck -- 26y/o -- #9 -- Kingsgrove (BRE) -- 97 caps, 80 goals, 3 assists
CF -- Johannes Mandl -- 30y/o -- #18 -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879 -- 11 caps, 13 goals, 1 assist
CF -- Krasimir Kynev -- 29y/o -- #19 -- Olympia Borograd -- 88 caps, 44 goals

So much has been made of the Goldhorns’ talent up front - and it all came down to 1 goal in 3 games at the World Cup Finals. Disappointing, certainly - Michael Ribbeck managing that only tally. It’s time for the forward line to prove that that was simply a blip, a fluke. It starts with Ribbeck, who has had an incredible record for his country and has always loved the AOCAF tournament particularly. If he’s firing on all cylinders again, the Goldhorns can go far. Johannes Mandl had a brilliant year as Felsenkirchen captured the league title, he was the Republikaliga Golden Ball winner as well. His record for his country looks otherworldly, but realistically, it’ll settle down as he earns more caps - that debut hat-trick contributing to his great numbers. Still, Mandl is a solid option up front for this team. Krasimir Kynev earns the third place in the squad, but it’s an interesting time in his career. He’s slumped a bit over the last little while, and with a plethora of good forwards dying for a place in this team - and one itching to take his place at Olympia Borograd as well in Denis Dezelac - he’ll need to pick his form back up as soon as possible. Now is the time to do so, especially with some rotation expected amongst the forward line in the group stage.

Starting XI: Heuser; Steimle, Klopfer, Jager, Vesele; Mihailov, Kramer, Dimitrov; Kogler, Tauscher, Ribbeck

Set Pieces

Free Kicks: Viktor Dimitrov, Thorsten Kramer, Lukas Tauscher
Penalties: Michael Ribbeck, Thorsten Kramer, Lukas Tauscher, Mario Kogler, Todor Mihailov

Kits

The home kit will be gold with black lettering and a black collar. It will feature black shorts as well as gold and black socks. The away kit will be white with gold lettering and a gold collar. It will feature gold shorts as well as white and gold socks. The goalkeeper kit will be green with gold lettering and a gold collar. It will feature green shorts as well as green and gold socks.

RP Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Choose Scoring Events: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y, I determine length/severity
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: N (TG me if you want to discuss something, however)

Group and Schedule

The Goldhorns have been drawn into Group B for the AOCAF, as the group’s second seed. With them in the group are Farfadillis, the Busoga Islands, Freeport, Semarland and Maccian. Farfadillis were the winners of World Cup 84, and the matchup on matchday 5 will be the first-ever meeting between the Southwestern countries at the international level. The Busoga Islands make up another Southwestern challenge for the Goldhorns to face, and the teams have played 3 times. The Goldhorns defeated Busoga at AOCAF 57 in the first game of Gavin Hughes’ reign, while Busoga beat the Goldhorns twice in the group stage of AOCAF 59. Freeport are an opponent the Goldhorns have faced twice, as the sides were drawn together in World Cup 82 Qualifiers. The Goldhorns, however, took both matchups. Semarland and Maccian will be new faces for the national team, having never faced the Goldhorns at this level. Here is the full schedule of the national team’s campaign at AOCAF 61, hosted by another Southwestern nation, Equestria.

Matchday 1: Siovanija & Teusland vs Semarland
Matchday 2: Busoga Islands vs Siovanija & Teusland
Matchday 3: Siovanija & Teusland vs Maccian
Matchday 4: Freeport vs Siovanija & Teusland
Matchday 5: Siovanija & Teusland vs Farfadillis

We’ll have complete coverage as the Goldhorns seek to go further than before at AOCAF 61. Come on you Goldhorns!