International Football Cup 2 - Everything Thread

by **Squidroidia** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:09 pm

International Football Cup - Squidroidia 2

Welcome to the place where old veterans of the game come up against the up and comers, for some the first competitive football competition in their careers in NS Sport - The 2nd International Football Cup, live from Squidroidia.

Groups
NOTE: Group order was randomized for all spots except Squidroidia's

Group A
Squidroidia
Muralos
The Jovannic
Crystalline Caverns

Group B
Murphtannia
Quemorr Isles
HUElavia
Sylestone

Group C
Daehwi
Hebitaka
Indusse
Tikariot

Group D
Central Shaneville
Free Ravensburg
Megistos
ZSeparatists

Schedule
October 20th: Matchdays 1 (1v4, 2v3) and 2 (4v3, 1v2)
October 22nd: Matchday 3 (2v4, 3v1)
October 25th - Quarter-finals (A1 v B2, B1 v C2, C1 v D2, D1 v A2)
October 27th - Semi-finals
October 29th - 3rd place match and Final
Cutoffs will be between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM EDT

Links
IFC 2 Signups
IFC Rankings
World Cup rankings (KPB)
IFC 1 Everything Thread

by **Squidroidia** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:10 pm

About Squidroidia

Squidroidia is a nation that was founded in 2017 after the multi-month Apocalypse of Inkopolis, which severely destroyed the nation of Inkhalla. In IC terms Squidroidia is in the year 2023, having just come off of a semi-final appearance in the Twicetagrien Football Invitational. Squidroidia is in many ways a dictatorship, ruled by Inkling Higa Takanori, but over the last few years he has relaxed his policies, allowing Inklings to play football in Squidroidia as well as improving the economic situation.

Squidroidia is a tourist hotspot, known for its capital Inkopolis and the numerous beaches that dot the coast of the nation. The country has a top flight league, the Squidroidian Super League, made up of 9 clubs that partake in IFCF and FFI competitions. The Squidroidian Cup is the nation's cup competition, competed by not only Super League clubs, but Challenge League sides and 2 teams from the amateur system. This is the first international football tournament the nation has hosted, although it did have some notoriety as the County Stadium in Calamari County hosted IFCF Challengers Cup group stage matches in 2021 when the local team, the Calamari Wanderers, made the Challengers Cup group stage.

Other than football, the top sports Squidroidians play are lacrosse, sepak takraw, gridiron football, hockey, tennis and basketball in that order. There is a domestic lacrosse league, the Squidroidian Lacrosse Premier League, a domestic sepak takraw league, known as the Squidroidia Sepak Takraw Champions, and a domestic hockey league, the SHL. Squidroidia has also had representation in the NationStates Tennis Tour, or NSTT, most notably having one unseeded player beat the 4 seed at the Mercidinian Open round of 32.

Group A - Inkopolis

Inkopolis City Stadium - 50,000 capacity

The Inkopolis City Stadium, otherwise known as the Championship Grounds for hosting the Squidroidian association football championship for the 2017-18 and 2019 seasons, is the largest stadium in Squidroidia, being home of local club Inkopolis FC and Squidroidian national team home games. The stadium has its own Squidroidian Blue seats as it's controlled by the Squidroidian Football Association (SFA), and has hosted numerous other events, being the Squidroidian Cup Final, numerous SLPL games and Squidroidian national gridiron football team games during World Bowls XXXIX and XL. The first ever Squidroidian national team game? A 3-1 win against Sharktail.

Games
Group A - Squidroidia vs Crystalline Caverns, Squidroidia vs Muralos, The Jovannic vs Squidroidia
Semi-Final 2 - Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
International Football Cup 2 Final

Tower Stadium - 22,142 capacity

Known more locally as Tower Park, the Tower Stadium is home of the Real Squidroid CF football team and is the second biggest stadium in Inkopolis, behind Inkopolis City. It serves as the venue for the Squidroidian Lacrosse Premier League Final and even though the local team hasn't had much to celebrate other than the 2020 Squidroidian Cup, the atmosphere is still one of the most intense in the country. Located a stones throw away from the tourist trap that is Inkopolis Tower, the stadium is a local treasure. Just don't ask Inkopolis FC supporters.

Games
Group A - Muralos vs The Jovannic, Crystalline Caverns vs The Jovannic, Muralos vs Crystalline Caverns
Semi-Final 1 - Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
3rd Place Match

Group B - Calamari County

County Stadium - 27,830 capacity

The home of the Calamari Wanderers, County Stadium has its own charm that has been reverberating ever since the local team's Challengers Cup group stage qualification. At the time the 3rd biggest stadium in Squidroidia, County Stadium hosted 3 Challengers Cup Group Stage games - A 2-1 win against Sterling City United of Darmen, a 3-1 loss to Savojar outfit Lokomotive Jarnstad, and a Squidroidian club's 3rd ever win against Euraleague opposition, a 3-2 win against Ulsa. It too has hosted some Squidroidian Lacrosse Premier League games.

Games
Group B - All games
Quarter-Final 2 - B1 v C2

Group C - Newton

Newton Nuclear Stadium - 35,000 capacity

Newton Nuclear Stadium, along with the entire city of Newton, was built after Squidroidia's 5th place finish in their World Cup 86 qualification group. The home of the upcoming Newton Pulsars association football team, the stadium is entirely nuclear powered like the city, hence its name. As such it's one of the cleanest stadiums, if not the cleanest, in the nation. It hopes to also host the Squidroidian Cup semi-finals. The stadium is also the second biggest in Squidroidia, taking that honor from the Squidroidia Armed Forces Park.

Games
Group C - All games
Quarter-Final 3 - C1 v D2

Group D - Midnight and Sawayama

Darkness Stadium - 17,301 capacity

Home of the now second division Midnight Soccer Club, Darkness Stadium is a rowdy place when the local team does good. Per club traditions, the stadium is usually open until midnight, but due to the IFC it will run limited hours to make sure nobody gets too tipsy.

Games
Group D - Free Ravensburg vs Megistos, Central Shaneville vs Free Ravemsburg, Free Ravensburg vs ZSeparatists
Quarter-Final 1 - A1 v B2

Tractor Arena - 18,000 capacity

Tractor Arena in the heart of Sawayama is one of the most green stadiums in the country. Home to Super League outfit Tractor Club Sawayama, Tractor Arena is known for the amount of haybales that dot the stadium, usually for celebration purposes, but it also has a farm, one that reflects the farming spirit of the town of Sawayama. The crops are used to make food in the stadium, mostly vegetables.

Games
Group D - Central Shaneville vs ZSeparatists, ZSeparatists vs Megistos, Megistos vs Central Shaneville
Quarter-Final 4 - D1 v A2

by **Sylestone** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:16 pm

Nickname: The Sentients
Style Modifier: -4
Formation: 5-3-2
RP allowances: Godmodding is encouraged. No more than two red cards or three yellows.

Home Kit:

Away Kit:

Big shout out to Ziwana for making this kit. Despite Sylestone's national side being Appliances, there have been complaints from the public about not having a kit, so we have taken that into account.

Brick Wall
Position: Goalkeeper
About: The Brick Wall is quite literally a Brick Wall in the goals, stopping almost every shot. However, his dimensions are far off the dimensions of a soccer goal, so goals still go in as he shuffled around.
Dirty Tactics: Ramming into the occasional striker who dribbles the ball towards him instead of just shooting.

Ironing Board
Position: Defender
About: The Ironing Board is well known across Sylestone for his brilliant defence and his ability to stop almost every dribbling striker in their tracks.
Dirty Tactics: Used his flexible legs to stop the ball from passing through the defence and uses his iron to warn off opposing strikers with its heat.

Dishwasher
Position: Defender
About: The Dishwasher is an interesting character in the Sylestonean defence. His large body stops a lot of balls from going into the goalmouth.
Dirty Tactics: Speed water everywhere in the defence, especially in the second half, which bogs the playing field, stopping many offensive moves in their tracks.

Tumble Dryer
Position: Striker
About: One of Sylestone’s main two strikers, the Tumble Dryer is a brilliant but inaccurate goal scorer for the Sylestonean side. One to watch.
Dirty Tactics: Spins the ball around in his Dryer and flings it at the goal. Also shuts the machine and carries the ball inside it.

Washing Machine
Position: Defender
About: Another large sentient object in the defence, the Washing Machine is once again, another player who stops many offensives with his large body.
Dirty Tactics: Is basically a combination of the Dishwasher and Tumble Dryer. Spews water everywhere and flings the ball out of himself at odd angles.

Sofa
Position: Defender
About: Sylestone's defence is full of their largest sentient athletes and the Sofa is the largest of them. His defence has been the best all tournament and he runs the backline. A lot will be reliant on him if Sylestone are to get a respectable result this tournament.
Dirty Tactics: Can speak into the minds of opposition, giving them a feeling of wanting to sit down and relax.

Fridge:
Position: Midfielder
About: Another large object, but this time it is located in Sylestone's midfield. He is the king of dirty tactics and runs opponents down with his buff body. Easily the most laughable of all of the Sylestonean Appliances.
Dirty Tactics: Has many of them, most of which can't be named. His main one is shutting his door and running towards the goal with the ball inside. Others include his super-appliance jumping skills and cold breath.

Bar Stool
Position: Midfielder
About: If the Fridge is the dirtiest, the Bar Stool is the cheekiest. He doesn't have any of his own dirty tactics, but he "allies" with another object and uses them to perform his own. Definitely an unpredictable character and one to watch out for.
Dirty Tactics: One of his tactics is to be the one who kicks the ball inside the Fridge when he goes off on his run. He also stands on other objects to reach high balls.

Drawer
Position: Defender
About: One of Sylestone's lesser defenders, the Drawer is quite a stationary object in the defence. He stands in your road and doesn't let you past and is more of a sweeper. Still, a force to be reckoned with, though.
Dirty Tactics: Keeps the ball in one of his chests when they are doing well so the opposition has a lesser chance of scoring.

Stove:
Position: Midfielder
About: I always thought a Stove without pots and pans would be useless, but it isn't so. This stove has a couple of sneaky tricks up his sleeve and is certainly one of the Sylestonean players the opposition midfielders need to deal with sooner rather than later.
Dirty Tactics: Makes the air really hot around him, as opposed to the Fridge.

Mixer
Position: Striker
About: Arguably Sylestone's most valuable player, the Mixer is a star dribbler and striker. His goal scoring ratio isn't so great and that is mainly the Tumble Dryer's job, but he is the one that actually gets the ball to that point. However, he is quite unpredictable and sometimes his dribbling skills go horribly wrong, especially considering the ball is about the size of his body.
Dirty Tactics:
Weaves in and out of defenders with his tiny size and amazing dribbling skills. Gets unplugged a bit too often, though.

Reserves:
Table - Goalkeeper
Spiderwebs - Midfielder
Toilet - Defender

Staff:
Manager: Toilet
Coach: Toaster

National Team Stats:
All-time record: 26 wins, 20 draws, 57 losses
Largest Win: Sylestone 5-1 Megistos (pre CoH 77)
Largest Loss: Busoga Islands 5-1 Sylestone (CoH 77)
First Game: Sylestone 0-0 Pangurstan (BoF 72)
First Win: Sylestone 3-1 Floyssau (BoF 72)

OOC:
Note that this tournament takes place after the Twicetagrian Football Invitational, which is after the CoH. The Rabastor Unity Trophy is in the middle of those two competitions.

by **Indusse** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 11:18 pm

INDUSSE NATIONAL TEAM

Manager/Coach: Joseph Mouteudi
Sponsors: Fiarti Automobiles
Trigamme: INS
Players in camp: 18

SQUAD

GK 1 Steve leghourn *
GK 34 Akbar ali
DF 6 Sampath Singh Aksinwala *
DF 13 Mathias Paulson *
DF 4 Aaron Mcmuller *
DF 86 George Horsehood
DF 69 Sadin-al-kharushi
MD 16 Xing-hong-taw
MD 9 Alexis Budtedjson *
MD 14 Djetson Hasle*
MD 13 Raman Sreevastva
FD 10 Baskar H Kumar (c) *
FD 7 Bechun butea *
FD 11 Antonio Mersias *
FD Kishen Rajpoot
MD 99 Rana Mrityunjai Singh
MD 8 Abdul Khaseem *
DF 41 Gregor Tempetson

* An Asterisk indicates the playing 11.

KITS

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
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: No

by **Crystalline Caverns** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:35 am

Crystalline Caverns
"Anyone want some wolves?"
Roster
Goalkeepers
- Dungren Clerk
- Clovis Terrano
- Sekar Sersiuppe
Defenders
- Josceline Arik 
- Umber Rockwater
- Vanamo Starkeysa 
- Lorian Spokes
- Austin Timour
- Fjordham Alsein
Midfielders
- Dan Castellini (C) 
- Balint Tovnia 
- Pendlewick Kelsiheit 
- Etzel Zircon 
- Neo Dortmund 
- Cosimo Planetaris
- Czechzan Balansis
Strikers
- Landen Smoker 
- Seffora Phirestone 
- Bituin Coinicus
- Opheliet Nandris
Coaching Staff
- Gaston Rolf (Head Manager still, somehow)
- Line the Wolf (Assistant Manager)
Starting XI
Kits (Brought to you by the kit sponsor I forgot the name of from Kita-Hinode)
Other Info
Style: -4
Nickname: The Frostac Wolves (Or just anything ice-related, really)
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
- Choose my goalscorers: Yes
- Godmod scoring events: Yes (The crazier, the better!)
- RP injuries to my players: Get my ok first, then we'll talk injuries ;3
- Godmod injuries to my players: See above
- Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
- Hand out red cards to my players: TG for approval
- Godmod other events: As long as you aren't killing my people, you should be good.

by **Hebitaka** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 1:47 am

Hebitaka National Team

This is the first Major international competition for Hebitaka. The team has send 18 players to Squidroidia and we are hoping a good result.

RP allowed:

Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes(Up to 3)
Godmod other events: No

Style modify:-1

Playing Eleven:

Formation:4-3-3

GK: Warren Davis(C)
Age: 33
Team: Blasters
Playstyle: Stay and Keepdown

RB: Farid Farhan
Age: 23
Team: Athletic Club
Playstyle: Traditional Stamina and Power play

CB: Takeshi Kazuto
Age: 20
Team: Demolishers
Playstyle: Speed play and Slide Tackles

CB: Rohit Talukdar
Age: 25
Team: Giants
Playstyle: Highly Disciplined and co ordinated game

LB: Baldev Tiltankara
Age: 27
Team: Athletic Club
Playstyle: Modern skill and Speed play

RM: Nakamura
Age: 29
Team: Blasters
Playstyle: Traditional Stamina conservation play

CM: James Losh
Age: 31
Team: Warriors
Playstyle: Long ball

LM: Krishanu Ramesh Ravi
Age: 29
Team: Daredevils
Playstyle: Moderate passing and Dribble

CF: Nitin Masake
Age: 26
Team: Cheetahs
Playstyle: Stamina and Flank Pass

ST: Ram Vijay
Age: 27
Team: Athletic Club
Playstyle: Skill and Swing Shot

CF: Tarun Masake
Age: 28
Team: Demolishers
Playstyle: Power and Flank Long pass

Subs

Jim Roney(ST)
Karan Raziq(RM)
Wazir Fareem(CM)
Chahar Rai(LM)
Hari Sur(RB)
Nasae Matoko(CB)
Ganesh Tinnu(GK)

Personels:
Coach: Ravi Heera
Manager(Asst.): Hiroshi Sumoto

by **Megistos** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:45 am

Megistian Football Association

Formation: 4-3-3
Head Coach: Maximilien Martinez
Tactics:
He plans to play a counter-attacking 4-3-3, with the RW and LW supposed to go more central to let the RB and LB attack and cross. Defensively, Lam will cover the players that have the ball, and the person who is supposed to mark him marks him essentially double-teaming him.
Assistant Coach: Javi Mentes
Nickname: The Kids
Style Mod: -2

Starting XI

Becks - Goalkeeper - 18
18 Apps - 0 Goals - 1 Assists - 38 Goals Allowed - 5 Clean Sheets
A great goalkeeper, Becks is a young talent that is speedy and has quick reflexes. Expect the defense to be controlled by Becks, as well as the midfield, as he's quick to spot a chance through Cringan or Lukovic

Fran - Left Back - 25
18 Apps - 2 Goals - 7 Assists - 98.2% PR
Fran is a quick and lean left back who'll do anything to get the ball. Expect plays to start from him, as he's also a great backup midfielder and attacker, so he has the attacking abilities as well

Sears - Center Back - 28
16 Apps - 0 Goals - 0 Assists - 73.7% PR
Sears is a bulky, but unfortunately slow defender who'll be the 2nd goalkeeper when making goal-line clearances and important deflections.

Fri - Center Back - 17
16 Apps - 0 Goals - 0 Assists - 83.9% PR
Fri is the defender who'll support the midfield but never go too high up the field, the attacker who stays in the defensive zones, and the defender who stops great chances. Yeah, say hello to Fri, a man who'll you'll probably never get a goal from a header from if you are marked by him.

Williams - Right Back - 18
18 Apps - 1 Goals - 0 Assists - 91.5% PR
A speedy and tall player, Williams will often start the counter-attack passing to Cringan. He's also can play CB, so he can be a replacement. Williams can also header balls into the net, being 6 feet 3.

Lukovic - Left Attacking Midfielder - 17
18 Apps - 3 Goals - 4 Assists - 95.4% PR
Lukovic is a speedy player who has netted in many goals. He was a absolute star on the field in the SWC 11, carrying the Megistian side along with Robertson and Co. to the semis. Watch out, he's also a star goalscorer and if you put him as striker the young duo of Robertson and Lukovic will be almost unstoppable

Lam - Center Mid - 29
18 Apps - 3 Goals - 4 Assists - 98.9% PR
Lam is arguably the best player on the Megistian side, having the skills of a midfielder, the attacking position of a attacker, and the defensive mind of a defender, as well as having experience in both international and club football (Quetquios SC, Andrimiana CF). Expect him to be the best player on the pitch for this side.

Jorgensen - Center Mid - 18
18 Apps - 1 Goals - 0 Assists - 72.1% PR
Jorgenson is another young talent with training and experience, and being the captain of the squad going into the SWC 11, he's not afraid to be the vice-captain behind Lam. Expect him to be the one who runs slowly on the attack and gets the balls from the edge of the box.

Howard - Center Mid - 18
17 Apps - 0 Goals - 2 Assists - 72.1% PR
Howard is a slow but clinical player, and he's the one who'll be the backbone of the midfield. Expect players to run past him but not with the ball. Instead, the ball would be at Howard's feet.

Cringan - Right Attacking Midfielder - 19
18 Apps - 1 Goals - 4 Assists - 81.7% PR
A speedy player, Cringan will run and cut inside for the curler of a cross or shot. One of the fastest players ever, he could have decided to switch his career to track, but he decided to go with his heart and go for soccer.

Robertson - Striker - 19
18 Apps - 15 Goals - 1 Assists - 88.8% PR
The goalscorer of the squad, he takes the penalties, and he's the clinical striker that never wastes his chances. Expect him to be playing up high and press.

The home, away and third kits were made by Lightmatter, special thanks to them.

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
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: No

by **Muralos** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:50 am

About Muralos
Muralos is a cosmopolitan collection of islands located in the corner of the Far East: RL’s Sakhalin and Kuril Islands. It is home to a population of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and indigenous (Ainu and Nivkh) origins. The official language of Muralos is Esperanto- a language designed to be universal and easy to learn- but the population is exceptionally multilingual, with each citizen knowing an average of 4 languages.

The Muralosian National Football Team
(also known as the Hawks, after Muralos’ national animal, the Muralosian Hawk)

The Muralosian national soccer team represents Muralos in association football (or soccer, as it is called in Muralos’ former region Asian Archipelago). It is controlled by the Muralosian Soccer Association, the governing body for soccer in Muralos. Muralos' home ground is the Komcatt Arena in the capital city of Urbego, and its current coach is Jozefo Koltakov, former striker for CSKA Urbego and later Muralosian national team captain.

Kits
Unusually, the Muralosian national football team elects to use one kit with the national colors of Muralos.

Diagram of player positions for reference

Roster
The Muralosian roster has not changed in the past four years, save for the addition of reserves. The players were quite young when they joined the roster in 2016, and are now tried-and-true forces. All of them were key to Muralos’ success the 16-team Asian Archipelago Embassy Cup in summer 2016, and they have remained active in Muralos’ premier domestic soccer league, as well as international friendly matches.

Starting Lineup of the Muralosian National Football Team

#1 Rodion Markov - Goalkeeper - as part of the U-20 Muralosian squad, he was nicknamed "the Prophet" for his formidable accuracy in guessing the direction of penalty kicks and capability to pass very wide, "seeing beyond" any obstacles.
#2 Ryo Takeda - Right back - the only team member with Ainu ancestry and hailed as a symbol of Muralosian diversity and Esperantism. (Of course, he is also a great player in his own right.)
#4 Aleksandro Kim - Center back - born in Kurilo of Korean descent, Kim moved to Urbego at the age of 13 to attend Urbego's Zamenhof High School and was part of the team that won the FIS, Muralos' premier high school championship, in 2008.
#5 Rikardo Lei - Center back - his grandparents were Fengjieans who were doctors during the Muralosian Civil War. (Unfortunately, the nation of Fengjie ceased to exist.) Exceptionally strong defender who played a very large role in the Asian Archipelago Regional Cup, most notably in the match against Elbaron in which the Hawks won 2-1.
#3 Koralo Petrov - Left back - another player who rose to fame through an FIS championship. Makes very wide passes and is regarded as a good team player.
#6 Mikhail Zheng - Left midfield - part of the same FIS-winning team as Aleksandro Kim. Had a brief stint playing in the Premier League of Li Qing (now the Confederation of Australian States) before returning to become a member of the Hawks.
#7 Johano Abramovich - Center midfield - Formidable dribbling skills, also the leader in assists during the Asian Archipelago Regional Cup. Jokingly dubbed "the creative type" by coach Koltakov, Abramovich is known for his long-range, curved shots, which proved useful in Muralos' 7-4 victory against Li Qing in early 2016.
#8 Nikolaj Granda - Center midfield - No relation to Walter Granda, who represents Muralos in professional tennis. Despite what his last name may suggest, Granda is a rather petite player. At only 5'7", his shorter stature allows him to be more agile and less injury-prone compared to taller opponents.
#11 Vilhelmo Lumin - Right midfield - a cum laude graduate of Urbego National University, where he played in the Muralosian University League, Lumin made his first international appearance as a substitute player during the Asian Archipelago Regional Cup. Following the retirement of veteran Klaus Sverov, however, he joined the starting lineup in Muralos' match against New Zhengguo in the Embassy Cup.
#9 Rui - Striker - Born Rui Zhang, he changed his name legally to Rui in July 2014. Remarkably fast and shoots penalties with good accuracy. One of the more underrated members of the team.
#10 Adamo Brava - Striker - the 25-year-old team captain, widely considered to be the star player of the Muralosian team and an answer to some premier overseas soccer players. Despite his status, however, he is also known for his maturity and humility, often representing the Muralosian team in interviews and awards ceremonies.

Reserves of the Muralosian National Soccer Team
This list will be updated in time.

#30 Daniel "Lerta" Donaldson - Left midfield - played for Zamenhof High School and made major contributions to their semifinal and runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2019, he enrolled at the Havenurbo Institute of Technology, where he studies mathematics and plays for the soccer team – reigning University League champions. In the summer of 2020, he was invited to practice with the Muralosian national team, becoming the second African-Muralosian player in the team's history and the youngest player on the current squad.
#21 Georgo Zhong - Center midfield - a current teammate of Lerta Donaldson at Havenurbo Tech and an economics major there. While a student at Nord-Urbo High School, he scored a hat-trick against Urbego High School, securing Nord-Urbo's first FIS qualification in 10 years.)

Style Modifier and RP Permissions
Style modifier: +2

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
- Choose my goalscorers: Yes
- Godmod scoring events: No
- RP injuries to my players: Yes
- Godmod injuries to my players: No
- Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
- Hand out red cards to my players: Telegram first. (This Muralosian squad isn’t infallible, but they have been pretty sportsmanlike through the years.)
- Godmod other events: No

by **Central Shaneville** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:47 am

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Its been almost 2 years since Central Shaneville last faced off with other nations at any sport however they are back and will return at the 2nd International Football Cup tournament this was confirmed by Central Shaneville representatives last night and the Shanevilleans are buzzing about returning to the international football scene with manager Jay Bucks hoping for a good run.

The Team
The team remains somewhat unchanged from their Independents Cup 5 campaign from a few years ago however a load of new talent have come through so this side is relatively young compared to before the nation's hiatus another thing to consider with Central Shaneville is the team's possible fatigue as the football team have been putting in constant training for this tournament.

The Lineup for Central Shaneville:
COACH/MANAGER: Jay Bucks
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Cam Meister
PHYSIO/DOCTOR: Stephen Hyde
TYPICAL FORMATION: 4-4-2

MAIN LINEUP
GK - James Penford
LB - Luke Graham
CB - Danny Weaire
CB - Anthony Wessels
RB - Brandon Ekins
CAM - Danny Staniar
CAM - Shane Wray
LW - Spencer Owen
RW - Sam Wray
ST - David Vujanic
ST - Josh Smith

RESERVES/SUBS
GK - Jordan Berry
D - Zach Demou
D - Lewis Young
D - Tommy Vance
M - Daniel Cutting
M - Olly Kenyon
M - Jeff Shreeves
F - Taylor Anderson
F - Owain Cottam

Players to watch out for are the new defenders - Luke Graham, Danny Weaire, Zach Demou and Lewis Young as they join the established Central Shaneville lineup this new defense is seen as a bold move by manager Jay Bucks to bring some new talent from the Central Shaneville academy into the tournament.

Up front, David Vujanic and Josh Smith return - nations that faced Central Shaneville in the Independents Cup a few years ago were always cautious when facing these two men as their attacks can be devastating to an opponent some people even say its what got Central Shaneville out of its group in its first attempt that tournament, Smith is known for his long shots whilst Vujanic prefers a more technical approach this variety is good but can lead to a few arguments sometimes between attackers and defenders.

Now you know the players to a level, the manager Jay Bucks is of Australian decent and this shows as when things dont go the way he likes on the pitch he tends to shout and get fired up on the touchline the Shaneville fans however love his commitment and respect for the nation as his personality on the touchline has gained a cult following in itself.

Now you know the team and the manager, its time to see what this tournament has to offer for Central Shaneville.

RP allowed:

Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
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: No

Style modify:+3

by **Squidroidia** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:34 am

IC post edited to hold stadium and games information.

by **HUElavia** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 11:11 am

HUElavia National Football Team

Uniforms: https://imgur.com/gallery/6McjCcx

Style: +1.5

Squad:
Goalkeepers-
#1 Ricardo Patricio-Leite (26 Years Old) (1.82 m)
#12 Heleneda Tran (23 Years Old) (1.70 m)
#23 Gabriel Vannier (21 Years Old) (1.86 m)

Defenders-
#2 Manuel Mendieta (24 Years Old) (1.80 m) (CB)
#3 Carolina Almeida (25 Years Old) (1.70 m) (CB)
#4 Chiyun Pae (20 Years Old) (1.65 m) (LB-RB)
#5 Joao Coelho (26 Years Old) (1.81 m) (RB-LB)
#12 Ivan Akinfeev (24 Years Old) (1.83 m) (LB-RB)
#15 Giuseppe D'Aquila (25 Years Old) (1.84 m) (CB)
#18 Helena Castro Bitencourt (23 Years Old) (1.75 m) (CB)
#22 Saori Kawasumi (26 Years Old) (1.68 m) (RB-LB)

Midfielders-
#6 Maria Sakaguchi (26 Years Old) (1.64 m) (CM-AM)
#8 Rafael Almeida (26 Years Old) (1.82 m) (CM-AM)
#10 Aurora Conti (26 Years Old) (1.76 m) (DM-CM)
#14 Mathieu Guilbert (20 Years Old) (1.78 m) (DM-CM-AM)
#16 Xinto Colombres (25 Years Old) (1.82 m) (CM-AM)
#19 Emilia Leblanc (25 Years Old) (1.60 m) (DM-CM-AM)

Attackers-
#7 Rosario Villca (24 Years Old) (1.60 m) (LW-RW)
#9 Bruno Moutinho-Figo (23 Years Old) (1.88 m) (ST-CF)
#11 Samuel Sissoko (26 Years Old) (1.80 m) (RW-LW)
#17 Rafael Savedra (20 Years Old) (1.70 m) (LW-RW)
#20 Melissa Leite-Reis (29 Years Old) (1.65 m) (CF-ST)
#21 Gabriela Tiong Belleza (21 Years Old) (1.54 m) (RW-LW)

Formation:
4-2-3-1

Starting XI:
1 Patricio-Leite
5 Coelho, 2 Mendieta, 18 Bittencourt, 4 Pae
6 Sakaguchi, 10 Conti
11 Sissoko, 10 Almeida, 7 Villca
9 Moutinho

Roles-
Captain: Coelho
Vice-Captain: Conti
Free-Kicks: Conti, Savedra, Sakaguchi
Penalties: Moutinho, Conti
Corners: Conti, Sakaguchi

Head Coach:
Estela Garcia Kimura (39 Years Old)

Assistant Coaches:
Diana Zanetti Linhares (40 Years Old), Gilbert Guilbert (42 Years Old)

(For B-Team squad, switch all players with their back up counterpart)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
RP scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y, but nothing too serious
Give red cards to my players: Y, but please send me a TG or message via discord about what it is
Godmod other events: Y

by **Quemorr Isles** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 2:30 pm

Quemorr Isles is a tiny archipelago located in the region of Sonnel and is mostly underwater. The islands themselves are basically uninhabited as the residents swarm the oceans. Many of these creatures are sentient fish, coming through the portal from outside Kirkham, Sylestone, to establish a new life here in stunning Sonnel. The Quemorr Isles have now decided to form their own national football team. This side has been sent to Squidroidia for the second International Football Cup. It is as follows:

Goalkeepers:
Blue Whale
Ocean Sunfish

Defenders:
Whale Shark
Barramundi
Tuna
Reef Shark
Green Turtle
Bottlenose Dolphin
Humpback Whale

Midfielders:
Basking Shark
Box Jellyfish
Clownfish
A big fat swarm of plankton
Beaked Sea Snake

Forwards:
Great White Shark
Piranha
Sailfish
Manta Ray
Swordfish
Megalodon
Pufferfish

Style Mod: +5
RP Permissions: Do whatever you want, just don't kill them. That would be sad.
Formation: 4-2-4

by **Crystalline Caverns** » Sun Oct 18, 2020 2:24 am

We're Where Now?

INKOPOLIS:: Six months ago, our pridefully mediocre band of ball-kicking misfits were all tragically injured with minor scrapes and bruises after a tunnel to the above world caved in on them as they tried to participate in the World Cup Qualifiers. Fortunately, the only casualties were the players' hopes and dreams (and to an extent, assistant manager Bjork Bjork, who left football to pursue being a DJ in Islana Lunigo). Who needs the World Cup, anyways? It always ends with a bunch of AO teams choking in the semi-finals, while non-AO teams choke in the finals. Whatever, we've got our single domestic trophy, we're happy. In fact, we're so happy that we're sending our team of wannabe football weebs to a squid-savvy dictatorship in Europe to play in the 2nd International Football Cup! What? Just because we're underground doesn't mean these guys aren't able to get hypothermia at alarming speeds.

But yeah, the Frostac Wolves, or whatever they are nowadays, travelled earlier this week to the Dominion of Squidroidia, an authoritarian tourist destination named after the very beings that had destroyed the society before them (Talk about history being written by the victors, great googly moogly). The country is led by a, uh, person? known as Higa Takanori, a humanized inkling hellbent on discriminating against his own kind like they made fun of his shoes when he was twelve or something. Despite the implications from the nation's name, inklings only make up 10% of the total population and can't really do anything related to this tournament, other than watch maybe. So let's turn a blind eye to them and focus on why we paid tax dollars to ship our nobodies up there!

The International Football Cup is a relatively new tournament initially organized by officials in Megistos, though the nation itself has never hosted it. In its first edition, a mere 6 squads showed up in Sylestone to compete, with Tikariot gently slapping the sentient appliances in front of their own fans(?) to win the cup. Since then, both finalists have had their moments in the spotlight, with the latter nearly qualifying first go for the World Cup and the former co-hosting the ongoing Cup of Harmony with the only place home to flammable Esportivans, Ethane. Of course, neither of them actually matter for us at the moment, since they were both drawn into other groups that will only come back to bite us if we land on their utilities. Unlike the small scale of the first IFC, the tournament we decided to invest in contains 16 competing teams, enough teams to drive in a country that has banned any private transportation. While all the big, scary countries with multiple World Cup trophies decided they should focus more on regionals than this tournament (nerds), that doesn't mean there's no competition here, especially with the involvement of HUElavia, the only known team in this thing to have qualified for the World Cup. Though again, we don't play them, so who in Crystalline Caverns cares about their imminent domination?

While other squads have to play in less-governmenty cities, our Cavernsmen (and women and wolf) get to live it up in the capital of Squidroidia, Inkopolis, site of Group A, the semis, and the games after the semis, I forgot and am too lazy to just look up what they're called. Of course, what better way for our team to introduce themselves to a potentially hazardous authoritarian country than by playing against their very team in the tournament's opening match! Yep, six months of two-week recovery time for our losers has ended with them playing against the Squidroidian National Team for Game 1. Unfortunately for the Crystalline side, Squidroidia has been discovered to be good, finishing third in their Baptism of Fire and are in contention to win whatever that tournament is Twicetagria is. If that wasn't concerning, then the fact one of their players just got picked up by an Audioslavian club should be. Seriously, Audio-freaking-slavia, how much of a flex is that? We'll get to meet this Shamrock-worthy team at the Inkopolis City Stadium, clearly seen as the chad alpha stadium in the city compared to its equally-loved counterpart, Tower Stadium. All of Squidroidia's games (and ONLY Squidroidia's games) will be held here, so Gaston Rolf and all them need to conform themselves there for only the first match before going elsewhere.

In addition to the opening match against the hosts, the permafrost submergers get to play against The Jovannic and Muralos before the country forcibly yeets half the teams from its borders. While not much is known about the latter, The Jovannic has been seen making an occasional splash; at least, at the Olympics, where they won silver in football, among others. Will they be a threat? I dunno, but our guys know how to professionally flop, so anything's possible!

Now buy our stuff

by **Hebitaka** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:32 am

Hebitaka's game

Hebitaki people have been the fans of football for a long time. They have been supporting the other national teams during world cups, CoH and BoF, and it had been a dream for the population to see their national team play against other countries. And IFC gave Hebitaka the chance to play the first international game. "We will try our best to win this gamen against Indusse and gain more experience" said Heera. The country has good relations with Indusse and is expecting a tough match. According to our Predictions, the first match is going to be in the side of Indusse by score difference of 2 or more.

Other notable Matches

Looking at the other matches we have an opening game between Squidroidia and the Crystalline Caverns. The game is expected a victory for the Hosts by a score difference of 1. Apart from that the match between HEUlavia and the Quemorr along with the Sylostone playing the Murphtannia will a game to watch on the TV. We are looking Forward to the games very much. Let it ROCKK!

by **Third ZSeparatists** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:22 am

Team: ZSeparatists
Nickname: Red Devils
Formation: 2-3-5
Style: +5
Players:(Substitutes in Red)
Goalkeepers:
Keeper #12 Zadanpa Zaloka
Keeper #23 Zandalok Zambaka (Substitute)
Fullbacks:
Fullback #4 Banazdba Goladkm
Fullback #5 Lasajkl Zanaka
Fullback #2 Lababar Sakmdn (Substitute)
Fullback #3 Mandkl Olamda (Substitute)
Midfielders:
Left Midfielder #6 Ludnslay Ckam
Center Midfielder #8 Jovan Metzger
Right Midfielder #16 Igor Zadama
Right Midfielder #14 Merko Oneal (Substitute)
Left Midfielder #15 Cljasdk Manamas (Substitute)
Right Midfielder #17 Randus Salakz (Substitute)
Right Midfielder #18 Danica Kodas (Substitute)
Forwards:
Left Forward #24 Zimbolia Opakla
Center Forward #22 Makut Timbuc
Center Forward #10 Dimitrije Gaston
Center Forward #21 Lamba Olkalia
Right Forward #9 Zora Tipton

Left Forward #19 Alanda Rakaldian (Substitute)
Center Forward #11 Igor Adam (Substitute)
Center Forward #7 Lazar Stiles (Substitute)
Right Forward #13 Danica Oliver (Substitute)

Kit:
HOME AND AWAY(red)

Manager:
Talc Zilš

Stadiums:(Stadiums where games will be played are in red.)
Fascist Stadium, Silver City, ZSeparatists (indoor stadium with turf) [Attendance: 60,000]
East Stadium, Chicken City, ZSeparatists (indoor stadium with turf) [Attendance: 20,000]
Border Camp, Border City, ZSeparatists (outdoor stadium with grass) [Attendance: 0] (There are no seats in the stadium, so it feels like a neutral venue)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: (Yes)/No
Choose my scoring events: (Yes)/No
Godmod scoring events: Yes/(No)
RP injuries to my players: (Yes)/No (Up to 3 per game [1 without permission], no life or career ending injuries though.)
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes/(No)
Hand out yellow cards to my players: (Yes)/No
Hand out red cards to my players: (Yes)/No (Up to 1 per game.)
Godmod other events: Yes/(No)

Lineup (Numbers):

Lineup (Positions):

Ignore the things that don't make sense because I copied this from WC.

by **Central Shaneville** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:34 am

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE LOOK AHEAD TO OPENING MATCHDAY
You could feel the excitement in the Central Shaneville camp today after the team went out to greet the people of the host city, Manager Jay Bucks had the following to say: "We've been out of action for a while so to finally come back on an international scale is great, I haven't experienced a feeling like this in a while, it's great to travel to a nation and learn about the people, culture and all that which is why we went out into the streets earlier today."

Despite the trip away from the camp inside it was all business with the Central Shaneville team practicing a new attacking style of play which is unique for this tournament as sources tell us most teams have gone defensive with their style of play when questioned about this striker David Vujanic said "It doesn't really concern us but it is definitely something to think about we may just have to be quick when it comes to our attacks but we won't truly know what will happen until tomorrow when we play our first group game."

Josh Smith added: "We will need to be on our toes at all times, I feel like we could win this tournament if we play well."

CENTRAL SHANEVILLE FIXTURES
You can see Central Shaneville in action on the following days during the group stage of the International Football Cup.
20th October: vs. ZSeparatists
Free Ravensburg
22nd October: vs. Megistos

Something unique that you can see here is that the first matchday has 2 games in 1 day, somewhat of a rarity for international football if not virtually unheard of, this will be a challenge for all teams but everyone, especially in the Central Shaneville camp, welcomes the idea with Jay Bucks (the manager) saying: "It adds character to the tournament."

by **Muralos** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:50 am

What a ride we have been on. I mean, literally. But also, figuratively.

It would have been perfect, Ryo Takeda thought, to lean back on his seat in the Hawks’ chartered flight to Inkopolis, turn his head about 10 degrees to the right, and stare into the open sky, eyes blinking and somehow illuminating all of his thoughts at once. Cue the soft accompaniment of a piano, sounding not unlike the OST of an Korean-Muralosian TV drama. But try as he might, that infinite blanket of clouds, blinding as the sun itself, repelled him from acting out this sentimental, if not melodramatic scene. He closed his eyes.

In front of Ryo was a tablet PC with the word processing app open. His hands found the keyboard and he began to touch-type, eyes still closed. At once he could get some rest and get his thoughts flowing.

October 2020
(Translated from the Esperanto)
Today is our first flight to another country for anything more than an international friendly... in over four years. The last time was at the Asian Archipelago Regional Soccer Cup – if memory serves me well, that was the name - hosted by Fengjie in 2016. This was our first tournament and first tournament victory on the international stage. And it’s been our only victory. We made the quarterfinals in the next tournament, losing 2-1 to a pretty strong Sheng China squad. Not saying this in a bitter way, just stating where we’re at right now and why it’s wild to me that we’re about to embark on today’s journey.

Boy has so much changed since we held up that truly exquisite trophy in Fengjie City. For one, the nation Fengjie no longer exists. A year later, in 2017, the People’s Republic of China annexed it, and Fengjie became a special autonomous region of China. It seemed to be the first domino that fell for the countries in Asian Archipelago. Well, we were all mighty fine countries. No famines, no wars, absolutely nothing of the sort. Our economies were decent, our rights secure (well, in every country except for the former Zhengguo)... but countries either turned to self-sufficiency or changed forms. Jiadao was annexed, like Fengjie; Zhengguo resurfaced as New Zhengguo; Hsintai renamed itself The Hainan Union to proclaim its geographic identity. The former nation of Li Qing had a reckoning with the indigenous population, and slowly transformed itself into a Confederation of Indigenous Australian Lands. For a land of such compassionate people, this checks out. It’s a wonder they asserted authority for some 66 years.

What about us, you ask? Well, I have no clue if anyone else is bothering to read this, and I don’t really need to explain this for myself, but I’ll answer the question anyway.

We, and by that I mean the United Islands of Muralos, entered a period of serene self-containment. The government ruled with an even hand (as the cliched saying goes), so between the summer of 2016 and the fall of this year, there’d been zero need for policy change. People immigrated and emigrated, but there was no demand for government-to-government communication or huge international events. We became introverts on a national scale, particularly in the realm of sports. Our Hawks squad stopped playing as a national team, and the domestic leagues become all that Muralosian sports were about. I have played for CSKA Urbego since 2017, along with Adamo Brava, Walter Granda, and Rui.

As you can imagine, the entire region of Asian Archipelago no longer exists, thanks to all of the nations ceasing to exist, save for one (us) in near-complete self-sufficiency. We tried to re-establish the regional partnership, but the threat of raiding forces made it impossible. So, for the moment, we are members of Osiris. Perhaps one day we will corral The Hainan Union, New Zhengguo, a new iteration of Jiadao, and The Confederation of Indigenous Australian Lands into a re-formed Asian Archipelago.

[A few lines down]

Ah! The first team we’re facing is The Jovannic, and we have no clue what their team is like. Then we play the hosts Squidroidia, who are new to the soccer scene but have been in the heat of it lately. They were just in the Cup of Harmony. Let me check the match fixtures from there. Yeah, talk about self-containment; I haven’t been following international soccer these days. Drills and strength training have been a better use of time, I think. But in the coming days, it’d be good to strategize based on Squidroidia’s playing style, now that we know more about it.

Excerpts from Sonprogramo de Radio Muralana, October 10, 2020
(Translated from the Esperanto)

HOST, KIRILL CHEN: Welcome to the latest edition of Radio Muralana’s in-depth sports podcast, available online on every major podcast platform, and brought to you on Radio Muralana (FM 90.1) every Tuesday evening, 17:30 Urbego time. I’m Kirill Chen, and with us today is Adamo Brava, captain of our beloved Muralosian national soccer team. Adamo, thank you so much for taking time out of your day to be here.

ADAMO BRAVA: Thanks so much for having me, Kirill. It’s a joy being here and I’m glad to be able to take this time to chat with you.

KC: Likewise! So, the Muralosian national team is practicing as a group for the first time in over three years (AB: That’s right!) and you’re going to be playing in the second International Football Cup in Squidroidia in about a week from today. What is it like practicing together after so much time away from the international stage?

AB: It’s been good, actually. We started practicing again over the summer, basically in the Muralosian Premier League offseason, and admittedly, it puts a lot of pressure on us to get ready in a short timeframe for literally one of the biggest international contests we’ve ever played in (KC: Yeah, I mean, Muralosian soccer all this time has been against the former Asian Archipelago nations...) Yeah, that’s the other aspect! We’ve played in 16-team tournaments before, but this is the first time that all teams are relatively unknown to us. But for real, we have gotten our chemistry back, which is awesome.

KC: I assume that having 4 national team members playing for CSKA Urbego has helped things: like, Ryo Takeda, Rui, Walter Granda, and yourself. Not to mention winning two Muralosian Premier League titles.

AB: No doubt. I mean, the entire national team has gotten better, even during the period of self-containment. Because we’re still playing and we’ve been waiting for this moment, you know. We play each other in the Premier League too, and I’ve taken many a Hyperloop to Havenurbo and even Oleo to visit the other guys. (KC: “Even Oleo” like it’s that far away!) I mean in practice it’s like, 5 minutes now, but the concept of traveling that far is still pretty mind-boggling. (Both laugh.) We’re old.

AB: But yeah, I’d rather take a train so I can listen to a podcast episode of yours (KC: ayy!), and strategize a bit... and we’ll be flying to Squidroidia. There’s no Hyperloop travel to Squidroidia anyways.

KC: Oh, true. Speaking of international travel, you guys are going to be dealing with some totally unseen styles of play here in Muralos. What are your thoughts on that?

AB: I mean, I think what you’re saying is totally accurate. We’ve definitely done a couple of drills after seeing Sylestone on the roster. I mean, this will be down the road since we’re probably not facing them in the first round, but you wanna have this kind of thing down, right?

KC: Yeah (laughs). Just so our viewers are in the loop, Sylestone’s national team has a roster of kitchen appliances.

AB: Right, so we’ve just started to figure out how to get past Fridge and Dishwasher mainly, like getting a feel for their dimensions and making sure we can avoid defensive moves. Like, if either of them end up hiding the ball, that’s gonna be a tough scenario to get out of.

KC: What about competition in general?

AB: It’s going to be a little nerve-racking, playing in an unfamiliar place as part of the team again. But we’re going to face every match with excitement, as I know we can, and that’s really going to fuel us through. There’s not much room for caution or worry, and that’s what I think all of us agree on.

KC: In particular, how are you dealing with more confrontational teams? Save for the Z-Day game in 2015, I don’t recall any teams in Asian Archipelago being as aggressive as some teams are on the big international circuits. Like every team in Asian Archipelago has been able to stay remarkably healthy; the last serious injury anyone had was at the Z-Day game, but before that, in a Muralos vs. Li Qing match back in 1973. It was actually Coach Koltakov who had a knee injury that game.

AB: Ooh yeah, that is something we’ve thought about. I’m just gonna say, this is a totally new experience for us, and we don’t know much about the other teams. Besides Sylestone and Quemorr Isles, they have human or humanoid players, so otherwise there’s not a lot of specialized training on our part. (KC: Makes sense.)

But, our reserve team is going to be a bigger part of the equation, for sure. There’s definitely a lot of talent there, like we’ve got some FIS champions and runner-ups. Lerta Donaldson from Havenurbo Tech is a powerhouse and he’ll get some good playing time. (KC: The second African-Muralosian national team member in Muralosian history!) That’s right! And solid backup from other University League teams, that’s for sure.

KC: Following in Vilhelmo Lumin’s footsteps, I’d assume.

AB: Yeah, I think younger players in school know him the best, but it’s always been a very Muralosian thing, to go to college and get a degree before even thinking about professional sport careers. But also... Esperantism (author note: the embrace of multiculturalism in Muralos, in the spirit of the Esperanto language) means our culture isn’t set in stone or anything.

KC: You’re right about that, but it checks out in Muralosian soccer history. I’m actually using my broadcast communications degree here. And you went to the University of Havenurbo for two years!

AB: I did! But it doesn’t count for much. I took a big leap of faith too.

KC: Well, you have been applying some of your experiences from university to being an athlete.

AB: I suppose, like student activism has always been important in Havenurbo, and I think it was then that I started to move away from the, you know, “shut up and dribble” type of narrative. (KC: Ha, I always think about basketball when people say that, but yes.)

AB: (laughs) Right I was like, “what’s the soccer version of that? Oh yeah, the same thing.”

I mean, Muralosian management has always been great in recent years, but with self-sufficiency I did feel a change. Were it not for lobbying the Muralosian Sports Association, our squad probably wouldn’t be entering the IFC. And the next thing I’m hoping to do – it’s such a small change but it’ll make a world’s difference – is to get the Sports Association to publish the roster of our reserve team, with the same information that’s there for the starting lineup.

KC: Oh, that’s going to be really nice for team morale.

AB: Exactly! And it doesn’t take that much time. There’s plenty of biographical info and career highlights to go by. We’re talking FIS, University League, Ligo 2, and Muralosian Premier League stuff.

KC: It’s just easy to procrastinate, huh.

AB: You can say that again.

KC: Well, I hope everyone’s had their daily dose of quality conversation and procrastination with us here at Radio Muralana! And thanks again to Adamo for being with us today. I wish you and the Hawks the very best of luck at the IFC, which everyone should tune in to watch on Radio Muralana or RTM-1 next Tuesday.

AB: Thanks, Kirill!

by **Squidroidia** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:17 am

Squidroidia Inklings

National football team for the 2nd International Football Cup

Squidroidia's kits for this tournament (Borrowed from World Cup 86 and Cup of Harmony 78)

Manager: Ryūzaki Mito
From: Inkopolis, Squidroidia
Record: Unknown at the moment

NOTE: All starters are highlighted in bold

Goalkeepers

Takemoto Shingen, #1, human, 31 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) goalkeeper
Hiryama Shunji, #11, human, 28 y/o, Zenit Attawapiskat (QUE) goalkeeper
Shota Abe, #21, human, 28 y/o, Tractor Club Sawayama (SQR) goalkeeper,

Defenders
Yoichi Shigeko, #2, human, 29 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) leftback
Umezaki Moronobu, #3, human, 25 y/o, FC Squidroidia Squidbreak (SQR) centerback
Muto Toki, #4, human, 22 y/o, Octo Valley FC (SQR) centerback
Toujou Shihei, #5,  human, 30 y/o, Draspa Moipas (TIO) rightback
Baldric Bertolini, #15, Inkling boy, 18 y/o, Tractor Club Sawyama U19 (SQR) centerback
Ryou Minami, #99, human, 25 y/o, Pmig Enako (TIO) centerback
Tomatsu Kane, #14, human, 28 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) rightback
Florianne Meeuwessen, #60, Inkling girl, 19 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) leftback

Midfielders
Jo Jun, #8, human, 31 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) defensive midfielder
Shoji Shiko, #7, human, 32 y/o, Tractor Club Sawayama (SQR) midfielder
Yoneda Toshikuni, #20, 28 y/o, Dhun Lagarr FC (TIK) midfielder
Kabuto Tadataka, #10, human, 25 y/o. Kinetic Islanders (SNL) defensive midfielder
Charlie Colbert, #22, Inkling boy, 19 y/o, FC Squidroidia Squidbreak (SQR) midfielder
Henriette Brooks, #73, Inkling girl, 21 y/o, Calamari Wanderers CFC (SQR) midfielder

Fowards
Itoh Hoshi, #9, human, 32 y/o, Shorterville AC (XAN) striker
Ohashi Kiichi, #16, human, 27 y/o, Sporting Iturributa (AST) left winger
Makino Hideo, #11, human, 23 y/o, Villa (MUR) striker/attacking midfielder, converted to right winger for NT use
Ira Alting, #26, Inkling boy, 19 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) left winger
Sho Itō, #24, human, 20 y/o, Shamrock Cathair (AUD) right winger
Amagawa Katsuyoshi, #33, human, 26 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) striker

Style Mod -  +1
RP Permissions -  I will allow the person who RPs my match before I can to: 
Choose my goalscorers -  Yes
Godmod scoring events - Please TG me beforehand
RP injuries to my players -  Yes, only minor
Godmod injuries to my players -  Yes, no career ending, please TG me beforehand
Hand out yellow cards to my players -  Yes
Hand out red cards to my players -  Yes, once or twice per match
Godmod other events -  Please TG me beforehand

by **Tikariot** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 11:00 am

Football is the by far most popular sport in Tikariot, with the Tikariot Premier League as the highest division in its league pyramid. The TPL consists of 24 teams and is currently in its 100th season, showcasing the history of the sport and with that the pride most Tikariotians have for their team. Their international history is far shorter and so far consists of a victory in the first IFC tournament, reaching the quarter finals in the Baptism of Fire tournament, only eliminated by later winner Græntfjall, and the round of 16 at the XIV Olympic Summer Games. The Snowy Owls were in contention for one of the play-off spots in the qualification tournament for World Cup 86, but fell short by one point. Still they were considered one of the biggest surprises of the qualifiers and managed to also reach the Round of 32 of the Cup of Harmony.
Coach Stuart Ekstrom continues to be a proponent of the offense-heavy 4-3-3, with only few adjustments compared to previous tournaments. The average age of the squad is fairly low, which means that they still have a bright future ahead of them, but also that their relative lack of experience could cause some issues around the more veteran teams.

The Tikariotian fans also deserve particular mentioning. Not only are they renowned for their chants, but they are also bringing the Thunder Clap (Click here for example) to the stadium, something that the players join in as a pre-game ritual that has left an impression on the opponents and opposing fans more than once (OOC: similar to the Haka of the New Zealand All Blacks). The players will form a triangle near the kick off circle and lift their arms, which the fans do as well. Then a long drum will start to signal the rhythm and both players and fans alike will move in unison, each clap accompanied with a loud cry, the claps (and cries) speeding up, creating an overwhelming sense of impending doom.

Stuart Ekstrom - 46
          A wily tactitian that prefers an offensive game, but with the ability to fluidly switch systems by pulling back the
          wingers to give a sudden defensive man advantage.

G Romain Chatelet - 26 - Baraldhur AFC - 27 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
During the World Cup 86 qualifiers Chatelet took over the number one keeper duties from Brian Merson and he has not let go
since. His reflexes on the line are phenomenal, but the few issues he has shown with high balls have been more than made up
for by the strong centre backs.
LB Zion Grimes - 31 - Pyathora Mariners AFC - 34 caps, 2 goal, 6 assists
A veteran wing back that has limited technical abilities, but with an impressive physique and stamina, able to run and
run and run and whip in precise crosses. Also can be a rock in the raging sea, if needed.
CB James Coronello - 29 - Port Tacassam FC - 50 caps, 3 goals, 3 assists
He is the one constant in Tikariot's central defence. Not the tallest, but he has the speed and an uncanny ability to time
his tackles perfectly, unnerving his opponents.
CB Eren Knox - 32 - Hoima Warriors (BNJ) - 16 caps, 1 goal, 0 assists
His outstanding defensive work for the Oriannor Mountaineers, and the national team, enabled Knox to make a move into
Banija, the Hoima Warriors to be exact. He is uncompromising, yet fair, in his tackles, he also has a great opening game,
able to quickly distribute balls from out back.
RB Anil Al Hak - 26 - Port Tacassam FC - 15 caps, 0 goals, 1 assist
Very solid right back that does not get rattled easily. Strong defensively he does not go forward much, but has a great eye
to read the game and his passes out the back are renowned throughout the TPL, gaining him more assists than a lot of more
offensive wing backs. Managed to take the starter spot from Vincent Liniack during the Cup of Harmony.

LM Marvin Thorniley - 23 - Port Rhovanyon AFC - 49 caps, 11 goals, 13 assists
Instrumental in the outstanding form of his team in the league this season, Thorniley is a master of set pieces, blessed
with a foot that puts laser precision to shame. Be it to find the free team mate or a way over or around the opponents,
he possesses this innate talent that cannot be trained. Many regard him the creative mastermind of the Snowy Owls' offense.
DM Rory McNair Captain - 29 - Alnio (CMT) - 45 caps, 14 goals, 8 assists
The fulcrum in the Tikariot midfield, McNair is the epitome of physical play. Uncompromising, physical with a knack
for monstrous tackles, McNair is there to disrupt, to destroy, but when he captures the ball, he also has the talent to
distribute it, short or long, being instrumental in switching from defence to offence. He also has a cannon of a shot
that has made some opposing players reconsider their spot in the wall during freekicks. He was signed by Alnio from Chromatika
in the off season.
CM Lloyd Cumbernauld - 25 - Veriasod Lakers FC - 25 caps, 5 goals, 3 assists
Grown into a staple of the national team, Veriasod's Lloyd Cumbernauld is a box to box player that can direct the game by
either feeding passes forward or go the distance himself. While not a particular scoring threat, he possesses excellent
tactical acumen that allows him to distribute balls quickly in attempts to tear holes into the defence.

LW Morris Nighthorse - 19 - Baraldhur AFC - 37 caps, 12 goals, 13 assists
Nighthorse is part of the Tikariotian "Young Guns" (together with Thorniley, McTierney, McIlroy, Aspinall and Thomas) that
have taken the Tikariotian Premier League and the national team by storm this season. Not only did he win the Golden Cannon
for top scorer in the league, he also has made a name for himself internationally through his performances and is widely
considered one of the hottest prospects in world football today. He is one of the fastest players in the TPL, making him
a nightmare for opposing defenders. He is not the most physical player, but his sheer speed allows him to avoid tackles easily.
CF Jesson Morrison - 21 - Anhedron Wanderers FC - 9 caps, 4 goals, 0 assists
Morrison formed a deadly scoring partnership with his Anhedron team mate Franklin Mosnyk and showcased the same talent in the
national team as well, earning him a starting role with Mosnyk, forming what the press has dubbed the M&Ms. Where Mosnyk is
the technical player, Morrison is the steamhammer that will try to find a way through the opponent, if he can't get around.
RW Franklin Mosnyk - 22 - Anhedron Wanderers FC - 9 caps, 6 goals, 3 assist
Morrison's partner in crime, Mosnyk can play knots into defenders' legs on the space of a stamp and is as prolific of a goal
scorer as he is as set-up man, making him a very multi-faceted offensive threat. Just like Morrison he showed a lot of
spirit and confidence in the national team and six goals and three assists in nine games speak a very clear language.

GK Brian Merson - 27 - Port Rhovanyon AFC - 16 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
G Gord Feron - 20 - Anhedron Wanderers FC - 6 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists

LB Gethin Stewart - 19 - Parakleion Firebirds FC - 3 caps, 0 goals, 1 assist
CB Morgan Stephenson - 21 - Baraldhur AFC - 5 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
CB Walter Thomas - 19 - Anhedron Wanderers FC - 23 caps, 0 goals, 1 assist
RB Brian Docherty - 18 - Eivora Athletic FC - 3 caps, 1 goal, 0 assists

CM Jenson McTierney - 19 - Ysgrann Bay Eagles FC - 22 caps, 3 goals, 4 assists
CM Chester Cartwright - 20 - Oriannor Mountaineers FC - 5 caps, 2 goals, 1 assist
RM Finbar McLoughlin - 19 - Miruan City FC - 3 caps, 2 goals, 1 assist

LW/RW Adrian Grimaud - 23 - Port Tacassam FC - 15 caps, 4 goals, 3 assists
LW/RW Iain Aspinall - 18 - Ysgrann Bay Eagles FC - 23 caps, 11 goals, 7 assists
LW/RW Gaizka Iribarren - 25 - Baraldhur AFC - 15 caps, 4 goals, 7 assists

Home Jersey:

Away Jersey:

+4

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes-ish (TG me and I can give you the names, but we'll figure this out one way or another)
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (just please be reasonable)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (again please be reasonable)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (same deal)
Godmod other events: Maybe? (Please TG in this case)

by **Megistos** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 11:14 am

Players Traveling

THUMP!

The Megistian Football Association's spaceship fleet landed on Midnight. It was not a real good experience for the 21 Starlight-Xs and 6 GALAX Lightnings. The Squidroidians obviously didn't know how to make proper spaceship landing sights.

"Damn, gotta check the status" Lam checks it and it seems all fine.

"Great. Now we have to get to the hotel. I bet you 10 dollars that first thing when we walk out, it's going to be confused Squidroidian faces." Robertson said to Fri.

"No way am I taking that bet. I removed the Colorall and they're surrounding me."

"Heh. Let's get out."

The team went out, and just like Robertson had predicted, many Squidroidians were standing out with confused looks.

"Wait, did we just park our spaceships in the car parking lot?" Becks asked.

"Well, yeah." Lukovic replied.

"Holy crap." Becks replied.

The team traveled to their rooms, as they looked out into the window of the hotel, they could see the stadium they were to be playing in against Free Ravensburg tommorow. Then another match that day. Action-filled, but worth it. The Megistians were used to playing while tired.

2 new teams, Central Shaneville and Free Ravensburg were playing in Group D. Megistos should crush them. As for ZSeparatists, they were not as good but almost as good as Megistos. You would expect a draw or win against them, a loss should not happen, otherwise risk of second is increased.

Many years ago, the dictator of Megistos put a bullet through himself, ending the tyrannical regime of Megistos and the beginning of the space empire. Today, we aim to put the bullet through other nations en route to the final.

by **HUElavia** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:25 pm

HUElavia to Debut an Experimental Squad for the IFC 2!

A year has passed since the tough elimination to Krytenia in extra time during the Round-of-16 of the Cup of Harmony. While Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos were expected to reach at least the Quarter-Finals, it was a run that fell short of what was expected. After the tournament, an emergency meeting between the HUElavian Football Association (HFA) and Coach Garcia Kimura was held. In what many expected to see the Portuzian-Yamoto HUElavian manager to get sacked, they gave her another chance, giving a 2-year contract extension. The goal and expectation given to her was simple: Win the IAC. A tournament that has eluded HUElavia for the past 11 years, falling short in the Final for the past 3 editions, is what will help her keep her job.

With a year off before the 11th edition of the IAC, the IFC offers a chance for Coach Garcia-Kimura to come up with the idea of which players to bring next summer. Eleven of the players from CoH 78 squad are expected to be on the team for next year, but that leaves 12 places up for grabs. Thus, Garcia-Kimura made the surprising decision to not call up the famous players of the squad, including the likes of Lobato, Duran, Rossi, and the Big 3 of Cristiano, Hamada, and Navarro. Not to mention, with the retirement of Gallego from international duty after the Cup of Harmony, this means that the #6 Jersey is up for grabs as well.

The squad is comprised of B-Team, C-Team, and D-Team players that were used in the Qualifiers for World Cup 86. Everyone is expected to get minutes throughout the tournament, and prove their worth to be part of the team in IAC 11. Most notably in the midfield, two players will be fighting for that #6 Jersey: Aurora Conti and Maria Sakaguchi. The Tallian HUElavian and the Yamoto HUElavian were both hot prospects in their youth and had a good spell abroad in Kita-Hinode a few years ago. Now, they play in HUElavia, and have become solid names in the squad. As of now, the starting role favors Conti, due to experience, but Sakaguchi can make a good name for herself if she has a stellar tournament.

HUElavia will play in Group B against Murphtannia, Quemorr Isles, and Sylestone. Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos are the only team in the tournament to have participated in a World Cup prior, as well as they are the highest overall team in the competition. Regardless, this tournament is to try out new players and see what they're worth to the team. Fans will be coming in the thousands and have good faith and hope that the team will have a deep run in the competition. The team will play and train at Calamari County, with the matches being played at County Stadium (27,830). Here's to hoping for a strong tournament to make HUElavians proud and to see what this team is made of.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Squidroidia** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:56 pm

Inkopolis City Stadium, Inkopolis

The 50,000 capacity crowd is sold out for the opening game of the 2nd running of the International Football Cup. Oozing with Squidroidian fans, the stadium falls silent as the opening ceremony begins.

A lone girl stands on a podium in the center of the kickoff circle, in her hands a book detailing the footballing history of the multiverse. It easily weighs more than 10 pounds, but she manages to hold on to it anyway, flipping the pages until she got to the one that read "International Football Cup 1".

"Long ago 6 nations from across the multiverse took part in the first IFC tournament."

The flags of the founding 6 nations of the IFC, Megistos, the Liberal Democratic Socialist States, Tikariot, Eurasies, The Jovannic and the hosts for that tournament, Sylestone, unfolded, each one of them held on by volunteers representing 15 of the 16 countries taking part in this edition of the tournament.

"It was a battle of attrition. One one side, you had the mighty Tikariot put through their paces against the Jovannic, on the other... A complete Eurasian demolition."

On the screen highlights from the tournament's group stage were presented - Iribarren's goal in matchday 1 against The Jovannic, the duel between Tikariot and Eurasies, the Liberal Democratic Socialist States winning 5-3 against the Appliances, and every single save of one of the most goal-filled tournaments outside the major competitions.

"When the Final unfolded in Chamberley, Sylestone and Tikariot were the last ones standing. But at the end of the day only sound that could be heard in the stadium was the thunder clap bursting through the stands."

The screen cuts to the celebrations Tikariot received after winning the first International Football Cup, including the famed thunder clap celebration performed by the team and its fans who traveled to Sylestone.

"Ever since then, newcomers have entered the fray. Some we do know..."

Highlights from numerous games throughout the World Cup 86 cycle and adjacent tournaments were then presented - From Squidroidia's comeback at Quebec in the qualifiers, Megistos and their run to the Sporting World Cup final, and Oliver Jenkins and his goal to give Murphtannia the win against eventual Cup of Harmony champions Krytenia.

"...Others we don't."

Volunteers unfold the flags of Daehwi, Hebitaka, Free Ravensburg, Muralos and the Quemorr Isles. At the same time the flags in the center from the Liberal Democratic Socialist States and Eurasies were folded up.

"For those of you who haven't gotten a major tournament under your belt, welcome, bienvenido, and bonvenon. I hope you have fun competing. But for the rest of you, from across the multiverse, from skills ranging from World Cup qualifiers long ago to returning nations hoping to come back with a bang, welcome to Squidroidia."

The rest of the flags unfolded in front of everyone's eyes, each nation's flag on display - From the squid of Squidroidia to the skull and crossbones of the ZSeparatists, the tower of Central Shaneville to the nation of Muralos, the stone of Sylestone to the crosses of Tikariot and Megistos. All of them rippled up thanks to the volunteers. The girl now proceeds to get off of the podium and walk down to get the football, placing it at her feet and aiming it at a target, stepping back and breathing in.

"And welcome, to the 2nd International Football Cup!"

Sprinting at the ball, the girl strikes it high. At first it seemed too high, like it was going to not hit the target at all and instead was going to hit a spectator. But as the time went on it went lower, and lower, and as it traveled across the pitch it seemed more likely that it was going to hit the target. After a couple of moments of silence, it did hit the target. With a sudden bang fireworks erupt on the roof of the stadium, and the crowd turns up in volume.

One song and dance later, the nations were introduced. Instead of going for Squidroidia first, they instead went for Muralos. After Muralos was The Jovannic, then Murphtannia. All the way down the order until hitting ZSeparatists, each nation sent a representative - For some it was a player or a manager, but sometimes it ended up being a celebrity or someone who won a contest. Each one of them would fly their flag as they crossed the touchlines, almost like a parade of nations. All 14 of these nations then went to the center of the pitch and held their flag as the 2 nations participating in the opening game were then introduced.

"Crystalline Caverns!"

Gaston Rolf, the Crystalline Head Manager, accompanied his assistant, Line the Wolf, as Gaston held the flag of the Crystalline Caverns and walked across the touchlines before settling in the center. It was an odd sight for the Squidroidian faithful, seeing a wolf manage a national team, but then again the Toilet from Sylestone held the Sylestonian flag, as he was their manager. When the Crystalline representatives took their place, the host nation was finally called.

"SQUIDROIDIA!"

And their flag bearer? None other than captain Itoh Hoshi. The 32 year old striker was greeted by cheers as he did what all the other nations did before taking to the center of the pitch. He bowed in front of his home fans, cheering his name as he shook hands with all the representatives before resting his feet on the pitch. It would be his only time he would do so for the day. As the flags being held by the volunteers folded, the 16 representatives all waved their flags.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your nations in the 2nd International Football Cup!"

The crowd cheered again. After a couple more performances and an Inkling playing sepak takraw with a robot, the 2 teams - Squidroidia and Crystaline Caverns took to the pitch. Hoshi was on one side, Castellini on the other. From there, the spectacle that was this tournament was to kick off for real.

by **Central Shaneville** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:48 am

JAY BUCKS COMMENTS ON MEDIA STORM
News coming from the Central Shaneville camp just a few hours before kick off and that is that Jay Bucks, the manager of the debuting Central Shaneville team at this tournament, has made some comments surrounding the tournament.

He said calmly that "It's great to be here now the tournament has begun we were welcomed quite warmly and the opening game was spectacular it just goes to show you how high the bar is when it comes to competition."

When asked about Central Shaneville's debut in the tournament he went onto say "I hope we do well and that an early exit isnt on the cards for us but you never know we maybe rusty as we havent played internationally for 2 years almost so the doubt is there but when that whistle blows we are gonna play football and play it hard our attacking style is unique and I'd say our strikers (David Vujanic and Josh Smith) are some of the most dangerous around."

A surprise question was if he had any comments on Megistos who recently said to the media that they should crush Central Shaneville, Bucks laughed and said "They can speculate all they want, its not fact until you play the game so we will find out in a few days but we've upset big teams before so I guess lets do it again."

He walks away towards the stadium where Central Shaneville are playing tonight firing himself up as he walks.

by **Tikariot** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 1:45 pm

-- The Tikariot Premier League is covered by Simon Nighthorse and Sakari Pernfors --

The transfer window is over and what an exciting period it was with plenty of action and a lot of turnover within the league. The TPL has seen everything from a complete overhaul of the starting eleven to very specific improvements to the squad. Today we will have a brief look at each team and the most important transfers.

Starting with reigning champions Port Rhovanyon AFC, the Kraken have limited their transfer activities and kept the vast majority of their core intact. The main changes came in goal, where Brian Merson could not resist a call from the league of the World Cup champions Banija, but a more than suitable replacement was signed not long after with Bengt Palmgroen of Ko-oren fame and who has seen the World Cup and the qualification for it, knows how extremely proficient the Ko-orenite defense has been. The second big signing has been Mavinet's national team defender Ha Van Thao, so it is safe to say that the champions are big favourites to retain their crown.

Last year's runners-up, the Pyathora Mariners, have pulled off what many are considering the biggest transfer coup of the window, landing Astograthian striker Olantzaro Karazatorre in what is widely seen as a clear sign that they do not want to come in second again. This is underlined by TJUN'ian Maximilan Robertson in goal, Tequiloan Menaute de Torres, Matthias Raphaelsson from neighbouring Græntfjall‌ and Tiog Kogruam Lupauro, completing a very aggressive transfer period.

Behind them the Oriannor Mountaineers, are in a similar position as Port Rhovanyon, having lost centre back Eren Knox to the lures of Banija, but the Khazaghians brought not just one, but two national team players into the fold with Ko-oren's Gré Arceneaux and Sargossa's Juan Esnáider, strengthening an already formidable defence and with the addition of TJUN-ian left midfielder Nick James the Mountainmen look poised to mount a challenge for the peak.

The Anhedron Wanderers were one of the biggest surprises of last season, which also resulted in a couple of players getting nominated for the national team, and their transfer activities also were fairly limited as a result. Ethanian left back Cai Woods and centre back Ochoa Abril from Tequilo are the only additions, strengthening the defense while keeping the very potent offense intact.

Just missing out on the international competitions, the Veriasod Lakers have brought in a whole list of high-profile signings, with the most prominent being Vdaran duo Kimon Karalas and Andrianos Petras as well as Mercedinian midfielder Raffaele Campannaro and goal keeper Ratmir Ljajić from Zeta Reka. Anything but the international spots would be a huge disappointment and a few experts even expect them to maybe challenge for the title this season.

The Port Tacassam FC had been one of the title favourites for season 100, but they fell short. In order to remedy that, they also opened the purse strings for the likes of le Duc, Radison, Matsushita, Rominevskiy and Edvardsen, which many believe should be enough to compete for the top once again.

Tikariot City FC also are among the teams that petered out towards the end of the season, but they were the only team in all of season 100 that managed to push Port Rhovanyon off the top spot, even if just for one week. Still without a championship in now 69 seasons, management has invested heavily to maybe mount a credible challenge this year. Starblaydi Dalton Aldrige, Derion Hutchins from Baker Park, Choam Osfomilúo from Tioguldos, Preston Chapman from TJUN'ia, Masada Katano from Kandorith, leaving Ellis Wagstaff, who came from Miruan City, as only Tikariotian in the starting eleven, opening the Snowy Owls to some criticism concerning team identity.

Speaking of Miruan City, having lost Wagstaff forced them to reinforce their offense and Sargossan Diego Cazalla heeded the call together with Quebecois Benoit Djaozandry, forming a new three-pronged attack. Tequiloa Davide Sandino in goal and Baptiste Ndosi as right back also should reinforce an at times a little porous defense, aiming for at least international competition for the season after.

When speaking of late season collapses, look no further than Baraldhur AFC. Being in second and third position for most of the season they finished with only four wins out of the last 24 match days, showing that things did not quite go as planned. Instead of wholesale changes, though, they focused on three positions, with Zwangzugian Lissa Crain, Mavinet's Tran Hoang Minh and Michelangelo Santini from Juvencus singled out as the exact puzzle pieces they needed to keep their title challenge alive until the end.

The overall maybe biggest disappointment of season 100 were the Parakleion Firebirds. After having won back to back titles, the Paladonians recovered after a desastrous start to at least come in tenth, but for a team that was gunning for a third title in a row, it was a harsh season. Subsequently they lost national team captain Rory McNair and striker hopeful Addison Gray to Chromatika and Eura respectively, leaving fans worried about the upcoming season. Euran Fraser Wheatley and Græntfjall‌er Hlégestur Snæþórsson have been brought in to shore up the front while Sebastian Pozo and Eli Al-Cazar are forming the brandnew central defense. McNair's position goes to academy graduate Pierre Sukunda, which is a bit of a risky move as he is only 17 years old. But all in all the Firebirds should be in for a more successful season.

Eivora Athletic's season in the league was nothing to write home about, coming in eleventh only, however winning the Cup of Tikariot definitely sweetened the deal. Farf goalie hopeful Felragi Sasado, Rekan Blagureka Markić and Sqornshelan Zoban Ajao are just three signings that should ensure that the Griffins have a few more things to celebrate than "only" the cup.

And rounding off the top half of the table are the Valnohar Rovers, who also had far greater plans for the season, but after a horrendous start that saw them in the relegation zone for most of the first third of the season, they at least somewhat salvaged the season with a twelth place finish. Management went with continuity, instead bringing in some high carat signings to improve the squad and the main deals here are Kelssekian right back Caelin Vinter and João Palhagueira from New Lusitania, which together with other signings such as Carlos Vilca and Gabriel Sayritupac from Huayramarca promise a far brighter future than last year showed.

by **Muralos** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 2:53 pm

October 20, 2020
Inkopolis, Squidroidia

Muralos vs. The Jovannic was starting. The game would be broadcast to an audience over 2 million, and there was a small contingent of Muralosians who had gotten time off to attend the games in Squidroidia, including some FIS hopefuls who were still in high school.

Loud, indistinct chatter gave way to a unified gasp, as the Muralosians saw a flash of turquoise from the tunnel of Inkopolis City Stadium. The squad made their way to the pitch, facing the majority of the Hawks fans. Daniela Safonova, midfielder for the girls' soccer team of Nord-Urbo High School, was on the edge of her seat trying to read the expression of each athlete. There were smiles all around, held with exceptional composure. Every so often, Ryo Takeda would lower his head, eyes closed, and smile a bit wider at the thought of playing international soccer again. Oh my gosh, we're back. We really are back.

Though it may have been a breach of protocol, members of the University of Urbego Concert Band came along and performed the Muralosian national anthem. Technically, though, it's not Muralos' anthem to claim. What everyone heard was the Esperanto anthem La Espero, an anthem for the Esperanto language and all it stands for. This is the anthem, and below are the lyrics in Esperanto, as well as an English translation:

En la mondon venis nova sento,
tra la mondo iras forta voko;
per flugiloj de facila vento
nun de loko flugu ĝi al loko.

Ne al glavo sangon soifanta
ĝi la homan tiras familion:
al la mond' eterne militanta
ĝi promesas sanktan harmonion.

Sub la sankta signo de l' espero
kolektiĝas pacaj batalantoj,
kaj rapide kreskas la afero
per laboro de la esperantoj.

Forte staras muroj de miljaroj
inter la popoloj dividitaj;
sed dissaltos la obstinaj baroj,
per la sankta amo disbatitaj.

Sur neŭtrala lingva fundamento,
komprenante unu la alian,
la popoloj faros en konsento
unu grandan rondon familian.

Nia diligenta kolegaro
en laboro paca ne laciĝos,
ĝis la bela sonĝo de l' homaro
por eterna ben' efektiviĝos.

Into the world came a new feeling,
through the world goes a powerful call;
by means of wings of a gentle wind
now let it fly from place to place.

Not to a bloodthirsty sword
does it draw the human family:
to the eternally fighting world
it promises sacred harmony.

Under the sacred sign of the hope
the peaceful fighters gather,
and this affair quickly grows
by the labours of those who hope.

Walls of millennia stand firm
between the divided people;
but the stubborn barriers will jump apart,
knocked apart by the sacred love.

On a neutral language basis,
understanding one another,
the people will make in agreement
one great family circle.

Our diligent set of colleagues
in peaceful labor will never tire,
until the beautiful dream of humanity
for eternal blessing is realized.

International Football Cup 2 - Everything Thread

International Football Cup 2 - Everything Thread

Quemorr Isles National Football Team

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