CoH80 - The Even Frostier Cup: Everything Thread

[Flavovespia]

Introduction

The island nation of Flavovespia, once a part of Atlantian Oceania, has joined the region of Anaia recently. A population slightly more than 20’000’000, it is a nation of football lovers. The team are nicknamed the Hornets, the native animal of the island, albeit an animal less harmful to humans (and other sentient species) than first impressions give off.
6 attempts at World Cup Qualification haven’t landed any success, but the side have continued their streak of making the Cup of Harmony in every cycle. Cup of Harmony 78 was the furthest Flavovespia have gone, making the Quarter Finals. However last cycle saw Flavovespia crash out in the group stages, not even making the Round of 32. Flavovespia will hope for a less frosty result this time, to try and make amends.

Kit

Home-Away-GK/Third

The kits, used since the start of last cycle continue, although there is a good chance this will be their last tournament, with new kits possible for the inaugural CAFA cup. As is tradition, its yellow shirts, black shorts and black socks on the home kit, with the double V motif appearing on multiple parts of the kit. The away kit is practically a reversal, creating interchangeable elements. The green kit acts as both the goalkeeper kit and a third choice if needed.

Roster

Manager

Marcus McCormick Age: 55

Marcus McCormick’s performance in the World Cup Qualifiers 88 was satisfactory, but not spectacular. Flavovespia did well in the majority of their games, even if the curse of early away days still continued, and the 4 matches against higher ranked Newmanistan and Omerica were all losses (the latter a dead rubber for Flavovespia in the final Matchday though). The Cup of Harmony 80 is seen as a chance for McCormick to try and prove some of his doubters wrong, by getting Flavovespia into at least the knockout stages.

McCormick began the Qualifiers using a 5-2-1-2, but switched to a 4-2-3-1, and has since stuck with that. Once seen as a stern, stubborn manager, McCormick has become a bit more relaxed as the results came, and did seem to be enjoying himself more. He maybe wasn’t the first choice of quite a few when announced, but plenty of the critics have said he’s turned it around since the last AOCAF tournament, a tournament that Flavovespia will not participate in for the foreseeable future.

Goalkeepers

1 Aarif Muhammad Age: 24 Position: GK Club: Rockridge Phoenix [BRE] Caps: 64 Goals: 0
23 Lucky Diamond Age: 26 Position: GK Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 1 Goals: 0
27 Robert Jones Age: 30 Position: GK Club: Kings Lunsel FC Caps: 3 Goals: 0

Aarif Muhammad was a star of the Qualifiers, in his 17 appearances he only conceded 11 for Flavovespia. He looks set to cement the #1 jersey for Flavovespia for a while. At just 24, he’s matured into a great goalkeeper, with maybe room to further improve, and become a generational level goalkeeping talent amongst the Flavovespian ranks. Lucky Diamond finally got his first cap, away at Omerica. The 3 goals conceded hardly suggests he’s going to be challenging to be the #1 goalkeeper anytime soon. But nevertheless, he’s still second choice. Eccentric in appearance, personality and play style, he certainly doesn’t live a dull life, for better or for worse. David Meehan may have been the #1 for Flavovespia for several years, but now he doesn’t even make the squad. Robert Jones comes in as third choice. He’s unlikely to get many minutes, but should be an okay emergency choice if needed.

Defenders

2 David Lyons Age: 23 Position: LB Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 45 Goals: 1
3 David Blythe Age: 26 Position: RWB Club: Kytheas Rivermen [TKT] Caps: 93 Goals: 0
4 Alexander May Age: 31 Position: CB Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 104 Goals: 2
5 Tony Gardner Age: 29 Position: CB Club: Newrook City FC [NPH] Caps: 156 Goals: 5
14 Daniel Lansdell Age: 25 Position: CB Club: St Astons City FC Caps: 24 Goals: 0
16 Mj Hayes Age: 26 Position: RWB Club: Marthorpe City FC Caps: 3 Goals: 0
24 Ronald Maddox Age: 33 Position: LWB Club: Marthorpe City FC Caps: 85 Goals: 2
26 Stuart Cookson Age: 22 Position: CB Club: Marthorpe City FC Caps: 5 Goals: 0


Defence was strong for Flavovespia in the Qualifiers, and with all 8 of the defenders returning to the Cup of Harmony squad, Marcus McCormick clearly liked what he saw. David Lyons played the vast majority of games at left back. His defensive game took a step up, better positioning and challenging of the ball meant he cut off plenty of attacks out wide. Ronald Maddox stays as the back-up in that position. The wing back may not be the pacey player of his heyday, but he provides a mature head and experience, useful if the team need experienced heads in a game.

Tony Gardner and Daniel Lansdell proved to be the key defensive duo in the centre back position. Tony Gardner showed by he was now playing in the Nepharan Zenith, with several great games for Flavovespia, and plenty of clean sheets. Daniel Lansdell moved from bench player to starter, with a string of good performances. His consistency paid off with an uptick in performance, and mistakes seemed uncommon. Alexander May could be disappointed to not be a consistent starter anymore, but he still offers a good rotation option, when he keeps a cool head. Stuart Cookson looked okay in the appearances he made, but still needs time to develop into the level needed to be a starter. McCormick has shown faith in him though, to not drop him for a more experienced option.

David Blythe was solid in the Qualifers, if not quite at his best. The change to 4 at the back didn’t quite favour him, as he had less opportunity to get forward and be creative. Nevertheless, he was still decent in defence, and deserves his spot in the squad as a starter. MJ Hayes didn’t get much time on the pitch in qualifers, so question marks do remain a bit on whether he can recreate the sort of form at club level that got him a call-up.

Midfielders

7 Kieron Player Age: 22 Position: CDM Club: Sleepy Hollow [TAE] Caps: 35 Goals: 0
8 David Clark Age: 27 Position: CDM Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 56 Goals: 12
11 Steven Hall Age: 31 Position: RAM Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 169 Goals: 63
17 Jonathan Feld Age: 30 Position: LM Club: Kings Lunsel FC Caps: 131 Goals: 15
18 Robert Totten Age: 26 Position: CAM Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 23 Goals: 3
19 Alexander Clarkson Age: 28 Position: CDM Club: Binclestead Wood FC Caps: 9 Goals: 0
20 Christopher Ace Age: 28 Position: RM Club: St Astons City FC Caps: 53 Goals: 5
25 Murad Ahmed Age: 28 Position: CM Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 61 Goals: 4

Midfield wasn’t the strongest point of Flavovespia in the qualifiers. After a change to a 4-2-3-1, personnel changes weren’t uncommon at all. The current favoured central defensive midfielders are 2 club teammates, David Clark and Murad Ahmed. David Clark is a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none type midfielder, it’s hard to tell if he should be more of a ball player or a ball winner. Murad Ahmed alongside him is similar, although a centre midfielder originally, he can play almost anywhere in midfield. He received a contentious red card against Acastanha in a 1-0 loss, but turned it around with some good play in his current role to stay as a starter. Kieron Player is also an option in this position, a creative defensive midfielder, but one who couldn’t quite get into the swing of things. At 22, there’s plenty of time for him to mature into a real talent and an effective player for Flavovespia. Alexander Clarkson gave a few gritty performances, but needs a stellar tournament to be considered secure in the squad going forward.

Central attacking midfield was another role where there some changes made throughout the 18 games. Robert Totten has been the one to take that position often. He provides good link-up play to the attack, and can assist and score himself from time to time. He may not be one of the stars, but is a solid performer. The other players who can play in central attacking midfield do so as a secondary position, wingers Steven Hall and Jonathan Feld, and striker Michael Cole.

Out on the wing, and aforementioned Steven Hall plays in his best position. At 31 he provides invaluable experience as captain, and is still one of the best Flavovespian players out there. Always a threat to get a goal or assist on the pitch. Jonathan Feld is likely to stay playing out on the left wing, with Murad Ahmed his only real competition in the squad. Feld may not quite have the outright talent and flair of the likes of Hall, but he is a dependable player who always seems to be working hard, having fought his way back into the squad. Christopher Ace remains in the squad, the very pacey winger didn’t see much game time in the qualifiers, and some do wonder how many more chances to impress he has now.

Attackers

9 Michael Cole Age: 22 Position: CF Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 19 Goals: 5
10 Scott Coleman Age: 28 Position: CF Club: Aries Chariots [NPH] Caps: 148 Goals: 96
21 Anthony Hannigan Age: 24 Position: CF Club: Kings Lunsel FC Caps: 6 Goals: 0
28 Victor Cooke Age: 29 Position: CF Club: Apsbrooke FC Caps: 0 Goals: 0

Scott Coleman was again the highest scorer for Flavovespia in the qualifiers, 13 in the 15 games he played in. He may have hoped for a little more himself, but nevertheless it was still a good performance. Great on and off the ball to create space and great at finishing, his ambition for this tournament is surely to get that centennial international goal. Michael Cole was maybe unfortunate that a change to the 4-2-3-1 pushed him out of the side. Playing as a central attacking midfielder was a little bit of a challenge for him, as his creative skills need a little work. Put him one on one with a goalkeeper though, and he’s as every bit as good as Coleman, and probably better than any other Flavovespian striker. Anthony Hannigan made few appearances, mostly off the bench. He could potentially go far, but needs to find the extra edge to his game to get more minutes off the pitch. Sean McClafferty is dropped, for the only debutant in the side. Victor Cooke comes into the side, thanks to his domestic form. A journeyman before joining Apsbrooke, he’s a fan favourite there. A striker who’s very old-school, creativity may not be his strong suit, but he has an eye for goal with foot and head. He’s not afraid to take on defenders himself to win the ball, and his brashness both in play and personality can cut both ways with neutrals. If he does get a first cap, there could be fireworks.

(Note, all caps and goals are taken as of the end of WCQ 88)

Schedule:

MD1 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles - Abbey Road, Bradwell, Krytenia
MD2 Ethane - Abbey Road, Bradwell, Krytenia
MD3 The Gothanita Isles - Harbour Stadium, Stanton, Krytenia
Round of 32: Græntfjall - Abbey Road, Bradwell, Krytenia

Predicted Starting XI:

MD1: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-Lansdell-Gardner-Blythe, Ahmed-Clark, Feld-Totten-Hall(c), ColeColeman (4-2-3-1)
MD2: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-Lansdell-Gardner-Blythe, Ahmed-Clark, Feld-Totten-Hall(c), ColeColeman (4-2-3-1)
MD3: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-May-Gardner-Blythe, Player-Clark, Ahmed-Totten-Hall(c), Cole (4-2-3-1)
Round of 32: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-May-Gardner-Blythe, Clarkson-Clark, Ahmed-Totten-Hall(c), Cole (4-2-3-1)

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 Matchday here before each match. If not, assume the same as previous in the event of a win, or some rotation otherwise. You’re welcome 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 33AU. Player ages are taken from the start of the year, player teams are after the end of TW31. TG me or Discord me if you need some IC or OOC info for RP purposes.

[Graintfjall]

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

Coach: TBD

Kang Guilin departed the team after about four years with the Snow Wolves, following a failure to improve on prior results. The search for his replacement is underway and will be completed prior to MD1. Torsten Oliversson, assistant coach under Kang, has been serving as interim coach, but is not a candidate to replace Kang.

Squad: A 23-person squad has been named for the tournament. While Græntfjall traditionally started 1-11, over time unusual starting numbers have swelled and now half of the team come from outside that range. A starting XI will be named before each game.

• The Græntfjaller Premier League is gender-mixed and it is seen as uncontroversial for men and women to play alongside each other. If you find this unrealistic you are welcome to RP surprised reaction [although given the general state of NS Sports it would surely be not too much of an outlier] but it won’t be something we dwell on. -son names are men, -dóttir names women, -bur names gender-neutral.
• The financial status of football in Græntfjall is improving, and million+ NS$ contracts are increasingly common. Because the GPL isn’t especially strong, most NT players and hopefuls ply their trade abroad. I normally conduct transfers through the Transfer Window but if you have a desire to sign a player and a particulary storyline in mind I may be open to arranging a transfer outside that; send a TG/DM.
• In general, Græntfjaller players are athletic and have excellent whole-match fitness, disciplined, and not prone to violence or emotional outbursts. They are, however, not tremendously skilled. A particular type of footballer, nicknamed “BFGs” (Big Fucking Græntfjallers), is associated with the country, normally playing in central roles. The new crop of, predominantly though not exclusively, female central midfielders somewhat eschew this stereotype and there have been growing attempts to get more skilful players into the lineup.
• Græntfjall did not traditionally appoint a designated captain, and instead had the starting XI elect a captain before each captain, but this tradition has largely been abandoned, with Hrærekur Jvarsson serving as captain on a permanent basis. If he is not in the starting XI, an alternative captain will be named.
• Timing note: In my timeline this occurs 2 years after the last CoH and 1 year after the last CR. It occurs immediately after the next GPL season, ahead of Transfer Window 32. Any players on foreign teams will be assumed to be given leave. My database is starting to drift out of alignment in terms of domestic-to-international cycle, so ages are not listed here until I can sort them out on the back-end.

Goalkeepers

1. Björnólfur Ernestisson – AK Stanimir
Long groomed as the goalkeeper of the future, Björnólfur began winning regular starting caps during World Cup qualifying, not always with great distinction. However, his physical attributes (impressive size and wingspan, massive boot on clearances, excellent hands in the air) mean he retains the #1 jersey despite some communications issues with his back-line. He is the only Græntfjaller goalkeeper to have scored in international play, but his use as an extra BFG target at corners should be strictly limited to last minute elimination stakes scenarios.

12. Gabríella Hárlaugsdóttir – Mokofen
The first woman to keep goal for Græntfjall, Gabríella was more than a token pick and kept a number of clean sheets. However, she lost the #1 spot to Björnólfur by the end of the qualifying season owing to doubts about her size and her footballing skills. Playing it out from the back is not common in Græntfjaller football but as the team looks to improve their possession, her lack of confidence with the ball at her feet could be a liability. As a pure shot-stopper, though, she is a more than capable replacement option.

23. Fabian Snæþórsson – Rosbank Town
Recalled after a spell of international oblivion thanks to the failures of Christian Einvarðursson and Kauko Jorgesson. Once looked on as the next big thing in Græntfjaller goalkeeping, Fabian has faded from the light a bit but carved out a competent career overseas, which is more than be said for the various domestic failures who have cycled through the #1 shirt since the departure of Alexander Leonardsson. He should not be needed, but if he is, can probably do a job, or at least fail in a way that will prove suitably hilarious.

Full backs

2. Elektra Lúthersdóttir – Yeaddin Owls
Capable of playing in advanced positions and putting in crosses, Elektra is nonetheless a defender first, which is why she has generally been preferred to more attacking wing-back options. Known for her habit of violently vomiting before every game, she has struggled with injury worries over the last couple of years, but when fully fit, has probably been the best right back Græntfjall has produced at a position that has seen more turnover than most. Occasionally chips in with a good corner kick as she is little threat in the air; for a full back, she is surprisingly poor at throw-ins.

3. Emeli Vilbertsdóttir – Altendalur
Unofficial vice captain and the team’s best defender, Emeli’s shock omission from the last Copa Rushmori proved a misstep. While she is not a true wing back she can provide cover going forward, has scored the odd well taken goal, and can be a lockdown defender on the opposition’s right flank. She has played on both sides in the past but is now mainly a left back specialist. Indiscretions from CoH78 continue to haunt her and fans can occasionally be seen waving [non-sentient] kettles or irons.

Center backs

4. Hjörleifur Reynarsson – Steinaux
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king and in Græntfjall, the land of BFGs, the center back with even passable footballing skills enjoys similar renown. Hjörleifur is not the best footballer in the world, but his above-average passing and confidence on the ball married to his outstanding size, fitness, leadership, and game knowledge, have led him to MVP honors in the GPL. He is a leader who is generally regarded as captain-in-waiting. He is also dumb as an especially dumb rock.

5. Vigfús Bensson – Bavingtor FC
Bensson had drifted out of favor at Steinaux but a move to the Flavovovovespian league has reinvigorated his career and despite the intense competition at easily the most stacked position for the Snow Wolves he has started to become a regular first choice. An excellent all-round athlete and a strong attacking option with his head; his skills with his feet are a bit more limited, but he provides a strong physical presence off the ball and a relentless work ethic.

15. Mathias Kristersson – GT Molding
Mathias burst onto the scene as the brightest new prospect and has perhaps failed to quite live up to those, admittedly lofty, expectations since. He has a good range of skills and has even covered the left-back role on occasion, and has been a prodigious scorer for a center back for his domestic side. At international level, the occasional lapse in concentration or inability to stay with top strikers has been exposed, however. Will fill in for Emeli if needed.

16. Stefan Jokulsson – Folte
The 6’9” “Folte Tower” is no beanpole, packing a solid frame to go with his prodigious height. As the Biggest of Big Fucking Græntfjallers, he excels at the physical side of things, with the football side of things coming as something of an afterthought. Improved fitness saw him play more regular minutes during World Cup qualifying (and score his maiden goal, unsurprisingly with his head). For his domestic side he plays as one of three center backs, and he is not as well suited to playing as one of just two, but provides a strong option off the bench when added numbers are needed.

17. Tom Ernestisson – SW Stahlberg
Tom has been in and out of the side, and played at right-back and defensive midfield almost as option as he has started at center back. That nonetheless remains his natural position, and with size, strength, but also good footballing skills, including the occasional monster free-kick, if he can put it all together he could be the team’s biggest asset. He can write in joined up letters, which makes the rest of the BFG corps regard him as something of a dangerous intellectual. Will fill in for Elektra if needed.

Midfielders

6. Jade Miansdóttir – Porter City
Weirdly overlooked despite an excellent Eagle’s Cup for much of the World Cup qualifying games, perhaps because her best position is slightly unclear. At Gunzlach, she played as a holding midfielder, whereas with Porter City she’s been in a more attacking role. Somewhat mirroring the struggles of Amanda, Jade has seemed to prefer the holding role for the NT, breaking up tackles without the blunt force trauma associated with Kalle Bjørnsson, who has been dropped, and distributing well with incisive long passes.

7. Hrærekur Jvarsson – Steinaux
Potentially the last campaign for the seasoned veteran as injuries become more frequent. Captain for the last couple of years and always a leader even before that, Hrærekur has always given 100% as a shuttling box-to-box midfielder. Tall and strong, he scores most of his goals with his head, from set-pieces, or from inside the six-yard box, but his relative lack of skill compared to other international central midfielders has never held back his esteem among his devoted fans. Increasingly likely not to play the full 90 minutes.

8. Amanda Guttisdóttir – Holdenberg City
Amanda started young, meaning her career is now as long as anyone’s, and twice as frustrating. Last cycle she seemed to have found her niche under Kang, who used her as an attacking midfielder or even a second striker rather than having her sit back in the deeper lying roles for which she’s not physically suited. But this cycle, the constant changes of formation left her adrift. Always regarded as a system player, she’s still a good one, and has developed into a very dangerous free-kick specialist.

13. Sara Kristoffersdóttir – Wirr Tsi
For some, the will they, won’t they dance accompanying every squad announcement has grown tiresome: yes, Sara is a special talent, but she has failed one too many times to be worth all the bother. In any event, they will, yet again. Her best role remains unclear: she lacks the discipline to stay out wide, but her maverick playmaking touch can get away from her in the center. Expect her to make an impact; whether positive or negative is a much more unknown proposition.

18. Natasja Hólmarsdóttir – Grande Mountain
A grafting central midfielder who won good notes for her play at the Eagle’s Cup, Natasja has also exhibited a potent scoring touch when given the chance. Her exodus to Cassadaigua was slightly surprising, but there is a chance she will move on if she can make a name for herself in blue-and-white. The crowded central midfield makes that a difficult proposition, though, and she is probably a step behind Johanna on the ladder.

19. Álfar Ásvaldursson – Marlesee 97
What started out as a great World Cup campaign turned into a disappointingly injury-hit one for Álfar. A powerful physical presence in central midfield, lacking the pace or touch of a quality attacking option but still far more complete as a footballer than the brutish defensive midfielders the Snow Wolves used to favor, if he can stay on the park for 90 minutes he could be the missing ingredient to their success.

22. Johanna Álvgeirsdóttir – Megabrantid
[i]Johanna has seen frustratingly little playing time over the last two years despite emerging as the clear best attacking midfield option behind Amanda. Like Amanda, she is smaller and quicker than most Græntfjaller players, with a good eye for goal and fantastic long passing. The main knock on her seems to be just that, that she is injury prone and brittle, and that the team cannot both her and Amanda in the middle without sacrificing physicality, so her playing minutes could remain limited to bit parts unless she really breaks out.

Forwards

9. Eiríka Jonathansdóttir – Starling
A natural goal poacher who doesn't score that much in blue-and-white colors; a speedster who came back from a devastating knee injury; a social media star accompanied by her boyfriend Kyrri, who will have popped his shirt off by the end of this sentence (ah, there it goes); a club legend who demanded a transfer when her club refused to address fan bigotry. Eiríka is a mass of contradictions. Handed the #9 shirt for the first time (qv.), now is as good a time as any to try to sort them out into something resembling the promise she once seemed to offer. She starts on the right-wing but will probably drift between striker positions with Justiina.

10. Justiina Dannysdóttir – Crossroads
Absent her usual strike partner (again, we’re getting there soon) Justiina has an even bigger job. For club she has been a goal scorer first and foremost and after a lean spell in blue-and-white that’s desperately needed here. Concerns about her lack of size and her tendency to get injured have held her back from ever being considered a number one for the national team. Until now.

11. Robin Harrysson – Urbizinia Wanderers
A pacy, traditional winger, Robin vied for the starting right-wing role but basically loses out here more because of a desire to play the extra striker in the starting lineup, as well as a shift away from traditional tactics of wanging crosses in towards the BFGs. However, if the formation reverts to something more traditional, he can be expected to feature more regularly, as Elektra is not a true wing-back.

14. Hanne Heikkisdóttir – Holdenberg City
The emergence of Amanda, Sara K and Tinni as free-kick artists has somewhat diminished Hanne’s importance, as have her frequent injuries and controversial, outspoken off-the-field activities. She’s played as a left-wing and a second striker, more in the former role for country, and despite occasional defensive lapses, provides generally good service up and down the flank, marrying pace to precision crossing. As the team changes tactics her role will have to change too.

20. Ásvarður Bergmundursson – Parakleion Firebirds FC
A much more traditional Græntfjaller striker, Ásvarður is basically here as Plan B in case the scheme of playing smaller, faster strikers up front doesn’t work out. What he does isn’t pretty or clever but it can be mighty effective, smashing in goals with head, foot and arse with equal abandon. He’s proven a useful impact sub and can hold up the defense to allow an extra body to drift back, but if he’s starting, it’s a sign the pretty tactics have failed and route one football is back on the table.

21. Lilly Wolfgangsdóttir – Carthage United
By far the most surprising pick, Lilly wasn’t outstanding at the Eagle’s Cup and didn’t feature in World Cup qualifying. She lost her starting role at Gunzlach and was the less high profile player to leave for Cassadaigua, behind Natasja who can count herself unfortunate to miss out here. Lilly is a tiny, speedy, poacher, specialized at racing in to score cheeky goals, but had not been thought of as having a legitimate chance of starting at striker in the BFG-heavy set-up of yore.

Style modifier: -2

The team sets up as 4–2–1–3, but there will be fluidity in the midfield. The desire to play two strikers for the first time since Kang took over means less strength in depth on the width. It remains a team whose strongest position is center back.

RP permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Y, see note below.
Choose My Scorers From Free-Kicks/Penalties: N, use Hanne, Amanda, Sara or Tom for free-kicks, and Hrærekur or Amanda for penalties.
Godmod Scoring Events: N
Hand Out Yellow/Red Cards: Y, but be sensible; I use a self-enforced rule of a 1 match suspension for 1 red card or 2 yellow cards, but I won’t apply this to your players without your permission.
Injure My Players: Y, you can say they are injured but let me decide the severity and consequences.
Godmod Other Events: N, but if you ask first I’m open to any roleplay angles you have in mind.
Additional permissions:

• Please don’t have my players, staff, or fans engaging in violence without my permission.
• If you use non-photoshopped photographs, please don’t say they’re my players without asking.
• If I have not specified the captain on a particular game day, my opponents may decide whom the team elected.
• In general I’m open to most things so long as you ask.

[Huayramarca]

Football Federation of Huayramarca



Official Roster for the 88^th World Cup

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 1981 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 selváticos(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”made people more fond into football, since they really needed 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 and killing Hugo Mina in 1981 after he wanted to exploit minerals in the Aymara holy land of Mount Illimani, located at the outskirts of Huayramarca Metropolitan District.

Since that, Huayramarca has breathed some fresh air, since Ñucanchi Ñan took power with Marta Mamani as the first woman president of the Plurinational Republic, and Augusto Buendía as VP, Huayramarca is enjoying some social transformations that may cause some shakings on what Huayramarcans were knowing as their daily life laws. Focus in sustainable economic growth, taking care of the environment and visibilization of minorities are the main topics on the political agenda, something that is being well received by many people in the nation. This environment has led to an increase in nationalism, since the national unity is being fostered as a State Policy, sports, specially football, is being the main vehicle to promote that sense, as now, the Huayramarcan Football Federation budget has been increased tenfold in order to aim for success in short-term, also aiming to send players overseas and developing techniques to enhance the player's physical and technical shape.

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 fourteen 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.

The AOCAF 60 saw how a somewhat forged squad 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 is being determinant in order to see if this generation profiles themselves to be somehow relevant. A 1-7 against Equestrian States, followed by draws and a win, helped the team to gather some confidence, despite the terrible beginning on said championship.

A spectacular beginning on World Cup 86 Qualifiers helped the Condors to finish 4th in the first half of qualifiers, being two points below the second placed squad, but defeats against top dogs such as Ko-oren and Tequilo killed the desires of this national team to qualify, also, instigated by poor performances against low and other mid-ranked nations boosted that debacle. The Cup of Harmony wasn't different to the end of the World Cup Qualifiers, it was in the same shape, defeats, defeats and pressure on the squad due to the fact that they were worried on what was happening on Huayramarca, due to the death of Hugo Mina, uncertainty arosed and caused the players to have a subpar performance in the tournament, despite a late win that turned to be the first ever one for Huayramarca in the Cup of Harmony.

With the latest investments made by the Huayramarcan Government to the Huayramarcan Football Federation, by multiplying tenfold their budget, the HFF has now sent the managerial staff of the Condors to other nations, in order to gather new ideas and apply those in order to build a competent side in tactical terms, with the main purpose to achieve World Cup qualification for the first time as soon as possible and provide that joy to the Huayramarcan folk. That heavy investment provided some benefits during the 87^th World Cup Qualifiers, where Huayramarca left behind the label of being an "uncomfortable rival" to take a protagonic role in their group, finishing second, behind Audioslavia, with a solid 40 points in 18 matches. Things in playoffs might be forgetable since the beginning, since Huayramarca didn't took advantage in the first leg despite playing home, tying with Tikariot and then being defeated heavily at the second leg (1-4), made the Condor's illusions of WC Qualifying end horribly.

Despite the downturn in the team's mindset, the team faced some struggles at the Cup of Harmony group stage. Being defeated by Mriin at the first game, defeating Garifunya 1-0 and then tying against Ibixa for the second time in the cycle sent the Condors to the Knockout phase of CoH for their first time ever, Xanneria was a hard rival for the Round of 32, Huayramarca's miracle run was about to start with a narrow 2-1 win over them; then two rock-solid performances against Saint Domingue and a well-known foe from the WCQ Group (Sargossa) with a 3-1 and 2-0 respectively, put Huayramarca among the best four sides in the Cup of Harmony. Being defeated by Mriin with a hard-fought 2-3 and then once again a 1-4 against Newmanistan were enough to confirm Huayramarca as the 4^th placed side, with desire to improve their performance in this World Cup Qualifier, hoping to achieve heights that they haven't reached ever before, this, as a way to lift their mood after a quite discrete participation in the last AOCAF, where they won only one time, tied two and were defeated two times.

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 AOCAF 63.

Nickname: The Condors.
Current Record: 36-28-34 (W-D-L) 
Most Caps: 10 players tied at 98.
Most Goals: Bryan Tello (47)
Biggest Win: 6-2 (vs. Cirrus Azale / WC 87 Qualifiers, MD 1, @ Estadio Metropolitano del Guayas).
Most Important Matches:
Huayramarca 2-2 Nephara / WC 85, MD 4, @ Estadio Nacional de Huayramarca - Tying a top-10 ranked nation while being unranked. 
Huayramarca 3-1 Greater Lausitz / WC 85, MD 18, @ Estadio Olímpico de Oriente - First home win.
Huayramarca 3-2 Northwestern Kalactin / WC 87, MD 17, @ Estadio Olímpico del Oriente - That win secured Huayramarca a historic 2nd place in its WCQ Group, sending the Condors to WC Playoffs.
Biggest Defeat: 1-7 (vs. Equestria / AOCAF 61, MD 1)

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. (41)
Assistant: Rubén Condori. (55)
Physio: Lautaro Huamán. (62)
GK Trainer: Martín Zubeldía (44)
Doctor: Luciano Zambrano. (54)

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 Selváticos. 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 Selváticos (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 Selváticos 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.

Cup of Harmony and AOCAF weren't precisely the best participation that Huayramarca could've done, at least they put some decent opposition on the CoH with three tied games and losing the final one, despite they had the chance to get into the knockouts had they won the game against the top seeded side of Port Ember, but two goals were the nail into the coffin for the Condors. Equestrian States, the hosts of AOCAF were the ones ready to face Huayramarca for its debut, a shameful and one that Huayramarca will be likely to skip the page since the hosts drove over the Condors with an astounding 7-1, then, some defeats were complicating Huayramarca and left the side without chance to reach the playoffs, one tied game and the first victory ever of this side against Yesopalitha were the games that somehow let Huayramarca with some dignity and not being able to be the worst team of the tournament.

For the second cycle in World Cup Qualifiers, things will not change and the same squad with the same managing team will try to do a somewhat decent participation in a group that looks as complicated as the last WCQ one did seemed. There's some experience for this side right now, also, their skills might be improving since they are getting the real professional experience rather than the one they could find this year in the inaugural season of the Huayramarcan Liga-1|2|3 system. Caicedo had some hard time during the AOCAF, his head would be on risk in another nation, but being the only one able in Huayramarca to manage a team like this one is a point on his favor, still, he does know that patience won't be eternal, hence, the need to recover the path will be fundamental, specially on home where there could be a lot of advantage, even more in the capital city, perhaps one of the most difficult venues in the multiverse. Risks have been taken, Caicedo decided to take the team into a series of high-performance camps all across Huayramarca instead of taking friendlies, since he considers that chemistry and tactics need a new breeze, specially an adaptation to a new physical stamina level that he does want to apply to the players, hence, a lot of physically-demanding activities have been done by the team during the New Year holidays.

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 Selvático 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: Caps considered before World Cup 87 Qualifiers - For national purposes, friendlies are never taken into consideration for official registries.

N°1 - Juan Mamani - GK - 25 yrs - Team: Ate FC - Height: 1.88 mts - Caps: 98 - 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 - 22 yrs - Team: Fadrön Flight (Taeshan) - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 97 - Goals: 4

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. Quispe is now an historical player by the fact of being the first Huayramarcan player to move to another country to play football, being at Taeshan will help this useful defender to innovate his tactics and improving the odds for the Huayramarcan National Team to get better at defense.

N°4 - Carlos Vilca - LFB - 26 yrs - Team: Valnohar Rovers FC (Tikariot) - Height: 1.78 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 8

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 be a box-to-box player that loves to defend and also create offensive plays when possible. Right now, he's is hyped by the fact of being called, with Gabriel Sayritupac, to Valnohar Rovers FC of Tikariot, in what it seems to be an incredible experience for both players, who might support themselves during their adaptation time on said club.

N°6 - Felipe Fernández - RFB - 21 yrs - Team: Club Atlético Lima - Height: 1.85 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 4

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. Said experiences have helped him to evolve into a solid stalwart for Omar Caicedo in the Huayramarcan defense.

N°14 - Santiago Chumacero - LCB - 25 yrs - Team: FC Atahualpa - Height: 1.81 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 8

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. Also, he feels inspired by the fact of being a decisive player in the historic run of Huayramarca to the 4^th place in the last Cup of Harmony, his timing, blocks and ball recoverings were important for the team in the late stages.

N°17 - Orlando Mina - CM - 22 yrs - Team: Sporting Club El Alto - Height: 1.95 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 4

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 - 22 yrs - Team: Illimani FC - Height: 1.65 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 14

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, considering also how he lead the team to that incredible Cup of Harmony run.

N°8 - Nicolás Allauca - CF - 27 yrs - Team: Huayramarca FC - Height: 1.80 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 11

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 - 23 yrs - Team: Huayramarca FC - Height: 1.63 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 7

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; right now, he's on the verge of graduating with "summa cum laude". 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 - 23 yrs - Team: Valnohar Rovers FC (Tikariot) - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 28

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. Right now, his mood is high and confident, his departure to the Tikariot Premier League has made him achieve his dream to play abroad and help his family.


N°21 - Bryan Tello - ST - 28 yrs - Team: Club Sport Cumbayá - Height: 1.86 mts - Caps: 98 - Goals: 47

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 with the strength of goals and assists to his teammates.

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 three matches each one. Each region will receive a high tier rival and then a randomized sort of two 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.

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, dyspnoea or inappetence, go to the medical staff, we are at your disposal."
Will host:

• Huayramarca vs Nephara. Matchday 2 - 19:30 - Weather conditions: Cold and windy, 52% humidity, -2°C.
• Huayramarca vs Togonistan. Matchday 12 - 15:15 - Weather conditions: Cold, clear skies, 65% humidity, 12°C.
• Huayramarca vs Sarzonia. Matchday 14 - 19:30 - Weather conditions: Cold and rainy, 61% humidity, 1°C.

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.
Will host:

• Huayramarca vs The united states of sonindia. Matchday 7 - 22:15 - Weather conditions: Windy, 75% humidity, 18°C.
• Huayramarca vs Squidroidia. Matchday 10 - 15:00 - Weather conditions: Clear skies, 80% humidity, 30°C.
• Huayramarca vs Quakmybush. Matchday 15 - 19:30 - Weather conditions: Rainy, 60% humidity, 25°C.

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.
Will host:

• Huayramarca vs Hampton Island. Matchday 4 - 10:15 - Weather conditions: Clear skies, 70% humidity, 28°C.
• Huayramarca vs Central Shaneville. Matchday 9 - 18:00 - Weather conditions: Rainy, 85% humidity, 30°C.
• Huayramarca vs Brookstation. Matchday 17 - 17:00 - Weather conditions: Hot and sunny, 75% humidity, 33°C .

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.)

Nota Bene: Do not RP a pandemic on Huayramarcan soil, if done, it will be ignored and a complaint will be raised to the hosts due to invalid godmodding.

[Drawkland]

DRAWKLAND NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

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NATION INFO
Region: Sonnel
Trigramme: DRK
Leader: Iarocav
Currency: Lolad
Capital City: Metropolon
Largest City: Drawk City

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TEAM INFO
Manager: none
Formation: 3-3-4
Style Mod: +4

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THE ELITE ELEVEN

Starting Lineup
=================================================================
##   Pos   Name              Age
7    GK    Septimus Xander    ??
10   LB    Elias Keys         ??
8    CB    Nicholas Kingston  ??
16   RB    Craig Bakker       ??
22   LM    Trevor Garnet      ??
0    CM    Dominic Southers   ??
2    RM    Richard Hanson     ??
17   LF    Roger Apollo       ??
11   WF    Mike Rodney        ??
1    RF    Jaxon Madison      ??
5    CF    Ross Hunter        ??
=================================================================

PENALTY SHOOTOUT ORDER

1. It doesn't matter, they're all good at shooting.
2. Just choose 5 at random.

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FIELD FORMATION

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TEAM HISTORY
This is the official roster, featuring the Elite Eleven, an independent squad of Drawkians who have played all sports at a professional level for a confusingly long time. The old Kick Corps has been essentially removed, the players let go, and replaced by this squad of ridiculously skilled, annoyingly arrogant, and possibly immortal sportsmen. Nobody knows where they came from, or why DISC decided to replace the Kick Corps with them, but here they are. Just don't ask the baseball fans about them.
Drawkian soccer, and indeed, sporting in general, is mostly offensive-minded. This is reflected in the style indicator and in the formation. Drawkian soccer has not really been exposed to outside influences, and thus may look or feel strange to those used to "normal" football. Nevertheless, the Eleven are still good at what they do, and prize in an enduring game, moving the ball around nearly constantly and keeping energy going, aiming to tire out the opposing team. Of course, Drawkians aren't humans, but you can read about that elsewhere. Despite the fact that usually soccer is a female-only sport in Drawkland, the Elite Eleven have overturned that caveat as the higher-ups deemed them a suitable replacement in the interim as the real Kick Corps hides away for a few cycles and gets their shit back together.

OVERALL RECORD: 193-76-76
WC Sanctioned: 129-48-51
Non-WCC: 64-28-25

TEAM RECORDS
First Match:                              Drawkland 3-3 Averyickan City
First Win:                 Capital District, Ward 1 4-6 Drawkland
First Loss:      Great Caledonia and North Hybernia 2-2 Drawkland (2-2 AET) [3-1 PKs]
Highest Score:             Capital District, Ward 1 4-6 Drawkland
Lowest Score:                    Drawkland 0-0 Ko-oren (0-0 AET) (1-3 pen.)
Best Win:                                 Drawkland 5-0 Sharktail
Worst Loss:                             Farfadillis 6-1 Drawkland
Most Important:                           Drawkland 2-2 Omerica (2-2 AET) [4-3 PKs]
Best End Result:                       1st Place (Independents Cup 6)

Here is a quick list of the tournaments Drawkland has been in, their group stage record and goal differential, and their final result.

Global Cup of Soccer 1: 1-2-0, +2, Third Place loss to Free Republics
Independents Cup 1: 1-0-2, -4, Round of 16 loss to Flardania
Baptism of Fire 64: 1-2-0, +3, Third Placed win over Great Caledonia and North Hybernia
World Cup 77 Qualifying: 11-5-2, +14, Qualified
World Cup 77: 0-1-2, -3, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup 2: 2-1-0, +6, Quarterfinal loss to Flardania
World Cup 78 Qualifying: 11-2-3, +16, Qualified
World Cup 78: 1-0-2, -8, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup 3: 2-0-1, +3, Round of 16 loss to Kel Assuk
World Cup 79: 1-1-1, -1, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup 4: 2-0-1, +2, Final loss to Free Republics
World Cup 80 Qualifying: 11-4-3, +16, Qualified
World Cup 80: 0-2-1, -1, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup 5: 3-1-0, +6, Final loss to Mercedini
World Cup 81 Qualifying: 14-1-3, +39, Playoff loss to Saltstead
Independents Cup 6: 2-1-0, +9, Final win over Omerica
World Cup 82 Qualifying: 8-6-4, +7, Did Not Qualify
Cup of Harmony 74: 3-0-0, +8, QF loss to Ko-oren
Independents Cup 7: 3-0-0, +8, Final loss to Omerica
World Cup Qualifiers 83: 5-4-3, +6, Did Not Qualify
Cup of Harmony 75: 3-1-0, +8, Ro16 loss to Port Ember
Independents Cup 8: 4-1-0, +13, 3PPO loss to Squornshelan Remnant States
World Cup Qualifiers 84: 13-4-3, +17, Qualified
World Cup 84: 0-0-3, -5, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup 9: 2-1-0, +3, Ro16 loss to Poafmersia
World Cup Qualifiers 85: 14-3-7, +13, Qualified
World Cup 85: 1-0-2, -2, Group Stage Elimination
Independents Cup X: 3-1-0, +6, QF loss to Tequilo
World Cup 86: 1-2-0, +2, Ro16 loss to Vilita
Independents Cup 11: 2-1-1, Ro16 loss to TJUN-ia
World Cup Qualifiers 87: 15-2-1, +30, Qualified
World Cup 87: disgusting garbage
Independents Cup 12: 4-0-1, +11, Ro16 loss to HUElavia

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TEAM KITS
Beautifully Crafted by ediraf.
From Left to Right: Home, Away, Goalkeeper.

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My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers:              Yes
Choose Scoring Events:          Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:          Yes
RP Injuries to my Players:      Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players:  Yes
Yellow Card my Players:         Yes
Red Card my Players:            Yes
Godmod Other Events:            Yes

As far as these go, I'm fair game for anything. You should know what is and isn't drastic RP, and if you think your RP is on the drastic side, TG me first. But I'm still basically up for anything.
I'd like to request that injuries or cards don't do anything outside of the scope of a single game or maybe 2. Don't want anything tournament or cycle-ending. Red cards should be limited to late knockout stages, and I'd probably think that there should be no more than 2 players red carded per tournament.
The Elite Eleven are sorta oddballs. I mean, they're a group of 11 dudebros, but they're supposedly immortal or something. Keep that in mind.

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Disclaimers of various sorts:
I don't know very much about soccer. If I RP something weird, it's because I have little to no experience with this sport. But whatever.
If you have any questions about anything involving me, this team, my nation, this competition, life, etc., feel free to telegram me.

[Busoga Islands]

Busoga Islands National Team

Information
Country code: BUS
Denonym: Busogans/Busoga Islanders/Islanders(Busoga Islanders is the formal term; many Banijans call them Busogans, while locals refer to themselves simply as Islanders, which will be the terminology used by the journalists of this country)
Association: Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA)
Manager: Alexander Bumba. 59 years old(Banija). The veteran manager who knows this scene well returns. He managed Jinja City FC in the Banijan Soccer League for the first nine seasons of the league's existence, and was generally successful, with a league title and five second place finishes under his belt. After serious disagreements with club ownership on the amount they should invest into talent, he decided to leave for a challenge at the club scene in Cobrio. He was fairly successful there, leading an under-resourced club in a league with most of its teams from Osarius.

Rumor has it he wants to get back into the home scene though, and wants his old job back at Jinja City FC. While many believe his focus is there, that managerial chair is still empty while Bumba gets his name back into the Banijan footballing scene by taking the Busogan national team job. The team had a solid AOCAF, only achieving their second appearance in the knockout stages of the AO regional championships ever, getting knocked out by penalties to the 5 time world champions, Starblaydia. Whether Bumba will stay for the entirety of World Cup Qualifying is up in the air, but he will lead the ambitious nation on their 8th attempt to try and qualify for the World Cup Finals.
Senior Assistant Manager: Xavier Mosobo. 46 years old, male, native of Banija.
Captain: Govind Nigam
Alternate Captain: Barkha Visariya

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, all Busogan nationals, players or fans or whoever, are banned from catching a pandemic).
Style modifier: -0.5

Do whatever you want besides godmodding the actual goals, or give my players a pandemic(I prefer the actual goals to be real). Please do not kill any named characters(players, coaches, politicians, etc...) or their family members without my consent via TG. Unnamed fans dying in fan violence or something like that, however, is fine.

Jerseys designed by uni·q of Qusmo

Roster for Cup of Harmony 80

Starters: 4-4-2.
The six professional clubs on the Busoga Islands are all part of the Banijan soccer pyramid.
Players who are receiving their first call-up during this tournament are italicized.
Players who do not play within the Banijan soccer pyramid are bolded.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, the second from top-flight for Banija & the Busoga Islands.
S-FPL is the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, the joint top flight for Banija, Busoga Islands, and Farfadillis.
GK #1 Mustafa Taal. 27 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual-national who is now cap-tied to Busoga. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the S-FPL.
RB #16 Abdullah Guennoun. 31 years old. Plays for the Hawabark Boulders in the BSL. Male.
CB #5 Govind Nigam. 30 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male. Captain.
CB #3 Hassan Thiaw. 29 years old. Just signed for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male.
LB #4 Mohammed Gassama. 29 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual national, chose to play for the Busoga Islands. Plays for Workers Union in Eura. Male.
RM #17 Habib Fadika. 24 years old. Graduate from Northern Moravica University. Backup for Herzegovina City in the S-FPL.
RCM #6 Delbin Kasekende Jr. 23 years old. Plays for 1912 Stelburg in Teusland. Son of former NT captain and the present President of the country, Delbin Kasekende. Male. Much more of a defensive midfielder.
LCM #8 #23 Cicek Aga. 25 years old. Plays for Ausharmuj Marusi in Farfadillis. Female. Much more of an attacking fielder than her counterpart.
LM #20 Barkha Visariya. 31 years old. Starts for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Female.
RS #12 Artem Kohut. 24 years old. Plays for Unamaꞌkik Inverness 1877 in the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Busogan/Delaclav dual-national- switched his allegiance to the Busoga Islands following World Cup 87 Qualifying.
ST #11 Servet Ornet. 30 years old. Comes off the bench for Istria City FC in the S-FPL. Female.
Bench
GK #35 Kylian Jawara. 31 years old. Plays for the Tripoli Foresters in the Northwestern League. Male.
GK #23 Juba Kaba. 26 years old. Backup for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL. Female.
RB #2 Yashpal Gopaal. 32 years old. Plays for The Herzegovina Phoenix in the S-FPL. Male.
CB #18 Ami Biri. 31 years old. Plays for Bwubanza City SC in the BSL. Female.
CB #19 Ismaela Senghore. 21 years old. Plays for Aissa United in the BSL. Male.
LB #14 Ibrahim Karakaya. 26 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male.
CM #6 Ilke Akgun. 22 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Female.
CAM/ST #10 Ozkaya Tarhan. 19 years old. Comes off the bench for KItara AA in the S-FPL. Busogan/Equestrian dual-national.
CM #23 Kara Yesilnil. 26 years old. Plays for the Busukuma Force in the BSL. Female.
RW #7 Isa Kujabi. 21 years old. Comes off the bench for the Hoima Warriors in the S-FPL. Female.
LM #39 Olcayto Aldemir. 28 years old. Plays for Kabakono City in the BSL. Male.
LS #9 Sarika Birla. 26 years old. Plays for Suwawa FC in the BSL. Female. Took a bullet on MD1 of WCQs, out for the entirety of the WC88 Qualifying Campaign. Will return off the bench for the Cup of Harmony.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Cicek Aga. Penalties are taken by Artem Kohut.
- In terms of substitutions, anybody is OK to substitute off the pitch besides Artem Kohut. Since he moved to Busoga, he is seen as the focal point of the Busogan offense.

Lakiska City Field


The stadium is located in the nation's capitol, and the largest city on the South Island of Lakiska. It has a capacity of 31,000, and is host to Lakiska Sporting Club, the only team from the Busoga Islands in the Banijan Soccer League.

Orange Field


The stadium is located in the country's largest city, Dukuma, and is on the North Island. it has a capacity of 17,000, and it is host to Dukuma Sporting Club, who competes in the Banijan Northwestern League, one of four regional leagues in the second tier of the Banijan/Busogan pyramid, and who are the reigning champions of the RBSA Cup.

Dukuma Oval

Capacity of 63,000, located in Dukuma, North Island

This is primarily a cricket stadium. It is also located in Dukuma, on the North Island. It is most famous for being the host of the World Twenty20 X Final. However, it will be converted for use for football during World Cup Qualifying, to host exactly one game, due to its significantly superior capacity in comparison to any other stadium on the North Island. It will host the Squornshelous Remnant States match due to both their status as a serious competitor for one of the group's two qualifying spots, and the intrigue of hosting their manager's previous squad.

Lakiska City Cricket Park

Capacity of 54,000, located in Lakiska, South Island

This park is also primarily a cricket ground. This is in the nation's capitol, Lakiska, on the South Island. The stadium has hosted exactly two World Cup Qualifiers, hosting a game against Vilita in World Cup 83 Qualifying, and a game against Chromatika in World Cup 84 Qualifying. Thanks to its superior capacity, it will be used for a pair of designated 'big games' in the second half of Qualifying, as BISA look to increase their home field advantage during the stretch run.

Cup of Harmony 80 Group Stage Schedule
Matchday 1: Busoga Islands(65) v. Trolleborg(26) @ Draconium Arena(cap. 66,592) in Caversham, Krytenia
Matchday 2: Talamia(113) v. Busoga Islands(65) @ Draconium Arena(cap. 66,592) in Caversham, Krytenia
Matchday 3: Sannyamathland(116) v. Busoga Islands(65) @ Draconium Arena(cap. 66,592) in Caversham, Krytenia

The Domestic Football Situation

It's been a bad disastrous cycle for Busogan football, even if their knockout stage appearance at the AOCAFs was a high point. Why, was it disastrous? Well, the country's lone team in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, the joint venture between Banija, Busoga, and Farfadillis, was relegated. Lakiska SC never seemed long for the joint venture- a defensive minded team without a ton of talent, a lone island against the most aggressively offensive league in Atlantian Oceania, and probably in the entire multiverse. As the country's biggest club, they are the biggest contributor to the national team- presently five members, including three starters, play for Lakiska SC.

That's five key contributors no longer playing in the top-flight. What makes it worse? Busoga had two teams in the second flight, but one of them got relegated as well. So there are still just two teams in the second tier, Dukuma SC and now Lakiska SC. It may be a long time before another Busogan team gets promoted. What does this mean for the national team? Well, it will be harder to recruit talent, and BISA will have to be more aggressive about getting S-FPL squads to scout the Islands.

There are 6 professional squads on these islands. 4 in Banija's third tier, and two in Banija's second tier. With domestic football fans generally having a terrible time of it right now, they will look to the national team to try and deliver their happiness in this sport. Whether this is a good idea or not remains to be seen.

[Busoga Islands]

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

Alexander Bumba lines up return to Jinja City FC as the Islanders begin their preparation for the Cup of Harmony


Fans at a street watch party in the Busoga Islands after Hampton Island scores the decisive goal in the World Cup Qualifying Playoffs

LAKISKA, BUSOGA ISLANDS- The hopes were up there for the Busoga Islands. It was clear-World Cup 88 Qualifying was absolutely the best chance we've ever had at making the World Cup. Better than our chance at World Cup 83 Qualifying, where we were just one goal away from defeating Chromatika in the playoffs and getting to the Finals. And better than World Cup 85 Qualifying, when we controlled our own destiny with two games left to make the World Cup, and promptly managed to lose both of our Final two games. But this campaign hurt the most. We led the group after 14 consecutive matchdays, from Matchdays 3-16. But once again, at the crucial moments, we could not get the job done.

We threw away our finishing boots when it mattered most. 1-0 loss in Freeport. If we had won there, there's a solid chance we could have gotten into the Finals directly as one of the top 6 second place teams. And then, beating the only playoff team out of 12 to not score a goal in either leg, losing 1-0 on aggregate to the best defensive team in the multiverse, Hampton Island. Of course, the qualifier is that Hampton Island only conceded 6 goals in 20 qualifiers, far and away the best defensive record. But still- in those final 3 games, opportunities to close the door and make the World Cup. And yet- we did not score a single goal over the course of our last 270 minutes of play.

And that, more than anything, is why we find ourselves in the Cup of Harmony. Or, of course, back in the Cup of Harmony. A very emotional, hurting failure to qualify. But manager Alexander Bumba said that this team is absolutely ready to play in the CoH. "Those qualifying losses hurt- we will not lie to anybody." Bumba told reporters. "But we are professionals. We must get up, and keep ourselves moving forward. That's the human condition brought down to size in sports. We're thankful for the invitation to the Even Frostier Cup of Harmony, and we're always glad fo a chance at tournament football."

Much of the interior on both of the main Busoga Islands is desert- so we are a country, like Banija, that does not have a winter season. Therefore, the obvious choice is that the Busogans would prefer to travel to the Anaia region, as opposed to North Rushmore. Most Busogan players have been diplomatic about it, not saying there's a preference for either out loud. But Govind Nigam, the captain, said what everyone here was thinking. "Look- there's no winter here in Busoga. At least in Krytenia, while they unfortunately measure in celsius, it's going to be 60s to 80s. In Græntfjall it might snow? Miss me with that. When I do my daily prayers, I pray for our draw into Krytenia."

Of course, while the country is focused on that, there is another big potential move on the horizon. The rumor mill has it that BISA has offered a contract extension for Alexander Bumba, through the end of the World Cup 90 cycle, and he hasn't said yes. He hasn't exactly made a long-term commitment to the Busogan national team, only signing a one cycle contract from the start of the last AOCAFs through the end of World Cup 88/CoH 80. So with his contract running out, BISA opted to give him job security for two cycles, with the expectation of reaching the World Cup.

The rumor mill has it that the ambitious manager might be eyeing a bigger national team job. Could he put his name in the hat for the Græntfjall job after the Cup of Harmony? Would that even be available? They may hire their new full-time manager before the Cup of Harmony, since it is on home soil. Then again, if anybody would leave for a bigger job this close to the major tournament, it would be Bumba. Not afraid of being the villain in Busoga, is he? And of course, there's the club game. And his old club- Jinja City FC.

Jinja City FC has always been afraid of falling behind the massive coastal clubs in the Moravica Region, Herzegovina City and Istria City. Although Banija's 2nd largest city, Jinja City simply does not get a ton of attention. And in the S-FPL- the competition is far tougher. Kitara AA just won the freaking IFCF Champions League. The S-FPL has 8 CL spots. Jinja City FC will be damned if they continue to miss out on the CL. Will they make the call to bring their old friend home? He was successful here back in the BSL days, but the stakes are much higher now.

They'll surely chase after him. But Bumba's got options. And by not signing an extension now with BISA, he's clearly looking to keep those options wide open.

[North Japan]

North-Japan's
National Football Team Roster
Nation Name: Democratic People's Republic of Japan
Demonym: North-Japanese
Team Nickname: Kirin (Mythical creature: half lion, half horse.)
First Qualifiers: World Cup 87
First Appearance: Baptism of Fire 74
Best Result: Self proclaimed World Champion 87

Kit
Home: Red-White
Away: White-Blue

Style Modifier -1
Formation (3-2-3-2 and adaptive 4-2-2-2),

STAFF
Manager: Syuu Takagawa - Age 41
Assistant: Jun Matsumoto - Age 30

GOALKEEPERS
#1. Hiro Akita - GK - Age 21
#12. Hiroyuki Watanabe - GK - Age 22
#28. Shinji Nakamura - GK - Age 21

Defenders
#29. Akihiro Izumi - LB - Age 21
#20. Ken Shinji - CB - Age 24
#4. Yoshiki Sugihara - RB - Age 24
#6. Katsu Furata - CB - Age 26
#13. Jin Konuma - RB - Age 24
#5. Yoshi Yokohama - LB - Age 23

Midfielders
#7. Eikiken Noguchi - DM - Age 20
#28. Takanato Katabushi - LM - Age 20
#8. Mieko Okuyama - LM - Age 24]
#17. Saburo Suzuki - RM - Age 21
#22. Saburo Hatsumane - RM - Age 21
#9. Akanari Yoshiita - AM - Age 27
#10. Tokugawa Shinsato - LM - Age 19
#18. Junichiro Sasagawa - LM - Age 26
#16. Yoshihito Nitta - DM - Age 25
#21. Misao Morimoto - RM - Age 22

Forwards
#11. Izo Natsuke - SC - Age 19
#23. Tomoyuki Takahara - SC - Age 21
#15. Shirai Akasuka - SC - Age 26
#19. Akeno Hanumoto - SC - Age 25

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==RP Permissions==
Choose Scorers: [Y]
Godmod Goalscoring Events: [Y]
Injure Players: [Y]
Godmod Injury Events: [Y]
Godmod Cards: [Y] (If not outrageous naturally)
Godmod Other Events: [Y] (but make sure to send a TG first)

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[Trolleborg]

TROLLEBORG NATIONAL TEAM

Nickname: Trolls

Total official games in every tournament +91=32–47
In the CoH +5=2-5 with 20 goals for and 18 against

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NATIONAL TEAM

COACH

Morten Troghil continue in this position, being manager of the team since its creation. After his contract was approved by general public just before WCQ88, he continue in his position. Blame for team’s failure to qualify was not put on his shoulders, as it was obviously that biased judgement and incompetence on the part of one of tournament hosts caused such a setback.

PLAYERS

Morten Troghil recently put many new faces into lineup, because of the advanced age of some of the best players, but this not bring much success.

GOALKEEPERS

Tomas Kot Kotsson (31). Flexible and agile, quick-thinking, he recently made a quick progress – probably due to the hard work at the recent FA training camp for goalkeepers. Altought previously he was justifiable castigated for a big numbers of goals conceded, and there was doubts if he continue as number one, in the last tournaments he improved his game significantly and played very good in the WCQ.
Jesper Krogh (23). Player who already prove himself on a league level, fast and good at the second floor, without losing something in his first floor game skills, making some incredible saves in our league. He already taste big international football and having rather positive reviews, altough his full qualities and how good he will be between the posts is not known.

DEFENDERS

Loonstrup, Jesper (23). Another man from unfortunate U21 team, he at last receive a ticket to the national team camp. He is flank defender in the preferred Trolleborg style – fast moving, adept in supporting attacking moves, willingly throw himself in the way of the ball, aggressive in tackling. He spend most of the WCQ on the bench, but looked very well when on the field.
Nikolaas Laste (30). He was reliable left back, who has a tendency going forward, but in the recent years prefer to concentrate on his defensive duties, which he does very successfully in the local championship, and only recently began to show something like that in the international games. His forays into the opponents half usually bring with them a lot of danger.
Aien Troger (28). He is fast, strongly build and extremely good in tackling. It’s very challenging to move into the box past him and he is made a serious progress for four seasons Trolleborg team played in the international football. Being (probably) in his prime years, he was a pillar of defence, one of the causes of the sharp decrease of goals conceded by the team, and it will be seen whom coach paired him in the centre.
Joran Du Riis(26). Cold-blooded fighter prove that he more than capable holding his own at the highest level. Agile and fast-moving, but solidly builded and used this for his advantage, he prefers play either to the right of center or on the right side, as team needed. Recent WCQ was not his best tournament, but coach obviously counted on him
William Schendel (25). Agile fast moving defender known for his skillful positioning and man-marking, highly effective in breaking opposition attacks, great in the heading, with incredible high crosses-interception rate.
Kasper Wolters (28). One of the team brightest stars, he is right back by default, but he is very strong, very fast, have a very good shot and even better crossing skill. Having all this, he very often make a lighting runs to the opposition box and sometime substitute right midfielder. His performance in WCQ earned him spot in the lineup again.
Torgeir Dushegub (31). Known as a Column, this tall and strong player usually dominates a box both in the air and at the grass. Being always calm and confidence, he projected aura of them around. Age advanced on him, but he was trying to live up to the fan expectations. Another veteran player, but probably he will travel to CoH as backup.

MIDFIELDERS

Rolf Valgren (31). Quick-thinking, with a perfect understanding of game, seeing everyone and everything in the field, and with brilliant passing skills, this man can bring ball everywhere he wants. He definitely add something from international experience, and his wealth of experience personified through by his calmness on the ball.
Jesper Gronholm (25). Recent addition to the team, he was comfortable down the right flank as either defender or midfielder. Competenly hold his own while in defence, he was willingly join any move forward, where he pass ball quickly and thoughtfully.
Hendrick Groningen (29). The defensive midfielder, probably the best in his generation, he was not selected to play in BoF and joined team by way, proved himself worthy of a place in the team, caused a lot of problems to the attacking players of the opposing teams and ready to help out in the back. His talent of intercepting ball in the middle and using every possibility to begin attacks was fully appreciated by everyone – apart, probably, of his opponents. Recently his performance on the field is far from brilliant, looked like he don’t adapt fully to the new defensive setup.
Finn Finnsnes (31). Playing usually attacking midfielder, free forward or link man between midfielders and attackers, he is swift, smart, good dribbler with a great sense of goal possibilities. Having all this, he didn’t make solo runs without need, and has a habit to review every option before doing something, so opponents never know beforehand what he did next second.
Morten Troll (28). He is a brightest star amongst midfielders in the whole country. Genius of game, with a wonderful dribbling, beautiful technique, excellent pass and extremely good shot, he won many games for his local team single-handedly, but also a great team player with great repertoire of tricks. Highly probably, he will be a player of generation, and very probably, best player Trolleborg ever had. He brilliantly justified all the positive reviews even when team performance was rather uninspiring.
Ruud Kolding (30). Left midfielder, he, despite his age, covering lot of ground with his unbeliveable stamina, can press forwards or go back as team need.
Kenneth Pathmoor (25). Recent addition to the team, Kenneth already play in the WCQ cycle, altought coach don’t selected him for the World Cup itself. But looked like everything is ahead for this versatile and clever midfielder, who can cover a lot of space and conjure goal opportunity for his forwards from nothing. With his pace, agility and an eye for goal he probably has a bright future. WCQ-88 campaign was not his best ever, but nevertheless this versatile player was useful part of the team.

FORWARDS

Stuart Kerr (31). Quick, brave, skillful, moved fast despite age, love to puzzle defenders and having ability shot from everywhere in the box right despite defenders best efforts. Brilliantly confirmed his reputation as a prolific scorer at home, he was definitely keystone of team that winning BoF, winning a prize for the topgoalscorer of BoF and continue to add goals in almost every tournament.
Tom Gulbranden (29). Build like a very tall stone wall, he easily can tramp defenders if he wish to do so. He don’t need such a things, though. Altought never shies physical contacts with defenders and having often put opponents under pressure, he can move past defenders with surprising speed, it’s difficult to knock ball out of his possession, and his powerful leaping give him many advantages. Yes, it is looked impossible, that a man of such a stature can bring himself in the air at all, but nevertheless he is – strongly jumping and struck the ball by the head with deadly precision, scoring many of the most beautiful goals of the team.
Torgeir Berglund (24). Another recent addition to the squad, effective center forward in front of goals, having something in common in both Kerr and Gulbranden despite their visible differences. Being teamed with Jivoglot at the last tournamens, he looked like a very menacing and already prove his goal-scoring talents. But his fervor and desire to meet fans expectations fully sometimes failed him
Mogren Langepaas (23). Former star of the Youth League, after that best stiker of the second national one, and right now established players in the highest league. His style of play does not look very spectacular, but he has a phenomenal scoring sense and constantly finds gaps in the defensive orders. In the CoH probably he will be used as a backup for one of the more experienced forwards.
Torfinn Jivoglot (22). Albeit very young, he is already established player in the Trolleborg league with a very decent play-to-goal rate. Very fast, reading game perfectly, with a strong goal flair, he will probably have a bright future. Already make his name known to the opponent’s defenders.
Torfinn Skaloed (28). Intelligent forward as it was, he can move very quickly, constantly ahead of the defenders, successfully escapes from markers, and in case of need he often going back and successfully acquire ball here to begin attacks. But in the international game his performance is not very consistent, altough coach nevertheless take him into this tournament.

TEAM TACTICS AND GAME STYLE

Team practiced attractive attacking game on a fast pace, and already its style well-known and liked by public. Played 4-4-2 with defenders pressed forward whatever possible against opponents of the same or higher rank, or 3-5-2\4-3-3 with teams of much lower rank. Flank defenders going forward whatever possible, flank midfielders move back and forth as things dictated. Integral and inalienable part of the team’s game will be mighty pressing, applied whatever on the field when ball is not on our side.

National psyche tell players to put everything even if odds are heavily against, so almost every match in the league played with high determination, and national team shirt oblige one who wore it for even more efforts – altought it was visible, that players often lose breath when unexpected setbacks occur. Unsportsmanlike behavior is highly discouraged even if in the interests of the cause, and national team players are required to meet the highest standards possible, so it is completely impossible to imagine a player of the Trolleborg national team faking injury or begging for a penalty. But players are not easily bullied, though, and more than able to stand up for themselves both as individuals and as a team, and have a strong inclination to go tit-for-tat in case of excessive brutality on the opponent’s part.

Style -5.

No, there was no confusion, team played attacking football on the field, while having negative style modifier for a scorinating purposes.

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 I reserve right to estimate injury severeness
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes only for a last ditch fouls or two yellows, any other variants must be discussed with me
Godmod other events: No, but if you have something interesting in mind, let me know and we try to find a middle ground.

OUR FANS

Fans is a pride of Trolleborg and almost part of the team, having already earning themselves a name and a good reputation at every place where national team playing.

Trolleborg Republic will organize trips for a fans and they wil arrive in the host countries in a very big batches, by thousands. They are well known for both their noise barrages, gung-ho attitude and total friendliness.

We will be happy to participate in any endeavors that will allow your fans visit evolve in a story that will please both participants and readers. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

[Recuecn]

Reçueçn Roster & National Information

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Sporting History

Reçueçn had just barely been in the World Cup long enough for people recognize the name, when it began to slip once more toward irrelevancy. The nation has had fewer opportunities than most to make forays into the world of international football. It Reçueçn debuted in the 59th Baptism of fire, before the 72nd World Cup, but accomplished very little before disappearing from international football for 10 cycles. However on its return, it made the most out of the chances it got.

During Reçueçn's absence from national sport in the interim, domestic sport in Reçueçn fell into disarray as well. Only semi-recently did things change, when a young legislative staffer named Jean-Luc Lassalle began an initiative to resurrect organized sport in the country with the government's assistance. The result of this push was the creation of the brand new Reçuecian Ministry of Sport, which promptly reorganized domestic association football leagues throughout the country and got things moving once more. Lassalle himself became the new Minister of Sport, despite his young age.

For the national team, this meant involvement once more in international competition. Reçueçn's first chance to declare its return came at the 7th Independent Associations' Championship. To the surprise of everyone, including its own fans, the unranked Reçuecian national team managed to win 3rd place, taking home its first silverware of any kind. The team itself largely consisted of the same squad that had partaken in the Baptism of Fire and World Cup qualifiers all of 10 World Cup cycles ago.

The team had struggled back then, due to the rivalries within Reçuecian domestic football, and those old wounds came back with the reestablishment of the national team. During the Baptism of Fire and Reçueçn's first international competitions, the players hadn't really had enough experience playing with each other to develop the necessary camaraderie or team spirit. Hopes were high that the creation of the Ministry of Sport would herald in a new era. Since the team was largely the same, some of the rivalries came back at first, but the team's performance at IAC 7 smoothed over its troubles and the team gelled.

Riding high on their third place finish in the IAC, the Reçuecians launched into their first qualification attempt since World Cup 73. This time, things were different: still officially unranked, Reçueçn miraculously managed to qualify for the world cup in its first attempt, even making it as far as the Round of 16. Reçueçn's first-time qualification and its consistent qualification since then is most likely the sporting accomplishment for which the nation is most known. The nation returned to the IAC even stronger and more confident; this time it knew what it was capable of, and it was hosting to boot. In its second IAC, Reçueçn got everything it could want: victory at home.

After that, the Reçuecians held steady but failed to make any meaningful advances. The nation didn't advance past the round of sixteen in either the IAC or the World Cup in either of the next two cycles. However, during IAC 11, things fell apart. With only a single victory in the first round, Les Licornes finished second-last in their group, a result that was dubbed a 'national embarassment' by Reçuecian news outlets. It was only the beginning of a downhill tumble: after coming second in its WC 87 group and losing its playoff to Pasarga, Reçueçn failed to make it to the World Cup for the first time since its return to soccer. National Coach Jacques Tremblay announced his retirement at the end of the cycle, and the next IAC was only another disappointment. Each tournament, the goal has been to 'turn things around,' but Reçueçn failed in this goal when they were knocked out in the playoffs the second cycle in a row. The only hope for redemption will be a decent CoH performance. Otherwise we will be able to conclusively say that the only thing to match Reçueçn's historically fast ascension to World Cup qualification was its equally fast descent.

All time record: 117-51-54

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National Team Information

L'Équipe Nationale de Reçueçn de Football is still in the process of making a name for itself, but if it's known for anything, it would be for its defensive style. This is partly due to the large influence of Reçueçn FC on the team—the most popular domestic club in Reçueçn plays about as defensive a game as you can imagine. This is balanced out to some extent by the players from other teams with more attacking philosophies, but the league as a whole tends towards defense, and it shows in the national team. Furthermore, Gerauld Firaut, the team's #1 goalie, is the best player on the team by a solid margin—without a doubt, Reçueçn's first world-class player. He and his defense form the foundation for the team as a whole.

National Team Logo

The team plays in a 4-3-3 formation, but sometimes the wings drop back, almost making it a 4-5-1. In general, the team's strategy and tactics are solid. However, the team is in managerial upheaval at the moment after the shock resignation of its head coach, Jacques Tremblay. Tremblay had guided the team ever since its Baptism of Fire, but was also very old. He had prepared for stepping down by appointing Bonheur Relié as assistant coach, whose fiery personality contrasted Tremblay's gentler wisdom. Tremblay was always more popular with the players than Relié, and now that he is gone, the team may once again struggle to coalesce.

The Reçueçian National Team's mascot is the unicorn; thus another name for the team is "les licornes". The fantastical creature has been a symbol of Reçueçn for almost two millennia and is also the national animal, appearing as the supporters in the national coat of arms.

The team's kit represents the colors of the flag in a quite literal fashion. The jersey was redesigned a few cycles ago, replacing the first one les licornes ever wore, dating back to the 59th Baptism of Fire. Fans who thought the old outfit ugly are excited to see the team play wearing its new uniforms, and feel that they are now represented much more professionally.

Reçueçn has only one stadium in which its national team plays, located in the capital city (also named Reçueçn). Never having been given an official title, the national stadium is usually simply referred to just that: The National Stadium, or in French, the local language, the Stade Nationale. Capacity: 30,000.

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Roster

Name               	#	Pos.	Age	Club                 	TGM
Coaching Staff   	 
Bonheur Relié	       	M	Manager	49	National Team
Ägidius Heissler        AM      Asst M. 39      National Team    	 					
Starters
Gerauld Firaut		1	GK	29	Reçueçn FC       	RCN	
Emanuele Cutrona	2	CB	25	Mierton Manatees	TAE	
Paulin Bourguignon	3	LB	26	Dhun Lagarr FC        	TKT	
Lukas Kayserling	4	CB	25	Herzegovina City FC	BNJ	
Oliver Spencer		5	RB	29	Brinemouth       	NPH	
Raoul Lavigne		6	LM	26	Monmouth Park FC	CBP
Harold Saunders		7	AM	32	Association Genève	RCN
Maynard Hebron		8	RM	30	Assalto Alpino   	RCN	
Per Tegeler       	9	LW	28	Oakstone        	EUR	
Frank "Franky" Adams	10	CF	24	Association Genève	RCN	
Freeman Lebo           	11	RW	31	Pelethas United  	COS	
Reserves
Estienne de Chefderue	12	GK	25	FC Harrim         	RCN				
Hagen Groos     	13	SW	28	Reçueçn FC       	RCN	
Jayson Compton        	14	LB	26	Col-de-Môse      	RCN			
Quirino Lucian    	15	CB	26	Ville-sur-Rivière	RCN			
Barnabus Mercer       	16	RB	30	Heldingen 1919  	RCN			
Robert Chéreau  	17	LM	25	FC Zimmerich           	RCN			
Grégoire Leclair	18	DM	33	Dynamo Sjoedrhavn	SVJ
Quentin Gouin    	19	RM	23	Inland Peaks      	VIL			
Marc Schöner		20	LW	27	Stomford 1904		RCN	
Ly Nasser          	21	CF	27	FC Zimmerich    	RCN	
Jean-Baptiste Brochard	22	RW	31	Lampadaires Associés	RCN	
Calanico Di Martino	23	GK	28	Renwyll             	RCN

Apologies for any inconsistencies concerning ages or current clubs for Reçuecians currently playing abroad; refer to information from their respective leagues if it differs.

Coaching Staff

Bonheur Relié: Passionate and motivated, Relié had all the youthful energy you'd hope for in the assistant coach of a side whose manager was pushing three quarters of a century. Sometimes his energy was a bit much and he's had some friction with the players in the past. Now that he's head manager that will have to be resolved.

Ägidius Heissler: Used to play as a left wing for Itrino. After retiring as a player he signed for the National Team as Paraclete, taking a promotion to Assistant Manager in the wake of Tremblay's resignation. If Relié was the bad cop to Tremblay's good cop, with Tremblay gone, Heissler fills the good cop role.

Starters

Gerauld Firaut: The face of Reçuecian football. Mature, talented, humble. Firaut, team captain, provides the leadership on the pitch that les licornes need, and the fact that he's such a nice guy when he's not playing soccer helps cement him as the nation's favored son. As some of his Reçueçn FC have retired or not been called up for this tournament, his exceptional goal-tending skills combined with Tremblay's strategy has preserved the team's defensive nature.

Emanuele Cutrona: Cutrona was in the first batch of call-ups for the National Team after the original Baptism of Fire squad, and he's still one of the younger players on the team. Until Di Martino's call-up, he was the only Italian-speaking player on the team (although others are from Italian-speaking clubs). He's developed a strong friendship with Franky Adams, which often leads to the pair of them getting in trouble.

Paulin Bourguignon: Bourguignon is the kind of defensive player who is always trying to clear the ball with long shots and score goals at corner kicks. Big on counter-attacks, he sometimes outpaces the mid-fielders, usually to his coach's dismay.

Lukas Kayserling: Very tall. Calm and controlled. Sometimes has difficulty communicating as he doesn't speak English or French as well as most of the other team members.

Oliver Spencer: Annother star defensive player, now playing for Brinemouth, Spencer is often outshone by Firaut, and for a long time Spencer couldn't decide whether the rivalry he thought they had was more important than team spirit or not. By now he has found his groove as part of the all-important back line.

Raoul Lavigne: No relation of the slightly more well-known Hippolyte Lavigne, Raoul is the second sophomore of the team: not one of the original squad but not a brand-new call-up either. He caught the NT's scouts' eyes after helping Bonneville Sportif to a couple good seasons. (He now plays in Baker Park.) Playing outside the nation has given him new things to worry about, namely, if his teammates leave him out of things since he's not a 'local' anymore. He doesn't realize how ridiculous his fears are, but fortunately they push him to prove himself every time he steps onto the field.

Harold Saunders: Saunders is synonymous with an aggressive style of play, especially in the midfield. He seems to always be able to find a way to give the ball to Franky. On and off the field he is emotionally well-balanced, usually rather stoic and unmoved.

Maynard Hebron: The unsung hero of the Assalto Alpino, Hebron is a great proponent of football development across Recuecn, especially on behalf of the smaller amateur teams that have recently joined the FNRF. Hebron often gets lucky with long shots from the edge of the box when the strikers are unable to really get open right in front of goal.

Per Tegeler: Good at receiving the ball from the defense or mid-field, trapping it in general, and taking it into the 18-yard box and shooting. Possible weakness is passing: either he doesn't, or it's long air balls. Per is the big change to the line-up since the world cup—the aging Hippolyte Lavigne was not called up again, and so now Tegeler is starting.

Frank "Franky" Adams: Young, extremely talented, and rather cocky, Franky, who plays for Association Genève in the LNRF, really makes their team. When he has a bad shooting streak, his team has a losing streak, and vice versa, and he knows it. At Association Genève, the team and the fans love him. At the national team, they tolerate him—his rivalries with Reçueçn FC's players cause tension which Coach Tremblay must try to defuse. Tremblay, incidentally, thinks Franky is a bit conceited, although he is still one of the most aware of his talent. Franky is definitely the second most famous player on the team, at least to Reçueians. His role up front helps with that, obviously.

Freeman Lebo: Lebo can score goals, is highly motivated, and persevering. He's comfortable in the striker role. However, he is high-strung and not too difficult to offend, traits which, when combined with his overestimation of his own skill, can make him difficult to get along with. Has lots of potential when a manager can get him to swallow his pride, and Tremblay usually can. Lebo and Franky got off to a rocky start but since then they've really meshed well, and they give each other great service often leading to one of them scoring.

Reserves

Estienne de Chefderue: Both of les licornes' reserve goalies were recently replaced, and de Chefderue got the number one number two spot. A couple seasons ago at FC Harrim he did well, and he got some practice in the Eagles Cup when Tremblay subbed him into a lot of matches. It remains to be seen how he'll fare in a tournament that means a bit more as since then he still hasn't seen a lot of time on the pitch.

Hagen Groos: A Reçueçn FC representative, yet again: Groos is sweeper for the club, which is supposedly the best in the country. It's probably confusing for him then why the starting sweeper position is handed to the younger Cutrona rather than him.

Jayson Compton: Not a ton to say about Jayson Compton. He's a mysterious fellow and we don't quite know what he's up to ourselves.

Quirino Lucian: Lucian has the look of a rugby player, and he'll take all the intimidation he can get from that: he needs people to know he's not afraid to muscle them down as they approach his goal—because he's not. He'll mess you up.

Barnabus Mercer: Called up for the first time at twenty-seven years old after doing very well in le championnat, some people questioned this decision of Tremblay's. Certainly it was the strongest on paper, so we'll see how it pans out. If you can believe it, Mercer played for a San Lleran club team more than ten world cups ago.

Robert Chéreau: Chéreau's biggest issue is that he tends to drift toward the center when he shouldn't, yet he ironically seems to have a very good idea of space and where to be in it, which is good for a player in his position.

Grégoire Leclair: Leclair almost never plays at the same time as Saunders. Usually, one is subbed for the other depending on whether more defensive or offensive tactics are called for at the moment. Leclair's specialty is going back and clearing the ball in difficult situations. There were thoughts Leclair wouldn't be called up this year, which would've been major news, but I guess he's been doing well enough in Savojarna for Tremblay.

Quentin Gouin: The team's new youngest player, he has breath and speed and agility. The stamina is sometimes lacking.

Marc Schöner: Schöner is the latest call-up, replacing Tegeler on the bench now that Tegeler is starting. He's fresh from winning le championnat with his club (Stomford 1904), so he's got all the energy and drive you could ask for, along with all the pride and self-assuredness.

Ly Nasser: Loves to shoot from far out, and often shoots high. Despite this, he makes up for it with his sheer number of shots. Incredibly aggressive, and loved by Zimmerich fans. Thinks he is one of the best strikers in the world, and he certainly is a good player. Weirdly he gets put on the Reçuecian reserves, you'd expect him to be playing with Lebo and Franky.

Jean-Baptiste Brochard: Immensely fast, especially with the ball, Brochard is weaker in set pieces and organized attacks. His strength is the counter-attack and the breakaway.

Calanico Di Martino: Unfortunately Di Martino's given name doesn't quite just mean 'soccer,' although it is close. His parents must have known there was something special about him. He has a toe that moves with wings—useful for delivering powerful goal kicks but perhaps wasted on a player who never gets to shoot.

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Reçuecian History and Culture

The nation of Reçueçn was created in the first half of the XIV^th century, when Carl Blancpic, Duke of the Duchy of Reçueçn, launched a breakneck military campaign invading and annexing many of his neighbors to the east. Before this time, Reçueçn had been only a city, built on the heights overlooking the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. These heights had been settled by Carl Blancpic's distant ancestor, Ifheda Rcuecn, near the end of the II^nd century a.d., and had born his name ever since. The area at that time belonged to the Roman Empire, who had established their regional administrative center, Lugdunum, on the other side of the river.

In 197 a.d., a decisive battle was fought near Lugdunum in one of the civil wars for the throne of the empire. The victor, Septimius Severus, razed the city of Lugdunum and destroyed it, stripping from it all imperial privileges in punishment for supporting his rival. This was the end for Lugdunum, but it was the beginning for Reçueçn. Refugees flocked across the river to join the settlement, and the city of Reçueçn grew to become a smallish regional center. Rcuecn's descendants (who changed the spelling to Reçueçn) maintained control over what became the Duchy of Reçueçn for 700 years, until it was inherited by their cousins the Blancpics who reigned for another 300 years.

At the beginning of the XIV^th century, power passed into the hands of Carl Blancpic, who was partially insane and a megalomaniac. Thus he declared his duchy to be a kingdom and singled out weak neighbors who he invaded with audacity. Over an incredibly short period of time beginning in the spring of 1337, he had carved out for himself a sizable dominion.

Carl, who styled himself "Carl III of Reçueçn", was violent, unstable, and petty. He was also wildly unpopular with the populations of the various states he had conquered. Although the central power structure helped the economy of the new Kingdom of Reçueçn to some extent, it did not bring with it all the stability that might have been expected. This was mostly due to the decrees of Carl III, who, among other things, began a campaign to persecute and kill all "heretics" within his new realm. Most historians agree that this was in fact a thinly veiled purge of his political rivals. This and other policies he enacted on his whims finally drove the people into open revolt sometime around 1352.

Carl managed to hold on to power for a couple years by hiring mercenaries, but in 1254 lost two key battles and was captured by the rebels. By this time, the rebellion was led by feudal lords throughout the country who had sided with the people against their tyrant king. Carl III was executed, and the kingdom dissolved into a mess of tiny, independent feudal holdings.

No sooner had the various states that had been in the Kingdom of Reçueçn won their independence, than infighting broke out among them. The feudal lords squabbled over power and influence, trying vainly to imitate Carl's meteoric rise to power. This new violence, combined with the economic downturn associated with the rebellion and the breakup of the nation, clearly displayed how poorly things were turning out. More sensible minds came to the decision that the solution was to once more unify Reçueçn.

On November 19, 1356, therefore, The Allied States of Reçueçn came into being. The leaders of all the petty states, duchies, bishoprics, free cities, etc., came together and signed what are known as "The Treaties of the Alliance," a document just powerful enough to classify Reçueçn as a single nation by most people's definition, rather than a group of independent entities. The treaties also established a rough form of democracy, with each state represented (although typically by its aristocracy). Thus Reçueçn lays claim to being one of the oldest democracies in the world.

The treaties defined much of Reçuecian history to come. Provisions were made to establish freedom of religion, in order to avoid another scenario similar to Carl III's persecution of his opponents. The treaties also gave Reçueçn an isolationist bent. The nation had been burned before, and wouldn't soon try to meddle in external affairs, especially when its composite nature made creating a foreign policy so difficult.

Reçueçn, then, has managed to avoid many of the crises of European history. It's darkest moment came when Napoleon invaded, proclaiming himself emperor (although he allowed Reçueçn's government to continue to function under his reign). The allied states have drawn closer together, although cultural differences remain among them; they don't even all speak the same language.

Reçueçian culture has also been shaped by its location, nestled in the center of the Alps. The difficulty of travel among mountain valleys ensured the cultural diversity of the nation and preserved local customs. Although rural communities did center around agriculture—especially dairy production—many Reçuecian were forced by the lack of arable land to find other work. This led to a culture of innovation that continues today: Reçueçn is now known for its luxury products and technological exports. This has additionally led to a focus on science and education. The relatively diverse nature of Reçueçn's culture means that some areas are culturally more time-oriented while others are more task-oriented, but this fusion has given the country a uniqueness, especially in art. Reçueçn, perhaps thanks to its inland, mountainous location, or the fact that it was never a colonial power, has seen little immigration or emigration. Recently, however, the diversity of language spoken in the country has made it attractive to refugees from other areas where those languages are spoken.

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Essential Information

RP Permissions

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My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Please (subs too)
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, nothing career-ending
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but never
Firaut, Saunders, or Kayserling
Godmod other events: Yes

Style Modifier: -π | Trigram: RCN

Quick Facts

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Capital: Reçueçn
Official Languages: French, German, Italian
Non-official Languages: Arpitan
Demonym: Reçuecian
Population: 5,252,000 (regional censuses 1999-2011)
Area: 43,116 sq km
GDP: $340,000,000,000 (2019 Estimate)
Currency: Guilder

All photos taken by me in locations that would be in IC Reçueçn.
All logos and graphics created by me.

Starting XI

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1 - GK - Gerauld Firaut
2 - SW - Emanuele Cutrona
3 - LB - Paulin Bourguignon
4 - CB - Lukas Kayserling
5 - RB - Oliver Spencer
6 - LM - Raoul Lavigne
7 - DM - Harold Saunders
8 - RM - Maynard Hebron
9 - LW - Per Tegeler
10 - CF - Franky Adams
11 - RW - Freeman Lebo

[Kohnhead]

Nation Name: The Galactic Empire of Kohnhead
Shorter Name: Kohnhead
Nation Trigramme: KND
Record: 70-27-45 (W-D-L)
WCC Record: 49-20-33 (W-D-L)
Inaugural Match: Kohnhead 2 - 2 Riena
Biggest Win: Kohnhead 5 - 0 Al Qurija
Biggest Loss: Kohnhead 0 - 4 Eura
Achievements: First Place at the 2nd Wonder Cup, Round of 16 at the 72nd Baptism of Fire, 5th place in group 2 of WC85 qualfiers, Round of 16 at the 77th Cup of Harmony, Round of 16 at the 10th IAC, Round of 32 at the 78th Cup of Harmony, Round of 24 at the 11th IAC, 4th place in group 10 of WC87 qualifiers, Round of 32 at the 79th Cup of Harmony, 3rd place in Group 11 of WC88 Qualifiers
Top Scorer: Aaron Korkson (63)
Most Assists: Linus Rallyton (43)
Most Caps: Nicholas Radison (140)

Team Info: The Brains surpassed all expectations and turned many heads at their original attempt at qualifying as we came in 5th of our group but that doesn't tell the whole story. We were in it until the second to last match where Drawkland eliminated us by winning 5-4. Our second attempt at qualifying went extremely poorly leading to Christopher Kohnhead getting the axe and Michael White out of South Newlandia coming in. The Michael White era has started off pretty well for Kohnhead with good results at the Twicetagria Football Invitational, however subpar results at the 11th IAC had many wondering if we could truly mount a challenge in qualifiers. With a new formation, a new mindset, and some new players we came in 4th of the Group and even managed to win the UWC belt to carry it into the Cup of Harmony where we finished 2nd in our group before suffereing a humiliating 5-1 loss to Mercedini in the Round of 32 once again. Unfortunately a poor run in the IAC with the top team competing saw us exit in the Group Stage and changes were made afterwards that bring in new players and give Harry Richman and Rodriguez Sporet their International Retirements. Kohnhead were in a top two position for virtually all of the World Cup 88 Qualifiers and had a chance to win the Group or get an automatic top six second place spot. However 0 points from our last three games saw us literally lose out on a playoff spot by a point to Tikariot. Sure the team performed quite well especially the defense and Michael White gets all credit for that but we choked... hard, and he heard it from our supporters. They have big expectations for this Cup of Harmony and I don't know if we can deliver on them.

The official roster of the KNFT consists of the following players for the 80th Cup of Harmony. It has players from the KFA (Kohnhead Football Association), as well as some who play on teams abroad.

Starting XI
(C) Right Forward: Aaron Korkson #91 (M) Age: 26 Team: Kohnhead City FC
Caps: 128 Goals: 63 Assists: 28
The 26 year old captain played very well at the Baptism of Fire before their loss in the round of 16. He also was one of the main reasons they were able to do so well in the World Cup 85 qualifiers. He's a strong leader and is able to score goals pretty easily. He and Maltos are the stars on Kohnhead City FC and on national team. He will be entering his prime soon and leads the squad in goals by a pretty large amount. Korkson followed an awful campaign in WC 86 Qualifying with his best in WC 87 Qualifying leading the team in goals and showing why he's considered the top striker. An injury in the 12th IAC hurt his stock but he recovered in time to resume his domestic duties and showed in the two preceding friendlies that he's fully healthy. This proved to not really be true as when healthy he dominated but he had a very injury riddled campaign with the National Team and had he been fully healthy the entire time we probably wouldhave qualified.

Left Forward: Erin Maltos #10 (F) Age: 26 Team: Kohnhead City FC
Caps: 135 Goals: 50 Assists: 29
Erin Maltos is very good. While Korkson may have more goals, the impact she has on the game when she's plays cannot be understated and although there are times and there are some games where she may disappear into the shadow of other stars, she has the best footwork on the team and a deadly shot. She like Korkson will be reaching her prime soon and it will be good to see, Maltos like Korkson had a bounce back campaign last cycle which was huge and of the strikers on the National Team she has had the most success domestically even if here she takes a 1B role. Maltos really came on with Korkson's injury problems and while she couldn't take us up the mountain she almost nearly did.

Right Midfielder: Suzanna Barter #60 (F) Age: 21 Team: Olympique de Rimouski (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
Caps: 35 Goals: 4 Assists: 4
Suzanna really emerged in season 1 of the the KFA Premier League on a surprise Real Dawson squad that made the Challengers Cup and a few seasons later completed a massive transfer for 4.75 million to Kingston FC in Quebec and Shingoryeo. Despite a rocky start in year one she was amazing in their second season helping them finish 9th in the Q-League and earning herself a move to second place on tiebreakers for 6.0 million surpassing Linus Rallyton to become the most expensive Kohnheadian player at only 21. Barter has played herself into a starting role ahead of Al Torgan and she performed really well during Qualifying to show that she deserves this spot.

Central Midfielder: Sophie Johnson #7 (F) Age: 21 Team: Kohnhead City FC
Caps: 64 Goals: 7 Assists: 11
While Sophie Johnson was buried on the depth chart at the Cup of Harmony 78 a great run of form in the KFA Premier League scoring five goals for second place Kohnhead City FC as well as Michael White's approval during training earned her this spot away from Audrey Henderson. It was bold move however especially given the talent at the position but Johnson more than justified her starting spot during the cycle and she fit right in for the offense. Her starting spot isn't going anywhere and she's just another example of why this team can be so good in the future and she showed a lot of her upside during Qualifying.

Central Midfielder: Linus Rallyton #11 (M) Age: 28 Team: FC Yassaca (Squornshelean Remnant States)
Caps: 134 Goals: 24 Assists: 43
It didn't take long for Linus Rallyton to show that he was the best player in Kohnhead and it happened during our Baptism of Fire as he looked dominant. He is our all time leader in assists with 43 and he controls the game from the center of the field as that guy. Last offseason he completed a massive move to FC Yassaca in the Squornshelan Remnant States and they finished in second place after failing to get a victory in their final match which would have sealed it. Despite this it was a great season being named the second best signing, the fourth best midfielder, and the fourth best foreign player. He followed it up by being named to the Team of the Season in his second campaign although Yasacca only qualified for the Challengers Cup and has now been named team captain. Internationally he has been brilliant and leads the team in assists a mark that no one is anywhere close to. Heading into his third season at Yasacca the time was right for a breakthrough and as the newly named captain he led them to the title and was named midfielder of the season an award that had evaded him for two seasons once again making the Team of the Year obviously. Then something even more amazing happend as he captained the IFCF Challengers Cup Champions with Yassaca going on a great run in the ensuing Domestic season, and the only Kohnheadian to make the Galacticos Longlist continues to show his talent and worth.

Left Midfielder: Charles Laker #54 (M) Age: 23 Team: Barnley FC
Caps: 136 Goals: 30 Assists: 21
In the years since our Baptism of Fire we have seen the emergence of Charles Laker on the left side of this midfield. His talent, skills, and maturity level have grown exponentially and he will keep getting better in the years ahead. Laker has slowly been ascending to stardom as one could say and we will get to witness him continue to grow. While Rallyton is still the star of the midfield Laker paired with him gives us a deadly midfield and his speed is an essential part of his game.

Right Back: Taylor Rodar #15 (F) Age: 23 Team: New Capetown Falcons (Taeshan)
Caps: 62 Goals: 1 Assists: 4
Rodar after leaving Bingham City was called up to the National team as possibly the second center back off of the bench behind Porsha. Rodar didn't play too well at the DBC and Bingham City were awful during their relegation year however she was given a shot at the Cup of Harmony and played well, Michael White really likes her skill set. She currently is the starter at right back for Taeshan side New Capetown Falcons who recently came in third of that higher level league. Her abilities with the New Capetown Falcons as a right back convinced the coaching staff that she could play there and she has beaten out Porsha for the starting right back job.

Center Back: Miranda Atkinson #518(F) Age: 22 Barnley FC
Caps: 123 Goals: 4 Assists: 7
Miranda Atkinson has been the second best player on the defense since she became a starter midway through the Baptism of Fire, two years ago. Since then she has improved, just reached, 20, and not to mention won the MVP with Barnley FC in season 1 of the KFA Premier League. While the following seasons haven't been as good she still has been one of the best defenders in the league and will continue to be so as she grows and develops. She like a lot of this team has her best days ahead of her and will be the starter for a long time.

Center Back: Claire Corton #24 (F) Age: 28 Team: Swisston City FC
Caps: 114 Goals: 4 Assists: 7
Corton had a rough start to the BoF, with some saying her and Vargas were the major problem with the team. She stepped it up a bit later in the tournament but overall had a rough BOF. Since then she has been a real redemption story playing extremely well, a lot better than when Callie Porsha had to step in as her replacement. Corton is still in the prime of her career, but she was injured midway through 85's qualifiers causing her to miss the entire Cup of Harmony. She really has put those questions behind her and has been very solid in the back but will have to keep looking over her shoulder if she wants to keep this spot.

Left Back: Nicholas Radison #14 (M) Age: 26 Team: Port Tacassam FC (Tikariot)
Caps: 140 Goals: 10 Assists: 7
Radison has been the best defender by far. He has the pace to run up and down the wings which is something you always look for in a wing back. Radison has consistently been the lone saving grace of the defense but now the defense is much improved which will take the burden off of his back especially with the emergence of Atkinson, and improvemnts from Claire Corton. Radison is just entering his prime at age 26. He has also been asked to play more of a role in the offense with his speed down the wings. Last offseason he completed a transfer from FC Kohnface City to Tikariotan side Port Tacassam FC who finished in second during his first season with the team with the best defense in the league. In addition Radison has the most caps on the team as well all know availibility is the best skill.

Goalkeeper: Bertha Sanders #1 Age: 23 (F) Team: Sindvpore FC (Indusse)
Caps: 88 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
After starting for Kohnhead at the most recent U-21 World Cup/DBC, Sanders in a surprise move was named the National Team starter over Madison Richards for the IAC. Richards continued to be on the bench as Sanders who looked good at the DBC took over for the legend that was Jackson Newcastle. Newcastle has also returned to and will be a member of the coaching staff and will especially be helping Sanders. It appears as if Coach Kohnhead made another smart move as she looked great at the IAC and could be the starter for the next 15 years. Qualifiers were more difficult for her but she should bounce back here at the CoH. White is keeping her as the starter after a good Cup of Harmony, and IAC. Sanders recently completed a big money move to Sindvpore FC the reigning champions in Indusse where she will continue to get better. Sindvpore captured another league title in her first season there and then in the ensuing League of Victors helped lead them to a surprising trophy. Sanders had an oustanding WC 88 Qualifying cycle and the defense was often the bright spot of her team and a big part of the reason why was the play of Bertha Sanders behind the sticks.



Formation: 4-4-2

Captain: Korkson
Left Free Kick: Rallyton
Right Free Kick: Rallyton
Right Corner: Rallyton
Left Corner: Rallyton
Penalties: Korkson

Coach: Michael White (M) (South Newlandia)

Bench
Forward: Thomas Stratford #12 (M) Age: 22 Nickelson FC
Caps: 35 Goals: 7 Assists: 6
Stratford has not played too much for the National team but with Griffin Pheonix-Anderson retiring and Harry Richman retiring he has moved up to the first choice striker on the bench. He recently graduated from University and succesfully returned to his club of Nickelson to pair with GPA and Madison Richards helping lead them to a second place finish in the league which he followed up with a third place two seasons ago. His best season might have been his third season but the team itself faultered in its first year without GPA finishing in 8th. Internationally he played quite well in Twicetagria starting a couple of games and played pretty good off the bench at the last IAC, qualifiers, and Cup of Harmony. Stratford while he isn't going to supplant Korkson and Maltos has a route to playing time in a formation switch if we go back to a 4-3-3 but it would be difficult to pass any of the current starters. He is a valuable asset off the bench and can start if called upon.

Forward: John Smith #19 (M) Age: 24 South Saints (Ethane)
Caps: 12 Goals: 2 Assists: 0
Smith played for Barnley in Season One but transferred to the reigning champs of Ethane (The South Saints) in that offseason where he helped them reach third place in the league to go back to IFCF competitions. The following season he helped them win the league in dominant fashion cementing his place on the squad. He replaced GPA in the squad when he retired and has moved up to second choice striker off of the bench with Harry Richman's retirement and will be adding some more caps to his International Career. Smith got his second career goal during WC 88 Qualifying and he started his first three games due to player rotation and injury.

Forward: Darien Robin #13 (M) Age: 21 Olympique de Rimouski (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
Caps: 3 Goals: 1 Assists: 0
Darien Robin was a product from the FC Wangor academy who stepped in and excelled in his first season in Kohnhead outperforming every expectation put on him, now for 2.2 million he joins Suzanna Barter at Olympique de Rimouski in Quebec and Shingoryeo. Robin may not get much action in his first cycle but as we saw last season the sky is the limit for him as he just showed how good he can be and now will get a chance to prove his worth at a top team in a good league. In Robin's first ever appearance he came on late against Gouvanarch with the score tied on 1 for John Smith (who was starting due to Maltos and Korkson both being out) and late in the 80s scored a volley off of a Rallyton cross to make the place go wild.

Midfielder: Audrey Henderson #9 (F) Age: 25 FC Kohnface City
Caps: 89 Goals: 14 Assists: 13
For the longest time, Henderson was our top sub off of the bench especially in the midfield and she stepped up big time when Cogginter went down early on during the qualifiers at World Cup 85. Despite this it seemed that the young Henderson may never be given a spot to start until finally before our inaugural IAC, Coach Kohnhead decided to give her the starting spot in for Hannah Horsford as we transitioned to a 4-3-1-2. Henderson played extremely well at said IAC but struggled in both the 86 qualifiers as well as the following Cup of Harmony prompting a benching as Michael White made his first big move. Things were looking down for Henderson but an MVP winning season for the Premier League winning FC Kohnface City side changes everything. She is clearly the top player off of the bench and can play anywhere in the midfield which is a big asset.

Midfielder: Al Torgan #21 (M) Age: 30 Team: FK Finansijskigrade (Sylestone)
Caps: 75 Goals: 11 Assists: 8
He was the top mid off the bench in the 86 qualifiers and Michael White is exceptionally high on him for good reason and with a legendary season with Capital FC in Sylestone winning the league, MVP, and Golden Boot he may have earned the top sub spot back. While the plan was for him to appear as a sub in most games in place of Ida Cogginter, Torgan just outplayed every expectation and added on to Cogginter's struggles his resurgence in his late 20s gave him a starting spot for the first time which he kept for a long time and built on at the Cup of Harmony. While he still played really well in his last season at Capital FC an end of window move to FK Finansijskigrade in Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom is his next move domestically. He's played well for the National Team and is certainly nowhere near done yet.

Midfielder: Ida Cogginter #41 (F) Age: 30 Team: Alexandria City (Xanneria)
Caps: 85 Goals: 14 Assists: 14
Three years ago before our BOF many thought Audrey Henderson the then young 21 year old would have her spot. Cogginter proved those doubters wrong and had a fantastic tournament. She really is a big part in the flow of the offense and has great skills as a passer. Cogginter plays second fiddle on Kohnhead City to Korkson and Maltos but she really played well in the BOF and some claim her injury was the reason Kohnhead didn't make it to the quarters. Despite her injury troubles in the qualifiers for World Cup 85 she has returned as good as ever in the Cup of Harmony and in the IAC. It was a bold move to give her the starting spot originally and it was a bold move to give it back to her upon her return to injury but she has deserved it both times. Age and injury unfortunately have just taken a toll on her and while she is still good and had a good season for 2nd place Alexandria City in the FLOX she continues to slide down the pecking chart.

Back: Callie Porsha #42 (F) Age: 22 FC Kohnface City
Caps: 69 Goals: 2 Assists: 3
Porsha following CPL's well documented struggles took over the starting right back spot as Coach White eventually benched her in favor of Taylor Rodar. She recently graduate to join FC Kohnface City and is currently the top defender off of the bench. She played a big part in FC Kohnface's turnaround two seasons ago and is only 22 so even though she lost her starting job there is definitely time for her to win it back. Porsha also had a very good year domestically being named to the KFA First Team as part of the best defense in the league alongside Burung Geremek from the Squornshelean Remnant States.

Back: Arnold Donaldson #23 (M) Age: 26 Team: Kinjestad Soccer (South Newlandia)
Caps: 8 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
Donaldson was the third new player added to the roster for the last IAC after a good debut season in Mriin playing for the Vidal Alcehmists. While he's by no means the best player on the team, Mriin teams are a lot better than Kohnheadian teams and the fact that he was starting says a lot. He is replacing Vargas but is probably the last or second to last defender on the depth chart. Despite reports that he would play ahead of CPL at the qualifiers this was untrue as he only appeared in one game however by now it is pretty much official that he is ahead of Prius-Leonard when it comes to the depth chart. Donaldson becomes the next Kohnheadian to move to South Newlandia signing for Kinjestad Soccer on a free due to the collapse of the Alchemists. Donaldson got his first three starts and five total caps during the most recent Qualifiers and played pretty well in those games, while he won't ever turn into an NT starter he's played well off the bench.

Back: Caroline Prius-Lenoard #76 (F) Age: 35 Team: Sporting Kohnhead City
Caps: 74 Goals: 1 Assists: 6
Prius-Leonard didn't start out too well as the entire defense struggled during our Baptism of Fire but since then she has been a constant at right back and has really turned her game around. CPL is getting up there in age and while she has missed only three games as part of the team she has a bad injury history and at 34 many people are worried how much longer she can keep playing at a high level as she has publicly flirted with retiring before last domestic league season and is now on a new team in SKC. CPL looked old, slow, and fatigued during 86 qualifiers which resulted in her being benched for the first time. Donaldson is now ahead of her on the depth chart as is Porsha.

Goalkeeper: Amber Washington #25 (F) Age: 24 Porter City
Caps: 1 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
Washington is the third string keeper on the team and will probably take over the backup role once Richards retires. Washington is coming off of a season in which she won the Golden Boot and was named to the KFA First Team for the winning Porter City. She was the only callup to the squad for the 87 World Cup Qualifiers because White wanted a third keeper and didn't see the field until one match in the World Cup 88 Qualifiers. After Sanders got injured and Richards performed terribly Washington got a start against Garifunya and kept a clean sheet playing a vital role in Kohnhead securing the 1-0 win. Washington is now officially the backup but with only one career cap we hope she isn't ever turned to.

Goalkeeper: Madison Richards #72 (F) Age: 34 Nickelson FC
Caps: 6 Goals: 0 Assists: 0
Richards proved to be a suitable backup in the 3 games that she started last time in place of Jackson Newcastle as she despite some nerves in the first one settled down. At age 34, she will probably remain the backup for the rest of her career as Bertha Sanders has looked very good so far. Richards had another good domestic season and helped Nickelson have a top two defense and finish third just short of the title once again. However she made one appearance during WC 88 Qualifiers and allowed three to Qzvarkian Qaz leading to her benching before the next game for Amber Washington. Given her age and this performance as well as Washington's performance Richards has moved down to the third string keeper.



Jerseys
Home:

Away:

GK:


Massive shoutout to Filindostan and No Nonsense Sportswear for making these awesome kits



Style Mod: -2
RP Permissions: Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (No limitations on length)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (Please do this keeps it realistic)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (Please do so although less frequently)
Godmod other events: No

[The Gothanita Isles]

The Gothanita Isles' Roster for Cup of Harmony 80

Nation Trigramme: GTI
Team Colors: Red, Yellow
Team Nickname: Yellow Lions
Demonyms: Gothanitans (referring to people from TGI in general), Otksars (People from Otksarin), Handorians (People from North Handoria), Jeoleri (People from South Jeolerina), Hallikshireans (People from Hallikshire)

Player List

#1 - Thulile Bolkvadze, 33 - M (NHA) - GK - Arenes FC
#12 - Celsus Becket, 28 - M (SJR) - GK - Hangshire FC
#23 - Seo-Yun Gage, 30 - M (OKN) - GK - Alor Hangor FC

#2 - Jeanette Ross, 30 - F (NHA) - LB - Arenes FC
#3 - Gerhard Abraham, 34 - M (HKR) - RB - FC Tyrani
#5 - Den Benjaminson, 32 - M (SJR) - CB - Manclester United
#6 - Timotheos Dunn, 32 - M (HKR) - CB - Daris Si Solam
#13 - Inaya Baghdasaryan, 30 - F (OKN) - LB - Hangshire FC
#14 - Charlee Harel, 30 - M (HKR) - RB - FC Tyrani
#17 - Kristi Mägi, 29 - M (HKR) - CB - FC Tyrani
#16 - Karl-Heinz MacNevin, 29 - M (HKR) - CB/LB - Trieste Rangers

#4 - Sardar Chaplin, 31 - M (NHA) - DCM - Arenes FC
#8 - Remus McQueen, 30 - M (NHA) - DCM - Arenes FC
#15 - Leontiy Caulfield, 27 - M (SJR) - DCM/CM - Holy Kangarsta FF
#7 - Grigorii McCrory, 32 - M (NHA) - LM/LW - Arenes FC
#10 - Ladislava Tyler, 34 - F (HKR) - ACM/CM - Daris Si Solam
#11 - Vladan Bloxam, 28 - F (OKN) - RM/RW - Royal Tyakrita FC
#21 - Chloe Brewster, 33 - F (NHA) - ACM/CF - Arenes FC
#22 - Hailee Askes, 28 - F (HKR) - RM - Daris Si Solam
#18 - Francesca Read , 31 - M (NHA) - LM/RM - Hellina City

#9 - Abdelkader Kartal, 31 - M (OKN) - CF - Bongali United
#19 - Adelia Kelly , 30 - F (HKR) - CF/RW - FC Tyrani
#20 - Marino Barros, 33 - M (SJR) - CF/LW - Holy Kangarsta FF

Players in bold are default starters. Other players can be substituted whenever necessary.

Head Coach and Playing Style
Following the poor performance in last World Cup Qualifiers, the GIFC appointed Poafmer Zahi Castillias to the hot seat, becoming the sole manager of the combined national team. Castillias is a former pundit for the Poafmersia Broadcasting Corporation, who left his job as the manager of the Poafmersian club Mancodas City after a poor title defence. He led Mancodas City to the PFPL title during their inaugural season, before leaving in the second season after a failed title defence, but not before leading the team to the FFI LdV semi-finals. Castillias took a 1 year sabbatical before becoming a pundit at the Poafmersia Broadcasting Corporation, and is happy to return to a managerial role for The Gothanita Isles.

The manager understands the style of football in TGI is slightly different from that in Poafmersia, so he choses to play a balanced possession-based football style for the team. The team is now more tactically flexible and willing to push forward whenever necessary, instead of relying on counter-attacks as the only source of goals.

Style Modifier: -0.7071
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (default); 4-4-2 diamond, 4-3-3 (alternate)

I give my opponents permission to do the following for their RPs:
- Choose my starting lineup, goalscorers, substitutes. This must be done in reference to the details provided in pre-match RPs/main roster, such as the 11 starters listed above, and the players' styles.
- Godmod any scoring events, subject to these events being realistic. (Eg. Long range balls from midpoint line/goalkeeper line is allowed, RPing a fast ball boy that allowed for the corner to take place amid chaos is allowed, but something like having a pigeon swoop down from the sky to push a ball in is not allowed. Go through with me what you plan and I may easily accept it.)
- RP or Godmod injuries to my players. These injuries can occur inside or outside the match, however, you only RP what happened. (Do TG me so that I will take notice, especially for godmodded ones.) The extent of injuries, as well as the duration of the player being out, is decided by me.
- Hand out yellow and red cards to my players. However, the number of red cards can only be 1 more than the number of red cards you give your own players.
- RP or Godmod any other events, with the exception of any pandemic-related events. No pandemic in my nation, no pandemic on my players. Do TG me if you wish to let me know of any other events you plan to RP, and I am willing to cooperate if necessary.

[Squidroidia]

Once again, so close, but oh so far.

For a while it seemed like the Squidroidian national team were going to make it through to the World Cup 88 proper after 2 unsuccessful attempts under Mito. However, form would bite back and send them packing. A "Queen of Despair" draw against Quakmybush (Don't ask) and another embarrassment against Brookstation ended up being the difference, as with a draw away from home against Hampton Island, the team were, once again, eliminated from World Cup qualification before the main stage even ended.

But unlike last time they were in this show, where 3 losses seemingly crippled a squad destined for good things after their showing in Sylestone, this Squidroidian team looks like one that could, if they're lucky, make the distance. Barunian manager Adam Johnson knows this place before - he made a Cup of Harmony final 11 cycles ago with his country before losing to Qasden on penalties - so he has the expertise to go far should they make it out of the group. The last thing he wanted was to be frozen out of a place in the Round of 32.

And knowing the climate he could find himself in, that could be used literally.

---

Squidroidia Inklings

National football team for the 80th Cup of Harmony

Squidroidia's kits for this tournament made by Mako Designs

Manager: Adam Johnson
From: Barunia
Record: 15 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses, 3rd in World Cup 88 Qualification Group 12

NOTE: All starters are highlighted in bold

Goalkeepers

Takemoto Shingen, #1, human, 34 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) goalkeeper and captain
Kaede Akiyama, #11, human, 22 y/o, Starlight Boulevard FC (SQR) goalkeeper
Hiryama Shunji, #21, human, 31 y/o, Zenit Attawapiskat (QUE) goalkeeper

Defenders
Yoichi Shigeko, #2, human, 32 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) leftback
Umezaki Moronobu, #3, human, 28 y/o, FC Squidroidia Squidbreak (SQR) centerback
Muto Toki, #4, human, 25 y/o, Vilitan League (VIL/TUR) centerback
Tomatsu Kane, #14, human, 31 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) rightback
Baldric Bertolini, #15, Inkling boy, 21 y/o, 1093 CF Atlantea (TAE) centerback
Ryou Minami, #99, human, 28 y/o, Calamari Wanderers CFC (SQR) centerback
Yogi Korin, #5, Inkling boy, 26 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) rightback
Florianne Meeuwessen, #60, Inkling girl, 22 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) leftback

Midfielders
Kabuto Tadataka, #8, human, 28 y/o. Kinetic Islanders (SNL) defensive midfielder
Yoneda Toshikuni, #20, 31 y/o, Dhun Lagarr FC (TKT) midfielder
Takara Ashihei, #7, human, 29 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) midfielder
Shiba Tetsuo, #10, human, 22 y/o, FC Squidroidia Squidbreak (SQR) attacking midfielder
Jo Jun, #10, 34 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) defensive midfielder
Henriette Brooks, #73, Inkling girl, 24 y/o, Calamari Wanderers CFC (SQR) midfielder
Charlie Colbert, #22, Inkling boy, 22 y/o, FC Squidroidia Squidbreak (SQR) midfielder

Fowards
Makino Hideo, #11, human, 25 y/o, Villa (MUR) striker/attacking midfielder
Sho Itō, #9, human, 22 y/o, Shamrock Cathair (AUD) right winger/right midfielder, converted to striker
Ohashi Kiichi, #16, human, 29 y/o, Sporting Iturributa (AST) left winger
Akira Honda, #26, human, 27 y/o, Real Squidroid CF (SQR) right winger
Tachibani Tadakuni, #33, human, 26 y/o, Inkopolis FC (SQR) striker

Style Mod -  -2
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

[Garbelia]

Trigramme: GAB

Garbelery National Football Team:

Manager:
Lutri Ottodottir was formerly the manager of the Garbelia Under-21 team. Under her relaxed management, they achieved a surprising run to the Quarter Finals. Upon appointment as first team manager, she promptly promoted several of her youth players into the squad and lineup and finished 5th, despite being 7th seeds. She sets the team up as 4-3-3, with two fullbacks, wide centre-mids and wide forwards and a -3 style modifier.

The Team: (Lineup subject to change, I will try and release an RP with the exact one, otherwise assume this)

Ottery Otterface - 32 - GK - 6ft 7in
Having won the Garbelian title 4 times, with Norvis FC, Otterface is an excellent keeper. He is best at saving long shots and one-on-ones, but he is not good at defending crosses and scrambles. He is awful at goal kicks, so he always goes short to a defender, who can then hit a long pass up the pitch.

Marge Findus - 23 - DL - 6ft 2in
Marge Findus is considered by many to be the roughest player on the Garbelia team. Despite playing on the wing, she relies on physicality, however she is often beaten by pace. On the other hand, even when outpaced, she is an expert at stopping the ball reaching a striker's head, no matter what the cost.

James Lutrison - 22 - DC - 6ft 1in
James Lutrison, despite having never won a title, is regarded as the best defender in Garbelia, and plays well with Ottery Otterface, specialising in headers, both attacking and defending set pieces, and from open play. He is still young, however, and has a tendency to foul the striker if he is beaten.

Nutria Huron - 19 - DC - 6ft
Nutria Huron is an extremely aerial defender, focusing on headers rather than tackling.

Otter McCat - 27 - DR - 6ft 4in
The last member of Garbelia's defence, Otter McCat is a good all-round defender, who can effectively tackle and head the ball and also has pace. He is good at laying the ball off to the winger in front, but can't cross well.

Opspore Kawauso - 20 - MC - 6ft
Opspore Kawauso is a young player, who enjoyed her breakthrough in the Di Bradini Cup 21. Similar to Otto Otter, she is excellent at set pieces and long shots, but also has a lot of pace, preferring to play on the wing. She is very generous with passes, and has been known to assist other players when she could have scored herself.

Otto Otter - 18 - MC - 5ft 1in
Otto Otter is widely thought to be the best player in Garbelia. At only 18, he is famous for his free-kicks, which seem to be drawn towards top corner, and having scored a corner against the Garbelian champions of the time, Norvis FC. He is very quick, has an excellent tackle and can score goals for fun. His only weakness is that he is quite selfish and will often choose to make a dribble himself rather than passing to an open teammate.

Lonivan Blisset - 19 - MC - 5ft 8in
Lutrini is almost the opposite of Otto Otter. A slow, young player, he rarely scores or provides an assist, but is excellent at protecting the back line, and can send short passes out to any other player.

Steve Ottoman - 30 - 6ft 9in - CF
Steve Ottoman is a talisman for Garvenord Rovers and has provided over half their goals since he joined them. He is not very good at long shots, but has an incredible header and almost never misses a cross, if it reaches him.

Arthur Goodotter - 20 - FR - 5ft 5in
Arthur Goodotter is a young striker who has a knack for being in the right place, and smashing penalties or mid-range shots home. He is still learning, so hardly even attempts headers. For a finisher, he is very good at regaining the ball off the back line of defenders.

Ote Vydra - 20 - FL - 6ft 1in
Ote Vydra is a similar player to Arthur Goodotter, but is more physical and will take on defenders.

Players who regularly start:
Ottery Ottoerson - 23 - MC (forward thinking) - 6ft 3in
Ottery Ottoerson is a slight attacker, who can round any defender and has an excellent finish. He is very quick, but has never scored a header. He won the league twice, finishing as the league's top scorer on both occasions.


Penalties: Goodotter, if not available, Ottoman, O. Vydra, Kawauso, Ottoerson.
Free Kicks: Otter, Kawauso, Avianuin
Corners: Otter, Kawauso, Avianuin

Subs:
Miaow Otterinein ~ GK ~ 37
Ludtro Muto ~ 24 ~ DC
Lutro Ludovitch ~ 27 ~ DC
Steoarian Barnes ~ 22 ~ FC
Lefiné Avianuin ~ 30 ~ ML

Squad:
Loes Snaijer ~ GK ~ 23
Famke Van Bokhoven ~ ML/MR/AMR/AML ~ 22
Janna Watanabe ~ MR ~ 23
Minato Watanabe ~ MC ~ 28
Mariëlle Verhoeven ~ CF/FL/FR ~ 27
Mari Katō ~ AMC ~ 33
Lutra Vydra ~ DC ~ 21
Otto Otterata ~ RB ~ 21
Vid Otterra ~ LB ~ 20


Staff:
Assistant Manager: Ludwig Van Otter
Head Coach: Xisco Lutro
Physio: Pat McFerret

There are no separate away kits. The Goalkeeper wears a plain white shirt.

Code: Select all

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y, I will choose length
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y (no more than 2 per match)
Hand out red cards to my players: Y, but only if I have no other suspended players and only for 1 match
Godmod other events: Telegram me, and I will decide what is acceptable.

[Abanhfleft]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ABANHFLEFT
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM - WOMEN

Bottle jobs. Bottle jobs, the whole lot of them. In other news, water is wet.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Team colors: Blue, orange, and green
Style modifier: +2.50
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Heinrich Wurzmann (71 y/o, Abanhfleft/Pridnestrovia)

STARTERS
GK: Bronwyn CHURCHILL 28 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Women
Bronwyn is the daughter of Rosenpfelblatz City's new manager Joseph "Joe" Churchill, one of the most decorated managers in the sport within the Fleftic sphere of influence. Bronwyn came with her dad to Rosenpfelblatz and immediately settled in well with the Lady Sky Blues' academy. She is a traditional keeper who prefers to keep close to goal and catch or slap away shots from that position, although she is learning to become a more athletic keeper now that she's training with the likes of Yannie Redborne, Marfa Kirilenko, and Blaze Chrzanowska. She's been elevated to starting goalie because Stephanie Bryan is off playing for the over-35 national team in the World Cup of Masters in Sarzonia.

RB: Colleen ADAMS 32 y/o, Sporting Ceneisis Women
There was a time when people wondered what Colleen can offer to the national side. Seven years on and now we know what it is: defensive solidity in the back four. What more can a team ask for then? Well, maybe less yellow and red cards from Colleen. She's had her fair share of those at club level and the SFA is not really keen on her starting up a new account with the referees at the Independents Cup.

RCB: Christy SHEPLEY 29 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Women
At 6 feet 2 inches, Christy is already one of the tallest 17-year-old Fleftic central defenders ever in the Democratic Republic and its sphere of influence. Coupled with a supernatural defensive ability, it's a wonder why she's still on the bench and not starting, until one realizes that Christy is quite the thin and willowy girl. She's a good defender and good in aerial and dead-ball situations, there's no doubt about that, but it's still very much child's play to get her off of the ball, and applying the slightest amount of pressure turns Christy into a headless chicken.

LCB: Miranda SULLINS 32 y/o, Sporting Ceneisis Women
There's a reason why Sporting Ceneisis were interested in keeping Miranda Sullins in their academy and eventually their team, and that's the fact that she's just a rock-solid ball-playing defender. Miranda could have gone anywhere else she wanted, but she chose to stick it out with the Blues, and they repaid her with a place in their starting eleven. Regular call-ups to the national team also didn't hurt her stock one bit.

LB: Georgine BAUM 28 y/o, Pascal Mashu (Kita-Hinode)
Another player with foreign roots playing for the Democratic Republic. This time, Georgine's parents are immigrants, or rather expats, from Pridnestrovia, who escaped the country after her father said a few things that were not to President Field Marshal Stepan Stepanenko's liking. For a long time she was forced to play on the right but now she's back to her preferred left back position after some years being hung out to dry by the SFA. Surprisingly enough, her time playing in right back hasn't turned her into an ambidextrous threat. Maybe it was never meant to be.

RM: Trinidad KLEIST 30 y/o, Xemlice Rovers Ladies
Trinnie Kleist was always tipped to become a hard, no-nonsense midfielder who doesn't let the opposition get past her, and for once she actually developed into one such player. She's also matured to the point where she now times her tackles wisely and does them only when necessary. Still doesn't stop some referees whipping out the cards on Trinnie just because her reputation precedes her.

LM: Cecily SEGOVIA 30 y/o, Riuwiee United Women
CeCe Segovia is the creative foil to Trinnie Kleist's defensive midfielder. The Oontaz-born central midfielder is the creative outlet for the midfield, setting up passes and long balls to initiate the attack. But that doesn't mean she shirks from her defensive responsibilities. Still, like Trinnie, CeCe is still a bit enthusiastic with the sliding tackles and will get her name on the referee's notebook a fair few times.

RW: Elene LINER 28 y/o, Sarvusdalamoive Ladies
Even at her young age, Elene already has the look of a future fantastic keeper. Well, what else can be said about the Sarvusdalamoive Football Academy, which has turned out great Fleftic keepers like Maksim Varamoninov and Victoria Carter? Unfortunately, she's slipped down the pecking order, but only because Brook Arzate deserves the chance to start this time. She had a lot to make up for after that emotionally devastating penalty shootout loss against Schottia in the 9th Under-15 World Cup and she ended up not having the mental strength to get over the disappointment of the shootout so she decided to become a striker instead. This way she hopes to emulate some of Abanhfleft's star forwards like Matthew Cave and Ruud Akinfenyor who started off as goalkeepers and then decided to make the move up to the top of the pitch.

CAM: Prudence WOODWARD 28 y/o, Duhblakk Aztecs
Prudence Woodward is the third and final player of Panemian descent to represent the blue, orange, and green for the Sporting World Cup after Guildenstern Cardew and Poppaea Fleet-Street. Prudence has a taste for clever through-balls and occupying pockets of space in which she could create chances and even score a few goals herself. She became a mother after a one-night stand with fellow under-18 teammate Prince William Luckless, but she wants to emulate her fellow single mother footballer in Claudine Samaniego in having both a stable family and a good football career.

LW: Amelie RUSEV 28 y/o, Ludogorets Markovsky Ladies
Amelie Rusev is definitely the complete winger package now. Not only is she both quick and light on her feet and strong in the air and during challenges, she is ambidextrous, able to use both feet to send in long balls and crosses into the box when she wants. With that added crossing ability, Amelie has already cemented her place in the first team of Ludogorets Markovsky Ladies. As for being the next Miss Ludogorets though, for some reason the fans are reluctant to give her that unofficial title. Who knows why?

ST: Kelly McGINNIS 28 y/o, Hoventon & Corlington Town (Mercedini)
Kelly McGinnis could very well be the next Chelsea Stuart, and not just because she's become the starting striker for the Fleftic women's national football team. Kelly moved abroad to Mercedini's Hoventon & Corlington Town to continue her development as a striker, but almost a decade later and she's not won much with the Mercedinian side. She wants more, and if moving away from Hoventon & Corlington Town is the way to get it, then she'll just have to make the move.

RESERVES
GK: Deanna HERRING 20 y/o, Arsenal de Releinthi Women
Abanhfleft and Ginny Katesmar are taking a risk bringing two under-23 goalkeepers for this tournament as backup to Bronwyn Churchill, but then again, this is supposed to be a bunch of tune-up games after all. Deanna was rated enough by Kate Bernanos to be the starting goalkeeper for what could be Abanhfleft's last Di Bradini Cup for a while, but for the Mike Sarzo Memorial Trophy she's only good enough to warm the bench for Rona Churchill.

GK: Mihaela HRISTOVA 20 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Women
Mihaela was the third-string goalkeeper for the under-21 side in Di Bradini Cup 49 for Abanhfleft. She's still third-string here in Muralos, but now it's for the senior women's team itself. It's like a promotion but also not really one.

RB: Queen YARNALL 25 y/o, Admiral Porcusces Women
A quiet and sturdy defender who for her age is already making waves not only in the youth leagues but also in her handful of appearances for the Admiral Porcusces Women senior team. Still needs some work obviously but she could have a very high ceiling indeed.

CB: Brooke AUGUSTYN 29 y/o, Dinamo Bender Women (Pridnestrovia)
Augustyn didn't exactly become one of the best fullbacks to come out of Abanhfleft, but at least her career wasn't sidelined by too many injuries either. After a decent showing with Eielo Sunlight Women, she made the leap to Pridnestrovia and Dinamo Bender Women where she did well enough to make her way back to the national team.

CB: Tiera WALRATH 27 y/o, Ogovlich Medusas
One quarter of the Ogovlich backline that won them the Youth Premier League title this season. Like Wilton Kaba beside her in the under-18 team, Tiera's main purpose is to win balls inside the box and then kick it right out of the danger area. Accuracy needs a bit of work though.

LB: Tien GOODLETT 26 y/o, Ogovlich Medusas
The second quarter of the Ogovlich backline that won the Youth Premier League. Tien is more of an attacking fullback who likes to maraud further up the pitch and assist in the attack. She still gets back in defense more times than not but a particularly quick counterattack could still leave her stranded where she can be of no help to her fellow defenders.

RM: SIBUSIZWE Kiggwancha 26 y/o, Athletic Motonou
SIbusizwe's greatest strength lies in the fact that she can win the ball in midfield more times than not. Of course, most of this is against girls and boys on or nearly the same age as she is, but when she turned out for Athletic Motonou's senior side in the last few matchdays of the Ladies' Third Division season (with the title already wrapped up for Motonou) Sibusizwe looked capable of doing much the same thing against players who were much older and much more experienced than her. Now, she may be older but she's still no closer to being able to show this side of her game regularly because of manager philosophies and better players becoming available for call-up to the national team.

CM: Poppaea FLEET-STREET 29 y/o, Ogovlich Medusas
Poppaea is a rock-solid midfielder with decent ball distribution skills but still has a tendency to go all in on tackles, especially sliding ones. She came out as a lesbian at a young age and has been a pillar in the local LGBTQ sporting community, so when she got dropped from the national team for other midfielders who are better at playing in midfield than her, there was an outcry. The situation calmed down through the years though, and now she's back in the national setup.

LM: Charlene WILLIAMSON 29 y/o, Admiral Porcusces Women
Charlene Williamson is the overlooked twin sister of Gareth Williamson. The reasons why she's been overlooked is because her main assets in football are mostly pace, acceleration, physicality, and a good long ball. Charlene can also run with the ball or chase it for 90 minutes and anyone stupid enough to try to take the ball away from her would find themselves on the ground almost immediately. Strangely though, Charlene's physicality tends to vanish during set pieces and Charlene could now count herself lucky if she doesn't end up kissing the grass while trying to get a touch on a corner or a free kick. Perhaps that's why Sporting Ceneisis allowed her to go to their provincial rivals Admiral Porcusces. Now that's one transfer the Blues regretted deeply.

RW: Sohaila MAGOMEDOVA 30 y/o, Exiles FK (Pridnestrovia)
Sohaila is one of Heinrich Wurzmann's latest finds from the Alternative Football Program. Her idols growing up were tricky players like Finn Jameson, Ruud Akinfenyor, and Matthew Cave, and Sohaila certainly has the feet to emulate them. She has indeed turned into one of the best right wingers Abanhfleft has to offer, but her decision to move to lower league Pridnestrovian side Exiles FK has cost her many a call-up with the national team. Until now, that is.

LW: Claudia ROOS 29 y/o, Arsenal de Releinthi Women
Claudia finally made the move from left back to left winger, a move that worked out well in the end for her, what with her pace, crossing ability, and incisive runs into the box. However, injuries have plagued her career and forced her out of contention for a call-up for much of what should have been the best years of her career, but now it looks like she's about to turn the whole thing around and become a late bloomer along the lines of a certain Tristan Lee.

FW: Hiroko KELLERMAN 22 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Women
Kellerman won the Golden Boot in the Fleftic Premier Development League 1 with a 23-goal haul in the 2028-29 season, earning her a promotion up to the senior women's team where she continued her goalscoring form with 21 goals for 2029-30, making her the highest goalscorer of the Citizens that season. She earned a call-up to the under-21 team for the 48th Di Bradini Cup, where she was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign which once again convinced the SFA to boycott the Di Bradini Cup for real and permanently this time.

KITS (by Adidulas)


SCHEDULE
TBA

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Contact me via TG or Discord first before proceeding
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I decide the severity and length of time out
Godmod injuries to my players: Contact me via TG or Discord first before proceeding
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but only 1 per game
Godmod other events: Contact me via TG or Discord first before proceeding

WIP

[Ethane]

THE ETHANIAN RED KITES NATIONAL TEAM

---

BASIC INFO

---

NATION: Ethane
NICKNAME: Red Kites
STYLE MODIFIER: -0.76
TRIGRAMME: ETN
FORMATION: 4-5-1

---

STAFFING

---

MANAGER: Joren Kreuger | Satyr | M | 49
After an underwhelming first half to qualifying, Kreuger is under pressure. For him to ensure the longevity of his job, the team are going to need to put in a solid performance in the Cup of Harmony.
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Adam Lanai | 36

---

THE PLAYERS

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GOALKEEPER: Donovan Velázquez | 31
The penalty specialist. Velázquez has an ability to read players well. While his positioning in normal play may not be the best, and his awareness is sub-standard, when it comes to one-on-ones and penalties he really shines. He isn't short and he has an intimidating stature. But when it comes to that penalty shootout or that extra time wonder-save, you know he is going to be the one with his name up in lights. He's also playing in one of the best leagues in the world; he's not a player the selectors could overlook.

GOALKEEPER: Joss Araújo | 32
A dynamic shot-stopper. he has demonstrated great awareness in league play, as well as that ability to just pull off an amazing save here and there. About 6' 2'' in height, Araújo's height isn't to be frowned at, with his ability to make himself big in goal one of his advantages. His goal kicks aren't amazing, and he probably isn't someone you'd want to rely on passing back to on many occasions, but as a basic goalkeeper he lives up to and goes beyond expectations.

GOALKEEPER: Zachary Clark | 29
He's the goalkeeper for the team with the consistently best defence in the league. He's pretty average in stature, appearance, and style of play. He looks unassuming. But when you see him play, he is marvellous. A brave, motivated player who takes hits and gets up and goes again. He is relentless, determined, and knows how to play well. Pretty decent at penalties, pretty decent at one-on-ones, pretty decent at generic goalkeeping activities. Where does he lack? Set pieces are definitely his weak point. His positioning isn't always great on them, and sometimes he is reluctant to come off the goal line when he definitely could gather the ball.


LEFT-BACK: Dominic Johnson | 28
Fast. Ruthless. Disciplined. Johnson needs to be all of these things to have the impact that his positioning both at the domestic level (LB) and international level (LWB) requires of him. To be a significant part of the best defence in the league requires a certain level of skill at defending, which Johnson possesses in buckets. He's the sort of guy that will keep on running until he's dead, will fight through an injury to finish a match, and who will track back all the way to the goal line. That's even more impressive when you realise he's also had a decent role in the attacking efforts of South Saints too. His crossing ability is one of the best in The Flame League, and he also has the confidence to dribble in from the wing.

LEFT-BACK: Stephen Baird | 25
Now he may be in a team only just getting promoted to The Flame League, but he shouldn't be underestimated. He's rapid, but he also combines that with strength which makes wrestling the ball out of his control a challenge in itself. He isn't the most adept in the passing game, but what he brings suffices. Just don't expect any miraculous through-balls for the ages. Less likely to dribble in himself, less likely to go for goal himself, and not quite as good as others at tracking back. But again, what he brings suffices - and at what he can do well, he is one of the best Ethane has to offer.

CENTRE-BACK: Max Wilburn-Mason | 25
A tall player, Wilburn-Mason has a great aerial presence and typically wins headers. He isn't fast but he is smart in positioning and awareness, great at interceptions and conservative tackles. He won't go all in for a tackle, preferring to stay on his feet. Young and inexperienced so may be caught out sometimes on this stage. Likes to push forward and is talented at breaking down some defences. Pushes up for corners. Has made an astounding entry on to the national team and is expected to be one of the better Ethani players on the team for many years to come, leading from the back. One of the first names on the team-sheet, every game.

CENTRE-BACK: Craig James | 29
James is an average paced player with a lot of confidence. This confidence is great when he is marking people, which he does really well at restricting players from making moves and tracking their movement, skilled at positioning. However, this confidence is not so good when he is willing to go to ground easily and doesn't have the same game sense as others, thus making him slightly more prone to cards.

CENTRE-BACK: Chris Stevens | 29
A born leader within any team. He's a senior figure at any club he goes to; he'll try to exert himself as a loud authority in the cloak room, but he is friendly and easy to get on with too. Not special, not got any secret talents up his sleeves, and not going to provide anything much on the offensive. Just a bog-standard, above average defender. Strongly built, appears a little dominating, and certainly not someone you'd want to be in a fight with.

CENTRE-BACK: Elliott Collins | 27
He may be short, but he is fast and positions well, so he isn't easy to get passed. Perhaps lets himself on to the back foot too often and doesn't chase down enough, but he can clean up most of the messes he makes.

CENTRE-BACK: Esteban Castillo | 25
A dynamic fast centre-back unafraid to venture forward with the ball. Has good control with the ball at his feet.


RIGHT-BACK: Toby Turner | 28
An agile, and fast player; Turner certainly provides an explosive aspect to his game. He is also relatively smart defensively and in positioning. His weakness comes in the offence, with his passing not up to standard and his crossing slightly lacklustre.

RIGHT-BACK: Mathieu Allard | 24
He may be a defender by position, but by talent he is an adaptable winger who often likes to play wingback and go racing up the wings. Overlap, underlap, running in on the defence and cutting inside - he's good at it all. He also puts in a shift when getting back. Has a tendency to misjudge situations and overcommit though, both in moving forward on the attack and in going in for tackles. But he is a nice, friendly lad and will always apologise and own up to his mistakes.

RIGHT-BACK: James Dance | 22
Well-spirited, kind-hearted, and fair. But ruthlessly competitive. Dance gives it all on the pitch. He's been a wonder for Dovertown in their promotion campaign, and it is hoped the offensive spirit he showed during the league season will show on the international stage as well. He's easy to get along with, but will defend his honour. Impressive control on the ball, and he's smart - he positions well to pick up interceptions and make key tackles. Not the most offensively minded wingback, but has enough impetus and wants to have a go quite often.


CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Thomas Carter | 26
Great shielding of the ball and defence, and can slow the game down. Good at forcing a possession change, not so good at using it.

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Alexander Kjaer | 29
Kjaer is a calm and collected player. He puts the effort in, but he often doesn't know how best to approach a situation, making him prone to the mistake here and there. However, he is very much zippy and agile in midfield, especially when turning and shooting, providing a link-up threat or even an attacking threat himself when on the attack, especially effective on the counter.

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Christian Reid | 21
He's kind of slow, but is an absolute engine in midfield.


LEFT MIDFIELDER: Alex Woodrow | 32
Woodrow is agile and flexible, thus able to dupe players with his skill abilities. But he isn't that quick a player. However, he has a really good cross and can pick out players in the box with precision. He is also good at set pieces, and is likely to play them. Typically a left-midfielder but with managerial decisions the way they are, there are no midfield wingers in the gameplan. So instead, he'd play at LCM and then drift wide on occasion. This could potentially suit him as well with his low and diminishing pace.

LEFT MIDFIELDER: Kaedan Hunt | 22
Young, naive, and not yet at the level of game smart that will see him walk into any lineup. But what he shows is bucket-loads of potential. He's quick enough to play well on the counter, he's got well-powered and incisive passing in his arsenal, and his controlling play is getting better by the day. He's got a good future.

LEFT MIDFIELDER: Israel Montero | 23
A real challenge to play against because he likes to dummy, fake, and skill his way past you. Always looking for a foul.

LEFT MIDFIELDER: Edward Palmer | 23
Bog-standard left-midfielder. Can cross, okay at passing, can't defend particularly well. Average awareness.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER: Josh Montoya | 33
Montoya has a real ability to play and carry a team if needed. He's one of those players you can rely on to deliver when everyone else is having a bad game. Even if he's having a bad game he has that moment of genius that can make all the difference. Montoya is a mature footballer, showing wisdom and intelligence in his style of play and technique. He also has a deadly pace which allows him to rocket past defenders and tear opposition teams open. However, his main skills lie in his passing ability. His awareness allows for deadly through-balls and crucial passes, although when things aren't working out he can get a little frustrated and his performances drop a little. He can struggle under intense pressure, and is more injury prone than other players following a severe injury near the start of his career. He is also fairly reluctant to tackle because of this and doesn't offer much defensively.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER: Tyler Ellis-Wood | 25
The new Leyton Underwood for the national team? He's bold, a natural born leader, and takes games by the scruff and shapes them how he wants. Every performance is a passing masterclass. Still a little way to develop, but the fact he's made the final 23 shows that he means business.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER: Oliver Reid | 28
He isn't quick. He doesn't need to be. That's not what his game is about. He sits central. He receives the ball. He either gives it to the strikers - his vision and through balls are impeccable. Or he shoots. And his shot power and long shot ability is also great. Certainly someone to look at for set pieces, except for the fact Woodrow is in this team. He's showy and he knows it. Look for attempts at flair and skills to dupe the opposition; sometimes it'll work, sometimes it won't. But he won't be in a position where it'll massively jeopardise the team. That's not what he does, that's not where he will be.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER: Joe Taylor | 24
He does a job. He passes. He defends. He shoots. He controls. What more do you want?

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER: Elliott Martin | 24
Honestly the same as above. Just not quite as well.


RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Kyle Ford | 32
Ford offers a lot for the national team and is one of Ethane's most notable players. His style isn't founded on pace like some of the other players on the international team. Instead, he prefers to build up and keep possession. He is a strong dribbler, and has great awareness, especially in regards to crosses and through balls, the like which can tear open defences. He is also not averse to switching play a little and coming into the centre from the wing in an attack on the defence, letting the odd shot off here and there.

RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Jeremiah Ruiz | 25
RIGHT MIDFIELDER: Kyle Allen | 26

STRIKER: Scott Burgess | 28
Burgess is a very fast striker, allowing him to breakway and rip apart defences with his speed and surpise. He is especially effective on the counter attack, but is also very useful as a point striker, because of his vision and his short-range shooting abilities. He is weaker at long-range shooting, and is not the greatest at headers. However, he is a strong team-player, and fully dedicated to his team.

STRIKER: Teresa Lozano | 27
Aggressive, energetic, high-pressing. Very enthusiastic about football; the way she talks about it you'd think she doesn't even have a family. She's very kind-hearted, you see? But trust me, Lozano is exactly who you want at the centre of any PR campaign for your team - humble, unassuming, excellent.

STRIKER: Shamira Aboud | 28
The hardest position to nail down in the team because there were a few good options for the last striker position. Yet, Aboud gets the place because she is prolific, and has been across multiple seasons of The Flame League, winning or coming close to winning The Golden Boot multiple seasons in a row. One of the best strikers that The Flame League has to offer right now. Nimble, short, yet so talented. Finds her way into spaces you just don't see coming. Can come in clutch, and does well under pressure. She really is a poacher - she'll pick up that ball and shoot, and somehow find a way to get it on target. Oh, and add flair. Magnificent, right?

STRIKER: Noah Lovell | 25

---

THE RP PERMISSIONS

---

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes.
Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP injuries to my players: Yes.
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes.
Godmod other events: Yes.

[Eshialand]

The Hang-Owlver
Græntfjall 2-0 Eshialand

"Uhhh... what happened last night? Wait... where am I?"
"Oh, hello Jake." It was Coach. "You're on a plane from Háttmark to Eshialand City."
"Wait, what? Last I remember... we were still in Naypyithaw, and... the party hadn't even started yet!"
"Ah yes, isn't it just great? Anyway, I'll wait for the rest of the team to wake up and then I'll explain what happened."

About an hour later, the rest of the team had come to. "Okay, so here's what happened, and why you don't seem to remember the last 24 hours."

"It all started at the party, of course, where everything was going just great. Swimmingly, I might add. Then someone opened up their backpack," he glares at Alyssa, "and revealed a lot, and by a lot I mean a lot, of alcohol..."
Alyssa rubs her hand on her forehead and mutters "oh no..."
"Oh, oh yes. Yes indeed. Hopefully, I'll fill in some of the... missing details of your misadventures."

"It all started relatively tamely, with shots all around and a few weird comments being tossed out. Nothing that would really disrupt the night. Then George decided that he would start a fight."
"Wait, how could I start a fight? Wasn't Rebecca there? I'd never drink with her around!"
"She was the one who handed you your first drink! Don't worry, the two of you were shown the door pretty quickly."
"Wait... oh, that."
"Yes, that. But that wasn't even the highlight of the evening. The highlight was when David decided that he was going to make a speech... care to remind us of that speech David?"
"Do you think I remember any of this?"
"I know you don't, but the rest of the world remembers. It's our in-flight entertainment!"

The video of David's speech plays on everybody's chair screens. Needless to say... oh dear.

"Four score and seven cycles ago, our forefathers (aka Ariddia) brought forth upon this multiverse the idea of a World Cup... and look where we are now! Here we are, washed up and filled with the disappointment of months and months of work going down the drain, unless of course you qualified, in which case you're probably laughing your butts off as you book your flights to Chromatika or Cassadaigua..." It continued like this for a few more minutes, until a bouncer proceeded to remove David and the rest of the team from the premises.

"Now, you may be thinking to yourselves, 'how did the match go'? Well, I'll answer that for ya. You were all so hung over today that there was no way in the world I was going to play any of you, but luckily, the B-team hadn't been drinking!"
"Wait, the B-team?" Alice asked.
"Yes, the B-team. Take a look at this starting XI and tell me what you see." He hands everyone a piece of paper with the following written on it.

STARTING XI AGAINST GRÆNTFJALL
GK #13 Elizabeth MICHAELS (F, 21)
LB #39 Kyle RIKERS (M, 22)
LCB #14 Carter LANGLEY (M, 24)
RCB #42 Evan STEVENS (M, 26)
RB #23 Andrew TRAVERS (M, 24)
LM #4 Harriet COPELAND (F, 25)
CM #15 James CALACE (M, 22)
RM #5 Michael HORNER (M, 25)
LW #33 Cameron CROWLEY (M, 25)
RW #21 Jonathan HARPER (M, 27)
ST #17 Steven LACHEY (M, 29)

"I wanna puke..." Lysander said, but he probably just wanted to puke because of the alcohol.
"It nauseates me too, but that's who we had to play. Nobody scored for us, but Elizabeth was surprisingly good in goal, holding them to only two goals: one from Bríana Noahsdóttir in the 31st assisted by Álfar Ásvaldursson, and a penalty kick in the 62nd by Lyngar Rögnvaldursson."
"Wait, a penalty kick?" Melissa asked.
"Yes, a penalty kick. Remember how Harriet is a bit... aggressive?"
"I don't like how this is going..."
"She started an all out fist-fight with Kalle Bjørnsson, earning her a straight red card and a three-match suspension! I'm going to recruit 18-year-old Lucas Meilling to fill the spot on the roster, but that doesn't change the fact that our international reputation is in the toilet!"
"Oh... dear..." Alice said, slinking back into her seat.
"But that's not the least of your problems..." Coach goes up to Alice and whispers into her ear, "I saw you kiss Jake at the party..."
Alice collapses into her seat.
"Uhh, Coach?" Jonathan whispers to Coach, "I saw the whole thing... they never kissed!"
"Shut up, I'm trying to mess with her..."
"Oh, I see then... never mind."

"By the way, I have one last announcement. You're all going to be seeing some special people when we get back to Eshialand!"
"Therapists?" Sarah asks. "They'd better not be therapists..."
"No, they're not therapists, but they do involve the first five letters in therapist."
"T... H... E... R... A... thera... areth..."
"Wow, she's normally so smart!" Melissa notes.
"This might take a while... " Avery says.
"ATHEARA! The Athearan team is coming to Eshialand!"
"Way to go, you figured it out..."

The team spent the rest of the flight celebrating the fact that they'd be able to see their friends again, and maybe this time it wouldn't devolve into chaos like that party did...

[Garifunya]

Position-Number-Name-Age-Club

G #1 Stijn Kruit, 34, SV Oranje (Captain)
G #22 Maurits-Jan Heller, 28, VK Voortrekkers
G #23 Jurren Klompenmaker, 27, FC Frederykvil

D #2 Tijl den Dekker, 25, Avanaroch White Wings, Tikariot
D #3 Jaap-Jan Memmants, 27, Zeerovers Vrijport
D #4 Yousef Westkamp, 29, Eendracht Garifunya
D #12 Gijs-Jan Winkel, 26, VK Karibyen
D #13 Dirk Slaghuis, 22, Onvervaard FC
D #14 Rogijr Kamerling, 24, VK Voortrekkers
D #15 Klaas Diefenhoven, 21, SV Oranje

M #5 Dawaas Nieuwaal, 32, Estreya Zwart FC
M #16 Osmand den Hoek, 24, Zeerovers Vrijport
M #18 Nanko Crull, 27, Eendracht Garifunya
M #7 Hector Arboleda, 30, Puerto CF
M #8 Roosevelt Ozinga, 29, Eendracht Garifunya
M #6 Jozua Krumers, 33, Eendracht Garifunya
M #17 Dolf Slijtermeijlink, 31, FC Frederykvil

F #9 Boudewijn van der Weide, 26, Avanaroch White Wings (Tikariot)
F #7 Sonel Augustin, 27, FC Frederykvil
F #11 Sebaastian Diekman, 32, VK Konduktor
F #19 Machiel van Harten, 22, FC Frederyvkil
F #20 Sijbrand Gerrits Hondebrink, 24, VK Konduktor
F #21 Sulaymun van der Sluis, 25, Hadarage FC



Manager: Gudo Badenburg, 37, Garifunya
Formation: 3-1-4-2
Style Mod: +3

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
    =================================
    Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
    Godmod Goalscoring Events: No
    Injure Players: Small things, every two of my players you injure, one of yours must be injured
    Godmod Injury Events: No
    Red Card Players: Yes, one for one on each team
    Yellow Card Players: Yes, two on my team for one on your team
    Godmod Other Events: No
    =================================

[Eastfield Lodge]

Eastfield Lodge Roster for Cup of Harmony 80

Demonym: Eastfielder

The Imperial Commonwealth of Eastfield Lodge is a vast conglomerate of nations and states that resides almost entirely in a separate dimension to the reality you all know and love - a bubble universe would be an apt description (the why is a long story, involving the Dreamed Realm and a threat to the existence of the entire universe). The one bit of the country that lies in the regular dimension is a tiny island in the northern seas of the famous sporting region Rushmore, which serves as a transport hub for travel across the region by conventional transport, and for travel to the Imperial Commonwealth via something called a Void Ship (think of it like travelling through a well controlled wormhole).

The history of the country is long and complex, but the key overview is that it is a very socialist Muslim constitutional monarchy, with a noted reputation as being one of the nicest places to visit in the entirety of the known multiverse - the most recent WA census puts the Imperial Commonwealth in the top 100 nations in several measures such as Safety, Compliance/freedom from crime, Tourism, Weather, Compassion, Niceness and Environmental Beauty, amongst several others; most of which are also ranked as the best in the Rushmore region. Because of the initial portal, the nation advanced forwards in leaps and bounds technologically due to intermingling with denizens of another dimension, various alien races from the universe in which the popular RLStates TV show Doctor Who is situated. Whilst these aliens used to take part in life in the Imperial Commonwealth, even forming the Eastfielder National Team for a number of tournaments, they no longer exist in this bubble universe, due to a dimensional shift no longer aligning the two dimensions - for now, Eastfield Lodge only contains those beings that you find elsewhere in the NS multiverse.

Whilst we are a fairly chill nation, we are still fairly socially conservative, and there are plenty of special rules visitors need to be aware of:

• No Alcohol. At all.
• No smoking or recreational drugs at all. Visiting team members/fans will be given replacement/cessation therapy if struggling to cope.
• No public displays of affection. What you get up to in the privacy of your own hotel room is up to you, as long as it stays there.
• There isn't a legally enforced dress code, but at least dress respectfully, the locals will appreciate you.
• Cities are by and large car-free zones; make use of the extensive public transport system.
• Don't worry about a language barrier, there is an inbuilt telepathic translation circuit within the visas that you will be issued - it translates all speech and text into a language you understand instantaneously.
• No unhealthy junk food will be available, the country is too healthy for that. Also, the food will all be halal, but there is an extensive range of vegetarian/vegan options for those who insist.
• Ignore all the cameras and the police presence. They're for the safety of everyone.
• High-level technology pervades every aspect of society and life here, get used to it.

Lodger City Memorial Stadium
Location: New Lodger City
Capacity: 150,000
Description: The home of Eastfielder football, the stadium was built on the ruins of the old capital of Eastfield Lodge, Lodger City, which was flattened in a double disaster (severe floods from dams bursting and an explosion from an unknown source, killing much of the population of the city and rendering the city useless. Administrative functions were transferred over to Lodgertia, the city began to be rebuilt, and it was decided that this stadium would be one of the monuments erected in place. The inside walls contains inscriptions of the names of all the dead – just under 9 million. The stadium used to play host to the two classic giants of EL football – RGS Athletic and VLC FC - until both had their new stadiums finished; it is now only used for internationals and cup matches.

Parliament Stadium
Location: Lodgertia
Capacity: 80,000
Description: Formerly the second largest stadium in Eastfield Lodge (until King Iqbal II and Vorgan Park were completed), behind the Memorial Stadium in New Lodger City, it was built in the centre of Lodgertia, the capital of Eastfield Lodge, and the Imperial Commonwealth. It was named due to the fact that the Parliament is based just a few hundred metres down the road; in fact, the original stadium was actually joined to the Parliament building, as an area where MPs could watch or even engage in sport with the public, as well as being a designated protest site. However, with Lodgertia becoming more built up, it was decided that the stadium needed to be built up as well. It is home to Lodgertia United and Lodgertia City alongside being temporary hosts of RGS Athletic and VLC FC (when Lodger City was being rebuilt), and in the past has hosted several international matches, including the final of SBCC 27 and a group in both stages of Market Cup 4.

Tavernia Stadium
Location: Tavernia
Capacity: 65,921
Description: Currently the largest stadium outside of Eastfield Lodge itself, Tavernia Stadium sits near the heart of the city of Tavernia, in Westmeadow Tavern, the nation bordering Eastfield Lodge. WC85 will see the stadium's debut when it comes to hosting the Eastfield Lodge National Team, but it is no stranger to WC football though - it was the home ground for Westmeadow Tavern when they had their own international football team in the earlier years of the Imperial Commonwealth. It is also home to the two best teams in Westmeadow Tavern, with FC Tavernia and Tavernia City plying their trade here.

Schedule:
Lodger City Memorial Stadium: MD5 vs. Valanora, MD7 vs. Geektopia, MD17 vs. Electrum
Parliament Stadium: MD3 vs. The Grearish Union, MD11 vs. Abanhfleft, MD15 vs. Mytanija
Tavernia Stadium: MD1 vs. Adab, MD9 vs. Atheara, MD13 vs. Deniria

Manager: Robert Andrews
Age: 55. The former national team striker, who had over a century of international appearances to his name during his career, was specifically recruited by a former Eastfielder manager, his old friend and ex-teammate Shabeen Ahmad III. Being the national team's assistant manager was his first major job in football since his playing retirement, but his ability to calmly analyse situations even under immense pressure has earned him some plaudits from those in the know, and as such allowed the ICELFA some confidence in appointing him as the interim manager for Cup of Harmony 77 - however, things haven't gone well since, and Robert only remains in the job courtesy of it being a poisoned chalice no sane manager wants to approach. After the disaster of World Cup 87, he rung the changes, almost root-and-stem, and removed much of the ageing squad in time for the most recent Copa Rushmori - the team didn't gel well, but one would hope that, with time, they'll come together and bring some glory to the Imperial Commonwealth.

Player are listed higher are more likely to play – strongest starting XI listed in Tactics section

Goalkeepers		Age	Gen	Club
Josias Foster		29	 F	Walston Brook Albion
Eddiq Sadiq		29	 M	RGS Athletic
Fortune Cammers		23	 M	AS Marcadia (Audioslavia)

Defenders		Age	Gen	Pos	Club
Cristos Harding		21	 M	CB	Cazadores Cathair (Audioslavia)
Danita Fahs		29	 F	CB	Soldarian FC (Valanora)
Torunna Soriano		23	 M	CB	Walston Brook Albion
Elouan Elbaz		29	 M	RB	RGS Athletic
Faustina Dad		32	 F	LB	Raynor City United (Valanora)

Svante Whitfield	29	 F	CB	Marque (Brenecia)
Mahdhoodha Gower	29	 F	CB	Royal Jam FC
Analena Niazi		29	 F	CB	VLC FC
Renato Hargreaves	33	 M	CB	Royal Jam FC
Arthur Smith		27	 M	LB	Norrion Rovers
Ginton French		33	 M	RB	Oakstone (Eura)
Kyan Farmer		27	 M	RB	Nile Bridge
Anabia Rifal		32	 F	LB	Walston Brook Albion

Midfielders		Age	Gen	Pos	Club
Mckenzie Black		26	 F	DMF	Olympia FC	
Craig Girard-Vaillancourt 32	 M	AMF	RGS Athletic
Jewell Foley		29	 M	RMF	North Laithland (Nephara)
Raquel Accardi		32	 F	RMF/LMF	Norrion Rovers

Joan O'Brien-Hamer	29	 F	DMF	Walston Brook Albion
Sa'd al Din Latif	32	 M	CMF	RGS Athletic
Mirielle Brewer		23	 F	RMF	Olympia FC
Sten Wright		27	 M	RMF	RGS Athletic
Kahla Jewell		31	 F	AMF	Nile Bridge
Munsif Strand		26	 M	LMF	RGS Athletic
Devyn Nasser		27	 F	LMF	Olympia FC

Strikers		Age	Gen	Pos	Club
Izzat Patton		29	 F	ST	Metropolis Alligators (Valladares)
Maisha Paree		22	 F	ST	Olympia FC
Zétény Pryor-Sandoval	26	 M	ST	Nile Bridge

Formation: 3-3-3-1


It's a new look defensive formation for Eastfield Lodge now, with the team moving to three at the back, but still retaining the rotating attack system - striker and three players in behind moving about to find space. The central defender of the back three has permission to advance forwards on attack, allowing the formation to switch from a 3-3-3-1 to a more balanced 4-2-3-1 or even 4-1-4-1 in attacks, whilst the wingbacks retain the same attacking freedom they had under the previous 4-1-2-3 system. In terms of goal scoring, the ST will get the bulk of the goals, with good contributions from the AM and both WFs as well. The WFs will get most of the assists, followed closely by the AMs, then the ST, DM and the wingbacks.

Captain: Raquel Accardi
Vice-Captains: Craig Girard-Vaillancourt, Renato Hargreaves, Faustina Dad
Penalties: Izzat Patton, Raquel Accardi, Craig Girard-Vaillancourt, Jewell Foley
Corners: Torunna Soriano, Raquel Accardi, Mckenzie Black
Free kicks – shooting: Raquel Accardi, Craig Girard-Vaillancourt, Kahla Jewell
Free kicks – other: Torunna Soriano, Mckenzie Black, Elouan Elbaz

Style: +1
RP Permissions:
Select my scorers: Y
Give out yellow cards to my players: Y (maximum five, TG me with a reason for more)
Give out red cards to my players: Y (only one more than the number given to your team, maximum of three - i.e. I get two red cards, you must have at least one)
RP injuries to my players: Y (Maximum 3, no career-ending injuries without my explicit permission – I reserve right to how long players are out; you can RP how severe it looks)
Godmod injuries: Y (within some reason)
Godmod scoring events: Y (Have fun.)
Godmod other events: Y (TG me if you're planning on killing anybody though, or anything really extreme.)

If I do RP, I will include the line-up for the next match in my RP post, along with any suspensions/injuries. If there is no line-up, look through my posts and check for current suspensions/injuries, but otherwise it’s fine. Also, if you're RP'ing any part of my match, please use the full name Eastfield Lodge at least once, it helps me find the RP.

NB: As the people of EL are extremely compassionate, and very civilised (despite what you may say about the religion), it would be uncharacteristic for the coaches/players to lose their temper, dive deliberately (jumping out of the way of bad tackles and falling awkwardly doesn't count), to be sent to the stands (if the ref is clearly very biased however...), spit, argue with the ref or fight. Players will also tend to inform the referee about mistakes/clarifications in judgement regarding throw-ins, fouls given but with no contact and goal kicks/corner kicks (plus other bouts of honesty - up to you).

[Montana Verde]

Nation: Montaña Verde

Trigram: MVE
Adjective/demonym: Verdean
Team nickname: Condors

The bolded name or “nickname” should be used when referring to players and staff.

Coach: Enriqueta Urrútia Cuellar (49)
Assistant coach: Pigmalion Perales (37)

Enriqueta was a legendary player in her day, a hard-grafting defensive midfielder who churned out tackles, marked players twice her size out of the game, and scored one goal in over 500 domestic appearances. She’s previously managed Deportivo Launia and Olimpia La Limana, and has been given the honor of becoming the first national team coach in the independent era. Somewhat volatile on the sidelines, off them she is a compulsive chain-smoker (who chews nicotine gum when in the stadium, in deference to the somewhat lax Verdean fire code). She’s well known for favoring veterans over youth prospects, which is why the teams she’s managed have tended to do well then stagnate. She’s also not one to favor meaningless skills, her own career as a merciless tackler having shown how far a player can go without having all the fancy tricks, so she has little patience for showboaters. The young Perales, her assistant, is a former striker whose career ended early through injury. More in touch with the players of today, but lacking the respect given to Enriqueta.

Squad: This is squad of 23 players. It can generally be assumed the players number 1 – 11 will start, but so long as you’re sensible and unless I’ve RPed otherwise, you can RP my team lineup with some variation.

• Men and women play together in Montaña Verde. To avoid pronoun confusion, female players are marked in pink.
• The league is fairly new as a result of restructuring following independence, but many of the clubs date back decades and have entrenched traditions and rivalries.
• Fútbol is a tremendously popular sport in the country, rivalling Catholicism for the national religion, but limited overseas exposure means the standard is not especially high.
• Speaking of not being especially high, Montaña Verde is one of the shortest [human] populations in the world. While there are one or two tall players, in general men and women are very short.
• Players are not egregiously dirty in terms of violence or deliberate fouling, but enjoy a good tactical dive now and then.

Goalkeepers:

1. Rudolf Lazzaro “Dolfo” Mojica Parra (19) – América de Santa Margarita de Yacuija
12. Mateo Zayas Chavarría (26) – Scunthorpe de Puyevier
23. Anastasio Reyes Leiva (33) – Deportivo Launia

Mateo is quite aggressive, being willing to play out from his area, having a rather inflated assessment of his own footballing ability. Leiva is more reserved, a dependable rather than spectacular goal-manager who bosses about his defenders and doesn’t tend to make sloppy errors. Dolfo is lankier than either but very raw. As tall goalkeepers are few and far between in Montaña Verde his ascent has been rapid, but he has to cut down on sloppy errors.

Right backs:

2. Leonilda Balderas Castiglione (23) – Calequén
13. Juan Cazzalla Dengra “Zalladen” (22) – Requista Boys

Full backs in Montaña Verde tend to be judged on their attacking credentials first and foremost. Castiglione is not outstanding defender, being a converted midfielder playing in an offensive wingback role for one of the leading clubs in the country. She has a strong left foot as well, and can cut in field and spread the ball around. Her party girl reputation off the field has done her no favors, though. Zalladen is a more orthodox right-back.

Left backs:

6. Justin Pedroza Sierra (24) – Austin City
16. Iñigo Olmo Mallén (19) – Juventoyan

Justin is one of the best players in the team. His strong left foot has him at left back, but he’s capable of playing anywhere on the field. A skilful dribbler with all the playground tricks, and standing quite a bit taller than his teammates, he seems to tower over everyone. What tends to let him down is his attitude. He gets into arguments with the opposition, his teammates, the referees, the fans. He’s the living embodiment of “If you get into an argument with someone, they’re an asshole; if you get into arguments with everyone, you’re the asshole”. Mallén is the first player in the history of Montaña Verde to sign for a foreign team. A pacy wing-back, he lacks a quality final touch on his passing so may find it difficult to break past Justin into the starting XI.

Center backs:

3. Edelberto Romero Gutiérrez (31) – Calequén – Captain
4. Jairo Villegas Balderas (28) – Calequén
14. Terence Agosto Soto Moreau (25) – Kisukami United
20. Arquímedes Hernández Velásquez (22) – Kyethas Rivermen FC

In terms of footballing ability, the central defender corps is fairly good relative to the rest of the team, but the main problem is physical. None of them are especially tall and although Edelberto is quite strong, for a Verdean, they’re going to struggle against top class internationals. Jairo is a superb timer of tackles and can reliably clear the ball out – if it’s on the ground. Moreau, a true tough-tackling defender’s defender, and Arquímedes a superb passer who can play in a holding midfield role, are talents for the future behind the experienced Calequén duo.

Holding midfielders:

5. Edgar Nieves Liñares (27) – Holhot United
22. Valery Nazaret “Valentinha” Garrido García (21) – Francisco Teixidó

Despite Enriqueta’s own background, she recognizes the game has moved on from the days of pure defensive midfielders hacking down attackers in front of the back four. Edgar is more suited to playing a more advanced role, supporting a dynamic midfield set-up. Skilful on the ball and a gret passer, he now wears the ‘5’ shirt once worn by Enriqueta herself. Valentinha is a very versatile player who is naturally suited to a more attacking role but relegated to holding midfield given the depth at her club.

Central midfielders:

8. Kristjana Eiríksdóttir (24) – Deportivo Launia
11. Cristobal Elizondo “Cristo” Díaz (20) – Francisco Teixidó
17. Emma Narváez (23) – Francisco Teixidó

Don’t worry, not getting any puppet strings tangled here: Kristjana is 100% Verdean except for her name, reflecting her background in the tiny minority Græntfjaller population. She plays alongside Cristo Díaz in the center, but they have different roles: she’s more of a distributor and uses her flying pace to whip out to the wings, while he holds down a relentless box-to-box role pressing everywhere and quickly offloading to open up rapid attacks. Emma isn’t as methodical in her passing as Kristjana but is another real speedster.

Attacking midfielders:

10. Thomás “Primitivo” Ceballos Cantú (20) – Scunthorpe de Puyevier
18. Sara Ariadna Nazario Alonzo (23) – Nowy Orpington United
21. Julia Pastora Rodríguez Varela (25) – América de Santa Margarita de Yacuija

There’s nothing “primitive” about the play of the young Scunthorpe midfield general. He’s being asked to play a little higher than he would for his club here, but the skilful Primitivo has earned it. Bigger than most of his teammates, his strong physicality can be deceptive as he has a silky touch off both feet. And watch out for his wicked curling strikes if there’s a free-kick in the vicinity of goal. Sara Ariadna is a bit of an enigma, not quite the pace of a striker but not quite the complete skills of a central midfielder, prone to some impulsive actions on and off the field.

Forwards:

7. Teodosio “Osito” Orellana Cerda (19) – Olimpia La Limana
9. Thiago Rivas Montilla (30) – Fliserboding – Vice-captain
15. Verónica Ximena González Saelices (22) – Francisco Teixidó
19. Naomí Berrocal Encarnación (22) – Concord Heights Suburban

The young Osito is a huge target man. It’s still not entirely clear he’s not two regular sized Verdeans wearing a trenchcoat. He’s mainly a goal-scorer, not all that good at assisting and rarely tracking back, but an obvious target for crosses and through balls. Thiago Montilla is a well rounded player but lacks a really sharp finishing touch; he’s very short but powerful and stocky. Naomí Berrocal is naturally a right winger but in this system plays as more of floating second striker in behind Osito; she can run, pass, and shoot, but is quite small even by Verdean standards. Verónica Ximena is a fairly versatile 9/10 hybrid who can do a bit of everything without excelling in anything.

Style modifier: +3

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, I determine severity
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, I determine severity
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, no more than 4 per game
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, no more than 1 per game without contacting me
Godmod other events: Yes, but preferably shoot a TG if you have something in mind

Please don't use photographs and say they're my players without asking
Please use the bolded names/nicknames
No major violence on Verdean soil or by Verdean players or fans

All domestic players are available for transfer

[Eshialand]

Homecoming
Eshialand 1-0 Atheara

This RP will be told from the perspective of the new left midfielder, Lucas Meilling.

"Wait, you want me to join the Eshian National Team?"
"Absolutely! I've seen you perform in the U21 circuit, and I think you have potential."
"Does this have anything to do with that recent suspension?"
"No, no, absolutely not! Okay maybe yes..."
"Relax, it's fine, as long as I get to participate!"
"Heh heh, great... so what number do ya want?"
"Ummm... is 23 taken?"
"Sadly yes, but I can give you 32."
"Sounds good to me!"
"Great! Meet us at the airport on Tuesday."
"Why? Isn't Eshialand's next match at home?"
"Because I want you to meet us at the airport!"

You get to Eshialand City Penrose Airport, and decide to ask some of the older members of the team why the heck you were at the airport.
"Oh, you don't know, right!" Alice says.
"Yeah, so why?"
"It's because of our next opponents. They're some of our best friends!"
"Wait, you're friends with your opponents?"
"Of course we are! They're wonderful people! Have you never actually talked to your opponents when you play?"
"Uh..."
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get along great. Just don't be shy!"

Despite Alice's advice, you couldn't help but feel like an outsider. You didn't have the experience that these teams had, the memories they've shared, the experiences they've been through... they both may as well have been foreigners.

The next day was match night, and you couldn't help but feel like something wasn't right. You didn't fit in. You were an outsider.

That's why you were a little surprised by Coach Morgan's decision to start you, pushing Avery MacDougall to Lysander Moore's normal position in center midfield. Why in the world would he decide to start you in this match of all matches, one whose appeal so heavily relied on the nostalgia and the relationship between the teams which you clearly didn't understand?

GK #1 Alexander KOLEK (M, 30)
LB #7 David GORMAN (M, 27)
LCB #20 Dominique LaPLANTE (F, 25)
RCB #22 George HABISBRAUER (M, 25)
RB #8 Sarah SILVER (F, 29)
LM #32 Lucas MEILLING (M, 18)
CM #19 Avery MacDOUGALL (F, 26)
RM #12 Melissa CAREY (F, 27, CAPTAIN)
LW #9 Alyssa LONGFIELD (F, 26)
RW #10 Jacob HARRAN (M, 23)
ST #24 Alice CARROLL (F, 22)

"Remember kid, don't expect this to go well for you. It's your first match and Atheara's a formidable team. Don't feel terrible if you aren't amazing out the gate."
"Thanks Coach..."

You had watched a few of Atheara's matches during the Baptism of Fire and World Cup Qualifying, not really because you wanted to, but because your parents had forced them down your throat. You knew that Atheara was a punishingly defensive team and that getting even a single goal would be a major challenge.

At least, until the 23rd minute, as George Habisbrauer stole the ball from Urusov Cantonian-Myords and passed it to you. Wait, you got the ball? Okay... you run the ball up for a little while, somewhat in disbelief, until Alyssa Longfield signals for the ball. Oh right, you were supposed to pass!

You do pass it to her, and she shoots... and Mugel Krygorf is able to deflect it. But wait, it went right to Jake Harran! AND HE SCORES!!!! 1-0 Eshialand (24' Harran).

The rest of the match was... meh. There were moments... but nothing huge. It was... boring.

After the match, the two teams decided to go out to an after-party, and you decided to join. Maybe you needed to get to know the other Owls better, and to do that, you'd have to take part in whatever they were doing.

The next day...

"So, I've got a bit of an interesting match lined up for you guys on Saturday."
"What is it?" Jake asked.
"Well, we just played the best team in the 75th Baptism of Fire..."
"THAT'S A BIT DEBATABLE!!!" Jake, Alice, and George screamed in unison.
"...if you look at the stats it really isn't. We got lucky."
"Didn't we just prove yesterday that it wasn't..."
"Save your breath Jake, it won't work." Melissa said.
"Well," Coach continued, "our next opponents look to be interesting ones. Their players have been amazing at the domestic level and people are even staring to say that they might win BoF 76. They're going to come here to Eshialand to play their first international match! How does that sound?"
"Sounds like a plan!" Avery said.
"The last champions against the potential next ones... it's poetic." Sarah commented.
"And what about you Lucas?" Coach asked.
"Uh... sure? It's not like I get a say in the matter, but sure!"

And so, Eshialand's next match was set. At home against Cabo Azure.

[Tumbra]

SPORT: CUP OF HARMONY 80: THE DRAW
Burgeoning Rivalries Re-Ignited As Tumbra Finds Itself In Group Of Death With Hosts Krytenia, Rivals The Licentian Isles and Mytanija

STRATON - Tumbra today awakes knowing that they must get a result against regional rivals the Licentian Isles and Rushmori upcoming powerhouses Mytanija if they are to stand any chance of getting out of the Group Stages of the 80th Cup of Harmony. The draw, conducted in Krytenia, saw sixty-four teams — matching the previous field as the biggest contingent entering a Cup of Harmony — head into sixteen groups.

Manager Marco Hemmings has already released his final squad for the Cup of Harmony, which sees ten names being cut from the thirty-three player roster. Chiefly unlucky to be cut include midfielders Tom Stansfield and striker Nick Riordan; wingbacks Simon Hart and Nigel Harris could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved for being dropped from the final team, as could left winger George Hilton, who impressed on his few appearances for the side in the national team in qualifying.

Prioritising experience over youthfulness, then, the core of this squad remains the same as the one that went to the Campionato Esportiva a year prior. Rumours continue to abate that this could be the final tournament for team captain Johnny Brown, and manager Marco Hemmings. Certainly a bad dose of luck could see the latter out before the expiry of his contract, even if the recent upheaval in the Tumbran Football Federation could see a new contract being offered to Hemmings in a bid to maintain continuity in an organisation that has experienced a lot of flux. The Tumbran Football Federation's entire board resigned upon the reception of a decision that saw the regulations on female footballers in the leagues, and is currently hunting for a new executive committee in a bid to restructure itself in a new era of football.

Calls to include up-and-coming footballers such as wunderkind Stephen Kerr and Trudy Harrison, who plies her trade in Chromatika, were rebuffed by Hemmings, who stressed that "the development of young players must take a while. I know Stephen and Trudy are very talented — that much is obvious to anyone who has watched them play. But I do not want to rush them into international football yet. Their time will come, surely. But now is not the time."

In any case, the tournament draw has raised some eyebrows in the international sporting community, what with the presence of four of football's perhaps strongest sides which didn't make the World Cup proper gracing the same group. What follows is a brief preview of the three other sides in Group A; and their prospects.

Krytenia — 45th

Krytenia, the hosts, are one of the most experienced sides in the world of international football, and although their trophy cabinet is not as full as others as venerable as them, they are still a force to be reckoned with, and have history in this competition, having won the seventy-eighth edition. While some observers will be surprised that it took them long enough to win a WCC trophy, others will point towards the multiple incidences of sheer bad luck they have suffered in the past. Whether they will be able to right the wrongs of the past depends on whether they can even get out of the group in the first place; star player Alun Belmwyr and Avidia United's Max Snelders will be the main men to look out for, while free agent Robert Wilson is to be feared between the sticks.

Though the team went into their qualifying campaign with optimism, an early loss to Reçueçn and draws to Queenisa and Turori eventually put paid to their hopes. While they did win with style over Gergary — a 7-0 demolishing and a 6-2 victory against Acronius, bad results elsewhere eventually saw them finish third in their group, but five points behind eventual qualifiers Reçueçn.

Playing an offensive style, Krytenia will definitely be one of the teams to watch as the look to impress in front of their home ground — as Group A's first seed, there definitely could be harder ones to get, but perhaps none more so than the hosts, who have a point to prove. If they do get out of the group, expect them to go far; a semi-final berth would be the minimum expectation, but also one that has proven to be a stumbling block more than a few times on the Cyans' quests for glory.

Mytanija — 80th

Perhaps the Pot 3 team that everyone wanted to avoid, Mytanija will meet Tumbra for a hotly-awaited rematch; the bout between the two sides has already been nicknamed the Eagle-Rose Rivalry, in reference to the two countries' national symbols; rivalry, of course, in place of derby, because Mytanija are from Rushmore. While still reasonably close in terms of geographical distance from each other, the term derby has been reserved for all-Esportivan bouts in football.

The previous match between the two, a hotly-contested affair, ended 1-0 in favour of the Black Eagles; the Mytanars will be definitely chomping at the bit to correct that record, and the Black Eagles will be eager to extend that record over the Mytanars.

A physical, determined side that will stop at perhaps nothing to win, the Mytanars employ an unusual 3-1-3-3 formation which has worked out on ocassion; memorable highlights from their World Cup qualifiers campaign include a 8-3 shellacking of disgraced side Deniria and a win over World Cup 78 champions Electrum en route to 4th in a group which included the likes of Valanora and Abanhfleft. Key to their side will be the dangerous and fluid striker Jezdimir Ocokoljic, ever-present creative threat Tahir Fejzuli and defensive mainstay Mojmir Anac; though the rest of their side will definitely have to be kept on watch, too. The match between Tumbra and Mytanija will be key to determining the second qualifier from the group, assuming Krytenia gets an easy round of 32 berth. Should they manage to scramble out of the group, a quarter-final berth is likely.

The Licentian Isles — 134th

Adding even more Esportivan flair to a group already oozing with talent, the Licentians are no strangers to a football rivalry with Tumbra; the two last met in the second round of the Campionato Esportiva, with the Cyan-and-Gold side coming out top in that situation. While losing in the quarterfinals, the side would leave a mark on the tournament, throwing down a gauntlet to the rest of the world that they were back.

And back they did come. Coming out as a ninth seed in the World Cup qualifiers in one of the most challenging groups the World Cup had to offer, boasting sides such as the Independent Athletes from Quebec & Shingoryeo, The Holy Empire, and Sargossa; the Islanders acquited themselves magnificently, finishing fourth in their group with twenty-seven points, marking an extremely impressive return to international football.

The Cyan-Black Derby, as the match has already been named, should be skewed more in favour of the Tumbrans this time; yet, employing a steady 4-5-1 defensive formation with a holding midfielder, players like Lucia Allen and Flora Watson will be key to the Islanders advancing, while up front Tiago Weiling cannot afford to be shut out of any games should the Islanders need a result. If the Islanders manage to pull off a shock and get out of the group, they could reasonably hope for a round of 16 appearance. Do not discount them; all the teams in this group could conceivably pull off shocks against each other.

Three thrilling, tactically exciting matches await Tumbra in Emberton and Ellisham; three crucial matches that will prove whether Marco Hemmings has what it takes to bring Tumbra to the next level of international football. A group stage exit wouldn't be begrudged, however, given the strength of the opposition; though obviously most Black Eagles will be hoping for the miracle of a deep run into the world's second-biggest football tournament.

MATCH 55 vs KRYTENIA @ ISSERSON OLYMPIC STADIUM — TUMBRAN MD1 LINEUP
Starters: 1 - Lennon; 2 - Hughes, 4 - Henderson, 5 - Brown, 3 - White; 6 - Hicks, 8 - McGrath, 23 - Cole; 7 - Fraser, 9 - Vaughn, 11 - Sheldon
Bench: 12 - Addison, 13 - Barker; 18 - Campbell, 14 - Ashburn, 20 - Paterson, 19 - Carter; 10 - Herlinger, 15 - Aitken, 16 - Morgan; 17 - van Heirolf, 21 - Cresswood; 22 - Cohen

[Bollonich]

Everything you need to know before the 80th Cup of Harmony

The Draw
The Even frostier Cup being held in Græntfjall and Krytenia saw a very high number of participants of 64. We were among this revered list of teams to be invited to participate in the tournament. Due to them getting 64 participants, there will be 16 groups of 4 teams, out of which the top 2 teams make the Round of 32. Following Bollonich’s successful World Cup campaign we were hoping to get an easy draw so we could move forward. That is exactly what didn’t happen. We were drawn into Group P, the group that also includes the hosts Græntfjall. Apart from Græntfjall we were also alongside teams like Barunia and Baggieland. Barunia is currently ranked 77th in the world dropping off from 72nd place where they stood pre-WCQ. Barunia’s disappointing World Cup Qualifying campaign will give hope and encourage the Bollonischians as they do have a chance to win. Barunia finished 7th in Group 8 below Txakhaxi and ZSeparatists. Græntfjall on the other hand is an extremely challenging team to beat as they finished third in a group containing both Poafmersia and Audioslavia. Græntfjall also rose to 42nd from 51st position after this performance in the World Cup Qualifying. Baggieland is another side that ranks above us at 109, however we do fancy our chances against them as a win wouldn’t be the hardest to muster. Their 7th finish in World Cup Qualifying resembles that of Barunia, and if everything goes well we should be able to overcome Baggieland hopefully. If we wish to qualify we’ll have to be at our absolute best while playing and make sure to commit no mistakes.

---

The Jersey
Ahead of Bollonich’s first competitive tournament which is not Qualifying the BFF announced that we would be wearing a special kit, in remembrance to all those who made this possible, to all those who make what Bollonich what it is today. The people, the people who helped in the successful hosting of the Handball World Cup, the people who send their children to play sports and grow the interest in sports of Football, Cricket and much more. The New Jersey is symbolic of the people that make Bollonich what it is today and this is what the BFF wants to convey. Football has always been is and will be a sport for the people. And to thank the people for all their support we have a special jersey that our players will wear at the Even Frostier Cup.

---

Form
Coming into the Even Frostier Cup, we had played exactly 12 friendlies which was a lot of practice for the tournament. We played games against teams like Baker Park, South Newlandia and even the hosts Græntfjall. All these games against top tier sides just show the amount of top level experience with which we are coming into the Cup of Harmony. Games against World Cup sides like South Newlandia, Baker Park and Banija and managed to draw these games which shows how far we’ve come. We also managed to record a huge win over Montaña Verde with a margin of 5-2. This was the new largest win for Bollonich over any team. However all things weren’t rosy in the friendlies as we lost 7-2 and 6-3 away to Vdara and Tikariot respectively. This is resemblance of how far we are yet to climb to the top of the footballing world.

---

Friendlies

Bollonich	1 - 1     Baker Park
South Newlandia 2 - 0     Bollonich
Bollonich 	4 - 4     South Newlandia
Tumbra 	        0 - 0     Bollonich
Bollonich	1 - 1     Adab
Adab	        2 - 2     Bollonich 
Bollonich	0 - 1     Græntfjall
Montaña Verde	2 - 5     Bollonich
Vdara	        7 - 2     Bollonich
Bollonich	2 - 2     Banija
Tikariot	6 - 3     Bollonich
Bollonich	3 - 4     Tikariot

[Adab]

A Dance with Football
Snapshots of the lives of the people involved in Adabian football and those associated with them
For a full list of chapters click here
For an (incomplete) list of major/prominent characters in this story click here and scroll down to the ‘Football’ section

Chapter 22: Get-Together

Early June 2033
Adab City

“And so I would like to take this moment to celebrate our journey so far,” said Saad Kaykali, standing, towering over the long oval table in the fifth-floor VVIP room of the Imperial Restaurant, into which his players, staff, as well as Football Association President Naram-Sin Araqasdah had crammed. The national team manager, the observant Muslim that he was, raised a glass of water, his companions holding everything from water to wine to tea.

“For some of you here,” he continued, his voice showing a sense of triumph, “this was your first experience in the World Cup qualifiers, and no one can say that we did badly. In fact we surpassed most people’s expectations. And we didn’t do too badly in the friendlies with Bollonich either.”

“And to the elders here,” he said, inviting smirks and giggles from the older members of the squad, “you have been great examples and mentors to the young people here, and I’m grateful that you agreed to come back when I invited you, and I trust that the nation is grateful too.” There would be no mention of the circumstances leading to Adab’s 14-year exile from international competitions, no speech about his lingering resentment at Araqasdah and the football authorities, which so far he – and everyone else concerned – had managed to keep from the players.

“On that note, I know I’ve said this many times before, but I will say it again, but we did a great job in the qualifiers. So here’s to a job well done and hopefully there will be an opportunity for us in the Cup of Harmony.” Kaykali then launched his glass forward, with everyone else following suit. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!” they all shouted in unison before drinking from their glasses and consuming the delicacies which had been laid out before them.

Following the dinner, as the players remained on the table, talking and socializing and just generally relaxing, Kaykali went off to the balcony. Soon he was joined by assistant managers Inimabakesh Thulus and Rashid Abbas and FA President Araqasdah. The Imperial Palace was just two blocks away, its vast expanse and stately architecture, adorned by golden lights, featuring prominently in the night amid the modern office buildings that crept up on it as if it were the center of the world. Above them the clouds were gathering. Saad leaned forward on the railing, taking in the view.

“How’s your father?” Saad turned to Rashid, standing stiffly just behind him, opening the conversation.

“He’s doing well,” said Rashid, nodding, breathing heavily. “He has his good days and bad days, but he’s doing pretty well.”

“To think that you are entitled to live in that place by accident of birth,” Inimabakesh said, pointing at the grandiose structure dominating the landscape in front of them. “Nothing against the imperial family, but I do wonder about that sometimes.”

“Well, we just have to make do with what we have in life,” Saad replied. “I wouldn’t trade my life now for being a prince or even the Emperor. I quite enjoy what I have now.” He furrowed his brows and glanced at Inimabakesh, “Wait, Ini, you’re-“

“I quit smoking four years ago, man,” Inimabakesh smiled, stepping forward and putting his hands on the railing beside Saad, still looking at the palace. “Not good for my health. Besides I hadn’t smoked that much for many years.”

The four men stood silently on the balcony, with no more words passing between them, contemplating, admiring the night. After a while Abbas returned inside for a drink, followed by Inimabakesh who needed to go to the toilet. Now only two men were left; Saad still held on to the railing, Naram-Sin a few steps behind him at the center of the balcony.

“I’m not going to sign a permanent contract, Naram-Sin. Not for now,” Saad said, not looking back.

“I’m not even talking about that,” Naram-Sin replied quickly, and Saad thought he could hear a faint laugh coming out of the FA President. “But you should still consider it. You’ve been here for like 25 matches since your return and you keep signing again after every match.”

“A permanent contract indicates a permanent commitment, and with everything else that I’ve got going on in my life right now I’m just not ready for that. Not now.”

“Understandable,” said Naram-Sin, “but we’ll still be here waiting for you. I mean, if you sign a permanent contract we can stop wasting thirty sheets’ worth of ink.”

“You know you can just do everything online now, right?”

“Formality, Saad. I wish I could do everything online, but you know the lawyers and archivists would want to have an actual physical copy. Just in case the online files are lost.”

Naram-Sin’s phone rang, and he took it out of his pocket and onto his ear. As his conversation with the man on the other end of the line continued, Saad took interest and turned around. “Yeah, oh… I knew it… of course, of course, tell them we’ll accept their invitation, of course we’ll be there. Sure… nah, roster is still the same… no changes, yeah, sure… alright, good to know.”

As Naram-Sin ended the call and returned the phone to his pocket, he found himself face-to-face with Saad, now leaning back against the railing with a smile forming on his face. “Cup of Harmony, I presume?”

“Yeah.” Naram-Sin nodded, beaming.

“Hot damn.”

---

Mohammed Marramzi – “The Captain” to everyone else in the national team – bade farewell to his teammates and hopped on his taxi. Outside a light rain was sweeping over the streets of Adab City. Sure enough, the driver recognized his famous passenger, and they made small talk during the journey, mostly about football.

His phone started beeping. Mohammed reached for his pocket and pulled the phone out. Taymour Frangieh was calling- wait, Taymour? The two people had generally maintained a respectful, if very distant, relationship following the hullabaloo of their younger days, and this continued when they both returned to the national team. It was very rare for Taymour to call him on the phone, and from the beginning of the call Mohammed had an uneasy feeling about all this.

“Hel-“

“You’re the one who told the boss about Alulim and Emma, weren’t you?” His voice was vaguely menacing. And Mohammed knew nothing good would come out of this call.

“Wha-“

“It’s not surprising that the boys and girls are talking about it, but now even the boss and Ini and Rashid are also doing it. I overheard them after the last match with Bollonich, discussing about their worries and all that. And the boss normally doesn’t concern himself with personal matters.”

“Right, so-”

“Listen to me, Mo. You may be the captain and I will always respect you for that, even after everything that happened between us, but if you ever try to do it again, then know that I will be there by their side. What you did to me, I will not let you do to them. Good night.”

And with that the call abruptly ended.

“Damn those scammers,” said Mohammed, sighing and leaning back on his seat.

“My friends have been having a lot of those calls too,” commented the driver. “Really annoying. I hope the government takes action and arrests those dimwits.”

[Talamia]

AN INTERVIEW WITH ENSEM EIO

AA: "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. I'm Auxe Aggelia and I'm talking to you from the Pro Diorux TV studios in Clinepalas. I am here together with the Gian Gainvilipendio, who is completing his psycho-motor rehabilitation after being kidnapped by the pirates of Chan Island. How are you, Gian?"

GG: "Arrrrrgh. I mean... I'm fine. Sorry, Auxe. I still have to get used to it."

AA: "Don't worry Gian. Today we have a very special guest. The new coach of the Talamia national football team: Ensem Eio! Hi, Ensem!"

EE: "Hello, Auxe! Hi, Gian."

GG: "Ahoy, Ensem! I mean... hello!"

AA: "Ensem Eio is connected via satellite with us from Notoma, a small town on the island of Pralladoke where our team is to wind down after the Comrades Cup and to prepare for the Cup of Harmony. But first a small introduction: Ensem Eio was born in 1950 in Fofokoy. At a very young age, he made his debut in the Alfa League with his city team, before making his debut in the national team. He is one of the protagonists of the rebirth of Talamian football in the 60s, after the economic failure. With him Alla Fofokoy won the Alfa League 8 times, two of which as a player and six as a coach. He is a record holder of goals in the history of the league. A truly enviable palmarès."

EE: "Don't make me blush, Auxe."

AA: "I didn't think you were capable, Ensem. We come to the questions: what relationship binds you with Sanisla Pedalisismi, now a former coach of the hoopoes?"

EE: "Sanisla for me is a friend and a teacher. We are only five years apart but I've always heard them all. I inherited a very heavy scepter. Despite being eliminated from World Cup qualifiers and the Comrades Cup, Sanisla is the one who led the team on their first truly international adventures. He was able to enhance the players and make Talamia known outside the Romaxia continent. Sanisla, among other things, will remain in our team as a team manager, and will take care of representing us as a testimonial abroad."

AA: "What's the difference between Sanisla's way of playing and yours?"

EE: "Sanisla has a very attacking approach to the match. He used to line up a 4-2-3-1, very offensive. The central midfielders were essentially a playmaker and a defensive midfielder, while the line behind the striker was made up exclusively of attacking midfielders. As you know, I am a lover of three-way defense. This is why we will play with the new 3-5-2 module. In this way I will find my pupils: Yante Skatezzo and captain Timo Fulatto. At the same time, we will be able to experiment with more solutions on the wings. The most offensive option will lead me to field Ptirn Lagios and Upe Bainika, two well-known faces. But Neodom Zekeleos and above all Asulo Stemma Artemis - included in the top XI of the Comrades Cup - will deserve a chance. I will also have the opportunity to line up our best strikers at the same time: Lignus Fonè and Stern A'apt."

AA: "Thanks, Ensem! We look forward to seeing you at work. I'm sure the home fans aren't waiting for anything else too. Gian, would you like to ask our new coach something?"

GG: "Yes sure. Would you have some advice for us on how to grab the loot on a lifeboat fleeing a clash of galleons?"

AA: "I apologize on behalf of Gian, Ensem. He still doesn't quite know what he is saying."

EE: "Don't worry, Auxe. Thanks for your time."

*Gian takes a parrot out of his pocket and runs out of the studio blindfolding one eye*

GG: "And that's it, folks! I'm going to make sure of Gian's conditions. Remember to follow us here, on Pro Diorux TV - are you a sports devote? Pick up your TV remote!"

[Krytenia]

Prepare To Be Thoroughly Confused
Krytenia, in purple. No, really.

Krytenians may be getting used to the new political normal as members of Anaia, but nobody prepared them for this. JMC have teamed up with Audioslavian kit company Kirola for an "Anaia Special" third kit. Originally expected to be worn on Matchday One, Tumbra's black home kits nixed that idea, so instead the Anaia shirt will be worn on Matchday Two against the Licentian Isles.

Herein lies the wrinkle. The Licentians will be playing in...sky blue. At the Isserson. Against A Krytenian team wearing purple kits.

JMC's got some 'splaining to do.

Regional pride: at what cost?