World Cup 95 Roster Thread

[Saint Eleanor]

Style Modifier: -2.269

cica.da accounts of note (avatars attached for reference)

Government and Media (regular chirpers)

.

1. s.e.f.a (the Saint Eleanor Football Association)
   all of the Eleanorian football news with only 25% of the fluff
2. ext.gov (the Government of Saint Eleanor)
   yes, all of Central district really works off a single Cicada account
3. sesb. (Saint Eleanor State Broadcasting)
   everything that's good about Saint Eleanor, and some of what's bad
4. reporter.ex (The Reporter)
   tabloid trash, publicly funded by 300,000 Eleanorians every day
5. eve.news (The Evening News)
   broadsheet trash, secretly funded by the Hiyashi Corporation
6. footy.investigations (Jessica Martin, freelancer and ex-NTer)
   Jess didn't retire from football. she just started reporting on it

Personalities (might make two or three chirps a month)

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1. b.coombe (Bridget Coombe, NTer)
   likes talking about fashion, art, literature, travel, religion - and football
2. w.4 (Kichirō Matsuda / Wunderbar Quatro, NTer)
   mostly here to rant. yes, Matsuda does have a pet grey parrot
3. ex.davies (Exandra Davies, NTer)
   will normally try and invite her NT or Jolbo colleagues to a local pub
4. neat.and.delightful (Esther Launceston, NTer)
   motivational quotes chirped daily. sarcasm chirped occasionally
5. notyourwhiteknight. (Rick Goldsmith, NTer)
   has made one "hello multiverse" post since he joined in October 2005

Notes

1. Shirts: visualised to your right.
   
2. Nickname: The White Stars is the historically-accepted nickname for Saint Eleanor, owing to the central symbol on their flag. Since their CoH84 win, the use of Falcons or Peregrine Falcons (previously lost in translation by Huayramarca's erstwhile Trome as "Peregrin Hawks") - a homage to the national animal, previously avoided for fear of confusion with the Pink Falcons of Nova Aegis - has soared in popularity. Ahem.
   
3. Race, ethnicity and species: taFrexala and weMexala [ethnically Gladom Newion], and Faleraneta [ethnically Sochean], are black. Hollenberg is white [but half-Tinhamptonian through her mum, half-Atoccian through her dad; never mind that they are almost identical shades of white anyway]. Matsuda and Fujiwara are Squidroidian [i.e. Japanese]. All others are white [and ethnically Tinhamptonian].
   Matsuda lives in a human body, but he is also one of Squidroidia's six feted Wunderbars - a victim/beneficiary of human experimentation intended (often, if not always, with success) to make those being experimented on among the best footballers in the multiverse. All others are human.
   
4. No drama: Eleanorians play football the way they're entirely convinced it's meant to be played. No gloves (goalies excepted), no long-sleeved thermal underthings, no obnoxiously-coloured boots, absolutely no cutting off the bottoms of their socks and sticky-taping a new one on, and no unjustified whinging, moaning or faking: just getting on with the job, having "fun," and trying to win somehow. Some call it non-league standard. Others call it dour, evangelical Christianity (never mind only 70% of the population believes it). We call it one of the twenty-five best forms of football in the world. We had to remove the number from that because the WCC and IFCF have wildly different opinions on how good we are.
   
5. Additional information: The names of all players and staff in the Biography section are hyperlinks to their interviews with Jamie Rodgers, where available; they should not be treated as part of this roster. Interviews with the billions upon billions... erm, seven new arrivals to the squad, will take place throughout qualifying.
   
6. Languages: All Eleanorians speak Terranean, it is the language of intrasquad communication, and many - including in this squad - will have a Westcountry accent. The vast majority do not know any other languages. Despite this...
   --> Coombe is a de-facto fluent speaker of Azertienne (mostly picked up from her time at Kelssek).
   --> Launceston has a fairly good understanding of Akhdari (out of bona-fide interest... and pressure on her mum's part for her 15-year-old self to learn a second language).
   --> Hollenberg has a decent grasp of Vojovitican (from years playing in front of a highly xenophobic fanbase in the Vojovitica region of Mytanija every other week) and Azertienne (foreign language education actually exists in Atoccian schools).
   --> taFrexala and weMexala are fluent in Newion (for obvious reasons). Poor Faleraneta is a second-generation Sochean and can't speak a word of his mother tongue.
   
7. How to read my roster's short list: Every position in the short list has a colour code: goalkeepers are orange; defenders red; midfielders green; strikers blue; managers purple; assistant managers pink. Major palmares (WC, CoH, BoF ----- CAFA, AOCAF, CR, CE, IAC ----- CL/CC, ChC/GC, AT, CWC, LBCT/SBCC, RSC/YC) are in golden yellow, and - for staff - distinguished by whether won as a [P]layer, [M]anager or [A]ssistant manager; witness Priscilla Evans.
   In a new, desperate, gloriously post-Martin effort to reduce space, takers of setpieces (LCK, RCK, FK, PK) are now in very, very dark green after palmares. Simply because a player is down as the free-kick taker does not mean they take all free-kicks, however: those from wide positions, eighty yards from goal and so on will be taken by those in the best position.
   Two players in this squad hold Squidroidian citizenship. One of them, Matsuda, appeared at WC91 and won IAC17; the other, Fujiwara, never won a cap as far as SEFA knows. They are marked as "dual SQR" players, after any other short list tags.
   In a change from previous practice and to emphasise how much new folks we've blooded, names in bold now indicate a player who's completely new to the team. Rather than one who survived WC91 - an honour reserved for Winchester, Davies, Newbridge, Coombe, Newcastle, Pilchard, Wood, taFrexala and weMexala (in shirt number order). Oh, and did we mention Matsuda? That cheeky fucker.
   
8. cica.da accounts of note: See right infobox with spoilers. OOC reminder that Matsuda's avatar was brazenly stolen adapted from Eric Kilby's photo and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 accordingly. Some other players have the Cicada default logo and their uses were cleared with Dantopia. All other avatars are mine.
   
9. Timestamp: This roster was ICly issued on 1st January 2007, for want of a more convenient date. Club information is only accurate as of 1st December 2006 - just before TW43, which hasn't OOCly been held (and won't be until, I guess, January 2024) - and should be taken as an accurate information of the situation on that date.

Roleplay Permissions: Yes, but...

• Unbeknownst to everyone beforehand, Esther Launceston will somehow fracture her neck in the first few days of 2007, ruling her out of the first half of qualifying. It will be mocked by a good portion of people who notice. In true Eleanorian fashion, it will also be mocked by Launceston herself. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ROLEPLAY LAUNCESTON TAKING PART IN THE FIRST LEG OF YOUR QUALIFYING GAMES AGAINST SAINT ELEANOR. Bridget Coombe will take Big Esther's normal slot at centreback and Kichirō Matsuda will fill in at defensive midfield, where they are available.
• No wholesale changes of the Eleanorian squad ("wholesale" being whatever I define as wholesale - but please don't be afraid to start or bring on a few listed subs)
• No more than two red cards or other forms of ruling players out per match, unless I send you a telegram (from Saint Eleanor) or Discord message (from tinhampton) to the contrary
• No injuries longer than two games (in the qualifiers) or one game (in the playoffs, groups, and last sixteen), again unless I say otherwise
• Please no other violations of bodily autonomy. Yes, that means no deaths too, here or elsewhere in Saint Eleanor. Or of Eleanorians elsewhere :P
• No trying to remove the manager, her assistant, or Eleanorian government officials from office (this includes no giving my staff members, named or unnamed, red or yellow cards - an area of the IRL Laws of the Game which I strongly disagree with on principle)
• Absolutely no destruction of Saint Eleanor or significant areas thereof
• The Eleanorian media - especially SESB and The Reporter - reserves the right to fact-check obviously false claims about Evans, Mitcham junior, and their players
• Eleanorians do not take part in anthem protests, taking the knee or other similar political gestures in or around matches - but can, and sometimes do, speak their minds off the pitch

THE SAINT ELEANOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

ROSTER FOR THE 95^TH WORLD CUP
To be held in Chromatika and Sylestone

All home qualifiers will be played at the National Liberation Arena in Central district, capacity 68,184

Home kit: All black
Away kit: White shirts with a blue sash from the bottom-left to the top-right, white shorts, white socks
Goalkeeper kit: All green

UP THE WHITE STARS!

---

Short list of players

Typical starting lineup (4-2-3-1):

1. .GK. .CoH84. Arielle RICHARDSON (she/her; Crvena Zvezda [Mytanija]; born 10th March 1981)
   
2. .LB. .VCPT. .CoH84. .LCK. Cathy WINCHESTER (she/her; Independence 1975; born 29th August 1978)
   
3. .RB. .CoH84. Exandra DAVIES (she/her; Jolbonopolis United [Quebec and Shingoryeo]; born 18th June 1974)
   
4. .CB. .CoH84. Sam NEWBRIDGE (he/him; Grand Beach; born 20th October 1974)
   
5. .CB. .CoH84. Esther LAUNCESTON (she/her; Athletic Saint Eleanor; born 30th June 1981)
   
6. .CDM. .CPT. .CoH84. .FK, PK. Bridget COOMBE (she/her; Athletic Saint Eleanor; born 2nd November 1975)
   
7. .LM. .CoH84. David NEWCASTLE (he/him; Independence 1975; born 22nd April 1974)
   
8. .CDM. .CoH84. Sylvia HOLLENBERG (she/her; Energija-Nuklearna [Mytanija]; born 29th May 1981)
   
9. .ST. Rick GOLDSMITH (he/him; Hiyashi Celestia; born 11th August 1980)
   
10. .CAM. .CoH84. Steve PILCHARD (he/him; Occidental Olympic; born 8th September 1977)
    
11. .RM. .RCK. Angelica NORTHEND (she/her; Capital Cove Defense Forces [Capital Cove]; born 23rd July 1981)
    
    
    Substitutes (depth chart):
    
12. .RM. .CoH84. Tim BRANDON (he/him; Grand Beach; born 9th February 1976)
    
13. .GK. .CoH84. Georgia WOOD (she/her; Golden Unicorn; born 15th April 1972)
    
14. .LM. Graham LAWSON (he/him; Athletic Saint Eleanor; born 14th February 1980)
    
15. .CDM. .CoH84. Lydia NICHOLLS (she/her; Sandfjell Fotball [Cap Nord]; born 11th October 1980)
    
16. .CB. Christine TERRENCE (she/her; Sword and Shield; born 11th August 1979)
    
17. .ST. David KEY (he/him; Occidental Olympic; born 28th June 1982)
    
18. .CB. .dual SQR. Daiki FUJIWARA (he/him; Newbanks United; born 19th April 1980)
    
19. .CDM. .IAC17. .dual SQR. Kichirō MATSUDA (he/him; Independence 1975; created 1984 [precise date unknown])
    
20. .RB. .CoH84. Naresmet taFREXALA (he/him; Athletic Saint Eleanor; born 11th December 1976)
    
21. .LB. Tina FALCONER (she/her; Good Hope Club; born 25th March 1982)
    
22. .ST. .CoH84. Dekamela weMEXALA (she/her; Occidental Olympic; born 5th May 1975)
    
23. .GK. Carla HAWKINS (she/her; Newbanks United; born 3rd November 1977)
    
24. .CB. .CoH84. LCpl. Denise LIVINGSTON (she/her; Army and Navy; born 7th August 1981)
    
25. .CAM. Kavezalea FELARANETA (he/him; Independence 1975; born 19th September 1984)
    
26. .ST. Rachel McNAMARA (she/her; Newbanks United; born 7th April 1979)
    
    
    Members of staff:
    .MG. .CoH73[P], CoH84[M]. Priscilla EVANS (she/her; Tinhamptonian national; age 49)
    .AMG. .CoH84[A]. Ltn. Stephen MITCHAM (he/him; age 40)

---

Biographies (written by Jamie Rodgers, chief football correspondent of Saint Eleanor State Broadcasting)

1: Arielle Richardson --- position: goalkeeper --- age: 25 (born 10/03/1981) --- club: Crvena Zvezda [MYT] --- height: 6ft0in (183cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: brown ponytail; not-quite-as-brown eyes --- parental occupations: barista at an independent café in Collegiate district (father); florist (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: permanently booked to live in a library in Tsrvena
You almost certainly read the above mini-file and suspected that Richardson was a bit of a romantic. It would be accurate to call her a bookworm, but she has vouched for falling asleep at the opera, not wanting to follow her (University College) teammates to nightclubs, and - more than almost anything else - wanting to study. Whatever you do, do not hold your conversations with her during the match: she is far more likely to shake you into paying attention, actually pay attention to the proceedings herself, try to grab hold of the ball if the opposition ever thrusts it in her general direction, and move the ball where it makes most sense (rather than just kicking it out... somewhere). That Sword and Shield are semi-actively collapsing in the areas of the pitch they need to not be collapsing, which is most of them, might matter little to Richardson given the prospect of her moving at some stage. Which would contribute to the collapse itself.

2: Cathy Winchester --- position: leftback --- age: 28 (born 29/08/1978) --- club: Independence 1975 [EXT] --- height: 5ft3in (160cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: short blonde hair, but not really that short; blue eyes --- parental occupations: real estate agent (father); housewife (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: working a variety of temp jobs and internships while waiting to inherit the family business
Winchester is, by this point, a cult hero among supporters of club and country alike: a nailed-on starter for the Liberators in both good times and bad, she has also proven her worth for the national team (although some might argue that her winner against Juvencus many moons ago tips the scale well in her favour). Despite only having taken up football as a hobby aged nine, she has proven herself to be strong in making passes, cutting them out, and, of course, stopping them from ever happening. These might look like the fundamentals, but to misquote Derek Pittam, she is "a midfielder in completely the wrong place" - which is a compliment, not an insult. Ignore the fact he tried to change her mind about positions to no avail.

3: Exandra Davies --- position: rightback --- age: 32 (born 18/06/1974) --- club: Jolbonopolis United [née Winnipeg United; QUE] --- height: 5ft8in (173cm)
coffee preference: milk and two sugars --- appearance: long, super-curly, obviously-dyed-peroxide-blonde hair; brown eyes --- parental occupations: fuel station attendant (father); call centre operator (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: the guitarist-slash-frontwoman of a punk rock band that's completely unknown beyond Jolbonopolis and the Dockside
Some footballers are sensible enough to be all-rounders. Davies is crazy enough to be an all-rounder. Despite keeping to rightback, she is unquestionably competent at just about everything that could be expected, and unexpected, of her: man-marking, woman-marking, person-marking, tackling, dribbling, passing, shooting... okay, so her idea of some of those concepts might be different to yours. She has her superstitions - most infamously among them the pre-match half-satsuma - but claims "it doesn't matter if I forget about them for whatever reason." Although she does appear to have forgotten about long-time girlfriend and one-time Good Hope Club teammate Charlotte Bryant while in Quebec and is now onto Rachaelle Hernandez, one of the nation's best MMA fighters. Just don't get into too many arguments, okay?

4: Sam Newbridge --- position: centreback --- age: 32 (born 20/10/1974) --- club: Grand Beach [EXT] --- height: 5ft10in (178cm)
coffee preference: standard-issue black --- appearance: very short black hair; brown eyes; more than a bit of stubble --- parental occupations: kitchen staff at Grand Beach's Willis fried chicken shack (father); bank teller (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: voted one of the top fifteen most unemployable bouncers in Anaia
Calm, refined, more distributive than anything... not a chance. Newbridge still has his reputation as Grand Beach's enforcer for a decade - despite his best attempts to chill his style in recent seasons - with his simple-minded physicality, somewhat more complex-minded ball-winning skills, and very occasional outbursts proving to be a furiously relaxing break from the typically mellow pace of Eleanorian defending. It's not quite Enigma Armageddon or Alex Keane levels of "what the fuck?", but it gets the job done, it's worse than Paul Ferry would have ever considered, and - by some miracle - it's the secret ingredient that's keeping him in the usual starting lineup for this cycle at least, if not the next couple too. That, or the ongoing (if near-resolved) national centreback crisis.

5: Esther Launceston --- position: centreback --- age: 25 (born 30/06/1981) --- club: Athletic Saint Eleanor [EXT] --- height: 6ft2in (188cm)
coffee preference: only drinks water --- appearance: stereotypically blonde ponytail; brown eyes --- parental occupations: regular human resources employee (father); the meteorologist on Channel 4's news bulletin (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: a rising small-screen actress with a couple of horribly autotuned hit singles to her name (although she released one in 2004!)
Despite a fairly strong defensive tradition, it should have surely said enough about the parlous state of Saint Eleanor's centrebacks outside Independence 1975 that Evans had to call up a mostly-untested 19-year-old almost entirely on the grounds that she has "good fundamentals." Fast forward half a decade and Launceston is quite possibly the very best of the lot: one of Athletic's cult hero for Athletic, a not-insignificant part in the country's Cup of Harmony triumph and last World Cup qualification. While definitely imposing both aerially and on the ground, and (unlike certain other defenders) willing to tackle to win the ball if needs must, it almost feels like she just seems to know where the supporting players are when she does have possession - that and who it's best to give it to. Hardly spectacular stuff - although you would expect someone of her background to be - but it's proven.

6: Bridget Coombe [captain] --- position: defensive midfielder; actually wouldn't be that bad as a centreback --- age: 31 (born 02/11/1975) --- club: Athletic Saint Eleanor [EXT] --- height: 5ft11in (180cm)
coffee preference: green tea with a drop of honey --- appearance: brown ponytail; brown eyes; unshakable glow of positivity --- parental occupations: retired Army sergeant (father); secondary school philosophy teacher (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: a science teacher at the Parkside Community School
When people love you, they love you. Coombe is certainly loved in most circles: venerated by Olympic, skippered by Latrobe, already well-regarded by Athletic, almost idolised by the rest of her country and still one of the best midfielders anywhere in the world. Little can be said about her as a player that has not already been said, defined as she still is by her physical strength, defensive solidity, creative proficiency, pure undistilled resilience - and very occasional goals (although they are generally very big ones when they come). Where I can offer novel, substantiative comment is about her leadership abilities: it takes a very, very special person to take a nation of 550,000 that failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups almost to the last sixteen of the next one and in rather spectacular fashion as well. Better luck next time, though?

7: David Newcastle --- position: left midfielder --- age: 32 (born 22/04/1974) --- club: Independence 1975 [EXT] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: milk and no sugar --- appearance: normal, short black hair; brown eyes; clean-shaven --- parental occupations: garage mechanic (father); cleaner (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: carrying out unauthorised third-party repairs on really big and fancy electronics
Newcastle has asserted at multiple press conferences that "my parents taught me attention to detail," but it's definitely there no matter who put it in him. His ability to swing the ball into the box, swipe it across the other end, slide it across the floor a few yards, run with the ball for a few seconds, or even just try his luck from a distance is strong; so strong, in fact, that most people barely even notice them, despite the fact he's been a regular starter at all levels for what feels like aeons. Those who pay attention might - and do - call him "boring," but his big moments are either too inadvertently entertaining or far too nerve-wracking for that label to be merited in any way.

8: Sylvia Hollenberg [H.R.H. Princess Sylvia of Atoccia] --- position: defensive midfielder; roughly as good at CM --- age: 23 (born 29/05/1981) --- club: Energija-Nuklearna [MYT] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: milk and no sugar --- appearance: short blonde hair ("a break from decades of royal tradition"); blue eyes --- parental occupations: the King and Queen of Atoccia
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: representing the Atoccian royal family on business much less important than the World Cup
Some royals are born into celebrity status. Hollenberg got there through hard work, routine Challengers' Cup heartbreak, lots of coffee and bloody-minded persistence. If you think that sounds quite unlike her, you'd be right: she's more conservative as a player - and perhaps a person - in general, being adept at breaking up play (sometimes perceptively, very occasionally by force) and starting it back up again, staying away from audacious passes and one-in-a-bazillion shots... and quite possibly being tall enough to challenge for headers, too. Her position here is doubly vindicated by her status as the undisputed best player in the Energija-Nuklearna lineup, if not the one who dragged them to the IFCF's second-tier tournament in her first season there. To quote her former boss Emma Steele, "who needs a move to a big club when you can get a big move?"

9: Rick Goldsmith --- position: striker --- age: 24 (born 11/08/1980) --- club: Hiyashi Celestia [EXT] --- height: 6ft0in (183cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: relatively "neatly"-cut brown hair; only the slightest of moustaches, blue eyes --- parental occupations: corner shop shelf stacker (father); three part-time jobs (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: organising a local crime gang made out of Eleanorians dedicated to taking down the local crime gangs made out of Farves
Thankfully for Goldsmith, the job of taking down Farf crime gang is in the safe hands of the Army - so he can get on with his real job, which is to hand around in front of goal and snatch as many good opportunities as he can. As of late, he's remained as consistent as ever, being a regular contributor to his club's attack, proving to be an effective asset in both the IFCF and the World Cup, and even demonstrating that his speed can be a serious asset rather than a fancy trinket that doesn't do anything. There are still question marks surrounding his accuracy in front of goal and whether Steve Pilchard will have to plug in for him more often, or even whether he's just the second in a long line of disposable starting strikers for the White Stars, but it's unlikely anyone will care with the new, more conservative order of things.

10: Steve Pilchard --- position: attacking midfielder (again... at last) --- age: 27 (born 08/09/1977) --- club: Occidental Olympic [EXT] --- height: 5ft6in (168cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: short but slightly unkempt blonde hair; brown eyes; almost clean-shaven --- parental occupations: groundskeeper at the Liberators' Park (father); housewife (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: part of the front-of-house staff at a trendy independent café
Now one of only two household names with the Olympic squad (with weMexala), Pilchard is by now as close as you can get to being a nailed-on starter for the national team. I could tell you the story about how this came about through Saint Eleanor's results-forced return to the good old 4-2-3-1 all the way back in 2001 again, but it's probably better to say that he's more of a natural at this position than just about any other Eleanorian who calls themself one. Secretly, he probably does want to go further forward and become a striker in his own right, and it will most likely play out like that: despite being infamously okay at dribbling, not the quality you should expect at this level, he more than makes up for it with a good eye for goal (from reasonable distances that might somehow be worthy of an eyeroll) and a well-developed sense of good and bad passing (especially from reasonable distances that actually are reasonable by international standards).

11: Angelica Northend --- position: right midfielder --- age: 25 (born 23/07/1981) --- club: Capital Cove Defence Forces [CPC] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: milk and no sugar --- appearance: short dark brown hair; blue eyes --- parental occupations: serving Army lieutenant (father); serving Army sergeant (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: a nondescript but nevertheless respected Army officer
What is this - another player called up to the Eleanorian national team on the basis of suppositions that they've done quite well with their club? This isn't quite an O'Donnell case, however: Northend, from what's been transmitted to SESB headquarters so far, has been fairly adept in scoring goals and setting them up, which is what you'd expect. She isn't the most noticeable when it comes to speed or power, but is deadly accurate with her passing, will take any chance she gets to push forward, and has attracted notoriety since her schooldays for either getting into shouting matches or plainly dismissing them as a waste of time. All told, then, a good choice and one whose vibes generally line up with the other new arrivals.

12: Tim Brandon --- position: right midfielder --- age: 30 (born 09/02/1976) --- club: Grand Beach [EXT] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: milk and no sugar --- appearance: extremely average blonde hair; brown eyes; a bit of a moustache but no beard --- parental occupations: operations manager (father); care home worker (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: Grand Beach District Council's in-house intern onboarder
The first thing you need to know about Tim Brandon is that he is fast - and speed is not a card in most Eleanorian footballers' deck. The second thing you need to know about Tim Brandon is that, of Grand Beach's widely-feted front three - Rachel McNamara is now at Newbanks United after what can be described, in short, as some transfer business - he alone has lived up to expectations so far, and outlived boss Julia Atherton at that. He doesn't have his head in the sand: he knows how to get the ball into dangerous positions and sometimes even fancies a go himself, but his balls fail to receive adequate support far too often. One would hope that, if and when he ever gets substituted onto the pitch for the White Stars, the higher calibre of striker will help him and the entire nation deliver.

13: Georgia Wood --- position: goalkeeper --- age: 34 (born 15/04/1972) --- club: Golden Unicorn [EXT] --- height: 5ft11in (180cm)
coffee preference: a lot of milk and no sugar --- appearance: short brown hair; blue eyes --- parental occupations: senior manager at Broadlands' Hiyashi factory (father); local newspaper editor-in-chief (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: an accountant, because of course
Having your dad work for the people who own your club's biggest rivals is definitely one way to tone down the volume on the derby. It's not as if Wood hasn't been doing that for her entire playing career, anyway, as one of the quietest members of perhaps the quietest team in the Saint Eleanor League. Although very slightly error-prone and a smidgen under six foot, she is still somehow heads and shoulders above most of the nation's other goalkeepers by virtue of not getting herself into too much trouble - her reputation as a teetotaller who always happens to go to sleep by 11:30pm (extraordinarily late match finishes notwithstanding) is the stuff of legend in certain Brightway circles. I mean trouble on the pitch. Most Eleanorian footballers' idea of a "party" is to order themselves a pint at the bar, get it done within a few minutes and then go away.

14: Graham Lawson --- position: left midfielder --- age: 26 (born 14/02/1980) --- club: Athletic Saint Eleanor [EXT] --- height: 5ft8in (173cm)
coffee preference: standard-issue black --- appearance: buzzed blonde hair; brown eyes --- parental occupations: Eleanorian Power electrician (father); housewife (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: working the afternoon shift at the local bottle shop
He who clocked a teenaged Brianna Austen in the face with a wayward penalty is in the squad for different, more objectively promising reasons. He's regularly starting for a resurgent Athletic and has proven to be a surprising attacking influence for them, preferring to cut inside and make his own luck if he can, as the great Jessica Martin would have, rather than simply crossing. His tactical and positional awareness is also a bonus, he isn't a bad shot - he can't be for his own sake - he's a proudly working-class voice in the Chamber of Commerce's club and he's outspoken on football too when the situation demands it. Many will lament Hugh Roanoke's departure, but he's five years older and his mission to get the White Stars ready and able at the back has long been accomplished.

15: Lydia Nicholls --- position: central midfielder; now fairly adept at CDM --- age: 26 (born 11/10/1980) --- club: Sandfjell Fotball [CNR] --- height: 6ft0in (183cm)
coffee preference: standard-issue black --- appearance: short ginger hair with the freckles to match; brown eyes --- parental occupations: line manager at the Hiyashi factory (father); actually-trustworthy car saleswoman (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: working for the First Bank of Saint Eleanor's investment banking division
In the absolutely politest sense possible, Lydia Nicholls has no morals whatsoever. Some of those who have met her insist that she is a rather nice - even wonderful - person who'll most likely leave you alone but has no tolerance for inane bullshit or otherwise veiled threats. This might be true off the pitch (please ignore the fact she has two young children already), but there is very little chance of her leaving you alone on it, especially not if you look like you might be threatening a goal. This is not to say she is indiscriminate or that stopping the opposition at all costs is her only strategy - of course she also knows how the old Eleanorian arts of distribution work, despite not being particularly fond of going forward for the most part - but it is, at least at this moment, what she is best known for. That and her lob from the halfway line against Juventud many moons ago. And maybe what she did in the IFCF.

16: Christine Terrence --- position: centreback; repentant central midfielder --- age: 27 (born 11/08/1979) --- club: Sword and Shield [EXT] --- height: 6ft0in (183cm)
coffee preference: milk and two sugars --- appearance: short, if somewhat unkempt (and fairly dark), brown hair; blue eyes --- parental occupations: the Army Engineering Corps (father); Eleanorian Post deliverer (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: the janitor for a sizable University office somewhere... and all done by 11am
Remarkable unremarkability is still somehow the hallmark of Terrence's career. On the face of it, she appears to be a perfectly normal midfield convert, somebody who knows exactly where to put herself and the ball in times of danger without going so far forward that she loses any sense of position (or purpose). Ask anybody at the University Grounds who knows better, however, and they'll most likely tell you she's somebody who's spent years sitting in defence, doing absolutely nothing of note other than going forward a bit and maybe having a few very, very good days. In an era where the national team has increasingly slim pickings in defence, however, just being a quality player who fears the consequences of even making a few mistakes may well be good enough to make the grade.

17: David Key --- position: striker --- age: 24 (born 28/06/1982) --- club: Occidental Olympic [EXT] --- height: 5ft10in (178cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: black hair; brown eyes; unreasonably thick accent --- parental occupations: bus mechanic (father); supermarket cashier (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: doing much-needed housekeeping and other estates-department stuff for Olympic
Every generation has its dynamic, playmaking and somewhat lithe Olympic striker who turns out to be good enough for a spot around the national team - and Key is this generation's striker. A Golden Backpack winner in his 1999 schooldays for getting involved in just about every goal Parkside CS scored on their way to the Charles Trump Shield, he hasn't proven any worse at the higher level of quality, regularly finding the net, working almost in synergy with his more traditionally-minded attacking partners, knowing when to time his dribbles and (unlike certain others of his ilk) being pretty much as squeaky-clean as you can get.

18: Daiki Fujiwara --- position: centreback --- age: 26 (born 19/04/1980) --- club: Newbanks United [EXT] --- height: 5ft11in (180cm) ~ Squidroidian dual national by birth
coffee preference: supermarket own-brand energy drink --- appearance: short dark-brown hair; brown eyes; no facial hair whatsoever --- parental occupations: IT technician (father); died in a car crash (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: the international technology correspondent for one of the Eleanorian papers
It's easy to see why Fujiwara was called up this time - he's clean, consistent, an actual full-time centreback, and finally eligible to represent Saint Eleanor. He's learned well from Kōji Katou, his older and rasher partner at United (the all-Squidroidian pairing a holdover from the days when it was a plaything of their government), having earned a firm awareness of when to go into tackles and interceptions, where to move the ball, and how to gauge the needs of his fellow defenders and deeper-lying midfielders. The national team is a completely different kettle of fish in terms of personnel, McNamara excepted, but Fujiwara should gel in exceptionally with them if he knows how to apply the principles he's learned in the Saint Eleanor League.

19: Kichirō Matsuda [Wunderbar Quatro] --- position: central midfielder, leaning CDM --- age: 22 (created 1984) --- club: Independence 1975 [EXT] --- height: 6ft2in (188cm) ~ Squidroidian dual national by birth
coffee preference: black, but with just a little cream --- appearance: almost-perfect black hair; brown eyes --- parental occupations: none; created in a lab
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: an engineer for some vehicle manufacturer you've never heard of. But we all know he was doomed to be a footballer
Does this man need any introduction? As it turns out, yes: one of the six Wunderbars who took Squidroidia to such places as the World Cup knockouts and the Independents Cup trophy-lift, Quatro moved to Saint Eleanor shortly after his homeland's withdrawal from international football and has arguably done better for himself than any of his peers. On his best days, he can be one of the best in the world, just as originally advertised: calm, composed, able to shift from attack to defence without a second thought, and proven quality on the highest level (including the knockout stages of both major IFCF tournaments). On his worst days, though, he can get mad - very mad - and has already clocked up a few red cards for the trouble. It's very likely you'll get the nice Matsuda when it comes to it - but it's absolutely not certain.

20: Naresmet taFrexala --- position: rightback --- age: 30 (born 11/12/1976) --- club: Athletic Saint Eleanor [EXT] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: "coffee" --- appearance: fairly short black hair; brown eyes; somewhat notable beard --- parental occupations: senior masseur (father); kitchen staff at Whitehammer's Torch burger bar (mother)
if he wasn't a footballer, he'd probably be: a fairly nondescript paramedic (now fully qualified!)
Yet another solid and reliable player who hardly anyone seems to care about - they didn't even pay attention when he set up Nightingale for a dramatic late equaliser at Raynor City United many, many Champions' Leagues ago - taFrexala was acclaimed the national team's second-choice rightback for various reasons. One of them is his bona fide desire to overlap, cross, get back and hope for the best (which is at least less scattergun than anything Exandra Davies could ever come up with). Another might be the consistency with which he seems to be able to win tackles, stop dribbles, and whatever the hell lies inbetween those two things without too much mess. And he is, of course, better than Evan Kilkenny, who is better than almost every other Eleanorian rightback.

21: Tina Falconer --- position: leftback --- age: 24 (born 25/03/1982) --- club: Good Hope Club [EXT] --- height: 5ft6in (168cm)
coffee preference: no milk, one sugar --- appearance: neat brown ponytail; brown eyes --- parental occupations: tree surgeon (father); NLF Club administrator (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: a nurse with the Eleanorian Health Services
Part of one of the best generations of footballers ever raised by the Trident Community School, Falconer has proven herself to be an eager fullback... perhaps too eager. More of a conservative, linehugging sort than most, she has slowly started to gain a reputation for pushing up as needs be when the designated wide midfielder cuts inside (and many of them do, even at GHC), while also proving herself to be hotheaded in her dealings with attacking players from the right flank even when they aren't playing for Grand Beach. Yes, she can be a fun person on and off the pitch - and often is - but her serious side is outrageously driven, even if it's relatively harder to get on the wrong side of it just through your own actions.

22: Dekamela weMexala --- position: striker --- age: 31 (born 05/05/1975) --- club: Occidental Olympic [EXT] --- height: 6ft0in (183cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: long, braided black hair; brown eyes --- parental occupations: barista at Parkside's Premium Coffee shop (father); forklift driver (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: the single most productive logistics worker in Eleanorian history
Much like the legendary Corporal Aidan Harris, weMexala is fairly slow, astonishingly strong but fair, the kind of person who'd rather get on with the job than talk about it - and one of a few members of the team who can seriously win a one-on-one header situation when necessary. It might surprise you to learn she'll be 33 by the World Cup, but she's solidly-built, likes setting up her fellow attackers when necessary (increasingly rare though this may be), takes her shots when they count, and has proven - if largely accidental - experience as a regular national team starter from the 91st to 93rd World Cup cycles. She wouldn't do that badly as an emergency back-up goal-poacher, however... and thankfully hasn't been so far.

23: Carla Hawkins --- position: goalkeeper --- age: 29 (born 03/11/1977) --- club: Newbanks United [EXT] --- height: 6ft1in (185cm)
coffee preference: milk and two sugars --- appearance: blonde ponytail; blue eyes; just a touch of natural blush --- parental occupations: interior designer (father); optician (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: the person who works the digger on every construction site you've ever seen... before 2am, I'll add
You're never too late to start, even if you probably never will. Hawkins is a decently-accomplished goalkeeper - witness her penalty shootout heroics against CASK Thorsborg - and her reflexes speak for themselves, but the most eyecatching thing about her might be her attitude. Unapologetically feisty, commanding and even out-and-out physical, she will make her feelings known when the situation demands it and has a generally good idea of where all the pieces are supposed to go (or what her opinion is of their placement, anyway). She's the angriest any good Eleanorian stopper has been for at least a few years and, if anything, she'll be an unavoidable presence in the changing rooms.

24: Denise Livingston [Army rank: Lance-Corporal] --- position: centreback --- age: 25 (born 07/08/1981) --- club: Army and Navy [EXT] --- height: 5ft10in (178cm)
coffee preference: no milk, one sugar --- appearance: short, if slightly frizzy, brown hair; hazel eyes --- parental occupations: scaffolder (father); serving Army sergeant (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: that one construction worker who thinks that still being on site working at 2am is a good idea
2000 was not a particularly good year for Army and Navy - and it was almost certainly much worse for an off-colour Ken Wilkie, which might have given Livingston an aura of competence to begin with. Don't get me started on the years after that. But perhaps it was always here: she won the Golden Backpack in '98 after captaining the Army School to just one goal conceded in five games, getting to the ball before it could get her side in trouble, jostling opposing strikers off the ball if they posted an immediate threat, and dutifully attending to all of her tasks in general - all traits which have certainly been evident during her five-year career, mediocre as they have been for her club. Although rather unlikely to get many minutes for the national team for various reasons, none of them have anything to do with her quality; you would not bet against her making a good, if not particularly shouty, impression should she get the time.

25: Kavezalea Felaraneta --- position: out-and-out attacking midfielder --- age: 22 (born 19/09/1984) --- club: Independence 1975 [EXT] --- height: 5ft9in (175cm)
coffee preference: standard-issue black --- appearance: bushy black hair; brown eyes; excessive gesturing --- parental occupations: Eleanorian Telecom engineer (father); retired Army sergeant (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: working the rest-of-the-city beat for The Northern Mail
If you think that Felaraneta is a bit of an obscure player, you have a good reason: he's been overshadowed by pretty much everyone else in the Indy squad. He is a bona-fide playmaker, at least, and one with room for growth at that - fond of feeding the ball into the frontlines and preferring to wait for a good opportunity to make things happen rather than simply push forwards, he can also drop back and work from there if needs absolutely much. He can also be readily exasperated, more so than even Pritchard, and has been known to waft his arms about to express his dismay (or sometimes just to make a simple point he thinks hasn't quite gotten though yet). Eleanorians may have little time for drama but they will probably have more than enough time for the dramatician when they finally get to see him do something here.

26: Rachel McNamara --- position: striker --- age: 27 (born 07/04/1979) --- club: Newbanks United [EXT] --- height: 5ft8in (173cm)
coffee preference: milk and one sugar --- appearance: the most generic blonde ponytail ever tied; green eyes --- parental occupations: recycling centre manager (father); advisor to Grand Beach district leader (mother)
if she wasn't a footballer, she'd probably be: handling wholesale purchases at a petrol station far, far away from Saint Eleanor's low, government-fixed fuel pricing
Until her move to Newbanks, McNamara was too often let down by underperforming superstructures at the club level (or, if you ask her, Bencoolen City's refusal to turn against the T-League plans). Since it happened, she's been their driving attacking force, a leader in all aspects, and a crucial part of the formula that's given them consistent IFCF placements. On the face of it, there isn't much to tell her apart from a generic striker in national team contention - she's fast, agile (if fairly short), accurate in front of goal, and a subscriber to the great Eleanorian ideology of meaningful and regular passing otherwise - but her record over multiple clubs and what is already a fairly long career belies it.

==========

Manager: Priscilla Evans --- former position: striker --- age: 49 --- clubs of note: Crystal Fair HC [CRY] --- height: 5ft7in (170cm) --- nationality: Tinhamptonian
coffee preference: milk and no sugar; likes her tea the same way --- appearance: no-nonsense brown ponytail; blue eyes --- parental occupations: semi-comfortably retired
Despite having a dodgy back for a good part of her playing career (and ADHD), nobody really knows how Priscilla Evans managed to become Tinhampton's greatest ever footballer, lead her home country to the 73rd Cup of Harmony, and then enjoy ten presumably-good seasons and a few deep IFCF runs at Crystal Fair of the United League while aging at a surprisingly Equestrian pace. Other than whoever at Tinhampton City FC organised that prize draw. Her typically Eleanorian management style - quiet but outspoken, relatively hands-off, very much forced to mediate the kinds of combating cliques that just aren't supposed to form in this environment, but with clear expectations of players nonetheless - has led the national team to a Baptism of Fire quarterfinal, a surprise World Cup qualification and precious little else. Oh, and her second Cup of Harmony winners' medal; that apparently counts these days. She promises she'll finally lead Saint Eleanor to the top of their qualifying group, and points to their seeding when people inevitably disbelieve her.

Assistant Manager: Stephen Mitcham [Army rank: Lieutenant] --- former position: none --- age: 40 --- clubs of note: none --- height: 6ft1in (185cm) --- nationality: Eleanorian
coffee preference: milk and no sugar --- appearance: black hair, short back and sides; brown eyes; inappropriately ginormous beard --- parental occupations: President (father); First Lady (mother)
It might not have looked like it in recent times, but being Priscilla Evans' assistant is not a fun job, not even if you're the son of the most important man in Eleanorian history. (No, Cathy Winchester is a lady.) You have to consult with her on matters of great importance, collaborate on tactical issues (and, very rarely, team selection), be ready to step in should anything earth-shattering happen, pretend to be the official team psychologist, and generally keep everything in its place. Has Mitcham done that? More than competently. And where Evans has largely lacked a managerial philosophy, he appears to have played to their strengths by requesting a relatively defensive approach: one that has, for the most part, paid off rather well in the grand scheme of things. Which is neither grand nor a scheme.

Hall of Captains
Liam WEST (cycles 89-93)
Bridget COOMBE (cycles 94-date)

[Sharktail]

Sharktail WCQ 95 Roster

Nickname : The Blue Predator
Manager: Sahami (59 y.o)
A. Manager: Salleh (49 y.o)
Tactic: 4 - 5 -1
Style: +2
Captain: Azaim
Vice Captain: Ilias Rezal
Penalty Kick: Ilias Rezal
Free Kick:
S: Azaim / L: Nazmi
Corner:
L: Azam / R: Azaim

GK			
1	Maxter	        39	GK	Anara
12	Zaid Jahir	32	GK	Kota Jembal FC
22	Elias Rayyan	31	GK	Bakti United FC

2	Azam Hafifi     31	LB	Bakti United FC				
13	Harold	        39	LB	Sarim Potato FC
3	Minhat Rohidan	34	CB	Pesepur Pemecutan Puri
4	Maqri	        36	CB	Porto Espinhosa FC
14	Ikram Syahmi	23	CB	Kota Jembal FC
15	Wan Irfan	31	CB	Kota Jembal FC
5	Irfan Danial	39	RB	Damaisari
16	Izz	        36	RB	Bakti United FC
				
6	Azaim	        36	CM	Kota Lama FC
7	Nazmi Shafik	33	CM	SC Tabeira
18	Amar Muhaimin	30	CM	AC Arabin
19	Nik Syiham Amin	23	CM	Bakti United FC
8	Wan Nizam	30	LW	Black Leopard
17	Mokhtar Aidil	34	AM	FC Amarelda
11	Irfan Bahrin	35	RW	Sporting Praia do Emerita
20	Azmir Adlan	24	RW	Bakti United FC

				
9	Razen Saif	33	ST	Pescam Campuhan 
10	Ilias Rezal	36	ST	Royal Daulapura FC
21	Win Aziz	34	ST	Kota Jembal FC
23	Aiman Arif      21      ST    Kuala Town FC

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

[Pyazhnaya]

With their Baptism of Fire win still standing as their only title, the Pyazhnayan national team is trying to redeem itself after a series of quite unsuccessful campaigns.


Aleksandr Zavrashin - 48
Aleksandr Zavrashin's position as Pyazhnayan national coach is hanging somewhat in the balance after a few quite unsuccessful tournaments. The team will still employ its flexible 4-4-2 formation and an offensive style to surprise the opposing teams!

Home Jersey:


Away Jersey:

+3

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (just please be reasonable)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (again please be reasonable)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (same deal)
Godmod other events: Nope

[Oberour Ar Moro]

Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
National Football Team


World Cup 95 Qualifying Player Pool

Denonym: Oberours
Team Nickname: Dragoons
Association: Ministry of Culture Football Management Committee (FMC)
Trigramme: OAM

Staff
Position: Name, age (previous Domestic Club position)

Manager: Tanguy de Beaufort, age 50 (Invicta Manager)
Assistant Manager: Maheu Rousset, age 66 (Invicta Assistant Manager)
Assistant Manager: Ruran Sueur, age 47 (Invicta Assistant Manager)

Players
Number Position Name, age (Domestic Club (Nation if not Oberour Ar Moro))

Goalkeepers (GK)

1 Dounerth Chateaubriand, age 26 (Cyrene Bay)
12 Mikelig la Pingnie, age 24 (Wesisle Wizard FC (Khantari))
24 Seguinius Chaperonnier, age 25 (Estipen United)
35 Aven Grimoult, age 33 (Patrons)
46 Kaourig Bon-Vallet, age 23 (de la Charite)

Left Backs (LB)

2 Elarig Jouvenel des Ursins, age 23 Halebid United (Brookstation))
14 Jean le Lieur, age 24 (Pescium)
25 Marc Buschier, age 24 (Cyrene City)
36 Visant Bauldry, age 32 (Patrons)

Right Backs (RB)

3 Loys Roty, age 23 (Meridian)
15 Kilian Thibourst, age 26 (Phoenix United (The 14 Stars))
26 Stevan Latreille, age 23 (Patrons)
37 Venec d'Allee, age 22 (Invicta)
48 Michael li Enquin, age 24 (Meteor)

Sweepers (SW)

10 Joeva au Paus, age 28 (Patrons)
11 Peire de Baingneus, age 30 (Regium Immortal)
22 Andre Decastilhon, age 23 (Cyrene Bay)
23 Alarig de Cassete, age 25 (EC Kan Roue)
33 David Garnisseresse, age 25 (Pescium)
34 Geoffrey Feseresse de Tyssus, age 23 (Dynamo Taucherira)
44 Sébastien le Jenne, age 23 (Invicta)
45 Loeiz de Pontcastel, age 21 (Celeritas)
55 Sebastian Chapuisseur, age 32 (Meridian)

Left Midfielders (LM)

5 Iudicael Breut, age 31 (Hibernus)
17 Mathieux Sarrasin, age 25 (Veriasod Wolves FC (Tikariot))
28 Enni l’Encriere, age 23 (Invicta)
39 Mathurin-Nicolas de Gounesse, age 21 (Patrons)
50 Iahan Petite, age 23 (de la Charite)

Right Midfielders (RM)

6 Jean-Pierre de Braieres, age 26 (Tikariot City FC (Tikariot))
18 Félix d'Amienz, age 30 (Other Side of Paradise (Brookstation))
29 Celestin Ebrard l'Aisné, age 31 (Cyrene City)
40 Samson Bon-Dos, age 25 (Mount Olympus (The 14 Stars))

Center Midfielders (CM)

4 Peter Clouzot, age 28 (Meteor)
16 Adiun Salerou, age 22 (Celeritas)
27 Goulwen Baudrillar, age 26 (Pembina City FC (Kelssek))
38 Seguinus Tesserant de Linge, age 32 (Patrons)
49 David Geoffrion, age 29 (Torbay Thunder (Kelssek))

Left Wingers (LW)

7 Alanig Decastaichede, age 27 (Þingsnitz (Græntfjall))
19 Even de Garges, age 28 (Cyrene Bay)
30 Ronan Vrely, age 31 (Hibernus)
41 Perresson Eschaudeeur, age 24 (Regium United)
52 Jean Cardona, age 26 (Desert Lions (The 14 Stars))

Right Wingers (RW)

8 Noel Bontoux, age 33 (Invicta)
20 Breval le Batelie, age 26 (Other Side of Paradise (Brookstation))
31 Venou Destine, age 24 (Winchester City (Cassadaigua))
42 Peterne de Courbueil, age 33 (Celeritas)
53 Blaise Leboeuf, age 24 (Cyrene Bay)

Strikers (ST)

9 David Guivarch, age 28 (Patrons)
21 Clement le Pinceeur, age 24 (Pescium)
32 Arzhur Veron, age 22 (Celeritas)
43 Patern Bonnard, age 21 (EC Kan Roue)
54 Ronan d'Albert de Luynes, age 23 (Estipen United)

Formation

Understanding the Pool

The players numbered 1-11 would be considered the starting 11 if the cup started today. The players 12-24 would be direct backups. Every player behind them is competing for one of 25 roster spots throughout qualification. When the team qualifies for the World Cup (or the Cup of Harmony, should they fall short) the pool will be cut down, and the numbers will be reassigned to the final squad. Throughout qualifying, starting rosters and the bench at each game will feature a different mix of players from the pool to determine the final roster.

First and Second-Choice Shirts

Stadium Information

All Oberour Ar Moro home matches will be played at the Parade Grounds in the capital of Regium, capacity 49,670. The Parade Grounds, Oberour Ar Moro's oldest and most distinguished stadium, serves as the home ground for Premier Division power Patrons, as well as the Oberour Ar Moro national team and the semi-finals and finals of the Jupillite Minister's Cup. In the past, the Parade Grounds have hosted the finals of the Thirty-Sixth and Forty-Third editions of the International University Challenge Championship, the twelfth Campeonato Rushmori Juvenil Sub-20, and the fifty-second Cup Winners' Cup.

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes
Give Red Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand

Style Modifier: +5

[Banija]

Banija National Team- The Kadongo Kamu

Two-Time Defending World Cup Champions

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan(s)
Association: Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA)
Nickname: The Kadongo Kamu
Manager: Pamela Scott, 58 years old, native of the Commonwealth of Baker Park. Head Women's Coach at Northern Baker Park State University UAC National Championships in back to back seasons Manager of the Westwood Sprites Ladies, led the club to 2 Women's National League titles in her 3 seasons. Women's National Team Manager, later BPNT Manager beginning in WC83 cycle. BOF runner-up/AOCAF 58 3rd Place. Farfadills NT Manager cycles 85-88. Took the job after Banija failed to qualify for World Cup 89. Has completed 5 full cycles as the Banijan NT manager, has now won two AOCAFs and two World Cups, firmly establishing herself in the conversation as one of the greatest international managers of all time.
Senior Assistant Manager: Todd Malembe. 42 years old, Banijan native. Former Assistant manager with Capitol City FC.
Captain: Adin Wasawo
Alternate Captain: Hebron Rao
Home Kits: Green
Away Kits: White
Alternate: Orange

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss. No deaths without my permission)
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss. No deaths without my permission)
Godmod other events: Yes(However, there is a hard ban on any Banijan nationals, player or fans or whoever, from catching a pandemic)
Style modifier: +3.5

Brief National Team History
The Kadongo Kamu have played in exactly 748 games, as of the start of World Cup 95. This is the 23rd World Cup cycle overall for this NT, and our 15th entry into the World Cup Finals. We have entered in 19 previous World Cup Qualification campaigns(WCQ73, WCQ74, WCQ75, WCQ76, WCQ77, WCQ79, WCQ80, WCQ82, WCQ84, WCQ85, WCQ86, WCQ87, WCQ88, WCQ89, WCQ90, WCQ91, WCQ92, WCQ93, WCQ94), and have successfully qualified for 15 out of the last 16 World Cups, famously missing World Cup 89 while we were ranked 5th in the world. We have also participated in Baptism of Fire 60, and been a participant in four different Cup of Harmonies(CoH 66, CoH 67, CoH 71, and CoH 81). In four Cups of Harmony, Banija has only once moved past the group stage, in CoH 81, and they promptly fell on penalties in the Round of 16. In their lone Baptism of Fire, they earned a lone point.

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

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

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

After a return to the AOCAF LXI Quarterfinals, their first quarterfinal appearance in the last 3 editions of the regional championships, they fell to Chromatika on penalties. The World Cup 86 Qualification campaign went rather swimmingly- the national team went a perfect 18-0-0 in World Cup Qualifying, the first time that had happened in well over 10 cycles. The multiverse's #1 ranked squad was brimming with confidence, the two-time bronze medalists entering World Cup 86 trying to win the biggest trophy in all of sports for the first time.

Marcus Waters has always preached the following- "you've got to win at home before you can win the World Cup." It's always meant you've got to win in Atlantian Oceania before you can expect to win the World Cup. And while we've never won the AOCAFs, our group was all Atlantian Oceania sides- Ko-oren, Chromatika, and Mriin. We finished in first place with a 1-0 win over Ko-oren, a 2-2 draw against Chromatika, and a 0-0 draw against Mriin being enough to earn 5 points. Then, we faced a gauntlet of former World champions. A 1-0 win over them put us in our fourth consecutive World Cup Quarterfinal, against 5 time World champions Valanora. A thrilling 4-3 win put us in the semifinal, again facing a GSW rival- World Cup 84 winners Farfadillis. In one of the wildest World Cup semifinals ever played, Banija came out on top 7-6, with a stoppage time winner to put them in the Final against the World Cup 85 winners Nephara. It was a true game of the century- neither team had lost a competitive match since the start of World Cup Qualifying, neither losing during Qualifying or the Finals. And in that thriller, it would be the Banijans who would win, taking a lead and holding onto it, winning by 3 goals to 2 against Nephara to lift the trophy and declare themselves World Cup Champions.

The ensuing AOCAF was strong, but not as strong as they wanted it to be. After starting slowly and losing their opening two games, they finished well done the stretch of group play, and even won a pair of knockout stage games before eventually falling to the champions, Baker Park, in the Semifinals. The Banijans redeemed themselves by earning a bronze medal against Sarzonia. The team took a B squad to Eagle's Cup IX, but a strong performance there landed them a silver medal, losing in the final to Valanora. World Cup 87 did not go the way they expected, getting eliminated in the group stages for the first time since World Cup 82. But we recovered in the World Cup 88 cycle. While a quarterfinal elimination at both Eagle's Cup X and AOCAF LXIII were not great, we were unbeaten in World Cup 88 Qualifying, and reached the World Cup 88 Semifinals, eliminating the defending champions Nephara and falling to the eventual champions Turori along the way. We used that momentum of the semfiinal run to finally earn a regional title, as on our 10th try, we finally won the AOCAFs, defeating Hapilopper in the semifinals and Valanora in the Final, winning both matches via penalty kick shootouts.

That regional title meant little in World Cup Qualifying, however, as Pemecutan and Zwangzug both pipped past Banija to automatically qualify for the World Cup, and left Banija in the dust, gasping for air. That called for a reset from the RSBA, which led to Marcus Waters resigning and Pam Scott be hired. While neither the Cup of Harmony nor the AOCAFs went particularly well, Pam Scott's laser focus on qualifying for the World Cup was a success, as the team not only went to World Cup 90, but showed up in style, winning a pair of penalty shootouts, before falling to the eventual winners, The Holy Empire, on PKs, in the semifinals. They still beat Valanora in the third place match, 2-1, to earn their third overall bronze medal. To reset things for World Cup 91, Banija easily won our qualification group, but flopped on our face in the Finals- losing our last two group stage matches after opening the tournament with 3 points, and promptly falling out at the group stages.

Pam Scott changed the mood entirely following, however, as the Banijans surprised many by winning AOCAF 67, including eliminating tournament favorites, Valanora, on home soil. The team built on that, in what was one of their best cycles ever- after going unbeaten in Qualifying (17 wins and 3 draws, with no losses), they went to the World Cup with confidence. After winning their group with ease, 7 points, they made it all the way to their Second ever World Cup Final, at World Cup 92. Wins over Squidroidia and world number ones Turori followed in the knockout stages, followed by a PK shootout victory over Valanora. But in the World Cup 92 Final, they fell at the final hurdle, as Zwangzug lifted the sport's ultimate trophy. While they could not retain their regional title, losing to the host nations, Valanora, in the AOCAF 68 Final, the lessons learned were paramount. They reached the World Cup and turned on another gear, earning their second ever World Cup title after defeating Chromatika, 4-3, in the World Cup 93 Final.

After they fell in the semifinals of AOCAF 69, the question was- could Banija repeat on the world stage? And the answer, undoubtedly, was yes. In sensational fasion, the Banijans earned their third ever World Cup title in a title defense- going a combined 25-0-2(W-L-D) across Qualifying and the World Cup Finals combined to earn a championship at World Cup 94. And they maintained the form at the AOCAFs- turning down worthy challenger after worthy challenger to do something they have never done before- be regional and world champions at the same time.

The pressure is on as they chase history- becoming one of just a handful of nations to have the opportunity to chase three straight World Cup titles. Can they do the unthinkable and equal probably the greatest accomplishment in the history of this sport, aka Aguazul's three World Cup titles?

Statistics(Up to date as of right before the start of World Cup 95, friendlies included. Banijan statisticians count OT and PK shootout wins and losses as wins and losses, as opposed to draws like most international statisticians):
All-Time Record: 470-191-118(W-L-D)
All-Time Winning Percentage: 60.33% (Wins over total games played)
All-Time Points Percentage: 65.38% (Wins plus 1/3rd of draws over total games played)
Current WCC Rank: #1
Current AOCAF Rank: #1
Top 15 All-Time Leading Goal Scorers: Italicized players are retired from international duty. Bold players are active players.
1. T2. Abel Wesoloski-Okafor(126 goals)
2. Ilman Jawara(110 goals)
3. Gitonga Kahara(109 goals)
4. Idai Uster(89 goals)
5. Sarafina Ikpeazu(74 goals)
6. Kausu Dione(67 goals)
7. Lolong Bokate(66 goals)
[i]8. Namakula Kawesa(59 goals)
9. Madu Okparra(57 goals)
10. Chibuzo Afolayan(54 goals)
11. Mzukisi Nzo(49 goals)
12. Gereh Kama(45 goals)
13. Kiggwe Mavuto(43 goals)
14. Toyuwa Okafor(37 goals)
15. Dembo Savaneh(36 goals)

World Cup Appearances: 15- World Cup 80, World Cup 81(co-hosts), World Cup 82, World Cup 83(co-hosts), World Cup 84, World Cup 85, World Cup 86, World Cup 87, World Cup 88, World Cup 90, World Cup 91, World Cup 92, World Cup 93, World Cup 94, World Cup 95
Times Ranked #1 in the KPB- First Stretch(5 rank updates): Pre-World Cup 86 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 86 Finals, Pre-World Cup 87 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 87 Finals
Second & Current Stretch(3 rank updates): Pre-World Cup 94 Finals, Pre-World Cup 95 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 95 Finals

Trophy Cabinet:
Senior-Level
Champions of World Cup 94
Champions of World Cup 93
Champions of World Cup 86
Champions of Eagle's Cup VIII
Champions of AOCAF LXIV
Champions of AOCAF LXVII
Champions of AOCAF LXX
Winner of the Inaugural Afro-Caribbean Heritage Festival
2nd Place at World Cup 92
2nd Place at AOCAF LVIII
2nd Place at AOCAF LXVIII
2nd Place at Eagle's Cup IX(Winners of the tournament's Cup of Champions)
3rd Place at World Cup 83
3rd place at World Cup 85
3rd place at World Cup 90
3rd Place at AOCAF LXII
3rd Place atAOCAF LXIX
3rd place at the United Valhaven Regional Football Championships
3rd Place at the Second Afro-Carribean Heritage Festival

Youth Level
Champions of the 8th Sporting World Cup
Champions of the 47th Di Bradini Cup
3rd place at 42nd Di Bradini Cup
3rd place at the 17th RTC U18 World Cup

World Cup Hall of Famers
Adama Sowe(former RBSA Chairman, current WCC Vice President)
GItonga Kahara(all-time leading goalscorer, World Cup winning captain, all-time cap leader)
Marcus Waters(Banija's winningest manager, has led Banija to 100% of our World Cup Qualifications, and has never failed to qualify for the Finals)
Namakula Kawesa(first female star, 3rd all-time leading goalscorer at time of retirement)
Kuma Bultum(Champions League Winner, World Cup winner, most appearances on the Galacticos list for a Banijan)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Marcus Waters(Equestrian States): Hired after the 1st half of World Cup 80 Qualifying, fired at the end of World Cup 89 Qualifying. Overall record of 257-81-50(W-L-D). All-time winning percentage of 66.24%. All-time points percentage of 70.53%.

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

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

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

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

The last two cycles he really got the team to rise above themselves. The last two World Cup Qualification cycles, Banija has finished as the best team in World Cup Qualifying by points earned. And he has the silverware to match- a bronze medal earned in World Cup 85, followed by a gold medal in World Cup 86. Having risen from basically nowhere in Equestria to household name status in Banija, he has truly made a name for himself as one of the world's premier international managers. While World Cup 87 was disappointing, he quickly ensured that was a one-off, rather than a sign of things to come. He brought Banija to their fourth World Cup semifinal in their past six tournaments at World Cup 88, and followed that up with winning the country's first ever regional title.

But he is now a victim of his own success. An Eagle's Cup champion, the AO champion, and a World Cup champion, he drastically raised the bar for the Kadongo Kamu. But Banija winning 9 of their last 10 Qualifiers could not overcome their disastrous, and therefore, we did not qualify for the World Cup Finals. The RBSA had no other choice but to let the legend and Hall of Famer walk, as the time has come around for the national team to change their head man for the first time since World Cup 80.

5. Pamela Scott(Commonwealth of Baker Park): Hired after World Cup 89 Qualifying, right before Cup of Harmony 81. Overall Record of 166-40-49(W-L-D). Winning percentage: 65.10%. Points percentage: 71.50%

Scott is widely regarded as one of the brightest tactical minds in the sport, and her record speaks for itself. Replaced Trevor Richmond as BP National Team Manager after the side qualified for the WC in their first three attemps, then followed Ichi Tuzzio as boss of the WC 85 Champions, overhauling the roster and bringing a bit of defensive awareness to the legendary Farf attacking style. Has an eye for young talent and not afraid to give them a chance. The above is why she was hired- leverage her experience to bring stabilization to a national team that is currently reeling.

While the Cup of Harmony and the AOCAFs both resulted in disappointing exits at the Round of 16, and the Eagle's Cup went disastrously(not scoring for 5 consecutive matches), Pam Scott is still upbeat about the direction of the national team. "With this cycle, everything is about World Cup Qualification." She told reporters. "Those tournaments, while they did not go well, were about finding the right squad, building to this moment. Banija wants to compete on all fronts, of course- but we cannot do that if we are not qualifying for the World Cup. These tournaments, while not great on the field, have allowed me to experiment all sorts of lineups, and expose different players to elite competition at the international stage. How they deal with things like pressure. You're going to see much different results when the team takes the field for World Cup 90 Qualifying."

But her first World Cup in charge was an unmitigated success. Beating both Audioslavia and Eura was a stunner, as Banija won the group of death with a game to go. Not resting on their laurels, they downed two AO rivals, SRS and Baker Park, in back-to-back games in route to the semifinals, and eventually, a bronze medal. With that success, Pam Scott declared that the national team is "back to competing on all fronts". While the last World Cup's group stage embarassment was a disappointment, she more than made up for it by bringing home her first major international trophy- the AOCAFs.

Last cycle, after reaching the AOCAF Final and falling to Valanora, she was able to take the lessons learned from that and bring Banija to our second ever World Cup title- and her first. She's now, after a long journey from Baker Park, to Farfadillis, and now Banija, has reached the sports pinnacle. But what's more impressive than getting to the top, is staying at the top. She led Banija to an unbeaten Qualifying campaign(dropping just 2 points from 20 Qualifiers), and followed that up with a second World Cup win- this time, in emphatic fashion, with a bunch of high-drama, one goal wins throughout World Cup 94 leading up to a convincing 4-1 victory over Valanora in the World Cup 94 Final. With what may be the final AOCAF trophy in hand, Her reputation in Banija is firmly established with all sorts of silverware- only GOAT status remaining. Will a threepeat give her that status?

1. The Equestrian States. All time Banijan record against opponent- 1-7-2(W-L-T).

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

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

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

Equestria and Banija were in the same group at AOCAF LXII, with the opening match of the tournament being a repeat of the AOCAF LVIII Final. Banija, we thought, rising high and champions. But Equestria came to rain on the parade. They won on Matchday 1, by a score of 2-1 in Busukuma, and we could only manage a return draw. Our fiercest rivals, and yet, we've still never managed to have beaten them, in a competitive or a friendly match. That search for the elusive win against Equestria continues.

Banija landed their first ever win over Equestria in the Round of 16 at AOCAF LXVI. Years of angst were excised by this national team, as [url=https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=39501593#p39501593they crushed the Equestrians, 3-0[/url], in a match that may have finally begun to turn this rivalry towards team Banija. With the two teams paired in this cycle here at World Cup Qualifying, Banija will look to ensure that beating their rival was not a fluke- but turn that into a habit.

2. Farfadillis. All time Banijan record against opponent- 3-5-0(W-L-T)

What makes a good international rivalry? You need a mixture of history and luck. Luck, to have played in plenty of high stakes matches against each other on the biggest stages- World Cups, AOCAFs, and the like. But you also need nearness. What makes these two know each other so well? We've played in twice as many competitive matches against Chromatika as we have against Farfadillis.

Well, let's go with the political intrigue. Of course, there's geography- Farfadillis is the closest nation to Banija that does not share a land border with Banija. Their former capitol, is on the northern tip of their island, which is just south of Busukuma, the Banijan capitol city. So of course, there's that familiarity. And when the Farfadillis national government fell apart and they fell into some sort of a controlled chaos, many refugees fled Farfadillis for the stability of Banija. Busukuma became the natural landing place. There are no official numbers, but there an estimated 100,000 or so Farf refugees across the country, but with over half of them, around 60,000, residing in Busukuma.

So there's that familiarity on an intimate level, especially in Banija, and especially in Banija's capitol. Especially in the capitol, it's always a huge deal when these two meet. And besides that? Well, of course, we [url=https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=37273196#p37273196]dropped a few nuclear warheads[/url] on Farfadillis, where Banija's nuclear weapons got both hacked and stolen by operatives. While, surprisingly, it didn't cause as much damage as one would expect, 5 nuclear weapons are still quite a bit to get hit by. Farf citizens weren't exactly appreciative, and that is fresh in everybody's mind.

Lastly, look at the integration of our footballing systems. We have a combined league. With the combination of our top flights in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, Banijan footballing fans and Farf footballing fans interact every single week. Sometimes peacefully, sometimes violently, always loud and passionately. For two seperate nations(plus Busoga), they have a very integrated league system. And that, of course, will mean that the rivalry is played out every week. Banijan teams v. Farf teams. Farf teams got the better of their Banijan opponents, by and large, throughout the inaugural season, but there is still plenty left to say on the subject.

This is Banija's clear #2 rival, ahead of anybody else, besides Equestria. And as the S-FPL continues, this rivalry will continue to be competitive for years to come. Not to mention, the two have played a pair of thrilling World Cup Finals matches against each other- Farfadillis being victorious in World Cup 81, and then being victorious again in World Cup 84, where they went on to win that World Cup. What'd be more fun than another Finals matchup between these two juggernauts, right?

3. Chromatika. All time Banijan record against opponent- 8-3-2(W-L-T)

This is, admittedly, not the first nation you think of when you think of Banija's rivals. But There is a long-time history between these two nations. These two have more shared history than Banija and any other opponent, at least in competitive matches. Banija and Chromatika have faced off a grand total of 9 times competitively- all in the modern era of Banijan soccer, which is WCQ79-present. It was that first campaign back, after the RBSA bankruptcy, where it was established.

Banija had one of their biggest ever all-time wins in that Qualifying campaign, our first ever win over a top 5 opponent, when we beat then #4 Chromatika 2-1 in Jinja City. It's a night that has gone down in Banijan history. Looking back, many see it as Banija's first true launch towards where we are now- from a consistent middle of the pack nation in Qualifying, who couldn't do anything in the Cup of Harmony, to demanding a seat at the table by being an elite squad.

And we've played plenty of times since, as well. AOCAF LXI- we beat them in the group stages, only to fall to them in the Quarterfinals, on penalty kicks. We each got clean sheet victories over the other team at Eagle's Cup VIII, a tournament that we ended up winning. And we played them twice in World Cup Qualifying for 86, beating them twice en route to a perfect 18-0-0 Qualifying record. We played them again at the Finals, and we battled out a 2-2 draw.

They're a tough opponent, and considering the frequency of our matches in recent years, meeting up in the Finals would not be that unexpected. We know each other well, have played with plenty of stakes on the line. And, of course, there's those cultural and political connections that make the greatest international rivalries- a Banijan delegation, led by present Banijan Ambassador to Chromatika and former Banijan Minister of Justice, Xolile Lubabalo, helped shepherd Chromatika's transition to democracy. It's friendly, but there's plenty of history to make it interesting.

Of course, to make things even more interesting, these two met on the grandest stage of them all- the World Cup 93 Final. While Banija triumphed in a close-fought match (and a stunning come from behind second half victory), it has really moved Chromatika probably close to the top of Banija's rivals list, especially with S&T no longer participating in these tournaments and the Equestrian States no longer reaching the high levels they once had in the past.

Honorable Mentions
Nations mentioned here are considered key rivals, but there is not enough competitive match history to really define it as a rivalry. Nations are not listed in order.
- Siovanija & Teusland(Geographic proximity, cultural + political ties)
- Valanora(geographic proximity, recent KO stage battles at the AOCAFs and the WC, including meeting in the WC94 Final)
- Royal Kingdom of Quebec(general history and close political/cultural ties- Banija is a former colony of Quebec and they have been close ever since)
- Sarzonia(General sporting rivalry, history with 3 AOCAF matches against each other, 2 World Cup Qualifying matches, and a World Cup Finals match)
- Baker Park(cultural plus political ties)

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

World Cup 95 Qualifying

Starters: 4-2-1-3.
Players who are based in a foreign league are bolded.
Players who have never participated in World Cup Qualifying before are italicized.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, Banija's second tier. National league. S-FPL is the joint first tier soccer league for Farfadillis, Banija, and the Busoga Islands.
GK #23 Hebron Rao. Age 34. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL. Female.
LB #44 Opio Ssambwa. Age 24. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
LCB #30 Kutaaka Muteesa. Age 24. Plays for Montreal City in the Q-League.
RCB #3 Adin Wasawo. Age 30. Plays for Spartangrad in Eura. Captain.
RB #15 Daraja Kanka. Age 20. Plays for La Querida in the S-FPL.
CM #25 Oguta Achuka. Age 31. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CM #8 Aquila Hongo. Age 28. Plays for Maethoru SC in Ko-oren.
CAM #10 Sergius Atieno. Age 30. Plays for Schemerdrecht SVV in Ko-oren.
LW #7 Lavyin Son-Saka. Age 20. Plays for St. John's Arsenal in the Q-League.
ST #9 Abel Wesoloski-Okafor. Age 30. Male. Plays for Tanrısal in Pasarga.
RW/RM #11 Lolong Bokate. Age 31. Plays for Dí Maozöxê(Farfadillis) in the S-FPL.
Bench:
GK #35 Hebron Yiena. Age 32. Plays for Busukuma AC in the S-FPL. Female.
GK #39 Salathiel Kavuuma. Age 21. Plays for the Busukuma Force in the S-FPL.
LB #20 Sohna Kolley. Age 32. Female. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CB #4 Bbale Luboobi. Age 27. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CB #5 Opio Bikya. Age 26. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL.
RB #2 Festus Hera. Age 31. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
CM #6 Yob Yeyeh Aan. Age 23. Banijan/Farf dual-national. Plays for FK Arsika in Mytanija.
CM #14 Araba Fanja.. Age 19. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL.
CAM #15 Zion Izuchukwu. Age 31. Plays for Mynda Electra in the S-FPL.
LW/RW #21 Dembo Savaneh. Age 30. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
RW/LW #22 Odongo Kagenda. Age 23. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
ST #12 Jônn Wérséô. Age 22. Plays for Mâ Âlâmëómë in the S-FPL. Rulandea, Farfadillis. Farf/Banijan dual-national, born to Farf refugees in Busukuma.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Layvin Son-Saka. Our corner kicks are taken by the winger on whatever side the corner kick is on.
- Our penalty kicks are taken by Abel Wesoloski-Okafor.

Select Player Bios

1. ST Abel Wesoloski-Okafor

The dual-national superstar. Being born in, and growing up in, Quebec & Shingoyreo, he was expected to try and play for their NT- even though he was eligible for Banija through a birth parent. But with the striker position clogged up in Quebec, he moved to Banija to play, and got an opportunity to shine at the club level as a teenager here. He moved to the S-FPL, for a lower level team, and then moved his way into the national team. While he's now plying his trade in Pasarga, he's seized his opportunity, quickly working his way to the starting XI, and he got the #9 jersey at the age of 24- Banija's star player at the position, benefitting by the stunning lack of depth at the position behind him.

He is, far and away, the country's best striker- and has been the only truly NT worthy striker for this country for quite some time. While certainly a hard decision to choose to play for his country of origin rather than his country of birth, he has excelled since joining the Banijan national team. Out to prove himself over the years, he has done so and then some- being the first name on the team sheet for the most successful two cycle period in the history of the Kadongo Kamu. He's won a regional title and now a World Cup title, and his brace in the World Cup 93 Final, where Banija was victorious, sealed his title as a legend of the game forever. Not to mention, the dual-national got true recognition for it, winning the Testículo de Oro Award- aka being named the world player of the year for his exploits for both club and country

Clearly Banija's best ever #9, he's trying to build his legacy as Banija's best ever player- period. He's finally got competition for minutes, but he's shattering records- he became the all-time leading scorer for the green & orange at the AOCAFs, and still has a few cycles left to add to that tally. Can he do so in spectacular fashion? How many will he retire with- can he get to 130? Possibly even 150?

2. Layvin Son-Saka

The most hyped prospect, in this sport anyways, is Gitonga Kahara for Banija. Those who are old enough to remember the hype coming out of DBC 42- well, you can say that he lived up to it, having a storybook ending for his career- his last game for Banija, captaining our country to our first ever World Cup title. Son-Saka has every bit the hype- and some say even more talent. "Gitonga Kahara will always hold a special place in the hearts of Banijans- but the next great winger is here, and Son-Saka has the potential to not be equalled by anybody."

Think of the exploits he's had for St. John's Arsenal as a teenager. Scoring the title-winning goal to lead St. John's Arsenal to their first Q-League title in 28 years, he's the main man in one of the biggest leagues in club football. And now, starring for his country too. He could have a cycle ago- but Pam Scott opted to bring on her veteran, Sarafina Ikpeazu, for one last ride. Can't argue with those results. But it's his team now. He's got the #7 jersey, straight into the starting XI.

Of course, he's part of a loaded team with loaded expectations. THe pressure- spectacular. But he's proven it on the big stage- being named a starter at AOCAF 70 and immediately dominating, helping drive the team forward towards a regional title. But nothing equates to the World Cup- is the world ready for his first appearance on this biggest of stages?

3. Opio Ssambwa

The marauding left back garnered a lot of attention as part of Banija's World Cup winning squad, playing well as a starter in the World Cup Final. Just 22 years old, the talented left back has finally wrestled the permanent NT role from Sohna Kelley, and is probably the brightest player of the next generation- while also being a key contributor for the current generation. Coming up through the ranks at Kitara AA, he's off to Herzegovina City in Banija so he can experience the pressures of a title race. He's only expected to spend a lone season at Herzegovina City, as he's long desired to play in a big league abroad, and he will likely want to do that.

As a guy who's trying to go abroad for club football, he's certainly going to be having plenty of pressure every time he's pressured. However, while he's got all the physical talent, he plays with youthful, reckless abandon sometimes, leaving other defenders under pressure.

Group 13 Schedule (Group winner to the Finals)
Matchday 1: Banija(1) v. Damukuni(217) @ PetroBan Stadium(cap. 55,000) in Zansasi, Mugishaland, Banijan Esportivan Territories of Njaza
Matchday 2: Banija(1) @ Sharktail(65)
Matchday 3: Banija(1) v. Santa-Barbara(UR) @ Hangaza Unified Stadium(cap. 55,000) in Aissa, Hangaza
Matchday 4: Banija(1) v. The Holy Empire(26) @ The Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 91,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Matchday 5: Banija(1) @ Indusse(76)
Matchday 6: Banija(1) v. Vilwandia(235) @ Star Field(cap. 62,600) in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Matchday 7: Banija(1) @ Ethane(132)
Matchday 8: Banija(1) @ Damukuni(217)
Matchday 9: Banija(1) v. Sharktail(65) @ Istria Olympic Stadium(cap. 80,000) in Istria, Moravica
Matchday 10: Banija(1) @ Santa-Barbara(UR)
Matchday 11: Banija(1) @ The Holy Empire(26)
Matchday 12: Banija(1) v. Indusse(76) @ The Eagle's Club(cap. 48,600) in Dodoma, Bunyoro
Matchday 13: Banija(1) @ Vilwandia(235)
Matchday 14: Banija(1) v. Ethane(132) @ Mavuto Field(cap. 75,000) in Hoima, Ankole

Playoff Match: Juvencus(39) v. Banija(1) @ The HIve(42,000) in the Rainbow District, Chromatika

World Cup Group F Schedule
Matchday 1: Koronavia(42) v. Banija(1) @ Sentient Oval(cap. 29,275) in Kirkham City, Sylestone
Matchday 2: Banija(1) v. Flavovespia(15) @ Chamberley Institute of Sport(cap. 109,000) in Chamberley, Sylestone
Matchday 3: Brookstation(27) v. Banija(1) @ Sunlife Stadium(cap. 52,000) in South Halpenley, Sylestone

[Brenecia]

BRENECIA
Your Ashburn™ Patriots
World Ranking: Making a resurgence???
Preferred Formation: 4-3-3
Backup Formations: 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2
Style Modifier: -1
Home Stadium: Crown Row - a new, 65,000-capacity white elephant in Rozelle.
Kit Supplier: ediraf

Erin Camden has made an exceptional first impression, salvaging a floundering qualifying campaign before dragging Brenecia kicking and screaming to the World Cup quarterfinals, re-establishing them as among the world's semi-elite; they were a shootout away from winning the CE, too. But there's a paucity of new talent coming through... and Camden is not exactly known for blooding youth. Can they really keep it up, or was that just a fluke?

Maybe it was just a fluke.

Honours
Campionato Esportiva 14, 17, 19, 22 and 25 champions.
World Cup 80 champions.
Casaran round participation award.

Most Caps
187 - Mathis Woodgate
162 - Catherine Gryphon
157 - Catherine Purrington
148 - Lauren Cheney
138 - Finn Leadbetter
126 - Orson Faulkner, Anaximander Scrivener, Scathach Wright
121 - Miriam Spitfire, Squire Trevelyan
119 - Ursula Rankin
118 - Esther Caitiff, Gethin Quill
117 - Sam Allbeck, Corby Wheeler
116 - Casey Giltanan
112 - Isadora Cullen
111 - Clovette Bravender
108 - Brandon Duguid, Ceridwen Fletcher
103 - Roisin Carroll
100 - Elsie Drover, Triss Roscommon, Niko Szubanski

Most Goals
67 - Ursula Rankin, Lauren Cheney
50 - Catherine Purrington
48 - Cheney Scherzer
43 - Kara Ciogach
38 - Mhacha White

First Team and Tactics

Raised on lumpy grass pitches, waterlogged and potholed, Brenecian footballers tend to grow physical, disciplined and tough to break down, and this iteration of the national pool is no exception. The Patriots are an athletic, muscular side with plenty of pace and power, with two unpredictable, top-class wingers in Byrne and Wake who are given plenty of freedom so long as they do their work in pressing high. Camden is a loyalist at heart and rarely differs from the blueprint, but knows when the time is right to shake things up tactically or in terms of personnel, and her defensive drilling is exceptional.

This is a physical Brenecia side but, the centre-halves aside, not an overly tall one; they'll look to exploit pace on the counter more than slinging in high balls. They aren't interested in holding onto possession, and are more comfortable letting the opposition overreach and taking advantage. The one luxury player is Alaoise Rourke, their 'X-factor' and best option by far for cutting open a low block.

Common Substitutes
- Briggs' midfield partner is the most open to flux. By and large, Kearney starts when Brenecia need cutting edge, Cheschon starts when Brenecia are going fully defensive, and Slivka gets starts from time to time, too. Sitko is rarely seen these days but still has a niche calming games down with steady possession
- Lofthouse will often replace Stokes late in games, with an advantage in height and raw physicality; she may even start when Brenecia expect to have almost none of the ball, against teams like Farfadillis
- Alternatively, if ahead, Murdoch will replace Stokes to make a nuisance of himself and protect the lead
- Skaidrina Briggs will often be booked, and Rajskub will come on where necessary to help shore up the defence.
- The wingers have to do a lot of running, so Fetch and Wakering, while some degree below the standards of their replacements, will be common sights late in games.
- Overweight and one-footed, Rourke will frequently be swapped out for Meskela, the significantly more dynamic Kearney, or perhaps Sitko if Brenecia just need to keep the ball

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        Y*
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    N
Injure Players:               Y**
Godmod Injury Events:         N
Red Card Players:             Y***
Yellow Card Players:          Y
Godmod Other Events:          N
=================================

* Byrne and Stokes take most free-kicks and corners; Byrne takes penalties
** I'll have the final say on severity.
*** One per match without prior agreement.

Staff
Manager - Erin Camden - Age 64
Asst. Manager - Hendry Jackson - Age 55

A midfielder of some quality, Camden earned 93 caps for Brenecia and captained them in her playing days, but has earned most of her renown as one of world football's most serial winners, first with Northern Union and then with AFC Treason. She builds dynasties through discipline, rigidity, experience and cynicism, and it's a common sight for her former players to profess an undying loyalty to her. She's turned down the Patriots job plenty of times in the past, but now, at 61, she recognises the time is right.

Goalkeepers
1 - GK - Cessair Meade ( Soldarian FC) - Age 27 - 57 caps, 21 clean sheets
Tall, athletic and reliable, Meade might be the pick of the slim bunch of up-and-coming Brenecian stoppers. Seeing a neverending wave of hotshot foreign goalkeepers arrive at Kingsgrove, she felt she had to leave to make a name for herself, but the club's still left its mark on her as a high-sweeping shot-stopper with excellent distribution. After some growing pains, her career has finally taken off for both club and country.

12 - GK - Olwyn Fife ( North Hall) - Age 28 - 25 caps, 9 clean sheets
A taciturn, reliable goalkeeper, far below the level of Brenecia's genuine stars but at least providing a degree of stability behind a defence that's badly needed it. She'll make the saves expected of her. Took Meade's place for a while, but Meade always had the better ceiling.

20 - GK - Michi Novikovas ( Marque) - Age 25 - Uncapped
An emerging prospect in goal with good reflexes and exceptional distribution. But Novikovas is resoundingly unlikely to see the pitch, and their arrival is, as much as anything, symbolic.

Defenders
2 - RB - Aine Cooper ( Coret Hawks) - Age 28 - 14 caps
A light-footed and intelligent fullback who excelled on the step up to the Zenith. At her best bombing down the flank sending in crosses, and always gets back to track her man.

3 - LB - Nimue Culpepper ( Capitol Athletic) - Age 31 - 120 caps, 3 goals
Culpepper looks strangely weathered, a lot older than her years, and perhaps that makes sense. Her best attributes are her sense of anticipation and her intelligence, which extend her fair-but-indifferent physicality and technique as far as they can go.

5 - CB - Ruadri Wheater ( Carsby) - Age 28 - 64 caps, 4 goals
A journeyman brawler who just can't be put down for long. Wheater's all but unstoppable in the air and has a decent pace on the ground, but he's not one to be trusted with the ball at his feet. Without ever truly being exceptional, he's been a mainstay of the side.

6 - CB - Hamish Jeong Harcourt ( Vermillion Rage) - Age 26 - 72 caps, 4 goals
The son of iconic Quebecois centre-half Hye-Min Jeong, born and raised in Nephara, almost nobody in Brenecia expected Jeong to declare for the Patriots; nevertheless, this has happened, and early signs are that Jeong could be a mainstay in the Patriots' back line for a decade. Calm and intelligent on the ball, uncompromising in the tackle, fast in recovery.

17 - RB - Caomhin Hadley ( Sabrefell Athletic) - Age 29 - 105 caps, 1 goal
A hard-bitten, tough-tackling but above all painfully disciplined fullback. Hadley puts his head down and gets the job done; he's never been considered one of Athletic's better players, and yet he's played in two Champions League finals for a reason, once on the winning side. Even at the highest level, you can simply rely on him not to fuck up.

18 - CB - Niko Calderwood ( Kingsgrove) - Age 25 - 2 caps
A pugnacious, bruising defender, the kind who makes his presence known on and off the ball. Always niggling with fouls, always whispering something in the ear, and with a sharp sense of anticipation to rarely be turned or made a fool of.

22 - CB - Jasper Auchland ( North Hall) - Age 22 - 2 caps
Tall and decisive, Auchland seems the archetypal dour northern centre-half at first, but he is calm and assured in possession and offers a reliably cool head. His ability to step out of defence and spray the ball confidently down the wings helps ease the pressure on the back line in modern football, beating any press. Make no mistake, though, he's a powerful and hard-nosed defender when push comes to shove; pace is his one weakness.

25 - LB - Cahara Riordan ( AFC Treason) - Age 23 - 13 caps
Tall, athletic and raw-boned, she made her bones in Brenecia through her ability to snap through low blocks with sharp diagonal crosses but has excelled under more defensive pressure in the Zenith. She's utterly self-assured, and has never let any of her rare missteps keep her down; she's set for the very top.

Midfielders
4 - HM - Skaidrina Briggs ( AC Izotz Zubia) - Age 32 - 117 caps
A tough, taciturn midfielder who has proven reliable where called upon. Tall, powerful and strong in the tackle, Briggs has a rash, youthful physicality and a tendency to see picking up a caution as indication of a job well done. Has enjoyed a remarkable consistency in a blue shirt, and is one of the few Brenecians playing for a top club, albeit in a squad role.

8 - CM - Alyce Kearney ( AFC Corvistone) - Age 28 - 55 caps, 12 goals
Another of the Nepharan legion, Kearney's bought in owing to her personal loyalty to Erin Camden. A fearless midfielder with impeccable close control and an intense, focused personality, Kearney often clashes with those around her, but always with a view to improvement.

11 - AM - Alaoise Rourke ( Liria Prizren) - Age 24 - 51 caps, 13 goals
Short and overweight, with no right boot to speak of, no interest in tracking back, Rourke is a proper throwback player. Because Brenecia only rarely get unambiguous stars. Rourke might not be outpacing the goalkeepers in a straight sprint, but she more than makes up for it with her God-given, finely-honed ability to strike a ball perfectly. Let her into your heart, and you'll fall in love.

14 - DM / CM - Bede Cheschon ( Kingsbury United) - Age 27 - 35 caps, 2 goals
A versatile and disciplined midfielder; one of Camden's favourites, someone she sees herself in. Cheschon is a proper 'litmus test' footballer; if you think he's unimpressive, you don't understand the game. If you can see him gluing the midfield together, get your coaching badges.

19 - HM - Colwyn Rajskub ( Southern Star) - Age 22 - 5 caps
Scrappy, scruffy and unglamorous, Rajskub is better with the ball at his feet than he's often credited. Mostly because he's pretty much never credited at all. Really, he's here to break up play, a destroyer and spoiler with admirably little pretense of anything else.

23 - CM - Rajmund Sitko ( West Couno United) - Age 30 - 55 caps, 6 goals
Sitko's not notably physical, but just has that quiet presence of mind and always goes looking for the ball. The kind of player analysts love and casuals don't see the point in and wonder why the team works better with him than without.

24 - CM - Felice Slivka ( North Hall) - Age 24 - 16 caps, 1 goal
A meticulous passer of the ball, confident in tight spaces... Slivka isn't going to go flying in with blood and thunder, but she's going to take care of the ball. She'll let the ball do the running, too, with an enviable passing range and unnerving accuracy.

26 - AM - Vaida Meskela ( Tanrisal) - Age 30 - 22 caps, 3 goals
A surprising recall to the squad after some years out of favour, Meskela's an effective and traditional playmaker whose well-rounded play - not least, ability to participate in a press - help her make up for the irreplaceable Rourke.

Forwards
7 - RW - Aneurin Wakering ( CS Saint-Rémy) - Age 27 - 26 caps, 2 goals
A gangly, coltish winger with a deceptive change of pace. Glides past defenders. Makes it really annoying to search for Maerhen Wake's name.

9 - ST - Lowen Murdoch ( Newark Argyle) - Age 26 - 23 caps, 9 goals
A Nephar with a Brenecian grandfather, plucked with the time-honoured method of finding an odd surname, and while something of a long shot, he's hoping to kick on after struggles at Zenith level and build a career for himself. Well-rounded and athletic, a natural, powerful spearhead.

10 - LW - Katua Byrne ( AC Izotz Zubia) - Age 31 - 185 caps, 50 goals
Byrne's got it all. Top-class pace, fully two-footed, even relishes defensive work pressing high. She's going to go far, and she knows it, forcing a move to Audioslavia at an early age to get away from pockmarked Brenecian pitches, and since then she's only gone from strength to strength. Probably Brenecia's best left winger of all time.

13 - ST - Mor-Rioghain Stokes ( Mountainside) - Age 29 - 95 caps, 39 goals
Stokes was considered good enough that the MiCF project, a rare case of a tail wagging a dog, decided to near-bankrupt the side trying to get Stokes on the nominally male-only league. She has the air of someone mystified she isn't one of the world's best; perhaps, with a less bumpy career trajectory, she might have been up there. An instinctive goalscorer with a good range of attributes and the right mentality to constantly battle back from the brink.

15 - RW / LW - Maerhen Wake ( 1830 Cathair) - Age 29 - 128 caps, 33 goals
A muscular powerhouse who bristles with coiled energy, menace and malice. Wake's not the best-liked in the dressing room - he's always come across a bit as the kind of man who laughs when old ladies fall over on the street - but he's a cold model professional who always looks to make an impact. At present, along with Byrne, he's the side's obvious star.

16 - LW - Talla Fetch ( Columbia City) - Age 21 - 6 caps, 1 goal
Fetch lacked faith in herself growing up; little wonder she decided to hedge her bets by entering the Chromatik sporting collegiate system. But when she emerged with degree in tow, she was almost surprised to find clubs clamouring for her signature. Maybe it's the security of that degree that has given her the fearlessness to attack with flair and decisive movement. Or maybe it's just that she hasn't had that flair beaten out of her in Brenecian mud-pits.

21 - ST - Jadwiga Lofthouse ( Yassaca) - Age 32 - 112 caps, 40 goals
Generally, when Union want a player, they just get one. So when a local rises through the ranks to break through, especially in a key position and at a young age, Brenecians take notice. A towering juggernaut, Lofthouse is certainly old-school but undeniably effective, and excels at helping bring others into play. Often maligned for her profligate finishing, but her goals tend to come at critical moments; that century of caps is no fluke.

[Farfadillis]

The Freisan Farf Freitball Francitian hereby presents the Farf roster for the 95^th Edition of the World Cup
Plurinational Entity Name: The Outlandish Lands of Farfadillis
Demonym: Farf (plural Farves)
Team Nickname: La Vherderoja
Honours: World Cup 84 and AOCAF Cups 43, 48 and 57 Winners

KITS
Provided by Mons


ABOUT FARFADILLIS
potentially outdated map for reference

A nation is usually defined as “a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.” A country is usually defined as “a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory.” As such, contrary to popular misconception, Farfadillis is neither a country nor a nation. The reasons are twofold: first, to what extent governments exist in Farfadillis in the current day is a matter of fierce scholarly debate, and second, there are various ethnicities in Farfadillis that appear to have diverged culturally centuries ago, although it is impossible to know for sure because historical records are very hard to come by in Farfadillis.

So, having clarified what Farfadillis is not, it would be perhaps helpful to give information on what it is. Again, academics haven't ironed out the details and reached a consensus, but it is generally agreed that somewhere between eight and fifteen ethnostates, depending on who's counting and how, coexist in Farfadillis, with the most cited figure being ten nowadays. We will henceforth assume that this last figure is, indeed, correct. As such, Farfadillis could be considered a “Plurinational Entity” in the literal sense that, whatever it is, it is definitely an entity, and it certainly has more than one nation in it. For simplicity, when we say Farf we will mean any ethnicity from the island of Farfadillis.

Although members of any given Farf ethnicity would spit on you for even implying they are similar to any other given Farf ethnicity, the reality is that all but one Farf ethnicity share a lot of cultural common ground. In fact, their cultural common ground is particularly distinctive and makes it hard for Farf refugees to set each other apart in other countries, where their differences between this common ground and the local culture tend to be far starker. This cultural common ground includes, but is not limited to: a general disregard for authority and order (in any sense of the word), a seemingly unhealthy obsession with fire (although some of it is down to fire being a very important part of the various Farf religions), recklessness (risk-taking behavior, if you want to be more charitable), and a very inconvenient ability for distraction and destruction.

The various Farf ethnicities do differ considerably, however, and this is reflected in the neverending political friction between the existing ethnostates, with a horrible war having recently ended. This is despite the fact that, ironically, Farves display omniglottery: the ability to learn any language to a native level with minimal exposition. They are not psychics, so can't just know what words mean without having heard them, but they can visit another country and speak like a native within a month if they want to. Most older Farves speak their local language, as well as Ferdullaelan, because in the past Farfadillis was a country, and Ferdullaele, as the capital, was a cultural hegemon. Farves who live on the border between two given ethnostates generally speak both languages, in many cases having picked up the other language passively and unintentionally. This heavily facilitates migration between ethnostates, as neighboring ethnicities are generally not too different-looking, and as such a Farf from any given ethnicity could cross a border and pretend to have always been a member of the other side's ethnicity. This has the interesting consequence of making the borders between ethnostates cultural melting pots, mish-mashing the cultures of both ethnicities far more than outside Farfadillis.

Regarding the ten (or so) ethnostates we have been referring to, here we present brief descriptions of those generally agreed to be “the” ten ethnostates, in alphabetical order:

Farolera is a very populous country, and was the most economically powerful until recently losing a genocidal war of conquest. Their capacity for self-sustenance during the anarchy years was far greater than their traditional competition, the Ferdullaelans, and Banijan foreign aid helped them pull even more ahead, but they ended up biting off more than they could chew. Their territory is filled with lush forests and fertile farmland, which is actually an important part of the Faroleran identity. After Karinthians, Farolerans are generally considered to be the least Farf of the big Farf ethnicities, but they nonetheless display all of the aforementioned cultural common ground to a very noticeable degree. Farolerans speak Faroleran, which to many foreigners sounds almost exactly like “Spanish”.

Ferdullaele is the ethnostate with the most fertile land, which historically gave them an enormous headstart. However, their population was the one that failed the most to adapt to the total collapse of society eighteen years ago, and as such the ethnostate is, forgive us for making things even more complicated, not strictly an ethnostate: order (in the loosest sense), hasn't quite returned to Ferdullaele, even now, three decades after the collapse of Farfadillis the nation; it has instead devolved into various subcommunities exercising what would best be described as anarcho-capitalism and they, of course, hate each other too.

Fröndt is a very mountainous region, and most urban centers are in those mountains. The weather is extremely dry and cold, and the fauna is unforgiving. The Fröndti are typically more hard-working and level-headed than other Farves—or so they like to believe—and think of themselves as the reasonable, neutral people of the island. The rest of the island disagrees, as do most scholars. They've had trouble with the extremely harsh winters and the flying jellyfish lately, but they're a resilient bunch, so they've adapted to the times.

Induja lies at the center of Farfadillis. All of the beautiful Farf biomes clash in Induja, which makes it the most naturally beautiful of the ethnostates. By driving less than two hundred kilometers, you can go from jungle to desert to plains to mountains. Due to this, Indujans are actually quite secluded, despite bordering a whopping six other ethnicities. Indujans are traditionally... well, forgotten. To most Farves, they're just that place you have to go through to reach other places, though this attitude towards them has been relenting in recent years. As a nation, it has recently experienced repeated economic crashes because they were overtaken by a cryptocurrency cult, and being the center of the most unforgiving warfront in the recent war has not helped matters. A chunk of it has even become a new nation with zero resistance.

Karinthia is a recently-discovered tribe of about thirty thousand people who live in the Szoirsian desert. Some scientists believe they'd flown under the radar for millennia, somehow. They seem to speak a language with no similarities with any other Farf language. The Farves that have come into contact with them have found them very bizarre, for the most part because they seemed to pay attention to detail and have a commendable work ethic, coupled with a fleshed-out concept of respect and hierarchy. One thing about them is shared with all other ethnicities, however: they venerate fire.

Kruviš is the most populated ethnostate, though only by a slight margin and only if you're willing to trust a Farf census from twenty-five years ago. This nation is mostly one huge jungle, but closer to the coast the jungle gives way to civilization... to a degree. The fauna here is perhaps the most dangerous you'll find on the island, which is really saying something. Wasps that explode (like bombs) when stinging, spider-snakes, frogs whose poison literally sends you to hell, etc. The Kruviši are even more fiercely nationalistic than the other ethnicities but tend to direct their xenophobia more towards non-Farves than the other Farves, and are generally just not involved in petty border squabbles because the humongous jungle doesn't let them.

Rülândéá is historically the poorest and most abused of the nations; it's safe to say the Rulandese have never had it good. Rampant crime, extreme pollution, terrible quality of life, genocide(s) and a very long etc. The region weathered the days of anarchy much better than most other places by virtue of already being used to misery. Nowadays, the region is controlled by the Rulandese Revolutionary Army, and a fairly idiosyncratic version of libertarian socialism is currently in place, but it is very hard to get information from Rülândéá due to how hazardous it is to get there in the first place. They're the most well-known Farf ethnicity by far because they produce better footballers than the rest of the island combined, to the point that some of the best players in the Multiverse come from this relatively small, run-down nation. Their language is also notorious for having too many diacritics. Farves from the other ethnicities feel very insulted when it is insinuated that they, too, speak languages with an orthography filled to the brim with diacritics.

Szoirsia is essentially one huge desert with small oases of civilization. Szoirsians are used to the extreme heat and dehydration that comes with their surroundings. They resort to violence first and foremost to solve problems, perhaps even more so than the Rulandese. Szoirsians speak one of the most distinct languages of the island: Szoirsian. As a language, it seems to very transparently be a creole between two ancestral languages that no longer exist, which in turn—along with what little archaeological evidence can be found—makes the scholarly consensus be that there used to be two distinct ethnic groups in Szoirsia that, somehow, fused into one.

Tanazza is rather uninhabited, being almost exactly fifty percent jungle, fifty percent desert in terms of surface area. The inhabited parts generally lie at the edge of both biomes. Tanazzans have a notoriously hard time getting out of Tanazza because there are no roads out. The collapse of supply chains during the anarchy years hit the Tanazzans particularly hard as a result, and they are still reeling from it. They are, nonetheless, very resilient and, supposedly, very good-humored.

Lithico™ is a new corporate-state that is quickly turning into another ethnostate (but doesn't, technically, fit the definition yet). They are a corporation focused on selling the Lithium that the bats authochtonous to their territory shit. Their territory used to be part of Induja, but it was mostly bought off or peacefully integrated throughout the war against Farolera. Unlike other Farf nations, they do not yet have any tensions with other Farf ethnicities, Farolera excluded.

As a general rule, it is very hard to travel to Farfadillis. Things have gotten better recently, as some working airports have been constructed in Farolera by the Banijan and Euran relief efforts. However, travel within the country is still notoriously hazardous unless you're willing to spend a lot of money bribing the locals. Do not travel by boat if you can afford to: krakens abound on the Farf coast.

STAFF

MANAGER: Yuan Zilai - Age 64
A man who has made a terrible decision and decided to stick by it because he reached a World Cup semifinal. Now more determined than ever after his salary has been increased exorbitantly, Yuan is looking to see if he can actually take the rather mediocre team from last cycle and make them overachieve further. A third place at the World Cup was already a phenomenal result, and there are definitely a lot of quality youngsters coming through at the moment, can Yuan do better? He's starting to think that he can, and he's being proved right with his great performance at the last AOCAF Cup, almost stealing gold from the powerhouse that is the current Banija NT.

ASSISTANT MANAGER: Tuskoles Yagaras - Age 36
Head of state of the newly-founded corporate state of Lithico™, Tuskoles Yagaras is also Lithico™'s CEO's right-hand man. Generally recognized as astonishingly competent by everyone except himself, he has managed to influence the FFFF into letting him become assistant manager, and has a lot of ideas to share with Yuan Zilai in order to further the team's success and, perhaps, his own interests, too. But all is good so long as his interests align with the NT's anyway.

CHIEF SCOUT: Zhonong Zhojo Sidike — Age 28
Hand-picked by Tuskoles Yagaras.

TEAM MEDIC: Xa Turo Kij — Age 58
Hand-picked by Tuskoles Yagaras.

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER: Wuya Ya Johan - Age 21
Hand-picked by Tuskoles Yagaras.

STARTERS

#1 — Básilió Fórténté — aGKa — Age 25 — Dí Maozöxê —
A sweeper keeper with an impeccable sense of timing... to the point of exhuding, perhaps, too much overconfidence. He'll be quite foolhardy trying to play as a libero at times, but he's got a knack for just almost costing his team a goal. In other areas he's just a solid goalkeeper that has been going from strength to strength to strength.

#6 — Sêvêr Fâerçâlenh — aLBa — Age 30 — Mâ Âlâmëómë —
One of many Farf players who wasn't lucky enough to start at a decent academy but nonetheless got scouted by foreign teams, Sêvêr has been around quite a lot, but only truly hit the ground running recently at Kirkenes, where he became a part of the surprisingly exclusive club of Farf Champions' League winners. A solid timing when tackling and an even more solid timing for picking when to surprise going forward and his scintillating form have allowed him to force himself into the starting eleven, as well as moving back home to play for Mâ Âlâmëómë. The epitome of a zero-to-hero story.

#2 — Tôsgo Türrângel — aCBa — Age 25 — Megabrantid SC —
A massive fucking unit, Türrângel is perhaps best described as a train: he comes at you really fast, really hard, and you better hope he's got his tackling technique right or it will be time for a spell on the sidelines. His pace is scary for someone his size. He can jump very high, too, which makes him a menace on set pieces. The Rulandese youngster carved a spot for himself at Mâ Âlâmëómë at an early age with his imposing physique and sly reading of the game. His weaknesses? Anything relating to playing football, as opposed to preventing others from playing football. He's not bad bad on the ball, he's just way off Farfadillis-international-player level, which is honestly kind of ok for a center-back anyway.

#3 — Eloriján Mopiraja — aCBa — Age 23 — 1923 Esca —
It's not every day that a Farf center-back wins a Testiculiño award, but that's exactly what Eloriján did. Though not as physical as his partner at the back, Eloriján makes up for it by being astonishingly astute for someone his age, while also adding much needed playmaking abilities for a Farf center-back, which Tôsgo lacks. Tôsgo's devil-may-care approach to defending contrasts heavily with Eloriján's, perhaps because the Indujan has mostly developed his style of play in Mytanija, where far more value is placed on truly understanding the defensive side of the game.

#4 — Rôbé Wîjkár — aRBa — Age 27 — Kingsbury United —
Another physical specimen, Rôbé does not get tired. At all. Ever. He's fast and agile despite being rather tall and he's got great technique. He could potentially be retooled into, for example, a center midfielder or a right winger, if the need were to arise (and Yuan Zilai will definitely be considering the possibility). His understanding of the game is also top-notch. Rarely does he play below a solid 7/10, though he perhaps lacks the attacking spark one typically expects from a Farf full-back.

#8 — Rüí Süda — aCMa — Age 28 — Capitol City FC —
A right-winger by trade, Rüí Süda had been a consistent if unremarkable goal threat in the Q-League for many years now, turning out for a team that hardly set the world alight. Pacey, like any Farf, he excels as a two-way threat: what makes him dangerous is that he's good with both feet. However, Yuan Zilai was never interested at all in what Rüí can provide on the right flank. He instead sees in him a player with remarkable vision, a player who knows how, when and where to occupy space, and who can make the right decision under most circumstances, not least because he's great with both feet. What's more, he can produce moments of magic, if somewhat sparingly. He took to his new role like a duck to water at the AOCAF Cup and earned a move to the S-FPL, choosing to make a name for himself at a small club that is, more importantly, generally well-liked by Farves of all ethnicities.

#11 — Odalis Pokéésé — aCMa — Age 23 — La Nueva Avenida —
Half-Faroleran, half-Rulandese... it's safe to say his political position inside this team is highly unstable. Odalis is good enough for it to not matter much. His well-roundedness, punctuated by his sharp sense of tempo, make him a staple in midfield, despite the extremely stiff competition. Pairing up with Süda, Yuan Zilai will be looking for the two to command center midfield with their brains rather than with their feet. Odalis, perhaps, has a more unremarkable, less mercurial role to play than his fully-Rulandese counterpart. Nowadays stuck in geopolitical limbo at club level, he is no doubt hoping somebody will save him. Alas, it looks like he'll have to carry La Nueva Avenida hard for a season or two.

#5 — Lêyêló Jáánsêlà — aTKa — Age 24 — Rülândéá Kôstä —
It's already safe to say Lêyêló is a generatinal player. Extremely intelligent, physically-imposing and completely tireless, as well as a goalscoring menace if you let him slip through your radar. In Lêyêló, la Vherderoja has the first world-class takilante since Faragó rue Cazade (and therefore the second world-class takilante ever), and the first for whom the position is genuinely just second-nature. Expect him to be one of the most frustrating players a defense that tries to build from the back can face, as only a few players in the Multiverse can match the intensity and intelligence of his pressing, if any at all. When pressing, he can sometimes wander extremely far up the pitch; this is by design and likely spells trouble for the opposing team, as it means he smells blood.

#10 — Jôs Sürréo — aLWa — Age 26 — Lakewood United —
Xíxì Êns-lite is not a bad description for Jôs Sürréo. Same boyhood club, similar player profile, decidedly worse player... but also definitely one of the team's three best players (the other two being Robineau and Jáánsêlà). He has the diminutive legend's exact frame, which makes his dribbling ability absolutely deadly. On top of that, he's also a great playmaker and excels at reading the game. Much like Xíxì, he can score too. Having been fruitfully employed in offensive midfield, Yuan Zilai is now interested in seeing what Jôs can offer as an inside forward; his combinations with Robineau will be key to the team's success up front. His club form has been, frankly, absolutely insane. If he can reproduce that with the national team, much like he did last WC and at the AOCAF Cup, this could—whisper it quietly—be a team with just enough quality to go all the way.

#7 — Valën Pídí — aRWa — Age 19 — Brinemouth —
Pídí does not bring a particularly rare profile to the table (for Farfadillis, at least): he is extremely technical, blindingly fast and smart on the ball. However, he's just very, very good at these things, despite his age. Zilai's set-up focuses (partially) on Valën managing to isolate the opposing full-backs as much as possible, because his ability to beat his marker one-on-one has, perhaps, not been seen in Farfadillis since Xíxì Êns himself, and he is actually even faster than the god of Farf football.

#9 — Dénes Robineau — aSTa — Age 25 — Brinemouth —
An absolute fucking menace. A killer. He's a total diva and will throw a fit over the stupidest shit, but what he brings to the table is something few players ever have: the complete goalscoring package. He has technique, pace, strength, extremely clinical finishing, aerial presence, off-the-ball movement, raw determination... he's not a particularly pretty player to watch, in the sense that you wouldn't really pay a matchday ticket to watch him specifically, but he's likely the best player on this team, and has only been improving with time. On his way to entering Farfadillis all-timer conversations by virtue of sheer goalscoring, though he has rather surprisingly warmed up to assisting his teammates more, especially Sürréo.

SUBSTITUTES
(formatting coming soon!)

#12 — Tusales de Lovandá — aGKa — Age 26 — Ausharmuj Marusi —
Tall, agile and with the inherent sense of timing needed to be a great sweeper keeper. In other words, a perfect fit for most, if not all, Farf tactical set-ups. Unfortuantely, Fórténté is a better sweeper keeper from a nation that is now much more heavily-favored following the end of the Farf War.

#23 — Rogerio Defigueroa — aGKa — Age 33 — Mâ Âlâmëómë —
Rogerio is tall, has got great reflexes, and is not half bad at timing his runs to come out of the box. He has been a controversial but extremely solid mainstay at Mâ Âlâmëómë for many years now, making him... not really liked by anyone, really. On skill alone, he could very well be starting, but geopolitical matters make Fórténté, who's a bit better anyway as well as a better fit tactically, the natural starter.

#13 — Dîgö Üwársá — aLBa — Age 19 — Rülândéá Kôstä —
One of Rülândéá Kôstä's brightest prospects, Dîgö played a non-trivial part in their recent S-FPL win. Slightly too short to not have to compensate for that with other, taller players, perhaps, but he's a speedster with a great reading of the game, both defensively and offensively. A very good dribbler who loves to wreak havoc with both overlapping and underlapping runs. Overall extremely unpredictable.

#14 — Lajos Danzas — aCBa — Age 19 — René Skaé —
Lajos is... an astonishingly aggressive center-back. He's lucky to have a frankly world-class sense of timing because he just doesn't hold back. He believed starting quick transitions is key to his team winning. He lives by the sword and dies by the sword: many counterattacks start with him making a seemingly-impossible attack... while a couple games here and there are lost because he gets sent off for not being perfect, or more mundanely because he misses a tackle and the team is caught very out of position. He's still only nineteen, of course, but if he can mellow out a bit while keeping this edge to his game, the sky is the limit for him. Oh, he's also fantastic at long passes, which comes in really handy when he makes an unexpected recovery.

#15 — Bêlá Sü Wínsönâ — aRBa — Age 18 — Mâ Âlâmëómë —
A... rather unremarkable prospect at the moment, in all honesty. He's a fine right-back prospect for sure: speed, technique, good tackling. He's very good sure, but he doens't look like he'll make the jump to great. He's here on Tuskoles Yagaras' insistence, and though Yuan Zilai didn't agree, Tuskoles has gained enough respect from the Yue manager to let him have this one. It's unclear whether he's secretly a gem Tuskoles has unearthed and is about to fully polish or some secret political maneuver. Time will tell.

#16 — Zaharija Zdjelar-Siwangeh — aCMa — Age 20 — Kitara AA —
Zaharija is the son of a Kruviši father and a Banijan mother (naturally, born in Banija). He bears a composite surname to alleviate the racism, your mileage may vary on how much that has actually helped. As for his playing style: Zaharija is a genius on the ball: he can spot passes most other players can't and, more importantly, pull them off far more often too. He's a deceptively good dribbler despite his one huge weakness: he lacks pace. How a Farf-Banijan lacks pace is a mystery for another day, but Zaharija is a player that Yuan will no doubt have to mold and retool, in coordination with Kitara, as his aloofness on the field just isn't fit for this level of play. Still, the talent is very obviously there, and Yuan calling him up is proof that he thinks he can do something about it. He's already stated his intentions to play him as a center-midfielder, as a opposed to his natural position as an attacking midfielder, so his intentions are very clear.

#17 — Pîyar Voís — aCMa — Age 27 — Dí Maozöxê —
A very technical relentless machine of a midfielder, Voís does things first and asks questions later, both on and off the pitch. He is one of the most inconsistent players in the squad: on his day, he can completely take control of a match with his risky tackling, defense-splitting passes and fantastic dribbling. If he's not on one of his days, though, he will likely get sent off or miss most of his passes, lose the ball a terrifying number of times and cost the team a whole lot. If he plays, it's likely Farfadillis desperately need to equalize.

#18 — Nâáçó Jíí — aCMa — Age 27 — Dí Maozöxê —
Best frienemies with teammate Pîyár Voís, Nâáçó differs from his teammate in that he's a much smarter player on the ball. He's less of a relentless headless chicken and more of a calm playmaker. He knows how to dribble his way out of pressure and how to put in a defensive shift without breaking a sweat, but it is his game intelligence that makes him stand out. A fairly balanced player with no glaring weaknesses.

#19 — Gavilán Quelabura — aTKa — Age 30 — Montreal City —
A takilante, Quelabura differs from starter Jáánsêlà in that he specializes more in the exploiting space part of the role, as opposed to the pressing part of the role. He can rack up surprising numbers of not just goals but assists as well, as he's actually a bit tidier on the ball than Jáánsêlà himself.

#20 — Frédéric Ybl — aOMa — Age 24 — 1830 Cathair —
An attacking midfielder known for his penchant for the bizarre, both on and off the pitch. You never know what to expect when Ybl has the ball. Simple, straightforward passes may be ignored for convoluted, possibly worse ones. On other hand, he can find gaps in the most ferreous defenses with his approach. Good at close-control dribbling, too, which makes him a pain to dispossess, even if playmaking is his main asset.

#21 — Mêlçôr Ënàrsòn — aOMa — Age 20 — Mâ Âlâmëómë —
Grandson of Polarian World Cup winner Svenbjorn Einarsson, Ënàrsòn is weirdly proud of his Polarian heritage. He takes after his grandfather, not accidentally: he is a very good playmaker with an eye for goal. His long shots are a rare commodity in this squad, rather surprisingly. Overall, a solid talent with a long way to go. He could be molded into a different type of player quite easily with how raw he is, and Yuan no doubt has that in mind.

#22 — Adama Akandinandas — aLWa — Age 19 — Capitol City FC —
Indujan father, Banijan mother, born and raised in Banija, Adama stands out exactly where his counterpart Zaharija does not: he's fast. Like, no, seriously, fast. He's not as technical as most Farf wingers or even that physically imposing and his end-product needs some polishing, but he's just so unbelievably fast. On the ball, he's no slouch, but there's no doubt it's his physical attributes—as well as insane determination, never giving up on a stray ball—that make him stand out as a potential world-beater in the future. He's got a long way to go and he's still starting out, but this is probably the clearest case of a diamond in the rough in this squad. Maybe the roughest diamond in the Multiverse, if we're willing to be a little hyperbolic.

#24 — Ženeva Kilgallić — aRWa — Age 24 — Crisisbless —
Born Geneva Kilgallon, daughter of Crisisbless-legend-turned-absent-father-figure Ror Jevjdević-Hadsić, Ženeva surprised the football world by leaving aside her reportedly unmatched revulsion for her father and accepting a call-up for la Vherderoja even though a call-up for the Cormorants was presumably not out of the question. She's been forced to undergo a not-so-subtle name change to make her Kruviši heritage more readily apparent. Heritage aside: she's a versatile winger who can play on either flank despite not being two-footed. On the left wing, she'll be looking to cut inside and create danger with her playmaking skills, presumably inherited from her father, while on the right wing she'll be playing a more traditional winger role in which she'll exploit her pace and very good crossing ability. Very much a similar profile to Aixenxó's, though she's decidedly smarter on and off the pitch.

#25 — Vâásk Çêwé — aSTa — Age 35 — CA Paulinthal —
A true journeyman early in his career, Vâásk had played for, like, two or three different teams, which is a lot in this Multiverse, before joining CAP. A fantastic bullshitter who, despite slowing down due to age, still has an intact sense of smell for scoring opportunities. The kind of striker you absolutely cannot underestimate at any point in the game. Just ask any SuperLiga defender. Expect to be subbed in when a goal is desperately needed.

#26 — Kilroy Cooper — aSTa — Age 20 — North Laithland —
A Nepharan-born Nepharan with Nepharan ancestry going back to the beginning of time, if such a thing is a thing, as far as we can tell. Due to a dearth of good strikers to back up Robineau and Sürréo, Tuskoles deftly solved the problem by giving Kilroy a rather strange opportunity: play for Farfadillis now rather than gamble on a potential call-up for the Cormorants in the future. Strictly speaking, Farfadillis' legal standing makes pretty much everyone eligible to play for the NT, but in order to not anger higher-ups at the WCC, Tuskoles Yagaras went ahead and granted Kilroy Cooper honorary Lit™ citizenship as a result of his contributions to the business. What contributions? Kilroy Cooper now has to promote Lithico™ all the time in exchange for money. As a player, Kilroy is a very exciting striker prospect with good pace on him, as well as fantastic decision-making for his age. His finishing and runs into space can and will be polished.

FORMATION AND TACTICS



STYLE MODIFIER: +5

HOME STADIUM


La Fantás — 70,000 seats — located in Ferdullaele, Ferdullaele — inaugurated during cycle 65

The colossal stadium is situated in the ex-capital of what used to be the country of Farfadillis, Ferdullaele. It used to have a whopping hundred thousand seats, but ever since the whole anarchy situation, the northeastern stand has been inexplicably on fire, so that's one-fourth of the seats gone, plus those too close to the fire to be considered safe by Farf standards. And yes, those exist. Nobody can quite explain how the stand has managed to continue burning for about eighteen years. Pagan religions are common in Farfadillis, and they mostly venerate fire, so if you ask around you'll likely get some magical explanations. We are not saying the God of Fire is raining its wrath upon Ferdullaele, but we are saying that stand should've stopped burning long ago. Or, at least, the fire should've propagated to the other stands. We are also saying that if La Fantás were a map of Farfadillis, it would be Ferdullaele that is burning, being the most northeastern ethnostate. Again, speculation, but worth pointing out. We've gone on a tangent now. Anyway, huge stadium, fire, don't get burned, don't involve yourself with the surrounding ethnic tension or almost total breakdown of civil society.

ROLEPLAY PERMISSIONS

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

Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I decide severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me first.
Give red cards to my players: Yes.
Godmod other events: TG me first.

Style Modifier: +5

[Fort McKinley]

People's Republic of Fort McKinley

Fort McKinley's famous National Football Team will embark upon the path to World Cup glory for the third time having previously faced a gauntlet of capitalist pig-dog nations that are decadent and inferior in every way.
The Heroes of the Revolution most recently fought their way against all obstacles thrown in front of them to advance for a second straight time to the knockout round of the COFFEA regional championship, and the future of the Revolution is secure as our Under-18 team swept aside all comers in the most recent tournament held in Tumble Dry Low.

All Time Record #: 40 wins, 36 defeats, 19 draws; 166 goals scored, 165 goals conceded
WCQ Record #: 18 wins, 16 defeats, 8 draws
# The Fort McKinley Football Association disputes the validity of numerous results from WCC and AOCAF sanctioned events.

Style: +0.22
Ft McKinley is the classic smash & grab counterattack side.
Formation: 4-4-2/4-3-3
They will not sit back if they go down a goal but try and push with an extra player in the final third.

The non-propaganda stuff you didn't you know needed:

Nickname: "Heroes of the Revolution" is not so much a nickname as it is a brand for FMFA. The nation's animal is the Three Toed Sloth, but who wants their players referred to as the "Sloths"?
The Official media liked the use of "Red Force" and it will now be used in addition to Heroes.

Players/people:
Overall, the NT squad is reasonably above average compared the general population in terms of physiology, but they are still on the smallish side; the higher one's status in The Party the more likely your offspring are going to be better fed and not have such a muddy genetic pool.
The players as human beings are not super gonzo into the Revolution (most people under 30 in Ft McK are frankly borderline apathetic to it). They're not going have strong feelings about your nation's politics at all.
On the pitch they're not going to panic if they don't have possession for long periods of the match. This new batch of NT players are a little bit more athletic than the vets they replaced, but you'll never be conned into thinking it's "Just like watching Brazil".

22 Phillip Don Young^	        Workers Club Shiloh Springs
1  Jimmy Dale Beard		Gold Star Redonia

5  Bobby Ray Allen  		Wilmore Metropolitan  
4  Steven Gary Smith		Comrade Dr Allen
19 Tommy James Gray^	        Workers Club Curundu
20 Chris Owen Miller^		Parkfield Workers Collective
2  Aaron Roy Morris		Workers Club Redonia
14 Joey Mark Young^	        Mining Merryfield
3  Peter Tom Jones		Gold Star Wilmore

7  John Hugh Davis		Motor Curundu
11 Peter Edward Miller 	        Capital Metropolitan
21 Bob Lee Morris^		Redonia Metropolitan
18 Tyler Nicholas Smith^	Comrade Dr Allen
12 Lee Myron Clark		Melgrove Metropolitan
16 Harry Paul Allen^		Wolf Creek Metropolitan
6  Marty Neal Gray		Workers Club Redonia
8  Richie Steve Young	        Curundu Metropolitan

17 Larry Doug Jones		Capital Metropolitan
13 Randy Ken Smith^		Gold Star Redonia
9  Joe Willy Morris		Aerotech Wolf Creek
23 Freddie Scott Young^	        Melgrove Metropolitan
15 Tony Chuck Miller		Workers Club Merryfield
10 Sonny Bill Davis		Gold Star Wilmore

Manager: Jerry Sam Jones
Coaches: Harry Fred Gray, Richard Clay Davis

Comrade J S Jones took over as coach and brought in nine new players ahead of the regional to replace those brave Heroes who had been part of the squad from the beginning. (Marked with a ^)

All National Team home fixtures will take place at the People's Revolution Stadium is located in Shiloh Springs, seating capacity is 38,000

Fort McKinley is the worst of all worlds it portrays--"communism" is the idea although it's not framed as such and certainly has no actual connection to RL Marxism. The late Dr. Lester Allen is the focus of the Cult of Personality, and when there's something said about "Comrade Dr Allen's Will" that is the same sentiment as if the phrase was "God willing", "if God allows", "praise God", etc.
The Ft McKinley News Agency is going to toe the National Party line, but since the team have actually had some success their accusations of outright cheating against FM by the WCC are going to be rare; the people know next to nothing about any other nation, hence the reason the media don't care about accuracy when it comes to the identification of places and the exaggerated trash talk about your citizens. In short, Ft McKinley is what the state of Mississippi would be like if it was transformed into North Korea. Except without Black people. White Trash totalitarianism by stupid & inbred morons

In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...

Choose my goalscorers: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, but those that would be for just the duration of the match (TG in advance would be appreciated as well)
Godmod injuries to my players: See Above
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: YES, but again, a heads up in advance is appreciated, as I would do for you.
Godmod other events: TG what you have in mind, I'm easy to come to an understanding with

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Football Association of the Commonwealth

Major Honors

Winners
5th Under 18 World Championship
9th Under 18 World Championship
62nd AOCAF Cup
66th AOCAF Cup
Cup of Champions (Eagles Cup 13)
DiBradini Cup 53/74th Under 21 World Championship
Runner-up
67th Baptism of Fire
Eagles Cup 13
Women's World Cup 17/Jenna Raven Cup 4
20th Under 18 World Championship
Third Place
58th AOCAF Cup
60th AOCAF Cup
Eagles Cup 14
19th Under 18 World Championship
Fourth Place
World Cup 85
63rd AOCAF Cup
Women's World Cup 15/Jenna Raven Cup 2

Established in 1901, the FAC is the governing body of the sport in Baker Park, maintaining a registry of over 24,000 players between the ages of 11 and 80; 3,500 officials; 128 full member clubs and 350 associate member clubs; sponsoring 12 National Championships for men & women across all levels. in addition to 6 domestic cup competitions; and offering training programs for coaches and physiotherapists covering youth to professional certification.

All time match record—579 wins, 304 losses, 181 draws (1064 matches)
NS Record—400 wins, 142 losses, 112 draws (654 matches)
(current through AOCAF 70)
WCQ Record--179 wins, 34 losses, 39 draws (97-16-13/home, 82-18-26/away)


KPB Ranking--30.61 (14th)
style--+2.3
Formation--3-4-1-2

In the “BP System” or the “BP Way” (neither of those should be considered as something used officially or unofficially—if you wanted to term it as such as something of your own IC creation, go for it) the 3-4-1-2 is more literal than the manner in which it's used RL.
A discussion I had with another user made me contemplate providing a bit more concrete info on just who plays where when you see my lineups/bench for individual matches.
Defense: the three backs play tight to one another when the ball is in the middle or defensive thirds—they should really be termed LCB/CCB/RCB. The outside pair will never be wider than diameter of the center circle. They both man-mark (unless there is an IC tactical reason they don't) and the centerback zonal marks (usually helping one of the other two). The CB is technically a fullback as they have more freedom to move forward with the ball at feet. In a pinch, an emergency situation as a sub, they could all play any of the three positions.
Midfield: there is a good deal of set responsibility among the four across midfield, but the one thing that is always a constant is the wings are the workhorses, they cover more distance than the other players. I've hinted at or flat out said in match reports in the past that left wing (and they are 99.9% of time always left footed) is THE talismanic position in The System, as right fullback is considered (in BP) as usually the weakest position in a flat back four.
The two central midfielders usually have a specific role, one as the playmaker, the distributor and the other as the defensive, hard tackler, disruptor, ball winner.
The preferred position is listed first, but the ones that follow show how versatile that player is. For CM's the left/right designation is the stronger side for that player, but in theory almost anyone in midfield can play in the center of midfield.
Forward: Ah yes, the wild card element. In this case, the differentiation should be looked at from the perspective of another sport—basketball.
The three positions are almost adapted from the indoor game: the center forward, the target man, the number 9—the one who plays up front but facing away from the goal. Mostly it's men who hold down this role in the NT, although not always.
The striker—they want to be played into an area by a pass, or want room to get a touch before shooting. They face goal, but usually in or very close to the box.
The 'slot'--what a lot of people call the attacking midfielder or the CAM. This is a player that can dribble and create their own shot, or draw defenders and find others. There's a reason why this position can be played by a midfielder or a forward and the rationale usually depends on a chemistry between a pair or trio, but more recently this has reverted back to a forward spot.
In conclusion—BP should always be RP'd (of course at your discretion, and I will always adapt to anyone who RP's first if something that's not necessarily canon is mentioned) as--

*fast, short passing
*high lines & pressing
*offside trap
*technically sound
*not easily intimidated
*willing to play anyone, anywhere

National Anthem--"Hear Our Voices Commonwealth"

Nickname--since the end of the 1960's the National Team has been known as "The Bees", a period when the team's uniforms consisted of alternating black and gold hoops.
Previous to that time and subsequently through periods in the 1980's and 90's, the team was usually referred to by the county's national animal, the Elks; the women's National Team were always 'Lady Elks' until the advent of mixed gender play, which was revived during the Jenna Raven Cup and there are still numerous mentions of Elks in the supporters song “We are the Gold & Black”, which currently has close to 175 stanzas.

Colors--Black & Gold (while they are just 2 of the 5 main colors on the flag of Baker Park--Blue, Red and White are the others--black & gold have been closely associated in the nation's consciousness as representative of the country since its founding.)

The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team regained a measure of pride following a return to the knockout stage of the World Cup Finals, which came as a reward for topping their qualifying group for the ninth time in thirteen attempts. The subsequent effect was an improvement to 14th in the KPB ranking, reversing a slide which began after World Cup 91.

The WC94 cycle was expected to be a transitional period for the BPNT with the hiring of Will Barnard as Manager yet the Bees lost only twice during the 20 match qualification tournament while continuing to integrate the most recent cohort of players from the FAC's Development Charter pipeline—the core of the DiBradini Cup 53 Championship side were dubbed the “Elite Eight” and the group in support have been come to be known as “Gen E”--that will carry the Gold & Black towards World Cup 100.

There will be a smaller margin for error as 160 nations aim for a berth in the Finals in Chromatika and Sylestone with only 14 matches during the qualifying round, which has pushed Barnard towards utilizing a smaller player pool for this cycle.

The win over Gyatso-Kai in Al-Tamazgha in the Round of 16 of the AOCAF was the 400th in the mixed gender era during which BP have made the World Cup field thirteen times and co-hosted twice; the Bees will need to build solidly upon the foundation their regional quarterfinal berth and return to the top 15 in the multiverse have provided in order to extend their record streak.

Management Staff

Manager—Will Barnard (2nd cycle, 23 wins, 7 losses, 8 draws)
Assistant—Zoe Montgomery
Coaches—Chris LaRue, Danielle Harper, Elaine King
Physio--Gina Damicone

*GK			Age	club				caps (sub)	SHO/G
Rose McCormack	        32	Sherwood Forest Ladies FC	53 (7)		13 (+1 shared)
Rod Callaway		30	Shirley Metros FC		48 (5)		16
Beth Rossi		25	Llewellyn Turnpike Ladies FC	29 (2)		4
Gillian Albertson	26	Westwood Sprites Ladies FC	17		5
Ian Dickerson		25	Southend AC			12		1
Geoff Cotterill		25	Learfield FC			10		4
DEF
Emily Bruce		28	CSKA Quebec (QUE)	  	42 (6)		
Antoine Jones		25	Learfield FC			15 (1)		1
Magda Kucera  	        25	Inland Peaks FC (VIL)		45 (1)		4
Jon Schulman		28	Fairport City FC		29 (3)
Joe Finnegan		25	Asbury Park FC		        28 (1)	
Michael O'Connor	25	Dalaris City FC (PFA)		22 (3)
Samuel Obodime	        26	New Bremen FC		        18 (5)
Julie Morris		24	Greenlea United Ladies	        15 (1)		1
Renee McKenzie	        23	Ellesmere Woods FC		 8
Heidi Jorgensen	        26	Clayton City Ladies FC 	        15 (2)		1
Megan Walker		26	CS Saint-Remy (KSK)		18 (1)		2
Carlton Frost		25	Shirley Metros FC		18 (1)		1
MID
Lucie Shanahan	        29	Middletown City Women	        51 (17)	        9
Isabelle Wiley		29	Bikarish (PFA)			51 (18)	       14
Freddie Altman	        27	Sporting Ceneisis (AFT)	        70 (18)	       11
Olivia Ryan		26	Westwood Sprites Ladies FC	47 (13)	       12
Carly Logan		26	Southend Ladies AC		55 (7)	       12
Park Jae-Sung		26	Leaside Lions (QUE)		43 (10)	        8
Alonzo Boyle		27	Mancodas Athletic (PFA)	        40 (11)	        8	
Paul Vetter		27	Linden Woods FC		        47 (13)	        5
Luke Olivera		28	Korsbach (GRF)		        45 (11)	        7
Cyndi Garfield		24	Haskins Blues AFC		24 (6)		7
Carlton Morgan	        25	Victoria & Albert SC		12 (1)		3
Shonte Logan		25	Crusaders FC			28 (5)		2
Stefanie Martini	23	Broadview AFC		         9 (1)		3
Rob D'Alessandro	24	Meadowdale FC		        22 (11)	        5		
April Syzmanski	        25	Broadview AFC		        41 (10)	        5
Andrea Kirby		25	Bergholz Caledonian FC	        21 (6)		5
FWD
Quinton Harris		30	Starksville Coastal FC (CDG)	53 (19)	       33
Ben Moorman		28	Carsby FC (EUR)		        36 (18)	       16
Serena McDavid	        27	Hornchurch (EUR)		53 (7)	       26
Elena Diaz		26	Leiderkranz Ladies FC		30 (23)	       15
Karrie Price		28	Trimidau Rukiya (PFA)	        50 (16)	       28
James Hardison	        24	Clayton City FC		        15 (7)		5
Erika Riley		24	Clayton City Ladies FC 	        13 (9)		4
Shelby Engels		26	Greenlea United Ladies FC	30 (12)	       14
David Coleman	        24	St Warren City FC		26 (6)		9		
Peter Obulundi	        26	Newmarket Saxons FC	        22 (17)	        6	
Fatima Khan		24	Great Northern RR FC		21 (7)		8	
Claudia Grayson	        23	Shirley Metros Ladies FC	11 (2)		4

Kits
Home

Away

Venues
Match 1, 5, 9, 13--BBP National Stadium, Belle Haven (cap 73,000) 68th-71st NT matches (42W/14L/11D)

Match 3--CONAGCO Stadium, Shirley (cap 36,000) 11th NT match (9W/1D)

Match 7--Newport City Stadium (cap 32,000) 27th NT match (20 W/3L/3D)

Match 11--Prince William Stadium, Newmarket (cap 24,394) 16th NT match (11W/2L/2D)


Permissions
_________________________________________________________________________________

In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...
Choose my goalscorers: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, but those that would be for just the duration of the match (TG in advance would be appreciated as well)
Godmod injuries to my players: See Above
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: YES, but again, a heads up in advance is appreciated, as I would do for you.
Godmod other events: TG what you have in mind, I'm easy to come to an understanding with

[Qasden]

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Turning over a new leaf is never easy, especially if said leaf-turning evokes the ether-scraping monoliths of bureaucratic nonsense. The Qasden Association Football Association (QAFA) explored every option to keep Qad footballing legend Valentijn Munson atop the hierarchy of the National Team, even briefly enlisting her with an ill-fated Under-18 squad at one point. While not the most sky-shattering of tenures, the Munson Era of management had ultimately shown light into an organization hanging on by a thneed following multiple disastrous campaigns, something to thank her for and wish her well on as she embarks for Rushmori domestics.

With Xandreas opting to stick to U21, and Hounders choosing to forego top-level management altogether for foreshadowing reasons, executives turned to the only source of management they had left...AI. No, not really, instead they hired QAFAcademy director and nationally acclaimed madman, Rex Akimbo, to steer the Vans through a tumultuous and cutthroat World Cup 95 Campaign. Akimbo, who previously remained one of a near infinite number of shadowy figures within the principality, sought to let all hell loose and make the first ever 0-0-10 formation possible. Unfortunately, Qad forwards aren't all that much in season at the moment, leading to an alternatively conclusion in the idea of hard defense and fast counterattacks. Not as cool, but a little different than days past, complete with a break in tradition by opting for a 4-5-1 formation rather than the multi-generational 4-4-2. The changes, unnerving many Qads in the process, look to prove themselves valid as Qasden re-enters the qualifiers as a Pot 3 nation again, needing to swipe one of 2 spots away from Audioslavia or Brookstation.

Can Akimbo take the torch left by Munson and throw it to new heights? Will a defense-savvy midfield prove to be worth relying on a 33-year-old to be the sole attacker? Stay tuned, stay updated, and stay alert for all of this and more, live from the 95th World Cup Campaign: The Road to Chromastone!

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KPB: 14.59 (53rd)
Style: -3.5
Preferred Formation: 4-5-1, 4-4-2
Nicknames: The Vans | Calcio Calico | The Blue-Reds

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Rex Akimbo

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Age: 51|Position: Manager|Last Known Affiliation: Qasden NT
It's a common assumption that Qads tend to appear from the ethereal void from time to time, and Akimbo is no exception to that! Born in a beer stein, the elephantine beast of a man found himself riddled in the sport's small, but problematic hooligan culture, often getting into one-sided "arguments" with random civilians who prefer basketball. Through this positively emaciated enthusiasm, it is thought that Akimbo grew a savant ability to equip enough knowledge in football to garner an eventual spot in the QAFAcademy, fighting superiors (logistically and physically) to climb his way to the top.

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Lori Vandelhaar

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Age: 44|Position: Assistant Manager|Last Known Affiliation: Qasden NT

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Brought in as a way the keep the tempo manageable, Vandelhaar is the deft quartermaster to Akimbo's fanatical captaincy. Despite never working the 2 fancy jobs up top, Lori has instead co-opted her services with several former tournament runs as an unnamed assistant coach, including the notable DBC 55 campaign. Tactile, tenacious, and quick as a whip, Lori's uncanny ability to be the mastermind behind any successful campaign is one sure to be of great service heading into a very uncertain event.

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Zinnia Thurstan

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Age: 32|Position: Goal Keeper|Last Known Affiliation: Hawthorne Kickers
No matter how many times they looked away, Thurstan can never, ever be stopped. Consistently validated with a dedicated career at Xanneria's Hawthorne Kickers, Zinnia's know-how around the net has proven invaluable to the National Team's efforts for as long as we've started counting ages right.

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Substitute Goal Keepers
Gaunting Norwood|27|WEA
Justin Allgood|20|Dalton Town FC

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Cameron Allan

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Age: 26|Position: Defender|Last Known Affiliation: Brantisvogan
A fierce and renowned product of the Post-Zimari era, Allan proved his worth as a dominant defender through a multitude of successes found at Brantisvogan. His avant-garde tactics have swooned the blue-red base to a point of becoming what he always wanted to be: trivia night fodder.

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Carl K. Umstroke

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Age: 22|Position: Defender|Last Known Affiliation: Dury FC
From a young age, Umstroke's indescribably exceptional talent at blue balling any attacker's day got him a pair of crosshairs hovering over his contract signing hand. A key factor in the DBC 55 title run, Carl waxed and wow'd at his time in Perce Town, even earning dual-citizenship. He joins Poafmersian side Dury FC as the top transfer out from the Q League this last season, becoming the 2nd Qad and 1st player to break into the market.

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Aristide Quickley

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Age: 33|Position: Defender|Last Known Affiliation: Blue Mountain Range
Thought to have been past his prime, Quickley found himself returning back to the Starting XI after a single campaign absence in part due to his blossoming success and a grandfather defender in Astograth's Blue Mountain Range organization, helping them dominate in a magical title run season. Aristide is an excellent fighter and tactic-savvy defender that's often sought out by newcomers for advice, but also just an all-around healthy personality to have in such a heated game.

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Sang-Hun Noel

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Age: 24|Position: Defender|Last Known Affiliation: Passerine
While Noel had always hung around the national team in reserves, his increasingly incredible performances at Kelssek's Passerine were becoming too noticeable to ignore. Formerly co-opting the team with star Ronin Otero, Noel now finds himself a captain abroad, eager to prove himself worthy of the title for the National Team.

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Substitute Defenders
Oliver Paul|20|Champagne Night
Cora Varnham|33|Fallwich United
Mason Bentley|20|Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC
Khasan Kubo|29|Columbia
Rosephine Thistle|20|Miradela CD

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Michelle McCracken

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Age: 34|Position: Midfielder|Last Known Affiliation: Brattleboro FC
Regarded as one of the most dominant faces within the Zimari generation of players, McCracken was recruited as part of a shortlist of female players drafted when developing the legendary AOCAF 62 squad. Michelle's personality is professionally competitive, being quick to assert herself as the commanding individual on the field, gaining Darsten's trust in her taking over as Team Captain. Even now in the twilights of her career, McCracken's fire still burns bright enough to keep her a staple household name within the primary eleven.

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Ronin Otero

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Age: 22|Position: Midfielder|Last Known Affiliation: CF Outineau
In the highly competitive midfield scene, Otero was always just one step away from making the starting XI. Now, he finds himself at the forefront of a formation coded in his honor. An incredible mind and heart, Ronin served much of his domestic career within the track of Kelssek's Passerine before excelling prominently enough to garner the intrigue of one of the nation's giants: CF Outineau. There he helped the club win a fierce season, earning 'Young Player of the Season', and finally, after all this time, getting his chance to make a mark on the Vans' starting XI.

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Genivieve Orville

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Age: 30|Position: Midfielder|Last Known Affiliation: Aminey CS
An S-Tier graduate of the QAFAcademy, Genivieve's successful leadership at the 2nd Jenna Raven Cup, paired with a stellar performance with Bruul Skewers, ignited her legacy as she took over the captaincy from McCracken. A well known face in the Vans, Orville's tactile approach to analytically running away with the scoreline has kept her successes high in Ko-oren, netting her a longlist nomination on the Testiculos (now Tornados), a fact highly venerated by her partner and former teammate, Scottie Kaestre.

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Lor Starcutter

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Age: 21|Position: Midfielder|Last Known Affiliation: Kirkenes FC
In a distant life, she was a forgotten face among academy prospects, always behind the next shiny new star to flop on the field. However, her time rising through the ranks of Kelssek football began to pay in massive dividends upon her ascension to Kirkenes FC, where her uncanny ability to win just about anything has woken up more than enough analysts to her value as a player and friend to the Vans. Since joining the Red Firm, she's assisted in title runs in both the Kelssek Championship and the coveted IFCF Champions League, earned a spot on the 'Team of the Season', and has even helped lead Qasden to a DBC trophy, it's first addition to the football cabinet since CoH 70.

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Alice Sauvage

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Age: 26|Position: Midfielder|Last Known Affiliation: Megabrantid
Like a surprisingly large plurality of QAFAcademy products, Sauvage started her career within the East Pacific, working tirelessly to become a major player within the bowels of Mazinaw Vanorian. Such efforts eventually caught the interest of Squornshelan bigwigs, Megabrantid, where her talents blossomed into an ethereal level of a season that saw a title in the club's pockets and a 'Signing of the Season' award for Sauvage herself. Now a staple name within the mighty Superleague, Alice finds herself at the front of a line she hadn't seen coming as she readies herself and her occasional opponents-turned-teammates within Qasden's NT.

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Substitute Midfielders
Marco Bruno|26|Sporting Ittuributa
Shug de la Fontaine|36|Loxthorpe Rovers FC
Avo Bravo|18|CSKA Quebec
Lana Boreal|20|Damogran

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Jaylyn Bone

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Age: 33|Position: Forward|Last Known Affiliation: Algolia
A legendary forward, Jaylyn was brought about as a prodigy from the eastern border town of Chevlin. Bone's successes with Algolia have kept him front and center as one Qasden's greatest goalscorers on record, though now finds the pressure building to get the nation over the hump as his time on the XI nears its end.

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Substitute Forwards
Ander Galleon|20|Østad Pillar
Lacey Lane|22|Hornchurch
Cloveria No'Bell|26|Longwood Lionesses

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I Give My Opponent Permission To

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Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y
Injure Players: Y&N (get my ok first)
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y&N (get my ok first)
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod anything else: No destroying/killing/harming my players, venues, cities, you get the idea. Other than that, it's fairly fair game.

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VENUES

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Royal T.V. Stadium, T.V. City (90,000) - Brookstation & Audioslavia

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The one and only epicenter of the nation's athletics, "The Royal" is often regarded as a shining symbol of Qasden's fortunes (and misfortunes) in international competition, having held at least one match in every outdoors tournament hosted by the country. Swallowed in the heart of T.V. City, the capital and largest metroplex in the country by far, the stadium is said to have been built during the early years of the principality, though its original purpose is still up in the air.

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Stade de Solis, Fyre (68,000) - QasCup & Oberour Ar Moro

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While less-so a national symbol, the Stade de Solis remains a firebrand choice in Qad sports, being the only venue able to challenge the Royal's Finals record. Grounded in the mountainside urban landscape that is Fyre, the stadium was once believed to have been constructed for a long forgotten domestic league, though now it serves as the historic center of sports on the west side of the nation.

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Merellin Park, Elder (50,000) - Ancherion & Zenic

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Nestled deep within the farmlands of The Interior lies the humble Merellin Park. Named after a mysterious prince who was rumored to have found love in the town, the park serves as the hub for the inland's sports scene, often competing for that title with rival town, Taxson. A large, but modest venue, Merellin Park is equipped with surprisingly modern flavors, including a shopping mall and miniature theme park just outside the pitch's walls.

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Hotchskarth Cabin, Destiny (31,000) - Shieldstan & Saperetia

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The smallest of the presented stadia, Hotchskarth Cabin found itself a unique staple in Qasden's competitions, having been a perennial welcome-site for games against newer opponents and, more recently, the beloved and critically acclaimed Blunder Cup. It's beautiful halls greet attendees to the glitz and glamor not found anywhere in the city surrounding it, Destiny, whose constant, one-sided desire to 1-up their neighbor, Fyre, led to the stadium's arrival in the first place.

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In addition to the standard campaign matches, the Qasden National Team found itself in a desire for more competition and preparation for the never-ending road ahead. As such, the QasCup Charity Match was established to serve as organized friendly competition by the 'QAFA Kids Initiative', a non-profit organization tasked with accelerating interest and improving relations between the youth community and that game their parents keep screaming at the tv for. In the past, the Vans have welcomed the likes of the IceVans' Pro League, social media stars from the platform 'Tabbychat', and most prominently, the Cheetahs and Reptiles Coalison National Team. The match is typically held during the halfway point of the qualifying campaign, allowing Qasden's National Team to have a less competitive, fun event to keep themselves active. This edition of the one-match tournament will take place at the breathtaking Stade de Solis deep within the mountainous heights of Fyre, with the winner taking home the vividly vibrant "Colorco" trophy. QAFA and QAFAKI are currently underway looking for suitable opponents to help support the cause. All interested parties are free to contact QAFA and QAFAKI promotional administrations for participation in the event, regardless of how football-prone they may be. We hope to see you there!

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[Sannyamathland]

Team Info
Head Coach: Sergey Kramnik
Assistant Coach: Henrikh Shangoyan
Captain: Vladimir Ivyich(V.I.) Mount
Trigram: USR
Nickname: The Tigers, The White Tigers
Sponsors: Aeroflot (principal sponsors), Adidas Sports(kit sponsors) and several others

23 Men Squad for World Cup 95
Goalkeepers:
1. Dmitry Karjodov (30), club: Hepley United FC Sannyamathland
4. Ivan Zinchencko(26), club: Islandside FC Xanneria
23. Denis Safonov (33), club: Dynamo Leningrad Sannyamathland

Defenders:
5. Gennady 'Jeff' Chalov(29), club: Chelsea Football Club Galimencia
3. Leon Vladinovich (28), club: East Rowling FC Sannyamathland
2. Savreck Javcherenko(37), club: East Rowling FC Sannyamathland
22. Alexei Putin(28), club: Wilkies Wonderers FCSannyamathland
13. Alexander Ostrovksy(23), club: Spartak Moscow Sannyamathland
33. Mikhail Karpov(29), club: Spartak Moscow Sannyamathland
6. Viktor Stepashin(26), club: Wilkies Wonderers FC Sannyamathland

Midfielders:
9. Sergey Tymchenko(20), club: West Rowling Albion Sannyamathland
11. Stepan Chubukov(29), club: East Rowling FC Sannyamathland
15. Lev Petrosian(32), club: Howardsburg Athletic Club Sannyamathland(vice captain)
6. Volodymyr Savchenko (28), club: Spartak Moscow Sannyamathland
22. Eldor Khamdamov(25), club: West Rowling Albion Sannyamathland
13. Joe Leck-Ngidi(22), club: Wilkes Wonderers FC Sannyamathland
17. Danil Cheryshyev(29), club: Greter Grad Sporting Club Sannyamathland

Forwards:
22. V.I.Mount (29), club: Hepley United FC Sannyamathland (captain)
10. Peter Philips(21), club: West Rowling Albion Sannyamathland
7. Ivan Sandiev(25), club: Oljestaden IF Audioslavia
17. Fydor Tchaivok(26), club: Spartak Moscow Sannyamathland
18. Joseph Antonov(22), club: East Rowling FC Sannyamathland
15. Eduard Yaremchuk(23), club: Dynamo Kyiv Sannyamathland

Starting 11
GK: Denis Safonov
LB: Gennady Chalov
CB: Savreck Javcherenko
CB: Mikhail Karpov
RB: Alexander Ostrovsky
CM: Lev Petrosian
CM: Stepan Chubukov
CM: Volodymyr Savchenko
LW: Sergey Tymchenko
RW: Ivan Sandiev
CF: V.I.Mount

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

Home Stadium: The Lenin International Stadium, Moscow, Russian SFSR(capacity:100,000)


RP Permissions: Anything, just don't kill the players. Do not cause any career ending injuries. TG me or reach me by discord before godmodding anything. Please do not change my starting 11 unless I personally TG or DM you and tell you to do so. You are free to do substitutes as you like, however. Also, TG me before RPing my players getting suspended.

[Al-Tamazgha]

Nation name: Kingdom of Al-Tamazgha
Trigramme: TMZ
Denonym: Tamazghan
Nicknames: Mountain Lions

Brief national information
Heads: Ismail IV (head of government), Soufiane Niasse (prime minister)
Population: 31 million
Capital City: Kajaïa
Major Cities: Maisonbleue (largest city/economic capital), Khenikech, Sakane (two of three Imperial cities alongside Kajaïa), Cap-Vert (port city)
Ethnic Groups: 41% - Ismailites (Arabs), 37% Tamazghans (Berbers), 14% Lamanes (Wolofs), 5% Jewish, 3% others

Staff
Federation: Federation Royale Tamazghienne de Football (FRTF)
Manager: Laurent Assidon - M - 50
Assistant Manager: Moussa N'Diaye - M - 50 - Père-Benjelloun AC (associate manager)
Style Modifier: -3
Formation: 3-3-2-2

Laurent Assidon returns as the head coach of the Mountain Lions for the last of a three-ycle, six year contract. The Maisonbleue native, who comes from Jewish parentage, has served as a youth team and senior assistant for Olympique de Rimouski after a decadelong career with Olympique, St. John's Arsenal and Jolbonopolis United. He then embarked on a three-year tenure with Taqwaa AC of Maisonbleue with two titles before moving onto Olympique de Rimouski. That, for most part, hasn't turned out well with back-to-back seasons nearing relegation have earned him a sack, but his rebound performance among just-promoted BK Klampenborg the most recent season should suggest that he is still a decent manager on greater scheme of things.

He is a defensive specialist with a penchant for devastating counterattacks, something that the Tamazghans have been long infamous on the Quebecois Commonwealth for, and is considered a mild-mannered, reasonable manager who could hold a conflicting locker room that has seen frustration with regression on the WCQ94 after strong starts on two AOCAF tournaments before this one. He is married to Soraya Hunter, a lifestyle writer working in Joongyeong, with their son Clement playing for Taqwaa AC and the national team.

Starting XI (Categorised per Position - Name - Sex - Age - Team)
01 - GK - Presnel Kweon Haldane - M - 22 - Swangard Athletic (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
06 - LB - Souleimane Soumare - M - 30 - Jeunesse Tan-Tan
03 - CB - Serge Amrouche - M - 25 - Santranginus (Squornshelan Remnant States)
04 - CB - Samara Laroui - F - 27 - Montreal City (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
16 - RB - Clement Assidon - M - 21 - Taqwaa CA
10 - LM - Shukriya Benzakour - F - 28 - Avanaroch White Wings (Tikariot)
05 - VO - Mustapha Benzakour - M - 22 - Mipojoseon (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
08 - CM - Barkad Assaf - M - 28 - Wansan Noksaekjeonsa (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
09 - RM - Nouria Diouri - F - 22 - St. John’s Arsenal (Quebec and Shingoryeo)
19 - CF - Ismail Diedhiou - M - 20 - Racing Club Khenikech
07 - SS - Muaz Joumari - M - 28 - Olympique de Rimouski (Quebec and Shingoryeo)

Substitutes:
13 - GK - Lubaid Salem - M - 30 - Etoile Rouge
30 - GK - Marc Bouzaid - M - 24 - Taqwaa CA
02 - LB - Morgan Rose - M - 24 - Père-Benjelloun AC
32 - CB/LB - Auguste al-Khattabi - M - 25 - Jeunesse Tan-Tan
20 - CB - Hakima Bourkia - F - 24 - Taqwaa CA
22 - CB - Remy Cizeron - M - 28 - Levis Athletic (Quebec and Shingoryeo - Championship)
18 - RB/LB - Ayham Gallab - M - 27 - Raynor City FC (Valanora - League One)
15 - DM - Laila Trabelsi Mangane - F - 26 - RAC Wad Madabekr
12 - CM - Mourad Taïa - 19 - M - Keloudjm Sakane NEW
14 - CM/AM - Badriya Mounir - 17 - F - Racing Club Khenikech NEW
11 - LW - Rachida Wafula-Hadjif - F - 24 - l'Etoile-Verte
23 - ST/RW - Mamadou Abderrahmane - M - 34 - Etoile Rouge

RP Permission: Flexible. I'll be fine with most things, but do ask if you have anything specific in mind. Best bet would be to TG or PM Quebec and Shingoryeo on Discord as he responds quicker there.

[PotatoFarmers]

Poafmersia's squad for WCQ95

Other name: The Red Panjias (Panjia is the Poafmerian equivalant of a horse)
Kit Colours: Red, Orange

Poafmersia will present the following 26 players for the 1st International Confederations Cup

Num  Player Name         Age Pos(s)   Sex  Current Club               Caps        Goals   Assists
1    Nicole Potts        33  GK       F    St. John's Arsenal (QUE)   125 (3)        0       0
12   Jessica Ardens      27  GK       F    Mancodas Athletic FC       2 (1)          0       0
23   Aleksandar Malloye  21  GK       M    Dalaris City               1 (0)          0       0

2    Kilikina Lee        27  LB/LWB   M    Dury FC                    47 (1)         7       0
3    Xenophon Robson     28  RB/RWB   M    Fiskadaha FC               38 (5)         1       5
4    Cindy Oriol         25  CB       F    Tihon (CMT)                28 (6)         1       0
5    Nacro Astro         31  CB       M    Mancodas City              39 (5)         0       0
13   Lovise Zimmerman    29  LB       M    Bikarish                   5 (2)          1       0
14   Liadan Holmström    28  CB       F    Mancodas City              1 (5)          0       0
15   Kelefe Hans         29  CB       M    Mancodas Athletic FC       8 (8)          0       0
16   Jacqi Equine        29  RB       M    Mancodas City              14 (8)         0       0
24   Emma Henderson      29  RB       F    Arboren FC (KOR)           0 (0)          0       0

6    Michael Jackson     31  CM, ACM  M    Mancodas City              100 (6)        10      45
8    Min Berg            32  DM, CM   F    Mancodas Athletic FC       56 (11)        1       3
10   Aapeli Shea         28  CM, AM   M    Dalaris City               55 (9)         0       0
17   Erle Sartini        26  CM       M    Adab United (ADB)          24 (20)        3       10
19   Sylvia Fusco        27  CM, DM   M    Fiskadaha FC               13 (13)        0       0
21   Magreta Rym         30  CM       M    Mancodas City              23 (17)        1       5

7    Tessa Bjarnesen     25  LW       F    Lokomotive Jarnstad (SVJ)  23 (17)        11      3
9    Suada Bogdanić      27  CF       M    Southern Star (BRE)        0 (0)          0       0
11   Leontiy Seet        29  RW       M    Mancodas Athletic FC       50 (4)         14      17
18   Taliah Alcock       23  LW       M    Kistina Galaxy             2 (8)          1       0
20   Dagur Lawrence      24  CF/AM    M    Serrapince FC (TMB)        22 (9)         16      11
22   Jackson Handris     29  CF, RW   F    KT Itzalovalle (AUD)       3 (4)          3       1
25   Florent Rivera      29  CF, AM   F    Advance Alara (KOR)        0 (0)          0       0
26   Sakari Cantù        27  RW       M    Southfell United (NPH)     0 (0)          0       0

Note:
*Player ages are as though the matches are held before the 15th IFCF cycle, as it is in our calendar.

Captain: Aapeli Shea
Vice-Captain: Nicole Potts
Penalty Taker: Suada Bogdanić
Free Kick Taker: Tessa Bjarnesen, Leontiy Seet
Corner Takers: The prevailing LB/RB (in the case of a 4 at the back formation) or LM/RM (in the case of a 3-4-3)

Head Coach: Lu Jialan (YZH)
Assistant Head Coach: Jabik Henderson
General Playing Style: With a new nation, comes new strategies. While Lu intends to keep the Poafmersian attitute of relying on mistakes by the opposition to counterattack, and being aggressive in getting back the ball, he has indicated an emphasis on defence being key to the team's successes in the Cup of Harmony and beyond. Preferring a strict 4-3-3 formation with the fullbacks playing wider up the field, Lu will stick to a 4-3-3 formation for the tournament. Utilising the team's strengths in counter-attack, the team will make a focus on defending the ball and keeping the possession before catching opponents napping during their break.

Formations: 4-3-3
Style Modifier: -3

Recent International Records
Overall Record: 385 games played. 215W, 80D, 90L. 919GF/628GA.
Cup of Harmony 82: Quarterfinals. 4W, 1D, 1L. 17GF/11GA.
IAC15: Ro16, skip Ro24. 4W, 1D, 1L. 24GF/17GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 91: 4th in Group 1. 12W, 6D, 2L. 48GF/27GA.
Cup of Harmony 83: Ro32. 2W, 2D, 2L. 12GF/10GA.
IAC16: QF, skip Ro24. 3W, 1D, 2L. 9GF/8GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 92: 2nd in Group 5, PO Loser. 11W, 6D, 5L. 54GF/38GA.
Cup of Harmony 84: Ro32. 3W, 0D, 2L. 9GF/8GA.
IAC14: Ro24. 1W, 3D, 1L. 11GF/9GA.
World Cup Qualifiers 93: 3rd in Group 12, PO Losers. 13W, 7D, 4L. 55GF/29GA.

First Match: Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
First Win: Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
Biggest Win:
(Only WCC-sanctioned) Poafmersia 8-2 Barfleur, BoF 71 Group Stage @ Zwangzug
(All) Poafmersia 8-0 North Alezia, IAC 12 @ Almuzahara
Heaviest Defeat:
(Only WCC-sanctioned)
Farfadillis 5-0 Poafmersia, WCQ 87 @ Farfadillis
Pasarga 5-0 Poafmersia, WCQ 90 @ Pasarga
(All)
Poafmersia 2-8 Commonwealth of Baker Park, International Friendly @ Poafmersia
Baker Park 6-0 Poafmersia, International Friendly @ Baker Park
Highest Scoring: Lionsroar 4-8 Poafmersia, World Cup Qualifiers 93 @ Lionsroar

Fans
Poafmersian fans are crazy about football, and their loud cheers ring about in the stadiums they visit. They are very willing to disturb the peace in the area to celebrate their win after matches, so matches are best held in the afternoon or early evenings. You can spot Poafmers booking large meeting rooms in hotels, going to bars in groups. Apart from that, they do pick up after themselves, and prevent causing much trouble apart from celebrating. You can be assured, however, that they would be travelling around to support their team, so do reserve half the spots in stadiums for them because they would pack it to the brim.

Home Stadium
For the entire duration of the qualifiers, Poafmersia will be playing their home games at the Libira National Stadium. To accommodate a rising interest in football, there was a slight layout change and stand refurbishment being done prior to the qualifiers, and as such, the stadium capacity has been increased to 70 thousand seated pax. The stadium is located in Fiskadaha City, capital of Poafmersia. To travel to the city, direct flights are provided from many major capital cities around the world. Within Poafmersia, however, public transport, such as trains and buses, are the preferred mode of transport, and there are rail lines available between Fiskadaha and many major cities in the country.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - Yes (Realistic events only, such as long range shots)
Roleplay injuries to my players - Yes (You determine what happened, I decide the severity.)
Godmod injuries to my players - Yes (As above)
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Yes
Hand out red cards to my players - Yes (1 more than what you give yourself)
RP any pandemic-related events - No pandemic exists in Poafmersia, or on Poafmers.
Godmod any other events - Yes (TG/Inform me before hand)
Note: If your RP permissions are more restrictive than mine, then I will take your RP permissions. (With the exception about the pandemic events)
I am very open to cooperative RPs, such as joint press conferences, match-side drama, out-of field events, etc. Do drop me a Telegram in-game (to this account or Poafmersia) or a DM on Discord (You can find me on the NS Sports Discord - Freg#0420).

[Glazgo]

GLAZGO NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM, OFFICIAL WORLD CUP 95 SQUAD

STAFF:
Manager: Glenn Tamnavulin, 58
Assistant manager: Kenn Tamnavulin, 72
Coaches:
Vadim Bauer, 40 (General)
Ivan Gunn, 48 (Goalkeeping)
Kiefer Glenfiddich, 59 (Fitness)
Physio: Paul Mallochmore, 58
Scout: Jon Craigellachie, 63
The core of the original coaching staff remain - manager Glenn Tamnavulin is revered throughout the country despite only ever managing the national team for a brief period. During Glazgo's time away, he and older brother/assistant maanager Kenn spent a lot of time working with the GFA drawing up plans for the return of the international sides and played a big part in developing the leagues further to meet the standard to return to IFCF competition. Original coaches Johan Knockando and Ivor Gunn have moved on, the former settling into club management with Drumchapel United and the latter retiring. Finally. They've been replaced respectively by former national team captain Vadim Bauer, and former #1 goalkeeper Ivan Gunn - who is you guessed it, is Ivor's son. The rest of the backroom staff stay the same - Glendfiddich, Mallochmore and Craigellachie are known pretty much for their long surnames. But they've done (and did, once upon a time) a good enough job to be retained.

GOALKEEPERS:
#1 - GK - Anders Khamidouline - Age 32 - Heart of Clyde
#12 - GK - Russell Wik - Age 31 - Kelvindale Town
#13 - GK - Enrik Hale - Age 32 - Drumchapel United
This selection of goalkeepers have all performed consistently in the Premier Division over the past ten years. Heart of Clyde's Khamidouline receives the #1 jersey after a string of admirably commanding displays earned him a place in the league's Team of the Season four years in a row, despite the side never really finishing in the upper echelons of the division. Deputies Wik and Hale are both capable and competent shot-stoppers in their own right and were members of the inaugural Glazgo U20 squad that won the SFA International U20 Cup over ten years ago. In all honesty, it was a tough selection for Glenn Tamnavulin to decide who would be deemed first choice, and many have speculated he will use the qualifying matches to pick who will be his main custodian going forward, with there being ample game time for the three of him to prove their worth.

DEFENDERS:
#2 - DR - Nino Kerla - Age 25 - Carntyne Wanderers
#3 - DL - Radek Sando - Age 32 - Coatbridge Town
#4 - DC - Sol de Marko - Age 32 - Drumchapel United
#5 - DC - Patrick Radosavljević - Age 25 - Eikborg Club (SEM)
#17 - DC - Amer Imamović - Age 29 - North Drumgelloch Athletic
#19 - DR - Mika Lybeck - Age 32 - Red Star Parkhead
#21 - DL - Ismet Lulić - Age 26 - North Drumgelloch Athletic
#22 - DC - Martijn Shubukin - Age 32 - Carntyne Wanderers
#24 - DC - Paul Snare - Age 21 - Halfway
Both sets of full-backs offer a threat going forward. Lulić and Lybeck offer more composure on the ball as opposed to the raw pace of Sando and Kerla, who Tamnavulin seems most likely to opt for given his more attacking tendencies, whilst in the middle the towering duo of Radosavljević and de Marko provide a combination that equates to the solid foundation required in any defence. Only Shubukin remains of the central defensive deputies from the Copa Rushmori two years ago, and there are two new faces in Imamović and Snare who have impressed in the league for North Drumgelloch Athletic and Halfway respectively.

MIDFIELDERS:
#6 - DMC - Gunnar Strathness (c) - Age 32 - Drumchapel United
#7 - AMR - Bakir Hadžiadmirović - Age 23 - North Drumgelloch Athletic
#8 - MC - Merlin Slatkin (vc) - Age 32 - Eikborg Club (SEM)
#10 - AMC - Joakim Srna - Age 31 - Kelvindale Town
#11 - AML - Zahir Mulahalilović - Age 23 - North Drumgelloch Athletic
#14 - MC - Ricky Overtime - Age 21 - Possilpark Celtic
#15 - AMC - Makhan Panesar - Age 20 - Drumchapel United
#23 - DMC - Hadžo Medunjanin - Age 18 - Drumchapel United
#25 - DMC/MC/AMC - Pavel Hesso - Age 33 - Possilpark Celtic
#26 - W/AM - Izmal Barbarez - Age 21 - Firhill AFC
Strathness and Srna were also members of that U20 winning team some years back, and have been two of the league's best players ever since. Slatkin is an excellent link between the two and is renowned for his passing range and composure in the centre of the park. Young wingers Mulahalilović and Hadžiadmirović are eagerly tipped to be integral parts of the future core of the national team, and offer a threat both out wide or drifting into the middle, depending what the game situation requires. On the bench, Tamnavulin has turned to youth, in majority, bar Hesso who is comfortable playing in any of the midfield positions. The coveted Medunjanin of Drumchapel United is one of the most highly rated players in the country at just 18, and whilst he may have fleeting playing time, there's a feeling he'll be a staple of the team for years to come. Club teammate Panesar has been a key starlet from Drumchapel also, whilst the excellently named Overtime has lived up to his name in terms of his playing style. Barbarez is capable of playing on either flank but is most effective through the middle, with his close dribbling skills and low centre of gravity earning him rave reviews and plenty of attention in the league these last few seasons.

FORWARDS:
#9 - ST - Didrik Karzharenko - Age 31 - Drumchapel United
#16 - ST - Sergei Sorensen - Age 33 - Coatbridge Town
#18 - ST - Konstantin Michelsen - Age 32 - Carntyne Wanderers
#20 - ST - Evander Slowenski - Age 34 - Possilpark Celtic
Karzharenko is most likely to lead the line and has been one of the top scorers in the league every season for the past ten years or so now, and Sorensen is a powerfully built forward who is most used to playing in a two-man strike force - so he could either be paired with the poacher Michelsen or veteran Slowenski, both of whom were plucked from the lower leagues by their respective clubs before enjoying successful careers in the top division. All of the quartet are expected to be rotated to ensure they gain valuable game time as the nation looks towards the future, with the prospect of World Cup qualifiers on the horizon also. Looking long-term though, some of them are past their peak whilst others are fast approaching the end of it. This could be their last chance to cement themselves in the future plans of Tamnavulin's team selection.

TACTICS:
Likely XI (4-3-3 L-R): Khamidouline; Sando, Radosavljević, de Marko, Kerla; Strathness; Slatkin; Srna; Mulahalilović, Karzharenko, Hadžiadmirović.
Glenn Tamnavulin and his staff are most likely to employ the 4-3-3-based formation they utilised last time Glazgo were involved in international competition. Whilst Khamidouline is the likely choice between the sticks, it is more than likely that Tamnavulin will rotate that duty equally between Khamidouline, Wik and Hale throughout the course of the qualifying stage. Sando and Kerla are set to be the starting full-backs with Radosavljević and de Marko at the heart of the defence. The midfield is the most intriguing part - Strathness will operate as the defensive midfielder, protecting the defence in a role best described as a ball-winning midfielder, whilst Srna will act as the key creative point in midfield, the focal spark that will be the most advanced of the midfield triumvirate and best linked into the attack. In between the pair will be Slatkin, the proverbial glue that unites defence and attack and ports between the two whenver required. Slatkin, who could easily fill in either role if required, will undoubtedly be the unsung hero of the team and easily has the best passing range of the squad and offers both creativity going forward and grit protecting the defence. Wingers Mulahalilović and Hadžiadmirović as mentioned previously can operate as attacking midfielders as well if needed, and depending on the situation of the game they may drift inside and operate just behind Karzharenko rather than out wide. Similar to the goalkeeper position, it's expected Tamnavulin will provide at least one starting opportunity to each striker but may make his choice after all have had a run out with who he wishes to lead the line - most likely Karzharenko.

In reserve, it is likely all members of the squad will get at least one start during the group stage. Tamnavulin has always been the type of manager to give everyone a fair chance, and it's fortunate those deputising to the #1-#11 jerseys are capable enough replacements - for Glazgo's calibre anyway. Again, the choice of goalkeeper could be any of the three - so moving past there and into defence, we noticed Tamnavulin's alternate formation from before was similar to a 3-5-2. The three man defence could comprise of Snare on the left of centre and Shubukin on the right - both players who are comfortable at either side or through the middle. It's a rarity to have players comfortable with both feet at centre-back - especially in Glazgo, so either will be able to fill in at either side. Sandwiched between the two will be the more ball-playing Imamović, who is the most likely to "play out of the back" of the trio, though it should be noted he is also comfortable on either side as well as the centre. Whilst Lulić and Cardwell are much more suited to the full-back roles rather than the wing-back roles, they are certainly competent enough and will act as the main attacking threat down the wings, whilst the very young but most certainly talented Medunjanin will act as the defensive midfielder. Medunjanin boasts an excellent passing range and from the little we've seen of him, he seems to play with such confidence that only a seasoned professional may have - whilst he's impressed in the league, is it too soon for the international stage? His midfield partners could be two of either Hesso, Overtime, Panesar or Barbarez. The former two are the more "neutral" options so to speak, though Hesso can easily fill in any midfield role and Overtime is an all-action player who could probably do a job as a #6 or maybe even as a #10 if things got dire. Panesar and Barbarez offer more attacking flair, and Barbarez may also be used in a wider position should the defence end up reverting to a back four - Sando could potentially fill in further forward at left-wing, with Baraban perhaps taking his place at left-back, though they may not be as effective there as their natural positions. Again, the strikers could be any of the four, but with it being a two-man partnership it will likely be any of Sorensen, Michelsen or Slowenski.

In terms of set pieces - penalties are most likely to be taken by Slatkin, if not Karzharenko - or if in the alternate formation, most likely Hesso, Barbarez or Michelsen. Free kicks again are most likely to be taken by Slatkin or Hesso, with corners to be taken by either one of the corresponding wingers/wing-backs. For substitutions, Barbarez will hope to be seen as more than an "impact sub" but is the most likely to be able to change the game in latter stage should that be the situation. Any of the strikers could also fall into that category, whilst Hesso could replace anyone in midfield if he was not starting and experience was required. Again, opportunities for game time will be provided to all members of the squad throughout the tournament, so everyone should attain at least one start throughout the group stage, and most outfield players will get a chance to be brought on at some point.

RP PERMISSIONS:
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y - but I reserve the right to change the severity!
Godmod injuries to my players: Y - as above.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y - no more than two per game though please!
Godmod other events: Y, but please msg me first just in case!

Style modifier: +1.5

[Natanians and Nosts]

Kits made by:K Kits

Coach:Johann C. Mureșan-Antonescu (53 y.o.)
Goalkeeper trainer:Márcus Carolus Ioanescu
Psychologist:Iohann Márcus Mihailescu

# name position height club

1	Daniel Whitcliffe	 	goalkeeper 	33	 	Dínamo N-City
14	Marcus Caeso Domicianus	 	r. wingback	36	1,75	S.C. N-City
15	Paulus Mihai D'Orville       	centre back	29	1,90	S.C. N-City
38	Mihai Carolus Bastone	 	centre back	38	1,98	Aruanãs Azuis F.C. (Cheetahs and reptiles Coalison)
69	Caeso Júlio Probus	 	d. midfielder	24	1,80	T-natanicus F.C.
16	Michel Carvalho	 	 	l. wingback	38	 	The Northern Blue Lions
5	Rodion Mihai Wafa	 	d. midfielder	29	1,83	The N. Blue Lions
7	John Cramer	 	  	a. midfielder	25	1,97	The N. Blue Lions
8	Mihai C. Mureșan-Antonescu	a. midfielder	32	1,80	The S. Blue Lions
10	Natan Gabriel Ademélsson-Vit	   striker	22	1,79	Dínamo N-City
21	Márius C. Mureșan-Antonescu	   striker	20	1,78	The S. Blue Lions
45	Mihai Xosé Apilescu	 	goalkeeper	35	1,90	S.C. N-City
27	Cláudius Petre Constantinescu	centre back	26	1,78	The N. Blue Lions
29	Mihai Ion Ionescu	 	r. wingback	23	1,69	Rodion F.C.
28	Mikhail Ioan Ionescu	 	centre back	26	1,80	The N. Blue Lions
26	Petre Gabriel Mihailescu	l. wingback	23	1,72	Rodion F.C.
54	Jack Kramer	 	 	a. midfielder	25	1,93	Aruanãs Azuis F.C. (Cheetahs and reptiles Coalison)
18	Ion Viktor Enderssen	 	d. midfielder	35	1,90	The Northern Blue Lions
19	Mihai Júnio Lima Larssen	d. midfielder	35	1,80	Rodion F.C.
20	John Mihai García	 	centre-forward	23	1,87	Notrina Lat A. A.
17	Xorxe Xurxo León-Nunes	 	second striker	22	1,78	Notrina Lat A. A.
24	Ioan Magnus Shroom	 	goalkeeper	27	2,15	F.C. Northern Light
25	Sheldon Ubuntu	 	 	centre-forward	25	1,90	The Northern Blue Lions
67	Afrânio Araucanio	 	goalkeeper	24	1,83	Athletic Club Araucária

captain's name is in blue

Starters

10	21	 
  
7	 	8

 5	69

16	38		15	14
1

Stadiuns/Stadia:Stadion Nacional (home games are likely to occur here)
Stadion Tyrannosaurus natanicus
Arenă N-City
Arenă Notrina Lat

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers:Yes*
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod Injuries to my players:No
Give Yellow Cards to my players:Yes (Maximum three per match)
Give Red Cards to my players:Yes (One per match,but never the goalkeeper)
Godmod other events:No
Style Modifier:-3

*Players that have the probability of scoring(in order from more probable to least,by number):
10,(25,20),21,7,8,(54,)69,5,(17,27,28,)15,(18,19,)38

[Sargossa]

World Cup 95


Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'


Head Coach

José Carlos Martínez

Some coaches meld their tactics around the players they have available to them. Some meld the players they have available around their tactics. Martínez tends to do a bit of both, creating a flexible, almost chimeric, tactical blueprint. But one that has been working well in Torreón, where he took Estrella into the global cup competitions with a fourth-place finish two years ago. He followed that up with sixth last campaign, earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Backroom Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Luciano Velázquez
Defensive Coach: Luis Sánchez
Attacking Coach: Hugo Galán
Set Pieces Coach: Manuel Semprún
Goalkeeping Coach: Dario Almirón
Fitness Coach: Alberto Ocampo
Team Doctor: Dr Carla Segura

Talent

GK: 1. Antonio Reyes (26) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Imanol Sánchez (31) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Hilario Barreda (27) – Sportivo Cordova

Antonio Reyes has established himself as the nation’s number one after a second successive domestic title and a strong showing in the Copa Rushmori. Imanol Sánchez remains an experienced backup, while Hilario Barreda receives a first international call-up after being plucked from the El Nacional bench to have a starring role in Cordova.

DR: 2. Adrian Soriano (30) – Ciudad Soluca
DC: 5. Alan Fernández (23) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 6. Nicolás Riesgo (24) – 1923 Esca (Mytanija)
DL: 3. Antonio Benito (27) – Sportivo Soluca
DRC: 12. Jorge Romero (29) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 14. Asier Recio (22) – Estrella Torreón
DLC: 19. Iván Alegre (26) – Estrella Torreón
DC: 21: Joaquín Sanz (27) – El Nacional

Nicolás Riesgo remains the first name on the teammate sheet, regardless of the change of coach. The champions look set to be well represented with academy graduate turned defensive stalwart Alan Fernández and late bloomer Jorge Romero, plucked from Dunas Del Sol a year ago, both making their first appearances in the national side. Antonio Benito has made the left sided berth his own, while Joaquín Sanz and new boy Asier Recio look set to battle it out for a position in the centre. Iván Alegre returns to the national team after a long absence.

DMC: 4. Alberto Ribas (27) – Sportivo Soluca
AMRLC: 7. Moisés Garrido (28) – Ciudad Soluca
MC: 8. Enrique González (34) – Ciudad Soluca
AMLC: 11. Dani Azuaga (30) – Dínamo Maturín
AMR: 15. Jhon Rivas (26) – Estrella Torreón
MC: 16. Juan Esteban Collazo (25) – CDSA (Mytanija)
DMC: 18. Fernando Moruga (27) – Energija-Nuklearna (Mytanija)
MC: 22. Elías Pozo (24) – Sportivo Soluca
AMLC: 24. Martín de la Cavallería (27) – Dínamo Maturín

The new coach is faced with a good problem to have, with a trove of riches in the centre of the park. Alberto Ribas is a talented addition to a group that already includes the tireless Juan Esteban Collazo, the battling Fernando Moruga and the mercurial Elías Pozo. The veteran Enrique González remains in the mix too. Jhon Rivas is another new name in the frame, after a highly impressive season for Martínez at Estrella.

FC: 9. Adrian Rodríguez (21) – Sportivo Soluca
FRLC: 10. Pablo Alarcón (32) – El Nacional
FC: 17. Lucas Recoba (28) – El Nacional
FLC: 20. Jesús Blaya (27) – Sportivo Soluca
FC: 23. Rubén López (26) – Estrella Torreón

There is a new sharpshooter in town. To say Adrian Rodríguez’s debut Liga-S was spectacular still wouldn’t entirely do it justice. Thirty-seven starts yielded thirty-seven goals as he fired Sportivo to the title. Making his mere thirty-one strikes last season in a success title defence almost underwhelming. Strong, quick, agile, fearless, he really is the total package. Nine goals behind him in the scorer’s charts sat Pablo Alarcón, whose teammate Lucas Recoba may chaff at no longer being the top dog. The big question is whether the new coach will deploy a front three, which may see Jesús Blaya, who had another excellent domestic season alongside Rodríguez, get a starting berth. Rubén López led the line for Estrella last season, well enough for his former coach to give him a chance.

Style

In Sargossa the three at the back is king, unless you’re José Carlos Martínez. He likes a back three, and tends to use a 3-4-3. But he’s no stranger in keeping a back four in his pocket if necessary. The new coach is also a proponent of his side’s soaking up pressure before hitting the opposition with lightning fast counters. Lightning fast and with a directness that borders on old-fashioned in a world where tika-taka is increasingly the vogue. Set pieces will likely play a key role too. Specialised set piece coaches are much in vogue domestically and Manuel Semprún has been poached from domestic giants Ciudad Soluca to fill the role for the national side.

The Sargossan domestic league is quite a physical league so challenges can often be described as 'uncompromising' and cards are pretty common. Gamesmanship, while not encouraged, is not entirely uncommon. But diving is considered particularly stigmatic so Sargossan players are unlikely to be found doing it.

Style Modifier = (-1.5)



Kit
Courtesy of ediraf



Venues

Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado
City: Soluca
Capacity: 108,879
Tenants: Ciudad Soluca, Sportivo Soluca
Opponent(s): Delte

The centrepiece of a major beautification development in the capital, the stadium sits within the Parque De Los Vencedores and alongside the Corazal River. Designed by Nethertopian architect Gert Naamloos and part financed by two SuperLiga clubs, the Sargossan government and Starblaydi sportswear giants ediraf it is a truly magnificent sporting arena. The Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado, as the ediraf Arena was rechristened when the naming rights deal expired, is the epitome of a modern football stadium. Consequently, it is the national side’s most commonly used venue. Unfortunately, the glamourous surroundings are marred somewhat by the Soluca crowds’ reputation for being both fickle and moody.

Independienté
City: Goza
Capacity: 119,354
Tenants: El Nacional
Opponent(s): Juvencus

The very antithesis to the modern Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado, and revelling in that fact. The internal facilities may have been kept relatively up to date at the Independienté but little has changed at the vast open bowl since its construction. The nation’s largest sporting venue and one that prides itself on the genuine carnival atmosphere produced on matchdays.

Ciudad Deportiva
City: Maturín
Capacity: 52,000
Tenants: Dínamo Maturín
Opponent(s): Bears Armed

Although the name has come to refer to the stadium alone the Ciudad Deportiva is actually a whole site devoted to sporting excellence. Constructed as part of a government drive to boast sport, the site is also home to the national Track and Field Centre of Excellence, an aquatic centre, basketball and volleyball facilities and a state-of-the-art sport science clinic. The stadium itself is an impressive venue that is regularly voted as the top matchday experience by fans in the SuperLiga. The Sargossan record there too is very strong, having dropped points only three times in matches played in Maturín over the years.

Estadio Silva
City: San Marquez
Capacity: 62,543
Tenants: Sporting San Marquez
Opponent(s): Macbon

Like the Independienté the Estadio Silva is one of the older venues used by the national side. Set within one of the poorer districts of the eclectic southern city of San Marquez, in amongst the brightly coloured favelas and street vendors, a trip to the stadium is more a cultural experience than a sporting one for the foreign visitor. Some famous nations have taken to the Estadio Silva turf in the past, names such as Sorthern Northland, Candelaria And Marquez and Cassadaigua.

Bonilla Arena
City: Jucaro
Capacity: 74,475
Tenants: Alianza Jucaro
Opponent(s): The Grearish Union

The quintessential rich man’s play thing, Alianza Jucaro are the nearly men of Sargossan domestic football. Bankrolled by the mega-wealthy Bonilla family the club have won three national cup competitions in recent years but have never claimed the league title they so crave. While the Bonillas have thrown money at the playing staff they’ve also invested heavily in infrastructure, including the stadium that bears their name. Set in the South Quays district of the port city, right on the waters of the Bay of Carrasco, it’s an imposing venue for visiting sides.

Petro Dome
City: Mercada
Capacity: 42,511
Tenants: Petro Mercada
Opponent(s): Corporate City 1

In a city so synonymous with Petro National, the Sargossan national oil and gas company, it’s no surprise to find both the local football team and the stadium in which they play blazoned with the Petro name. Oil wealth has yet to equal success on the pitch for the Incan side but that wealth may have played some part in the city replacing island rivals Torreón in the regular World Cup rotation.

El Torrigal
City: Torreón
Capacity: 30,000
Tenants: Estrella Torreón
Opponent(s): Kharakia

One of the nation's oldest and most picturesque venues returns this time around. Nestled in the mountain fastness of Torreón, high amongst the Chalaco Mountains, El Torrigal is the smallest of the venues but one in which Sargossa enjoys a formidable record, largely thanks to the altitude. Dropped from hosting duties to accommodate the Petro Dome in nearby Mercada, but reinstated following a vocal public outcry.


Permissions
If my opponent RP's first they can:
Choose my goalscorers: Please do
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes. Just no killing anyone.

[Cheetahs and reptiles Coalison]

# name age position height club

starters:1-11 reserves:12-23

1	Ubiratã Ubirajara Ubiraci	33	goalkeeper	1,98	F.C. Loch Blue
2	Natenoghodi Natena		34	r. back	 	1,72	Napiini F.C.
3	Tata'a Tapixi Xaxim		33	centre back	1,80	High Plains F.C.
4	João Miguel Irima		33	centre back	1,80	Pira Guaçu E.C.
5	Indaje Nhakyrã Iraity		32	d. midfielder	1,85	Goj Kyfé F.C.
6	Natenaghanagha Natena		34	l. back	 	1,72	Napiini F.C.
7	Martim Nhana'i Nhamokyrã	35	a. midfielder	1,75	Aruanãs Azuis F.C.
8	Mario Giovanni Petrescu		38	d. midfielder	1,75	Goj Kyfé F.C.
9	Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá		32	a. midfielder	1,77	F.C. Loch Blue
10	Rhinić				32	striker	 	1,77	F.C. Loch Blue
11	Sinusić				32	striker	 	1,77	F.C. Loch Blue
12	Cláudio Alberto Vieira		33	goalkeeper	1,96	High Plains F.C.
13	Napocenigi Natenaghaneghegi	33	centre back	1,90	Napigixo F.C.
14	Nozâ Norõwada			31	r. back	 	1,62	Napigixo F.C.
15	Mihai Ioan Ionescu		37	centre back	1,85	Goj Kyfé F.C.
16	Natalagha Napiini		31	l. back	 	1,62	Natena F.C.
17	Na'arew Nàrà'zyw		37	a. midfielder	1,77	F.C. TatáResape
18	Nhanarã Norõwede		37	d. midfielder	1,84	Awaru F.C.
19	Meiruguassu Moacir Silveira	31	d. midfielder	1,76	Guassu Guaçu F.C.
20	Tawato Inaje Akaju'y		30	striker	 	1,60	Cheetah Dinamo
21	Noledi Noniciwagha		30	a. midfielder	1,97	Goj Kyfé F.C.
22	Guaraci Ubiratã da Silva	36	goalkeeper	1,95	F.C. Loch Blue
23	João Guaraci dos Santos		37	striker	 	1,70	High Plains F.C.

captain's name is in blue




Style modifier:-4,227

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Just make it be by Rhinić and Sinusić,with the ocasional goal of Peri Ubiratã Tibiriçá,anyone else's is rarer
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (only two per game)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (but never the goalkeeper)
Godmod other events: No

[Chromatika]

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

---

The ages stated on TW 42 are as of the start of the next domestic season. The ages stated here are as of the end of the last domestic season.

ROSTER FOR WORLD CUP 95


Kits Credit: Kirola, Logo Credit: Vulpine Sportif

TEAM INFORMATION
World Ranking: 5
WC Record: 263-77-86 (wins/draws/losses), 998 scored, 589 conceded
Overall Record: 350-109-136 (wins/draws/losses), 1321 scored, 849 conceded
Formation: 3-5-2/3-4-1-2
Style Modifier: +2.5
Denonym: Chromatik
Nickname: The Anomalies
Venue: Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District, Chromatika (144,000) and as listed

---

Records
Italics indicate still active

Most Caps:
Henri de Aea - 211
Keira Andisori - 182
Luuk Aart - 164
Rachel Hellion - 162
Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov – 159
Erika Morningstar - 155
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 155
Meagan Kelly - 143
Haley Hauser - 142
Enigma Armageddon - 136
Alyss Montague - 130
Zlastica Ellen - 127
Gabriella Antonio - 125
Kateryna Zuniga - 124
Trenn Rien - 123
Sandra Sybill - 122
Lucjusz Stef - 121
Juxon Fillar - 120
Baillaire Fillar - 117
Jazmin Dragana - 115
Hermaeus Mora - 114
Aysu Damjana - 111
Carrol Liam – 110
Grayson Fillar - 110
Keira Anbient - 108
Olimpia Vidal - 103
Valence Ilya - 100

Player with under 100 caps not listed

Most Appearances by a Manager:
Silian Parker - 168
Richard Valens - 120
Managers with under 80 appearances not listed

Most Goals:
Keira Andisori - 137
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 92
Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov - 67
Vasily Marten Kuznetsov - 62
Olimpia Vidal - 58
Haley Hauser - 50
Gabriella Antonio - 43
Baillaire Fillar - 39
Edith Fillar - 39
Ki Niro - 33
Rowena Sierra - 33
Trenn Rien - 30
Alicia Gainsbourg - 30
Beaunia Andisori - 29
Rachel Hellion - 24
Alyss Montague - 23
Jazmin Dragana - 23
Miranda Gail - 22
Victorina Bird – 22
Hermaeus Mora - 21
Meagan Kelly - 20
Players with under 20 goals not listed

First Victory: Kyrjasmark 0-1 Chromatika, World Cup 73 Qualifying Matchday 3
First Loss: Chromatika 0-2 Minecraft Miners, Baptisom of Fire 60 Matchday 1
Biggest Margin of Victory: United Stated of Devonta 0-7 Chromatika, World Cup 94 Qualifying Matchday 15
Biggest Margin of Defeat: Vilita 4-0 Chromatika, World Cup 73 Qualifying Matchday 9 & Chromatika 1-5 Farfadillis, World Cup 83 Proper Matchday 2

---

HISTORY

Chromatika first entered the World Cup in Cycle 73, going a modest 3-2-7. They made the Cup of Harmony in Cycle 74, and qualified for the first time in Cycle 75, losing in the Round of Sixteen. Chromatika would have their most successful campaign in World Cup 76, making it to the 3rd place Playoff before finishing in fourth place, despite the domestic upheaval in the country. Their first Manager, Franscesca Larriet-Cortes, was martyred at the end of World Cup 75; the political stresses of the job made it so that Lisa Amos, the team's Manager after Franscesca, resigned after World Cup 76.

The team would enjoy continued success from World Cup 77 through World Cup 81, as Silian Parker helped the squad qualify for the World Cup every time, and the team even made it to the Round of Sixteen or beyond three of those times. Even when Chromatika didn't enter World Cup 82, their return to the World Cup in 83 was a success, though both World Cup 83 and 84 saw the Anomalies stymied at the Proper Group Stage - 84 being under new management in Nepharan Konrad Evans.

World Cup 85 was a disaster - the team didn't qualify and didn't even make a deep run in the Cup of Harmony, leading to the sacking of Evans and the appointment of Richard Valens of Krytenia and Tim Landers of Delaclava. The team would qualify in World Cup 86, and 87, host the World Cup in 88, and return to the Proper in 89. However, Chromatika was not making the deep runs that the nation wanted/needed, so they said goodbye to Valens and Landers and looked inward.

Sandra Sybill and Rachel Hellion, key figures during Chromatika's runs in the early days, stepped in. A loss to Nyowani Kitara meant that they were eliminated, but the team turned around and won the 82nd Cup of Harmony. The following cycle, they made it to the Playoffs, where a loss in penalties to Zeta Reka and Hügeltaldom sealed the fate of Sybil and Hellion. Lisa Amos stepped in to lead the team to a respectable Quarterfinal finish in the resulting Cup of Harmony, and Chromatika was left wondering just how far they were away from the glory days.

Lev Repin came in, promising glory - and the Anomalies grabbed it off the cuff, winning their Group to qualify ahead of Ko-oren. Put into a group with Turori, Eura, and Cassadaigua, the Anomalies lost to Turori 3-0 before recovering to win narrowly over Eura and Cassadaigua. They'd fall 1-2 to perennial powerhouses Græntfjall, but they had finally broken back through.

They've recently bucked all odds and made it to the World Cup Final, losing to Banija in heartbreaking fashion, then Banija again in heartbreaking fashion. This was followed by the team not even getting to the CAFA knockouts. Legends have retired- what's left?.

MANAGEMENT STAFF

MG Lev Repin | Age: 63 | Height: 5 ft 9 in | Debut Cycle: 92 | WC Record: (16-4-4, 58 GF, 31 GA)
A footballing legend who had 177 caps for Mytanija at full back during his playing days, Lev Repin is in the middle of a three-cycle contract by the Chromatik Football Federation, with the option of extending for two more cycles before renegotiating. A schemer tactically and a passionate figure, Repin has already delivered on his promise of leading the Chromatiks back to the World Cup Proper, and excited to do more. He brings the vaunted 3-5-2/3-4-1-2 system to Chromatika, which has led to significant turnover among the players’ roles and positions. Blunt, utterly unapologetic, and singularly minded toward success, he has been exactly what Chromatika needed to break out of its slump and return to take its place among the footballing elite of the world. The formation is starting to be used across all levels, and Repin's fingerprints are all over the current state of Chromatik football. Now having led the team to the World Cup Final, Chromatika is having Repin fever, and after the team fell short in the recent Round of Sixteen, he's agreed to the two-cycle extension.

PHY Zoe "Z" Benne | Age 46 | Debut Cycle: 80
Once a heartthrob, Zoe Benne is married to former Chromatik superstar Erika Morningstar. Zoe has been a constant for twelve cycles now, and has had to treat everything from sprained ankles to serious injuries. She remains a great asset.

SMC Shelby Arling | Age: 32 | Debut Cycle: 87
With new management in place, the presence of Arling as the Social Media Coordinator is very important. All questions go through her, and she takes away any and all distractions.

PLAYERS
Bold indicate starters
Players under dotted line indicate emergency reserves

ABBREVIATED ROSTER INFORMATION

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat 
01. Juxon Fillar             GK-S  GK-D    32  Montreal Koreana               Quebec & Shingoryeo         6 ft  1 in    120  163       AOCAF 62      CAPTAIN 
12. Hailee Sourtois          GK-S  GK-D    23  Sabrefell Athletic             Nephara                     6 ft  8 in      5    7             94
23. Do Seung-Min             GK-D  GK-S    28  1923 Esca                      Mytanija                    6 ft  1 in      1    1             94

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle DNat
05. Ami Coulibaly             DCR    DC    23  Chromatik                      Chromatika                  6 ft           67    0        CAFA 04  BNJ
04. Klavida Régine             DC   DCL    29  Serrapince                     Tumbra                      5 ft 11 in     52    0        CAFA 01
03. Ipati Aimée               DCL   DCR    29  Lakewood United                Tumbra                      6 ft  4 in     60    1        CAFA 01
16. Moira Ansov               DCR   DCL    32  Urrheddiao                     Chromatika                  6 ft  8 in     58    1        CAFA 02
15. Gwina Ansoll               DC   DCR    31  Wirr Tsi                       Chromatika                  6 ft  3 in     21    0             90
14. Keira Anbient             DCL   DCR    31  Alnio                          Chromatika                  6 ft  2 in    108    0       AOCAF 63
24. Cylie Nodis               DCL   DCR    26  Chromatik                      Chromatika                  6 ft  4 in     35    3        CAFA 01
06. Grayson Fillar            WBR   DCR    27  1896 Ebor                      Mytanija                    6 ft  3 in    110    4       AOCAF 63 
02. Edith Fillar              WBL    AM    23  Myana                          Chromatika                  5 ft  7 in     92   39             89
17. Emilie Kruetzberg         WBR    AM    24  Lakewood United                Tumbra                      6 ft  3 in     77   14             89
13. Ladonna Womack            WBL    AP    27  Sabrefell Athletic             Nephara                     6 ft 10 in     11    2             92
25. Ibayashi Haitou           WBR    CF    23  Mipojoseon                     Quebec and Shingoryeo       5 ft  9 in      9    2             94
07. Kaia Larriet-Cortes       BWM   DLP    29  La Nueva Avenida               Farfadillis                 6 ft  5 in     96    2       AOCAF 62
18. Amélie Ju                 CDM    CM    30  RGS Athletic                   Eastfield Lodge             6 ft  2 in     22    0        CAFA 01
19. Alija Mesic-Mizayaki      DLP   BWM    24  St. John's Arsenal             Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  3 in      9    1             92  MYT
08. Baillaire Fillar           AP   MEZ    26  Sivolvia Capitalizt            Squornshelan Remnant States 6 ft  3 in    117   39       AOCAF 62
09. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov   AM   WBL    32  Herzegovina City FC            Banija                      6 ft  1 in    159   62             85
20. Alissar Phoen              AM   DLP    29  Dynamo Sjoedrhavn              Savojarna                   6 ft  2 in     65   15        CAFA 01
11. Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov      AF    CF    21  Myana                          Chromatika                  6 ft  6 in     63   67             92  MYT
10. Candice Delaya             CF    AF    23  Holdenberg                     Eura                        6 ft  6 in     59   10             92
22. Elaine Howard-Dawes        AF    CF    21  Couno Rangers                  Tumbra                      6 ft  4 in     15   10             94  QUE
21. Marie Faucheux             AF     P    24  Perce Town                     Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  3 in     12    5             94
26. Sandara Park                P    TF    23  Montreal Koreana               Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  5 in     26    4             92

GOALKEEPERS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat 
01. Juxon Fillar             GK-S  GK-D    32  Montreal Koreana               Quebec & Shingoryeo         6 ft  1 in    120  163       AOCAF 62      CAPTAIN 
12. Hailee Sourtois          GK-S  GK-D    23  Sabrefell Athletic             Nephara                     6 ft  8 in      5    7             94
23. Do Seung-Min             GK-D  GK-S    28  1923 Esca                      Mytanija                    6 ft  1 in      1    1             94

Juxon Fillar remains the team's #1 keeper. Very good at set pieces and one-on-one scenarios, he's become better in transition and also become a leader in the locker room, being Captain for a while now. Having reached the World Cup Final, he holds the second half collapse as one of the lowest points of his career - but if it wasn't for him, they would've never gotten there. He has won a Champions' League Title, and now been to a World Cup Final; the only thing that remains is to win one. With the birth of his firstborn, he's even more motivated than ever - and he'll be rearing to go.

Do Seung-Min has very good peripheral vision. When normally, keepers need to turn their heads to keep track of the ball, Do's excellent vision means that he is apt at faking out scorers by making them unaware of the fact that he was aware. His emergence at 1923 Esca has helped the team return to contention in Mytanija, and success at the international stage. Ahead of him by the slimmest of margins is one Hailee Sourtois, the heir-apparent in most circles of Juxon Fillar. With tremendous aerial reach, command of area, and jumping reach, Sourtois is a master of the aerial game. Possessing strong metal faculties with communication and decision-making, the Goalkeeper also has decent work rate, vision, and teamwork, along with positioning. Not the most natural of athletes, her quickness, aggression, and bravery could use some work, but decent anticipation, agility, and balance, along with high stamina make her one of the best goalkeeping prospects of her age group. She won the starting job at Sabrefell Athletic two seasons ago, and the team has been successful both domestically and at the international level.

The absence of Kathie Begley does loom large, but she made the right choice by leaving. It's not set in stone who will be Chromatika's #2 going forward, but Juxon remains firmly at the helm.

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat
05. Ami Coulibaly             DCR    DC    23  Chromatik                      Chromatika                  6 ft           67    0        CAFA 04  BNJ
04. Klavida Régine             DC   DCL    29  Serrapince                     Tumbra                      5 ft 11 in     52    0        CAFA 01
03. Ipati Aimée               DCL   DCR    29  Lakewood United                Tumbra                      6 ft  4 in     60    1        CAFA 01
16. Moira Ansov               DCR   DCL    32  Urrheddiao                     Chromatika                  6 ft  8 in     58    1        CAFA 02
15. Gwina Ansoll               DC   DCR    31  Wirr Tsi                       Chromatika                  6 ft  3 in     21    0             90
14. Keira Anbient             DCL   DCR    31  Alnio                          Chromatika                  6 ft  2 in    108    0       AOCAF 63
24. Cylie Nodis               DCL   DCR    26  Chromatik                      Chromatika                  6 ft  4 in     35    3        CAFA 01

Repin's system requires three in the back - and that has really stretched out Chromatika's defensive core. Ami Coulibaly takes over as the starter at Right Centre, the Banijan/Chromatik dual-national cementing herself after the latest CAFA. Known for her friendship with the Tumbran Golden Duo of Trudy Harrison and Stephen Kerr at Chromatik, Coulibaly uses dogged determination and endless motor to frustrate her foes; she is also quite good on her feet and in passing the ball up the pitch. Klavida Régine takes over for the retired Henri de Aea, finally getting her moment in the spotlight. Her ability to overcome her lack of height with the busiest feet makes her a mainstay on this squad. Almost like a hound dog at times with how doggedly she pursues anyone that dare cross her, she has been noted to be annoying by her opponents time and time again. Her feet absolutely never stop moving during the game, and that endless pace results in many a tired opponent. To her left remains one Ipati Aimée, who was the second choice Left Back four cycless ago. A traditional type defender who's quite good at clearing away headers, playing man-to-man, and possessing a robust skillset, Aimée is great at holding down the back line and helping anchor the squad to hold onto late leads. She isn't the most offensive of the options, but is a stable force.

Moira Ansov, a classic man-to-man defender with some physicality and poise, and a calling card is that of consistency and constant aggression, steps down to the bench, alongside Gwina Ansoll, who used to be just an aerial defender - but has become more than just that, growing more and more into a complete defender with speed and physicality. Keira Anbient holds down the Centre Left. Known as "The Other Keira", she is a pure willpower player first and foremost. She is neither the biggest player on the pitch, the fastest, nor the quickest to the ball; instead, she is just always around where the action is. Between the three of them, there is considerable height in the reserve back three. Rounding out the defensive backfield is Cylie Nodis - the most offensive minded center back in Chromatik history - especially since her defensive game has improved with age. With a nose for the ball on every set piece, some deep crosses and the ability to thread the needle using either foot, it's been stated that she should change to a Defensive Midfielder at times. She's set in her ways, though, and insists she should play at fullback. (Un)fortunately, she's proficient enough that nobody can really force her to do anything otherwise.

It's a changing of the guard, but in a limited sense; they will be ready in case they're needed.

WIDE DEFENDERS/WING BACKS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat
06. Grayson Fillar            WBR   DCR    27  1896 Ebor                      Mytanija                    6 ft  3 in    110    4       AOCAF 63 
02. Edith Fillar              WBL    AM    23  Myana                          Chromatika                  5 ft  7 in     92   39             89
17. Emilie Kruetzberg         WBR    AM    24  Lakewood United                Tumbra                      6 ft  3 in     77   14             89
13. Ladonna Womack            WBL    AP    27  Sabrefell Athletic             Nephara                     6 ft 10 in     11    2             92
25. Ibayashi Haitou           WBR    CF    23  Mipojoseon                     Quebec and Shingoryeo       5 ft  9 in      9    2             94

In Repin's system, these players will be asked to do so much - pin their ears back and defend, or sometimes run up the field and add to the attack. Some of them are better at some aspect of that than others. Grayson Fillar is a bullheaded, stubborn, physical right back will will outright impose his will on his opponents. Overshadowed by his younger sister, the electric Baillaire, Grayson was the one who actually chose to finish high school in Chromatika before making the move to 1830 Cathair. Though he says that he's proud of his sister (and he probably is), there is a deeply competitive streak in him that demands that he also make a name for himself atop Chromatika's slew of Fillars. On the pitch, he knows how to use his size to its utmost advantage, almost appearing larger than he is at times. He also understands the importance of momentum and tone, leading to his not being shy to commit a foul if one is needed. He has presence, physicality, and endurance, and has added an offensive edge to his game by providing some pace and some through-balls to the front. Alongside him is Edith Fillar, the next coming of Megan Kelly, or the Chromatik winger who's short but can run circles around would-be defenders and take over the game due to where she is on the pitch. She may not be the quickest off the ball, but she has the relentlessness that has been present on many great Chromatik wingers. With the mindset of a drill sergeant who is definitely the strictest on herself, she has eighty-one caps and thirty-two goals at only twenty-two years of age - her age of dominance is only just starting, and time is on her side. She's added playing man-to-man defense to her arsenal of formidable skills, as well as the ability to contribute long-range assists with deadly, precise crosses.

For the players behind these two, any of them can be used at any time - what they provide are all distinct and unique enough to be sought after. Emilie Kreutzberg is recognizable due to a magnificent mane of red hair, and a dynamic playmaker who is a swarmer, endlessly trying to be around the ball on the attacking end to tire out the defender and take the shot. She can be a tad overaggressive at times, often leading to being offside, but she scores or contributes to scoring chances enough times to make up for it. Expect her to assist whomever is the Striker in the formation with constant pressure in front of the goal. She is a very offensively minded piece, as is the electrifying Ibayashi Haitou, who has earned a more important spot after progressing immensely in Quebec and Shingoryeo. He is very good at keeping pace and dropping medium to long crosses. He still struggles with playing through contact, but has the natural aptitude for vision and flow of the match while becoming Mipojoseon's starter. Lastly, there is Ladonna Womack, the header specialist who's become a more complete threat as part of Sabrefell Athletic in Nephara.

The Fillars carry both wings - one further up, the other a bit behind - but any of the other three can be used at will.

DEEP-LYING MIDFIELDERS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat
07. Kaia Larriet-Cortes       BWM   DLP    29  La Nueva Avenida               Farfadillis                 6 ft  5 in     96    2       AOCAF 62
18. Amélie Ju                 CDM    CM    30  RGS Athletic                   Eastfield Lodge             6 ft  2 in     22    0        CAFA 01
19. Alija Mesic-Mizayaki      DLP   BWM    24  St. John's Arsenal             Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  3 in      9    1             92  MYT

Any formation needs at least one Defensive Midfielder, and Chromatika has the pick of the lot at the position, even after the retirement of the likes of Enigma Armageddon, Leysa Burns, Kateryna Zuniga, and Mare Si. Kaia Larriet-Cortes, the niece of the late Franscesca Larriet-Cortes, is an even-keeled Defensive Midfielder best described as a younger, female Enigma Armageddon. Both of them are imposing, both of them lead on the pitch, and both of them know how to contribute offensively when needed. Where Enigma commands attention by physical presence, Kaia is more subtle, being in all the right places at right times. She is often the visionary on the pitch. She is often the visionary on the pitch, and nearing a hundred caps before age thirty.

Amélie Ju is a stereotypical holding midfielder who is rather adapt at catching would-be-speedsters and corralling them away from goal, and a capable substitute, while Alija Mesic-Mizayaki, the previous U-18 star, has made this team. She's very good at defending, but continues to learn how this position can also contribute to the attack, while perfecting her already formidable arsenal in regards to marking, tackling, and defensive positioning.

Kaia Larriet-Cortes will always be in the game. Amélie and Alija both have unique skills.

ADVANCED MIDFIELDERS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat
08. Baillaire Fillar           AP   MEZ    26  Sivolvia Capitalizt            Squornshelan Remnant States 6 ft  3 in    117   39       AOCAF 62
09. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov   AM   WBL    32  Herzegovina City FC            Banija                      6 ft  1 in    159   62             85
20. Alissar Phoen              AM   DLP    29  Dynamo Sjoedrhavn              Savojarna                   6 ft  2 in     65   15        CAFA 01

Depending on the formation, these roles can be taken by two other Midfielders that contribute to the attack, or a Central Midfielder and an Attacking Midfielder to differentiate the roles. Baillaire Fillar is the flashiest of the Fillars, subscribing to the Hermaeus Mora/Haley Hauser school of Attacking Midfielders, marrying both styles by shooting first and asking questions later while making deep runs into opposing territory. With a creative and dramatic flair that doesn't really exist in other Chromatiks from the past, Baillaire is a playmaker through and through. Having crested a hundred caps in the last World Cup, she's continued to mature in her game, and shows no signs of slowing down in her growth, having led Sivolvia Capitalizt to their first tile in the SRS. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov had to decide between LWB and AM being his major role, and the veteran chose AM to allow LWBs to be filled out by others. Having learned how to position in the left-center side of a 3-5-2 as needed, VMK will be best utilized in the 3-4-1-2 version. A star who can do it all - drop back and defend, counter, cross, and shoot from range - Kuznetsov remains humble and focused on the final, ultimate goal - returning to the World Cup Final and this time winning it. Alissar Phoen beats out Haley Hauser, an ambidextrous shooter who actually prefers range to up close. With creativity and dramatic scoring ability. Though those scoring skills haven't translated to the international level, he makes up for it with deadly crosses.

Baillaire is on a run, Vasiliy can absolutely still contribute, and Alissar tends to surprise people.

CENTRAL FORWARDS

Num Name                      Pri   Sec   Age  Team                           Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle DNat
11. Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov      AF    CF    21  Myana                          Chromatika                  6 ft  6 in     63   67             92  MYT
10. Candice Delaya             CF    AF    23  Holdenberg                     Eura                        6 ft  6 in     59   10             92
22. Elaine Howard-Dawes        AF    CF    21  Couno Rangers                  Tumbra                      6 ft  4 in     15   10             94  QUE
21. Marie Faucheux             AF     P    24  Perce Town                     Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  3 in     12    5             94
26. Sandara Park                P    TF    23  Montreal Koreana               Quebec and Shingoryeo       6 ft  5 in     26    4             92

Welcome back to prominence, Strikers. After a system which needed more of assist-minded players to play the position, Strikers are back and in full force. Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov was the best suited for Repin's style of play - averaging more than a goal per match and becoming a crowd favorite for Chromatika. Zhukov is a Complete Forward that uses a combination of pace, stamina, and acceleration to fly past the opposition and score. He was the fastest ever to reach more than twenty goals, having scored twenty-seven in twenty-six - all before age twenty - and he's third on the all-time list of goalscorers already, and that at the age of twenty-one. Candice Delaya, on the other hand, is decent with both her feet and her head, humble, and can show up in big games. Her ideal pace of play is lurking right in front of the defensive line, waiting for the one ball to create the chance for her to pounce on.

Elaine Howard-Dawes, the shooter who's lethal from close to midrange, can contribute as long as she doesn't need to get past someone to achieve that shot - she's working on that. Having had a breakout tournament, she finds herself third on the depth chart after a move to Tumbra. Finding recent success also is one Marietta "Marie" Faucheux, a complete forward through and through who uses either foot to shoot from any range. Rounding out the squad is Sandara Park, a poacher rather than a pure shooter. Her ability to be where she needs to be goes beyond anything that's usually taught.

Lavrentiy is the pure scorer on the team, while the battle to be his running mate is only just beginning.

TACTICAL INFORMATION
(Many thanks to Mytanija for the blueprint.)

Chromatika's 3-4-1-2 is based off of Mytanija's formation.

3-4-1-2 – IN POSSESSION: Chromatika's base formation for World Cup 93 proper is a 3-4-1-2. This means there will be 3 central defenders, a wing-back on either side, 2 central midfielders, an attacking midfielder and 2 strikers on the pitch at any one time. This does not mean that the team will play in these positions for the whole game, as Chromatiks have adopted the Mytanar philosophy of flexibility in and out of possession, utilizing the fact that until very recently, they ran a 4-3-2-1/4-4-1-1. When Chromatika has the ball the 3-4-1-2 will change into more of a 3-2-5 shape, this is designed to try to create overloads in attacking areas so that the Chromatiks can create two versus one situations where the opposition have to make decisions on who they will engage with.

This 3-2-5 will be achieved firstly by one of the wing-backs (from the starting line-up, this would be right-sided wing-back Grayson Fillar) moving into a central midfield position to play alongside the deeper-lying of the two central midfielders (Kaia Larriet-Cortes, if among the Starting XI). This creates a pairing in central midfield which will be used to help the team build-up, providing passing options both in front of the central defensive three and the 5 players which end-up ahead of them.

That 5 is made-up of the opposite-sided wing-back (in this example it would be left wing-back Edith Fillar), the more advanced central midfielder (Baillaire Fillar), the attacking midfielder (Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov); and the strikers (usually Xuen-Zhukov and Delaya). The wing-back has to push on to achieve the 3-2-5 shape, getting into the final third and maintaining the width on their side of the pitch. They will be given some license to get into the penalty area if the ball is on the other side, giving another option for their teammates. The more advanced central midfielder will be tasked with playing inside of the wing-back, in the so-called ‘half-space’, they will look to work with the wing-back to create an overload on their side of the pitch.

The attacking midfielder and the two strikers will interchange fairly freely, though one will always be tasked with pulling wide to ensure that width is maintained on both sides of the attacking ‘5’ with the aim of stretching the opposition’s defense across the width of the pitch. One striker (usually Delaya in the Starting XI) will drop deep to create space for rotations with the attacking midfielder and the other striker, those two looking to run into and exploit the space vacated by the other striker. These rotations are aimed to shift the opposition defenders around the pitch and create a bit of confusion.

In terms of progressing the play the team will look to move the ball with controlled pace. The team will aim to do this with utmost precision, as is the Chromatik way.

3-4-1-2 – OUT OF POSSESSION: Chromatika's reaction to losing the ball depends on where they actually lose possession on the pitch. Should they lose the ball high-up the pitch, in the opposition’s half, then there will be an instantaneous reaction to press the opponent with the ball to try to win it back quickly high-up the pitch. This is hoped to create chances nearer to the opposition’s goal, effectively using the press as a playmaker. If the opponent breaks through the initial press then Chromatika will look to recover into a 5-3-2 shape as below. Should Chromatika lose the ball nearer to their own goal then they will instantly look to recover into defensive positions to try to make themselves difficult to break down. This shape will be closer to a 5-3-2 than the 3-4-1-2 starting formation.

Both wing-backs will drop deeper, alongside the three central defenders to form the 5. The two central midfielders (Larriet-Cortes and Fillar), will drop deep in front of the three central defenders to shield them a little and the attacking midfielder (Vasiily Marten Kuznetsov), will drop to play in front of them, operating as a bit of a guard dog – either sitting on an opposition deep-lying playmaker to try to stop the ball into them, or by leading a half-pitch press. The two strikers will look to stop the ball going back to the opposition’s central defenders and press them when they are in possession.

Chromatika will also play a variety of other formations should they want to play a little differently, the most likely ones they would change to from the 3-4-1-2 are a 3-5-2 (taking out the attacking midfielder and using three central midfielders); a 4-3-1-2 (pushing the wing-backs back to play as full-backs, removing a central defender and replacing them with a defensive or central midfielder); a 4-2-3-1 (pushing the wing-backs back to play as full-backs, removing a central defender and a striker and then playing a winger on either side); or a narrow 4-4-2 diamond (pushing the wing-backs back to play as full-backs, removing a central defender to play either as a defensive or central midfielder). Chromatika is very versed in the 4-2-3-1 and the 4-4-2, as they've played those before under previous management.

MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHROMATIK AND MYTANAR FOOTBALL: One might ask, how does Repin's Management of Mytanija differ from his Management of Chromatika? Chromatiks are, by nature, more precision-oriented and detail-focused; everything will be drilled to a t, players will be provided information regarding how to handle a myriad of situations, and though creativity will be encouraged, it will be stymied by expectations placed upon the roles.

Chromatika has a reputation of being a second-half team, built around finesse, stamina, and overwhelming pace in the final half hour of matches. This will continue to be the case, as the physique of players is not contingent upon a system of play. The Anomalies will continue to try to push games out of reach or make up deficits in the final half, and the final fifteen minutes will continue to be absolute hell for opposing clubs.

TEAM ROLES
Captaincy: 1. Juxon Fillar; 2. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov; 3. Bailliare Fillar; 4. Kaia Larriet-Cortes; 5. Edith Fillar
Penalties: 1. Lavrentiy Xuen-Zhukov; 2. Baillaire Fillar; 3. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov; 4. Candice Delaya; 5. Edith Fillar
Corners: 1. Baillaire Fillar; 2. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov; 3. Edith Fillar; 4. Grayson Fillar; 5. Kaia Larriet-Cortes
Short free kicks: 1. Baillaire Hauser; 2. Edith Fillar; 3. Grayson Fillar; 4. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov; 5. Kaia Larriet-Cortes
Long free kicks: Usually one of the wing-backs to put it into the penalty area and take advantage of Chromatika's very tall team

Schedule

Matchday 1: The Holy Empire vs. Chromatika @ Hawk's Nest, Lanar
Matchday 2: West Barack and East Obama vs. Chromatika @ The Hive, Sanar
Matchday 3: Chromatika vs. Mytanija @ Hawk's Nest, Lanar

[Mytanija]

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

Style modifier: +2.5

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: MYTANIJA SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 95

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
01  GK      Semir Besak              31   145/0       Mipojoseon (QUE)
02  DL      Mumin Jesenko            21   12/1        Chromatik (CMT)
03  DCL     Boško Pestotnik          26   66/5        Mipojoseon (QUE)
04  DCR     Bigger Mbala–Ekakia      33   139/13      Atletik
05  DR/C    Nnamdi Lusamba           24   26/2        Wirr Tsi (CMT)
06  MCL     Gavril Atsev             32   96/23       Atletik
07  MC      Nurija Papež             25   66/8        Lakewood United (TMB)
08  MCR     Ante Šaranja             21   7/0         Ceramadhion Lynx (TKT)
09  ST      Dražen Škara             26   91/50       Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)
10  AMC/MC  Denis Ovsyannikov        24   65/31       Atletik
11  ST      Goran Papić–Papratović   24   12/4        FK Arsika
12  GK      Janez Anžlovar           24   4/0         Ararat (on loan from Atletik)
13  DL/C    Vuk Bajalica             31   40/2        Port Rhovanyon (TKT)
14  DCL     Adnan Sulejmanović       30   64/2        Sabrefell Moths (NPH)
15  DCR     Filip Mlinarević         24   19/2        Liria
16  DR      Džafer Mytnjak           19   7/0         Myana (CMT)
17  MCL     Jasno Skenderović        28   34/3        Alnio (CMT)
18  MC      Eduard Issatsenko        28   5/0         Liria
19  MCR     Uglješa Gicić            22   6/0         Rulandea Kosta (FFD)
20  AMC/MC  Muharem Hajdarpašić      24   36/5        West Couno United (TMB)
21  ST      Aljož Sešlar             24   5/2         1923 Esca
22  ST      Blaž Kovačec             19   6/4         Raven Thöni (TAX)
23  GK      Robert Laure–Suprinović  24   3/0         Lok. Cassia
24  DC      Foma Koshkin             26   27/1        Myana (CMT)
25  AMC/MC  Jana Anušić              29   29/3        Myana (CMT)
26  ST      Milica Prokopljević      24   30/11       Atletik

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TACTICAL INFORMATION
OUT OF POSSESSION (4-4-2): Denis Ovsyannikov will retreat from a traditional attacking midfield position into central midfield to form a pair with Nurija Papez. Gavril Atsev and Ante Saranja will both play fairly narrow too, but will in practice be the 'wide midfielders' in the four man midfield. Ivica Svok wants to protect the centre of the pitch and is therefore playing narrow in this area of the pitch, this does mean that room may be available down the sides of the Mytanija formation (it could particularly be exploited by attacking fullbacks / wingbacks overlapping wingers, creating wide overloads). Mytanija will retreat into their own half when out of possession, aimed at drawing the opposition onto them and then pressing from around the halfway line with Drazen Skara and Goran Papic-Papratovic leading this press and attempting to 'pin' the opposition against one sideline, if either of the strikers have success with this then the central and wide midfielder on their side of the pitch will also jump to join the press and try to win the ball back.

IN POSSESSION (3-2-5): When possession is won back Mytanija will aim to attack at speed. The 3-2-5 shape is quite familiar, constituted by three defenders (Bosko Pestotnik, Bigger Mbala-Ekakia and Nnamdi Lusamba tucking in from right-back), two central midfielders (Gavril Atsev and Nurija Papez moving across to a more central position); and five other players across the attacking third. On the left side is Mumin Jesenko, who has a big task in having to get up and down the left flank all game, his input in the attacking third is valuable and the way he maintains the width on this side ensures Mytanija don't become too narrow. Denis Ovsyannikov may sometimes move into the space between Jesenko and Skara, but has something of a free role to pop-up across the width of the pitch. Skara will act as the main central striker, whilst Ante Saranja and Goran Papic-Papratovic will rotate between playing wider or trying to exploit the space in between the other and Skara on the interior of the pitch. Attacks will be more about trying to get the ball forward quickly and effectively than maintaining long periods of possession, a change from the tactic Svok used to get Mytanija to the World Cup.


TEAM ROLES
Captaincy: 1. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia; 2. Semir Besak; 3. Denis Ovsyannikov; 4. Gavril Atsev; 5. Drazen Skara
Penalties: 1. Denis Ovsyannikov; 2. Drazen Skara; 3. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia; 4. Nurija Papez; 5. Gavril Atsev
Corners: 1. Nurija Papez; 2. Mumin Jesenko; 3. Gavril Atsev; 4. Dzafer Mytnjak; 5. Eduard Issatsenko
Short free kicks: 1. Denis Ovsyannikov; 2. Nurija Papez; 3. Drazen Skara; 4. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia; 5. Gavril Atsev
Long free kicks: Usually one of the wing-backs to put it into the penalty area and take advantage of Mytanija's relatively tall team

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Brought to you by Kirola, the official Sportswear Apparel Partner for Mytanija

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NOTES:
• Ivica Svok (aged 39) was called in as interim coach when Mytanija lay five points out of a playoff place with five matches to go in World Cup 95 qualification. The FSM had always been divided over the appointment of Misel Ravnjak and the bad form appeared to finally do for the great man. Svok is a much younger replacement with a much less impressive track record, only managing Nyva Zvornik and overseeing two promotions and one relegation from the 1. Prvenstvo in his time as manager. Svok is much younger, recently did his coaching badges with the FSM and had a solid if unspectacular playing career with several domestic sides which means he is well-respected around the game in Mytanija. It was something of a shock appointment, regarded by some as the FSM just trying to get someone in to create a good feeling around the side before a new manager could refocus for the Copa Rushmori and World Cup 96. Somewhat unexpectedly Svok managed to complete a miraculous recovery over the five qualifying games, overturning the gap between Mytanija and Naixi, winning five matches out of five whilst scoring eight goals and conceding none. He instilled a solid if slightly pedestrian possession game which didn't allow the players to take too many risks and got the job done. He was pragmatic in that he needed the players to win the games, preferring to only tinker with the system slightly in the fifth of the five games he had as interim coach when Mytanija needed to score goals to keep qualification in their own hands. That led to the 4-3-1-2 ish shape we see now, which results in a 4-4-2 out of possession and 3-2-5 when Mytanija have the ball. It's also the shape which the Hoops used to defeat Huayramarca 3-2 in the qualification playoff, a comeback victory which really earned Svok his stripes and got Mytanija to a 17th World Cup proper. Now there is a growing swell of support for Svok to be made permanent manager, though how the team performs in the tournament will of course have some bearing on his future. He still has the Nyva job to go back to if things fall apart under the harsh spotlight of the group stage.

• Mytanija has qualified to 17 World Cups, most recently World Cup 95, the country's biggest achievement in that competition is reaching the quarter finals in World Cup 68. Mytanija has won the Copa Rushmori once (XVII), to go with two victories in the Cup of Harmony (56 and 59); and a Di Bradini Cup win (DBC40). Some of these achievements were made under the names Mytannion/the Mytanar Region, Mytanija is ICly the exact same place.

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

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

[Sylestone]

STYLE MODIFIER: -5

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SYLESTONE NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

World Cup 95

Located in the far east of Esportiva, Sylestone is an equatorial nation home to roughly 30 million residents and while the vast, vast majority are humans, Sentients and even a small cluster of elves live on specific areas of the island, which has a size of roughly 700,000 kilometres squared. For the very first time in the nation’s history, though, Mytanar football manager Mojmir Anac’s squad to the 34th Campionato Esportiva and following World Cup Qualifiers - marking the return of international football for Sylestone in over half a decade - was composed of both Sentients as well as humans. In ages past, managers would prefer to not mix the two races out of fear for how that would go and with the Sentient sides almost always receiving the opportunity to play in tournaments while the humans sat in front of their televisions and watches, the vast majority of the Sylestonean population began to become distressed about this obvious favouritism. In fact, aside from the one Campionato Esportiva in the Licentian Isles that saw the human side capitulate to one point from three matches, they never actually received an official go.

But upon the heralded return of Sylestone to football and football to Sylestone, the appointment of Mojmir Anac changed all of that. Although a match between a mixed XI against Quebec and Shingoryeo had occurred the year before as part of a friendly series containing some of the multiverse’s biggest names, last year’s 34th Campionato Esportiva marked the very first time the two races shared the same half of a football field in an official game, or larger tournament. Although a mini-cup between the Sentients, Evermark, Tikariot and Quebec and Shingoryeo in Chamberley that saw the hosts’ only points come in a 2-2 draw with Evermark, results ever since have been the exact opposite of disappointing, and culminated in Anac being nominated as one of five nominees for International Manager of the Year in one Testiculos and even more importantly, saw Sylestone qualify for their first World Cup.

In fact, aside from last year’s World Cup, there hasn’t been a single tournament where Mojmir Anac has not impressed. His first tournament with the Sentients was the 34th Campionato Esportiva four years ago, where the team’s only two losses came against eventual champions Tumbra - once in the group stage and a second time in the knockouts after Sylestone had pulled off a massive upset by knocking off Brenecia following an 8-2 triumph over Macbon. The following World Cup Qualifiers are technically Sylestone’s best ever, recording 44 points in 22 games with a single digit in the goals conceded column… until Huayramarca took over Chamberley by storm in what ended up as an 8-4 shellacking over two playoff legs. However, two years later and backed by a fourth place finish in a home Campionato Esportiva alongside another strong World Cup Qualifying campaign, Anac’s side were not about to make the same mistake against Nyowani Kitara. Instead of mimicking their opponents style of football, they held their own as Riley Strathfield’s second half goal proved the difference in Græntfjall, sending the Sentients through to their first World Cup just three years after their return to the international scene.

After four wildly successful campaigns across the regional and multiversal levels, it was about time Mojmir Anac suffered his first failure. And even in this case, it’s still a tournament that ultimately garnered more praise than criticism, particularly internationally. Although they were out after their opening two fixtures, a pair of 1-0 hard fought 1-0 losses to Ko-oren and Eura were hardly anything to laugh about - although the better team won both encounters, either result could have swung the other way and no one would have batted an eye. It was the matchday three loss to the hosts that really hurt, the Sentients conceding six and even with a team composed primarily of second string players, that kind of result still hurts on the big stage.

The Campionato Esportiva came and went with Sylestone fielding a slightly weaker side than usual, once again falling in the third place playoff to Natanians and Nosts after actually scoring some goals in the group stage (and conceding a few too many). However, the most recent friendlies do have some promising signs, with the Sentients going unbeaten in seven games, including matches against Chromatika, Tikariot, Vdara and the Squornshelan Remnant States. It might only be friendlies, but is it a sign of things to come?

Nickname: The Sentients
Formation: 4-4-1-1 → 4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1


MANAGER

Mojmir Anac (M, 43)
He’s a cult hero in Sylestone, and he fully deserves every skerrick of praise he has received. Not even a year into coaching, to have already been nominated as a candidate for the International Manager of the Year is truly spectacular, and in reality, he’s only just getting started. A former centre back with Olympia Thessia, Anac has already built a reputation for coaching defensive-minded football, with a strong preference for letting opponents dominate and then attacking them on the counter, giving up possession but certainly not giving up goals. Originally, Anac was employed by the Sylestonean Football Association (SFA) to attempt to unify the two races but with the nation’s human footballers beginning to outshine their counterparts from the Sentient city of Kirkham, that’s becoming less and less of a problem each and every day. Anac will push his players to their limits and demand lots of them but at the end of the day, he used to be a player as well, and knows just how hard that can be day in, day out.

GOALKEEPERS

NAME				AGE		SEX		CAPS		GOALS		CLUB
GK: Ryan Macleay		26		M		21		0		Pesfield Trees 
GK: Brick Wall			??		??		225		1		Kirkham Sentients 
GK: Bianca Ding			26		F		3		0		Knetyohai 

Ever since his first international cap, Ryan Macleay has asserted himself as Sylestone’s best between the sticks and as a result, it feels as though he’s been around a lifetime, not just 21 games. An elite shot stopper, he is a regular to League Number One highlight reels with his acrobatic saves, and his distribution at the back has markedly improved. He’s not really built like a goalkeeper - he’s skinny and barely touches 180 centimetres - but once you get past that the potential is clear. Behind Macleay is the Brick Wall, who has gone through a small slump as of recent after the relegation of his beloved Kirkham Appliances, only for the Kirkham Sentients to pick him up to ensure he continues to play League Number One football. Then there’s Bianca Ding, a player of whom is probably a bit unlikely to receive game time unless it comes to a penalty shootout - her record saving shots from the spot is simply outstanding. Other than that, Ding is a reliable player whose performances in Sylestone with AFC Droves netted her the move overseas she had been yearning for and look where that’s put her.


DEFENDERS

NAME				AGE		SEX		CAPS		GOALS		CLUB
LB: Eden Holt			31		F		55		4		Ararat Severyan 
LB: Jade Wettenhall		25		F		6		1		Pesfield Trees 
CB: Hugo Mornington (c)		31		M		59		2		Hesham 
CB: Alana Faucett		25		F		41		1		CSKA Quebec 
CB: Alexander Nutt		27		M		20		1		Tihon 
CB: Jake Blackall		22		M		5		0		Capitol Athletic 
CB: Alicia Dowie		22		M		3		0		Sanar 
RB: Holly Statton		22		F		13		0		Perce Town 
RB: Lesley Keller		28		F		46		2		Straton 

It goes to show the quality of this Sylestonean back line that Anac has been unable to fit neither Isabella Cross nor the Hand Sanitiser into Sylestone 26-strong squad to their first home World Cup. Instead, after strong performances at left back in the Sentients’ pre-World Cup friendlies, Eden Holt’s former Pesfield Trees teammate Jade Wettenhall will take the place once occupied by Avondale City’s Cross, the pair re-uniting on the biggest stage there probably is. It’s an interesting option because both women have an attacking streak at left back and like to get forward - particularly Holt with her pace - but Wettenhall will probably be used as the more defensive option of the two and considering Holt’s stamina after sprinting up and down the line under sticky, humid conditions, will probably receive more than just a little bit of playing time. With both looking to go forward, it is expected that right backs Holly Statton or Lesley Keller will drop in a bit to form a back three when on the attack, particularly with the ball on the left side of the field, although it will depend on which team they face as well. Over the years, Sylestone have been unable to really generate any incredible right backs but now, just may have found that in 22-year-old Statton, whose move from Dunkirk Athletic to Perce Town has cemented her status as a class player, rather than just a form one. She’s not built like a defender but bloody hell, once you see her defend, you’ll see that it won’t stop her from putting in some of the more vicious tackles you’ll see throughout the World Cup.

And finally, the group everyone has been waiting on. Sylestone’s centre back duo. Once again, national captain Hugo Mornington will lead the group as one of the most capped players on the side, only behind the lone Sentient, the Brick Wall, and midfielder Gemma Rodway. Despite some poor performances last cycle, Alana Faucett’s game has gone up another level in the years since, recently sealing a whopping $8 million deal from Zenit Attawapiskat to CSKA Quebec that could be none the more deserved - as a result, she’ll be expected to start on Mornington’s right against Ko-oren. Alexander Nutt, despite being left footed and more suited to Mornington’s role, is the other main challenger for Faucett’s spot in the team, and is another player whose game has moved up a notch since moving from Pesfield to Tihon. Pesfield seems to be a bit of a hotspot for defensive Sylestonean footballers, with Macleay, Holt, Wettenhall, Faucett and Nutt either currently playing there or emerging through their academy programs at the club. Fourth choice centre back Jack Blackall, though, is from rival side Capitol Athletic and has been starting for a while for them despite his youthful age, as has Alicia Dowie for Sanar. Both are more than suitable backup options should something happen to Mornington, Faucett or Nutt, and are considered very much the future of Sylestonean defending. The group is capable of moving to a 5-4-1 with the introduction of an extra defender when leading in the latter stages of a game, too - potentially, those two could receive an opportunity if this does indeed occur.


MIDFIELDERS

NAME				AGE		SEX		CAPS		GOALS		CLUB
LM: Jack Ryland			25		M		30		3		Serrapince 
LM: Victoria Korner		23		F		4		0		Alexandria United 
CM: Gemma Rodway		29		F		60		6		Newark Argyle 
CM: Jack Lawson			25		M		42		2		Avondale City 
CM: Raphael Brown		36		M		53		1		Belgrave 
CM: Thomas Hellyer		22		M		4		1		Betham FC 
CM: Callum Blair		32		M		30		2		Khalgarh Valley FC 
RM: Abigail Jones		31		F		55		5		Pria City 
RM: James Barclay		24		M		23		1		Montreal City 

While it may not have the same reputation as Sylestone’s defensive unit, there should be no denying that this midfield group is pretty bloody good. Sitting on the left wing is Serrapince’s Jack Ryland, an aggressive player who loves a counter-attack, fitting perfectly into Mojmir Anac’s setup. After knocking off Cayden Holmes as Sylestone’s best LM, he’s gone on to become undoubtedly the first choice in the role for any Sylestonean team, leaving a group of others to fight for that other elusive spot. Former Mid-Capital youngster Victoria Korner has won that battle after an impressive season with Cardenao’s Alexandria United, with an injury to Cayden Holmes allowing for her and up and coming wingers such as Cameron Milligan and Joshua Wallace to receive great opportunity during the pre-tournament friendlies. But it was her style, determination and willingness to track back that set her apart from the others, even receiving a start against Chromatika in Chamberley last week before Ryland replaced her at half time, worn out from the intensity of the fixture. On the opposite side of the field, Abigail Jones will continue to be Anac’s first choice right winger as she continues to impress at Pria City and although she’s had a bit of a drought from goals in the national team as of recent, she’s still been absolutely pivotal both on the attack and in defence. She might not be the tallest, but those legs pump when making runs up the wing, and is not afraid to try and run past defenders instead of simply knocking the ball back, particularly at club level. James Barclay, her understudy, is a similar vein of player, except he’s also an absolute weapon with the set pieces, with several goals straight from free kicks or from the corner, particularly back in his days at Marbury.

The real names, though, are in the centre of the park. Like, for example, who thought that former captain Raphael Brown would find himself playing a reserve at any point in his Sylestonean career, even at the ripe old age of 36? It is expected that this tournament will be his swansong from international football, although it is unclear how long he intends to play for Belgrave at club level, or even if he’s yearning for a return to familiar shores. Instead, it is Newark Argyle’s creative midfielder Gemma Rodway who leads the midfield alongside the more defensive Jack Lawson, who has performed so well for Avondale City in both the League Number One and IFCF Champions League for years now, his connection with Quebecois DM Pyo Seung-Hye a critical part of the club’s recent league threepeat. On the bench alongside Brown, Betham FC’s Thomas Hellyer will join the group as an RCM specialist, albeit a slightly more aggressive one at that. The ever reliable Callum Blair will round out the midfield group, whose steady and impressive performances with Khalgarh Valley keeping the likes of Bianca Barkman and others out of this group, and is a versatile player willing to take up any role. Will be of use if things go to the shitters, if you get what I’m saying.


ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

NAME				AGE		SEX		CAPS		GOALS		CLUB
CAM: Brett Sarcav-Jones		20		M		23		6		St John's Arsenal 
CAM: Rose Fleetwood		33		F		59		8		Newark Argyle 
CAM: Cameron Keyes		33		M		42		9		Lakewood United 

Even with his youthful age and the other options available, the fact that Brett Saracv-Jones is undoubtedly the best AM option Sylestone has speaks volumes about his ability and potential to become one of the world’s best players in the future. At only 20 years of age, the Avondale City youth product has gone from one of the best players in the League Number One as a teenager to one of the best in the Q-League in just a year and now, will be looking to transfer his form into the blue and orange. A player with absolutely unreal vision, Sarcav-Jones does not let his lean frame deter him from charging through defences and taking shots and with incredible chemistry with former teammate Charlotte Eastwood at Avondale City, he will only be even better now that she is Sylestone’s first choice up top. The ageing Rose Fleetwood and Cameron Keyes will wait behind Sarcav-Jones - coined as “the Brett” by Arsenal fans - but despite that, both are still performing very well in Tumbra, even if many of those performances are off the bench. Keyes in particular is useful as a super-sub, with the creativity to walk past tiring defenders and create opportunities from nothing. As for Fleetwood, she’s just as good as a forward or winger despite Anac using her primarily in this role, so what she’ll be tasked with is yet to be seen.


FORWARDS

NAME				AGE		SEX		CAPS		GOALS		CLUB
CF: Charlotte Eastwood		24		F		23		7		Lakewood United 
CF: Riley Strathfield		28		M		38		13		Chardonnay Rangers 

And lastly, the sole player up front. Although it might not be Sylestone’s specialty, the nation has still produced two top quality goal scorers, both with very different histories. Historically, Riley Strathfield has become used to working hard for his goals after years under Tahlia Dawson at AFC Droves alongside twin brother Evan and as a result, has developed handy finishing skills to ensure the goals would be scored from the minimal chances the team would create. Then there’s Charlotte Eastwood, whose recent signing to Lakewood United for $13.5 million NSD is by far the most expensive in Sylestonean history - $5.5 million more than Alana Faucett to Serrapince and $6.5 million more than the previous record held by Jack Ryland when he moved from Colbrook City to Serrapince in the T-League. A woman who broke all sorts of records at Avondale City, if she gets going she’s almost impossible to stop and despite a bit of a slow start to her international career, can be relied upon for years to come. She’s also capable of playing as a CAM, although she definitely prefers to ply her trade up front and in all fairness, is so much better in that role.

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KEY STATISTICS

All-time Record: 121-71-129
First Game: Sylestone 0-0 Pangurstan (BoF 72)
Largest Win: Sylestone 8-2 Macbon (CE 34)
First Win: Sylestone 3-1 Floyssauu (BoF 72)
Largest Loss: Græntfjall 6-0 Sylestone (World Cup 94)
Latest Game: Sylestone 0-0 Chromatika (Friendly)
Most Caps: Fridge (258)
Most Goals: Mixer (69) (nice)

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RP PERMISSIONS

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: As long as it isn’t too ridiculous
RP injuries to my players: Yes (only minor ones, and I decide the length)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out penalties to my players: Yes (max 4 yellow cards per game)
Eject my players: Yes (max 1 red card per game)
Godmod other events: As long as it isn’t too ridiculous, just ask permission if it’s anything that may not sit right with me (the usual courtesy). I’ll probably say yes