AOCAF Cup LVI - Everything Thread

by **Vilita and Turori** » Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:53 pm

A look at the Groups for AOCAF 55 56 in the Equestrian States...

Group A
The AOCAF organizing committee probably forgot to solicit host bids for the 56th AOCAF - or perhaps instead forgot that the 55th AOCAF competition actually took place - easy to be forgotten perhaps considering that somehow the competition was won by Chromatika - the very team that couldn't even beat Krytenia in the 52nd AOCAF final. Regardless, the AOCAF Cup was returning to the South Western corner of Atlantian Oceania and the ponies drew well and should have little trouble advancing from a group where their stiffest competition will be 17th rank Banija. Longtime AOCAF competitors Geisenfried seemed to get confused and forget that they aren't actually good enough to compete at the regional level of competition and decided to try to send a team once again before they dropped into the realm of the unranked. The move will allow the angry friers to maintain their ranking but that will be all they can accomplish as Banija will easily join the hosts en route to the Round of 16.

Predict: Equestrian States, Banija

Group B
Group B has all the makings of offering the most competitive fixture lineup of the entire group stage as the two highest ranked nations in the Group are an unproven and unheralded who have never cracked the medal positions at an AOCAF competition while on the outside looking in is Ko-oren - the AOCAF 50 runner-up and two-time podium finishers coming in as the groups third seed and looking to upset one of Tropicorp or the Sultanate of Oontaz to sneak into the knockout rounds. While Oontaz may be the nation closest in the dragonflies crosshairs, Tropicorp are an unpredictable experiment that could always go wrong and open the door for a nation such as Ko-oren to sneak past.

Predict: Tropicorp, Ko-oren

Group C
Vilita & Turori's Eel-Cat Things find themselves in Group C along with Mriin, Saint Emelie and South Toronto. There isn't much expected from the Saint Emelie side and many predict they will exit from their first AOCAF competition without a point to show for their efforts which would reduce Group C to a three team shootout for two places. While the South Torontons have proven they can compete on the interenational stage, perhaps taking points from both Mriin and Vilita & Turori would be asking a little too much for the Nation in their first ever appearance in the multiverses oldest regional competition - perhaps snatching a draw but not the sequence of victories they would need to move on.

Predict: Vilita & Turori, Mriin

Group D
While each AOCAF group offers its own unique dynamic, no group offers quite as juicy of an individual match fixture as Group D where #2 ranked Cosumar will square off against #8 Qasden. Qasden's Qats stunned regional footsport fanatics last go round in the Equestrian States as they knocked out the then-#2 ranked Eel-Cat Things from the competition in the Round of 16. Now they will be looking to do the same to now #2 ranked Cosumar, the champions of AOCAF LIVe. The Qats will need to watch their back, however. Sitting just beyond their reach will be the upstart competitors Siovanija and Teusland ready to pounce if either of the top two slip up. With tough ranked opposition in #2 Cosumar and then a heated colonial matchup against Novo Calania on the cards, it could be Qasden who slip up and fall victim to the newcomers in Group D

Predict: Cosumar, Siovanija & Teusland

Vilita & Turori related Artwork of the Day

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:41 am

Cosumar National Team
AOCAF LVI

National Information

Name: The Fiefdom of Cosumar

Government: Cosumar is divided into 21 'Fiefs' (ancient jurisdictions of power) that now function as provinces. Our government is executive constitutional monarchy, which means the crown does wield significant governing power but is limited therein by a constitution. Cosumarite society believes strongly in complete freedoms and respect for all sentient beings, advancement of science (especially space exploration) and conservation of nature. Cosumar has the highest HDI in AO according to WA Census, and is in the Top 1% of the world's Most Cultured and Intelligent. King James II has continued the tradition of encouraging technological progress and immigration while simultaneously maintaining our diverse natural features and local culture.

Region: Atlantian Oceania (Northeast)

Nicknames: Vanquishers (since WC 72) or, traditionally, Azure Dragons

Stadium: Farris Crowley Memorial World Cup Stadium at The Royal Palace (capacity 105,000)

FA: Fiefdom Soccer Federation (FSF). Headqurtered in Kaldukosic. President Tomás Navarro (86).

Team History

Snapshot: Cosumar made its international debut in World Cup 51 and Finals debut in World Cup 54. In World Cup 73, new manager Gethin Ramsey built on momentum from winning the preceding Cup of Harmony to qualify Cosumar for the first time since World Cup 62, ending a miserable 20-year drought. Since, the Vanquishers have advanced to seven consecutive WC knockout rounds and four Quarterfinals. With the program reestablished as a contender and with additional pride from being recent AOCAF and Eagle's Cup champions, expectations are higher than ever. A first ever trip to the semifinals is the goal.

Expanded History: Cosumar qualified for six consecutive World Cups (54-59) in its original "golden age", going out twice in the group stage and then four times in the Round of 16. After World Cup 59, Cosumar reached its peak ranking of #7. The National Team began a gradual decline in World Cups 60 & 61, in which they were eliminated in the Qualification Playoffs despite strong campaigns. They would qualify once again for World Cup 62, but the downward trajectory had already set in. World Cups 64-66 were particularly bleak and once-elite ranking dipped as low as the 80s. But the FSF stuck with Farris Crowley, manager since WC54, and Cosumar re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with around WC 68. A marvelous crop of talent (Sur Arora, Alexander Pearce, etc.) now lovingly referred to as the "Renaissance Generation" started to restore former honor to the Dragonshirt. They led increasingly competitive Qualifying and Cup of Harmony campaigns...though never did manage to return to the biggest stage. The generation's swansong ended up being 3rd place at Cup of Harmony 62. The next Qualifying, WC 72, was a rough transition and threatened to erase all the momentum. It was a disaster. The worst campaign since Cosumar's WC51 debut. Eight draws against low-ranked sides. Crowley was finally sacked after 40 years. Nephara legend Gethin Ramsey arrived and salvaged Cosumar's ranking by winning the subsequent Cup of Harmony. Ramsey continued his good work, leading his "Vanquishers" to five consecutive World Cup Finals (73-77), including our best-ever finish (QFs) thrice. The Cosumarite game grew more in Ramsey's wake. For the first time, Cosumar won the right to host (WC78) and new manager Alexander Pearce led the team, once again, to the Quarterfinals. With a talent pool deeper than ever, he was subsequently able to break Cosumar's curse in regional competition by winning AOCAF LIV, as well as the Eagle's Cup. With these trophies under our belt, the only thing left is to finally make a World Cup semifinal. Cosumar were eliminated in the Round of 16 of both WC 79 and WC 80, however, putting some pressure back on Pearce heading into this tournament. After getting 3rd at the last AOCAF too, anything but a deep run to restore some confidence would be a disappointment.

Recent Results:
World Cup 76 Qualifying: 1st place in Group 9 (8-4-0)
World Cup 76: 2nd in Group H (1-2-0), eliminated by Chromatika in Quarterfinals
AOCAF 52: 3rd in Group Y (1-1-2), eliminated by Audioslavia in Ro16

World Cup 77 Qualifying: 2nd in Group 11 (13-4-1)
World Cup 77: 2nd in Group F (1-2-0), eliminated by Quebec in Ro16
AOCAF 53: 2nd in Island Group (4-1-1), eliminated in Play-in Round

World Cup 78 Qualifying: Host Exemption
World Cup 78: 2nd in Group A (1-2-0), eliminated by Schottia in Quarterfinals
AOCAF 54: 1st in Group 1 (4-2-1), Champions
Eagle's Cup VII: 1st in Group B (5-3-1), Champions

World Cup 79 Qualifying: 1st in Group 9 (13-2-3)
World Cup 79: 1st in Group A (1-1-1), eliminated by Pasarga in Ro16
AOCAF 55: 1st in Group D (6-0-1), 3rd Place

World Cup 80 Qualifying: 1st in Group 15 (11-3-4)
World Cup 80: 2nd in Group F (1-1-1), eliminated by Vilita in Ro16
AOCAF 56: ______???

Records:
All-time Record: 395-146-189

First International Match: Cosumar 0-0 Krytenia (World Cup 51 Qualifiers MD1)
First win: Cosumar 4-3 The Ursine Northlands (World Cup 51 Qualifiers MD3)
First World Cup match: Akbarabad 3-0 Cosumar (World Cup 54, MD1)
First World Cup win: Cosumar 2-1 Al Mumtaz (World Cup 55, MD2)

Largest win: Hladio Huggers 0-7 Cosumar (World Cup 57 Qualifiers, MD12)
Largest defeat: Cosumar 0-9 Valanora (World Cup 55 Qualifiers, MD11)

Most glorious moments:
Cosumar 1-0 Cotdelapoms - Cup of Harmony 45 3rd Place Playoff - Late Rikki Varshney winner for our first medal.
Cosumar 4-0 Haginonia - World Cup 54 Interzonal - Showdown on the final day of Qualifying with both sides' first World Cup berth at stake.
Cosumar 1-0 Sarzonia - World Cup 57 MD3 - Cosumar advances to its first Round of 16 at Sarzonia's expense.
Cosumar 7-3 Kagdazka & Pazhujebu - World Cup 60 Qual. Playoff - Revenge against K&P for ousting us on penalties in the Round of 16 last WC.
Cosumar 5-1 The Sarian - Cup of Harmony 64 Final - Ramsey's newly-christened "Vanquishers" propel Cosumar to a first WCC title.
Valanora 2–2 Cosumar (3–3 AET) (7–8 pen.) - World Cup 73 Ro16 - After splitting the series in group play, we triumphed over the Elves to claim our first Quarterfinal.
Cosumar 2-2 Eshan (2-2 AET) (6-5 pen.) - AOCAF LIV Final - We won an elusive regional trophy with another helping of late drama after three consecutive extra time games.

Most heartbreaking moments:
Cosumar 1-1 (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs) Churchma - Cup of Harmony 45 Semifinal - Losing on penalties hurts, especially when it's to your first rival deep in a tourney.
Cosumar 0-3 Sorthern Northland - World Cup 55 MD3 - It came down to this for our first Ro16, and we got our asses kicked.
Cosumar 2-4 Sorthern Northland - World Cup 56 Ro16 - We finally make it to the knockout rounds just to be humbled by these guys again.
Cosumar 1-4 Jeru FC - World Cup 57 Ro16 - Another drubbing to fall short of Quarterfinals. This team had such potential...
Cosumar 0-4 The Babbage Islands - World Cup 58 Ro16 - New Cup, same story. Cosumar fall apart in the knockouts.
Cosumar 3-3 (3-3 AET, 2-4 PKs) Kagdazka & Pazhujebu - World Cup 59 Ro16 - THE match that haunts the dreams of every Cosumarite to this day. We'd rolled through our Qualifying and WC groups completely undefeated. It was a historic Cosumarite team, destined for new heights. We led the Urchins 3-0 late. The Ro16 curse seemed broken - celebrations had begun. But Chalia Sajid scored an unlikely hat trick in final 15 minutes. In the eventual shootout, we choked - missing the target twice. Numbing. Many wondered if Cosumar would EVER recover. It took nearly 30 years.
Cosumar 0-0 (0-2 AET) Unified Sunrise Islands - World Cup 75 Quarterfinal - Sunk by a Stabb ET brace on the brink of sealing the chance to play for a WC medal for the first time.
Cosumar 2-2 (2-3 AET) Chromatika - World Cup 76 Quarterfinal - Agonizingly close to semifinals again. We gave up two leads and fell in ET despite Chromatika going down to ten men and infamously moving a star attacker to goalkeeper in desperation. This match made Chromatika our biggest rivals today.

Most Goals: 104 - Sur Arora (WC 63-72)
Most Assists: 77 - Irvinn Rincon (WC 51-56)
Most Caps: 228 - Jakk Winterfyll (WC 70-80)

Complete historical records, including all cap/goal tallies, HERE

Team Information

Style Modifier: +3

Post-WC78 Ranking: #14 (KPB 30.84)

Formation: 4-3-1-2
In his third cycle, Alexander Pearce has continued the more attacking approach initiated in the victorious AOCAF LIV, with a wide 4-3-1-2 that is essentially a flat 4-4-2 but with one center mid slid up full-time as a true #10 behind the two strikers. Filling that crucial role is blossoming superstar Isla Sibučić, who has already won the SPL Player of the Year and Golden Boot. Pearce crafted this formation around the wunderkind that he himself unearthed back at Cornellians, maximizing her unique talents once again.

Tactical Breakdown: The play flows somewhat narrow through this formation, with most chances being worked through the middle rather than just channeling it wide and pumping in crosses as we often did under Ramsey. This is ideal because of Sibučić's instincts pulling strings, and because top strikers Valgard and Targaryen are much better finishers with their feet than heads, although VZR and Ruhl are strong in the air. When the ball is won in the defensive half, the immediate outlet is usually Stig Söderquist in the middle instead of always finding the wingers like we traditionally did. LM Serafino covers crazy ground and can also materialize in the middle to receive an outlet before drifting back out left. The three-man midfield can then combine laterally with each other or find one of the three attacking players ahead of them. When they play directly to Targaryen or whomever up top, that sets up the magic situation... the striker can play to the feet of Sibucic 20 meters from goal, then make a cutting run on goal to receive a ball back in or create space for the other striker. If defenses crowd the CAM in response, that's when we can involve the wide mids and flex some width. This formation does, however, place a lot of strain on the LM and RM. They need to provide service in the final third, but then get back and squeeze narrower as the first line of pressure in the case of an opposition counter. Fortunately, work rate is a particular strength of Serafino and Bryger Tidesson. In essence, the up-the-spine style funnels the opposing team into the center of park, which makes the wide players all the more dangerous when the play does finally call for them. “Funneling” forces the opponents to play narrow as well and makes it easier to defend them if it's not their usual style.

Note on Vloo: The roster consists of 23 players, 21 of whom are standard humans. The other players (defender Bacary Na'Kale and keeper Shjegrzh Na’Kefir) are of the Vloo people (homo cosumarensis), a humanoid race native to Cosumar. Vloo are, on average, two inches taller than humans, and must use different footwear and handwear. Vloo have a pale-blue tint to their skin, two small black horns protruding from their foreheads, and spiky spines visible on the back of their neck. They are distinguished by their surnames, which typically begin with clan prefixes Na', Va' or Vu'. Since World Cup 51, there has usually been at least one Vloo player in the squad, but never more than four.

Kit

HOME - AWAY

Designed by Meski Sports of Red Blackiland for the World Cup 75 cycle, our WCC 50th anniversary. The design was applauded for improving on the brilliant Meski kits that served us from WC 71-74, while staying true to the spirit of the beloved 54-69 classic kit. Both home and away use the national colors and famous Cosumarite Azure Dragon. The goalkeeper kit hints at the royal family's colors: Green and Gold.

Abbreviated Roster

GK 	Shjegrzh Na’Kefir	26m	Handon United	        [SCT]
GK 	Vance Commerford	28m	Violence Chariots	[NPH]
LB	Bacary Na’Kale		29m	Mâ Âlâmëómë 		[FFD]
LB	Berk Lechjakr		25m	Ausharmuj Marusi 	[FFD]
CB 	Peter Svensson		33m	AFC Treason 		[NPH]
CB      Torbjörn Jorgensen	30m	Raynor City United	[VAL]
CB      Kurt Wolff      	26m	Real Azuris 	        [COS]
RB	Ville Pakkanen	        27m   	Newrook City 	        [NPH]
RB	Tevreness Bale	        26m   	Tanrısal 		[PAS]
DM	Peter Marshall          30m	Crawford City FC 	[COS]
CM	Stig Söderquist	        29m	Brinemouth 	        [NPH]
CM	Kai-Kai Mokumdarian   	21m	Cornellians	        [SCT]
LM	Bellerophon Serafino	29m	Cassandra City   	[COS]
LM      Lorelei Neptune		25f	AFC Treason		[NPH]
RM	Bryger Tidesson	        23m	Real Azuris        	[COS]
RM	Hakki Ojala        	25m	Sabrefell Athletic      [NPH]
AM	Isla Sibučić		23f	Cornellians       	[SCH]
AM	Alora Heher       	30f	Rozelle           	[BRE]
FW	Sen Marsteller  	24f	OAS Royal FC	        [COS]
ST	Romikk Valgard       	28m	Ulsa                    [EUR]
ST	Ragnar Targaryen 	29m	CA Paulinthal    	[PAS]
ST	Vega Zeale-Riddick  	25f	Cassandra City	        [COS]
ST	Airik Ruhl       	27m	Crisisbless             [NPH]

First-Choice Starting XI

Goalkeeper - Shjegrzh Na’Kefir - 26 -

Handon United

This catlike Vloo became Keenan Athletic's first-choice goalkeeper at age 18, a rare feat for this position . In the years since, he has accomplished a lot. With his nimble leaps and strong hands, he guided the Checkers to promotion, top half of the Härlighet Ligan and even the SBCC Final. Then, he earned a move to the Schottic capital and continued his strong performances in the SPL and Champions' Cup. Already being discussed as the best Vloo goalkeeper ever, Na'Kefir has won the race to replace Jakk Winterfyll as Cosumar's #1. But after a somewhat shaky World Cup Finals, he will want to use this AOCAF to cement his place beyond doubt. Just don't mispronounce his first name. He hates it when people do that and is prone to slapping offenders... even teammates in the middle of a match. That happened...

Left Back - Bacary Na'Kale - 29 -

Mâ Âlâmëómë

After cracking Cassandra City's XI on his 18th birthday and outshining established players, Na'Kale became the subject of a sudden rainfall of foreign bids. Mâ Âlâmëómë landed his services and the Vloo further surprised by winning their first-choice left back spot in record time. At 19. Na'Kale has since played almost every minute of the last decade for the renowned club, helping them to Farf Liga titles and a Champions' Cup Final. His rise to club stardom has been mirrored in the National Team, in which he has registered a crazy amount of assists. Indeed, Na'Kale's calling card is his extraordinary offensive production from the fullback position. Last season, he registered 15 goals for Mâ Âlâmëómë as they reclaimed the title. Na'Kale's pace helps with that, but it is his intrinsic understanding of positioning and timing that, when combined with his athleticism and touch, makes him so unique. In with a shout as the most complete Cosumarite player right now.

Center Back - Peter Svensson - 33 - CAPTAIN -

AFC Treason

The heart and soul of the Cosumarite defense since World Cup 74. The entire team looks to Svensson as a leader. A titanic figure for FC Jansberg through the entirety of its LigAnaia tenure and lately for resurgent AFC Treason, Svensson is universally recognized as one of the best defenders in the Premiership and indeed the world. He is a master of interceptions, is as strong as he looks, can dribble and pass out of the back comfortably and, most of all, is an infamous aerial threat on set-pieces. He'll contribute several goals per domestic season with his head. It feels like Svensson has been around forever, but people forget that he was only 19 when he started winning titles for Jansberg - and he was a homegrown standout for the Na'Ilee Mariners before that. People talk about Svensson as if he's ancient ("how is he still so good?"), but having only just turned 33, is actually still in his prime as a CB. Peter is nephew of Herrgly Svensson, a famous Cosumarite daredevil known for skydiving out of space stations, and brother of Congressman Erak Svensson.

Center Back - Torbjörn Jorgensen - 30 -

Raynor City United

A defender's defender whose mantle holds LigAnaia, Härlighet Ligan and Champions' Cup titles. Tor doesn't offer anything fancy like passes or dribbles, but he's a beast of a physical presence. He defends aggressively and wears his heart on his sleeve, protecting the goal from every cross or shot like his life depends on it. He's deceptively smart though, and controls his aggression intelligently. That mentality helped SC Rinaldi survive and climb in the Vanorian Premiership and saw him named to the league's Best XI every year there. Now at legendary Raynor City United, where anchors the multiverse champions in the back. Jorgensen was developed by Real Azuris' academy, breaking into their XI and being named HL Defender of the Year... at 18. FC Jansberg subsequently added him to their collection of Cosumarite defenders alongside countrymen Soarhaven and Svensson. Tor won more titles there. When he played in Cosumar, fans of rival teams cruelly called him "pizza-face" because of his bad acne, which he still bears to some extent. Precious few would call Jorgensen handsome, that's for sure.

Right Back - Ville Pakkanen - 27 -

Newrook City

"Pacy Pakkanen" blazed up and down the right for FC Kaldukosic for practically his whole life up until age 25. Started out as a traditional right back, but was gradually utilized further and further forward until he basically became a full-fledged winger. Can now play anywhere on the right side. He loved playing in Cosumar's biggest city and the lifestyle that it entailed (he's still a big partier), but FC Kal's repeated near-misses on getting back to the top flight (where he had already impressed as a teenager) eventually pushed him to move in the interests of his career ...To Newrook City, where he has been a core - leading even - part of their transformation into a UICA contender under Cosumarite manager Andreu Bartolnicci. His club success has been rewarded with first-choice status at this AOCAF for the first time.

Left Midfielder - Bellerophon Serafino - 29 -

Cassandra City

It's apt that Serafino's parents named him after a pegasus-riding Greek hero. With long legs and galloping stride that rapidly eats ground, he's a true pegasus-like workhorse. Minus the flying. Though he arrives at one end of the pitch from the other so fast that opponents sometimes probably thought he flew. Each season, he breaks his own Härlighet Ligan record for mileage covered, holding Cassandra City's thinly-spread midfield together. He does the same here. Under Pearce, Belle has since cemented his place as one of the most important players for the national team. His unheralded role in delivering Cosumar AOCAF 54 should not go overlooked. The tactics are designed with his ability contribute heavily in all thirds of the pitch and always be in place in time in mind. Serafino's ability on the ball is limited - he won't often beat defenders with skill - but he can flow, move and combine with the best of 'em and whips some nice long balls in. Off the pitch, he's known for his satirical (we hope?) covers of popular rap songs on social media.

Center Midfielder - Stig Söderquist - 29 -

Brinemouth

Stig is a sharp box-to-box midfielder. His best role is a holding one, to cover for and feed a more attack-focused partner. He doesn't do much that pops off the screen, but he does all the little things that help a team succeed. Always finishes with extremely high pass completion and ratio of successful tackles in midfield. He's a native of Azuris who joined Real's "El Faro" academy at age 11 and gradually worked his way up to a starting position for the senior team. With Söderquist efficient beyond his years as the beating pulse behind the curtain in midfield, a Real Azuris dynasty swept the rest of the Harlighet Ligan aside for several trophies (and two UICA titles). As far as tidy midfielders go, Söderquist is a rockstar now. A quietly superb player that any coach would love to have in their side. After a fantastic World Cup 78 on home soil, Söderquist followed Azuris manager Lujendra Mescalin to Brinemouth, where he now shines in arguably the world's best midfield.

Right Midfielder - Bryger Tidesson - 23 -

Real Azuris

Ever since he scored in the Champions' Cup at age 16 and started the Cygnus Cup Final at 17, people have been certain of Bryger's destined greatness. With his teenage years now behind him, Tidesson is starting to fulfill that destiny. An everyday starter for Cosumar's highest-ranked club, he put up 16 goals and 9 assists en route to PoTY honors in the 1011 HL and followed it up with 14 goals and 12 assists last season despite an underwhelming finish for the club. Tidesson was named the Boldsport Young Galactico a couple years ago --- and it's easy to see why. He has everything you want in a winger. He's fearless, creative, technically and physically gifted and has an eye for goal. He even runs and works hard defensively for the national team, which he isn't asked to do much Azuris. The only question is which celebrated 23-year-old will ultimately have the better career, him or Isla. The Tidesson train has taken off and, if it continues to accelerate, he'll have the right wing locked down for the next decade - and perhaps some records.

Central Attacking Playmaker - Isla Sibučić - 23 -

Cornellians

Take a look at this name and the one above. Tidesson-Sibučić will likely be Cosumar's creative engine for the foreseeable future. Sibučić is a precious little thing, but a gifted playmaker. It's a wonder to watch her small blonde head zip around the pitch and bring a defense to its knees. Sure, she's staggeringly quick, but the main way she makes up for her lack of physical prowess is by simply being a one-in-a-million technical prodigy. Whether it's free kicks, dribbles fit for a circus, you-name-it... she's wondrous with the ball. It's tied to her sock. All of that promise has started translating into on-field production with Schottic giants Cornellians and the results have been beyond their wildest dreams. Sibučić has been a title-winning inspiration for them and scored 25 goals last season! One Golden Boot, please. Hailing from the dark subterranean colony of Fevelo, Sibučić has very pale skin as well as rare purple eyes. She's part of an emerging trend of extraterrestrial-born players making bigger impacts in Cosumarite sport and idolizes former Cosumar captain Paaron Petrov - hitherto the only capped Fevelian.

Striker - Romikk Valgard - 28 - Ulsa

Arguably Cosumar's biggest star since willing us to the AOCAF 54 trophy, Valgard's rate of development has been dizzying. The lad was scooped up from obscurity by West Gundar, and his goal rate increased exponentially each of his three seasons there. Valgard then announced his ability to the whole multiverse in WC 77 Qualifying. In six substitute appearances, he scored five late goals (most winners). Instant phenomenon! Many thought Ulsa would be too big a jump, but he found his footing at the Euran superclub thanks to mentor Kris Campbell. He notched double-digit goals his first season there. Now a 27-goal man and EFA Golden Boot winner, Valgard has developed the touch, composure, two-footed ability (and ego) of an elite striker. His natural all-around athleticism, meanwhile, was always first-rate. The ego has lessened with the humbling experience of a yearlong injury recovery during the last domestic season. At 100%, Valgard can thrive finding a window on goal in tight spaces or running into open space with bursting acceleration and finishing in a variety of ways. He's weak in the air for someone of his height though - factored into the narrow tactics. Valgard is the first (and only) player from extraterrestrial colony Kalloroda to play for the NT. He also has a thing for bananas.

Striker - Ragnar Targaryen - 29 -

CA Paulinthal

Romikk's strike partner and longtime best mate. Ragnar or Romikk? debates are a constant fixture on Cosumarite sports programming, but they are quite different players with quite different careers. Ragnar signed with CA Paulinthal at 17 as a top prospect out of Cosumar's most prestigious private youth residency academy. After a few quiet years, some pundits thought him a bust. At 23, he finally broke through as a Pauli starter after six years of simmering development. And what a whirlwind year it was! Solidifying himself as part of a lethal attacking trio alongside Valladares' Abel Brücke, Ragnar helped will CAP to the Copa de Campeones Final. In subsequent seasons, he would win the SuperLiga with Paulinthal, stepping up to lead the team with insane seasonal goal tallies like 32 and 33. He has since been named THE Boldsport Galactico and multiple-time SuperLiga Player of the Year. Being one of the best club strikers going, combined with his chemistry with Valgard, makes him a must-start for Pearce. Targaryen has stellar movement, first touch and hold-up/passing ability. He doesn't have Valgard's sheer pace, but he's a hard runner. And though he's below-average height, Ragnar is sturdily-built and has natural heading ability when he does win the ball in the air. Though he's not a brilliant shooter from distance, he is absolutely clinical in the box with a reputation for finishing from unusual, geometry-defying angles. Off the pitch, Ragnar is heavily into sci-fi/fantasy fandom - a geek at heart. He's also a big fan of his hometown club, Mallox, and plans to return someday.

Remaining Squad

GK - Vance Commerford - 28 -

Violence Chariots

By saving many poor Versiaville teams and starting for Cosumar at the U23 and U21 levels, Commerford has always been seen as a natural future successor for Jakk Winterfyll. Na'Kefir kinda came out of nowhere to beat him to the punch, but the solid career Commerford's having shouldn't be overlooked. Since leaving Versiaville, he has really come into his own for Violence Chariots and wouldn't be a bad choice to start in goal at all. He certainly isn't afraid of taking control, always barking loud instructions at his defenders and charging out to clear danger head-on. As long as he doesn't try to do anything with the ball at his feet...

LB - Berk Lechjakr - 25 - Ausharmuj Marusi

The second-best Cosumarite fullback in Farfadillis! Not a bad thing at all considering who the first one is. Few saw Berk achieving this level when he arrived there out of the collegiate circuit as firstly a physical, hard-nosed defender. He still possesses those traits, but the Farf league has dramatically sharpened his attacking game as well. With his athletic fullback's frame, he gets up and down the pitch and makes good use of his powerful and accurate left boot. He somehow seems to be getting faster by osmosis too.

CB - Kurt Wolff - 26 -

Real Azuris

At Pelethas United, Wolff was stereotyped as a typical brutish enforcer because of his bulk. And, to be fair, he did dole out his fair share of sore shins. The move to Real Azuris, however, allowed his full set of attributes to shine in a more fluid system. Wolff isn't the best in the air (that's Svensson's job), but he brings a strength, steel and underrated technical nous to the back line that helped Azuris win the Domestic Double in 1011. Seems to have fully earned Pearce's trust and locked down a healthy dose of starts for the foreseeable future. Wolff was finalist for Galactico of the Cycle after World Cup 79 and made the Boldsport XI.

RB - Tevreness Bale - 26 - Tanrısal

Rocinante Prep School, Cosumar's most prestigious private youth residency, prides itself on placing its graduates at top clubs around the Multiverse. Due to a strong network in Pasarga, this often includes SuperLiga clubs. Like classmate Ragnar Targaryen, Bale signed with a big Pasargan club after graduating from Rocinante at 17. Also like Ragnar, it took him several years to break into the first team and lock down a starting position, but Bale stayed focused on his goal and eventually succeeded. Now he's a SuperLiga and Cosumar staple. Bale is a modern wingback: tall with a long, gallant strut and some smooth dribbles to bypass defenders as he floods down the right side. Exquisite delivery on his cross, but still needs to get much better at picking which pass. His one-on-one defending is also suspect at times when isolated, though steadily improving. Starter at World Cup 80.

DM - Peter Marshall - 30 -

Crawford City FC

A stocky lad who has always been a dependable Härlighet Ligan midfield workhorse. The simplicity and defensive effectiveness with which he plays have been highlighted in Amethyst Fegelein's new-look CCFC that marched all the way to the CC Final with Marshall at the base of a midfield diamond. Also maintains a soft passing touch. A good option for Pearce to throw on when he needs some more meat in the midfield, someone who will play with tenacity but also smartly and cleanly.

LM - Lorelei Neptune - 25 -

AFC Treason

Culturally Nepharim yet eligible for Cosumar through her dad, Lorelei brings a direct and explosive energy to the left side. She helped Bishop finish top half in her first season as a Premiership starter, and many are expecting even more from her as a regular at AFC Treason now. With the winger's shoot-first mentality and aggression, she could bring a wonderfully Nepharim dimension that is somewhat lacking in the other attacking options.

CM - Kai-Kai Mokumdarian - 21 -

Cornellians

A center mid distinctly unlike the usual Cosumarite mold (see Söderquist or Marshall), Double-K is tall, supremely athletic, two-footed... at his best best surging up through the middle at pace with the ball to set things in motion. Not to mention his ridiculously elaborate and stylish haircuts. He has set Port Christopher alight since arriving as a touted prospect from Rexnor Colony, earning honors both domestic and international (Galactico Junior runner-up) and a move to Schottic giant Cornellians. One gets the sense he could step in and make a similar impact as a NT starter right now. But Pearce will make him earn his stripes.

RM - Hakki Ojala - 25 -

Sabrefell Athletic

An Anglatia NT superstar who naturalized as Cosumarite after several productive seasons as a starter at Real Azuris. Härlighet Ligan, Champions' Cup and Cygnus Cup champion. His subsequent move to Sabrefell Athletic was exactly what he needed to force Pearce to call him up. He has had a good couple season for one of Nephara's top teams. Hakki is a very skilled and versatile player who can play anywhere across a midfield at the highest levels. Played most often as a left winger for Real Azuris, as more of a classic winger who can beat people one-on-one rather than a modern passing winger. Despite his intimidating 6"4 size, Hakki is an emotionally sensitive person and who can get distraught if things don't go his way.

CAM - Alora Heher - 30 -

Rozelle

For a time, the former Eagle's Cup breakout story-turned-Rozelle star talked big game about winning back the reins of the Cosumarite attack from Isla Sibucic. Even Alora knows that ain't happening now. Despite winning AOCAF LIV as a starter. Romikk Valgard was the headline-grabbing hero of the title run, but he wouldn't have enjoyed as much space if opponents weren't preoccupied with the feisty Heher. Alora is perhaps lacks straight-line speed, but she is quick, nimble and energetic, wearing out defenders with her constant movement. Most impressive though is Heher's eye for the killer pass. She can thread that final ball between the lines, without even looking, and has a powerful shot. Brenecians know this well. She won A-League Player of the Year last season. Her touch in tight quarters could be a lot cleaner though, and that's been the one thing holding her back from higher levels.

ST - Airik Ruhl - 27 -

Crisisbless

Ruhl is a monstrous forward, using his godlike body to dominate defenders, yet with a surprisingly delicate technique for his imposing physique. In his first Premiership season, he led Chenoworth Harriers to the CC with an impressive 22 goals. Most ever by a Cosumarite in Nephara. Then he repeated it the next season and followed his manager to Crisisbless. In the most recent season, he scored 24 as the Heelers won the Premiership. He's definitely a top striker now, though his career hasn't been all smooth sailing. Ruhl's commitment to the game has been questioned in the past. He seemed like he couldn't be arsed to give full effort for boyhood club Morponte Fief or Cosumar U21. The reputation has lingered despite his recent success, though that may be partially due to his name (Clan Ruhl has a long and nefarious history in Cosumar). He's not exactly a favorite of the domestic media either due to his decidedly un-Cosumarite manners, dressing room drama and troubling criminal history, which you can read about here. Has trouble getting along with certain teammates, such as Romikk Valgard. Ruhl might start more matches for Cosumar if Romikk and Ragnar weren't such a package deal...

ST - Vega Zeale-Riddick - 25 -

Cassandra City

The woman known as The Princess of the Plains, VZR or even just "V" deserves her nicknames. With 91 goals in four seasons as a starter (including 18 in her first at Cassandra City in 1013), Vega has already won her share of accolades. Most notably, she broke Engström's record for goals in a Härlighet Ligan season with 32. Vega will never be a showy technician, but she is extremely good at what she does. Towering over most players and with springs for legs, she fits the mold of a prototypical target forward. She is a naturally gifted first-time finisher with head or foot. Don't dare stereotype her though - Vega is very nimble for her height and deceptively clever with the ball under foot in the box. In City's high-press, she has shown she can run and defend too. That said, Alexander Pearce will primarily use her when he wants to adjust to more direct tactics. The public image of VZR is that she's something of a "spoiled princess", but in an endearing way. Off the pitch, she's into fashion design and recently launched her own "VZR" brand in the Cassandra runway circuit.

FW - Sen Marsteller - 24 -

OAS Royal FC

A lively attacker who can play centrally as a striker or out wide, young Marsteller has captured imaginations over the last couple seasons for OAS Royal FC. She's not elite in any one attribute, but she has good pace, first touch and finishing and makes great runs. Put all this together and you have an extremely productive player. Marsteller has scored 20+ goals the last two seasons under Sur Arora. The Cosumar legend sees big things in her future. It's telling that the very first thing he did after taking charge of the club was make 21-year-old Marsteller a key player. Can she also impress his former teammate Pearce in her first AOCAF?

Staff

Manager: Alexander Pearce

Alexander Pearce, 52, is a Cosumarite legend in defense, and the 5th person to manage the NT - the first former player to do so. He has large legacies to live up to. Before him, Nepharim icon Gethin Ramsey made five World Cup knockouts, also winning a Cup of Harmony. Before that, Farris Crowley held the post for ~40 years and took Cosumar to its first seven World Cups. What will Pearce's legacy be? Well, he's already quite gifted at building legacies. Just look at what he did with Cornellians: overseeing the club's transition from the MPL to SPL and dominating the league with five consecutive titles. No one expects him to win five WCs, but it's reasonable to expect great things - especially after winning AOCAF LIV and Eagle's Cup in one cycle. Pearce's possesses a well-rounded managerial skillset: studious tactical acumen, eye for new talent, elegant motivational speaking, effective org management and even shrewd with finances. Known for his ability to coordinate and command others without condescension or volume. Pearce comes from a family with deep roots in the sport and takes great pride in representing his name and country. In his playing days, a rangy, mobile defender at center or left back for OAS Royal and Cornellians. Also: ruggedly handsome. Full bio.

Assistant Manager: Casey Brind

Alexander Pearce brought his assistant and ex-teammate from Cornellians with him. Casey Brind, now 44 years old, was a well-traveled midfielder, including stops at Iron City, Cranequin Wanderers, Raven River, Vermillion Rage and ending at Cornellians. Pearce/Brind is a well-oiled machine, proven through their glories at Cornellians. Brind will be hoping that the success translates to the international level, inspired by filling the void of Nepharim legend Gethin Ramsey. Maybe she'll have a storied managerial career of her own.

Goalkeepers Coach: Anders Videfors

Defenders Coach: Artis Thomas

Midfielders Coach: Vareza Na'Noni

Forwards Coach: Vladimir Lewin

Head Trainer: Yvette Carson

RP Permissions

Essentially, full permissions. Use my characters however you like, within reason. You can state that someone was injured, but allow me to determine the severity. I also ask that you telegram me before RPing significant events in my nation.

I Give To My Opponent The Permission To:
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y
Injure Players: Y, but leave severity up to me
Godmod Injury Events: Y, but no killing. 
Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: TG first.

by **Mriin** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:11 am

Mriinian National Team

For competition in the 56th AOCAF
Right: An artist's rendition of Solara Vol, star Mriinian striker (in her Sabrefell Moths duds).
Style: 4-2-1-3, +3
Nickname: the Reavers

Note that most players (and the majority of Mriinians) are satyrs, as pictured, though with a variety of skins tones--mostly in various shades of blue, purple, and red. They're on average very tall, along the lines of human professional basketball players, and specialize in aerial play thanks to the elevated header control courtesy of their horns. Their stature also lends itself to a fast and aggressive attacking game, leveraging long strides, high stamina, and imposing presence to pressure and wear down the opposition. While there are certain Mriinians who show a phenomenal amount of dexterity on the ball, they're generally strikers--small, quick humans that can "get under" the backs have been a problem spot for the team, as well as a generally weaker grasp of the defensive game. Nothing showed that better than the Group Stage of World Cup 80, in which the Reavers scored ten goals in three games... to walk away with two points after conceding eleven.

POSITION - NUMBER - GENDER - AGE - NAME - TEAM

M  - 55 - M - ?? - Don Mizzet     -  Vidial Alchemists (note: is a dragon)
AS - 6  - F - 38 - Janna Kurung   -  AFC Hosingr

STARTING VIII
GK - 12 - F - 28 - Mara Solaani   -  Westhold Royals
LB -  4 - M - 32 - Uhlon Loft     -  AS Bezieres
CB -  3 - M - 32 - Geraard Tavol  -  Bruul Skewers
CB -  5 - F - 28 - Reina Kress    -  Myana
RB -  6 - M - 26 - Vernan Quill   -  Vidial Alchemists
LM -  7 - F - 33 - Malia Polandre -  Marque
RM -  8 - F - 32 - Hilda Iarrow   -  Felswyr
OM - 11 - M - 35 - Joren Kreuger  -  Vidial Alchemists (Captain)
ST - 21 - M - 26 - Lasser Rei     -  Harbor
ST - 20 - F - ?? - Tali’raia      - [Ceni] Whitehaven Triumph (note: is a dryad)
ST - 10 - F - 30 - Solara Vol     -  Sabrefell Moths

REPLACEMENTS
GK -  1 - F - 31 - Zilia Hawsorn  -  Maal Angels
GK -  0 - M - 35 - Kostin Bermat  -  AFC Hosingr
LB - 13 - M - 25 - Meryn Valent   -  Maal Angels
CB - 14 - M - 31 - Pel Klein      -  AFC Hosingr
CB - 15 - M - 27 - Joraar Sunde   -  Mount Prei
CB - 22 - F - 28 - Kalia Tolsii   -  Harbor
RB - 16 - F - 23 - Pia Levaani    -  Easthold Royals
LM - 17 - F - 22 - Tia Mor        -  Easthold Royals
CM - 19 - F - 32 - Ara Klein      -  Vidial Alchemists
RM - 23 - F - 33 - Kalia Swurm    -  Gryst Brewers
ST -  2 - F - 28 - Mari Lavoi     -  Maal Angels
ST - 18 - M - 29 - Jorm Vahn      -  Southern Star
ST -  9 - M - 29 - Aldo Vocani    -  Barbury Town
ST - 24 - F - 21 - Mako Silanii   - [Cosumar] FC Samotath

Player & staff bios have been taken down while under renovation. The gist of it:
Solara is fast. Tali'raia is tricky. Lasser kicks balls very hard.
Joren is galaxy brain. Hilda is an enforcer. Malia is a distraction.
Vernan is a quiet marker. Reina has wheels. Geraard is clever. Uhlon is a thug.
Mara is the next best option.

Kits fabulously provided by Aer!
Home / Away / Keeper

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes (Silly and/or improbably dramatic goals preferably by Mako Silanii)
RP injuries to my players: Yes (minor, out-for-the-game max)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (Most card-prone: Uhlon Loft, Hilda Iarrow, Aldo Vocani, Pel Klein)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Novo Calania** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:15 am

Dune Striders

The Ibexi delegation to the AOCAF is more ceremonial than anything. A show that the re-developing nation is stable enough to support dedicated sportspeople (even if they're not particularly good), and as a shot in the arm for their marketing campaign. Settlers and foreign investment are still in very high demand as work progresses on tapping natural resources previous regimes had simply missed due to a flagrant disregard for modern tech, and the first step of that is just making people remember the name. Even if it's for some poor hoofball.

Formation: 5-3-2
Style: -3
Pos - Name  - Species - Age - Gender
GK - Nadyn   - Ibex    - 14 - M
LB - Harzon   - Zebra  - 24 - M
CB - Alfar   - Ibex    - 16 - M
CB - Vezina  - Ibex    - 16 - F
CB - Illan    - Llama  - 27 - M
RB - Contess - Ibex    - 20 - F
LM - Makto   - Ibex    - 15 - M
CM - Azucena  - Impala - ?? - F
RM - Villarmo - Llama  - 25 - M
LW - Quiton  - Ibex    - 14 - M
RW - Pharis  - Ibex    - 17 - F

The Striders will likely be looking to play some drab hoofball in an attempt at losing by a somewhat reasonable scoreline. Vezina has the pipes to shotcall as a former militia commander, but whether the rest of the back line has the wherewithal to follow her orders is up in the air. Scoring opportunities will likely need to be sparked by the enigmatic Azucena, the Impala a curiosity in modern-day Calania. She is very definitely the creative fulcrum of the team, and the only one whose play feels veteran in the least. Quiton is fast and Pharis has a light touch, but if they manage to put even one past the three World Cup-quality (ish) defenses in Group D, it'll be a pleasant surprise. The results of playing against Cosumar and Qasden can already pretty much be written off, but both are high-profile countries within the region that might draw a few more eyes to the match. Siovanija & Teusland, on the other hoof, is more of an up-and-comer that holds the Strider's faintest glimmer of a point--but they've already had World Cup qualifier and Cup of Harmony experience to build team dynamics, and have even managed a few scalps on the way.

Permissions: Whatever, mang.

by **Farfadillis** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 9:37 am

The Freisan Farf Freitball Francitian hereby presents the Farf roster for the 56th Edition of the AOCAF Cup
Nation Name: The Oulandish Lands of Farfadillis
Demonym: Farf (plural Farves)
Team Nickname: La Vherderoja
Honours: AOCAF Cup 43 and 48 Winners

Kits
Provided by ediraf

STYLE MOD: +5

World Cup Roster, with in-depth information about some of the players.

STAFF
Manager: Tíbürçìó Çötàvíê - Age 58
Assistant: Rodrigo Morales - Age 30

GOALKEEPERS
#1 - Calogero Metz - GK - Age 37 - Cassandra City [VC]
#12 - Íüé Tgô - GK - Age 26 - Dí Maozöxê
#23 - Lafayette Tifoxé - GK - Age 32 - Jungle Strike

This will be Calogero Metz's last tournament representing Farfadillis, as the veteran goalkeeper has announced. He is still a very solid presence in goal, but the years have been catching up to him lately. Íüé Tgô, his likely successor, is a very solid replacement if he is sent off or injured. Lafayette Tifoxé is similarly solid, though he is unlikely to even get a chance to show what he can do.

DEFENDERS
#2 - Kósa Bajnok - CB - Age 25 - Crisisbless
#4 - Ezequiel Marchiondo - RB - Age 21 - Lammerton
#6 - Mârtín Básá - LB - Age 29 - Tanrısal
#14 - Jugoslav Radonjic - RB - Age 23 - Prostran I Forzuda
#15 - Moisés Fermández - LB - Age 21 - Bastion
#16 - Süns Söh - CB - Age 30 - Mâ Âlâmëómë

Kósa Bajnok's meteoric rise has left Süns Söh without a starting spot. A tall, fast defender who can read the game very well. Also, a starter for a top Nepharim club. Can you even believe he is Farf? On the flanks, Mârtín Básá is far from a superstar, but he has proven reliable in a time when all the other Farf leftbacks were terrible. Ezequiel Marchiondo is a pacey rightback with an immense future and a surprisingly balanced playing style for a Farf. In the bench, the aforementioned Süns Söh has fallen out of favor with Tíbürçìó after a mistake-ridden World Cup, but he's still supposedly a very good player. Moisés Fermández and Jugoslav Radonjic are both promising young fullbacks, with the earlier more promising than the latter, who will have a very hard time ever starting with the younger Ezequiel starting in his stead.

MIDFIELDERS
#3 - Groaré Sasca - OM - Age 28 - FC Soessch
#5 - Somuele der Pros - CM - Age 30 - Eastweald
#8 - Lüí Wçêíl - LM - Age 24 - Spartangrad
#10 - Fôrté Wínrôuge - OM - Age 34 - 1830 Cathair [C]
#11 - Lázár Eleonóra - RM - Age 29 - Holdenberg
#13 - Zsolgar Zsase - CM - Age 22 - Mâ Âlâmëómë
#17 - Lojes de Sájajo - RM - Age 20 - Cassandra City
#18 - Faragó rue Cazade - LM - Age 18 - René Skaé Colonels
#19 - Sürgân t'Öéséné - CM - Age 18 - Marine Coast
#20 - Lancelot Mojica - CM - Age 17 - Avenida Victoria
#21 - Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì - OM - Age 20 - Dí Maozöxê

The midfield is largely unsurprising. This is one of the best midfields in the Multiverse. Somuele der Pros has got an astonishing workrate and is solid both defensively and offensively. On the wings, Lüí Wçêíl and Lázár Eleonóra are both two of the most threatening attacking players in the Euraleague for a reason. What's more, both turn up for the big games. In offensive midfield, Groaré Sasca is a player with a lot of flair that is approaching his prime. He is a very good playmaker, too. Finally, Fôrté Wínrôuge, despite being 34, is still the best player in the team, at least after Täjó's retirement from international football. He can dribble, he can pass, he can score. He can do it all, but less so than in years past. The bench will be filled with players from the next generation, and boy do some of them look like juicy prospects. Zsolgar Zsase proved just how good he can be as a centre midfielder in the last World Cup. Lojes de Sájajo is a pacey winger with driblling and crossing skills well above the average. Faragó rue Cazade is an extremely versatile midfielder who can play anywhere in offensive midfield, but his pace and dribbling stand out the most. Sürgân t'Öéséné has been making a name for himself in the Vilitan second tier. He is a true warrior, but also very good on the ball. Lancelot Mojica is very good at everything. Vinseslâdís Wìjìnì is already proven at the highest level, an offensive midfielder that is also a very credible goalscoring threat. These six look like they could surpass their predecessors, but only time will tell.

STRIKERS
#7 - Oskar Holsteiner - ST - Age 22 - Lammerton
#9 - Xíxì Êns - ST - Age 23 - Sabrefell Athletic
#22 - Stiin Siorrha'Asione - ST - Age 30 - Mallox

Tíbürçìó has been moving away from using strikers lately, and it's been reflected on this squad. Following Täjó's retirement, Oskar Holsteiner will be the team's main goalscorer. He is a very complete striker, though very lacking in anything that does not relate directly to scoring. His partner up front will be Xíxì Êns, who you could be forgiven for confusing for a midfielder. The diminutive false nine likes to create space out of nothing and is fantastic at breaking defensive lines with his passes, but can also play the role of stirker very easily thanks to his dribbling and finishing. Finally, Stiin Siorrha'Asione will be Farfadillis' much-needed wildcard. Expect the unexpected from the flamingo man.

by **South Toronto** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:37 pm

Analysis of South Toronto's group: Mriin

The Iscantan Mereadas Zeredadas have finally landed in Manehattan, where they'll play their first game up against Mriin. This will be one of Kelechi's last games in charge of the national team if he fails to achieve at the very least third in the group. Before we count our eggs before they hatch, let's analyse one of the teams in Group C, Mriin.

Mriin:

The Mriinians are a very tall and dangerous threat to our defence. The average Mriinian player is around 6'7", and the tallest player on the team is Javonte Willock at 6'8". The team will be struggling to deal with the insanely tall Mriinians, who'll be certainly playing an aerial and aggressive game. However, the forwards will be looking to run in under the defence as they can't really deal with small and quick forwards. Decepti Vardez Jr. needs to wreak havoc for Uhlon, as he will eventually go back to his thuggish ways and aggressively bring Decepti down. Quite markers like Vernan will be quickly read by Tyrese and Jozy, and they will do their best to evade and outwit the defence. However, on the other side of the pitch, we'd need Ni Ling Son and Kevin Yahaya to pressure Joren Kreuger as he'd be the one in the midfield pulling the strings for the three strikers. The three strikers will be extremely hard to defend against as Solara is quick and will cause issues for Bryan and Jamal. Lasser will be looking to hammer the ball into the net, but Jeremy will be blocking all attempts made at hammering the ball in the net. Tali’raia is very good on the ball, but Han will be persistently annoying Tali'raia and will no doubt frustrate her, leading her to give away the ball. If South Toronto are successful in their tactics, we could nip a point or even win. The confirmed teamsheet has been released, and Ligti Sabir has been named on the bench.

Confirmed teamsheet:

Bench:

Artjorm Petrov
Jay-Jay Rerin
Asmeh Asamoah Ondoa
Ligti Sabir
Devante Marie Tiberius
Germanpreet Sachadev
Harris Imani

by **Soltsteed** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 4:17 pm

KÖNINGLIK SOLTSTEEDISH FOOTBALLSBUND — ROYAL SOLTSTEEDISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION
DE NATIONAALEUVE — THE NATIONAL ELEVEN
Landscode/Country code: SOL
Öknaam/Nickname: De Hingsten/The Stallions
Nationaallied/National Anthem: Aferstanden yt ruinen/Risen from Ruins

Concurrenzlik statistiken/Competitive statistics
Totaal vörslang/Overall record: 43–19–28 (47.8% gewinsrate/win rate)
Först internationaal/First international: Soltsteed 0–2 Loynn (Bellator, DRK; BoF speldag/matchday 1)
Först win/First win: Finland 0–1 Soltsteed (Bellator, DRK; BoF speldag/matchday 2)
Först vörlös/First loss: Soltsteed 0–2 Loynn (Bellator, DRK; BoF speldag/matchday 1)
Först remis/First draw: Soltsteed 4–4 Acapais (Bellator, DRK; BoF hauvfinale/semifinal)
Mössifest win/Biggest win: Makhnovia 0–6 Soltsteed (Makhno, FTM; WCQ80 speldag/matchday 17)
Mössifest vörlös/Biggest loss: Electrum 5–2 Soltsteed (Centralis, ETM; Eagle’s Cup speldag/matchday 2); Soltsteed 1–4 Farfadillis (Eswelle, SOL; WCQ79 speldag/matchday 6)

The default Soltsteedish strategy can be summed up in one phrase: “the best offence is a good defence”. The Stallions play a highly opportunistic attack, lying in wait for an opportunity rather than charging head-on. Possession is mostly confined to the midfield, keeping the ball comfortably away from Roger Gaius’s goal and close enough to Soltsteed’s lone striker Carle de Marcht for him to attack when necessary. Soltsteed prefer to play a passing game in possession, while attempting to pry the ball away from the opposition when not, either by intercepting a pass or tackling players. The Stallions will attempt to frustrate and infuriate the opposition through tactics of time wasting, bus parking and—in the most desperate of circumstances—dirty play if necessary to achieve the desired result and are unashamed of drawing games and advancing via penalty shoot-outs.
Personeel/Personnel
Directör/Manager: Gay Ware
Hjaupendirectör/Assistant Manager: Nelis Mikäelssen
Medicaalleider/Medical Lead: Konroud Abbetspoul

Starting Euve/Starting Eleven
Portsgaarder/Goalkeeper №1 Roger Gaius (auddöm/age 35, Royal Michaeltown)
Verdediger/Defender №2 Otto Frederickssen (auddöm/age 26, Sant-Claudie)
Verdediger/Defender №15 Nadia Harrison (auddöm/age 29, Metropolitan Constabulary)
Verdediger/Defender №4 Emmet le Duc (auddöm/age 25, Ōtachi Audfort)
Verdediger/Defender №5 Camille Daley (auddöm/age 28, Cherrygrove City)
Verdediger/Defender №17 Ann-Elisabeth Smid (auddöm/age 28, Metropolitan Constabulary)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №19 Ann-Marine Crabshaas (auddöm/age 28, Sant-Claudie)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №8 Joanna Morris (auddöm/age 29, SIS FC)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №20 Martin McKenzie (auddöm/age 27, St George University)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №10 Clement Kolen (auddöm/age 30, SIS FC)
Onfaller/Striker №11 Carle de Marcht (auddöm/age 26, SIS FC)

Ytspilern/Substitutes
Portsgaarder/Goalkeeper №12 Julian Lyksdal (auddöm/age 33, Sant-Claudie)
Portsgaarder/Goalkeeper №13 Vaughan Flynn (auddöm/age 31, Cherrygrove City)
Verdediger/Defender №3 Matthew McLeod (auddöm/age 26, Cherrygrove City)
Verdediger/Defender №14 Jean de Marcht (auddöm/age 21, Köninglik Veelheim)
Verdediger/Defender №16 Shane Carston (auddöm/age 25, Grandstrasse)
Verdediger/Defender №6 Maxime Crabshaas (auddöm/age 22, Ōtachi Audfort)
Verdediger/Defender №18 Jean Peterssen (auddöm/age 28, Sant-Claudie)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №7 Mäts Jager (auddöm/age 27, Union Orange)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №9 Ann-Claudie Uristssen (auddöm/age 25, Köninglik Veelheim)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №21 Otto Stephenssen (auddöm/age 29, Ōtachi Audfort)
Midfeuder/Midfielder №22 Martin Moss (auddöm/age 28, Metropolitan Constabulary)
Onfaller/Striker №23 Michael d’ Angel (auddöm/age 27, Köninglik Veelheim)
Onfaller/Striker №24 Blake Kay (auddöm/age 26, Cherrygrove City)
Höchstwärsheinlik tö …/Most likely to:
Fylen/Foul: Emmet le Duc
Werden fylen/Be fouled: Carle de Marcht
Werden vängen/Be subbed out: Clement Kolen
Vörvängen/Be subbed in: Otto Stephenssen
Shöten/Shoot: Carle de Marcht
Scoren van när/Score from close range: Carle de Marcht
Scoren van fjär/Score from long range: Carle de Marcht
Vörsöken de spectaculär/Attempt the spectacular: Martin McKenzie
Spilersrolln/Player roles:
Taamsleider/Captain: Ann-Marine Crabshaas
Viz-taamsleider/Vice-captain: Ann-Elisabeth Smid
Second viz-taamsleider/Second vice-captain: Clement Kolen
Venster cornern/Left corners: Anne-Marine Crabshaas
Recht cornern/Right corners: Clement Kolen
Direct friekicken/Direct free kicks: Martin McKenzie
Indirect friekicken/Indirect free kicks: Martin McKenzie
Penaltien/Penalties: Carle de Marcht
Formatie/Formation: (5-4-1)
———————————————— De Marcht ————————————————
—— Crabshaas — Morris — McKenzie — Kolen ——
— Webb — Harrison — Le Duc — Smid — Foley —
—————————————————— Gaius ——————————————————
Drachten/Kits:
Heim/Home: Rott-en-swart-reipen hemd mid swart korten en socken; Red-and-black-hooped shirt with black shorts and socks
Weg/Away: Weit-en-grön-reipen hemd mid weit korten en socken; White-and-green-hooped shirt with green shorts and socks
Portsgaarder/Goalkeeper: Å goud; All gold
Mid dank an/Courtesy of: No Nonsense Sportswear

by **Busoga Islands** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 5:16 pm

Busoga Islands National Team

Information
Country code: BUS
Denonym: Busogans/Busoga Islanders/Islanders(Busoga Islanders is the formal term; many Banijans call them Busogans, while locals refer to themselves simply as Islanders, which will be the terminology used by Busoga Islander journalists)
Association: Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA)
Manager: Starfire (Pegasus - female), 45 years old, native of the Equestrian States. Starfire is a manager who excels at getting the most out of whatever she's given, regularly keeping the Ponyville Galaxy from relegation with a keen eye for tactics and seemingly boundless optimism that keeps spirits up in the locker room. Starfire was Moon Dust's long-time student as an assistant coach at Ponyville United and pundits tend to think more highly of the pegasus than her club's place in the table might suggest
Senior Assistant Manager: Yamma Mbye. 36 years old, doubles as the new executive director of the Busoga Islands Regional Youth Academy. Spent the twilight of her professional career when she was part of a wave of Banijan female players that went to the Equestrian States, playing for the Manetreal Impact. Just announcing her retirement from the playing scene at 36, she was hired quickly by Starfire to be the Assistant Manager. She said that connections they shared within the Equestrian States, as well as her own connections in the Busoga Islands, would allow her to be an 'invaluable asset' for the transition.
Captain: Delbin Kasekende
Alternate Captain: Robel Abeselome
Home Kits: Red
Away Kits: Black
Alternate: White

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod other events: Yes
Style modifier: +1

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

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=gx95t

Roster for AOCAF LVI

Starters: 4-4-2 diamond.
Busoga Islands six professional clubs are all part of the Banijan club soccer system.
Players who have previously received call up to the Banijan national team when the Islands were part of Banija are italicized.
Players who do not play within the Banijan soccer pyramid are bolded.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, the top-flight for Banija & the Busoga Islands.
GK #1 Delbin Kasekende. 33 years old. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the BSL. Captain. Male.
RB #2 Berihu Abeselome. 27 years old. Plays for Crystopolis City in the Crystal Empire. Plays in the United League, the top-flight of the United Hoofball Association. Brother of Robel Abeselome. Male.
CB #5 Marie Sonko. 25 years old. Plays for Everfree Forest HC in the Equestrian States. Plays in the United League. Female.
CB #3 Gereh Kinteh. Age 33. Plays for Busukuma Athletic Club in the BSL. Male.
LB #4 Aaron Eyob. Age 35. Plays for Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL. Male.
CDM #6 Robel Abeselome. Age 33. Plays for Istria City FC in the BSL. Brother of Berihu Abeselome. Male.
RM #7 Upanshu Paramartha. 19 years old. Plays for Rukunbi FC in the BSL. Male.
LM #11 Mutsuhito Barbarossa. 29 years old. Plays for Rukunbi FC in the BSL. Male.
CAM #10 Shakeel el-Salih. 23 years old. Plays for the Tezirbu Foxes in the Northwestern League. Male.
ST #9 Ikshu Amitabh. 19 years old. Plays for Kitara Athletic Association in the BSL. Male.
ST #12 Kadi Sanneh. 29 years old. Plays for Equestrians Outcasts HC in the Equestrian States. Plays in the United League. Female.
Bench
GK #35 Hibbaan al-Shareef. 22 years old. Plays for Jaribga Soccer Club in the Northwestern League. Male.
GK #23 Mantek Ranwa. 21 years old. Plays for Koszagard City in the Northwestern League. Male.
RB #16 Yashpal Gopaal. 18 years old. Plays for the Isipongo Flash in the BSL. Male.
CB #18 Negus Kebede. 29 years old. Plays for the Lwanga Lions in the BSL. Male.
CB #19 Saabiq el-Usman. 35 years old. Plays for the Nezrouch Rovers in the Northwestern League. Male.
LB #14 Naaji al-Azam. 21 years old. Plays for Jaribga Soccer Club in the Northwestern League. Male.
CM #8 Channeh Jarju. 23 years old. Plays for the Canterlot Stars in the Equestrian States. Plays in the United League. Female.
RM #17 Ezekiel Wakayo. 33 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male.
LM #20 Markos Dalu. 31 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the BSL. Male.
CAM #15 Fara Turay. 23 years old. Plays for Fillydelphia Union in the Equestrian States. Plays in the Second League, the second tier of the United Hoofball Association. Male.
ST #21 Girum Mikias. 30 years old. Plays for Dukuma SC in the BSL. Male.
ST #25 Darmal Chughtai. 29 years old. Plays for the Tripoli Foresters in the BSL. Male.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Mutsuhito Barbarossa.
- Our penalty kicks are taken by Kadi Sanneh.
- In terms of substitutions, anybody is OK to substitute off the pitch besides the Abeselome brothers, and Delbin Kasekende. Those three are the core of the team with international experience, and are the team's seasoned leaders.
-

Select Player Biographies

1. GK Delbin Kasekende

Delbin Kasekende used to be the permanent number one for the Banijan national team, tending the net for the entirety of the World Cup 79 cycle and the entirety of the World Cup 80 cycle. The veteran goalkeeper has won back-to-back gold glove campaigns with Herzegovina City FC, including captaining Herzegovina City FC to an undefeated season in last season's title run, winning his first professional trophy at the club level. He toiled a long time for Dukuma SC, his hometown and boyhood club. He is a native of Dukuma, Busoga Islands. Dukuma SC has long been ridiculed as the worst club in the BSL, finishing in last place in three out of six seasons of BSL play. Two seasons ago, he began switching to Herzegovina City FC to chase after a much-deserved title he clearly wasn't winning in Banija, and did so.

He was in line to take the armband for the Banijan national team after Kiggwe Mavuto's retirement from the national side. Goalkeeping, of course, in World Cup 80, he had an excellent tournament and got rave reviews. But, of course, matters at home took quite a turn, with drought and ensuring war with the Equestrian States leading towards full independence for the Busoga Islands. And, like a number of players, after BISA and the RBSA negotiated an agreement, many players, like himself, had decisions to make- which country would they represent?

The eyes of the sporting world within the country were on him. With Toyuwa Okafor choosing to play for Banija, and Berihu Abeselome choosing to switch his allegiance to the Busoga Islands, it was Kasekende who faced all the pressure. Which would he choose? And after struggling, he chose to go home, to the Busoga Islands. He's received a lot of pushback for that decision at Herzegovina City FC, of course- whose fans are known for being right-wing and nationalistic. But, of course, he's now played in a World Cup and Cup of Harmony, both for Banija, and will play i the AOCAF for a 2nd nation, after winning a penalty shootout for Banija last year in this very same tournament. He is big, 6'4, and with a few years left at the international level, he will forever be known as the first ever captain for the Busoga Islands national team, a feat that he is extremely proud of.

2. RB Berihu Abeselome

The other member of Banija's first ever World Cup team who is on this side, being on the roster, though on the bench, for the World Cup 80 Finals, he lost his starting spot halfway through qualifying, when Banija's new manager came in and redid the entire back line. Of course, the new look backline worked wonders, as they helped lead Banija on a 10 game competitive undefeated run en route to their first ever appearance at a World Cup, World Cup 80.

He's spent the majority of his professional career playing in the Crystal Empire, starting for Crystalopolis City, regarded by many as the class of the United League. He was an obvious choice to be one of the key players on this squad- Starfire has seen him play, up close, as she has managed Ponyville Galaxy. He is the youngest of the three who are expected to be leaders, and after a cycle, he will, naturally, be expected to take the armband from Delbin Kasekende when he eventually retires.

He will be a threat, and a force, for the team. He has seemingly endless amounts of energy- meaning that he can turn defense into offense quickly, and will be prone to look for the counter-attack. And, of course, he has some experience, playing for a national team, and playing in the World Cup. Expect him to be part of the emotional heartbeat of this squad.

by **Freeport Isles** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 5:18 pm

The Confederation of Freeport
National Hoofball Team - AOCAF Cup 56 Roster

Quick Facts
AOCAF Ranking: Unranked (0.00 pts.)
Style Modifier: +4.0
Nickname: The Condottieri
All-Time Record: 1-0-1 (0-0-0 at AOCAF Cup 56)
Achievements: None

Kits

Home - Away - Third

The Freeport national hoofball team receives its kits from Generosity Sporting Equipment, an Equestria-based sportswear company that has recently begun to stake a claim on the international hoofball kit market, with teams in Atlantian Oceania and Esportiva among those to hire their designers.

Group B
#7 -

Tropicorp (20.14 pts.)
#13 -

Sultanate of Oontaz (10.75 pts.)
#27 -

Ko-oren (4.18 pts.)
UR -

Freeport (0.00 pts.)

Tournament Schedule

Group Stage - Group B
MD1: Freeport vs. Tropicorp at Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree, Equestrian States
MD2: Freeport vs. Ko-oren at Shady Grove (cap. 43,650) in Whitetail, Equestrian States
MD3: Sultanate of Oontaz vs. Freeport at Wild Grounds (cap. 56,500) in Everfree, Equestrian States

Players

Starters (4-3-3)
GK - #1 - Kukiri (Zebra - Female) - 28 -

Everfree Guardians (UHA Second League)
LB - #2 - Spotted Spirit (Pegasus - Male) - 25 -

Condottiere (FHA Championship)
CB - #5 - Bloodblade (Minotaur - Male) - 24 -

Real Maredrid (UHA Second League)
CB - #4 - Alastair (Griffon - Male) - 20 -

Griffonstone HC (UHA Fourth League)
RB - #3 - Sharp Focus (Pegasus - Female) - 27 -

Freeport United (FHA Championship)
DM - #6 - Eindride Cleary (Human - Male) - 30 -

Condottiere (FHA Championship)
CM - #9 - Thorn Bristle (Earth Pony - Male) - 25 -

Crystal Springs HC (UHA Third League)
CM - #7 - Storm Chill (Pegasus - Female) - 29 -

Las Pegasus Blues (UHA Third League)
LW - #8 - Puzzle Piece (Changeling - Male) - 23 -

Seaddle Sounders (UHA Second League)
ST - #10 - Torvald Royle (Human - Male) - 27 -

Crystopolis Defenders (UHA Third League)
RW - #11 - Sonar Amethyst (Bat Pony - Female) - 20 -

Fillydelphia Union (UHA Second League)

Reserves
GK - #13 - Night Thunder (Pegasus - Male) - 21 -

New Cloudsdale Colonists (UHA Second League)
GK - #20 - Aideen Carman (Human - Female) - 23 -

Maneapolis Stars (UHA Third League)
LB - #17- Calyx Dawn (Earth Pony - Male) - 25 -

Freeport United (FHA Championship)
CB - #14 - Flare Eclipse (Unicorn - Male) - 29 -

South Spire United (UHA Second League)
CB - #23 - Deadbeat (Earth Pony - Male) - 27 -

HC Porthaven (FHA Championship)
RB - #21 - Lena Auteberry (Human - Female) - 22 -

Equestrian Strike HC (UHA League A)
LM - #19 - Blue Cobalt (Earth Pony - Male) - 28 -

New Ponyville HC (UHA Second League)
CM - #15 - Ambros (Unicorn - Female) - 19 -

Coltland Trail Blazers (UHA Fourth League)
CM - #18 - Temptation (Changeling - Female) - 18 -

Freeport United (FHA Championship)
RM - #21 - Ivory Feather (Griffon - Female) - 20 -

Griffonstone HC (UHA Fourth League)
AM - #12 - Meadow Evergreen (Unicorn - Female) - 18 -

Athletico Maredrid (UHA Third League)
ST - #16 - Cerulean Blitz (Pegasus - Male) - 18 -

Storm City HC (UHA Third League)

Coaches & Staff
Manager -

Mad Dash (Pegasus - Male) - 55
Assistant Manager -

Jon Merritt (Human - Male) - 57
Assistant Manager -

Blazing Fire (Griffon - Male) - 37
Goalkeeping Coach -

Sandy Shores (Unicorn - Female) - 37
Scout -

Mathias Paulson (Human - Male) - 44
Scout -

Sipho (Zebra - Male) - 36
Fitness Coach -

Roughhouse (Pegasus - Male) - 48

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes - Only that the player was injured and how they were injured, I will determine actual severity
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes - Same restrictions as above apply
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes - Within reason, of course, but feel free to be creative
Other Notes: TG me if you have any questions regarding my RPs or requests for more information on Freeport.

by **Equestrian States** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 5:53 pm

The Pony Principality of Equestrian States
National Hoofball Team - AOCAF Cup 56 Roster

Quick Facts
AOCAF Ranking: 11th (17.32 pts.)
Style Modifier: -1.75
Nickname: The Ponies
All-Time Record: 264-105-76 (3-1-0 at AOCAF Cup 56)
Achievements: Market Cup V (Champions), Runner Cup 3 (Champions), Equestria Cup II (Runner-Up), Equestria Cup I (3rd Place), Market Cup VI (3rd Place), Cup of Champions 4 (Semifinals), World Cup 80 (Quarterfinals), Cup of Harmony 71 (Quarterfinals), AOCAF Cup 55 (Quarterfinals), VIII Olympiad - Men's (Quarterfinals), VIII Olympiad - Women's (Quarterfinals), World Cup 67 (Round of 16), World Cup 70 (Round of 16), Cup of Harmony 51 (Round of 16), Cup of Harmony 53 (Round of 16), Cup of Harmony 60 (Round of 16), AOCAF Cup 56 (Round of 16), World Cup 64 (Qualified), World Cup 65 (Qualified), World Cup 66 (Qualified), World Cup 71 (Qualified)

Kits

Home - Away - Reverse

The national team receives its kits from two different companies, though the design for each is the same. Kits for the humanoid players (see above) are provided by Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia, while those for equine and other non-humanoid players are provided by Generosity Sporting Equipment. The Equestrian kits were designed to be simple and easy to identify, using the national colors of purple and orange.

Group A
#11 -

Equestrian States (17.32 pts.)
#17 -

Banija (9.61 pts.)
#62 -

Geisenfried (0.06 pts.)
UR -

Sangti (0.00 pts.)

Tournament Schedule

Group Stage - Group A
MD1: Equestrian States vs. Geisenfried at Royal Equestria Stadium (cap. 98,625) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
MD2: Equestrian States vs. Sangti at Grand Regal Stadium (cap. 81,955) in Canterlot, Equestrian States
MD3: Banija vs. Equestrian States at Royal Equestria Stadium (cap. 98,625) in Canterlot, Equestrian States

Players

Goalkeepers

#1 - Gentle Breeze (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

Qazox (WC62 Qualifying)
Club:

Celtic Noviodunim | League:

COTEFA Terranean League West
International Caps: 151 | Assists: 1 | Goals: 1
Dubbed by some of her more devoted supporters "the Goddess of Goalkeeping", Gentle Breeze is considered by many one of the multiverse's best hoofballers even by fans outside her homeland, unlike many other players with similar claims of being among the sport's elite. Over the course of her career, the Ponies' keeper has won a Di Bradini Cup, six trophies with her club teams, and no fewer than five Golden Glove awards in some of the multiverse's top leagues. After making her international debut at age 18, Gentle Breeze initially was the Equestrian States' second-choice goalie behind High Soarin', but ultimately forced the veteran to retire from national team duties after taking his starting job. Since then, Gentle Breeze has been the Ponies' undisputed go-to goalkeeper with her ambitions of someday being considered an all-time legendary great well on their way to fruition. Gentle Breeze currently plies her trade with Terranean giants Celtic Noviodunim, having recently moved there from Dwile Warriors.

#21 - Marilyn Peterson (Human - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 25 | Debut: vs.

Urain (VIII Olympiad)
Club:

Kings Park | League:

Schottic Premier League
International Caps: 28 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
An unfortunate side effect of the Ponies boasting a world class talent in goal is that remarkably talented players like Marilyn Peterson can oftentimes be overlooked by foreign neutrals. Peterson has an established track record of success in both the NFA Premiership and Schottic Premier League, no easy feat, and could easily win the starting job with virtually any other national team. Though Peterson might not be a particularly well-known player, her skill shines through when she's given the chance to prove herself on the international stage, even if it's rarely against the elite teams that Gentle Breeze is started against.

#32 - Silver Charm (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 22 | Debut: vs.

Crystal Empire (Post-WC70 Friendly)
Club:

Manechester City HC | League:

United League
International Caps: 9 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
The current first-choice goalkeeper for the Equestrian States U21s, Silver Charm isn't the only young Equestrian keeper on the national team's radar, but has nonetheless proven herself both at the club level and with the Little Ponies to earn a spot on the senior team qualifying roster. Though unlikely to be picked for a place on a 23-player finals squad in the next couple years, Silver Charm has plenty of potential and fans hope her call-up is a sign of good things to come for the young pegasus.

Defenders

#12 - Brix Hamilton (Human - Female)
Position: Defender (LB/CB) | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

Argo Islands (WC63 Qualifying)
Club:

Handon United | League:

Schottic Premier League
International Caps: 131 | Assists: 15 | Goals: 4
Unlike most other current Equestrian superstars, Brix Hamilton wasn't very highly-rated as a teen by scouts, and thus was more than happy to sign a modest deal with a mid-table club in Earent, Nithgard GU, where she quickly became a key member of the team. Several years after joining the Kaynd, Hamiton and Nithgard stunned the multiverse by first winning the Integ Brandel and then going all the way to the Champions' Cup quarrterfinals. From that season on, Brix Hamilton's stock soared as Nithgard climbed up the UICA rankings and eventually won a Champions' Cup title, Hamilton becoming just the second Equestrian to hoist the coveted trophy. Now with Schottia's famed Handon United, Brix Hamilton is playing better than she ever has before and is determined to help lead the Ponies to glory in the World Cup.

#8 - Andrea Molovi (Human - Female)
Position: Defender (CB) | Age: 32 | Debut: vs.

Euskirribakondara (WC61 Qualifying)
Club:

Crisisbless | League:

NFA Premiership
International Caps: 223 | Assists: 6 | Goals: 3
Despite being a longtime starter for the Ponies and one of the team's most experienced players, Andrea Molovi is considered by some as one of the Equestrian States' most overlooked stars. Among the first Equestrian-born human players to make a name for herself on the domestic and international level, Andrea's disciplined style of play often earns her praise from coaches and fellow players as she's able to make crucial tackles without being booked in the process. Andrea Molovi's role in 1830 Cathair's rise to international prominence after being sold to the Audioslavian club by Stalliongrad HC boosted her own international profile, and though not as young as other Equestrian defenders is still a key member of the Equestrian back line and will likely remain so in the near future.

#3 - Flitter (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Defender (CB/DM) | Age: 33 | Debut: vs.

Waspeaters (WC60 Qualifying)
Club:

Crystopolis City | League:

United League
International Caps: 258 | Assists: 19 | Goals: 10
Twin sister of Ponies captain Cloudchaser, Flitter is viewed by many as an anchor of the Equestrian back line and is considered one of the best defenders to ever represent the Equestrian States on the international stage. A regular starter for the Ponies since her debut as a promising 20 year-old during the World Cup 60 qualifying campaign, she may not be the most imposing player on the pitch, but Flitter is exceptionally quick and agile for a defender, often relying on her speed and hoofwork to steal or intercept the ball rather than brute force tackling.

#19 - Krysia Bailey (Human - Female)
Position: Defender (RB/CB/DM) | Age: 24 | Debut: vs.

Iturributa (WC68 Qualifying)
Club:

Avenida Leal | League:

FARF Freitball Ligá
International Caps: 87 | Assists: 12 | Goals: 1
A talented young fullback currently playing with Farfadillis' Avenida Leal, Krysia Bailey excels on the counterattack, charging down the flanks when called upon and launching pinpoint crosses to her waiting teammates. Considered one of the best players in the FARF Freitball Ligá, Bailey is routinely hailed as one of the most prominent faces among the next generation of Equestrian talent.

#20 - Rumble (Pegasus - Male)
Position: Defender (CB/DM) | Age: 23 | Debut: vs.

Jeckland (Pre-WC68 Friendly)
Club:

Cloudsdale Flyers | League:

United League
International Caps: 73 | Assists: 4 | Goals: 0
The younger brother of longtime Ponies striker Thunderlane, Rumble is another one of Pearly White's "new generation" defenders. Though the young pegasus idolizes his older brother, Rumble's talents lie at the opposite end of the pitch, though his speed and versatility have seen him occasionally feature in the midfield where he's also excelled. Regardless of where Rumble is on the field, opponents should be careful not to underestimate this young Equestrian's abilities.

#27 - Sunlight (Unicorn - Female)
Position: Defender (RB/CB) | Age: 25 | Debut: vs.

Saint James Islands (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club:

Ponyville United | League:

United League
International Caps: 42 | Assists: 1 | Goals: 1
Sunlight is slightly older than her fellow "new generation" defensive stars and doesn't have quite the same megastar potential as the other youngsters Pearly White brought into the senior team, though her skills are a bit more developed than her colleagues' and is only second-choice on the right wing behind Krysia Bailey. Less of an attack-minded fullback than other Equestrian internationals like Bailey and Hamilton, Sunlight shines with her natural instincts and is equally-capable of performing in a central role.

#4 - Arctic Lily (Crystal Pony - Female)
Position: Defender (CB) | Age: 27 | Debut: N/A
Club:

Ponyville United | League:

United League
International Caps: 6 | Assists: 0 | Goals: 0
The first, and thus far only, Crystal Empire native to suit up for the Equestrian States, don't let Arctic Lily's apparent lack of international appearances deceive you as she was arguably the best Crystalline player when they were still appearing in the World Cup. Currently playing for Equestrian giants Ponyville United, Arctic Lily is among the best players in the United League and brings plenty of experience to the Ponies' squad.

#23 - Nightshade (Bat Pony - Female)
Position: Defender (LB) | Age: 20 | Debut: vs.

Estenia (WC71 Qualifying)
Club:

Oldem Knights | League:

Apox National League
International Caps: 16 | Assists: 2 | Goals: 1
Young and relatively untested even with the Little Ponies, Nightshade's finals squad selection came as a surprise to many, but Pearly White needs only point at Nightshade's vast potential to explain her choice. Hailed by some scouts as the next Brix Hamilton, this bat pony will be on the national team for years to come if she even comes close to matching expectations.

Midfielders

#9 - Rainbow Blitz (Pegasus - Male) - VICE-CAPTAIN
Position: Midfielder (AM/ST) | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

Slembana (Pre-WC63 Friendly)
Club:

Makosile United | League:

V-League Declasse Division
International Caps: 214 | Assists: 90 | Goals: 82
Already considered legendary by many Equestrian hoofball supporters, Rainbow Blitz has been a starter for the Ponies ever since his international debut and was the star player of the Little Ponies teams that dominated the 26th and 27th Di Bradini Cups. Having spent nearly his entire career with Makosile United in the Stellar Division, Rainbow Blitz has long been one of the top midfielders in the V-League and is regularly among the league leaders in assists and average performance rating. The cyan pegasi's lightning-quick speed and remarkable agility are only really challenged on the Equestrian national team by emerging world-class striker Pristina Shine, but Rainbow Blitz's knack for creating scoring opportunities has played no small role in his teammate's international successes.

#2 - Cloudchaser (Pegasus - Female) - CAPTAIN
Position: Midfielder (CM/AM) | Age: 33 | Debut: vs.

Khytenna (Pre-WC60 Friendly)
Club:

Mallox | League:

FSF Härlighet Ligan
International Caps: 282 | Assists: 110 | Goals: 62
The current captain of the Equestrian States national team and twin sister of veteran defender Flitter, Cloudchaser is seen as the Ponies' leader on the pitch and is as popular among her teammates as she is among Equestrian supporters. Unselfish and boasting pinpoint accuracy with her passes, Cloudchaser rarely fails to create chances for the Equestrian attackers and is among the Ponies' all-time assists leaders. On corners, Cloudchaser is a top target for the Ponies as her aerial supremacy combined with excellent control of her headers makes the pegasus mare an extremely potent threat that opponents cannot afford to ignore. Most recently, Cloudchaser captained Mallox to a surprising Härlighet Ligan title in her first season with the club after securing a transfer from La Nueva Avenida.

#5 - Apple Cobbler (Earth Pony - Female)
Position: Midfielder (AM/RM/CM) | Age: 23 | Debut: vs.

United Gordonopia (VIII Olympiad)
Club:

Jungle Strike FC | League:

V-League Stellar Division
International Caps: 122 | Assists: 27 | Goals: 14
First appearing for the senior team when she was just 16 years-old, Apple Cobbler became the youngest Equestrian full international during the VIII Summer Olympics and has long been hailed as the future of the Equestrian midfield. At the club level, Apple Cobbler has spent her entire professional career with world-famous Vilitan powerhouse Jungle Strike FC, where her talents have been nurtured and given the opportunity to thrive. Though at her best when playing in a central attacking role, Apple Cobbler tends to be used more on the right wing by Pearly White in the Ponies' setup and has done well adapting to the position.

#16 - Luminesce (Unicorn - Female)
Position: Midfielder (CM/LM) | Age: 21 | Debut: vs.

Bears Armed (Equine-Ursine Cup 12)
Club:

Lexington Victory | League:

COTEFA Terranean League West
International Caps: 59 | Assists: 15 | Goals: 6
One of the most promising members of the newest generation of Equestrian national team talents, Luminesce plies her trade with New Gelderland's Lexington Victory. A fairly traditional Equestrian prospect, Luminesce is a quick and nimble midfielder who can run for ages without seeming to tire at all. Though her slender build means she's fairly weak in the air, her pace and ability on the ball makes up for it.

#17 - Rosie Tyler (Human - Female)
Position: Midfielder (CM/DM/LM) | Age: 25 | Debut: vs.

Colombian Britannia (Pre-WC66 Friendly)
Club:

Willox Street Pirates | League:

Christopheran Super-League
International Caps: 89 | Assists: 18 | Goals: 11
Rosie Tyler has seemingly moved to a new club every season in her professional career, with her latest move being to Port Christopher's Willox Street Pirates. A versatile midfielder who can thread passes to her teammates from any range, Tyler plays a major role in the Ponies' counterattacks, quickly distributing the ball and moving it up the pitch. Rosie Tyler has also been a popular choice for taking Equestrian set pieces lately, adding yet another tool to her personal arsenal of skills.

#11 - Krystal (Unicorn - Female)
Position: Midfielder (CM/LM/AM) | Age: 28 | Debut: vs.

Manetreal (Equestria Cup 4)
Club:

Crystopolis City | League:

United League
International Caps: 132 | Assists: 27 | Goals: 15
Another member of the Di Bradini Cup-winning Little Ponies team, Krystal has played alongside Rainbow Blitz in the Equestrian midfield throughout her international career and is another quick-moving threat for Pearly White to wield against opposing midfields. Krystal is perhaps the best Equestrian player when it comes to controlling the ball and can effortlessly zip up the pitch if given any space by defenders. However, her small stature (even among fellow ponies) and slender build puts her at a disadvantage on headers, and is thus often is tipped to deliver corners.

#15 - Elaine Everdeen (Human - Female)
Position: Midfielder (CAM/LM) | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

The Inevitable Syndicate (WC65 Qualifying)
Club:

Anomalies FC | League:

Chromatik Premier Division
International Caps: 92 | Assists: 13 | Goals: 7
The younger sister of former Ponies' striker Katherine Everdeen, Elaine is a talented midfielder entering her prime who first found success with Sunrisian club Granger Dragonites before moving to Chromatika's Anomalies FC. Graceful and agile, the younger Everdeen sister can race up and down the pitch at an impressive clip even compared to her speedy equine teammates. Though her endurance isn't as impressive, Elaine Everdeen shouldn't be underestimated by her opponents and is often used as a substitute against weary opponents to give the Equestrians that final attacking boost whenever a goal is needed.

#25 - Aarón Aiza (Human - Male)
Position: Midfielder (RM/DM/CM) | Age: 27 | Debut: vs.

Osarius (Pre-WC69 Friendly)
Club:

Herzegovina City FC | League:

Banijan Soccer League
International Caps: 41 | Assists: 12 | Goals: 4
Aarón Aiza started his career in Yttribia and even featured for the Yttribian national team several times before defecting to the Equestrian States when the Esportivan nation was taken over by the Corvidae. Though the Corvidae no longer rule Yttribia, Aiza continues to play for the Ponies at the international level. Slower than most Equestrian midfielders, Aarón makes up for his lack of speed with stamina and smarts, rarely making a poor decision on the pitch. In the past couple seasons however, Aiza has seemingly reached another level with Herzegovina City in Banija's emergent league, establishing himself firmly as one of the best players in the league and most recently leading his club to a surprising Champions Cup group stage appearance.

#18 - Stardust (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Midfielder (RM/CM/CAM) | Age: 28 | Debut: vs.

Blouman Empire (WC63 Qualifying)
Club:

Whitetail Foresters | League:

United League
International Caps: 115 | Assists: 23 | Goals: 11
Largely overshadowed by the successes of Rainbow Blitz and Krystal after the 27th Di Bradini Cup, Stardust saw her career revived after moving to Blau-Weiss Pallstadt following underwhelming spells with Umber Lumber of Falcus and Iskara Daii of Starblaydia. An extremely fast sprinter, Stardust is most lethal on counterattacks and must be tightly-marked by defenders to prevent her from making perfectly-timed runs that can leave her with the field wide open before her.

Forwards

#10 - Pristina Shine (Unicorn - Female)
Position: Forward (ST) | Age: 27 | Debut: vs.

Footballand (VIII Olympiad)
Club:

1830 Cathair FC | League:

National League Division 1
International Caps: 133 | Assists: 21 | Goals: 93
If there's one player on the team who can challenge Gentle Breeze's claim to being the best current Equestrian hoofballer, it's Pristina Shine. Signed by world-famous Iturributa United as a teenager, Pristina Shine was immediately thrust into the spotlight and regularly started for the club, finishing third in the league in scoring in her first season. Over the next few years, the young forward's profile continued to soar as she seamlessly transitioned from the Equestrian league to the higher-profile Iturributan Premiership. When Iturributa fell to the invading Astograthians, Pristina Shine followed her Polarian manager to Divisjon One's Red Star Severny, where she again established herself as a rising superstar, finishing among the prestigious league's top scorers and claiming her second Young Player of the Year award. With the international retirement of legendary Equestrian striker Fire Dash, Pristina Shine has taken the former captain's spot as the Ponies' primary scoring threat and opponents will need to be wary of her lightning-quick speed and lethal ability to finish. Pristina Shine currently plays for famous Audioslavian giants 1830 Cathair in the National League.

#14 - Rosewing (Pegasus - Female)
Position: Forward (ST) | Age: 25 | Debut: vs.

Laiyenda (WC69 Qualifying)
Club:

Tir Snake Strike | League:

COTEFA Terranean League East
International Caps: 30 | Assists: 2 | Goals: 15
Rosewing is very much your prototypical pegasai striker: quick and exceptionally gifted in the air, though sometimes a bit eager to take risks. In the past two seasons, Rosewing has emerged as a phenomenal talent with Ceni's Tir Snake Strike, firmly establishing herself as the Ponies' second-best striker with ambitions of someday topping Pristina Shine despite an initially slow start to her international career.

#6 - Wither (Bat Pony - Female)
Position: Forward (ST) | Age: 29 | Debut: vs.

The Pazhujeb Islands (WC63 Qualifying)
Club:

Whitetail Foresters | League:

United League
International Caps: 74 | Assists: 6 | Goals: 36
Widely viewed as the most under-appreciated Equestrian striker, Wither's abilities and scoring record would suggest that she's a regular starter for the Ponies, but she has often been overlooked in favor of the more-established stars. Though Wither's playing time has increased dramatically under Pearly White, she's still considered a third option behind Pristina Shine and Rosewing in the roster. Despite her role with the national team, Wither is a determined athlete who never backs down from challenge.

Coaches & Staff

Manager -

Pearly White (Earth Pony - Female) - 46
Appointed interim manager of the national team by the Hoofball Association following the resignation of Twilight Striker - the Ponies' long-time boss of some 12 World Cup campaigns - Pearly White secured the position on a permanent basis with a number of impressive performances against higher-ranked opposition in her first games at the helm, including a stunning upset of then-defending world champions Vilita in the 3rd Cup of Champions. Since then, Pearly White has done nothing to give her employers any doubts that she's the best pony for the job, leading the Equestrian States on a Runner Cup title run without dropping a single point and reaching the 4th Cup of Champions semifinals before capping it all off with a second round appearance at the World Cup finals.

Assistant Manager -

Dreamy Skies (Pegasus - Female) - 42
Not very long ago, Dreamy Skies was a rookie manager taking the reins of Second League club Whitetail Foresters. Her arrival had a near-instant impact on the club's fortunes as they were promoted to the United League the following season and now regularly contend for UICA berths, an incredible improvement in such a short period of time for a team once known largely for producing talent which was then poached by bigger clubs, at the Foresters' expense. When Pearly White first took charge of the Equestrian senior team, she managed to convince the HA that the still-young pegasus would be a strong addition to the Ponies' coaching staff, and thus far it has paid-off spectacularly. Players routinely praise Dreamy Skies for her enthusiastic optimism and superb work ethic which makes her a popular figure in the locker room and on the practice field.

Assistant Manager -

Lunar Dusk (Bat Pony - Female) - 42
The newest addition to the national team staff is Lunar Dusk, somepony few Equestrian hoofball fans were aware of just a few years ago but is today one of the best-known coaching talents in the Pony Lands. Like Dreamy Skies, Lunar Dusk's managerial career started in the second tier with Crystal Fair HC, a previously unremarkable side from the Crystal Empire which she transformed into a legitimate force within a few seasons thanks to a focus on quickly developing the Grounders' budding young stars into hoofballers capable of hanging with the best. After shattering numerous Second League records and earning promotion, Crystal Fair survived a relegation battle in their first ever United League campaign, broke into the top half the following season, and last year defied all expectations to come within a tiebreaker playoff of ending Crystopolis City's previously unchallenged monopoly on the Crystal Empire's Champions' Cup berth. With Lunar Dusk's undeniable talent for inspiring young players alone makes her a valuable addition to the staff, but her brilliant tactical mind makes her appointment by Pearly White a no-brainer.

Goalkeeping Coach -

Fire Blossom (Unicorn - Male) - 51
Responsible for training the Ponies' goalkeepers is Fire Blossom, whose exploits as a keeper in the old Equestrian Premier League earned him much respect amongst early Equestrian hoofball fans and eventually a job with the national team. Fire Blossom's prophetic praise of a teenage prospect named Gentle Breeze and his subsequent push for her initial selection to the senior team for World Cup 62 qualifying have since earned him a reputation as a natural judge of potential, not to mention a considerable amount of credit for Gentle Breeze's many successes.

Scout -

Diamond Star (Unicorn - Female) - 49
Originally chief scout under Twilight Striker with the Canterlot Royals, Diamond Star was later hired for the national team by the Royals' and Ponies' manager to help identify young Equestrian players with international potential, and the unicorn scout did not fail in her task. Among the current national team stars first scouted by Diamond Star are Thunderlane, Cloudchaser, Rainbow Blitz, and Pristina Shine. Now the manager of Stalliongrad HC, Diamond Star has seen her national team role diminished, though she still provides valuable advice to Pearly White regarding her observations of potential internationals within the United League.

Scout -

Golden Hooves (Earth Pony - Female) - 60
A veteran member of the Equestrian States staff, Golden Hooves has been around the national team for what seems like forever, her longevity speaking to her performance as a reliable scout. While fellow Ponies scout Diamond Star's focus lies primarily upon United League players and her evaluation of their potential with regards to the senior team, Golden Hooves is responsible mostly for scouting Equestrians on foreign clubs and assessing the Ponies' opponents and how their players compare with those available to the Ponies.

Fitness Coach -

Craig Jackson (Human - Male) - 49
Hired in the midst of the injury plague which characterized the Ponies' World Cup 63 qualifying campaign, Craig Jackson was the first human member of the Ponies' staff and has done well to keep Equestrian players' injuries minimal in the years since then. While fitness coaches generally don't get much respect or attention from the press, Jackson's gift for keeping players of various biologically-diverse species in near-perfect health throughout grueling tournament schedules which can push them above and beyond their limits is certainly nothing to be dismissed as trivial.

Team Strategy

Note: Players' names and numbers may not be updated, see roster for details.

The Ponies' most-used formation is the slightly modified 3-5-2, preferred by former manager Twilight Striker because of the strength and dominance of the Equestrian midfielders. Thanks to the versatility of the Equestrian States' players, the formation gives the Ponies the ability to shift quickly from the offense to the defense and vice-versa. More recently, however, the Equestrians have begun to shy away from the 3-5-2 in favor of the 4-2-3-1 in order to strengthen the back line and keep their opponents guessing. Aside from the formations themselves, the Equestrians have a number of definitive strengths and weaknesses.

First, the Ponies are among the world's fastest and most durable teams, using their natural advantages to tire out opponents. With those two traits as the defining characteristics of the Equestrian style of play, the squad excels at producing chances in the latter stages of the match. But while the attack dominates the second half, opposing squads have occasionally found success going all-out at the start of the match in an attempt to build an insurmountable lead.

Another area in which the Equestrian States has traditionally dominated is in the aerial battles for headers. While the Ponies are generally shorter than their opponents, the team is often credited with impressive leaping abilities (particularly among the pegasai players). Controlling headers makes the team lethal on corner kicks, and opponents looking to defeat the Equestrians must limit the number conceded to the Ponies or else face a barrage of dangerous short-range shots from the Ponies' attackers.

On Species and Equestrian Hoofball
The Equestrian States is a nation of incredible diversity. When many countries make this kind of statement, they are referring only to racial matters dealing with differences in skin color or culture. But the Equestrian States takes diversity to a whole new level, with dozens of sapient species living alongside each other in harmony. From pegasai to griffons, and humans to dragons, the Equestrian States is among the most diverse nations known to exist. But diversity has also had a unique and intriguing impact on the playing of sports in the Equestrian States, and hoofball is no exception. In the following paragraphs, the natural strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies of each prominent species in the Equestrian States will be explored, offering those unfamiliar with the Equestrian States a chance to explore the wonderful diversity that makes the Equestrian States a great country and gives our beloved national hoofball team a versatility that few others can hope to match.

For the full article (written during WC65, and a highly-recommended read for my opponents), please click here.

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes - Only that the player was injured and how they were injured, I will determine actual severity
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes - Same restrictions as above apply
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes - Limited to one per match, player info and species sections give hints on likely candidates
Godmod other events: Yes - No weather-related events allowed in the Equestrian States
Other Notes: TG me if you have any questions regarding my RPs, requests for more information on the Equestrian States, or requests for exemptions from my RP restrictions. Additionally, I strongly encourage my opponents to read through my roster's section on team strategy and the linked article on species to get a better idea of the team's strengths and weaknesses. Note that Equestrian records do not include matches played from WCs 72-78. Player statistics are updated through post-WCQ71 friendlies.

by **Busoga Islands** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 6:20 pm

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

Busoga Islands prepares for their first ever international sporting competition- AOCAF LVI

Ikshu Amitabh(#9) celebrates scoring the Islands first ever goal in a friendly against the Freeport Isles

PONYVILLE, EQUESTRIAN STATES- The Busoga Islands, of course, are now a newly independent nation, following the Banijan-Equestrian War, as a result of their political agreement in the aftermath of the drought. There is still a lot to be done on the Busoga Islands- do we make the country permanently a republic, or give the throne to somebody? How do we 'de-Mormonize' the Islands? However, as we all know, politics is sticky, politics is hard. And, thankfully, in terms of economic and political protection, we have some very strong allies at our backs. The Equestrian States, who has already sacrificed so much for our independence, pledging their support. The Commonwealth of Baker Park, pledging their support.

Of course, the one area that this has moved the fastest in, is sports. Of course, in sports there are deadlines that cannot be missed- the RBSA had to start their season on time, the RBSA had to figure who could and couldn't represent their national team at the AOCAF LVI, and therefore, intense negotiations were entered into between the RBSA and the Busoga Islands Soccer Association. After long hours of negotiations, everything was settled amicably. The six professional teams within the Busoga Islands would continue to remain full members of the RBSA and follow all of their rules. while the Busoga Islands Soccer Association would form its own national teams for competitions.

They agreed upon eligibility requirements to represent either team, how players eligible to represent both could pick between one or the other, and bam, everything was settled. In time, of course, for the Busoga Islands to actually send a team to AOCAF LVI. The Royal Banijan Soccer Association wanted the situation dealt with quickly- with that settled, they were then able to turn their full focus to the World Cup 81 bid, a bid to co-host alongside the Free Republics, in what is sure to be a bruising fight to win the hosting rights, with fellow GSWers Valanora throwing in a co-host bid as well, alongside Vilita.

But who cares what's happening across the sea? We're the Busoga Islands now- we're our own country, and we'll focus o ourselves. It feels great to read those words, doesn't it? But this team is going to be different than teams of old- we're going to make it representative of the Busoga Islands, we're going to make it representative of how we want it to reflect our country. Many changes from the mainland, ones that bring us up into the modern times, ones that bring us forward with the rest of the world. These things, of course, we think will strengthen our national team and the way it operates, especially compared to our Banijan neighbors.

What's the first change? Well, of course, because of the Puritan LDS teachings of the Universal Call to Motherhood, co-ed sports in Banija is essentially banned for Banijan teams- both professional and national. Craziness, right? We're going to build a state based on progressive values, that don't live backwards. And, that means the Busoga Islands Soccer Association did indeed announce that the Busoga Islands national team would be mixed-gender. A move that wouldn't be surprising to most of the multiverse, but stunning to many Banijans.

Of course, this is easier said than done. With the Busoga Islands clubs subject to RBSA rules, they cannot field female players, nor can their academies. So female player development is tough- however, there is strong Banijan participation on the college scene in terms of women's soccer. There are three women on this national team, a watershed moment- one that, just a few years ago, many would have never thought possible. Marie Sonko, the 25 year old center back, lining up for her country, and doing so wearing red- not the ugly green & orange that you see from the Kadongo Kamu?

Kadi Sanneh will join her in the starting lineup, starting at the head of a two striker attack. And, of course, secondly- hiring a non-human as the team's manager. The tradition of a foreign manager, it seemed, carried over to the Busoga Islands- but Starfire, a pegasus, was a shocking hire, though it meant a round of applause from many Busogans. It is, of course, difficult for many non-humans to get ahead internationally, but this is Starfire's chance. Starfire is only 45 years old, and has proved herself in the Equestrian States. Now, of course, she has a platform to prove herself once again- and to do it in her home country as well.

Of course, that kind of progress for the team is stunning. But let's look at the three stunning coups this manager made- convincing Delbin Kasekende, and Abeselome brothers, to play for the Busoga Islands. Berihu Abeselome was seen as the easiest to be persuaded- Berihu was benched by the Banijan national team. Robel Abeselome took the opportunity after his brother took the opportunity, because he's always wanted to paly for them. But the biggest coup, was Delbin Kasekende. He was at the center of Banija's rebuilding efforts- going from the worst of the worst, climbing the mountain until they were able to reach the summit- an appearance at the World Cup Finals, their first in seven efforts. To put that into perspective, Drawkland have only entered into four different World Cup Qualifying campaigns, and have qualified for all of them.

The team was looking like it was peaking. They are being taken seriously as dark horses here in the Equestrian States, and riding a massive wave of momentum. And, of course, he was due to receive the armband? Why leave? There are a number of reasons. It could be emotional attachment- he could feel a better connections with the Islands than with the mainland. It could have been his attempt at a legacy sealer- take Banija to their first World Cup, while being the Islands first ever number one and captain. Being at the center of another stunning run in the AOCAF? Who knows?

This team played at Freeport Isles in their first ever match, their lone warmup game- they tried to set one up with Banija too, but unsurprisingly, the RBSA refused the offer, citing a 'full match schedule'. Whatever. This was also the first ever game for Freeport. Does anyone remember when Matthias Mutebi, the man responsible for the Banijan-Equestrian War that resulted in our indepedence, took an illegal secret loan from a foreign bank,that he got charged with fraud for? Seems like an eternity and a half ago. Well, that bank was in Freeport.

Nothing to do with their country, just simply that bank. Nearly 95,000 packed Freeport Coliseum for a unique spectacle- two nations, both playing their first ever official games. Who would've thought? It was one of those games where no scouting of the opponent occurred- both were busy trying to find 23 players of their own. That said, our first ever game, a road game, went down as a loss. Ikshu Amitabh scored the opener in the 8th minute, the first ever goal for the Busoga Islands. His silencer celebration towards the raucous crowd may forever go down in history, as he has great potential for the future.

The Islands, however, couldn't keep it up. Starfire wanted to use her only warmup to find our all kinds of information about the squad, making this tournament especially tough. 20 players saw the field today, with Delbin Kasekende and Berihu Abeselome not subsituted at halftime. Freeport scored a pair of second half goals, with Torvald Royle connecting in the 50th, and Puzzle Piece putting one away in the 72nd. Despite the results, Starfire was happy with the team's performance against her former mentor. "We performed well, against stiff competition. We're still figuring things out, learning how to play with each other- it is tough to start a new national team. We will try combinations, and be prepared to do this new country proud when we get to the Equestrian States." It was an interesting game for the Islanders, who played in a rough and tumble match against this very physical squad. Squad rotation was absolutely necessary, as quite a few players got knocks, but, like Starfire, everyone will be ready for the opener.

What a schedule they will have. Who is their first matchup? None other than the defending champions, and #3 overall in the AOCAF rankings, Chromatika. A true David v. Goliath matchup- can't realistically expect a result from this match, even though the team is exuding confidence. Delbin Kasekende and Berihu Abeselome, of course, both played in Banija's legendary upset victory over Chromatika in World Cup 79 Qualifying- their first Qualification defeat in three campaigns. That said, of course, Chromatika has a massive talent advantage. Not only do the Islanders not have the firepower to keep up, they've only played together once.

They will do well to prevent the Islands from blowing the doors off of the game. We'll predict a 3-0 victory for Chromatika. The Islands will be tight in the back, and certainly be looking to break on the counter, but their newness as a squad will reveal a lack of discipline and organization, one that will certainly come to bite them, as they'll concede a trio of late goals. Then, of course, it is a pair of matches in Demot and Baker Park- with rumors of a gift to be presented to the Baker Park as a thank you for their efforts in alleviating the drought.

It will be an exciting, but likely short, tournament for the Islanders this year. However, we're hoping it can be the beginnings of a building block, one that, after some generations, eventually ends in the Busoga Islands competing on the world's grandest stage of the world's most popular sport. A team, of course, built to our values- and if it makes Banijans mad, then all the better. For once, we'll have a team to call our own, and that'll put smiles on the faces of every Islander, no matter what the final scores are at the end of the group stages.

by **Freeport Isles** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:01 pm

Freeport Free Press
Condottieri to Make Competitive Debut in AOCAF 56
by Filthy Rag

EVERFREE, Equestria - From its beginnings as a city-state to the confederacy of islands we know it as today, Freeport has long been proud of its independence and the freedoms its citizens enjoy. Tonight, Freeport will take a new step in asserting its autonomy in fielding a team at the AOCAF hoofball championships, the first time that the Confederation has ever had a national sports team enter any international competition. Under the leadership of former Equestrian States assistant Mad Dash and ex-Qasden boss Jon Merritt, it's hoped that someday Freeport will boast a national team that can rival that of our southern neighbors in Equestria. For now, however, expectations for the Condottieri are low entering the AOCAF Cup in the wake of a humbling 4-0 thrashing at the hooves of the Ponies. The Condottieri's international debut against the newly-independent Busoga Islands went well, with Freeport emerging victorious, but against the Equestrian States things went about as well as one would expect from a meeting between the multiverse's 17th-best team and one that has yet to even participate in the Baptism of Fire.

Speaking of which, Condottieri manager Fire Dash has indicated his intention to use the AOCAF Cup to test his new side in preparation for Freeport's upcoming WCC debut in the 68th Baptism of Fire, hardly a controversial decision given that nopony in their right mind is expecting the Condottieri to make much of an impact in one of the AOCAF's tougher groups. Freeport supporters making the trip to the Equestrian States for the AOCAF Cup are mostly just excited to finally see their own homeland represented in the multiverse's most prestigious regional tournament, with most fans the Freeport Free Press interviewed expressing that they'd be delighted to earn perhaps a draw against one of Group B's more established teams and that anything more than that would be a bonus.

The Condottieri will play their first match tonight against top-seeded Tropicorp at Everfree's Wild Grounds. The Freeport Council of Thirteen has approved a public viewing of the national team's debut, to be held in City Square.

by **Mriin** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:35 pm

The soft din of stainless steel stirrers dinging against glass flask walls sets an undertone to the University of Alchemy's Dragon Den. Whatever you wanted to call it--a bar, a laboratory, a board room, a home--the underground caverns always held an air of important going-ons. That's why the pair of satyrs working their way down labrynthian tunnels did their best to ignore the ever-present layer of smoke; an untimely cough could gather unwanted attention, and this plan didn't need that sort of complication.

Jezebel Cotler, owner of AFC Hosingr, couldn't help but grumble (albeit very, very quietly). "These smug fucking lizards, think they run the world."
"We'd have a lot less business without them," shot back Vicky Lavoi, owner of the Maal Angels. "Both of us made it carrying these potions off Seastone, and you know it."
"That doesn't excuse their stupid, manipulative plans. Maybe if they left their caves more than once a fortnight they'd be able to tell people don't want you fucking with the water supply."
"...alright, you've got a point, but leave that fight for another time. We're here on MNL business only."
"I'm well aware, Lavoi. Wouldn't step hoof in here for any other reason."

They rounded one final granite corner--one adorned with a gilded plaque--and found Don Mizzet boiling a sickly-green liquid in a large glass pot.
The dragon's eyes slowly rose from his work. "I was not expecting visitors, and certainly not you two. For what do I owe this pleasure?"
Vicky stepped up, looking to get the a cuss-less explanation in first. "The owner's guild has reached a decision regarding the national team."
"I'm a member of that guild, you know." Don snorted, sending a little more smoke circulating around the room. "Must have been an important matter to intentional leave my vote out."
"Conflict of interest," Jezebel spat back.
"That decision," Vicky continued, attempting to glare at both of her compatriots at once, "was that this AOCAF is going to be a test. Show that you can lead a team on a deep run, or we'll be moving on."
"Moving on? Is that an ultimatum on my position?"
Jezebel rolled her eyes as flamboyantly as possible. "Obviously. It's the old 'put up or shut up in the regional tournament'. There's probably five other managers here with the same gun to their head."
"Those managers didn't lead a sophomore team to three consecutive qualifications," Don snarled.
"You know we highly respect what you've done with the team." Vicky shook her head and shrugged. "But the team is stagnating when it matters most. Something's gotta change, whether it's with or without you."
Don switched the heat off of his cauldron and leaned back into the wide, cushioned bed. "..fine, if it must be so. Where is the line being drawn?"
"Semi-finals. We need something to write home about."
Don's claws steepled beneath his chin. After a moment, he swung a hinged desk out of the wall and flipped open the laptop set atop it. "Leave me to my business, then. Ask the yellow dragonling at the end of the hallway to lead you out."

As the pair of satyrs meandered their way back through the smoke, Don pulled up his research on the Torontons. Looks like their gaffer is in a similar bind. This is a match for our jobs.

by **Sangti** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:36 pm

It starts with nothing.

The emergence of Sangti in the shores of Southwest Atlantian Oceania caught everyone by surprise. A moderately shaped island appeared just beside the island occupied by the Ajians, making the Aji No Moto the only land border with it. As for the people, only a handful of people were inhabiting the island, around 48,000. The androids comprised much of the populace of the underground nation previously known as New Sangti, but the explosions there destroyed much of the androids, in which only a handful survived, including Mister Hoswe, Miss Bea Cax, and the players which played during the Cup Missers' Cup.

The Sangti Football Association was newly-founded by people who do not understand much about the game. They were able to register for the upcoming AOCAF 56, and sent what they believed were the best players from the five communities that form the new nation. They did not even attempt to recover their history, which were already archived at the Underground Museum destroyed by the inferno in the underground. Gone were the three World Cup finals appearances by what was known as 'The Royal Barangay'. Gone was the runners-up finish in the Campionato Esportiva. Gone were other achievements, the NSCAA title, the RUWC title. They are starting from scratch. Nil. Zero.

Maybe it will be better for the nation, as it emerges to duke it out with The Place's best team in the competition. Maybe Hoswe and Bea Cax do not remember at all their involvement in previous World Cup campaigns, but, slowly, and painfully, they eventually will.

by **Novo Calania** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 8:09 pm

The Nation Formerly Known As Ibex
A tale of splinter states that spans the cosmos.

Part 1: Alpacastan

There is a long and schizophrenic history to the entity that is today known as Novo Calania. As the nation puts their hoof into international sport for the first time under the current moniker, it might be more entertaining and productive to take a look back on how this gaggle of goats got here than to watch them get steamrolled by a high-power group. The ethnic Ibexes among the Ibexi can trace their lineage to a land far, far away--the region of Equestria. It's not too dissimilar a story to fellow intelligent ungulates and repeat AOCAF hosts Equestrian States, albeit they originated in a sister region by the name of the Pony Lands (a lawless and uncivilized caricature of Equestria, as any Equestrian native would tell you). A wide swath of coastal land just to the west of Dragorian mountains saw several people groups vying for control, and while many internal factions with complicated politics existed they were loosely aligned into three groups: The human Karditani, the pony Equestrians, and the Alpacastani. The latter was a loose confederation between tribes of Alpacas, Llamas, and Zebras; while the Alpacas held most of the power (and with it the naming rights), none were large enough to stand against the other two factions on their own. The Ibexes themselves were considered a lesser race even among the Alpacastanis and were relegated to low-level manual labor roles, much as the Earth Ponies were under the largely Unicorn-lead Equestrians.

After several decades of relative peace pockmarked by minor skirmishes, the conflict between the factions would come to a head as a result of working-class rebellions. The Earth Ponies were the first to push back and destabilize the stranglehold the Unicorns had over the southern reaches including modern-day Fillydelphia and Illineigh. News of that conflict would spark a similar movement among the Ibexes. But while the Ponies were able to relatively quickly patch up relations under a more equal social system, such a resolution would never be attainable with the much more diverse peoples of Alpacastan. The Karditanis, who had maintained relative stability throughout this era and watched from afar, took note of the Equestrian's resurgence and the Alpacastani's struggles. The human leadership--at the time still run by council--reached out to the Equestrian leader, one Grand Duchess Luna, and worked out an alliance in a bid to unify all the land west of the mountains.

The combined might of the human and pony armies would find no match in a torn Alpacastan, and the aggressors have been painted in an ill light upon historical revision for their actions. The Alpaca and Llama populations were absolutely devastated. Many historians theorized the Ibexes only survived persecution because of the cultural perception of them as a lesser, and consequently, less threatening species. Which is one of those terrible bits of oversight you sometimes see in the historical records, considering it was the Ibexes' efforts that had facilitated Alpacastan's fall. The Karditani annexation of those desert holdings would prove a critical juncture in the nascent nation's economic development, as vast oil reserves would soon be discovered deep beneath the sands and would shape it into the mercantile powerhouse it is to this day. But, as we'll see in Part 2, annexation never comes easy.

by **Tropicorp** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 8:43 pm

Techi-bo's looking for better Equestrian Showing

AOCAF LVI, Group B, Equestrian States :: After having improved in every Atlantian Oceania regional competition they had contested up until that point, the Tropicorp Techies 'finally' regressed during AOCAF 55 in the Equestrian States being eliminated at the Quarter Final stage by Cosumar in a 4-2 result.

The Techies had peaked at home in Tropicorp LIVe hosted in Tropicoast where they advanced all the way to the Semi-Finals before being upended by eventual runners-up Eshan. While the Quarter Final elimination at the hands of the AOCAF LIVe champions in the Equestrian States had matched Tropicorp's best ever performance in a tournament they weren't contesting on home soil, it still marked a step backwards in the big picture as the Techie entry began rising from just an experimental platform to a formidable training ground for future international stars like Goalkeeper Hanauma Ranbomahi and the entire flock of Cocoabo from Cocoabo Park's Cocoabo Enrichment and Enhancement Project.

In their 7 tournaments contested thus far Tropicorp have made it to the knockout rounds four times, being eliminated in the Quarter Finals three times and in the Semi-Finals once. Having had experience working as the Techi-Bo's before, Tropicorp will be hoping that the return of young prospect goalkeeper Hanauma Ranbomahi to the lineup will be the difference they need to propel them into the Upper Echelon of Atlantian Oceania sport.

Tournament	Win	Draw	Loss	Goals	Goals Against	End Result	Notable Events
AOCAF 49	1	0	3	1	6	5th in Group A	Lost 0-1 to Vilita & Turori
AOCAF 50	1	1	2	7	9	3rd in Group A	Lost Playoff to Iskandervale (1-2 AET)
AOCAF 51	4	1	1	11	10	2nd in Group A Lost 3-1 to Valanora in Quarter Final	Defeated Farfadillis 3-2 Won First Knockout Round Match (2-1 over Chromatika)
AOCAF 52	2	0	2	3	3	1st in Group Y Lost 2-1 to Krytenia in Quarter Final
AOCAF 53	1	2	2	9	9	4th in Island Group	Lost 1-3 to Vilita & Turori
AOCAF 54	4	1	2	12	8	1st in Group 4th Place Overall	Lost 0-1 to Eshan in Semi-Final
AOCAF 55	4	0	1	12	6	1st in Group Lost in Quarter Finals	Lost 2-4 to Cosumar in Quarter-Final

by **Equestrian States** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 9:00 pm

AOCAF Cup LVI
Match Day 1 Results

Group A

Equestrian States 3–0 Geisenfried

at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot

Sangti 1–3 Banija

at Star Stadium in Canterlot

  Group A                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Equestrian States         1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2  Banija                    1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3  Sangti                    1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
4  Geisenfried               1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
  Equestrian States (+3) ahead of Banija (+2) on goal difference
  Sangti (−2) ahead of Geisenfried (−3) on goal difference

Group B

Freeport 0–0 Tropicorp

at Wild Grounds in Everfree

Ko-oren 1–2 Sultanate of Oontaz

at Ranger Grounds in Whitetail

  Group B                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Sultanate of Oontaz       1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2  Freeport                  1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
   Tropicorp                 1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4  Ko-oren                   1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group C

Mriin 3–0 South Toronto

at Derby Field in Manehattan

Saint Émelie 4–3 Vilita & Turori

at Manehattan Industrial Park in Manehattan

  Group C                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Mriin                     1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2  Saint Émelie              1   1  0  0    4   3  +1    3
3  Vilita & Turori           1   0  0  1    3   4  −1    0
4  South Toronto             1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
  Mriin (+3) ahead of Saint Émelie (+1) on goal difference
  Vilita & Turori (−1) ahead of South Toronto (−3) on goal difference

Group D

Cosumar 4–0 Siovanija & Teusland

at City of Manechester Stadium in Manechester

Qasden 0–0 Novo Calania

at Pony Lands Park in Manechester

  Group D                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Cosumar                   1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2  Novo Calania              1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
   Qasden                    1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4  Siovanija & Teusland      1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

Group E

Torisakia 0–1 Anthor

at Imperial Arena in Crystopolis

Eshan 2–1 Melbergia

at Spire Grounds in Crystopolis

  Group E                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Eshan                     1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2  Anthor                    1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3  Melbergia                 1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4  Torisakia                 1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
  Eshan (2) ahead of Anthor (1) on goals for
  Melbergia (1) ahead of Torisakia (0) on goals for

Group F

95X 0–1 Semarland

at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad

Farfadillis 2–0 Valliesta

at Salt Lick Stadium in Salt Lick City

  Group F                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Farfadillis               1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2  Semarland                 1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3  95X                       1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4  Valliesta                 1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Farfadillis (+2) ahead of Semarland (+1) on goal difference
  95X (−1) ahead of Valliesta (−2) on goal difference

Group G

Chromatika 4–1 Busoga Islands

at Elements Stadium in Ponyville

Baker Park 2–1 Demot

at The Observatory in Ponyville

  Group G                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Chromatika                1   1  0  0    4   1  +3    3
2  Baker Park                1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3  Demot                     1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4  Busoga Islands            1   0  0  1    1   4  −3    0
  Chromatika (+3) ahead of Baker Park (+1) on goal difference
  Demot (−1) ahead of Busoga Islands (−3) on goal difference

Group H

Starblaydia 3–1 Kingdom of Corelia

at Red Park in St. Trottersburg

Valanora 2–2 Soltsteed

at Trottawa Stadium in Trottawa

  Group H                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1  Starblaydia               1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
2  Soltsteed                 1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
   Valanora                  1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4  Kingdom of Corelia        1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 2:33 am

Freeport
Nickname: the Condottieri
Rank: UR

Overview: Freeport is extremely new in the world of multiverse soccer. They have no World Cup qualification experience or any AOCAF history, having just played two friendlies ahead of the 56th edition of Atlantian Oceania's flagship competition. One was a win over the Busoga Islands, the other a big loss at the hoof of the Equestrian States. That last nation will pop up a little in this writeup: half of Freeport's starters play in the leagues of the Equestrian States, even though none have cracked the top of the pyramid so far. They have international experience, but no proven quality just yet. Most of Freeport's staff is from the Equestrian States, and similarly, about 75% of the squad are ponies - winged, horned, striped, you name it.

Formation and tactics: Freeport utilises a 4-3-3 with a midfield consisting of two true playmakers and a defensive midfielder. Up front, the outside attackers play wide on the wings. As always, equestrian teams are extremely gifted in the physical department, which is where undoubtedly Freeport's strength lies. Endurance and conditioning are their biggest weapons. They are less gifted in the ball control department, but do not count out the two humans on the team (defensive midfielder and central striker) in that area. Freeport's attention is always directed forward, looking for goals on lethal quick breaks. In possession, they do not often sit back, but try to bring the ball ever closer to the opponents' goal.

Marquee players: Bloodblade, Puzzle Piece, and Sonar Amethyst, playing in the Equestrian States' second division. Puzzle Piece's Seaddle Sounders came in a respectable 8th in the most recent United Hoofball Association's Second League. Replacement goalie Night Thunder has some United League experience, just relegated with the New Cloudsdale Colonists.

Oontaz
Demonym: the Oontaznik
Rank: 13th

Overview: Oontaz, nowadays, is a nation like all the rest of us, after Fleftic intervention. Still, a rift runs right down the middle of the country, and religious differences remain a potential problem. Soccer, and sports in general, is always a peacemaker and players of both religions play on a decent team capable of going far this tournament. The domestic league is a funny amalgamation of Muslim and Christian names, though no players have been selected from champions Real Altamarino.

Formation and tactics: Oontaz uses a slightly defensive 4-5-1 alignment, with a big plus on midfield. There are some small gaps in defence: Sarimanok can be found anywhere in defence, while Campanilla has a tendency to foul opponents. The wing backs are very capable, and like every modern wing back, will provide support in attack, overlapping on the wings. San Marcelino, the defensive midfielder, will fall back just a bit in case the wing backs are away. The central midfield, from Abu Nayef, to Zulfikar to Zulfiqli, are somewhat aging, but very capable. They do have some sort of chip on their shoulder, mostly from being passed for the position until they were past their prime. Dimaintindihan is the last member of the large midfield, as a sort of second striker sometimes, and perfectly fits the veteran central five. Estevez, up front, is reaching his full potential and a very lethal threat. Where possible, however, Oontaz will build up slowly, always building in some defensive structure first, and attacking from there.

Marquee players: Eduardo Estevez is one player to remember for possibly shooting Oontaz to great heights. Otherwise, the wing backs Portencio and Opulencia, along with talented central back Sarimanok.

Tropicorp
Nickname: the Techies
Rank: 7th

Overview: A team that was perhaps never meant to be? Where Ko-oren is busy involving all kinds of metrics and such, Tropicorp have gone much, much further than that. Forget metrics, in with breeding Cocoabo just for playing football really, really well. In doing so, the scientists working on the program became so skilled at the game (so this is roughly where Ko-oren ought to be in a few years) that they started playing and winning.

Formation and tactics: A massively multi-faceted team, interchanging and swapping is what this team does. Who knows? They'll probably win a few.

Marquee players: Cocoabo #89. Or was it #99? Or #88? Maybe I got the numbers backwards, it's definitely #98. There's also a pretty good midfielder. #46, or #64. Don't count out the actual human scientists either. Johnson is decent. So is Miller. If that's their actual names.

by **Demot** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 2:05 pm

Demot "Dynamo" Roster

Kits

Home Away

Manager: Scott Gaines, age 48
Assistant: Gary Josephs, age 45

Modifier: +4

GK: Manuela Brunson, age 28, Club Demot (F)
GK: Wesley Goulette, age 28, Skyhaven FC
GK: Ladawn Simard, age 33, Likewell Kirk (F)
LB: Lee Walker, age 31, Likewell Kirk
LB: Steven Woods, age 28, Atalantian FC
CB: Brenda McDaniel, age 27, Oceanic United (F)
CB: Michele Noriega, age 32, Club Demot (F)
RB: Michael Cooper, age 30, Druidisian United
RB: Richard McMorrow, age 32, Likewell Kirk
RW: Karen Courtney, age 30, Oceanic (F)
RW: Margaret Santana, age 32, Oceanic United (F)
LW: Terry Jackson, age 31, Likewell Kirk
LW: Rose Yearwood, age 32, Skyhaven FC (F)
MC: Rocco Branch, age 31, Skyhaven FC
MC: Herbert Lisenby, age 33, Maracruse Typhoon
AMC: Jacqueline Trosper, age 32, Druidisian United (F)
AMC: Carol Pugh, age 28, Atalantian FC (F)
AMC: Viola Silvis, age 30, Skyhaven FC (F)
AMC: Jennifer Nguyen, age 31, Oceanic (F)
ST: Christopher Moore, age 30, Oceanic United
ST: Sean Johnson, age 31, Likewell Kirk
ST: Carmine Holmes, age 32, Likewell Kirk
ST: Latoya Joseph, age 28, Mirria United (F)

Simard
McMorrow                  Noriega                Walker
Santana                        Lisenby                     Yearwood
   Trosper      Nguyen  
     Johnson            Holmes

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

by **Oontaz Dert Li Ng** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 5:55 am

(OOC: I'm trying out a new reporting style that relies more on short and sometimes snappy one-liners instead of going into a little bit more detail as with my other match reports. Match statistics will still be provided below the article itself for those who are interested in that kind of stuff.)

Press Box
Short News. Quick Views.

TEPOK ANG TUTUBI (THE DRAGONFLIES ARE DEAD)
By Narciso Abdulmalik Talavera

The Sultanate of Oontaz has finally won against Ko-oren.

But it's not time to celebrate just yet as this is actually just the first time that the Sultanate has met the Dragonflies in an international football competition.

But we all remember those times that Ko-oren made absolute fools of Abanhfleft both in football and in rugby. The Fleftics wish that they could forget.

Eduardo Estevez is finally back to lead the line for the Lions of Sand and Sea, and his reward was his first international brace since bagging two against County Davidson in AOCAF Cup LIV.

Katanmak Julasterinthen, who has been the boogeyman in many a Fleftic football fan's nightmares, was far from being such against Oontaz today. Gelereth Pirastadhaunden scored a late goal for the Dragonflies but it was nothing more than a consolation.

But the toughest test of this AOCAF Cup yet is next in Tropicorp. Everyone is sure that we will lose against Tropicorp and drop the game against Freeport because that's what always happens to Oontaz.

But it is still possible for Oontaz to get out of this group. This team looks like they are really firing on all cylinders and connecting with each other.

This particular team can bring glory to the Sultanate. They already believe in each other. It's our turn to believe in them now.

(Translated from the original Mayin by N.A. Talavera and A. Macasaysayan.)

              KO-OREN 1 - 2 OONTAZ           █
PIRASTADHAUNDEN (81')       ESTEVEZ (6', 64')

OONTAZ
GK: 1 Ansarifarid
RB: 25 Opulencia
RCB: 35 Sarimanok
LCB: 49 Campanilla █ (Calanoy - 50')
LB: 15 Portencio
RM: 5 San Marcelino (Ramirez - 65')
LM: 17 Abu Nayef (Cortes - 79')
RW: 77 Zulfikar
CAM: 10 Dimaintindihan
LW: 75 Zulfiqli
ST: 9 Estevez █

KO-OREN
GK: 1 Thenshendan
RB: 2 Linderood (Dalton - 57')
RCB: 3 Mizuno
CB: 4 Benjamin
LCB: 5 Lampshire
LB: 6 Swadling
RM: 7 Ulysse
LM: 8 Kapitein
CAM: 10 Longchambon (Yokota - 89')
RS: 11 Pirastandhauden
LS: 9 Duchemin (Vermelho █ - 69')

MATCH STATISTICS
Possession
Ko-oren: 51%
Oontaz: 49%
Shots
Ko-oren: 12 (5 on target)
Oontaz: 4 (2 on target)
Corners
Ko-oren: 5
Oontaz: 3
Fouls
Ko-oren: 10
Oontaz: 15

by **Starblaydia** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:08 am

Starblaydia Win AOCAF 56 Opener
Järvinen Injured, 'Keeper Likely Out for Tournament

It's been twenty years since we last saw the Kingdom of Corelia at the AOCAF Cup, and they don't appear to have come up with any particularly special secret weapon in the meantime, falling 3-1 to a Starblaydi side who are aiming for a deep run into the knockout phase in this fifty-sixth edition of the world's premier regional football championship. Ázëwyn Fëanáro has brought a strong side to Equestrian States with the intention of giving some of the younger squad players some all-important tournament experience before the marathon of Qualifiers for the 81st World Cup kick off in a year's time.

It was with that in mind that Starblaydia lined up strongly to make sure they had points on the board before they face a Vanorian side ranked on paper as the best in the most famous sporting region in history. They came out of the blocks quickly, using their midfield advantage of numbers, as well as quality, to dictate the pace of the game, ticking along to the rhythm set by Hanar Nauglamír as the whole of the Starblaydi side danced to his tune, and pivoted around his position. Less than twenty minutes in and Starblaydia opened their account for the campaign, Nauglamír releasing Di Bradini into space on the left-hand side, giving him all the time in the world to pick his spot for the cross, and find Ella Kabeya at the near post, there to deflect the ball ever so slightly across the body of the Corelian goalie, nestling it into the far corner to put Starblaydia well on their way.

Drama struck less than ten minutes later, however, as from a quick through ball, the big Corelian forward wearing number 11 slipped through the Starblaydi back three and headed for goal. Bjorn Järvinen came out to bravely dive at the feet of the striker and the two clattered into each other, with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Järvinen, however, stayed down and required lengthy treatment for a lower leg injury as the Corelian forward had fallen heavily onto it. Four minutes of treatment later and the Hippion Overdrive number one was withdrawn for Paricone Athletic's Martin Bennet, on for his senior international debut. It was bad news for Bennet, however, as though he dived the correct way, the ball was struck too cleanly and too high for him to get his hand to, and his first touch of the football at an AO Championships was to pick the ball out of the back of the net with half an hour played. After that, however, Bennet was assured and unassailable in the Starblaydi goal, making comfortable saves and commanding his box on the occasions he was called on.

Starblaydia made sure they reset after the penalty and began their gameplan again, Nauglamír again pulling the strings, slotting a through ball forward for Mezna Rayyen to sprint on to, chipping deftly over the onrushing goalie to put Starblaydia back in the lead in the extended injury time thanks to Järvinen's misfortune. Fëanáro made a single change at half time, swapping Will Anderson for young Viola Capodanno, the eighteen year old coming on after a decent showing at last year's Di Bradini Cup despite the team's overall poor record. Fifteen minutes later, with the midfield solid and the Kingdom of Corelia offering little in the way of attack-minded play, Nauglamír was withdrawn for the twenty-four year old Yujiro Fujiyama, the exciting young Hallad Reavers attacking midfielder. Starblaydia's personnel switched up their roles admirably, with Marcello Di Bradini now becoming the pivot around which the team played. It worked almost immediately when Di Bradini's cross was headed back across goal from Soronúmë at the far post, perfectly for the head of the onrushing Fujiyama who bulleted it home and effectively wrapped up the game for the team in white.

The rest of the match turned into something of a training exercise as Starblaydia took aim from all sorts of crazy distances and angles, as well as trying to pull of some exceptionally neat passing tricks between themselves, though all of it came to nought and the Starblaydi fans were even getting a little frustrated with their team's lack of focus and end product. It can't be helped, perhaps, with a lot of youngsters and inexperienced players in the side, that little lack of professionalism showing through then they should have gone for the kill. Undoubtedly Ázëwyn Fëanáro will impart the importance of killing a game off when you have the chance, as those sorts of chances are few and far between when you play the likes of Valanora, as she herself knows well from her playing experiences.

The next match may not decide the qualifiers from the Group, but it will definitely have a strong say in who tops it. Starblaydia will be hoping it's them, with a victory all but sealing them as Group H Winners.

Starblaydia 3 - 1 Kingdom of Corelia
(Kabeya 18, Rayyen 45+4, Fujiyama 65) - (#19 31 (Pen))

by **Saint Emelie** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 9:48 am

GIANT THRILLERS

Late Bastereud goal shocks 4th seeds Vilita and Turori in Saint Émelie's First International

Saint Émelie got their AOCAF off to a flying start with a thrilling 4-3 victory aganst the group's top-ranked nation and 4th seeds for the tournament as a late goal from captain Florian Bastereud earned them an incredible win.

Despite being a physically strong side and possessing some pace on the wings, a combination that can cause problems in the first few minutes of a game. However they took time to adjust to the extra quality of an international match and went behind after 14 minutes when Mbdiai Akarenaa's weaving run and cross found an unmarked Mungwaii who tucked a low finish past Joubert in the Saint Émelie goal.
Most of the regional media, including Vilita and Turori's, had written off the islanders in their debut tournament and based upon the first 15 minutes of play, they were perhaps justified. Yet Amélie Martin's team found their feet and a typically Saint Émilean move involving a long ball over the midfield and a flick on from Dominic Trion to find Sara Katjanović.
Katjanović is the only professional player in the Saint Émelie squad and she showed her class and composure with a sidefooted finish past Wiyauw An'maude and into the back of the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Vilita and Turori usually play as individual nations, but even though their unified side are a young team and looked a little incoherent in their first match together for a while, they still posess a lot of quality. That shone through when midfielder Katarakhna curled a silky shot into the far corner to leave Joubert stranded.

Saint Émelie had plenty of energy left however and equalised just two minutes before half-time when Katjanović seized upon a loose ball in the penalty area and thumped a shot into the back of the net via the inside of the post. Although Joubert was forced into a decent flying stop by a long-range shot from Kentu Umaka'a in added time, Saint Émelie managed to survive until the break.

The second half settled into a fairly predictable rhythm with Vilita and Turori seeing a lot of the ball and Saint Émelie looking to hit out on the counter-attack. Joubert was forced into another good save when a cross took a deflection off full-back Charléne Forestier and threatened to slide into the bottom corner before Mungwaii fired over the crossbar from a promising position.
Yet despite the onslaught, Saint Émelie struck the ultimate sucker-punch as another fast break fed the ball to winger Florence Caseille. The Savenay player's cross was headed clear by a defender, but only as far as midfielder Simon Pelletier who belted a crisp strike past a helpless An'maude.

With the 3-2 lead, Saint Émelie were always going to be under the cosh for the final 20 minutes and they were, with Vilita and Turori finding some extra energy to try and salvage something from the game. Joubert was called into action again to make a superb save from a rising Toru'u volley with 18 minutes of normal time remaining whilst Forestier did well to get a toe to a low Milaaso strike, diverting the ball wide of the goal.

The pressure would eventually tell however and a more penetrative move from the men in green and brown got Meldi'ita Mungwaii in behind. The 28 year old found a pull-back and despite the best efforts of Daniel Bouchard, the experienced Indelli Nura'amura was able to sneak in at the back post to level the scores with just 5 minutes of normal time to go.
Saint Émelie would have been forgiven for collapsing to a defeat after their monumental effort, but an errant pass just outside the Saint Émelie area allowed Mathilde Laurent to intercept and make a charge downfield. She was eventually fouled in a similar position to that which she picked the ball up from.
With the big men up, Simon Pelletier whipped in a dipping cross that Florian Bastereud met beautifully, diverting a powerful header across An'maude and into the back of the net, prompting wild celebrations from those who had made the long journey to the Equestrian States from the island.
Despite a late flashing header going narrowly wide, Vilita and Turori were unable to avoid humiliation and Saint Émelie got their regional and international record off to an excellent start against the competition's fourth seeds.

The result caused huge dissapointment in Vilita and Turori with many questioning the merits of a unified team given the Vilitan and Turoran national sides are ranked 6th and 12th in the World Cup rankings respectively. The inexperience of many attacking squad members was also a topic for discussion, but there should surely be no excuses for a more experienced defensive lineup for conceding 4 goals against a spirited and well-choreographed, but ultimately quality-deficient Saint Émelie attack.
That was however in contrast to scenes in Saint Émelie as the news of victory filtered across the island. The island's debut in international sport had been hotly anticipated and many were delighted that it would be against a side with a large footballing heritage and interest.
A win however had been less hotly anticipated, but the team produced a performance worthy of victory against an opposition side that ultimately looked to have been caught cold by the heart, style and surprising level of talent in the Saint Émelie team.

Head coach Amélie Martin seemed as surprised as many of the fans at the final whistle, but expressed her pride in the post-match interview, which had to be hurriedly translated into English by a nearby pony:

"I couldn't be happier with what has happened today. We obviously came into the game with low expectations, but we showed great spirit and in the end, we managed to come up with the really special moments to win this match."

On the youth and inexperience of many opposition players:

"We didn't really know much about any of the squads to be honest. Recent information is fairly low on the ground back home, so we focused on our own game. They are a young team of course, but there is a lot of quality and a lot of very good players still in the team and so we knew we had to play very well to get anywhere near them. But I think that any team on a certain day can be beaten and we showed that today."

On celebrations:

"Of course there will be a massive celebration tonight. Yes we have matches coming up, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm sure our players will join in with all the fans both here and back home on the island in honouring our acheivement with a nice big party."

Mriin are next up for Saint Émelie. The 15th seeds are not as illustrious a scalp as Vilita and Turori, but may provide just as stern a challenge for les insulaires. The Satyrs will provide a shock to the system just with their looks, but also with their massive aerial threat.
Having said that, they play a similar fast, aggressive style of attacking football to Saint Émelie, so Daniel Bouchard and his back line will know what they're up against. Meanwhile the Mriin team clearly have defensive vulnerabilities. Despite scoring 10 goals in three World Cup 80 group stage matches, the reavers, shipped 11 and Sara Katjanović's small and agile nature is perfect to exploit their percieved clumsiness at the back.

Anything of course, is possible.

by **Vilita and Turori** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 10:13 am

A look at the Groups for AOCAF 55 56 in the Equestrian States...
ooc: Not factoring in any MD1 Results

Group E
If there is going to be a group in this AOCAF where an unranked fourth-seeded nation has a chance to advance from a group where they are competing against three ranked nations, it is Group E. Eshan is a nation in free fall after the disappointment of their defeat at the hands of Cosumar in the AOCAF LIVe final. Anthor are coming off a period of great instability where, for a time, it was feared that their nation would be swallowed up by a black hole never to be heard from again while Melbergia - well they just haven't shown to be particularly good in past AOCAF performances. All that opens up an opportunity for Torisakia to steal a spot from one of the three ranked teams - likely advancing with Eshan if only because they are the highest ranked of the lot.

Predict: Eshan, Torisakia

Group F
This very nearly could have been a group with a very different look for 95X as the publicly transportable nation where it is believed that being caught without your bus pass on you could land you in prison was a later challenger in the hosting process for the 56th AOCAF cup. Having narowly been defeated for hosting rights, 95X saw a massive swing in their group fortunes. If the bus-riders had won the hosting rights they likely would have slotted into Group A, pot 1. Instead, they were drawn in a Group F which could be seen as this AOCAF's 'Group of Death' with a plucky and rejuvinated Semarland side seemingly ready to pounce. If 95X will have any hope of advancing they will need to take care of business or perhaps rely on a victory over Farfadillis, leaving the 5th ranked nation in the region to fend for their lives against Semarland. Valliesta has no shot in this one.

Predict: Farfadillis, 95X

Group G
Like Group E, Group G is the group where it seems the best likelihood of an Unranked nation sneaking into the Round of 16 exists. Chromatika are still experiencing Hangover syndrome from their triumph in AOCAF LIV and could be ripe for an overconfident Group Stage exit. Demot have a lot to prove as they struggle to rekindle themselves into the form that saw them as two-time World Cup Runners-Up. The challengers will be the Commonwealth of Baker Park who could cause an upset - but may be further undone if the upstart Busoga Islands can keep pace with them in the all-unranked matchup.

Predict: Demot, Baker Park

Group H
All eyes will be on Group H which itself contains more World Cup titles than Groups A-G combined. If not for the fact that most predict that respective five-time World Cup champions Valanora and Starblaydia will survive the challenges put up from former Baptism of Fire champions Soltsteed and regional challengers the Kingdom of Corelia, Group H could have also been deemed a 'Group of Death'. Soltsteed will certainly be looking to make their mark as they challenge to take points from the much more accomplished teams ahead of them, but in the end they will come up just short and join the Kingdom of Corelia in exiting the group stage early.

Predict: Starblaydia, Valanora

Vilita & Turori [3] - [4] Saint Emelie

:: Vilita & Turori Goalscorers ::
:: 14' Meldi'ita Mungwaii
:: 33' Limu Katarakhna
:: 85' Indelli Nura'amura

:: Vilita & Turori Statistics ::
:: Possession: 56%
:: Shots on Target: 8
:: Corner Kicks: 12

:: Saint Emelie Statistics ::
:: Possession: 44%
:: Shots on Target: 8
:: Corner Kicks: 15

Vilita & Turori Eel Cat Things Lineup v. Saint Emelie ::
[GK] Wiyauw An'maude, [D.] Jirak Trikala, [D.] Biliki Rona'atu'i, [D.] Lulu Pumaziiri, [D.] Inbekira Ajhabekk, [ML] Kentu Umaka'a, [MC] Mbdiai Akarenaa, [MC] Kiidallen Aeroluzzi, [MR] Limu Katarakhna, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [FC] Wiztsana Iretziia
BENCH::
[FC] Nii'arala Milaaso, [FC] Mirana Gotuai, [M] Indelli Nura'amura, [M] Intikko Kuhilana, [U ] Daliora Toru'u, [D] Mikki Mayelli, [GK] Striitca Virahat

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 12:05 pm

Alan Dzekov had faced many post-match press conferences in his career. This one, however, was a little bit different. Siovanija and Teusland had just been humiliated 4-0 in the opening match of the AOCAF Cup against Cosumar, and Dzekov would rather be anywhere else in the world. He took a sip of water, and felt as if the spotlight on him was just a little hotter and brighter today, enough to make him even more uncomfortable.

“Alright, Alan’s going to give a statement and then you can ask some questions, keep it short though because the team are off to Seaddle immediately after this. Obviously, we’ve got some work to do,” commented Jorg Oberfalz, the team’s press manager. Now, all eyes in the room focused towards the manager.

Dzekov caught his breath, then spoke. “I don’t really think I can say anything to, well, justify the last 90 minutes, you saw for yourselves. We’ve had bigger defeats before but this one was pretty upsetting just in the way we played. The team know we’ve let the fans down here, obviously we weren’t exactly favourites against the number 2 ranked side in the region but certainly we expected to be competitive. The lads are all going to work extra hard in training now, and we plan on picking up our game next time out. As you are all well aware, that’s going to be against Novo Calania in Seaddle. This game should be interesting, given we are both unranked teams and they have managed a draw with Qasden. Now, uh, I can take some questions here.”

Dzekov took a sip of water again, and glanced out as a reporter with the Stelburger Zeitung popped up to ask the first question.

“Hi Alan, Sven Grassman here with the Zeitung, my question is: was there anything good that you and the team can take out of that match?”

“I mean, it’s difficult to see the positives when you don’t manage a shot on target in 90 minutes of play. I don’t think anyone on our team had a game to be proud of, and honestly, I’ve got to take some of the blame as well. I chose the lineup and I chose the tactics, and frankly they didn’t work for us today. I’d imagine, however, that just having had that experience makes us stronger in the future.”

“Alright Alan, Chavdar Ivanov from the Borograd Dnevnik, it’s fair to say you haven’t had the best run of things so far in your time as Siovanija and Teusland manager. Only 1 win in 5 matches, and in fact 2 of the worst defeats in the team’s history, today’s loss and the 6-1 against Kita-Hinode in the Cup of Harmony. Are you perhaps feeling the pressure now to get results, or get the sack?”

The simple answer, of course, was yes. The long answer? “Not at all. I took this job under the agreement that we would continue building the team towards our eventual goal of competing with the best in the world. I don’t expect, and I don’t think the UFAST expect us to be there after, well about 30 games.”

That all was true, but Alan was a bit worried. After all, it hadn’t exactly been the smoothest ride for the team under his leadership, and the defensive quality of the team slipped. He didn’t expect to be fired at all, but if the team continued to lose through poor performances, how could that be called ‘building?’ Next question.

“Alan, it’s Paulus Weiz for republiksport.st, my question for you is: you’ve mentioned that next up is Novo Calania, and I can imagine that that is the biggest gauge of the true strength of this team, really, considering that both teams are new to the AOCAF. Surely they come in on better form, having a 0-0 draw with Qasden to their name while Siovanija and Teusland have not done quite as well. Will there be any tactical changes for this game?”

“It’s difficult to change things up in the middle of a tournament, and I believe that what we need to see more of is just good performances from our players. We’ve got a lot of quality in this team, but for some reason some nights it just doesn’t all come out. We’re learning and adapting, and hopefully getting better each time out. I won’t rule out anything, however, in terms of team selection because it’s obvious that something needs to change.”

Jorg Oberfalz took to the floor again. “Thanks guys. That’s all for today, the team want to get to the hotel in Seaddle tonight. The next media availability will be tomorrow afternoon after training.”

It had been a long, disappointing day, and Alan Dzekov dreaded boarding the team bus now. What could be said? There was silence as he took his seat. The bus pulled out of the City of Manechester Stadium parking lot.

“Boss? We’re gonna be better next time,” said the voice of Ivo Romanov. The other players nodded in agreement.

“I know you will,” replied Dzekov.

Siovanija and Teusland 0-4 Cosumar

Siovanija and Teusland XI (4-3-3): Venev; Kleinmann, Pingov, Klopfer (Karapetrov 57’), Daschner; Kostov, Kramer (Brotzmann 72’), Dimitrov; Romanov, Leistner, Dinev (Kynev 57’)
Match Notes: Not the worst result in the national team’s history, but perhaps the worst performance. Not a single shot on target, and utterly dominated by Cosumar. No one expected the victory today, but fans of the Goldhorns at least wanted the team to go down fighting. That didn’t happen today, and now Siovanija and Teusland have it all to do in the upcoming matches with Novo Calania and Qasden.

by **Semarland** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:01 pm

Mads Olsen cut a nervous figure on the touchline. He grimaced as he noticed the expression on Kwame Nelson's face when he noticed him. He stared at the turf awkwardly as Kwame sighed and turned in the opposite direction, focusing on the small 7v7 training match that was going on. He began to worry that he was going to lose his striker, but there was a small bit of relief as he knew that it wouldn't be to one of his rivals in the Premarligaen. His thoughts were interrupted when two of his other fellow league managers, Cortell Carrasco and Martin Adnansen wandered over. Carrasco he had time for, being another young manager like himself. Carrasco was one of Kadell Stevens' closest friends and was an outside shout for the national job. Adnansen, however, he despised. He was part of the old guard. He and everyone else in the country knew how bitter he was that he didn't get the job, and he shuddered as Adnansen shot a look of contempt over at Stevens. In fact, the Arkjet manager was still bitter that he was turfed out of Krsthaven to make way for the Polarian "legend" Patrik Karlstrom. There was no denying he was a good manager, but he was a miserable bastard, that was for sure.

Mads made small talk with Carrasco whilst Adnansen paced the touchline. Mads couldn't help but nervously glance at Adnansen who barked orders at the players. Even though only Seyi Oshoffa was the only member of his squad to be called up to the AOCAF, Adnansen still took the opportunity to yell at his team's domestic opponents, untill Kadell came over and told him to leave his players alone. After the session ended, Mads raced over to Kwame to tell him he was looking good.

"There's no use pampering me and reminding me I've done well." Kwame sighed. "I made up my mind, I need to leave for the good of my career."

Mads scoffed. "Good of your career? Last season we were all rusty. You know we can win the league when we go back again next time. We need your help."

Kwame shook his head. "See him there?", pointing at Kwaeome Richards, who was picking up the cones with a few other players not involved in Kwame's session. "There's your man. You don't need me." Kwame then glanced around to see no one was near, before going into a whisper. "I can't stay in Jansberg. It doesn't feel right. I need to go abroad. I want to give Kiera and my little girl a fresh start." And with that, he walked away, as Mads looked on despair.

The annual Managers' Gala that night dragged. He carried on making small talk with various contemparies before catching up with Abel Nkutu. Abel was an old friend, and a good one at that. They played together for Semarland and at FC Jansberg and he had started his managerial career well, taking Lindenshalle-Knutsunde up into the Premarligaen. Mads had to refrain from telling some randomer who managed some irrelevant non-league team to fuck off as he made a passing comment about Kwame. Deep down he knew the striker was right. There was plenty more fish in the sea. But the fans weren't confident in him, and selling their best player since Marc Lygaard might turn them against him even more. He bumped into Kasper Blonqaard, another old friend who was surprisingly kept on at FC Matovallanen, but this wasn't the time nor the place to ask about Kwaeome Richards' availability. He looked up at the TV screen to see Javeon Barnes scoring for Semarland's U21s at the Di Bradini Cup, but he couldn't see any trace of Kwame in the young forward.

A week later, as he watched Kwame race onto a delightful through ball from Marc Strand before powering past the 95X defence and firing home in the 57th minute to get Semarland off to a winning start at the AOCAF, he decided to pack his bags and go over to the Equestrian States to watch some other strikers in person. His scouting team were on holiday, an ill-timed move by the board especially considering there was the Di Bradini and the AOCAF, the Copa Rushmori and the Campianato Esportiva going on, but he decided he didn't need them. He quickly booked the next flight and set off for the airport in the morning. It was a long flight but he decided it'd be worth it as he flicked through the rosters of countries from Banija to Cosumar to Qasden to Eshan. He knew it'd be hard to convince players to come over to Semarland, especially consdering they just re-entered UICA, but he knew there was no harm in trying.

Semarland v 95X: Valbuena; D Claro-Hunt, Chimbonda, Chalobah, Modise (Blackshaw 83); Labonne, Melbourne (Otudeko 83), Strand; Nti-Bonso, Nelson (Richards 75), Boateng.

Starting XI v Valliesta: Thompson; Kanu, Ansah, Chalobah, Blackshaw; Labonne, Otudeko, Rene; Sevenoaks, Reiss, Bokila.

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