Independents Cup 6 - Everything Thread

by **Mercedini** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 8:55 am

INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP VI
ZOLORONI & LANGTREE - MERCEDINI

On behalf of the Mercedinian Football Association, and the IAC, we would like to welcome you to the sixth edition Independents Cup, the one-stop-shop for the regionally homeless. If you are one of the thirty-two participating nations you can start posting your rosters and RPs here. Any OOC discussion can be continued here.

Format
Matches will be scored using xkoranate 0.3.3, the SQIS formula, and additive style modifiers. In keeping with the first Independent Associations Championship, WCC ranks will be used for pots assignments and general rankings, but will be scaled down to allow for lower ranked nations who RP consistently, to have a decent chance. Regular IAC participants who do not participate in WCC tournaments will also receive an added bonus to reflect their continued efforts in the tournament. With this in mind, RP grading will be generous, emphasising quality over quantity, with additional points awarded for the posting of a roster. Note; WCC nations will not receive their KPB bonus until they have posted a roster.

This 32-team tournament will consist of an initial round robin phase, with the top two in each group progressing to the round of sixteen.

Groups

Group A
Squornshelan Remnant States
Paschenstein
Mercedini
Abristan

Group B
Aaaaaa
Alpine Union
Tinhampton
Blaneu

Group C
Compeitive Solitaire
Sharktail
The Heraion
Drawkland

Group D
New Lusitania & the Algarves
Barunia
Lisander
Kriegersien

Group E
Lochario
Third Asopia
Devonta
Baranil

Group F
Darkmania
Abanhfleft
Sajnur
Adab

Group G
Juvencus
Beepee
Space
Hystaria

Group H
Kavagrad
Omerica
Hot Skitty on Wailord Action
Free Republics

Note: random.org was used to determine which of the unranked nations were sorted into pot three.

Tiebreakers
1. Points
2. Overall GD
3. Head-to-Head Points
4. Head-to-Head GD
5. Drawing of lots (roster/RP bonus)

Fixture Schedule
28th January - Group Stage MD1: 1 v 4 | 2 v 3
30th January - Group Stage MD2: 4 v 3 | 1 v 2
1st February (16:00 Cut-off) - Group Stage MD3: 2 v 4 | 3 v 1
4th February - Round of 16: A1vB2 | C1vD2 | B1vA2 | D1vC2 | E1vF2 | G1vH2 | F1vE2 | H1vG2
6th February - Quarterfinals: RS1vRS2 | RS3vRS4 | RS5vRS6| RS7vRS8
8th February (16:00 Cut-off) - Semi-finals: QF1vQF2 | QF3vQF4
10th February - Third Place Play-off | Grand Final

Cut-offs will be expected to take place around 21:30-22:30 (GMT/UTC), unless explicitly stated in the schedule. If for some reason any of these times need to be pushed back, every care will be taken to communicate this well in advance.

Good luck to everyone taking part.

by **Mercedini** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 8:57 am

Host Information

Mercedini is a large island nation located in the South Novapax Ocean in the region of Novapax. It's borders consist of one large landmass, known as Greater Mercedini, as well as a plethora of small landmasses and archipelagos located to the east of the nation, the most notable being those Exton, Darlaston and the Kingfisher Archipelago. Mercedini is considered as the hub of entry when travelling to the region, meaning the nation is well connected with other nations in the region plus other major regional hubs in the multiverse.

Climate & Weather

Mercedini has long existed as a single solid landmass before climate change causing erosion and rising sea levels created the Sebrami peninsula, separating the aforementioned islands from the mainland. In the present day, Mercedini is geologically unextrordinary with no active volcanoes and only two mountain ranges in the nation: the Irst Highlands located in the North and the Yikulf Mountain Range in the south-west. Forests are plentiful in the nation with rural walks and hiking considered a national pastime due to the sheer choice throughout the nation.

The climate of Mercedini is extremely varied and depends on where you are situated. In the south of the nation, including the major cities of Zoloroni and Langtree where you will be playing, the climate is warm with the average temperature reaching 20°C with warm winds originating from the Dovani peninsula (which the city's capital looks into). Sea breezes and common rain showers regularly reduce the temperature in both cities, although locals and tourists are recommended to avoid exposure in the sun for long periods as sunburn is common for the unassuming, especially in the summer. As the IAC takes place in the Mercedinian Spring, expect temperatures ranging from 12 to 18°C in both cities for the duration of the tournament.

Travel

Mercedini is a very accessible nation and is the main route into the region of Novapax should you want to visit or stay anywhere else when you visit. All metropolitan cities, including Zoloroni & Langtree, have large scale, big capacity airports with accompanying transport hubs, meaning teams and fans can get around the country with ease via Mercedini's extensive transport network.

It's likely that you will enter the country via Zoloroni International Airport, then either use the express service from the airport to central Zoloroni, or a connecting flight, train or bus to get to Langtree. Cross-Country Trains are plentiful and can get you from anywhere to everywhere in the country, with Zoloroni and Langtree being the two major cities in the country, it is unsurprising that the two have many transport links to each other, you will be spoiled for choice if you have to switch cities following the Round of 16.

Domestic flights are plentiful between the two cities and are operated by the nation's flag-carrier VolareMercedini and budget airline QuantumAir. Cheaper alternatives to get around the country include the previously mentioned Mercedinian Rail Service (MRS), which takes longer to travel to destinations due to frequent station stops but will cost less even though travellers will experience just as much comfort and safety on a Mercedinian train as on a plane. Special offers during the Independent's Cup mean that players and fans who possess an IAC match ticket can get a third off their train fare for the duration of the tournament, including if your team changes their cities for the knockout rounds. Mercedini is welcoming it's new visitors with open arms and hopes every tourist has a great experience in our nation.

Language

Mercedini has two national languages and both are universally spoken in the nation, as children are taught both at a young age. Mercedinian is the native language of all citizens and is based around the romance tree of languages, knowing the language isn't paramount to a tourist's experience but Mercedinians always appreciate a foreigner attempting to communicate in the nations first language. If learning a foreign language isn't your thing then English is also universally spoken throughout the nation (especially in cities such as Zoloroni & Langtree as it is considered the language of business and commerce). It is common for Mercedinians to speak more than one language, however Google Translate is only a couple of clicks away if you need it. Road signs in Mercedini will have instructions listed in both languages, with announcements in many institutions being made first in Mercedinian and then again in English. During matches, announcements will be made in Mercedinian and English, and then again in the languages which feature most prominently in the participating nations (if it is neither of the prior two).

Currency

Mercedini's national currency is the Merced (M) and is used universally for the nation's transactions. Currently, the Merced is a strong and reliable currency with 1.56 NationStates Dollars equalling 1 Merced (M0.64 = 1 NS$), it did recently take a small hit following the decision to change the name of the currency from its former title, the Yvroni, with old banknotes still acceptable and exchangeable at the 1:1 rate with the Merced. Goods & Services in Mercedini are comparably cheap thanks to low operating costs, free-trade deals and low import tariffs for foreign goods. Citizens of Mercedini are generally quite rich with average incomes topping M145,000 (226,822 NS$) which means luxury goods & services are as much a part of Mercedinian shopping-culture as the bargains. Luxury boutiques are especially prevalent in Zoloroni & Langtree with both cities being commercial hubs, so hop in if you want to try to ludicrously overpriced handbag.

Laws

In terms of alignment, Mercedini is economically conservative while being socially and culturally liberal. Here is a brief table listing some of the laws in Mercedini:

Recreational Drugs: Legal to buy, but expect frowns and 'the eyes' if consumed in in public. Sellers require a licence if they want to sell drugs in shops and on the street.
Hard Drugs: Illegal
Prostitution: Legal during allotted times and in permitted areas.
Pornography: Legal, with the exception of child pornography (16 years or younger)
Legal Smoking Age: 18 for Cigars & Cigarettes, 16 for E-Cigs & Recreational Drugs
Legal Drinking Age: 18
Legal Gambling Age: 18 in all instances, with the exception of the National Lottery and NovaMillions, which is 16.
Age of Consent: 18
Maximum BAC to drive: 0.04
Drives on the: Left

While the action of jaywalking in major cities such as Zoloroni and Langtree is not explicitly illegal, it is extremely unsafe to do so due to the hectic nature of cities. You will likely be scolded by locals if not the police should you endanger your own life and the lives of others foreigners don't take likely the undermining of the organised culture that is upheld by Mercedinians. TLDR; just use a crossing.

If you have any queries about the laws listed above or any other law not listed, feel free to send a TG

Religion

When it comes to religion, Mercedini is a mixed bag with the nation considered a melting pot of all different types of cultures and religions, which has then trickled down into general day-to-day life. Although no religion has a majority, believers of the Christian faith have the plurality with just over 46% of the population following the religion, after that, agnostics or non-aligned represent 34%, Atheists 12%, Jews 5% and other religions such as Sikhs and Muslims et al hold the final 3%. Despite having a very diverse population when it comes to religion, every religion has integrated into Mercedinian society meaning that tolerance of others is at the forefront of Mercedinian values, but at the end of the day, most locals will not ask about religion as they do not tie too much significance to religion and someone's identity.

Cuisine

Food & Drink is considered a pillar of Mercedinian culture, which means visitors are literally in for a treat when they visit one of the nations many cafes, restaurants, bars or pubs. As previously mentioned, integration has played a large part in the cuisine, but ultimately Mercedinian cuisine has stayed largely close to it's roots. Mercedinian cuisine, like the language, is based on Italian cuisine, with flavourful pasta and rice dishes on offer, along with pizzas and stuffed flatbreads perfect for carnivores and vegetarians. For the tourists, dishes from their home nation will always be on offer which means that visitors can always have a taste of home while enjoying the action in Mercedini.

GROUP A - Zoloroni Sports City
Zoloroni Sports City Stadium | La Globa

Zoloroni Sports City Stadium
Capacity: 61,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Mercedinian National Team

La Globa
Capacity: 9,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Cosneoltan Capitals (EPD, 5th tier), Sports City Stars (ED1, 6th tier)

The Sports City, located in the nation's capital, is seen as the beating heart of the sporting culture in Mercedini where many of the national team trials and international matches take place. It's crowning jewel is the Sports City Stadium which is the largest stadium in the nation, located in the centre of it all. Amenities are a-plenty here due to the high volume of visitors it has to get through when hosting Mercedinian home matches from a broad spectrum of sports, especially when it comes to capacity crowds during World Cup Qualifying. Few players get to play in this sporting cathedral, with only the national team and players involved in the Super Cup, MFA Cup Final, National Varisty Final and play-off finals getting to play in front of up to 61,000 people each season.

In contrast, La Globa is considered the second football stadium in the Sports City area, which was recently built to host the smaller teams in the capital which maybe cant afford to build a fancy stadium to play in. The stadium is council owned and run, meaning the stadium is always in great condition to host multiple events in a day. The white design present in the décor gives the stadium a clean and neutral luck, due to it having to host multiple teams, although it may be a tight squeeze as it hosts it's first major tournament. The 9,000 capacity means it is one of the smaller stadiums to host international matches. Attendance records in the stadium may be broken when the big dogs come to town in Zoloroni.

GROUP B - Zoloroni Central
MetroStadi | Stadi Naturala

MetroStadi
Capacity: 37,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Zoloroni Metropolitan (MPL, 1st tier)

Stadi Naturala
Capacity: 7,500
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Zoloroni Park (NL1, 2nd tier)

Into the main metropolitan area of the capital is where you will find the more affluent areas of the nation, with skyscrapers littering the skyline with a couple of football stadium peaking through as well. The rebranded and improved 'MetroStadi' will become the home of former domestic champions Zoloroni Metropolitan and will sport glass and metal surroundings to give the stadium a new sleek look in time for the first match day of the Independents Cup. Teams may be familiar with it's former name 'Snowflake Stadium', but has been rebranded following a deal with the MFA and the previous sponsorship of the Snowflake Games coming to an end. It's sky-blue inside remains the same, with teams playing here hoping the sky's the limit for their group.

Zoloroni Park was an odd choice for many when the successful bids were announced, but it has proved to be a solid choice as it also hosts international matches for the first time after housing Zoloroni Park FC since it's inception. The stadium, located as the edge of Zoloroni Central Park in the middle of the city, is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. Housing up to seven and a half thousand spectators in each match, it may not be the largest stadium in the tournament, but it has the advantage of the attached FanZone where fans can watch the action from a plethora of matches going on between the two cities. Amenities are just a short walk away from the park, with restaurants and shops surrounding the park on the other side of the street

GROUP C - Southeast Zoloroni
Blue Strike Arena | Olimpostadi

Blue Strike Arena
Capacity: 21,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Blue Strike Zoloroni (NL1, 2nd tier)

Olimpostadi
Capacity: 13,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Project Olimpo Mercedini (NL1, 2nd tier & FAVA Youth League)

The odd thing about the host venues is that they wouldn't have existed a couple of years ago, with both being new installations to house new teams which have gone on to break their own records in the domestic league. The Blue Strike Arena, named after the energy drink manufacturer which owns both the stadium and the team that it houses, has been the location for numerous shocks and surprises in the Mercedinian domestic season, with Blue Strike Zoloroni promoted twice in two seasons and knocking out Premier League teams in the MFA Cup. Now it turns it's hand to the international stage, with Blue Strike digging into it's own pocket to ensure the stadium is in the best condition possible to welcome tens of thousands of fans to it's doors.

Olimpostadi has seen a few surprises of it's own, not least the incredible season that Project Olimpo had when it earned promotion to the Premier League, the first youth academy ever to do so in Mercedini. Since then it has fallen from grace and remains in the second tier of Mercedinian football. The stadium is another modern extension to the nation's youth football system with a modest capacity of 13,000 allowing for many more spectators than other options within the city. It may be a fair distance from the bustle of the city, but it will certainly amplify the noise when the thousands of fans descend upon it.

GROUP D - West Zoloroni
City of Zoloroni Stadium | Centre of Excellence

City of Zoloroni Stadium
Capacity: 54,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Zoloroni City (MPL, 1st tier)

Centre of Excellence
Capacity: 7,000
City: Zoloroni
Home to: Centre of Excellence, Mercedinian Branch (EPD, 5th tier)

The final group in the Zoloroni half of the IAC will take place in the west, with more newer installations in store for the teams in Group D. With Zoloroni City evicted from the Sports City Stadium, they had to find a new place to play their expansive football. Eventually they built their own stadium, and took no liberties with the naming of the new addition to the Zoloroni skyline. The City of Zoloroni stadium is the largest stadium in operation in the football league system and it hosts the nation's biggest team. It is surprising that it will be hosting it's first international tournament, but the 54,000 capacity should be more than enough to host the teams in the group and to put on a show for all of the fans travelling to Zoloroni City's home.

The final stadium to host the Zoloroni side of things will be the newest stadium of them all, the Centre of Excellence building in the west of the city which is yet another development in the youth system of Mercedinian football. The Apox-owned institution will be yet another place that will host it's first international match when Group D comes to town, and with a modest capacity of 7,000, there will still be plenty of atmosphere when the rowdy fans of the travelling teams fill up the seats and make their voices heard. It rounds out a mixed bag of stadiums in the Zoloroni half, with careful considerations in place to ensure the whole tournament runs smoothly

GROUP E - Langtree Metropolitan
Langtree Metropolitan Stadium | Central Park

Langtree Metropolitan Stadium
Capacity: 45,000
City: Langtree
Home to: Langtree United (MPL, 1st tier)

Central Park
Capacity: 2,500
City: Langtree
Home to: N/A

It was unsurprising that the city's largest stadium would host it's third major international tournament, but the Langtree Metropolitan Stadium will host Group E matches and likely many more over the course of the tournament as the knockout rounds begin. It's white and green décor is symbolic of the team which it hosts, with former champions Langtree United producing many famous moments during their tenure in the stadium. The athletics track still remains around the playing field which means the spectators are slightly further away than in conventional stadiums, although the vast expanse of the arena should produce some tremendous atmospheres for whoever plays here.

Just a short drive away from the city's largest stadium is the only temporary arrangement in use for the tournament, which is also the smallest 'stadium' in use for the tournament. Langtree's Central Park playing fields will have the addition of temporary stands to host the second half of matches held in Group E. Amenities may be few and far between in the park due to the location not exactly suited for hosting major international football, although restaurants and shops are a short walk away outside of the park location. The two stadiums are in direct contrast with each other, with one hosting a Globe Cup quarter-final and the other hosting Sunday league and amateur teams, with no real footballing history.

GROUP F - North Langtree
FLR Stadium | United Grounds

FLR Stadium
Capacity: 27,000
City: Langtree
Home to: AFC Langtree (NL1, 2nd tier)

United Grounds
Capacity: 3,500
City: Langtree
Home to: Langtree United U19 (FAVA Youth League)

Even though it's tenants AFC Langtree are no longer playing top-tier football, the FLR stadium is still seen as one of the major stadiums in the city as it hosts it's third international tournament following the Baptism of Fire and the previous Independents Cup hosted by Mercedini. It's white décor gives it neutral tones for all teams playing at this stadium, as it was built specifically for the Baptism of Fire which AFC Langtree subsequently moved into. Amenities are nearby with a large network of hotels and restaurants built around the stadium specifically for international tournaments and conferences which the stadium has hosted since it was built.

Deep into the suburbs is where you will find the group's second stadium, with tournament organisers really scraping the bottom of the barrel with stadiums in the city. We already know Zoloroni has selected youth team stadiums for their groups, but eyebrows were raised when Langtree United U19's stadium was selected from the bids available to the committee. It has previously hosted Langtree United's run during the UICA Youth Cup, meaning it can certainly cope with international crowds and television coverage which it will surely receive throughout it's usage in the tournament. Fans will be crammed together in the stadium, with the atmosphere in the open stadium one of the most raw in the tournament.

GROUP G - Southwest Langtree
Municipal Park | LMU Stadium

Municipal Park
Capacity: 20,500
City: Langtree
Home to: Ignavi Borough (MPL, 1st tier)

LMU Stadium
Capacity: 5,000
City: Langtree
Home to: Langtree Metropolitan University (MLUC Football: National Division)

One of the MPL's newest powers which has risen through the ranks, the Langtree borough of Ignavi has renovated its stadium in time for the first run out it will receive for this tournament, with Municipal Park becoming one of the larger stadiums in use at this tournament thanks to the team's prolonged stay in the Premier League. It gives off a natural vibe with greenery and foliage present in the immediate surroundings of the stadium, plus around the décor of the inside of the stadium. Extended stands and an extended roof will ensure fans are kept out of the elements, with the local borough council hoping to put on a show for the visiting fans who will have likely never visited these parts of the city.

The theme of youth and the next generation is once again on show at the Langtree Metropolitan University hosts the second half of the Group G matches in their rather sizable 5,000 capacity stadium on the outskirts of it's campus. The university teams plays in the top-tier of the Mercedinian Leagues of Universities and Colleges system, with the potential of applying for football league status due to it's dominance in the realm of university sport. The stadium has plenty of takeaways and amenities thanks to the close proximity to the university, with transport links usually reserved for students now open to the public for the duration of the tournament.

GROUP H - Coastal Langtree
Sebangchek Arena | South Down Stadium

Sebangchek Arena
Capacity: 6,500
City: Langtree
Home to: AHC Langtree (MSL, Ice Hockey 1st tier)

South Down Stadium
Capacity: 4,000
City: Langtree
Home to: Langtree South Down (NL3, 4th tier)

With another Langtree location pulling out of proceedings, the organising committee opted for an emergency option for one of their final hosting locations, and it will result in a rather odd situation for the teams involved. The Sebangchek Arena on the coast of Langtree is in indoor hockey arena, but will play host to half of Group E's matches once the stadium has been renovated to hold a hockey pitch. Typically holding an ice-rink in the centre of it's expansive arena, that will be torn out with the first six rows of the seating to allow for the installation of a 3G pitch on the arena floor. It means the seating will elevated somewhat from the pitch will give the arena a strange sense of hostility due to the fans looking down on the players below. The arena has hosted numerous matches in the Hockey Champion's League, so is now stranger to international action.

The final stadium in the tournament to host IAC action will be the South Down Stadium overlooking the South Sea which Langtree looks into. It is a rather modest 4,000 capacity stadium which regularly hosts 4th tier action via it's tenants Langtree South Down FC. Located in the more rugged parts of the city, visitors will likely get a more realistic view of what living in Mercedini's second city is like. Art galleries and studios litter the streets in these parts, and that is reflected in the ornaments which decorate the stadium, as well as it's immediate surroundings, almost as if it were it's own mini-art gallery. Look out for the numerous ceramic lions which are dotted throughout the stadium in places you would never think to look. Another added touch for visitors as organisers hope it is a tournament to remember as the spotlight is shone on the nation.

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by **Kavagrad** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 11:27 am

Kavagrad National Team

Background

The Kavagrad Association Football Organisation (KAFO) was formed in 1998 to govern football in Kavagrad after the unification of Kavagrad's 6 Republican teams, which had existed since the formation of the SPRK in 1960. Following the creation of the National Team, Kavagrad would refuse to compete in formal international tournaments out of spite, having been refused a place in said tournaments for the previous 38 years. This led to a slump in Kavagrad football, as the national side would only play close neighbours, and with no competitive element, fans simply didn't care about international football, with the consequence that the results of many friendlies weren't even recorded by Kavagrad media outlets, and so have been lost to history. Despite this, the government continued to pump funding into Kavagrad's football teams, to the point where domestic football thrived in spite of disinterest in the national side.

The appointment of former Kavagrad international Alex-Louis Valentine to the post of Kavagrad manager in 2015 sparked a movement among fans to finally end the national side's self-imposed isolation from international competition. Valentine had, as a player, made strong calls for the team to become competitive, but publicly remained silent whilst manager until May 2018, when KAFO announced that Kavagrad was open to entering international competition, and revealed that Valentine had been pushing heavily for the decision since his arrival. The Redhearts' first taste of international competition came in the Independents Cup 5, where they were knocked out in the Group Stages, despite impressing the press with victories over KPB Top 100 sides Aggrey-Fynn Land and Darkmania. They would then move to the interregional 2018 IAFF World Cup, coming 3rd in the competition after Semi-Final heartbreak against the Red-And-Golds of Llorens. Kavagrad would then enter the 68th Baptism of Fire, and were knocked out in the Round of 32, and then the 81st World Cup Qualifiers, coming 5th out of a 10-nation group. After the dust settled, Kavagrad ranked exactly 100th in the world. However, after a series of poor performances in the ILFA Premier Division, Valentine was sacked and replaced with Ian Wissa, former manager of Grod Island and the first foreigner to manage the Redhearts.

Formation - 4-2-3-1 [+3 Style Modifier]

Country Code/Trigramme: KVG

Kit

Starting Lineup

GK - Edouard Calvin [1] - One of the most renowned goalkeepers to ever grace domestic Kavagrader football, the 37-year old Calvin doesn't seem to have lost a step despite the slow decline of other goalkeepers of his generation. Distinguishing himself both on and off the pitch with his combination of fingertip saves, penalty-saving prowess and near-emotionless demeanour with the media (even in the most emotional of moments), Calvin has been dubbed "The Heartless Redheart" and is rare among national players in that he stresses the individual nature of football, insisting that results are a combination of individual performances, rather than a team effort. It has been speculated that this attitude is the reason that Calvin has never been given a chance to be the national side's captain. Most recently, it was reported that Calvin verbally abused other members of the team after a series of poor results in the ILFA Premier Division.

LB- Oscar Maguire [2] - The 26-year old defensive left-back Oscar Maguire has been considered a surprising pick for the national side. Playing for 6th-Placed First Division side Bostror Borders AFC, Maguire has been consistently picked by manager Alex-Louis Valentine for the national side since early 2016, despite his less-than-stellar league performances. Strangely enough, the decision has payed off, as Maguire has played notably better for Kavagrad than he does for his club. However, rumours were abound that Maguire will be released from his club contract at the end of the summer, making it imperative that he impress in order to avoid falling into the Second Division Draft, which would likely have put an end to his national career. Fortunately, his contract was in fact renewed, and he has appeared to have found a new lease of life, putting in solid performances for both club and country.

CB - Axel Anderson (C) [4] - As the Redhearts' long-term captain, having held the role since 2013, the 31-year old Anderson towers over opposing strikers, as he stands at 6'8" tall. One of the best headers of the ball in the game, Anderson is a constant threat from corners, having scored 12 goals from his 102 international caps, despite not entering the opponents' halves outside of set pieces.

CB - Raymond Alexander [5] - Seen as the attack dog of the Redheart defence, the 21-year old Raymond Alexander has only recently been promoted from the Kavagrad Under 21s side, and is well-known for his last-gasp tackles and sudden closing in on opposing attackers ahead of the defensive line, designed to elicit mistakes from the opponent on the ball. Very much seen as the opposite of Anderson's calmer style of play, Alexander's play has drawn multiple yellow cards in international games.

RB - Eric Valenti [3] - Much like Raymond Alexander, the young 22-year old Valenti is fiery and aggressive, but without the talent for tackling precision, resulting in far more discipline against him. Valenti will therefore do most of his defending outside of the penalty area. Valenti is a challenge for any winger due to his pure pace, which also helps him provide aid to attacks, often arriving late to provide an option on the right for bogged-down playmakers just outside the box.

CM - Aaron Wordsmith (VC) [8] - The backbone to any built-up Kavagrad attack, the 28-year old Kava-Nida native went underappreciated in the early years of his career, never making it past the lower regional leagues until 2014, when he was moneyballed into the First Division Draft from the Nida South Division (in the 6th tier of Kavagrad domestic football) by a data analyst at league champion side Spartak KVG. Despite not being drafted by Spartak, Wordsmith was picked up late in the draft by newly-promoted Rivers Athletic, proved his worth quickly, and carried the club to an unprecedented 2nd place finish, coming within 2 points of dethroning the Spartak behemoth, in the 2014/15 season. At a national level, Wordsmith debuted in 2015, and has since become vice-captain. He is a renowned set-piece specialist, and will happily pick up long shots outside the box when a stray ball falls his way.

CM - Kyle Keelie [14] - A second-generation player, son of the legendary Roddy Keelie (now manager of the Kavagrad U21s), Kyle debuted for Kavagrad at just 19 years old and is now a tenacious defensive playmaker, and an international mainstay at 24 years of age. Pretty much booked a spot in the Spartak KVG Academy since the day he was born, along with his brother Miles, Keelie brings a rough edge to a club that prides itself on clean, crisp football. On the international stage, Keelie has been impressive, and has already racked up 77 caps, despite his young age. If he stays healthy, he may one day take the caps record and become one of Kavagrad's legends, exceeding perhaps even his own father.

AML -Benjamin Mumuni [44] - An extremely recent addition to the first team, having only debuted on the international stage this summer, Mumuni is the youngest player to ever debut for Kavagrad at just 17 years old. Mumuni was, like some of his other teammates, brought up through the Spartak KVG Academy, but showed exceptional talent as a winger, and so skipped much of the youth system to debut for the first team in October 2017. Mumuni soon created an excellent partnership with striker Louis-Henri Bonne, and ended up with 16 assists from 28 games by the end of his rookie season. During the summer of 2018, he was placed on the bench by Valentine. However, when winger Marrash declined in early July, Mumuni was put on in his place, and earned his starting place in the team quickly with a further 11 assists in his 15 starts for his country, 10 of which led to Bonne goals.

AMC - Moses Maxwell Diaby [21] - A controversial pick from new manager Ian Wissa, Diaby comes into the team as a result of a grandmother born in the outer reaches of the Bostror region before the foundation of the SPRK. Kavagrad's first black player, Diaby never managed to gain an international cap in his home country, and so defected to Kavagrad in January 2019, with the promise of first-team international football. An prodigal playmaker, Diaby is expected to be the spearhead of Kavagrad's new-look attack.

AMR - Kenneth Gordon-Cameron [22] - In any other year, Kenneth Gordon-Cameron would be considered the best player that Kavagrad has. As it is, the development of the Mumuni-Bonne partnership, and the resulting tendency of the long balls to the wing flying disproportionately to the left, has left Gordon-Cameron neglected. The 29-year old has previously expressed fear for a new generation of players that would overtake him and leave him obsolete, and some now argue that Mumuni is doing just that. While Gordon-Cameron, once lauded for the touchline runs that Mumuni performs with ease, has shown no public discontent towards the situation, some have begun to suggest that his career is coming to a slow end.

CF - Louis-Henri Bonne [9] - 23-year old goal machine Louis-Henri Bonne undoubtedly owes his career to former national manager, Alex-Louis Valentine. Bonne was only 18 when his team, Torpedo Daniilsk, was relegated to the Second Division, and the resulting exodus of first-team players led the club to a reliance on near-retirement veterans, and hastily-promoted youth players such as Bonne. Valentine took the post of manager after the previous was booted for his failure to keep the club afloat, and quickly made Bonne the focus of his attack. Bonne delivered, pushing Daniilsk straight back up the First Division with 38 goals in 35 games. After a strong season that saw a leaky defence cost the team a spot in the KAFO Super Cup, Bonne was picked up by Spartak KVG, as Valentine moved on to manage the international side. Bonne is now recognised as the best striker in Kavagrad today.

Substitutes

GK - Ted Mitchell [90] - The 29-year old Ted Mitchell is seen by many as the pinnacle of the new generation of goalkeepers, but has had his spot as Kavagrad's Number 1 withheld while Edouard Calvin carries on in his role seemingly indefinitely. Mitchell, while earning multiple starts for the national side, has never truly broken into the international side, and unless Calvin retires within the next couple of years, the Redhearts will miss out on the best years of Mitchell's career.

LB/RB - Miles Keelie [15] - The older brother of first team midfielder Kyle, the 26-year old Miles Keelie has not had his brother's fortune in football. Suffering a severe knee injury at just 19 years old, Miles didn't play a competitive game of football for 2 years, ruining his development and resulting in Spartak KVG refusing to renew his contract, releasing him around 9 months into his injury. Miles would return in the 2014/15 season, joining Rivers Athletic alongside Wordsmith, Despite not having the full development of most players behind him, Keelie has earned a place on the bench through his ability to adapt to both wing-back positions, although he will almost definitely never live up to his original potential, and will likely spend his career in the shadow of his father and brother.

CB - James Smith-Brown [6] - A solid centre-back of many years, the 32-year old James Smith-Brown is now arguably past his prime, and in the declining years of his career. Still an impressive header of the ball and solid in the tackle, he lacks the pace of his first-team counterparts, but remains a useful backup option at the back for the Redhearts.

CM - David Ochieng [12] - A native of the Bostror Borders, the 19-year old Ochieng has recently graduated from the Bostror Borders AFC Academy, impressing Valentine with his league performance in his rookie season. However, Ochieng was very much lucky to make Kavagrad's 18-man squad, after Valentine's usual backup midfielder, Salih Ahmad, went down with a serious ankle injury in early May, putting him on the shelf for the summer. If Ochieng can prove his worth from the bench, he may yet find himself appearing more often at Ahmad's expense.

AML - Mohammad Ibrahim Marrash [10] - Marrash, a 28-year old left-winger from Kava-Bostror, found himself dropped from the first team to the bench about halfway through the summer campaign as a result of his poor performances in early July, to be replaced by Benjamin Mumuni. As a result, the first team has lost their only culturally Proto-Bostrorian player (while Mumuni is ethnically Proto-Bostrorian, he comes from a culturally Kava-Bostrorian upbringing). Marrash fully intends to fight his way back into the first team, but with the quality of Mumuni's performances as of late, he may have to wait a while for that chance.

AMC - Maurice Morris [32] - A 28-year old attacking midfielder, Morris has gained somewhat of a cult following amongst fans of Tyreux Orange, not least for his name, but also for his goalscoring ability from the midfield and from free-kicks. A victim of Valentine's tactical changes in 2015, Morris lost his place in the squad due to his lack of defensive ability, but he has been re-introduced this year by new manager Ian Wissa, who is seeking more attacking options.

AMR - Elijah Preston [25] - Preston may have a spot in the first team today were it not for his history of injuries. The 24-year old sprinter-turned-footballer, has a history of niggling ankle and hamstring injuries that have denied him a spot in Kavagrad's first team on any regular basis. He still provides an option on the right flank, and his pure pace and technical flair make him almost impossible to deal with when he's healthy.

CF - Jacob Hendriks [45] - An regular in Roddy Keelie's Under 21s side, Hendriks was called up temporarily to the main national side after the disgrace of Shane Dalton resulted in a need for another backup striker. Hendriks has yet to debut from the bench, but he is expected to come on at some point over the summer. The question at that point will be whether or not he can impress Valentine and become a permanent fixture in the side. Hendriks will be alternating on the sub's bench with attacking midfielder Maurice Morris.

RP Permissions

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

by **Kriegiersien** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:13 pm

Kriegiersien Amateur Soccer Team

After a long discussion a Soccer team from Kriegiersien got the permission to present the nation in an international competition. If not in the regional Balder Cup (because nonexistent), at least at the Independents Cup a team should participate.
But with the National Team playing at the Olympics and not wanting to embarrass the nation too much, the Federation of Amateur teams took the spot. If they lost, it could always be blamed on the Amateurs, that they were just second rate teams.

Three teams from the Amateur League nominated players.

The Coach comes from the FB Arena, only survivor of an Airplane crash of the team, which is now deceased.

Coach
Vladislav Satan

Rocking SC (many regional players)
	
Tomáš Brodnik  	        24 Defense
Ibrahim Tayfur  	24 Midfield	
Rogier Schweisser  	24 Midfield
Sheung Fung		21 Midfield
Eric Merode		20 Striker	
Rogier Dolmetsch 	27 Striker
Marcos Drougkas 	27 Striker

Sokker FC (many young players under 20)

Volkmar Cibrian         20 Goalkeeper	
Rasmus Haarhaus         18 Defense
Norwig Bierwitz         18 Defense
Reiner Straßburger	17 Defense
Ricco Schäffler	        19 Defense
Ottmar Nossek	        17 Midfield	
Urs Leontiev		18 Midfield
Valentin Padovano 	32 Striker
Napoleon Padovano       34 Striker
Falko Mooser		21 Striker
Carsten Mooser	        24 Striker

Hattrick FC (one of the oldest clubs of the nation)

Boris Klieba		24 Goalkeeper
Reimund Lassak	        34 Defense
Georg Eldagsen	        25 Defense
Marco Zuber		28 Midfield

Shortly before the Cup a friendly match in Harkvoia was played and lost 30:0. After that, the nations media attention decreased even more.

RP Permissions: Do what you like, but do it good.

by **Union of Socialist Alpine Republics** » Sat Jan 26, 2019 8:01 pm

Alpine Union National Football Team

Reprezentacja Alpejski w Pilka Nozna

Alpska Unija Nacionalna Nogomet Momcad

Selección de fútbol de Unión Alpina

Équipe d'Union Alpine de Football

Alpischen Fußball Nationalgemischtschaft

Sgioba Nàiseanta Ball-coise na Ailpeach Aonadh

Full nation name: Union of Socialist Alpine Republics
Short nation name: Alpine Union, U.S.A.R.
Trigramme: UAR
Demonym: Alpine
Nicknames: Bisons, Reprezentacja Alpejski, Green & whites
Team Colors: Green and white
Formation: 4-5-1
Style modifier: +3

Kits:
Our kits are designed by No Nonsense Sportswear (Thanks to NNS):

Home, Away, Goalkeeper

About the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics

History:

Football is played in Prusy Krolewskie since the beginning of the 20th century. Prusy Krolewskie's first international games were in the baptism of fire 59, the Reprezentacja Pruski finished 2nd in group F and lost to Santaclausisgodistan in round of 16. In the World Cup 72 qualifications, Prusy Krolewskie finished fifth in group 5 with a 5-3-6 record. Prusy Krolewskie was then missing in action until we come back for the XI olympiads and the World Cup 76 where we finished 6th in group 6 with a 2-2-8 record. Prusy Krolewskie was invited at the Cup of Harmony and did very poorly. Then, the Reprezentacja Pruski participated in the 1st Independents Cup, for nations outside of the big three regions, but had a bad tournamant either. Prusy Krolewskie tried to qualify for the World Cup 77 and failed, but still had a pretty good run, enough to crack the top 100 in the KPB rankings and recieve an invitation to the Cup of Harmony 69. Prusy Krolewskie finished 3rd in its group with a 0-2-1 record.

In 2018, every nations in North Eurasia formed a superstate called Union of Soclialist Alpine Republics. The Alpine Union inherited Prusy Krolewskie's rank and participated in the Independents Cup II but lost all three games. The USAR tried to qualify for the World Cup 78 but finished 4th in group 8 with a 8-3-5 record, this is the best result so far for Prusy Krolewskie/USAR. At the Cup of Harmony 70, the Alpine Union had one win and two losses in 3 games. Then in the Independents cup III, the Alpine Union finished first in group C with 3 wins an no loss and beat Devonta in the round of 16 but lost against Bojikstan in the quarter finals. The Alpine Union tried to qualify for the World Cup 79, but the team failed miserably. Finally at the Independents cup IV, the Alpine Union lost 1–1 (1–2 AET) in the semi final and 3–3 (3–4 AET) in the 3rd place matchup.

The Bisons tried to qualify again for the World Cup 80. They were 3rd with a 5-2-2 record at the half but did poorly with a 2-0-7 record for the 2nd half with an overall record of 7-2-9. The Alpines was a late invitee at the Cup of Harmony 72 and finished 2nd in group G with a win and two draws. The Alpine Union lost 2-0 against Mercedini in the round of 16. The Alpine Union participated in the Independents Cup 5 and finished first in group C with a 4-0-0 record. The Bisons won 4-1 against Omerica in the round of 16 but lost 2-1 against North Prarie in quarter finals.The Reprezentacja Alpejski tried to qualify for the World Cup 81, but failed again in qualifications, finishing in 4th place in group 14 with a 9-4-5 record. The Alpine Union was pissed for not making the World Cup and refused an invitation to the Cup of Harmony.

All time record: 63-29-67

First game: 3-0 win vs Kaboomlandia @ baptism of fire 59
First win: 3-0 win vs Kaboomlandia @ baptism of fire 59
First draw: 1-1 draw vs Nova Anglicana @ world cup qualif. 72
First loss: 5-0 loss vs Panem @ baptism of fire 59
Biggest win: 4-0 win vs Kosovakia @ world cup qualif. 78; 6-2 win vs Kosovakia @ world cup qualif. 78
Biggest lost: 5-0 loss vs Panem @ baptism of fire 59
Greatest/Most memorable game: 2-2 draw vs West Saintland @ world cup qualif. 76

Alpine Union

The Union of Socialist Alpine Republics consists of 30 socialist republics, which used to be independent nations or part of an independent nation who united together in 2018 to form the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics (Alpine Union for short). The new capital city, Ibrahimovicstadt, was named after the Alpine's first and current leader, Arijana Ibrahimovic, and has been build from scratch under the Alps mountain range to avoid being destroyed by evil capitalist nations such as the Free Republics or evil dictatorships like Gregoryisgodistan, which still existed at the time. Englih is spoken as a first language by almost 50% of the population and other national languages includes Polish, Croat, Spanish and French. Most people in the Alpine Union are bilingual or even trilingual. Our national religion is margaretism and our currency is the alpine krone.

There are only two international airports in the Alpine Union (Oglethorpe International Airport and Lotnisko Zygmunt VIII w Mszczonowie) and many national and regional airports. The two international airports are on Air Terranea's destinations list and our top airline, Southern Airlines, is an Air Terranea partner, which makes transportation to the U.S.A.R. easier. All major cities has a rapid metro or bus system and transportation from towns to towns is easy with a rapid train system that connects each major cities. Because The Rooney-Charlton is an official supporter of the World Cup 80 whitin the Alpine Union, all visiting nation's players, coaches, staffs and journalists will stay at a The Rooney-Charlton hotel.

Schedule:

MD1 - Alpine Union vs Tinhampton @ Stadi Naturala
MD2 - Aaaaaa vs Alpine Union @ Stadi Naturala
MD3 - Alpine Union vs Blaneu @ MetroStadi

Staff:

Head Coach: Wlodzimierz Jastrzebowski
Ass Coach: Raghnaid McCulloch
Ass Coach: Dragan Kovacevic
GK coach: Jose Ramon Galarraga
Physio: Urszula Skoraczynska

Roles:

Captain: Anton
Penalty Taker: Elisenda Gafarot
Corners (left): Przemyslaw Suszczewicz
Corner (right): Winnifred Owens
Free Kicks: Anton
Direct Free Kicks: Elisenda Gafarot

Penalties after extra time (please consider that Anton has most certainly been subbed out for Przemyslaw Skoraczynski):

1. Elisenda Gafarot
2. Nick Warner
3. Winnifred Owens
4. Przemyslaw Skoraczynski
5. Wlodzimierz Ryczkowski

Formation (4-5-1):

S----------------------------------GAFAROT------------------------------
ACM--------------RYCZKOWSKI-----------------ANTON-----------------
SM-----WARNER---------------------------------------------OWENS-----
DCM----------------------------SUSZCZEWICZ----------------------------
D----NIEDZWIECKI------MOMO-----WIESZCZYCKI--SZUSZKIEWICZ----
GK------------------------------BRZOZOWSKI-----------------------------

Team Roster (starters in blue)

OOC: In Alpine calendar, the Independents Cup is played simultaneously with a domestic cup that I scorinated in november, so the best Alpine players were participating in this domestic cup because at that time I wasn't planning to participate in the Independents Cup. So finally the Alpine Union is in with my domestic cup's left outs (most of them are players who didn't qualify to play for Prussia East, the others are from republics who didn't qualify for my domestic cup):

#       Pos     Name                    Age     Team                      Birthplace                    Note
1	GK	Krzysztof Brzozowski	34	HNK Hajduk	
22	GK	Przemyslaw Niedzwiedzki	33	FK Zeljeznicar	          Wyrzysk, WP
24	GK	Pawel Mieczkowski	26	SFC Ajax	          Ozorkow, WP
4	SD	Franciszek Niedzwiecki	20	Olimpia Szczebrzeszyn	  Niedzwiedzica, WP
20	SD	Przemyslaw Januszkiewicz 31	Caledonian F.C.	          Czyzew, WP
96	SD	Slawomir Wieczerzak	21	Rangers F.C. 	          Szprotawa, WP
2	CD	Arkadiusz Skrzeszewski	33	Pogon Miedzyzdroje	  Ostrow Warminski, WP
3	CD	Jeronimo "Momo" Castellano 28	FC Tortella	          Castello de Farfanya, CT
6	CD	Kacper Szuszkiewicz	22	Korona Malbork	          Choroszcz, WP
23	CD	Kazimierz Wieszczycki	22	Olimpia Szczebrzeszyn	  Czyzew, WP
65	CD	Franciszek Olejniczak	21	Legia Puck	          Rybczyzna, WP
77	CD	Czeslaw Konczynski	22	Pogon Miedzyzdroje	  Krotoszyn, WP
9	SM	Szymon Jaroszynski	30	Winchelsea F.C.	          Malogoszcz, WP
18	SM	Natasza Korzeniewska 	22	GNK Dinamo Zagrad	  Gorzow Pruski, WP
21	SM	Winnifred Owens	        27	FC Tortella	          Abergwyngregyn, CA
25	SM	Nick Warner	        32	Borussia Ueckermünde	  Des Lacs, OK
79	SM	Zdzislaw Kryszkiewicz	22	Gornik Ozorkow	          Szczytno, WP
5	CM	Przemyslaw Kupcewicz	30	GNK Dinamo Zagrad	  Zabkowice, WP
7	CM	Przemyslaw Skoraczynski	29	Gornik Ozorkow	          Pszczyna, WP
8	CM	Przemyslaw Suszczewicz	31	Pogon Miedzyzdroje	  Proszowice, WP
10	CM/SM	Wlodzimierz Waclawczyk	21	HNK Hajduk	          Trzeszczyn, WP
11	CM	Wlodzimierz Ryczkowski	30		                  Mieszkowice, WP
14	CM	Arkadiusz Drozdowicz	20	Gornik Ozorkow	          Ozorkow, WP
99	CM	Anton	                33	Twyford F.C.	          Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, CA
13	S	Maksymilian Kasperkiewicz 33	Celtic F.C. 	          Gluszyca, WP
15	S	Elisenda Gafarot	27	FC Tortella	          Eivissa, CT
75	S	Hanna Stronczynski	24	Korona Malbork	          Czluchow, WP

CA: Cambria
CT: Catalonia
OK: Okanogan
WP: Wschodnioprusy (Prussia East)

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes
Injure Players: Yes
Godmod Injury Events: No
Red Card Players: Yes
Yellow Card Players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes
=================================

by **Darkmania** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 2:07 pm

DARKMANIA

The midley successful national football team of Darkmania (and fellow member of the same region of the host, Novapax) takes steps outside in order to warm up to the upcoming World Cup where they will hopefully qualify for the first time.

Ranking: 77th (as of 27th January 2019)
Formation: 4-4-2 (as standard but we will
Home grounds:
Örkendrem Nätionaljë Foëtbäll Arëna (Örkendrem National Footbal Arena) [Capiblty: 50 000]
Tÿramël Städÿon ("The Tÿramël") [45 000]
Nickname: Also known as that one who dosent list a nickname for his nation-team because he fells its a bit overdone.
Manager: Däniël Rëspertner
Stylemod: +3

The Squad (All main players are marked like this.)
#1: Ërimär (GK)
#2: Bjørndalsen (GK/sub)
#3: Yürang (Def)
#4: Tërman (Def)
#5: Lërnÿn (Def)
#6: Ërim (Def)
#7: Bernsüng (Def/sub)
#8: Përsater (Mid)
#9: Årdalberg (mid)
#10: Rånde (Mid)
#11: Vërnspern (Mid/sub)
#12: Tÿrn (For)
#13: Mjøe(For)
#14: Änderm (For/sub)
#15 Ødegård (For/sub)

Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring events: Yes, but realistic.
Injure Players: Yes, but no death, career-ending or life-threatening injuries. The player will be able to recover just in time for
Godmod injury event: Yes, but telegram me or DM me on Discord.
Red card player: No, unless telegrammed. If allowed, only up to 1 player.
Yellow card player: Yes.
Godmod other events: No, unless telegrammed or DM`ed. If allowed, must be realistic.

by **Free Republics** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 3:16 pm

OOC: With the Sporting World Cup and the Olympic soccer tournament happening in parallel, you should assume that the Republican side is not full-strength and that players and personnel are being split between the 3 tournaments. As long as we're in all 3 tournaments, it should be assumed that you're not going to see the full Republican starting lineup anywhere. The expanded cheerleading squad (now 81 cheerleaders in honor of World Cup 81) is similarly split between tournaments.

Republican National Soccer Team, LLC

Formation: 3-1-2-1-3
Style Modifier: +2.5
Colors: Blue and White
Manager: Soccer General Rule Theriault
Assistant Manager: Sir Koby Theodore
Honorary Assistant Coach: Consul Kyle Bolton

Roster (age in parentheses)

Starting Lineup

GK: #12 Taras Sergeyev (20)
RB: #2 Ralf Schroder (20)
CB: #3 Zak Josef (21)
LB: #4 Vaclav Urbanek (20)
CDM: #5 Maxim Izmailov (21)
LM: #6 Usman Eldarkhanov (22)
RM: #7 Lecha Arsanukayev (20)
CAM: #8 Johnny Smith (19)
ST: #9 Porbergur Lydsson (21)
ST: #10 Love Holm (17)
ST: #11 Kalervo Peltola (19)

Bench

GK: #1 Stig Roivas (22)
GK: #13 Jaroslaw Nowicki (18)
DEF: #14 Mumadi Godina (19)
DEF: #15 Jake Reed (21)
DEF: #16 Marko Gersten (19)
DEF: #17 Tim Freeh (18)
DEF: #18 Ignacy Wozniak (16)
MID: #19 Alfonso Sundberg (20)
MID: #20 Donka Solyom (21)
MID: #21 Alik Khadzhiyev (18)
MID: #22 Nicolai Svendsen (19)
MID: #23 Denes Polak (17)
ST: #24 Dragutin Perkovic (20)
ST: #25 Norman Casares (17)
ST: #26 Andreas Hansen (18)
ST: #27 Steven Bosters (15)

Kits (made by Kirola Sports)

Notes OOC: From World Cup 81

After two years away from international soccer, Republican National Soccer Team, LLC reformed two years ago just as its owner and sole proprietor was awarded the title of Soccer General by Consul Kyle Bolton. Soccer General Rule Theriault held open tryouts throughout the FFR to find the best young soccer players and the hottest high school cheerleaders in the Federation and get them under contract to Republican National Soccer Team, LLC. After travelling across the Federation and holding 60 open tryouts, a total of 27 soccer players and 68 cheerleaders were selected for the team based on their performance, (in the case of the soccer players) game tape and discussions with their coaches. At this time, Theriault is unsure whether any of the players stand out above the rest but he is hopeful that they will be responsible to coaching from the first Soccer General in the history of the Free Republics and his legendary assistant manager Sir Koby Theodore, who shined so memorably in World Cups 68 and 71. While rumor has it that looks were a factor in selecting both the soccer team and the cheerleading squad, Soccer General Rule Theriault denies rumors that Nova Hellstrom-Hancock and Lucia Bolton had a role in selecting players for the soccer team, though he does admit that Sir Koby Theodore and Consul Kyle Bolton hand-picked the cheerleaders.

In the year since World Cup 78, the Free Republics fell into a civil war. Political tensions that had been brewing for a long time between the political mainstream and the progressive left finally boiled over at the Unite the Left rally in Goldberg, Nejax. The small college town, home to the University of Nejax, was the site of disturbing political violence as an extreme progressive ran over 5 people, including University of Nejax pitcher Jurgen Eberhardt, the ace of the school's baseball team. A wave of left-wing domestic terror followed, leading to the passage of the Stop Aggressive Violent Extremism (SAVE) Act which granted extraordinary powers to the Federation Investigation Bureau (FIB) to protect public safety. 32 Republics responded to this by seceding from the FFR to form the Confederacy of Leftist Republics, which quickly became a state sponsor of terror. In the months since, the Republican armed forces have lost battle after battle to the Confederates and the FFR has suffered from many acts of terror, some of which, such as the destruction of the entries into international tournaments of the National Baseball Team and the National Hockey Team have had serious repercussions for Republican international sports. Eventually, the Leftist Republics were defeated and their territory turned into extremist containment zones known as "Charter Societies" as part of an effort to end political extremism in the Free Republics.

As the civil war was going on within the Free Republics, the National Soccer Team somehow managed to qualify for the World Cup, shocking almost everybody throughout the multiverse. However, they did not lost all 3 of their group stage matches that year and very much looked like a fluke qualifier. Last year, the Republican National Team headed into the Independents Cup in Schottia last year, where they announced their return to respectability in international soccer by winning the tournament, albeit with a fairly controversial victory over Mercedini and a poor group stage performance along the way. Then, they managed to qualify for the World Cup again in rather ugly fashion, drawing their first 4 matches, going just 8-7-3 in qualifying and barely managing to finish 3rd in their group. After defeating Apox rather easily in a playoff, they proceeded to lose 2 more World Cup group stage matches before drawing Abanhfleft in a meaningless match on the final day. This year so far has seen the Republican National Team pick up 3rd place finishes at the Independents Cup and Cup of Champions, both of which were held on home soil just like this World Cup will be.

Cheerleading Squad (age in parentheses)

Coach - Lady Nova Hellstrom-Hancock

#1 - Minka Sasa (21)
#2 - Fabienne Casares (18)
#3 - Elsa Suutari (19)
#4 - Anisa Kazantseva (21)
#5 - Michele van Roijen (22)
#6 - Kathrin Unger (18)
#7 - Helena Kucerova (19)
#8 - Zakia Zwarthoed (18)
#9 - Katie Hoysted (18)
#10 - Aubrey Desroches (21)
#11 - Miluse Vilkova (18)
#12 - Morana Tomic (21)
#13 - Rukiyat Ibragimov (19)
#14 - Beatrycze Piotrowska (22)
#15 - Leona Henriksson (20)
#16 - Lalita Bazhaev (22)
#17 - Sonya Wynne (22)
#18 - Ruzena Chlupova (20)
#19 - Sarah Miller (20)
#20 - Leokadia Olszewska (19)
#21 - Olivia Henderson (22)
#22 - Taymaskha Batukayev (21)
#23 - Patricia Knatchbull (19)
#24 - Hilda Sigurvaldadottir (20)
#25 - Ktisztina Dudas (18)
#26 - Mia Espenes (21)
#27 - Bethany Nunan (19)
#28 - Julitta Zawadzka (18)
#29 - Kamilla Sultes (20)
#30 - Summer Bradford (18)
#31 - Jodi Marshall (21)
#32 - Kriszta Goloncser (18)
#33 - Frederique Vaillancour (20)
#34 - Anni Salonen (18)
#35 - Deidamia Batista (19)
#36 - Claribel Fuentes (19)
#37 - Thyra Strom (21)
#38 - Ester Udinese (19)
#39 - Alma Jessen (21)
#40 - Veronica Biryukova (19)
#41 - Edda Palsdottir (22)
#42 - Klaudia Makay (18)
#43 - Candelaria Jaquez (21)
#44 - Judit Forgach (21)
#45 - Rosaura De Luca (20)
#46 - Elina Ek (18)
#47 - Matilda Todd (19)
#48 - Zuzana Tomankova (21)
#49 - Fabienne Jolicoeur (22)
#50 - Katrina Sigmund (21)
#51 - Beatrice van Sluijs (19)
#52 - Mikaela Lindberg (19)
#53 - Zana Kurunic (18)
#54 - Hana Vidakovic (19)
#55 - Victoria Allan (19)
#56 - Ursy Almonte (22)
#57 - Tahlia Lew (18)
#58 - Fiona Soderstrom (21)
#59 - Yisa Vedzizhev (20)
#60 - Sonay Meilink (18)
#61 - Bojana Matic (21)
#62 - Liliana Boni (20)
#63 - Julia Schroder (22)
#64 - Vera Dilday (21)
#65 - Sanja Barisic (21)
#66 - Elise Reinikainen (19)
#67 - Kristal Lendvay (21)
#68 - Claudia Vasilyeva (19)
#69 - Sophie Burrows (13)
#70 - Hua Ko (16)
#71 - Wakaba Chikafuji (13)
#72 - Karen Mathisen (13)
#73 - Greta Yermolayeva (16)
#74 - Ellen Black (15)
#75 - Chloe Kitamura (16)
#76 - Johanna Klein (15)
#77 - Leah Austerlitz (14)
#78 - Liane Lamare (15)
#79 - Ninette Labrosse (13)
#80 - Daphne Pinto (15)
#81 - Teresa Lucchese (13)

RP Permissions

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Give my players yellow cards: Y
Give my players red cards: Y
Give injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y (but check with me first before you kill or seriously injure any major Republican characters)
Godmod other events: Y (In addition, everybody is welcome to get involved in my ongoing RP lines)

by **Kavagrad** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 4:11 pm

Salute D'Apollo, Langtree, Mercedini

You've made a hell of a bad impression, Moses.

Of course he had to miss his flight. He had been due to fly to Kavagrad Capital Airport 2 days prior, but he'd left late, been caught in heavy traffic and missed his flight. Flights from Deligne to Kavagrad were few and far between, and he'd therefore lost his chance to meet with his new teammates on home soil. He'd been forced to call Ian in tears and give him the bad news in his broken Kavan-English. The manager had calmed him down, told him to stay at the airport until he could figure out alternative plans. A flight to Mercedini, into Zoloroni International Airport, in 36 hours time. He'd catch a train to Langtree, then meet the team at the hotel, the Salute d'Apollo. All would've been fine, if Moses hadn't misunderstood what the manager had meant by "make sure you're at the airport for this one, kid".

When pictures of Kavagrad's new star player, sleeping on the floor at a second-rate airport the morning after he was due to arrive in Kavagrad, emerged on social media, that was only ever going to be bad news. When that player was woken up with a camera in his face at 6am, and asked why he was sleeping on the floor in a language that he struggled to understand, the response "Ian told me to be here" would only make matters worse.

"No more talking to the press, kid. I know that it's not your fault, but they're taking every opportunity to attack me, and that just gave them ammunition."

Ian Wissa wasn't popular in Kavagrad at the best of times. A "patriotic" portion of the population were unhappy with the decision to appoint a foreigner to manage the national football team. The media, needless to say, had flipped their shit. His past, every poor decision he'd made, anything he'd ever said that didn't line up exactly with Kavagrader values, it all made the front page. Taking a punt on a player like Moses was controversial enough, but when the media saw an opportunity to claim that he was mistreating the poor lad before he had even arrived? They were never going to let it go to waste.

At least it's taken the pressure off of me. That'll help, right?

Wissa hadn't allowed even the slightest chance for further media embarrassment. Wissa took the step of hiring a man fluent in Delignac from Mercedini to meet Moses at the airport and get him in a private car to Langtree without any further incident, a move that saved the 20-year-old a lot of stress. If luck was on his side, this would be the end of his problems. The only thing left to do was to meet his new teammates.

They've been all over the world, they've played people that look like me plenty of times. I'm worried about nothing, surely.

Unfortunately, the moment Moses saw Benjamin Mumuni glaring a hole through him, his worse fears were confirmed. Kavagrad's first black player was about to find himself playing in a very hostile environment.

The 17-year-old Mumuni was not a player that Moses Maxwell Diaby had expected to react badly to him. Diaby had watched Kavagrad play, and had seen the boy, with darker skin than many of him teammates, waltz around opposing defenders with ease. A young kid of Bostrorian, rather than Kavagrader, ethnicity, Moses expected him to be, worst-case-scenario, one of the only people that would welcome him into the side. And yet there he had stood, with hate in his eyes at the sight of the Deligne-born playmaker. As Moses looked around the rest of the conference room, he didn't see a friendly face. Louis-Henri Bonne, the Redhearts' star striker, looked down at his boots, as did several of the younger players, whilst the Keelie brothers joined Mumuni in his stare. The captain, Axel Anderson, was absent entirely. Suddenly, Moses jumped, feeling a hand touch his shoulder, turning to see veteran goalkeeper Edouard Calvin towering over him. The 37-year-old had a reputation that even Diaby knew about, they called him "The Heartless Redheart" for a reason, after all. The emotionless look on his face at that moment was one that had come to define him. As he opened his mouth to speak, Moses prepared to hear something vile. Instead, Calvin only spoke two words.

"Stand outside."

Diaby didn't need to be told twice, he was more than happy to escape the hostile room. The moment the door shut behind him, Diaby collapsed into the wall opposing the door, slumping to the floor, head in his hands. He couldn't believe what had just happened, this was it, his international career was over. He'd jumped ship, defected from Deligne to play for a country he'd never stepped foot it, and this was his punishment.

"WHAT IN THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM, YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKING CHILDREN?!"

Diaby's head snapped up out of his hands, as he heard the unmistakably gruff Calvin screaming at his teammates on the other side of the door. The voice on the other side of the door was difficult for the Delignac native to understand, but when a quieter voice tried to interrupt Calvin, the response was loud, clear and filled with rage.

"BEN, IF YOU INTERRUPT ME AGAIN, YOU ELITIST SHITLORD, I WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP LIKE THE PETULANT LITTLE BOY THAT YOU ARE!"

The room went quiet for a moment, before the door in front of Moses opened, and Benjamin Mumuni stormed up the corridor without even noticing the man sitting on the floor. The shouting inside the room would quickly re-commence and continued for the next couple of minutes. One last shout at the group remaining in the room was met with an acknowledging grumble, and the door quickly swung open again, this time to reveal Calvin once again. Moses quickly scrambled to his feet, and tried to say something to the man in front of him, but Edouard stopped him.

"If they try anything shitty, you tell me or the boss. Understood?"

Diaby could only manage to nod before Calvin walked down the corridor, gesturing for him to follow.

This is going to be a hard few weeks.

by **Aaaaaa** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 4:13 pm

Saturday, January 26th, 2019
AAAAAA ENTERS INDEPENDENTS CUP !! --- AND QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT THE TEAM

Written By Raele Yaro

MOELLE, AAAAAA -- The rumours are true! For over five months now, the Aaaaaan Football Federation (known locally as the Pila Pedalis Aaaaaa-Hojfæld Conecgreatiase) has been teasing Aaaaaa's entry into the 6th edition of the international Independents Cup. You may remember in early December chairman Sieunue Saditrou throwing a chair into the crowd during an interview session when every reporter began asking if Aaaaaa is indeed entering the coveted competition. This will be, if our sources are to believed, the first outerregional sports competition Aaaaaa will be taking part in in over two-hundred years. It is, according to both Saditriou and Aaaaaan President Şemsettin Aleyilakos, a part of the effort to bring the previously annexed Aaaaaa out of complete isolation.

"Well, it's going to be a real effort trying to piece everything together," said the teams coach, Hierel Eiahdiou, during the press release that announced the teams surprise entry before taking off with the rest of the team to Mercedini, the national host. "We've sort of been going through the motions, admittedly. We don't really know what to expect, but we think we're generally prepared."

"I mean, it's pretty cool." said team captain and prominent Aaaaaan footballer Hlori Ozialokas. "I guess we never really expected to be doing this sort of thing, you know." In response to how well he believes they will do, he said "Well, I think we'll score at least once."

Despite the news, the uniforms of the team have not been introduced. "We've just finished making them, actually. They weren't exactly a high priority to us." said the coach.

In regards to the news, we asked some folks in Moelle to give their thoughts on the team.

"Yeah, I think we'll do alright." says one man. "I've seen most of these guys play, and they're pretty good."

"I don't think they'll do too bad." said a woman. "I guess it really depends on how much they've been training, huh? I think they'll win at least one game. You never know with this kind of stuff."

"Get lost and stop bothering me!" Says another man. When we tried to push for an answer, he threatened to call the police.

"Well, we just have to wait and see." another fellow said. "You know, we shouldn't go in expecting one thing or another, just let it happen."

"Dude, they're going to kick ass!" remarked a young lad. "We'll show all these foreigner hacks how to play real football."

However, not everyone is optimistic about the teams future performance.

"Oh my god, they're going to do terribly!" says Irdias Amuiclanos, our sports correspondent talking from Enhan. "There's no star power on this farce of a team, the coach is an idiot, they've barely been practicing from what I've heard, they haven't even shown off their freaking kits yet! This is a disorganized mess, and will go down in history as a failed experiment. Don't even let them out of the region, it's not worth it."

Remember, the day of Aaaaaa's first match, we will post the results to our poll on how well YOU think the team will do!

WHO ARE THE PLAYERS?
Luckily for you readers, we at TheVILLAGE.aaa have created a handy graphic showing the players representing Aaaaaa for this tournament, along with their formation, made by coach Eiahdiou himself!

- FORWARDS -
#23 Hlori Ozialokas - AGE 34 - LEFT FOOTED - 185 m - 82 kg - Plays For MOELLE - CAPTAIN
#13 Antono Idanidis - AGE 44 - LEFT FOOTED - 185 m - 88 kg - Plays For FC LITHINISITIAN (Aurnvon)
#21 Michel Ylecih - AGE 27 - RIGHT FOOTED - 178 m - 76 kg - Plays For MOELLE
#41 Pereir Hiezetrou - AGE 38 - LEFT FOOTED - 182 m - 84 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS GN'YVASO
#40 Saros Skalt - AGE 25 - RIGHT FOOTED - 179 m - 77 kg - Plays For ALENIA UNITED (Lievue)

- MIDFIELDERS -
#9 Antonis Lucaneykos - AGE 35 - RIGHT FOOTED - 191 m - 89 kg - Plays For BATARIS FC (Enhan)
#20 Benjamin Rog - AGE 32 - RIGHT FOOTED - 179 m - 83 kg - Plays For MOELLE
#17 Knetinnin Eiifelaet - AGE 24 - LEFT FOOTED - 182 m - 83 kg - Plays For LOUKI PPC
#26 Sola Gisanchoperiv - AGE 28 - LEFT FOOTED - 183 m - 83 kg - Plays For MOELLE

- DEFENDERS -
#4 Nyetinnin Aichitrou - AGE 25 - RIGHT FOOTED - 193 m - 94 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS GN'YVASO
#5 Louki Spirphanos - AGE 34 - LEFT FOOTED - 181 m - 82 kg - Plays For MOELLE
#48 Erath Anaraptis - AGE 27 - RIGHT FOOTED - 179 m - 79 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS GN'YVASO
#18 Fressar Roca - AGE 30 - RIGHT FOOTED - 184 m - 86 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS SPÍCUEIL
#35 Yaahor Lreflored - AGE 23 - LEFT FOOTED - 179 m - 76 kg - Plays For AMARE FC (Lievue)
#10 Reuor Nonireiro - AGE 25 - 188 m - 86 kg - Plays For KLOSITHDAED TIGRISUM
#32 Andro Hianriw - AGE 27 - LEFT FOOTED - 183 m - 81 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS GN'YVASO
#44 Secün Duflous - AGE 34 - RIGHT FOOTED - 185 m - 93 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS NAITHAER

- GOALKEEPERS -
#1 Maseiu Idanidis - AGE 30 - LEFT FOOTED - 187 m - 87 kg - Plays For PILA PEDALIS GN'YVASO
#2 Elius Michelianotriou - AGE 29 - LEFT FOOTED - 185 m - 87 kg - Plays For MOELLE
#3 Osimin Nogueira - AGE 33 - LEFT FOOTED - 187 - 90 kg - Plays For MOELLE

WHO ARE THE STAFF?
Head Coach Hierel Eiahdiou will be the brains and driving force behind the team. He had originally played in the Selene 14th Division from 1993 to 2006, staying almost entirely within Aaaaaa during his whole run. Since retiring, he has been the coach of over seven teams, including his current team in Naithaer'DA. Historically he has preferred playing a highly defensive game, which reflects his rather unusual 5-1-1-3 formation.

HOW WILL THEY DO?
Poorly. Make no mistake, despite some of the talent of the team, along with coach Eiahdiou, this is a very inexperienced team in terms of international play. And when we say "inexperienced", we mean "NO experience".

WHEN WILL THE DAMN UNIFORMS BE SHOWN?
The away kit will first be shown in Aaaaaa's first game, followed by their home kit in the second.

HOW DOES THE TOURNAMENT WORK?
The Aaaaaan will travel to the Novapaxite nation Mercedini, in particular the city of Zoloroni. In this tournament, the teams have been groups into eight groups of four. Aaaaaa is grouped into Group B, where they will play in the MetroStadi & Stadi Naturala stadiums. From there, they will have one day between games to cover the extra training. If the team advances through the first three group match games, they will head into the so-called "Round of 16", which will proceed with the elimination of teams until only one may stand.

SO WHO'S IN OUR GROUP?
Three countries we've never heard of, namely Alpine Union, Tinhampton, and Blaneu. From what we are aware of, the Alpine Union and Tinhampton are fairly experienced within international football, and will be the biggest hurdles for Aaaaaa to overcome, but that doesn't mean Blaneu will not be quite the challenge themselves. Again, it's hard to look these teams up when our internet gets cut out every time somebody phones in the office.

WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE?
January 28th - AAAAAA @ BLANEU
January 30th - AAAAAA @ ALPINE UNION
February 1st - TINHAMPTON @ AAAAAA

We will keep you posted with schedules should Aaaaaa advance into the Round of 16!

WILL THEY MAKE FUN OF OUR NAME?
Yes.

All quotes are in Aaaaaan English and have been translated to standard English unless otherwise stated.

by **Beepee** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 7:44 pm

Squad Announcement

Head of the Beepeean Football Association, Ms Dakota Secret, is delighted to announce the squad as follows.

Coach
Kim Humphries

Goal-Keepers
S1 Annaliese Bobrova
- Janet Napolitano
GK Angela Bruce

Defenders
DL Shawna Manuel
DR Sheila Blige
S2 Elise Conroy
S3 Hanna Meier
DC Jennifer Silver
DC Cecelia Johns

Midfielders
MC Diana Lazarova
- Rhonda Byrne
S4 Anna Lafonte
MC Tamara Mellon
MC Karen Kadera
- Sue St. Croix

Attackers
ST Angela Earnhardt
ST Katherine Jackson
ST Gina Patterson
- Katy Brannigan
- Fiona Anderson
S5 Alexa McMichaels

The preferred starting line up and 5 substitutes indicated. (Substitutes are indicated as S#)

Beepee play a narrow attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Style Modifier +3

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

RP Permissions
Choose my lineup: Yes - preferred shown but check any pre-match changes
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes have as much fun as you want
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes have as much fun as you want
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes
Give Red Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes... im happy to have a laugh.

Kit

Home

Away/Second

For history on the Beepeean Team see
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=979042[/quote]

by **Sajnur** » Sun Jan 27, 2019 10:23 pm

Sajnur National Football Team

Sajnur is a new nation on the international football scene, as the infrastructure to maintain a decent football team has not been available until the last decade or so. Sajnur has not been a traditional association football nation, with Sajnuran football being the principal team sport. However, football was popularised in Sajnur by the Laghians who had just become Sajnuran citizens after their territory changed hands in the Great Wars.

The Sajnuran domestic league became fully professional several years ago, and has seen an abundance of foreign talent for the local Sajnurans to learn from, amd the Laghians have shown lots of talent. The Sajnuran team that is being sent to the Independents Cup, which will be Sajnur's first internarional tournament, is composed largely of Laghians, although talent has been found in other regions of the massive country. Notable among the players is central midfielder Jessika Siafik, a member of Sajnur's women's team who decided to enter the men's team due to Sajnur being unable to schedule women's international matches.

The uniforms of Sajnur's national team have not been released, with manager Harold Njericev stating that they will only be revealed at the first match against Abanhfleft, although there is speculation that they aren't ready.

Roster

Piotr Laghiev (GK)
Alek Khadur (GK)
Giorge Iajevici (GK)

Tomasi Vuierev (RB/CB)
Taulant Haji (RB/RM)
Alexis Sjoring (RB/CM)
Alan Gharici (CB)
Frederik Tjallor (CB/LB)
Kaori Hajat (CB/CDM)
Samuel Durghi (LB/LM)
David Kiral (LB/LM)

Dario Tule (RM/RW)
Marko Arrelo (RM/CAM)
Zain Hasan (CDM/CM)
Jessika Siafik (CM/CAM)
Ben Tatro (CM/RM)
Sian Levici (CAM/LW)
Piotr Basuliev (LM/LW)
Vasil Stoianov (LM/ST)

Daniel Kerlov (RW/CF)
Rowan Down (ST/CAM/RW/LW)
Andre Naulo (ST)
Ahmed Nazar (LW/ST/LM)

Typical formations: 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1, 3-4-1-2

by **Omerica** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 12:02 am

United Republican Soccer Federation
6 Jacques la Rouge Road
Port Alexandre, AM 18-A40
UNITED REPUBLICS OF OMERICA
About Omerica
National anthem: “Hymn of the Avonian Martyrs” (English version — French version)
Capital: Port-des-Saints
Largest city: Charlottesville (by city limits); Philibiscostal (by urban area)
Official languages: English, French
Population: 67,427,652 (2009 census)
Drives on the: left

A federation in the far north, Omerica is a cosmopolitan maritime nation, famed for its environmental beauty, thriving black markets and love of a good drink. Omerica is a federal parliamentary republic with a semi-direct democratic system of governance. An influential country in international affairs, the nation ranks as one of the most politically and socially free states in the multiverse. The nation is noted for having some of the most friendly, compassionate and brash people in the multiverse, who enjoy high rates of economic, scientific and cultural development. The nation is rated as one of the least corrupt and least authoritarian in the world, with low rates of ignorance, obesity, political apathy and preventable death.

About the Incorrigibles
Association code: OME
Team nickname: “The Incorrigibles”
KPB rating: 12.17 (61st)
Overall record: 88–44–92 (39.3% win rate; 1.38 points per game)
Independents Cup record: 3–3–5 (27.3% win rate; 1.09 points per game)
Record under Anne-Sophie Groothuis: 14–5–10 (48.3% win rate, 1.62 points per game)

Just like the history of the nation, the history of Omerican football has been rocky. The nation was one of fifty-six to début in Baptism of Fire 56, where the team made the knockout stage with an undefeated record before bowing out to Lons after extra time in the last 32. The Griffons subsequently floundered for several cycles, finishing below expectations in tournament after tournament and struggling to find their footing. But fortunes turned around during the Campionato Esportiva in the Sarian, where Omerica unexpectedly won their group and made the quarterfinals after defeating Yttribia. Despite falling to runners-up Nephara in a close match, the tournament marked a significant turn in fortunes: a bitter (and, to Osarians, infamous) third-place finish in the World Cup 73 qualifiers, two consecutive knockout stage qualifications and Round of 16 exits and—the nation’s crowning moment of glory—an upset qualification for World Cup 74, where the team scalped Flardania and nearly advanced to the knockout phase.

However, success proved short-lived. After boycotting CE XVI in Falatulu, the Omerican Football Federation found itself mired in a corruption and betting scandal. Combined with a riotous fanbase which had caused numerous bouts of destruction, the scandal dogged the team’s World Cup 75 qualifying campaign and ultimately brought the OFF to an untimely end, ordered dissolved by the Sessions Court of the Metropolitan Arrondissement and liquidated to cover the fines issued to its executives. In the aftermath of the scandal, the republican football associations, which had predated and existed parallel to the OFF, formed the United Republican Soccer Federation to take over the OFF’s functions and opted to indefinitely pull Omerica from international competition. Half a decade later, a new national team emerged to contest the Independents Cup and, after much internal debate, the World Cup with little success.
Staff
Manager: Anne-Sophie Groothuis
Former gaffer for Club du 28 Mars, Groothuis has led the club to local success on the regional and national stage and comfortably sealed the New East Flemish side a berth as a founding member of Ligue.A. A flexible and disciplined tactician, Anne-Sophie is known to favour a moderately attack-minded approach that has brought 28 Mars four New Flemish and two Federal Championships in her stint at the club, but is unafraid to mix things up from time to time in order to keep opponents guessing and has high expectations after a moderately-successful Independents Cup and tactics and an opportunity to firmly stamp Omerica’s name back on the international map.

Assistant Manager: Jean-Luc Nyhof

Fitness Coach: Veronica Aquila
Equipment Manager: Josèphe Veerke Dufort
Medical Lead: Romain Luzzatto
Physical Therapists: Mees Dreessen and Don Bloodworth
Players
Default starting eleven
№1—GK Frédérique Acardi (F, age 27; United Philibiscostal)
№14—LD Julie Boulos (F, age 24; Corona Christiana)
№17—CD Aristide de Felice (M, age 23; Olympique Provençal)
№5—CD Jesús Cruz (M, age 25; Corona Christiana)
№6—RD Fernand Michelakakis (M, age 26; Sassari Trailblazers)
№8—DM John Soares (M, age 25; FC Kingsmouth)
№21—DM Elise Bianchi (F, age 26; Forestia Cricket)
№7—LM Clemente Affini (M, age 25; Carthaginians)
№9—AM Red Bolton (M, age 26; FC Londonderry)
№10—RM Maria Nelissen (F, age 25; SC Williamsburg)
№11—ST Morgan Barzetti (F, age 27; Cherrygrove City [SOL])

Substitutes
№13—GK Valentine Augustin (F, age 23; Saint-Georges Uni)
№23—GK Will Rake (M, age 22; Plymouth Rock)
№2—LD Maria “Jet” Sneyders (F, age 25; Andreaskruis)
№3—CD Emily Michelakis (F, age 24; AFC Georgetown)
№4—CD Charity Kayode (F, age 23; FC Nassau)
№18—RD Marine Roldan (F, age 25; AS Républicains)
№20—DM Alex Rodrigues (M, age 21; Phoenix Carlisle)
№15—DM Sean Tester (M, age 24; Willemspoort)
№19—LM George Palmeiro (M, age 21; Northport Naval)
№22—CM Robin van Tyn (M, age 26; Ever Grande)
№16—RM Martin la Rouge (M, age 23; AS Républicains)
№24—ST Éduoard Bouchard (M, age 23; Malavan Romainbourg)
№25—ST Lucky Ashworth (F, age 24; Falcon United)
Formation and tactics (4–2–3–1)
Barzetti
Affini — Bolton — Nelissen
Soares — Bianchi
Boulos — de Felice — Cruz — Michelakakis
Acardi
Kits (courtesy of No Nonsense Sportswear)
Who we are
The United Republican Soccer Federation is the national football association of the United Republics of Omerica. The URSF is organised as a federation of twenty-five republican and eight regional football associations, with special membership status for the Omerican Professional Soccer League, Omerican Amateur Football Association and Omerican University Sports Association. The URSF responsible for overseeing association football in Omerica, organising Omerican representative teams and—with the cooperation of the Federal Anti-Doping Authority and Omerican Council for Sporting Integrity—ensuring the integrity of Omerican football.
Conformément à la loi fédérale, ce document est disponible en français sur demande. — In accordance with federal law, this document is available in French upon request.

by **Hot Skitty on Wailord Action** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 12:02 am

Hot Skitty on Wailord Action Soccer presents
The Official Hot Skitty on Wailord Action National Selection

Preferred Abbreviation: HSOWA
National Anthem: Popular Potpourri (Yes, it is a six-minute chiptune song. Yes, you must play the whole thing before each game. Yes, you can speed it up to fit any time constraints.)
Population: we lost count ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Drives on: whatever side you’d like

If you are looking for a team that likes playing beautiful attacking soccer, Hot Skitty on Wailord Action (HSOWA) is not for you. Hot Skitty players prefer the tactic of doing whatever is within their power to keep you from scoring and claiming a set piece to lock away the win later. Possession is key to the Hot Skitty playbook, with stellar defending a close second. If you do get the ball, however, expect a swarm of players ready to pry that ball away from you by whatever means possible. And for the love of the Helix Fossil, do not cede penalties to HSOWA. That will not end well.

Goalkeepers
Itsuki — Number 79 (Starting player)
An eccentric masked man. No one truly knows who he is.
Natsume — Number 65
Can secretly read your mind. Do not approach without your tin foil hat.
Cattleya — Number 81
Still playing for Hot Skitty on Wailord Action. Still a sore loser.

Defenders
Kyō — Number 11 (Starting player)
Crouching ninja. Sadly, those skills have yet to translate to soccer.
Siba — Number 68 (Starting player)
Strong, powerful, ambitious and determined. An all-around cool dude.
Wataru — Number 50 (Starting player)
Team captain. Dedicated team player. General badass.
Kanna — Number 14 (Starting player)
Cold as ice. Takes no [expletive deleted] from no one.
Kikuko — Number 94 (Starting player)
Designated team grandmom. Still keeps up with the whippersnappers.
Anzu — Number 89
Ninja in training. Seems to know more about soccer than her father.
Shijima — Number 62
Crushes stones and shatters bones. Approach with caution.
Ibuki — Number 32
Another sore loser. Only made the cut because her cousin is the captain.
Yanagi — Number 77
Shifty old dude. We’re not sure where his loyalties lie.
Matsuba — Number 20
Cool young dude. Has a nice scarf.

Midfielders
Hayato — Number 18 (Starting player)
Self-righteous and hypocritical. Intense and methodical on the field.
Katsura — Number 59 (Starting player)
Old bald guy with a cool hat. Loves riddles.
Tsukushi — Number 23 (Starting player)
Passionate and skillful when not distracted by insects.
Mikan — Number 82 (Starting player)
Shy off the field, bold on the field. Loves sheep.
Akane — Number 43
Yet another sore loser. Infamous for her bloody cow.
Matis — Number 26
Strictly cautious, slightly paranoid and seriously potty-mouthed.
Erika — Number 45
Confident, graceful and composed. Huge fan of grass.
Kasumi — Number 22
A serious hot-head with a massive chip on her shoulder.

Forwards
Karin — Number 30 (Starting player)
Rough, tough and wild. Prone to boredom.
Sakaki — Number 53
Don’t ask us. We don’t trust him either.
Takeshi — Number 28
Hard to get going. Impossible to stop. Needs to laugh more.

Other persons of note
Nejiki — Manager
Standard nerd.
Kurotsugu — Assistant Manager
Another standard nerd.
Dahlia — Relationship Manager
~~Get out of the lift.~~ Secretly keeps everyone from ripping each other’s hair out.
Kate — Team Pilot
~~Why did we bring a pilot if we’re only playing in one city?~~
Kokuran — Butler to Cattleya
Still loyal and patient to a fault. Still secretly pining for Cattleya.

Most likely to …
Foul: Hayato
Be fouled: Karin
Be subbed out: Kyō
Be subbed in: Anzu
Shoot: Karin
Score from close range: Karin
Score from long range: Karin
Attempt the spectacular: Mikan
Player Roles
Captain: Wataru
Vice-captain: Karin
Second vice-captain: Kyō
Left corner kicks: Mikan
Right corner kicks: Hayato
Direct free kicks: Tsukushi
Indirect free kicks: Tsukushi
Penalties: Karin

Formation (5-4-1)
Itsuki
Kyō — Siba — Wataru — Kanna — Kikuko
Hayato — Katsura — Tsukushi — Mikan
Karin

Kits
Whatever we could find in the lost and found.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 1:29 am

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ABANHFLEFT
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM - WOMEN

The Independents Cup is an independent tournament organized by some kind of independent footballing organization, and for the first two editions the independent national football team assembled by independent footballing coach Heinrich Wurzmann was the team sent out to represent the Democratic Republic in this esteemed competition. But now the Samahang Futbol ng Abanhfleft has decided that the Independents Cup is actually a good place to blood in new players they are considering for inclusion for the next World Cup cycle campaign. Since it is the women's team's turn to participate in the next World Cup cycle, the SFA has called up female players who had once participated in Abanhfleft's youth teams to take part in the Independents Cup. Wurzmann's Alternative Football Program still plays a part in the Independents Cup squad selection, and a number of naturalized players will also turn out to suit up for the Lady Revolutionaries.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Team colors: Blue, orange, and green
Style modifier: +3.5
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Ginny Katesmar (47 y/o, North Prarie)

STARTERS
GK: Stephanie BRYAN 32 y/o, Antslinngs Islands Ladies

Stephanie Bryan finally gets to represent the blue, orange, and green once again after over four years of sitting out due to a new reliance on the likes of Yannie Redborne and Yelena Valinovskaya to ride the bench while Victoria Carter is on form, but with Redborne now retiring from international footie and Valinovskaya recovering from ligament repair surgery, Steph will now get the chance to be seen riding the Fleftic bench once again. But whether she will be the long-term replacement for Carter and the rest is still up in the air as there are more promising keepers out there, at least according to Holly Jonasson. Finally gets a run out as the starter for the women's national team, at least for the 5th Independents Cup.

RB: Alma WALKER 23 y/o, Rushmori Drawks

(The Isles of Avon)
Alma Walker is a decent right back who looks destined to be an actual right back instead of the myriad wingbacks who seem to be cropping up like weeds all over Abanhfleft's academies. Alma is actually ambidextrous with her feet and can play in both fullback positions fairly well and effectively (kind of like Tonya Heaton) but she prefers to work on the right side of the pitch. Doesn't mean that she can't do a good job on the left, though.

RCB: Catarina SOLER 31 y/o, Keephall Valkyries

Soler has served as a dependable supporting unit for both center-backs, but once again she is a player that is played out of position in most international games that she gets to play. Soler prefers being a true center-back, but that doesn't mean that she shirks from the responsibilities of being a central fullback shifted a little to the right or the left. Soler had a chance to rise up to the senior women's team but a drop in form coinciding with injuries has kept her out of the national team setup until now. Now Catarina wants to prove that she still has what it takes to be an international quality center back.

LCB: Miranda SULLINS 25 y/o, Sporting Ceneisis Women

An exciting prospect if only for the fact that she had gotten herself noticed through the Sporting Ceneisis youth academy, which had been a bit neglected by Artemio Peres in favor of getting players both locally and abroad for as much as his team's Bellinsgauzenian boss is willing to let him spend. Still, it wouldn't do to take away from the fact that she is indeed a good defender, if a bit raw even for the standards of the under-21 teams. And an international call-up such as thing can do no harm to her career. Right?

LB: Deborah RIDDLES 23 y/o, Keephall Valkyries

Right now, she's a left back, but Deborah is a natural wing-back who has the potential to develop into an out-and-out winger. Deborah is currently playing with the defense, but only because that is her best footballing position at the moment. Still loves to throw in a cross and will often clog up the left side of the field alongside the team's out-and-out left wingers.

RM: Stephanie WINTER-SLAUGHTER 24 y/o, Marinos Thimpodopoulos Women

(Fhulghamous Peninsula, playing in the Fleftic Ladies' Premier League)
Winter-Slaughter's surname sounds rather weird when you consider her biggest asset is an unprecedented sense of justice, but it really is. Winter-Slaughter, while a competent midfielder with enough room to grow, became much more notorious for her actions both in and outside of the field, often helping opponents and team-mates at distress from injuries or pretty much anything else. Conquered some hearts for her kindness, funnily enough. Stephanie was given Fleftic citizenship on the recommendation of Heinrich Wurzmann after the disappearance of the Unified Sunrise Islands so that Abanhfleft could take advantage of her talents.

LM: ERIN Jensdottir-Jennings 27 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies

We finally come to one of the most controversial additions to Abanhfleft's Independents Cup squad yet. Not a person living in Abanhfleft hasn't heard of the story of Erin Jensdottir and her friend Britt Hanokssen. The two of them had gotten in trouble with an Anglatian gang and their friend Bisera Haralampieva, of Rosen City Ladies and Pridnestrovia women's national team fame, called on another friend of hers to get Erin and Britt out of trouble. They did so by faking Erin and Britt's deaths and substituting them for two dead bodies. Britt and Erin had ended up playing for FC United of Riuwiee in the seventh tier of Fleftic football before they finally came clean about their status, resulting in the biggest ever points deduction in Fleftic football history and a massive settlement package with Hunsen Loggers from United of Riuwiee for both Erin and Britt. Erin is described as the complete playmaker able to operate from deep or right in front with the forwards, which is why Heinrich Wurzmann recommended her naturalization in time for the Independents Cup.

RW: Elene LINER 21 y/o, Sarvusdalamoive Ladies

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

CAM: Prudence WOODWARD 21 y/o, Duhblakk Aztecs

Prudence Woodward is the third and final player of Panemian descent to represent the blue, orange, and green for the Sporting World Cup. She is the younger sister of Julius Woodward and her future appears to be in central attacking midfield. Prudence is already displaying a taste for clever through-balls and occupying pockets of space in which she could create chances and even score a few goals herself. Prudence has also been rumored to be displaying more than just friendly attention and camaraderie with the team's resident lesbian Poppaea Fleet-Street but that's hardly important to the conversation. But although nothing has been confirmed yet, it could be said that it won't be much of a surprise if Prudence came out and admitted that she has a relationship with Poppaea. Also already a mother after an argument with Prudence led to a one-night stand with fellow under-18 teammate Prince William Luckless.

LW: Amelie RUSEV 21 y/o, Ludogorets Markovsky Ladies

Amelie Rusev is the best player on current Fleftic under-18 team after Gareth Williamson. At just 18 years old, she's already looking like the complete winger package. Not only is she both quick and light on her feet and strong in the air and during challenges, she is ambidextrous, able to use both feet to send in long balls and crosses into the box when she wants. With that added crossing ability, Amelie is already on her way to the first team of Ludogorets Markovsky Ladies at such a tender age. Kasper Molak will surely look to make Amelie the successor to Raisa Korovina as the next Miss Ludogorets.

ST: Princess GONZALES 20 y/o, Keephall Valkyries

A very raw striker who couldn't do enough to keep alive Abanhfleft's hopes of going to yet another Under-18 World Cup final. Perhaps making Princess lead the line for the Lady Revolutionaries at the Independents Cup isn't really a good option but then again, this could very well be the opportunity for her to break through the ranks and make herself known.

RESERVES
GK: Ursula QATINTIKI 29 y/o, Crisisbless Athletic

(Nephara)
Qatintiki is a ferocious keeper who believes herself to be a good sweeper but unfortunately doesn't have all the necessary skills to be an actual sweeper keeper. Fortunately for her, she's managed to keep 10 clean sheets in the Premier Development League (Ladies' Division) for Sarvusdalamoive Ladies. Unfortunately for her, this performance hasn't carried to her first international call-up in the Sporting World Cup, where she conceded a total of 14 goals in the tournament. But the presence of an experienced back four in front of her could help her concede less in this tournament. Despite being a rapidly rising star in Sarvusdalamoive, Qatintiki opted to cut her contract and sign up for the Pridnestrovian Volunteer Legions in ESTORVIPA. She could actually be charged with treason for fighting for another sovereign nation but the SFA has pulled favors with the Ministry of Justice to delay her trial until the end of the Independents Cup.

GK: Bronwyn CHURCHILL 21 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies

Bronwyn is the daughter of Rosenpfelblatz City's new manager Joseph "Joe" Churchill, one of the most decorated managers in the sport within the Fleftic sphere of influence. Bronwyn came with her dad to Rosenpfelblatz and immediately settled in well with the Lady Sky Blues' academy. She is a traditional keeper who prefers to keep close to goal and catch or slap away shots from that position, although she is learning to become a more athletic keeper now that she's training with the likes of Yannie Redborne, Marfa Kirilenko, and Blaze Chrzanowska. It should be noted that Joe Churchill would have liked it more if his daughter had not wanted to be a goalkeeper, but at least he as a father won't worry about where she's been before, during, and after training because they're always in close proximity to each other.

RB: Queen YARNALL 18 y/o, Admiral Porcusces Women

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

CB: Christy SHEPLEY 22 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies

At 6 feet 2 inches, Christy is already one of the tallest 17-year-old Fleftic central defenders ever in the Democratic Republic and its sphere of influence. Coupled with a supernatural defensive ability, it's a wonder why she's still on the bench and not starting, until one realizes that Christy is quite the thin and willowy girl. She's a good defender and good in aerial and dead-ball situations, there's no doubt about that, but she has to bulk up and get stronger if she is to become one of Abanhfleft's best defenders. She remains on the bench to make way for Miranda Sullins and Catarina Soler in this Independents Cup squad.

CB: Tiera WALRATH 20 y/o, Ogovlich Medusas

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

LB: Tien GOODLETT 19 y/o, Ogovlich Medusas

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

RM: SIBUSIZWE Kiggwancha 19 y/o, Athletic Motonou

SIbusizwe's greatest strength lies in the fact that she can win the ball in midfield more times than not. Of course, most of this is against girls and boys on or nearly the same age as she is, but when she turned out for Athletic Motonou's senior side in the last few matchdays of the Ladies' Third Division season (with the title already wrapped up for Motonou) Sibusizwe looked capable of doing much the same thing against players who were much older and much more experienced than her. Sibusizwe won't have to do that against older and experienced players from other national teams just yet, but she will have to do it against her fellow under-18s from other countries starting from this tournament.

CM: Abigail PAPADIAMANTOPOULOS 28 y/o, All-Inclusive Haranguer

Abigail is the tallest player in this roster at 6 feet 8 inches, taller than even her supposed lookalike Stephanie Bryan. Abigail used to play Sunday league with Anglatia's Ross Port Rangers before Fleftic scouts noticed her during the 38th Di Bradini Cup and she signed a contract with Wallace Partridge's All-Inclusive Haranguer. Partridge chose to sign Abigail due to her size and her playstyle which is very much reminiscent of one of the most famous (if not the best) players to put on the black-and-amber shirt in Sutalen "The Beast of Copper Cuprum" Desoka. Despite helping All-Inclusive Haranguer to a fifth-place finish in the 2022-23 season, she was never called up for Anglatia's national team, and with the country now returning to its policy of total isolation, Abigail was given Fleftic citizenship on the recommendation of Heinrich Wurzmann so the SFA could take advantage of her skills on the pitch.

LM: Charlene WILLIAMSON 22 y/o, Admiral Porcusces Women

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

CAM: BRITT Hanokssen-Hanks 24 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City Ladies

Erin Jensdottir's best friend and girlfriend, Britt has been called "too ambitious for her own good" by the man who would eventually recommend bringing Britt over to Rosenpfelblatz, Matthew Cave. Britt isn't exactly the best, most mobile, most skillful, fastest, or most accurate player available for the Independents Cup, but she makes up for it in her sheer never-say-die attitude. Other things that other players might consider lost causes are just more challenges for Britt to overcome. That being said, if Britt does end up making an appearance for Abanhfleft, it's probably more out of desperation than anything else. But still, no one knows. Maybe this is the tournament where Britt finally shines bright.

FW: Annamarie SABADO 26 y/o, Arsenal de Releinthi Ladies

LS: Annamarie SABADO 21 y/o, Arsenal de Releinthi Ladies Image, female
Sabado has the makings of being "the next Fleftic super-sub." No less a footballing authority than Arsenal de Releinthi manager Godric Wexler said so after Sabado had scored the game-winning goal against Lutine to give Abanhfleft a ticket to the Sporting World Cup final. And, judging from her inclusion into the Independents Cup, Heinrich Wurzmann and Miriam Whitaker look to do the same with her for the coming tournament.

FW: Irina BABARUSHCHIK 31 y/o, Dynamo Shebchetsik

(Mercedini)
Babarushchik used to be in (friendly) competition with Annamarie Sabado for the position of Arsenal de Releinthi Ladies U-21s' starting striker, but Sabado ended up being the winner in the long run as Babarushchik couldn't wait for Chelsea Stuart to retire (which is still a long time coming anyway) and the half-Pridnestrovian striker struck out for greener pastures in the form of Mercedini's Dynamo Shebchetsik. Now, as both Irina and Annamarie return to the Fleftic national team setup for the Independents Cup, they are once again back to competing with each other for the honor of being the next Fleftic super-sub.

KITS (by Adidulas)

IMPORTANT STATISTICS (for Independents Cup only)
Win-loss record: 18-3-6 (penalty shootouts are counted as draws)
First Independents Cup match: VS Kaboomlandia (L 0-1)
First Independents Cup win: VS Prusy Krolewskie (W 5-2)
First Independents Cup loss: VS Kaboomlandia (L 0-1)
Biggest Independents Cup win: VS Spaam (W 6-3)
Biggest Independents Cup loss: VS Veldgouwen (L 2-4)

RECORDS
IC1: 4-1-2 (won third place against Barunia)
IC2: 3-1-1 (eliminated in quarterfinals by Bonesea)
IC3: 4-0-1 (eliminated in quarterfinals by Schottia)
IC4: 2-1-1 (eliminated in Round of 16 by Alpine Union)
IC5: 5-0-1 (eliminated in quarterfinals by Mercedini)

SCHEDULE
To be edited...

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 8:04 am

Squornshelan Remnant States Black-and-Reds Roster

#  Name                 Pos  Age  Caps  G  A  CS  YC  RC   Ht   Wt   Club
1  Istaro Munib          GK   28   23   0  0   8   0   0  185   73   Traal Athletics
2  Djabgor Dzarkhin      LB   25   14   0  0   0   0   0  185   80   Foxchester Raiders (STB)
3  Dymek Raktsov         CB   25   23   1  0   0   3   0  190   79   Lublova Reds
4  Tervi Oleb (VC)       CB   27   26   2  0   0   0   0  192   79   Traal Athletics
5  Jinkzta Ulcviecel     RB   27   23   0  4   0   0   0  181   73   Jinja City (BNJ)
6  Gezan Djanetic        LM   27    2   0  0   0   0   0  180   75   Ramusok United (COS)
7  Eyob Zonde            RM   28   22   5  3   0   0   0  183   73   Damogran FC
8  Arlo Damot (C)        CM   30   25   6 10   0   1   0  174   70   Traal Athletics
9  Girma Mikhulat        RF   27    3   0  1   0   0   0  188   78   Brantisvogan FC
10 Jzeovak Vladcik       LF   22   24   6  4   0   0   0  178   75   Lublova Reds
11 Demkjo Jzvanic        CF   28   18   7  4   0   0   0  188   78   Olympic Thessia (MYT)
12 Vrenz Tambura         RM   23   14   1  4   0   0   0  179   74   AC Damogran
13 Vaarin Strepol        CM   27   20   3  0   0   3   0  187   88   Lublova Reds
14 Janar Delu            RB   24   10   0  0   0   0   0  169   76   Algolia AC
15 Danin Geladi          LB   25   24   0  3   0   0   0  179   71   Hugh Town Millionaires (DAR)
16 Zoban Ajao            ST   23   18   5  2   0   0   0  194   87   Chalesm FC
17 Zemen Ystrad          CB   26   16   1  0   0   3   2  191   81   Diamondqueen (NPH)
18 Stovar Krieven        GK   25    3   0  0  2.5  0   0  187   74   Bishop (NPH) 
19 Przemors Dzetker      ST   30    5   2  1   0   0   0  181   73   Old Sarum (ETN)
20 Ozol Gebara           LM   28    8   0  2   0   0   0  179   71   Viltvodle City
21 Ortzi Perparim        CB   28    6   0  0   0   0   0  191   78   Brantisvogan FC
22 Ctibor Tkermec        CB   30   18   1  0   0   0   0  186   78   Viltvodle City
23 Jaska Povarnin        GK   26    0   0  0   0   0   0  188   76    Lublova Reds

(height given in centimeters, weight in kilograms)
please check my most recent RP for information about possible roster changes
Style Modifier: -1
Formation: 4-3-3
Long Form Name: The Confederacy of Squornshelan Remnant States
Short Form Names: Squornshelan Confederacy, The Confederacy
If You Don't Mind Losing Some Teeth: West Squornshelous
Demonym: Confederate (political); Squornshelan (cultural, not always PC)
Team Nickname: Black-and-Reds (never Red-and-Black)
Team Colors: Squornshelan Red (#BF0000) and Black (#000000)
Trigram: SRS
Captain: Arlo Damot
Vice Captain: Tervi Oleb
Free Kicks: Arlo Damot
Corners: Arlo Damot
Penalties: Demkjo Jzvanic (Arlo Damot, Jzeovak Vladcik, Eyob Zonde, Vaarin Strepol)

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        Y
Chhose My Scoring Events:     Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y
RP Injuries to My Players:    Y
Godmod Injury Events:         Y
Red Card My Players:          Y
Yellow Card My Players:       Y
Godmod Other Events:          Y

Anything apart from death, dismemberment, or defection is fair game.
=================================

Manager: Bethany Donnell (BRE)
A very down-to-earth manager who drills humility and discipline into her players, making sure they do the hard yards and don't get carried away with their status. After she was let go midway through her second year at Northern Union, the SCFA extended an offer based on the promise of her seasons spent at Pikemouth. There, she was able to build a smaller club into a consistent lower-league challenger, and the hope is that she can do a similar job with the still fledgling Black-and-Reds.

Uniforms:
Home:

Away:

Goalkeeper:

Player Profiles:
Goalkeepers

Defense

Midfielders

Forwards:

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 10:02 am

FEDERAÇÃO LUSITANA DE FUTEBOL
New Lusitania National Team - A Selecção
6ª Taça das Associações Independentes
6th Independent Associations Cup

Lisboa, 28 de Janeiro

New Lusitania kicks off a new cycle of international football, after being Round of 16 finalists in the Cup of Harmony, and an underperformance at the IDU Championships. New Lusitania travels again to Mercedini where they hope they can do better.
Victor Santa Cruz has mixed it up a bit in the previous tournaments and will now introduce one or two new players for the tournament. This, along with friendlies, will show who he can count on for the first callup of the World Cup.
In goal, veteran Rui Patríce needs no introduction, along with promises António Lopes and João Sá. The Left-Back position will remain Guerreiros' post, but youngster Vinagrete looking to rise up after a good season at Académica. Since the World Cup, the centre-back position has fallen towards João Cancela, the most consistent of the three. Cédric Silva remains on the right side of the line.
Central-Defensive Midfield belongs to Nevais and on his left Jorge Mário. Breu has sometimes substituted Mário or taken the CAM position. In Central Midfield, one of the team's stars, Bruno Fernando. A newbie, Estevão Eustáquio is here to prove his worth, though it'll be hard under the current formation. To his right, the one and only Francisco Gama. Gama showed consistency during the Qualifying Rounds of the last World Cup.
Since Silva's departure, the Central Attacking Midfield position, which is a tad to the right, finds itself suspended between Moreira and Armilar. Luz, a Right Centre-Midfielder as well as the already referred Breu, are also candidates for the position.
Up ahead it's been a tough fight for position. André Silveira is certainly there but Daniel Jota, Ivan Cavalriça and Hélder Carvalho are all battling out that second position.
Finally on back up, Tomar goalkeeper Virgílio, defender Rui, Sport Braga midfielders Azinheira and Breu, as well as Sporting CL's Gabriel Martins
New Lusitania, despite playing decently, have a tendency of underperforming. Despite being a relatively high team in the rankings (50th, post WC81, Pot 2 in the Competition), New Lusitania could botch qualification, although unlikely. Victor Santa Cruz, national coach, has said he's "determined to go as far as possible with the team". It's only a matter of time, to find out if he indeed can go far. FORÇA SELECÇÃO!

Squad Call-Up - Convocatória Selecção
GK: Rui Patríce (Sporting CL)*
GK: António Lopes (Belém)
GK: João Sá (Porto)
LB: Rafa Guerreiros (Porto)*
LB: Rúben Vinagrete (Académica)
CB: João Cancela (Vitória G.)*
CB: Dalot (Porto)
CB: Daniel Carriça (Sevilha)
RB: Cédric Silva (Sporting CL)*
RB: Ricardo Peralva (Porto)
CDM: Rúben Nevais (Porto)*
LM: Jorge Mário (Sporting CL)*
LM/CAM: Breu (Boa Vista)
CM: Bruno Fernando (Sporting CL)*
CM: Estevão Eustáquio (SCUT)
RCM/CAM: João Luz (Belém)
RM: Francisco Gama (Sevilha)*
CAM: André Moreira (Belém)
CAM: Domingos Armilar (Académica)*
ST: André Silveira (Porto)*
ST: Daniel Jota (Porto)*
ST: Ivan Cavalariça (Académica)
ST: Hélder Carvalho ([Académica])
Backup Players
GK: José Virgílio (União Tomar)
DF: Manuel Rui (Bemfica)
CDM: Sérgio Azinheira (Braga)
CAM: Chadas (Braga)
ST: Gabriel Martins (Sporting CL)
Coach: Victor Santa Cruz
*Indicates first team

KITS - Equipamentos
HOME: Bordeaux-Red Shirt, Shorts and Socks, with Green Sleeves, and Collar and Yellow details,
AWAY: White Shirt and Socks, with Blue Sleeves, Shorts and Collar.
ALTERNATIVE: Black Shirt with a Half-Green, Half-Red Horizontal Beam across it. Black Shorts and Socks.
GOALKEEPER'S HOME: Light (Lime) Green Kit
GOALKEEPER'S AWAY: Slate-Grey Kit

RP PERMISSIONS - Permissões
RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: No
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes, occasionally
Give Red Cards to my players: Sporadically
Godmod other events: No

MMXIX, FLF - Federação Lusitana de Futebol. Published in association with STL - Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana.

by **Mercedini** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 11:40 am

Manager:

Elidyr Lyndainium • Formation: 4-4-2

Mercedini go into the Independents Cup as defending champions for the first time and as host for the second time with Zoloroni and Langtree the successful bid candidates for the 6th edition of the Independent Associations' Championship. The home advantage has paid dividends in the future with the Golden Eagles finishing in an admirable third place in the last IAC tournament which was hosted by Mercedini in a joint effort with Schottia, the two-time winners who are currently on hiatus in the realm of football. The Zoloroni Sports City Stadium will be the host to all three Mercedinian matches, a decision which aims to raise the profile of the national team and see them through to at least the knockout rounds and avoid what would be an embarrassing early exit at the group stage. Lyndainium has selected some lesser known players in the Mercedinian sphere of football for this tournament, with Mercedini now having a title under their belt in this tournament. The tournament can now be used for experience building with some of the big names in multiverse football filtered out by the 'non-big-three regions' restriction on the eligibility rules. With many more home fans now with their eyes on the national team, they would be wise to not buckle under the pressure of the tens of thousands of expectant home fans.

GOALKEEPERS   Name                    	   Age	          Club	
GK            Rainard Tatius               31           Elspachia 
GK            Craig Costanza               27           Exton Oilers
GK            Bobby Mikelson               21           Busembe Timberwolves SC

Three goalkeepers to choose from for the tournament, none of them with too much international experience although two do have experience playing in other international tournament. Tatius will go into the tournament as the first choice after previously leading his Elspachia side to Premier League victory last season plus experience as being selected as the third/fourth choice goalkeeper for Lyndainium in the previous cycle's World Cup Qualifying. Mikelson has experience from previous Sporting World Cups and Di Bradini Cups, but this will be his first time playing for the national team. With the Timberwolves goalkeeper expected to come of age while playing in Banija and playing fringe matches for the national team. Costanza rounds out the goalkeeping trio, with the Oilers maintaining their position as a Premier League following promotion in the league before it.

DEFENDERS	
LB            Preston Aristaros            25           Zoloroni Metropolitan
LB            Liam Koi                     20           Tropicorp FC
CB            Mayowa Jalowi                22           Carvi Albion
CB            Liam Dosic                   30           Gwinevra Barbarians
CB            Liam Toivonen                23           Goldstaff City
CB            Don Barca                    25           Langtree United
RB            Thomas Di Sansev             20           OAS Royal FC
RB            Arcadious Conteffe           23           Hoventon & Corlington Town

Plenty of new names in the defensive roster with new names ready to take the reigns as defensive stalwarts for future tournaments that Mercedini take part in, meaning Mercedini can afford to experiment with new defensive options while the big names of the defensive line rest and continue to develop as the current generation of Mercedinian national team defenders. Aristaros, who is the current Zoloroni Met full-back, will remain in the city where he made his name for this tournament, with support from Liam Koi who accepted a move to Vilita's Tropicorp FC following the suspension of the Cenian league with his former team, Pinnacle Project, was a part of. More Liams in the central defence with Dosic and Toivonen the two biggest names of this part of the roster. The Gwinevra Barbarians defender hasn't had the best of times with his domestic team in Apox, so this will be a likely distraction from his problems there. On the right, Di Sansev, who is becoming an experienced defender despite only scraping 20-years old. He will be supported by Conteffe who is also a young defender, making a name for himself in Hoventon where he plays regular Premier League football.

MIDFIELDERS 
LM            Jakob Vaselko                31           Elspachia
LM            Lawrence Garzallo            22           Zoloroni Metropolitan
CM            Adam Kraljic                 25           Olask Islanders
CM            Johannes Nymark              25           Zoloroni City
CM            Johan Karlovic               20           Spartangrad
CM            Dino Santa-Corvani           22           Zholvi Athletic
RM            Ross Presic                  26           Loconstead United
RM            Carlton Pujanic              28           Hoventon & Corlington Town

Not too many changes in the midfield roster for the Indepedants Cup as Lyndainium maintain the midfielders' place as the backboe of the squad, and has been the core of many impressive victories in the previous cycle's World Cup qualifying, even if they did come undone in the end once they came up against stiff opposition. Garzallo, Kraljic, Nymark and Presic will all feature in the opening match for the Golden Eagles, looking for their second successive IAC title. A strong roster for Lyndainium to select from, perhaps they could be the first team to win two IAC titles back to back.

STRIKERS 
ST            Charlie Alotic               27           Pelethas United
ST            Sgt. Sam Billic              33           Real Azuris
ST            Thomas Vorthik               22           Langtree United
ST            Kyle Ekryna                  21           Hoventon & Corlington Town

No Chillotov and no Dostalok are the main headlines of the Independents Cup as they snub their nation's home IAC tournament, but they will likely be forgiven as Lyndainium experiments with newer striking partnerships at senior tournaments, which will all be used when the likes of Alotic and Billic retire, potentially sooner rather than later. Young Vorthik and Ekryna will be the junior pair at this tournament with Billic and Alotic the guiding lights, with the two likely to play against each other when Cosumar's Harlighet Ligen kicks off following the conclusion of this tournament. More options is exactly what the Cenian manager wants, and he has given himself a base to build the striker list he desires to build a winning squad of eleven. All of this will be put to the test when Mercedini goes up against a mysterious Group A at the 6th Independents Cup!

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Injuries to my players: Yes*
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes*
Godmod other events: Yes
*just let me know what you've done so I can factor that into the schedule

STYLE: +3

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 12:45 pm

STL|Serviços de Transmissão Lusitana
Sport | Football|
The 6th Independent Associations Championships

IA6 Preview: Who's Who and Do New Lusitania Have A Chance At All?

New Lusitania travelled to Mercedini to play in the 6th Independent Associations Championships. The Selecção has only been in the competiton once, in its second edition. Mercedini isn't strange territory either, as they played in the nation during the Baptism of Fire, in Lochario. New Lusitania didn't have successful competitions as a "new-born" back in Cycle 77/8. Nowadays, they find themselves in a comfortable ranking position and a dream for glory, driven by the pride of a nation. Victor Santa Cruz was there as an interim during Cycle 77: "I remember that the League had just been taken back by the federation from an Independent Administration and the red tape made me have to select half of the Under 21s which were reserves and playing in the Primavera, just so I could take the country to the IA and the Baptism of Fire. Gama was actually ready, Sevilla allowed him to go, as an 18 year old at the time, but he pulled a hamstring and had to be left in the country recovering." He didn't see the 78th Cycle, instead managing Varzim for a season in the Second Division. He later returned in Cycle 79 and has been there ever since.

New Lusitania's opponents and their chances
Placed in Pot Two, New Lusitania have to play the toughest team in the competition - Barunia. Barunia are currently 16th in the World and made it to the Knockout Round of the World Cup, where they lost to hosts, the Free Republics in a thrilling 3-4 march in Flatululu. It's highly likely that New Lusitania won't take points from this match. Having been envolved in the World Cup since the 67th edition, these veterans are contenders for victory. The Pot Three team is Lisander. Now the Duchy of Lisander isa midtable ranked team, somewhere in the upper 100s. About an edition ago, it wasn't like that - Lisander had just lost the Playoffs 4-1 on aggregate against South Covello finding themselves 62nd in the Ranking after it. After not competing in World Cup 81 however, that number went down. If anything, Lisander can show how quick you can lose your "high" spot. This will of course, be the decider, in all probabilty. Two Portuguese speaking nations, it will also be an interesting cultural matchup. Finally, Kriegersien. Kriegersien isn't ranked and are now beginning their football adventure, meaning they could be one of the nations competing in the Baptism of Fire one of these days. Their one advantage is that they don't have as much pressure as other nations, looking only to prove how well they can play. Though upsets can happen, they are expected to leave within the first phase, and, hopefully be a
win for the Selecção.
PREDICTION: New Lusitania should qualify Second, and it could go down to the wire, on goal difference and goals scored. Meanwhile, Barunia is expected to do a clean sweep on the points available.

Guide To The Groups
After the draw on Friday Evening, New Lusitania know their opponents, but what about the others? Here's a guide to the other 28 teams in competition. The highest is Barunia in Group D, 16th, whilst there are, in contrast, many unranked nations, meaning there will be definitely some leaving with at least some points in the bag-

GROUP A - Group A feature hosts Mercedini, which qualified for their first World Cup last time out, usually being one of the "head honchos" of the Cup of Harmony. Though 28th, they had a disastrous time there, as is with newcomers usually, leaving without a point, playing Turori, Nephara and Nova Anglicana (who had beaten New Lusitania in the playoffs). Although it may seem bad on paper, their opposition was tough and they played respectively well. Watch out! They are definitely one of the favourites, specially when you include the home factor. The S.R.S., did well in last edition of the Cup of Harmony, reaching the Quarter-Finals, losing out to Qusmo (who had also beaten New Lusitania in Ponyville, Equestrian States), now being in the Top 100 nations and rightfully so. The others are Abristan, who are 213th in the world right now, and managed to get 18 points in 18 Qualifying Matches, and unranked Paschenstein. ´
PREDICTION Mercedini and the Remnant States will battle this out, making it a must watch in the group, though Mercedini are most likely to take first followed by the SRS.

GROUP B - Group B includes three known teams, and the nation of Aaaaaa. Now that could be their reaction when they found out their opponents because this won't be easy, no disrespect meant in the last two lines. The Alpine Union, 72nd, didn't make it to the Cup of Harmony or the World Cup simply by being in one of the toughest groups, which were full of upsets, with even the Main Nation Ministry being left behind in the road to the Free Republics and Banija. Blaneu will most likely decide second with the Alpine Union though. 110th in the world, it's not that big a gap, the main difference is what they provided at the Qualifiers though, with Blaneu staying 7th in a group, which, admittedly included its fair share of tough foes, including Eura, Acronius, Mattijana and not excluding North Prairie, Sherpa and Mytanija (don't mix them with Mattijana). It will be very interesting to see what they come up with. Finally, Tinhampton. Tinhampton won the Cup of Harmony, after being third placed in Group 16 behind Brenecia and Cassadaigua. Needing no introduction, and currently 65th in the world of Football, they'll go far.
PREDICTION - Tinhampton will most likely win the group, with the Alpines taking runners-up. Though we shouldn't exclude Blaneu from qualifying at the moment they're a bit of a question mark, as they have potential. Aaaaaa hasn't got their work cut out for them but who knows, they seem like a capable team.

GROUP C - Competitive Solitaire finished 6th in their group and 114th in the world, they score enough goals, but are prone to conceding as well. In Qualifying, they scored 45, but conceded 43. Sharktail are a relatively unknown nation, 143rd in the World, finishing Group 10, where the Equestrians won, with 4 victories and a -12 goal difference in 7th. Drawkland, are clear favourites, 20th, second best ranked in the tournament. They came second in their group, five points behind Barunia, losing out on aggregate 2-1 against Soltstead in the Playoffs. Scoring a whopping sixty (!) goals, expect great things from Drawkland. The Heraion are the newbies of the group, being unranked.
PREDICTION - Drawkland are clear favourites here, and will most probably win the group. Competitive Solitaire or Sharktail will qualify depending on the day, however, Competitive Solitaire's attack will most likely cancel out both defence's problem but it can easily be their opponents qualifying.

GROUP E - Lochario were part of Sharktail's group finishing in 5th, and climing to 93rd. A resourceful team, they only scored 22 goals in 18 games. Devonta is 54th in the ranking, losing points in only five games, they placed third, behind Ethane and Damukuni. Both Third Asopia and Baranil are unranked, so it's highly likely who's going through. Lochario against Devonta is this group's headline act, so don't miss it.

GROUP F - Darkmania are 77th worldwide, being in the strong group with Mriin, Cup of Harmony entrants Jeruselem, and Abanhfleft who are also in this group, being 38th in the ranking. They lost to Darmen 9-4 on aggregate in the playoffs, qualifying to the Cup of Harmony, where they lost in the Round of 16 against the SRS 3-2 after extra time. At the time, Abanhfleft beat them at home and drew away, so in a neutral ground, it'll be a good one. After a good World Cup venture, in which they finished third, in which they won 11 matches from 18, they then placed last in their Cup of Harmony group which featured Savojarna, Teusland and Karlucija

---TO BE FINISHED EXTREMELY SOON ---
MMXIX STL in association with FLF

by **Omerica** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 1:51 pm

OOC: Please don’t actually take anything I say here personally; this is not reflective of my OOC opinions.
blogdefootball.co.om
All the football news that’s fit to print!

The Road to Round Two: Could we maybe get to the quarterfinals this time, guys?
By Anastasia Saint-Martin

No? Oh well… it was worth a shot, I guess.

Now it may come as a surprise (though not really), but I don’t like the IAC draw. Maybe it’s because Barunia were in pot 1 despite playing exactly zero games in the last four tournaments. Maybe it’s because we’re playing in the dinky back-up venues that Langtree had to scrounge for. Maybe it’s because our group just sucks: a group that looks satisfactory on paper, but is intimidating when you actually look back deep into Omerica’s history.

For the record: it’s all three. Colour me surprised if we come away with more than three points out of this experience, but just when we thought we’d have an outside chance, fate comes in to spoil the fun.

So who are the lucky chumps who get to rain on our parade? Well here they are in the order they get to smack us:

Hot Skitty on Wailord Action
Previous meetings: none
What a name.

Somehow undoubtedly the weirdest team in a tournament that includes nations called “Compeitive Solitaire” and “Aaaaaa”, the début IAC match for the Hot Skitties (we didn’t make that up, by the way) will also be their first meeting with the Incorrigibles. The team play a bone-shattering 5-4-1, built around physicality and an almost Saltsteadish defence-at-all-cost mindset.

This is just about the only match we can be fully confident in. From our past experiences using their tactical system, HSOWA striker Karin will be isolated and will struggle to create meaningful chances, whereas Omerica will have the advantage of tactical flexibility, able to push players up the pitch or drop back depending on the needs of the team. The HSOWA defence is made up of young hotheads who will cede us set pieces or old geezers who Omerica’s attack will have no trouble circumventing; while there is strength in numbers, those numbers need to actually exist.

Most importantly, when pitting a bunch of hastily cobbled-together amateurs against a professional team whose members have known each other and trained together for years, it should be obvious who the favourites are, but in full fairness to the Skitties and Wailords of the multiverse: never underestimate the capacity of a team called “the Incorrigibles” to screw simple things up. Omerica has four tiers of professional football with sixty-four clubs, a rising UICA coefficient and a long tradition in the beautiful game; Hot Skitty on Wailord Action has no professional league, no professional clubs, no international presence and a football tradition that is minimal at best. About the most threatening thing about them will be the rumours that one of their backup keepers can read minds and that’s probably as reliable a rumour as the one about the President of the House of Plenipotentiaries being a sentient stalk of celery.

Though, to be fair, if she were, she’d probably be all stringy (more so than usual for those water stalks) and gross and I don’t think anyone would want to eat her.

Kavagrad
Previous meetings: 0–1 @ Nassau, Free State (World Cup 81 qualification); 0–0 @ Kava-Neva, Kavagrad (World Cup 81 qualification)
Brace yourself. Kavagrad will be out for blood.

If the Incorrigibles can make it through this match unscathed, the group stage will be all but done and dusted. Now that gambit is somewhat complicated by the fact that Kavagrad took four points off their two meetings with Omerica in the last World Cup qualifiers, including a win in the Free State. But as the Omerica squad become more accustomed to Anne-Sophie Groothuis’s tactics and style of management, the rough edges that have predominated Omerica’s pitiful World Cup and Cup of Harmony performances will smooth out. Also considering that Omerica will come off their easiest match while Kavagrad will have likely lost their most difficult, momentum will probably favour Omerica.

That’s as much good as we can spin for this match-up. Kavagrad are much more in practice with their fuller game schedule—which works in their favour so long as they can keep their players fit—and have a more offensive style of football that can easily outscore Omerica’s more balanced approach, forcing Groothuis’s side to seek a win in this match to avoid crashing out on goal difference. If Omerica drop points to Hot Skitty on Wailord Action, this match will carry even more deathly stakes: any slip up would almost certainly end Omerica’s campaign in Mercedini.

Injuries are the best chance Omerica have of pulling off victory in this match. Kavagrad’s intense match schedule make injuries a bigger threat than they are to Omerica. If Kavagrad have to pull too many second- or third-string, the squad—like a gelatin mix with raw pineapple—may not set properly, if at all. In the interest of sportsmanship, I don’t want such things to happen to any Kavagraders, but I also want Omerica to win. Let’s hope we can pull it off against a first-string Kavagrader side.

If only this were a kit contest, because we’d already have the win wrapped up in a tiny little bow.

Free Republics
Previous meetings: 1–1 @ Lavington, Sarian (Campionato Esportiva 14 group stage)
Oh dear god, no. Anything else, please.

This will actually be the second time that the United Republics and Free Republics will close out a regionals group stage against each other. The first time was during the Campionato Esportiva in the Sarian, where Omerica put up its best ever showing at that tournament, going undefeated up until the quarterfinals. So all’s well, right? This is surely a good sign for the Incorrigibles if their final group opponent is a team they know they can go toe-to-toe with even as underdogs.

But things have changed mightily since that day, young student. While the Free Republics and United Republics are once again first and second seeds in the group respectively, the former are now challengers for global glory, while the latter are trying to relive glory years whose greatest accomplishments would be considered the bare minimum acceptable by the likes of the Free Republics, Mercedini and Drawkland. Even fielding a weakened squad thanks to the Olympics, the Free Republics still have enough depth to rely on to make this match a slam dunk, to use a basketball metaphor.

Long story short: this is probably going to be a bloodbath. The Incorrigibles will hopefully have qualification stitched up by this point to allow starters to rest for the last 16, but if Omerica need to rely on this game to advance, it’s already over. Football may be unpredictable, but lighting is not going to strike twice.

That is, unless the United Republics can take advantage of the Free Republics’ tactical weakness: a lack of width. While Omerica’s width comes almost entirely from Julie Boulos and Fernand Michelakakis in the defensive line, Clemente Affini and Maria Nelissen are no strangers to going out wide to facilitate Anne-Sophie Groothuis’s beloved counterattacks. The World Cup bronze medallists need to keep play confined to the middle of the pitch lest their weaknesses be exposed. If the centre can hold under the pressure Rule Theriault’s squad will apply, Omerica may just come out the other side better for wear.

The Verdict
We’ve never beaten any of these teams before, so it stands to reason to be nervous. It’s going to be close, and we may not make it. Kavagrad will probably edge Omerica out if there’s a tiebreaker involved, so the margin for error in this group stage is next-to-nothing. Omerica need to beat Hot Skitty on Wailord Action convincingly, not shit the bed against Kavagrad and pray for a result against the Free Republics—or at least a marginal defeat—to assure a place in the last sixteen. Mess up on any point, the team will be returning to Jacques la Rouge International Airport sooner than they’d like.

But looking over to Group G, where Beepee, Space and Hystaria will be fighting for at least one knockout place, Juvencus appear to be the biggest threat. If Omerica can make it out of the group and avoid the Gli Attacanti, a place in the quarterfinals and perhaps beyond actually looks achievable. So just as easily as this IAC could be a heartbreaking tragedy, it could just as well turn out to be a glorious triumph. But the operative word in all of that is “if”.

So cross your fingers and hope for the best. After all, nous sommes tous incorrigibles. Hopefully, we’ll actually improve this time around. ◇

Uniting Omerican sport fans across the United Republics — blogdefootball: a proud member of the Gryphon Pride network

by **The Heraion** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 1:59 pm

There has been considerable scholarship, reaching back to Johann Jakob Bachofen in the mid-nineteenth century, about the possibility that Hera, whose early importance in Greek religion is firmly established, was originally the goddess of a matriarchal people, presumably inhabiting Greece before the Hellenes. In this view, her activity as goddess of marriage established the patriarchal bond of her own subordination: her resistance to the conquests of Zeus is rendered as Hera's "jealousy", the main theme of literary anecdotes that undercut her ancient cult.

However, it remains a controversial claim that primitive matriarchy existed in Greece or elsewhere.

Wikipedia

Heraion /həˈreɪˌɒn/ n. a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera

Wikipedia

These eleven players are the best of the Heraion; they will not be replaced or substituted. If any are injured, overtired, or cannot play for any other reason, they will be replaced neither in that match nor for future matches in the tournament. To be on the team, all of them must be able to play any position; any player can play goalkeeper, & any player can score. The team debuted against Qusmo, earning a scoreless draw; aside from that match, however, this will be the Heraion’s first appearance in international football. There is no manager; the players are guided by Hera. If required, Kleopatra will be designated by her teammates as captain.

Kleopatra
Pelagia
Theophania
Helene
Hypatia
Theophania
Xanthe
Alexandra
Eudoxia
Xeno
Zosime

Kits
Home kits: White togas
Away kits: Blue togas
Goalkeeper kit: The style of toga that the other ten Heran players aren’t wearing

RP Permissions
Don’t kill non-players who I name (unless I mention in an RP that they’re disposable); otherwise, it’s an archaic Greek city-state dedicated to Hera, so have fun. Let me know if you have any questions, but the answer is probably yes.

by **Mercedini** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 3:30 pm

INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP VI
OPENING CEREMONY

Luka Brekalo & Tatjana - "A Way Out"
Tune: Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid - 1-800-273-8255

Luka faced the audience with a mixture of emotions. There was the feeling of victory sitting within him as he stood on the stage, but at the same time, he felt the burgeoning darkness of the song seep into him... That feeling of fulfillment was now dancing with those old demons of self-worth and self-hatred; but he knew that both of them needed to co-exist for this moment. Luka stood on the stage now as a winner and survivor; the reprise being his second chance to sing the song from the figurative 'other side.' If he had sung this song earlier as a man who was in the depths of despair... Now, he was a man reflecting on past traumas.

The entry commenced with a dim spotlight on Luka, revealing the contours of his face as the camera focused on a close-up of him as he slowly looked up. A church organ like instrument played, inserting a sense of instant solemnity to the proceedings as Luka's tired eyes began to become apparent to the viewers at home. As the organ-like instrument from the background music continued to go through its paces, a rumbling orchestral began to dominate the instrumentation as the camera made a brief, cinematic swoop of the stage. The stage itself was still dark, with the dim spotlight on Luka brightening as the instrumentation developed further. Then, when the song was about to approach its first vocal moment, the camera faded to a close view of Luka, with the triangular screens beginning to show the camera view in black and white. At that moment, Luka then sang the pre-chorus to the song...

Strung out and hopeless
Reached the end of my line
Don't know if I can take much more
Sinking deeper into pain
(Feel this right now?)

Luka sang these words with a conviction, his burrowed eyes locking the camera in its place as he sauntered forward. His eyes, though downcast, shone with the dark auspices of experience that befit the lyrics' confessional nature. His body was hunched over slightly, his eyes were slightly closed trying to hide the pain, but the way he sang the lyrics was visceral. With both hands clasped at the microphone, he held it as if it were for dear life. At the fifth line, he held a hand as he shouted 'feel this right now' with a sense of abandon, shouting a 'whoop' and holding his microphone up for a few seconds. As the triangular screens showcased his emotional performance, the LED floor was displaying a scene of a strewn and broken wooden floor in black and white. On the floor were clear stains in a darker shade of black.

I can't even smile
Or survive just one day
This weight on my chest stops me dead
Telling me that I should die

For the last half of the pre-chorus, the camera shifted between focusing on the triangular screen to scenes of Luka himself performing. He walked forward only a few steps more through this last half, his voice developing a slight rasp from the intense emotions he was harboring. He tried to set his body straight, trying to eliminate the hunched over posture he was carrying from the pre-chorus' earlier half. The camera view went slightly overhead for this part, displaying the blank LED screen, and emphasizing that Luka looked derelict on stage. At the third line, Luka visibly put a hand on his chest, looking up towards the spotlight, and then closing his eyes as if he was about to emotionally crater as he ended the pre-chorus.

There ain't no way out of this
There ain't no way out of this
Too pathetic to survive
I don't deserve life
There ain't no way out of this
There ain't no way out of this
I don't deserve life
I've never been worthy

Though Luka's mind was on auto-pilot, he thought to focus on performance as he sang the chorus, even though it was wave after wave of relentless memories playing through his mind. He walked backwards one step with his chest still on his heart as he tried to move with the beat that was developing with the song. The camera maintained a mid-distant view of him as the increased instrumentation caused the Sports City Stadium to begin to illuminate in soft white lights. In turn, the more wider view caused the triangular screens to no longer display an intimate view of Luka's performance, instead opting to display darkened pictures of artworks of a broken apartment room; ranging from broken lamps, mirrors, and to a scribbled note that was unreadable even if zoomed up close. At the close of the chorus, the camera zoomed in closer to Luka, his face transitioning from fragile hopelessness to a harder edged look in his eyes.

Spent my life seeing my name trampled over and shit on
To the point where I can't stand to even breathe without breaking down
I've driven away so many, too many, too many
I'm alone with no one I can call for help

For the first verse of the song, Luka put every single inch of his soul to rapping the first verse. The lyrics came out in quick succession, his words forceful and emotive, conveying the absolute pain he expressed when he wrote these lyrics in the first place. He constantly moved his free arm to emphasize a point, keeping them close to his chest at appropriate times, as well as putting his free arm to his face at some parts. Despite the pain, none of Luka's words blurred into each other, with his rapping tuned for maximum impact. Around him, the LED background behind Luka turned into a city in downtown in black and white. It was a time lapse of pictures of people walking in the city, looking like blurred shadows. with the camera maintaining a mid-frontal view to make it look like he was situated in the city itself, but no one noticed that he was there, suffering and broken. The pictures were timed to nearly change at each word he was rapping, making it look like despite the passage of time, Luka was truly alone on stage, with not even the courtesy of the common human to help him.

I'm deserted and I know it's my fault
No shoulder to cry on, no one telling me it's okay
No embrace, no shelter, no one I know
They only care if you're an easy fix

For the second half of the first verse, Luka slightly slowed down the pace of his rapping to fit the pauses of the 'list' of emotional frustrations he was saying in the verse. The more he rapped the verse, the more his emotions transitioned from a hard edge to the point of mental breakdown, with his voice becoming emotionally strained as he said 'no shoulder to cry on' and each lyric right after. Luka managed to control himself by the end of the verse, with his voice becoming unexpectedly smooth at the last line.

Strung out and hopeless
Reached the end of my line
Don't know if I can take much more
Sinking deeper into pain
(Feel this right now?)
I can't even smile
Or survive just one day
This weight on my chest stops me dead
Telling me that I should die

For this iteration of the pre-chorus, the triangles on each side of the stage then displayed a close-up live feed of Luka. He performed this section much the same was as he did the previous, but his register was slightly more shaken versus the initial impact of the first instance of the pre-chorus. The instrumentation was more beat-based and the orchestra was more apparent. Despite the higher volume of instruments, the fragile look on Luka's face remained; his face downcast as he held his chest throughout much of this pre-chorus. The LED backgrounds remained that city-like background, with the image lapse ceasing with the shadows of people on the screen stopping. However, the shadows that 'stopped' weren't just mere images in the screen, some of them were people cleverly lit up to appear as if they were part of the image.

Maybe there is a way out
Maybe there is a way out
There's more to life than I know
More than just this pain
Maybe there is a way out
Maybe there is a way out
A light I can't see
(A light you will see)
Am I worthy of hope?

This chorus was a turn, a reflection of a burgeoning hope that began to bloom inside Luka as the lights got brighter to reflect it. The stormy black and white city behind Luka began to have a glimmer of sun shine down on it, and the shadows of people were lit up by the Sports City Stadium's lights to reveal a row of 13 people that stood behind Luka. Even though this version of the chorus was still hopeful, fitting with Luka singing towards the ceiling as the stage lights illuminated his fragile visage, there was still an intensely latent hopelessness in his singing. No more was this encapsulated at the deliver of the last line of the chorus, a damning question that caused Luka to turn away at the end with his eyes closed, going towards one of the runways but not daring to step on it. It was at this moment that a figure from the 13 started to walk towards Luka. At the moment Luka sang the first line, that figure was quickly revealed to be Tatjana, and a quick spotlight shone on her as she walked towards Luka's direction, and was prepared to sing her verse.

I know that feel you fear
That shame of feeling like you are unloved
I know it may ring true to you
But I care
'Cause I see a light in you

For Tatjana's verse, the camera maintained a sideways view of her as she slowly walked towards Luka, who was standing on his lonesome. While her vocal was more subdued and subtle, she packed it with an intensity of movement, her eyes brimming with concern for her co-performer. By the third line, she was able to reach Luka, and she was singing these words directly to him; trying to get the rapper to see the other side and to help him not succumb to the darkness. The camera then faded to a view of their interactions together, with Luka standing solemnly, trying to hide his breakdown as Tatjana placed a hand on his shoulder as she sang to him.

You are worthy, you deserve life
It's okay if you need to cry out
It shows just how strong you are to me
You don't need to be afraid
I'll be with you at every step

Even though Tatjana was singing these words at a relatively fast pace, she infused them with the encouraging tone necessary to give these words meaning. She made sure to keep her eyes on Luka at all times. At one point, she even began to grip Luka's free hand as he began to slowly see hope in Tatjana's words. She motioned for him look towards the slowly brightening LED background, with more streaks of sunlight piercing the CGI clouds on the city. Her eyes and voice, despite holding pain, were begging for Luka to see hope in this situation. At the last two lines, she began to lead Luka back to the center of the stage, leading him at every single step of the way, not daring to let go of his hand until the very end of the verse. However, the transition period from verse to verse would be quick, and as soon as Tatjana finished, she stepped back as Luka's spotlight was brightened somewhat.

I wanna believe every word, every last one
Been too lost in myself to see that there's more
I don't have to breathe without crying
I've found my reason to live again

For this verse, it was Luka singing to Tatjana this time around. As he sang his verse, the singer had her hands clasped to her chest, holding the microphone as all she could do was look at Luka as he purged his pain and confessed his desire for hope. While he maintained his distance, Luka was slowly motioning towards Tatjana with a fragile look on his face. Now, there was a note of optimism in his voice, reflected by streaks of yellow light that occasionally flashed on the stage, disrupting the monotony of the shades of white that cast a ghostly atmosphere on the stage. At the last two lines, the camera especially focused on Luka, as a ghost of a smile appeared on his face, his hand outreaching not only towards Tatjana, but to the camera itself. He was beginning to heal.

I'm still hurting
My mind won't let go
I hope you're right that I'm strong
And that I deserve to live this life

Despite the hope from earlier, Luka turned away for the briefer two lines in the verse's second half. He held his head to reflect the unending darkness that would continue to trample over his mind for as long as he lived. However, this was when Tatjana began to intervene. Even though her parts were now minimal from this point on, she would still help Luka find his way out of the darkness in this performance. At the verse's close, Luka's spotlight was gradually turning into a pastel gold, reflecting the possibility of hope and a new future.

Strung out and hopeless
Reached the end of my line
Don't know if I can take much more
Sinking deeper into pain
(Feel this right now?)
I can't even smile
Or survive just one day
This weight on my chest stops me dead
Telling me that I should die

For this reprise of the pre-chorus, it was the voice in Luka's head returning once again. He turned away from Tatjana as it was a battle against his own mind, the stage and the city on the LED screens disappearing as only a white spotlight remained on him. He managed to deliver a similar reprise of this pre-chorus, but it was a conflict and contrast to the hope that was developing. Luka was more reticent in delivering these lines. The camera focused on intimate shots of Luka as he performed, with the intensity of his expression betraying the internal conflict within. Behind Luka was Tatjana silently corralling the crowd of 13 to help support Luka later on in the song. Silently and in the darkness, they converged into a line together, interlinked and crafting a physical support system.

There is a way out to the light
There is a way out to the light
It's that hope you feel inside
It's that hope inside
There is a way out to the light
There is a way out to the light
It's that hope inside
It's that hope inside

The transition to this final chorus was rapid, with a yellow and white color palette now dominating the stage as Luka was saying these words of hope while a crowd of people, Tatjana among their number, with their arms interlocked and crafting a clear message: no one is alone. The triangular screens showed flashed through each member of the 13-member crowd in each triangle, with some of them looking solemn, some providing an impromptu choral accompaniment, and with one member providing impassioned backing vocals that matched Luka's lyric. That one member took “it's that hope inside” and added a gravitas at the end of the chorus, capping off a transition to the final verse of the song. The camera alternated between intimate views of Luka and the 13-strong support system behind him. The instrumentation removed the beats at the second-to-last line of the song, with the woman's impassioned vocals being driven with the song's solemn and trademark orchestral. Luka stood with his face down, tears freely streaming down his face at the instrumental interlude. He looked to be visibly shaking, his performance emotions blurring with the ones threatening to bubble up from inside him.

Sometimes I still lose myself
Breaking down as I try to heal
But I just gotta push through without fail
Knowing that I won't end this battle
I'm still pushing on
Despite the fact that I'm broken
I can't give up hope now
I'll see that light through to the very end

This was the beginning of the end, the sorrowful outro that Luka dreaded. He kept the emotions at bay for as much as he could, and the camera accentuated his struggle by lingering on his face as he softly sang this outro. His voice was at a much different register from earlier, fittingly trembling for the emotionality of the lyrics, but it was clear that Luka was at his last stretches. He looked ready to keel over, but he kept his vocals centered on the performance as he held both hands to the microphone in an attempt to steel his concentration. He blinked his eyes to keep everything at bay, but to the viewers at home, his barriers were broken. Behind him, even some of the people were beginning to visibly react, looking away as to not betray their emotions.

Gotta keep saying
Just gotta keep...
I'll see that light through to the very end

For these final three lines, Luka couldn't keep the illusion anymore. Closing his eyes for most of it, he sputtered out the final line with the most intense emotionality he could muster, and looked away as the spotlight on him quickly faded. Unlike earlier, Luka didn't fall to his knees; but he didn't deny the intense emotions that were to building within him when he sang this part for the second time of the night. As the stage lights returned back to normal, Luka stared at the audience with a solemn but relieved look. With the ending of the entry, the victory truly sunk in.

Mini Surrey-North - "Centre Of Attraction"
Tune : Molly Sanden - Satellites

Mini walked on to the stage with both hands on her microphones. She was currently wearing this and as she smiled at the audience, she noticed it's been a very long time since she was last on stage. She had always been sitting behind a screen. But for her to actually be in front on the screen was quite daunting for her. She looked around and her smile faded a bit. The arena was dark and quite. A noise was heard - her cue was imminent. At each beat, a small flash of blue was seen on the edges of the arena - gaining in strength as the song further progressed. The song started and Mini, who was at the back of the stage, started walking towards the front. There was a girl on the floor. You didn't notice her at first, but she is to be a very important role.

Beaten and torn down,
Lifeless, no spark left.
Solitary - alone,
With your hand, on your chest.

As Mini walked towards the girl, who was doing the things Mini had just sung out (Hand on her chest), the girl - who looked like she was around 17 of eighteen - had blood on her face and was wearing a gone-yellow white dress which looked like it was ripped apart by an aggressive animal of some sort. The girl sat up, crossing her legs, following Mini with her eyes as Mini circled around her with a perplexed though welcoming face. The lighting here was minimalist. Nothing major happened here, however, the blue was to change in to grey in the next section;

There's a storm brewing, over the city,
Your lonesome soul embraces it.
Join my hand with your hand, make a new start.
Tonight!

The screen behind the stage flashed white when the storm was heard. The screen kept on flashing white every 4 seconds, and as we got closer to the chorus, this was reduced to 2 second and then only a second between each flash.

You'll light up in the night sky,
Make everyone see you, make disbelievers preach you.
Light up, rocket high tonight,
Be the centre of attraction, Be the one who is dazzling
(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You dreams will come) True, oh, light up the sky,
Be the centre of Attraction.

On the screen behind her, wings were made out of what you would imagine as a group of stars together. As the wings stretched across the whole length of the stage, she sung to the audience and the camera ran along the side of the catwalk of the stage coming closer to her before circling around her and running back up along the state's catwalk.

Create a piece of art,
Paint a picture, in your own words.
Place your hand on your heart,
A promise made, I'll stow it safe.

The drone machines zipped through the sky and flied past the state's backdrop. The lights over the stage was to resemble one of a dark and rainy city - a dark and sad atmosphere. However, through this was the girl and Mini. The girl who was on stage earlier came back on stage and pranced along the main bulk of the stage area.

There's a storm brewing, over the city,
The luminous lights; distract us from it.
But you've made a promise, which you must keep.
You know-ow

Mini started to walk towards down the stage with confidence and met up with the girl who was still dancing on the stage. The girl smiled at her and span on the spot. The lights flashed on and off with different colours with purpose and the audience raised their Britonish Flags with admiration.

You'll light up in the night sky,
Make everyone see you, make disbelievers preach you.
Light up, rocket high tonight,
Be the centre of attraction, Be the one who is dazzling
(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You dreams will come) True, oh, light up the sky,
Be the centre of Attraction.

Water droplets were released from the top of the stage - it wasn't too much but it was the same a shower. Quite light, not too heavy. Mini and the girl raised their hands up in the sky and the camera zoomed in to their hands catching the rain droplets one by one. The colours of the stage were grey and murky - colours that if you saw in real life, you wouldn't want to be out.

Up!
Rise high above the sky, tonight!
Up!
Keep your promises, friend!
Centre of...
The night sky...

You'll light up in the night sky,
Make everyone see you, make disbelievers preach you.
Light up, rocket high tonight,
Be the centre of attraction, Be the one who is dazzling

The song and the stage was lightened us when the pyrotechnics kicked in. The audience witnessed an amazing 'raining gold' display as the stage was flooded with dancers, colours and was also spurred on by the applause of the crowd. The camera didn't do anything here. It was watching the amazing spectacle happen from a distance, not far enough for you not to see Mini, but far enough in order to see everything that was happening on the stage. Mini belted whatever she had in the bottom of her diaphragm on the next section because she thought, if this were to be the last time that she'd perform - she'd go out on a BIG bang.

(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You will be the) Centre of, Centre of, Attraction
(You dreams will come) True, oh, light up the sky,
Be the centre of Attraction.

As she finished singing with power and leaned her body upwards (as she was leaning forward getting all her vocals out), the crowd further applauded Mini. She started to tear a bit, but as she rubbed away the tears, she managed to say, "Thank-you, everyone. Your support is much appriciated!"

by **Mercedini** » Mon Jan 28, 2019 3:51 pm

CUTOFF
Group Stage MD1

Group A
Squornshelan Remnant States 1–0 Abristan
@ La Globa, Zoloroni
Paschenstein 2–5 Mercedini
@ Zoloroni Sports City Stadium, Zoloroni Sports City

. Group A                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mercedini                      1   1  0  0    5   2  +3    3
2 Squornshelan Remnant States    1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Abristan                       1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Paschenstein                   1   0  0  1    2   5  −3    0

Group B
Aaaaaa 1–1 Blaneu
@ Stadi Naturala, Zoloroni Park
Alpine Union 3–1 Tinhampton
@ MetroStadi, Zoloroni

. Group B                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Alpine Union                   1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
2 Aaaaaa                         1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Blaneu                         1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Tinhampton                     1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

Group C
Competitive Solitaire 0–0 Drawkland
@ Blue Strike Arena, Zoloroni
Sharktail 2–4 The Heraion
@ Olimpostadi, Zoloroni

. Group C                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Heraion                    1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
2 Competitive Solitaire          1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
  Drawkland                      1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 Sharktail                      1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0

Group D
New Lusitania & the Algarves 2–1 Kriegersien
@ City of Zoloroni Stadium, Zoloroni
Barunia 1–1 Lisander
@ Centre of Excellence: Mercedinian Branch, Zoloroni

. Group D                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 New Lusitania & the Algarves   1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Barunia                        1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Lisander                       1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Kriegersien                    1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group E
Lochario 1–0 Baranil
@ Central Park, Langtree
Barunia 1–1 Lisander
@ Langtree Metropolitan Stadium, Langtree

. Group E                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Devonta                        1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
  Lochario                       1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Baranil                        1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
  Third Asopia                   1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group F
Darkmania 2–1 Adab
@ United Grounds, North Langtree Suburbs
Abanhfleft 3–0 Sajnur
@ FLR Stadium, Langtree

. Group F                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                     1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Darkmania                      1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Adab                           1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
4 Sajnur                         1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

Group G
Juvencus 1–1 Hystaria
@ Municipal Park, Langtree Borough of Ignavi
Beepee 1–0 Space
@ LMU Stadium, Langtree Metropolitan University Campus

. Group G                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Beepee                         1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Hystaria                       1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Juvencus                       1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Space                          1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Group H
Kavagrad 1–3 Free Republics
@ Sebangchek Arena, Langtree
Omerica 1–0 Hot Skitty on Wailord Action
@ South Down Stadium, Langtree

. Group H                      Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free Republics                 1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
2 Omerica                        1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Hot Skitty on Wailord Action   1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 Kavagrad                       1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

by **Beepee** » Tue Jan 29, 2019 2:05 am

Beepee 1–0 Space

Beepee's Team secured a good win over Space at the LMU Stadium, in Langtree.

Despite it being early in the competition, a solid and exuberant crowd attended making the 5,000 capacity stadium feel close to capacity.

The opening matches in the group stages of any tournament are Always nervy affairs. Neither team wants to fall to a loss.

For the first ten minutes or so the match appeared as though it were to be nothing more than a typical nervy, midfield battle snooze-fest.

However, the match jumped into life on the twelfth minute when Beepee's Earnhardt and Patterson found themselves in a two on two situation and sprinting towards Space's box. Earnhardt pulled the Space defence apart with a perfectly weighted pass allowing Patterson to collect the ball and bring the Space goalkeeper out from their goal line. A firm pass across the front of goal was met by the outstretched foot of the sprinting Earnhardt. The ball was poked into the goal to give Beepee an early 1-0 lead.

The goal spurred Space to push forward. The minutes following the goal were frantic, with shots on goal from both Space and Beepee as the game opened up.

Beepee's midfield was being out paced and out muscled by the strong Space team, and a number of tales were become feisty. On the 18th minute, Tamara Mellon was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle.

The sending off forced Beepee head coach Humphries to swtich formation and styles withdrawing Jackson and Patterson and brining on Conroy and Lafonte in a 5-3-1 defensive formation.

From that point forward Space had the upper hand, but somehow could not find the breakthrough against the stoic Beepeean defence.

Applying almost constant pressure, Space thought that had equalised in 69th minute but the goal was ruled offside.

Silver received a yellow for persistent fouling in the 82nd minute, but Beepee held on for a hard earned win.

Key Match Highlights
BEEPEE 1 - 0 SPACE
12 min ⚽️ Earnhardt (Beepee)
18 min ■ Mellon
82 min ■ Silver
Attendance: 4,498

After the match, Humphries declared herself, 'Not a loser anymore, Like the last time and the time before'.

by **The Authoritarian Republic of Lochario** » Tue Jan 29, 2019 7:45 am

LOCHARIAN NATIONAL MEN'S FOOTBALL TEAM

Ranking : 93rd
Nickname : Ginger Tigers
Coach : Cinga Munrich (Maryloupe)
Assistant coach : Jeremy Farash
GK Coach : Roman Agunović
Striker Coach : Seladin Mihtun
Style Modifier : - 3

Formation : 4-2-3-1
Lineup:
https://www.buildlineup.com/shared/5c50 ... 2e24acca5e

Kits:
http://imgur.com/5z1jkyj

Substitutes:
MC. Alek Kolashkov
ST. Erut Fahani
DC. Fort Muio
DC. Yupi Gunatov
DMC. Qaut Dirtyin
AMC. Rok Drofan
MC. Ferg Johnssen

RP : Anything except Godmodding

by **Drawkland** » Tue Jan 29, 2019 1:55 pm

DRAWKLAND NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM
NATION INFO
Region: Sonnel
Trigramme: DRK
Leader: Iarocav
Currency: Lolad
Capital City: Metropolon
Largest City: Drawk City
TEAM INFO
Manager: Carol Haywood (Raikennax Charge)
Formation: 3-3-4
Style Mod: +3.5
OFFICIAL FULL ROSTER
Starting Lineup
=================================================================
##   Pos   Name              Age    Club                    NAT
12   GK    Lana Harmony      27     Cedina Baech AFC        
01   CB    Sarah Arrowsword  31     Crawford City FC        
02   LB    Cynthia Pack      33     Gwinevra Barbarians     
03   RB    Nicole Warren     32     Eastern Stars           
04   LM    Rebecca Talla     39     Langtree United         
07   CM    Ellzidan          5373   Elstrund Roots          
05   RM    Mandy Thompson    30     Peynol-Lunas            
09   LF    Stella Moore      30     Drawk City Troopers     
10   WF    Corrie Archer     30     Drawk Corps             
22   RF    Cam Cross         28     Lexington Victory       
11   CF    Katie Madison     30     Drawk Corps             
=================================================================
Reserve Lineup
=================================================================
##   Pos   Name              Age    Club                    NAT
00   GK    Savannah Everett  31     Jaffro Storm            
30   GK    Kasey Clarke      34     Masteser Assassins      
13   DF    Lorraine Collins  29     Drawk Corps             
14   DF    Seon-Yann Slater  27     Willox Street Pirates   
15   DF    Bela Tracy        30     Drawk City Troopers     
28   DF    Ina Craig         33     Missomen Keets          
31   DF    Phoebe Livas      36     Masteser Assassins      
16   MD    Ella Cornelius    34     Dalumar Waves           
17   MD    Kaitlyn Axelson   31     Alnio Union              
18   MD    Siv Foss          32     Elstrund Roots          
27   MD    Zoe Malle         29     Jaffro Storm            
26   MD    Kari Azzara       39     Raikennax Charge        
25   MD    Claire Dawson     28     Pittsennat Reds         
29   MD    Ilana Way         31     Olask Islanders         
06   ST    Mickey Watson     30     Raikennax Charge        
19   ST    Aurora Jewel      29     Goodfeather FC          
24   ST    Kazia Savage      37     Zellbon Zeppelins       
20   ST    Leea May          28     Dammenport Lightning    
32   ST    Corynn Turati     27     North Hall              
21   ST    Iana Synder       34     New Belfast Warriors    
23   ST    Livia Scott       31     Metropolon Lights       
08   ST    Jackie Crawford   28     Rozelle                 
=================================================================
PENALTY SHOOTOUT ORDER
Katie Madison (or CF)
Cam Cross (or WF)
Ellzidan (or LF)
Sarah Arrowsword (or RF)
Corrie Archer (or CM)
If a shootout unlikely goes on beyond 5, it will progress from unused players, Striker to Keeper.
Parenthesis refers to what player will take the shot if the listed player is absent.
FIELD FORMATION
TEAM HISTORY
This is the twelfth soccer/football tournament of any kind that Drawkland has officially competed in in the multiversal stage. After Qualifying for World Cups 77-80, the Kick Corps has pretty much quelled any doubts about whether or not they're actually good.
This is the official form of the roster, with a Reserve Lineup in addition to the Main Starting Lineup. The Main Lineup is full of familiar faces, but the Reserve Roster now has some new blood who first got exposure to international play last qualifying campaign. Most of them won't see much time in this shorter IAC campaign, but they're still here. This is the lineup personally selected by the Drawkian International Sporting Council (DISC) to represent Drawkland: those chosen are undeniably the best at what they do and excel under the team chemistry and dynamic.
Drawkian soccer, and indeed, sporting in general, is mostly offensive-minded. This is reflected in the style indicator and in the formation. Drawkian soccer has not really been exposed to outside influences, and thus may look or feel strange to those used to "normal" football. Nevertheless, the players are still good at what they do, and prize in an enduring game, moving the ball around nearly constantly and keeping energy going, aiming to tire out the opposing team. Of course, Drawkians aren't humans, but you can read about that elsewhere. Oh yes, and Drawkian Soccer is a female-only sport. This may change, but not for a *long* time. This is because Gridiron Football is all-male, and the other two major sports, Baseball and Basketball, are mixed-gender. If there's anything a Drawkian loves, it's even formats and symmetric paradigms, hence why things shook out like they did. There are male players, but they play abroad where it's more acceptable, but they still don't get much attention.
Most of the team, including the manager, are made up from home-grown talent, coming from the highest-quality teams. However, a few have branched out to foreign leagues, mainly those of Terranea in Rushmore, that of Ceni and the Isles of Avon. More information on the players is to come later.

OVERALL RECORD: 76-29-35
WC Sanctioned: 54-19-20
Non-WCC: 22-10-15
TEAM RECORDS
First Match:                              Drawkland 3-3 Averyickan City
First Win:                 Capital District, Ward 1 4-6 Drawkland
First Loss:      Great Caledonia and North Hybernia 2-2 Drawkland (2-2 AET) [3-1 PKs]
Highest Score:             Capital District, Ward 1 4-6 Drawkland
Lowest Score:                             Drawkland 0-0 Kosovakia (1-0 AET)
Best Win:                                 Willinois 0-4 Drawkland
Worst Loss:                               Drawkland 0–4 Schottia
Most Important:                           Drawkland 3-2 Great Caledonia and North Hybernia
Best End Result:                       3rd Place (Baptism of Fire 64)
Baptism of Fire 64: The big event, as it was referred to, was where Drawkland finally made their foray into the World Cup Cycle. Spirits were high going into the tournament and many were slating the Drawkians to take the whole tournament before it started. A 1-1 draw to Kernovi wasn't the start they imagined, but an 0-3 win on Turkmenbasyn followed by a 1-1 draw to Amnarei-asud was enough to send Drawkland to the knockout rounds. Winning 3-2 versus Ndaku in the first round, followed by an 0-2 win on Mriin was certainly expected, but a brutal 1-2 AET loss to none other than Amnarei-asud in the Semifinal sent the Corps to their second third place matchup, which was really not where they wanted to end up. However, they delightfully made light of the situation by beating the despised Great Caledonia and North Hybernia by a 3-2 margin to at least get bronze.
World Cup 77: And, being placed in Pot 7 for their first-ever World Cup Qualifiers, it was expected Drawkland to finish mid-table. Especially with the likes of the up-and-coming power of Bonesea, the Old Guard of Jeruselem, and the Top Pots of Barunia, it would be a long shot for Drawkland to qualify. But, somehow, on amazing circumstances that lasted all the way to the final minutes of the final match against Barunia, Drawkland managed to scrape through and qualify in their first ever shot at qualification. On to World Cup 77, where they sure got annihilated by other teams, only managing to get a single point by drawing Eura 0-0, before taking big L's to Osarius and Valladares.
World Cup 78: Eager to prove the doubters wrong and qualify once more to keep the percentage at 100%, Drawkland came with fire to World Cup 78 qualifiers, admittedly in the much easier position of Pot 3. They started strong out of the gate by defeating GVH 3-1 at home. Drawkland had a pretty solid but low-point qualifying campaign, scoring big wins but also big losses (all 3 of Drawkland's losses that campaign came to the tune of conceding 5 goals). A penultimate matchday 2-2 draw left Drawkland a point behind Red Blackiland, the second place nation in the group. Once again needing miraculous circumstances, Drawkland managed a 4-1 win to stay alive and Red Blackiland miraculously drew against an unranked side, paving Drawkland's way to their second consecutive World Cup. Ignore the fact that they lost to Eura and Farfadillis 6-2 and 6-1 respectively, instead focus on how they got their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating Turori 1-0!
Wold Cup 79: Drawkland had a very easy path to qualification in World Cup 79 ... they hosted it! Well, co-hosted it, along with Ceni. Avoiding the grueling World Cup Qualifying process, they came in to the World Cup group stage fresh and ready to take advantage of their home fields. They started that off well with a 2-0 win over Cassadaigua, but momentum slowed after a 1-1 draw to Turori the next matchday. However, they still had the second-place position in their group, and all they had to do is not lose by 2 goals or more to Cosumar on the final matchday to make the knockout round for the first time in their history. Unfortunately, the choke gods descended upon the Kick Corps, and they lost 4-1 at a practical home field to the Dragons. Turori won their match and went on to the playoffs ahead of Drawkland. Despite the disappointing loss, they still got the most points they ever had in a World Cup, with 4.
Independents Cup 4: After 3 straight cycles of mediocrity (Round of 16 exit, Round of 16 exit, Quarterfinal exit), Drawkland was not too excited for their next Independents Cup. However, with Bonesea, Spaam, and other highly-ranked IAC nations inexplicably gone for the tournament, the only real threat to Drawkland was the Schottian juggernaut. After a solid group stage showing, the Corps went on to the playoffs with ease. Drawkland's bracket path was easy, besides the chance of facing Schottia in the semifinals ... only for Schottia to inexplicably fall to a minor nobody nation. Drawkland's path to the championship was then paved in gold and handed on a silver platter, facing the only other well-ranked nation left, Free Republics, in the final. Drawkland had the momentum, the team, the skill, all they had to do was win the game. And yet ... they inexplicably failed to show up to the game, and the Free Republics stomped them to win the IAC 3-1.
World Cup 80: The Corps had to put their nose to the grindstone once again and try to qualify for their 4th straight cycle and keep the streak alive. They did just that. Despite poor showings against Electrum both legs, they earned the second spot in the group and went on to compete in a qualification playoff against Valladares. They won the first leg 3-4 away, but lost the second leg 2-3. Luckily, with their huge showing on the road, they qualified on away goals, and went on to be in an extremely difficult World Cup group. They could only draw the lower-ranked Buyan, and somehow fluked into a goalless draw against world #1s Schottia, before falling for the third time that cycle to Electrum. Another cycle, another qualification, another group stage defeat. Onward the Corps shall march.
Independents Cup 5: The same old song and dance. Hosted in Free Republics this time, Drawkland had smooth sailing from day 1 all the way to the championship. They once again had the momentum. They once again had the advantage. They once again had everything on their side, except fate. This time it was Mercedini doing the laughing ... to the tune of another 3-1 final loss for Drawkland.
World Cup 81: With the confidence of the Drawkian squad now wholly destroyed, it was no surprise their WC81 campaign did not go as planned. Well, sort of. They gained their best record of any qualifying campaign in their history, with 14 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses for 43 points. Unfortunately, they needed 44 points to automatically qualify, and they lost to Saltstead in the qualifying playoff in heartbreaking fashion at home via 1-1 draw and away goals. The miraculous streak was broken, and now the team has been sent to the drawing board.

TEAM KITS
Beautifully Crafted by ediraf.
From Left to Right: Home, Away, Goalkeeper.
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers:              Yes
Choose Scoring Events:          Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:          Yes
RP Injuries to my Players:      Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players:  Yes
Yellow Card my Players:         Yes
Red Card my Players:            Yes
Godmod Other Events:            Yes
As far as these go, I'm fair game for anything. You should know what is and isn't drastic RP, and if you think your RP is on the drastic side, TG me first. But I'm still basically up for anything.
I'd like to request that injuries or cards don't do anything outside of the scope of a single game or maybe 2. Don't want anything tournament or cycle-ending. Red cards should be limited to late knockout stages, and I'd probably think that there should be no more than 2 players red carded per tournament.
Also, Ellzidan is a rather unique figure, as you'll come to find out, so you can go ahead and do some weirdness involving her if you'd like to make something less realistic occur. TG me if unsure.
Disclaimers of various sorts:
I don't know very much about soccer. If I RP something weird, it's because I have little to no experience with this sport. But whatever.
If you have any questions about anything involving me, this team, my nation, this competition, life, etc., feel free to telegram me.

Independents Cup 6 - Everything Thread

Independents Cup 6 - Everything Thread

Independents' Cup 6 Roster

A Guide to the 6th Independent Associations Cup

time to lose the final 3-1 again

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