Sporting World Cup 10 (U18 World Cup) Thread

[Free Republics]

Republican National Soccer Team, LLC U-18 Squad

Formation: 3-1-2-1-3
Style Modifier: +4.5
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: #1 Alexis Campbell (17)
RB: #2 Maurelle Allain (17)
CB: #3 Risae Kan (16)
LB: #4 Brooke Shaw (17)
CDM: #5 Cataldo Padovesi (17)
LM: #6 Amadeus Haugen (17)
RM: #7 Albano Loggia (18)
CAM: #8 Archie White (18)
ST: #9 Amy Ashbolt (17)
ST: #10 Faith Marshall (16)
ST: #11 Steven Bosters (18)

Bench

GK: #12 Uzuki Mikami (15)
DEF: #13 Edmondo Lucchesi (16)
DEF: #14 Gifford Duffet (15)
DEF: #15 Corey Hawkins (13)
MID: #16 Christine Eichel (17)
MID: #17 Lioba Arcuri (15)
MID: #18 Lisa White (14)
MID: #19 Yukiko Numata (13)
ST: #20 Roland Tretyakov (15)
ST: #21 Marie Meshizuka (14)
ST: #22 Sabrina Angelo (14)

Kits (made by Kirola Sports)



Cheerleading Squad (age in parentheses)

Coach - Nova Hellstrom-Hancock

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

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
Godmod other events: Y

[Abanhfleft]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ABANHFLEFT
NATIONAL UNDER-18 ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM - MEN'S

This is the tenth time that Abanhfleft will be participating in an international under-18 football competition. After the absolute disaster that was the 6th Under-18 World Cup in the Free Republics, everything about the Fleftic under-18 team has been dismantled. Few if any players from the team that failed to make it out of the group stage of the previous tournament. The manager, long-time servant that he was and having led Abanhfleft to four out of five finals, has been sacked for ignoring the warning signs showing that this was a team beginning to fall apart. Anyone who returns from the previous Under-18 World Cup roster is either very lucky or very talented, talented enough to not warrant an exclusion from the team. Fresh new team, fresh start, right?

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Team colors: Blue, orange, and green
Style modifier: +2.5
Formation: 4-2-3-1 (This will be standard unless I change it through RPs)
Head coach: Levi Baak (52 y/o, Abanhfleft)

STARTERS (All players are members of their league team's youth squads unless noted otherwise in their bios)
GK: Cedric GAXIOLA 17 y/o, Haritzaga Albion (Fhulghamous Peninsula)

RB: Mathew DAMRON 18 y/o, Riuwiee United

RCB: Percy WAKEFIELD 18 y/o, Fleftic Army

LCB: Keneth SENTERS 16 y/o, Athletic Dorfdifving

LB: Blaine VELIZ 18 y/o, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Olistan

RM: Terrance COLLINGWOOD 17 y/o, Malabon SC

LM: Tracey RATCLIFF 17 y/o, Kimmirut Panhandle

RW: Bennett RALSTON 17 y/o, Atletico San Sebastian

CAM: Josh DUSTIN 16 y/o, Duhblakk Rovers

LW: Darren GALVEZ 16 y/o, Riuwiee United

ST: Shane ALLI 16 y/o, Wanda Island Wanderers

RESERVES
GK: Willis NEUMANN 16 y/o, Marinos Thimpodopoulos

GK: Wiley CONANT 18 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz North End

DEF: Bryon LONON 16 y/o, Bananas FC

DEF: Jamison DEGNER 17 y/o, Riuwiee United

DEF: Gustavo SPEAKER 15 y/o, Niraza Rovers

MID: Patricio KLIGERMAN 16 y/o, Rosenpfelblatz City

MID: Rodrick PRATT 18 y/o, Niraza Rovers

MID: Arden KEEBLE 16 y/o, Locomotive Imgortur

MID: Morgan BRENTON 18 y/o, Effelenendro State University

FW: Elia MORETTI 16 y/o, Riuwiee United

FW: Xulio COELLO 18 y/o, Effelenendro State University

FW: Heydar JAMSHIDI 18 y/o, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Olistan

STARTING LINEUP AND FORMATION


KITS (by Adidulas)


RECORDS (extra-time wins or losses are counted as such, penalty shootouts are counted as draws)
Overall win-loss record: 29-4-11
SWC 1: 5-1-1 (runners-up, beaten by Semarland in final 5-2)
SWC 2: 6-0-1 (runners-up, beaten by Anglatia in final 1-0)
SWC 3: 5-1-1 (runners-up, beaten by Anglatia in final 4-3)
SWC 4: 4-0-1 (eliminated in quarterfinals by Mercedini 3-1)
SWC 5: 4-1-2 (runners-up, beaten by Baker Park in final 5-2)
SWC 6: 1-0-2 (eliminated in the group stage)
SWC 7: 3-0-2 (eliminated in quarterfinals by Starblaydia 2-1)
SWC 8: 1-1-1 (eliminated in the group stage)
SWC 9: 2-0-2 (eliminated in Round of 16 by Terre Septentrionale 1-0 AET)
SWC 10: ?????

RP PERMISSIONS
Everything except killing is fair game.

WIP

[Chromatika]

Chromatik U-18 Team

Manager: Han Myung
Style Mod: -1

Goalkeepers
GK Van Enax, 14
GK Zair Ren, 16

Defenders
RB Wang Ilyeon, 17
RB Gwen Witt, 18
CB Nye Moon, 16
CB Thaddeus Solomon, 18
LB Miro Passaint, 17
LB Omiri Isse, 16

Midfielders
RM Jack Inge, 15
RM Cate Jung, 16
CM Tan Nye, 17
CM Josephine Ett, 18
CM Potter Emmanuelle, 16
CM Timothy Ytt, 15
LM Miranda Andersen, 14
LM Serenity Yang, 14

Attacking Midfielder
AM Whitney Elliott, 15
AM Theodore Minske, 16

Strikers
ST Hank Killian, 14
ST Nicole Lemans, 15
ST Ippo Onni, 16
ST Pong Itaax, 17

If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y/Minor
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y - Max: 4
Hand out red cards to my players: Y - Max: 2
Godmod other events: N

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

BP start off versus friends, with target on backs
by Oliver Stanley
The Post Soccer Correspondent

The Commonwealth National Under 18 Team have arrived in Taeshan for the 10th Sporting World Cup, which will be the first time a BP squad will participate in a tournament in the region of Rushmore. However, the nation does have several ties to hosts and the opponents they will square off against.

In Group B, the Commonwealth will face Cassadaigua on MD1; at youth level, the nations have only met at the DBC 42, in BP's first tournament, but the senior NT sides have met 4 times. Of course, the previous World Cup saw the two countries co-host one of the most thrilling competitions in history. This will mark the second time the Dagans have entered the SWC, after they chose to not send a squad to the Under 21's in Valanora in the future. Former NT star Jessica Curran will make her debut as coach here, the side will certainly be motivated opening up against the holders.

Taeshan have a bit more of a recent history with Baker Park, with the two nations meeting in a friendly during the qualifying for WC84 at Coliins Park in Oceana, a 1-0 victory for the Knights. There is also a history in the DBC, with the Bees getting dumped out of the tournament in the group stage at the most recent edition, and drawing in the group stage in DBC 45. BP faced off against Taeshan in the Round of 16 in DBC 42, winning an epic 1-0 battle at the The Tar Pit in Char Sara.
The nations have also met in World Cup qualifying, for the Free Republics-Banjia 81st edition, where the Black & Gold took a pair of 1-0 wins, the first at the Atlantea Coliseum and the other at President's Park in Shirley.

Another familiar foe in Group B will the opponent on MD3, Oberour Ar Moro, a Rushmori regional rival of Taeshan that BP faced in the last SWC during the Round of 16 at the Draistadion in St Jakob. That was a 3-0 victory for the Junior Bees, one of three shutouts the team had.

The other opponent will be Ziwana, who will meet the Commonwealth at the Greenville Sanititation Park, outside of Atlantea on MD2; their senior side were one of the surprises of the last WCQ, nearly advancing to the Finals on their debut, and will certainly be looking to carry some of that momentum into this event. Speaking of venues, the matches on the first and third matchdays will be at Yaton Insurance Park, also located on Atlantea Island.

The side come into the opening match riding a 12 match unbeaten streak at the SWC, their last match loss coming in the Round of 16 of SWC 7 to Mercedini at Derby Field in Manehattan, Equestria.

Freddie Altman and Amy Knight have been chosen as co-captains by the squad, and as has become a tradition of sorts on the U18 team, Knight will wear the armband on MD1.

lineup: Murray; Slater, Jones, Jorgensen; Syzmanski, Ryan, Vetter, Altman; Boyle; Knight (C), Moorman

[Xanneria]

The kids are alright
By Steve Stevenson

TAESHAN - The Xannerian Maroons are heading into Teashan for the Sporting World Cup, a contest mainly aimed at talent development and youth players. But the effects of this contest may go deeper. The SWC will see a roster run an experimental formation. In FLOX we see more and more teams head towards a 3-4-3. A line up with three defenders, 4 midfielders and 3 strikers. The Maroons youth team will run this in the SWC with Jules Gardineu at head coach. Gardineau had been an assistant on the Appalachian National Team in the World Cup. Rumor has it that Coach Amos Alton may even let Gardineau coach in the CE XXVI in the next few months if Alton's East End FC team makes a deep run in the IFCF. The switch comes after Filindostan exploited the 5 attacker style traditionally employed by the Maroons and with major turnover in the national team, this was as good of a time to institute changes. Of note there will be some interesting teams in Xanneria's group. Savojarna is tough no matter where they enter and the disciplined style, Tomure is coming out of an isolationist phase and from what we understand this cycle is their first they have elected to compete in, but they have some diplomatic ties to Banija, which could leak into sports. Lastly we play a rather unique country and ally, Hapilopper. Happiloper competed three years ago with a bunch of youths and did nothing much of note aside from a fight in the hotel room with Appalachia. There is this weird proxy history between the two nations. Culuturally, Hapilopper has had a lot in common with neighboring Wrecker or Wreckeria. Wrecker had had several feuds with Tonissia and as you amateur Xannerian historians know Tonissia, like Xanneria is culturally "Virginian" and 50-60 years ago the nations were in a sort of cold feud, where words were exchanged and Tonissia eventually unraveled itself a series of missguided and rapidly successive incidents, that wiped itself off the map for all intents and purposes. Here's the fun bit. Up untill recently we actually were left in the dark on Tonissias going ons at the time. Thanks to research by Xannerians in Hapilopper and the new Wrecker, we were able to finally piece together the finals 50 years of what went on with the Virginians in Tonissia and even a new hope for a second Virginian colony isolated elsewhere known simply as "Southwest Eastnorth">

ROSTER

RW #10 Jillian Hoggendash
RW #3 Kyrie Vaughn
CF #24 Vincent Dross 
CF #9 C.J. Jackson
LW #4 Phillips Ostenbald
LW #22 Shira Arnault
OM #13 Lucas Cragg
OM #39 Owen Burnes
OM #5 Tray Prince 
OM #37 Lomax Johannsson
DM #45 Mikayla Biddenwalder
DM #23 Iona Jacoby
DM #33 Mary Yvetto
DM #11 Nic Banner
RB #26 Jimmy Bennigan
RB #44 Harvey Troy 
CB #50 Josh Brown
CB #42 Kyle Anderson III
LB #99 Beatrix Collins 
LB #30 Tommy Harris 
GK #10 Marv Batelli
GK #1 Hal-Wasaad Ali

STYLE: +5

[Hapilopper]

The team hotel, Algaer Island, Taeshan
Just before the first game of the Sporting World Cup: Hapilopper v. Tomure
For the second time, the Little Haps, the Hapilopper Football Association’s Under-18 team, had convened for the Sporting World Cup. There were very high hopes for the team, specifically considering the team’s run in the last SWC, coming oh, so close to winning the tournament entire on its first try. Understandably, the goal for the team would be, simply put, climb one place from last year, and they would be just fine. But they would have some interesting obstacles in their way.

The Little Haps were about to play Tomure, a team they had, admittedly, not really heard much of, for the first match. At this point, the team had been training hard for the first match, but didn’t know what to expect from a team or a nation they were completely unfamiliar with. Some suggested, even, that they were focused more on the match with Xanneria in a few days’ time, owing largely to the history between Hapiloppians and Xannerians, and about 50 to 60 years ago, that history was far from pleasant,

“Xanneria?” asked defender Ashley Stanford. “We just read about them in history class. Apparently they were some former colony to some land called Tonissia and apparently the Wreckerians and the Hapiloppians had some kind of situation with them.”

“Really?” asked midfielder Herb Northrop. “Yeah, I remember hearing about that the other day in history class. Something about a war of words between the nations’ leaders. Apparently the head of Tonissia and the head of Wreckeria did not get along at all.”

Head coach Garnett Sydney, who was actually born in Wreckeria 45 years ago, overheard his players talking about the historical Tonissia-Wreckeria feud. He sat down with them and told them a few stories that his parents had told them about the “cold feud” that had ensued between both nations.

It should be noted, however, that times change. People change. Dialogue gets developed, and before long, the childish sniping and insults go away. Many Hapiloppians trace their heritage to the old land of Wreckeria, and heard their parents and grandparents talk about that “cold feud.” Today, Hapilopper and Xanneria are on much friendlier terms than Wreckeria and Tonissia was so many years ago. In fact, Wreckeria is said to be on friendly terms with Xanneria as well, having just come out of 54 years of civil war not too long ago. Wreckeria in 2021, however, was hardly the same Wreckeria that had the issues with Tonissia. They were a kinder, gentler Wreckeria, the kind of nation looking to make friends with other lands.

But because of that history between the two nations, everybody had their eyes set on the second match. It would mark the first time ever that nations considered former colonies of Wreckeria and Tonissia would face each other in a sporting event, so many years after that “cold feud.” Sure, it was just a match between the two nations’ under-18 teams, but it meant so much more than that.

As the three talked about the significance of that match, Jerold Dickman walked into the room, carrying a salad with him. One year before, Jerold had caused more than his fair share of trouble during the Sporting World Cup. He had reportedly propositioned Tonya Richards-Blakely, a player for the Appalachian Nation, an incident that may or may not have led to a full-scale brawl during the Hap-App match during the SWC. Jerold was given a straight red for instigating the incident and suspended for a game.

Now here he was, coming into the room, and there was a real fear that he could spark tensions between Hapilopper and Xanneria due to his behavior.

“Jerold, uh, we were just talking about the Xanneria match, uh, how are you going to take that game?” Garnett asked.

“The same I treat any other game,” Jerold replied, almost oblivious to the whole situation. “Keep the other team from scoring by any means necessary.”

“Yeah, uh, we need you to be careful, the Xannerians tend to get a little physical, and we’ve got history with them,” Garnett replied nervously.

Jerold’s eyes lit up, which was not the reaction Garnett was hoping for.

“They get physical? Hot damn!” Jerold beamed. “Sounds like we’ll have fun. But why are we talking about them now? We’ve got Tomure coming up.”

“Because we’ve got history with Xanneria and not Tomure,” Garnett responded with a somewhat-stern tone of voice.

Jerold acted as if he didn’t give a shit, and he really didn’t. He wasn’t interested in politics or the previous history between two nations or colonies or whatever. He just wanted to play some football. He thought the idea of two nations clashing because of something that had happened in a sporting event just seemed like the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard, and was a big reason why he tried to avoid the news or politics of any kind.

“Look, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Jerold replied. “I want to focus on Tomure right now though.”

“Yeah, that’s not a bad idea,” Garnett replied, realizing that Jerold didn’t know about, nor cared about, the significance behind the Hapilopper-Xanneria match.

[Sarzonia]

Diogo Avarel was surprised when the phone call came.

He was expecting a form letter telling him that Sarzonia were going in a different direction. His offence was too attack-minded for a Sarzonian football programme that favoured a balanced approach, something even the Cafundelense former manager understood. Total football on steroids. The attackers would sometimes rush back on defence. The defenders sometimes pushed forward. The midfielders had to be jacks of all trades.

Avarel's mindset was different. He favoured a more aggressive attacking style than the Incorporated Football Federation usually wanted.

He was thinking back to that day as he waited for his cue to step out and address the assembled media the night before the so-called Baby Stars, the inaugural Under 18 World Cup team, was getting set to make its international debut. He saw the number on his mobile and raised an eyebrow, knowing that such calls only came when someone was named a manager.

"Diogo Avarel," he said.

"Coach, this is Zack Wilson," came the voice on the other end. Zack Wilson was, of course, the son of Brian Wilson, the legendary Stars striker and World Cup Committee Hall of Famer who was the second player to score a hat trick in a World Cup Final. Brian Wilson was about to step down from his role as chairman of the Incorporated Football Federation and Zack Wilson was about to become the new chairman.

"Yes, Zack, what can I do for you?"

"We've made our decision on the Under 18 national team position," he said.

And you're calling to tell me 'we're going in a different direction', Avarel thought. It was a nice gesture, if completely unnecessary. He was used to form letters on IFF letterhead telling him he was being passed over -- again. It was almost a parody by now. Avarel would go to apply for a position and he would be turned down. He was beginning to wonder if he was being discriminated against because he was Cafundelense or because his English was not 100 percent perfect and he still had strains of his Cafundelense accent. He thought that can't be because he knew Ganz Ijak was in line to become technical director. Perhaps he could get a role as an offensive assistant if not the full-time managerial role. He strained because he heard some music in the background and thought he heard the words, "baby don't you break my heart slow." The voice sounded like Vonda Shepard's and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls and it represented how Avarel felt about being turned down yet again.

"We're pleased to offer you the position," Zack Wilson said. Hearing those words broke Avarel's reverie and almost caused him to drop his phone.

"You're offering me the position?"

"Yes," Zack Wilson said, flinching slightly at the astonishment in Avarel's voice. He'd long since lobbied for Avarel in discussions with the IFF, in spite of his father's years-long refusal to consider the Cafundelense former manager. Now that Brian was stepping aside to enjoy his retirement, Zack was going to put his own stamp on Sarzonian football, and what better way than to hire a man his father wanted no part of? Obviously, that wasn't the whole reason Zack Wilson wanted Avarel, but his ties with Avarel included time as a player under Avarel and Franz Braddock, the elderly manager of Sarzonia who led the Stars to an era of success. It wasn't the same as Dave Wilson's winning a World Cup and being a finalist in another, but it was still a successful era.

Avarel smiled. Finally.

"I accept," he said. "Do you have any conditions for me?"

"None," Zack Wilson said. He knew that Avarel meant that he was asking if he had to hire an assistant at the IFF's behest as a condition of employment. It was something Dave Wilson might have considered and it was something Brian Wilson only did when he considered certain hires, but Zack Wilson, as much as he also liked Tim Lankford and his slightly more defensive background, and as much as he hoped Horace Sandt would be named goalkeeper coach, didn't want to hamstring Avarel. "You're free to hire whomever you like."

When Avarel decided on his own to hire Lankford and Sandt as assistants, Zack Wilson was impressed. When he read the letter explaining his reasons for hiring those two, along with Joe Carson, he knew he didn't have to worry about Avarel's ego being too fragile.

All of that served as backdrop as Avarel waited patiently to hear his name being announced in the press conference where he would provide his reaction to the group draw, pitting Sarzonia in Group J along with HUElavia, Abanhfleft, and Schottia.

"We're just fortunate that we didn't draw Baker Park," Avarel began with a subtle joke about the Stars not being assigned to a group with the only team to win two Sporting World Cups. "We don't have any football history at this level of competition, but the senior team has a history with all three of these nations."

It was true. The Stars played a friendly against HUElavia during the Cup of Harmony, while the Stars faced Abanhfleft twice during World Cup qualifying and Schottia during the Cup of Harmony. Avarel realised it wouldn't do much good to scout the senior teams when they were playing other Under 18 national teams, but at least these were names that were familiar to Stars supporters.

As for the matches, the new Baby Stars would face their moment of truth soon.

[Appalachian Nation]

APPALACHIAN NATION HILLBILLIES U-18 v2


This team consists of member of the coed Appalachian High School All-Appy team. The best and brightest athletes in the sport. This is the first international team organized by Appalachian nation, and is looking to do well.

STAFF

COACH: Hank Goodfellow (47yrs)
ASSITANT COACH: Buddy Rattcliffe (70yrs)
GK COACH: Marv Metzenger (34yrs)

ROSTER: Sarters in BOLD (3-4-3 formation)

FORWARDS
#12 Jerome Bassinger
#4   Elliot Hardin
#14 Trevor Ross
#3   Jay Fogge
#5   Cliffy Bartow
#27   Mallory Mallorca

OFFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
#34  James Gottwald
#7    Jerry Haynes
#8   Roscoe Barrett
#19  Jeremy Metlain

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
#44 Sherri-Anne Watkins
#37 Nigella Tripton
#45 Barry Watkins
#30 Shelby Hossinger

DEFENDERS
#60 Wyatt Bradshaw
#11 Nick Phillips
#88 Brady Cotswald
#42 Trevor Winecroft
#43 Sally Winecroft
#81 Joe Agnew

GOALKEEPERS
#1 Jeff
#10 Bryant Fitzsimmons

[HUElavia]

HUElavia begins yet another U18 World Cup!

HUElavia once again appears in the Sporting World Cup, which is the official U18 World Cup Football Tournament. Los Amarillos mainly bring a squad from SWC 9 that mainly under-performed and was eliminated in the Group Stage. Although, this time around, Los Amarillos have some great players returning to this team, including World Cup participating youngsters, Navarro, Hamada, Ramirez, and Almeida.

HUElavia will play in Group J against Sarzonia, Abanhfleft and Schottia, where the Media does see HUElavia possibly finishing 2nd in the Group. Not to mention, a large portion of fans are heading out to Taeshan to support the squad, and mainly the four players that participated in World Cup 84, especially Navarro and Hamada, whom both scored goals to seal HUElavia's first two wins in the tournament in a Group Stage elimination.
To add on, a player to watch is Manuel Mendieta, a 16 year old, who is the son of recently retired captain, Ivan Mendieta-Martinez, who led the national team in WC84.

Regardless what happens, it's another tournament for fans to enjoy, along with experience to be gain by the youngsters. The country is here to give them support in their growth.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA

[Taeshan]

Cut off

Matchday 1 Results

Group A
Taeshan 1-0 Equestria
Poafmersia 2-0 Appalachain Nation

Group B
Ziwana 0-0 Oberour Ar Moro
Cassadaigua 1-5 Baker Park

Group C
Strayquestria and the Wolflands 1-2 Darmen
Sovirizst 1-1 Trolleborg

Group D
Terra Septentrionale 1-2 Chromatika
Tamgu 2-0 Notrumbia

Group E
Gergary 3-1 Havynwilde
Jerno 2-3 Filindostan

Group F
Newmanistan 2-1 Vdara
Imperial Joseon 2-0 Lisander

Group G
Free Republics 4-3 Bolgano
Islas Aaland 0-1 Busoga Islands

Group H
Tomure 1-3 Hapilopper
Xanneria 0-1 Savojarna

Group I
Starblaydia 1-2 Mavinet
Croblade 1-0 Facroa

Group J
Sarzonia 5-3 Schottia
HUElavia 2-1 Abanhfleft

[Vdara]

The Dressing Room, following the defeat to Newmanistan

The atmosphere was tense. The players were pissed.

An irate Nik Cosmidis chose to break the silence.
“Fuck. Our first game as Vdara’s U-18 squad and we fucked it.”

Manousos Scafididis, seemingly offended by this comment, shouted back:
“Ach, come on, Nik! We only lost 2-1.”

“Yeah, that’s still a loss.”

“Get your head out of the fucking gutter, Nik. You’re 15. You may have a massive ego but now is not the time to-”

“Oh, excuse me? MY ego? Mine is not as large as yours, Manousos!”

“Yeah, you know what else of yours isn’t as big as mine? My di-“

The manager was pissed off by Scafididis’ and Cosmidis’ comments.
“Both of you, shut the fuck up! You’re supposed to be acting like adults, not primary school pupils!”

The dressing room fell silent. Oddly silent. The manager began to speak again.

“Right, right. So, Gounaratos, good job out there. You kept a few good shots out and kept us in the match for the majority of it. Manolakis, congrats on your first international goal. You did well for that. Demotis and Kairakos, you kept that midfield running well and smoothly. Fantastic! As for the rest of you, I can’t say I’m too impressed. BOTH, and I repeat, BOTH of Newmanistan’s goals came from shoddy defending from our centrebacks. What happened? Why? I’ll talk to you all later, I’m too angry at the team’s performance as a whole. Except for you 4. In fact, you four, come with me.”

Gounaratos, Demotis, Kairakos and Manolakis all got up, still in their kit, and followed the manager to an area outside the dressing room. Once they were there, he began to speak.
“Right, I suppose you’re all wondering why you’re here. I’ll tell you. It’s because you’re good. Good enough to be classed as high talent by me. Now, don’t tell anyone else in there, but you 4, you are the ones who I think will make it. Fuck, 3 of you have got international contracts, no? Shame about you, Panteleimon. I don’t think they rate youth goalkeepers up in the big boy leagues. Anyhow, back to the dressing room. This conversation never happened.”

“Alright, coach!”

The manager had a little think to himself.
“Maybe that’ll spur them on. Maybe they’ll make more of an effort in the next game. That would be nice. They’ll write about me in their autobiographies, memoirs, talk about me in interviews, etc. I will be their heroes. Trust me on this one, me.”

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonian football fans used to seeing their team play well defensively, but also excel on offence might grow a few more grey hairs than usual watching this Sarzonian Under 18 national football team compete in the Sporting World Cup. It could be the fact the Stars were playing their first-ever Sporting World Cup match against Schottia.

Regardless of the reason, the inaugural match for the Baby Stars sees the team walk off the pitch with a 5-3 victory that that saw manager Diogo Avarel explain his decision to play both Timothy Raintree and Joey Lang in goal.

"Timothy gave up two goals in the first half," Avarel said. "Neither of them were his fault, but I wanted to see what Joey could do."

With the Stars up 3-1 at halftime, the move to Lang seemed to backfire as the 16-year-old gave up a particularly weak goal after he mishandled a routine back pass from Cam Vargas. Avarel slammed his fist against the armrest on the bench and stood up, fuming until he saw assistant manager Joe Carson give him a look. Even though Carson and Avarel hadn't known each other that long, Avarel understood the look to mean, "Diogo, you're pushing." Before the suddenly embarrassed Avarel sat back down, he saw something that made him smile.

Right after a clearly distraught Lang sent the ball up the pitch to the centre circle, Vargas went up to him and put his hand on Lang's back. He said something Avarel obviously wouldn't have been able to hear, but Lang told reporters later it was a pep talk.

"He told me 'look, mistakes happen in life and in football'," Lang said. "You didn't get that shot, but don't let it discourage you. You're on this team for a reason. You got this, bro."

The pep talk did its intended work, and Lang made three saves in the second half to keep the Stars ahead. Then it was the offence's turn as Ian Clarke scored the fourth goal of the match, and his second, with a soaring header that even the 6-foot tall goalkeeper Elspeth Forres couldn't sky high enough to reach as the ball zoomed over her glove and into the back of the net. Tommy Marcus would net the fifth goal of the match for Sarzonia (1-0-0).

The Stars' attacking style could best be demonstrated by the 3-5-2 formation Avarel used to start the match, eschewing the traditional 4-4-2 formation the Stars often employ at higher levels of competition. Avarel said that was a decision he made in consulting with incoming Incorporated Football Federation chairman Zack Wilson.

"We want to see if this aggressive formation will be of benefit to our teams and if other teams in the Sarzonian sporting pyramid choose to adopt it," he said. "Zack Wilson is very interested in playing a different style of football."

After the players got dressed and left to catch the bus back to the hotel, Avarel expounded on his decision to start Raintree against Abanhfleft.

"Timothy won the job in training," he said. "He's going to be in the starting 11 unless he's injured or he draws a red card. I have a lot of confidence in Joey if we need him to play."

When one reporter asked about Von Page being gender non-conforming, Avarel shrugged off the question.

"They're on the team because they earned the spot," he said. "That's all I need to say about that."

When that reporter asked if the team felt uncomfortable with a gender non-conforming player in the dressing room, the door to the dressing room swung open and defender Ben DiSoto walked out with a clearly angry look on his face.

"Hey! The only person anywhere near this dressing room who has a fucking problem with Von being gender non-conforming is you," he snapped. He punctuated several sentences of his extended rant to the reporter with his right index finger pointing at the reporter who stood there stunned. Avarel thought about easing DiSoto away from the confrontation but decided the reporter needed to be called out on what DiSoto clearly considered bigotry. Within moments, Kenny DiSoto walked out to watch his little brother continue to ream the reporter out for his intemperate question. He walked up to shoo the reporter away.

"That's quite enough of that," he said.

[Mavinet]

Stairway to Heaven Stadium
Wolf Island, Taeshan
Matchday 1

For someone used to the warm, sunny weather of tropical Mavinet, the cold and snow in Taeshan is a real challenge to overcome in just a few days. Despite arriving in the country a full week before the first matchday, Hoang Khang still feel uncomfortable with the weather in this country. He is wearing 3 layers and shivering! "Incredible how the people can deal with this weather year-round", he thinks, "We'll be the biggest frozen sausages ever discovered after this tournament."

His train of thought stops almost at the same moment the bus arrives at the stadium, where Mavinet U18 team will play ex-champion Starblaydia U18 in their very first match. "Alright everyone, grab your stuffs and follow the stadium staff's direction to our dressing room." the assistant coach says. Grabbing his duffel bag, Hoang Khang slides out of his seat and moves quickly down the aisle of the bus, waiting for his turn to exit out into the crowded scene outside of the stadium. It is not snowing very hard, but enough to make Hoang Khang feels all the more miserable stepping outside.

After the usual press interactions and warming up, literally speaking, the team gathers in the dressing to have one last pep talk. Head Coach Tuan Hung, visibly excited, speaks to whole squad passionately: "It's time to give our best young men! Remember: one is none, eleven is one. Stick to game plan and play with all you have. Don't worry too much about the result. We are the underdogs, but let's give Starblaydia a good fight."

The team gives out a determined shout. Hoang Khang, not in the starting lineup, come to his 2 friends, Hai Anh and Bao Lam, to give them a hug. "Show 'em guys. I know you two can do it!" Never has he wanted to be on the field with his teammates like now, but that will have to wait.

The teams are out on the field. The Starblaydian team are intimidating in their physique, but what surprises Hoang Khang the most about them is several female players in the starting lineup. He knew international football is gender-neutral, but as a young player, this is the first time he sees this in reality. "Those women are huge...I mean big...I mean… What the hell are you thinking, Khang?" he blushes a bit as he shakes his head. He stands up for the national anthem. A feeling full of pride surges in him when he mouths to the usual anthem he is so familiar with. It's beautiful, and it's being played before the world.

Just before the kickoff, the whole stadium gets to see the Starblaydian team perform their traditional war dance. "Damn, that's so intense. Hope the boys aren't scared." Hoang Khang worries. But no time for that, the whistle has been blown for the first half.

The first 15 minutes see the ball being moved predominantly on Mavinet U18's half of the field. The young Mavineses, still not used to the snowy field and Starblaydian tempo, constantly let Royce and Maddison exploit the space behind the two Mavinese center midfielders. Jetvanna, a quick and agile forward, presents the most dangerous threat up front. 5 shots, 3 on goal in the first 15 minutes show how bad Mavinet is being pressed. Without the excellent saves from Ha Minh, the score probably would have been at least 3-to-nil. But no goalkeeper can save every single shot on his goal forever, let alone a young one. In a brilliant 39th-minute set-up after gaining the ball from a failed Mavinese counter attack, Maddison puts a quick pass between Khanh An's legs to Romaine, who releases it back toward Jetvanna cutting inside from the left flank. A superb curve shot from her left foot sees the ball fly pass Ha Minh's reach and into the net. A big part of the stadium bursts out in celebration. It's 1-0 for Starblaydia.

"F***. They're good. Hoang Hai couldn't contain Jetvanna. But it seems the defenders aren't familiar with this 5-man defense yet." Hoang Khang thinks. He looks to the head coach, who is running out to the sideline to encourage the players. What will we do now?

The match goes on without many changes in tempo and tactics. After the goal, the Mavinese defenders contract the width a bit more to become more compact. Although Starblaydia are still dominant, their wingers now have to rely more on crosses instead of cutting in like before. The first half ends 1-0.

"What did I tell you all? Be compact. Concentrate. Push them to the flanks. You forgot all of that." the head coach is not happy, and he has no intention to hide it. "Hai Anh, I need you to keep communication with your 2 partners. Khanh An, drop further back. We can still put a better performance in the 2nd half. I don't expect a win, but I expect to see fighting spirit from all of you. Don't let yourselves down." Looking at the formation board for a while, the head coach says: "Hoang Khang, you will come in for Van Cung. I want you to drift right to your preferred position and create space for Bao Lam. Any questions?"

"No sir." Hoang Khang says, suddenly overwhelmed with excitement that his voice is a bit shaky. "Finally, I get to be outfield."

As they make it back out for the 2nd half, Bao Lam puts his arm over Hoang Khang's shoulders, teasing: "Don't cut inside again alright." They laugh merrily, as if it is just another training match.

The 2nd half begins. Starblaydia continues to press forward, but the Mavinese defenders stand their ground. Hoang Khang wants to track back to help defend, but the instruction is to hold on in advance positions for counter attacks. "At this rate it's lucky to even get the ball" he thinks. But it finally comes. In the 64th minute, a pass from Shepherd to Romaine is intercepted. Hoang Khang starts running. Hai Anh clears the ball up to Hoang Quan. The 17-year-old playmaker dribbles past Royce and passes it up to Bao Lam, who feigns a pass to Hoang Khang, but drags the ball to his left and puts a through ball to the oncoming left wing back. In on goal, Tran Dung calmly buries the ball past the near post. It's all square.

The small crowd of Mavinese supporters cheer as the players wheel toward them to celebrate. That must be one of the most incredible moments Hoang Khang has ever experienced. Little did he know, an even crazier one is about to happen.

The clock is ticking down to its final minutes. Starblaydia press even harder to try to get a win. The 88th minute, a misplaced cross from Stanton lands in Hai Anh's foot. And everything unfolds just like that training match: From a long pass, Hoang Khang receives the ball. He tricks the Starblaydian left back with a turn and cuts inside. In that split second, Hoang Khang sees Bao Lam's eyes looking at him. Their minds just sync in a moment of magic. They did this scenario many times before. It's just another one like that. Except this time, Hoang Khang feels like time stops after he release the through ball. Everything happens like a slow motion scene. He sees Bao Lam touching the ball with Starblaydia's defenders rushing in His heart is beating fast; the chance is now. "Come on, come on, come on…"

…

Hoang Khang hears the crowd erupts. He hears the whistle blown. He sees Starblaydia's goalkeeper kicking the goalpost in anger. He sees Bao Lam running toward him with his arms wide stretched out. He feels his teammates squeezing him. And he sees the scoreboard changed: Starblaydia 1-2 Mavinet.

This. This is the happiest moment of his life.
--------------------
Starblaydia 1-2 Mavinet

Scorers: Jetvanna 39' - Tran Dung 64' , Bao Lam 88'

Yellow cards: Stanton, Lamont - Viet Hoang, Van Khanh, Khanh An, Van Cung

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

U18's make intentions clear
by Oliver Stanley
The Post Soccer Correspondent

The Baker Park Under-18 National Team laid down a marker in opening the defense of their Sporting World Cup title after a rampant 5-1 victory over Cassadaigua in front of 53,000 at Yaton Insurance Park outside Atlantea, Taeshan.

Goals from Freddie Altman--winner of the Golden Boot at SWC 9--Olivia Ryan, Amy Knight and a brace from Alonzo Boyle sent the Commonwealth to their 13th consecutive match unbeaten in this competition.

The Dagans started out a bit tentative and that made the confidence shown by BP more pronounced over the first 15 minutes; once Knight put the first goal past Emily Pullen in the 12th minute, it was one way traffic for much of the remainder of the opening half. Boyle got his first tally on 27 minutes, and Ryan curled a free kick in from 21 yards 2 minutes before the break.

Julia Logan replaced Amanda Moore for the Fillies to open the second half, which shifted the alignment to a 4-3-3 and immediately brought a spell of good play from the Rushmori youths, although they still broke down a bit too easily in the final third.

Park Jae-sung replaced Syzmanski on the left wing at the 57 minute mark, becoming the first player of Korean descent to appear for the Commonwealth; one debutante making way for the other, and Park would play a key role a bit further along in the match.

Josie Andrews replaced Morgan Roseblatt in midfield for the Dagans just past the hour mark and the substitutes finally helped the attack hit a period of sustained pressure, which was capped off by Logan firing past Brad Murray, only the second shot on target the soon to be University of Oceana freshman had faced to that point; with 23 minutes left, could the Pink & Black clad side claw their way back into the match?

Boyle & Altman took matters into their own hands from the kickoff, as possession down the Baker Park right began to take a toll on the Dagan defense, and a corner opened up the chance for an in-swinging cross by the left footed Park, which Boyle met with his head, to find its way into the back of the goal; at 4-1 you could sense a bit of deflation in the Cassadaigua spirit.

Shelby Engels replaced Knight with 10 minutes to go, and she helped to close out the scoring, forcing an errant pass that was picked up by Ryan, who laid it to Altman making a run into the box, and he made no mistake with his placement.

post-match comments:
Manager Darren Kirby: "well...I'm not quite sure what I could say that would do that performance justice. I was a bit worried the other day, and pulled Freddie & Amy aside and told them they needed to get the squad dialed down a bit. They were too hyped, too anxious, too much nervous energy. So in a way I'm glad we got this match in and done with."

Cassadaigua Coach Jessica Curran: "I give full credit to Baker Park, they played like champions today, I don't think we expected anything less. We did show resiliency in the second half, so I'm proud of the squad for not quitting. We have a lot of work to do ahead of the next match, but we still have a chance to atone for this performance by getting through to the knockouts. And I want to thank Darren (Kirby) for his encouraging words after the match, and also the player from Baker Park who came up to say she was a big fan of mine, and also gave me encouragement."

Player of the Match Alonzo Boyle: "It's strange how this team seems like a completely different side from last time, even though a lot of us were here before. It's also strange to be looked up to now, after being the nobodies when we were 16--Ready (Altman), AK (Knight), Brad (Murray), and the hardest working woman in show business (M Lucie Shanahan), Slate (D Dean Slater) and B-Mo (F Ben Morrison). If any of them hadn't been here for this last go, I don't know if I'd have committed. We're like fam, and I just play for them, and the rest of our crew. This is just the first of seven (a reporter corrects him to say there is an extra round)...OK, eight. We got this."

lineup vs Ziwana:
Albertson; Milner, Kucera, Todd; Park, Logan, Shanahan, Altman (C); Phan; Obulundi, Engels

[Xanneria]

The Kids Are Alright pt2

Since we talked about the history of the Virginian culture and the Wreckerian culture what about Xanerria and Tonissia? The easiest way to start off is to talk about Tonissia. Long ago in a once powerful region known as "Heartland" there were several small kingdoms of what is known as "Virginian" descent. Three of these kingdoms, The Ladd Kingdom, The Chester Kingdom and the Issia Kingdom unified under the name Tonissia. Tonissia's unification ran well, in the 1600s Tonissia joined the many a nation in the exploration. When they found land they found Anneria. Anerria? Yes, the explorer Dominic Anneria found the large continental Island and like most good explorers Dominic, named all he saw after him self. This also explains why the Xannerian capital is Dominica City, his name was simply everywhere. So the "X"? Yeah what gives? Well the common folklore is that when doing initial cartography, an "X" appeared to close to Anneria, the name Dominic has so selfishly given the land. Thus when initial cartography was done, the men in charge of official cartography office had put the name of the colony as "Xanneria".

The Xannerian Island, although continent is closer and more apt, grew, one of the most well known regions is that the area had minimal tribal resistance as the main portion of the nation never had any natives on it. There were the small pockets of Augonny in the north and the powerful but smaller Catalan tribes in the south, no one from either had even dared go out on to the now mainland of Xanneria. What did happen was Xanneria was a timber producing powerhouse. This also boomed the industry from Tonissia up several pegs too. The Tonnissian and Xannerian peoples would eventually iron out some kinks and somewhat surprisingly and cautiously, an independent Xannerian state was formed in 1820. The two were primary trading partners, but there were some issues in the mainland. Not the Xannerian mainland, but the Tonissian one. Something happened but somehow some way, the already isolated nation of Xanneria became even more isolate. They lost contact with Tonissia.

For the longest time, nothing was known about what happened to the Tonissians, but with the recent openings of archives in Wrecker and Hapilopper we have had more history of our own people in their halls than some parts of the nations hosting the history. In 1933, the elected president Gustav David Roth was killed in a plane crash. His successor Darnell Hackney was ill-prepared or it is thought just ill. He turned Tonissia into a a slow migration to a personal playtoy, in the process alienating many people and especially his personal unknown vendetta against Wreckerians. No one still to this day knows why he chose them as targets, but his war thankfully was a mere war of words, a smear campaign of the highest level but thankfully only part hardliners in the top cabinets were really the only one's who shared that sentiment as Wreckerian and Hapilopperite intel showed many of the populous to be disgruntled. As for the Xannerians, they had been without a major trade partner sans Satarcom, a far westerly nation of Esportiva that had found the isolated island state int he late 1800s. Now in the year 1979 contact was sustained with the outside world again, ironically Esportivan nation Appalachia, was the one who lead the nation out of its shell. 1978 was the last time any nation heard of Tonissia.

As for the game Savojarnia won 1-0. A typical hard fought game, the new formation did seem to work wonders but the Taeshani refs may not have been used to Xannerian football as the kids had to slow down quickly after multiple Yellowcards. Savojarna played like they were made of granite, after-all they are descendants of Nordic warriors.The game did show off many lessons learned by the Maroons, not just these kids but even the adults.

Savojarnia - 1
Patrik Brygg 67'

Xanneria - 0
NONE

[PotatoFarmers]

Player Ages as of the year 4039. (OOC: Under the Poafmersian calendar, this would be after IFCF's 1st season, and will occur parallel to the World Cup/Cup of Harmony.)

Player Num	Player Name		Age	Pos(s)		Sex	Current Club
C1		Nicole Potts		17	GK		F	Dalaris City
C12		Bianca Levine		16	GK		F	Sarim Potatoes FC
C23		Abdul Huffman		17	GK		M	Sochra Mudra FC
C2		Mac Rojas		17	LB, RB		M	Sarim Potatoes FC
C13		Ariel Casey		18	LB, RB		F	Dalaris Sports
C4		Angel Ingram		18	CB, DM		F	Dury FC
C5		Mitchel Rosales		18	CB, LB, RB	M	Mancodas City
C15		Deidre Osborne		17	CB		M	Forte Agureo
C3		Wayne Simpson		18	RB		M	Didari City
C14		Natalia Abbott		18	RB, DM		F	Dury FC
C10		Sharlene Beltran	18	CM, AM		F	Kavalti River
C21		Ellsworth Friedman	18	CM		M	Trimidau Rukiya
C6		Quintin Gross		18	LM, LB		M	Bikarish
C8		Harriet Buck		18	RM, RW		M	Holhot City
C17		Damien Morton		18	LM, RM		M	Holhot United
C19		Lucia Stuart		18	RM, LM		F	Fiskadaha FC
C16		Rodolfo Middleton	16	CM, CF		M	Sochra Mudra FC
C9		Jordan Huerta		16	CF		M	Sarim Potatoes FC
C20		Enrique Brewer		17	CF		M	Holhot United
C11		Olen Vargas		17	RW		M	Dury FC
C7		Janelle Frederick	16	LW		F	Dury FC
C18		Hassan Stevenson	16	CF, LW		M	Kavalti Rangers
C22		Bridgett Elliott	16	CF, RW		F	Dalaris Sports FC

Formations: 3-4-3, 4-3-3
Captain: Jordan Huerta
Vice-Captains: Nicole Potts, Sharlene Beltran

Manager/Head Coach: Nelson Sanchez, 61
The experienced Nelson Sanchez, a good friend of the Senior Team's Head Coach Adnan Suliaha, was the former head coach of Bikarish FC until 3 years ago, where he resigned to spend more time with his family. Now, after persuasion from Adnan, he came back as the Under-21 and Under-18 team coaches, as part of an agreement with the PFFA where Adnan would manage the senior team and the Under-23 team, while Nelson Sanchez would oversee the younger squads. Nelson was famous for bringing to Bikarish FC a period of stability, and introducing fast flow possession football that focuses on keeping the ball rather than going all out for goals.

Style Modifier: 0

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod scoring events Yes
Roleplay injuries to my players Yes (You determine what happened, I decide the severity)
Godmod injuries to my players Yes (As above)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out red cards to my players Yes (At most 1 per match, do ask me first)
Godmod other events Yes

[Trolleborg]

Skjold,61(1-0). Korta,87,own goal(1-1).

In fact, this match opened the second season of our country in international football. I must admit that the beginning was less encouraging than in the first season. It seemed that our team, having already gained valuable experience and seen something on the football fields, could easily cope with an opponent who was only taking the first steps, but the game was far from as simple as we all would like. Usually our team starts tournaments fast and runs out of breath in the middle of the race, but yesterday our lads looked exhausted at the beginning, this is a very gloomy tendency, the distance is too short to allow such liberties.

Our players confidently controlled the ball throughout the game, but, unfortunately, they were not always rationally disposed of, and often abused it, preferring to roll the ball back and forth rather than looking for ways to develop an attack. The speed of the game also left much to be desired. With what it is connected - with a large number of beginners, with an insufficiently serious approach to business, with gaps in physical preparation, the coach has to understand. Opponents fall back right from the first seconds, kept all players near their gates, successfully resisted attempts to penetrate their defensive order, and the first half was almost without scoring chances. A couple of times our players try long-distance shots, but the goalkeeper was Ok with that, and could have scored once after corner, but the ball flew close to the bar. In the second half, when the whistle began to sound from the stands where the Trolleborg fans were sitting, our team found a moment when the defenders of our opponents relaxed and Skjold took advantage of Bregelin's service from the flank, getting rid of the guardianship and make a precise header – right into the net.

Everyone sighed more freely. However, in the end, our team failed to develop success by taking advantage of the fact that the opponents moved forward, trying to win back, or to keep the score. It seemed that a blow from one of the players Sovirizst did not represent serious danger, but Korta unsuccessfully set up his leg and, as a result, game ended 1-1.

Disappointing result, for sure

[PotatoFarmers]

Poafmersia 2-0 Appalachain Nation
Goals: Federick 70'; Elliott 85'

Lineup: Nicole Potts; Angel Ingram, Mitchel Rosales, Deidre Osborne; Quintin Gross, Sharlene Beltran, Ellsworth Friedman, Harriet Buck; Hassan Stevenson, Jordan Huerta (c), Bridgett Elliott (3-4-3)
Substitutes:
Jenelle Frederick (Hassan 60')

Lineup for MD2: Nicole Potts; Angel Ingram, Mitchel Rosales, Deidre Osborne; Quintin Gross, Sharlene Beltran, Rodolfo Middleton, Harriet Buck; Hassan Stevenson, Jordan Huerta (c), Bridgett Elliott (3-4-3)

For Nelson Sanchez, the past 96 hours has been a nightmare, and when the final whistle blew, he was particularly relieved at the result.
While the senior players were having their friendlies, Nelson was leading a team of 23 young boys and girls here to the Sporting World Cup, where they were playing against people that could be in World Cup squads in 5 or 6 years. According to Nelson when he announced the team's participation, the competition "would be able to give our players even more exposure". "With only one Under-19 team in the IFCF club competitions this year, not everyone would be able to gain some prior exposure to the various ways people play football all around the mutliverse, and we hope that this would give our young players some exposure and give them an eye-opening view."
From announcing the first squad 2 week ago, to the final 23-player squad 48 hours ago, and the final starting 11 list 24 hours ago, Nelson had to make 8 changes, as some players suffered injuries on the final matchday of the PDL, while others had to pull out due to various issues with their family. The last 4 days has been terrible, with 2 defenders pulling out with injuries during training for one and a sudden cough for a second player, resulting in a sudden switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a 3-4-3 formation. In the end, Nelson found the players necessary to field 3-4-3, and therefore managed to get the players to come together for the first match.
For the first half, the players, which were not familiar with each other owing to the numerous home clubs they came from, was not doing well. The players were losing to much of the ball to the opposition, and had a pass success rate of 35%, a stunningly low figure. It was only after the first half did the players start to gel better, so the midfield was able to catch the tempo and regained the control of the middle of the park. Captain Jordan Huerta managed to make 3 shots on target, but it was substitute Janelle Frederick which found the first goal after a nice cross from Harriet Buck. 15 minutes later, Bridgett Elliott headed home the second goal from a corner taken by Angel Ingram, and Poafmersia was lucky to escape with a clean sheet and 3 points.
Nelso, after the match, was particularly relieved. "Congratulations to the team for coming together and managing to successfully win the first match. They were hastily chosen after the injuries to some of the original players, and being picked for the first 11 is not an easy feat. I must say the players played really well in the second half after getting used to the atmosphere." He also thanked the 7000 travelling fans for their support for the club.

[Appalachian Nation]

Death by a thousand paper cuts!
By Troy Butterson

TAESHAN - It was a game of inches, not a phrase usually associated with soccer but for the kids on the Hillbillies U-18 team it was. when a game goes over an hour before anyone can get a goal, possession is key, and possession is a game of inches, a ball goes towards another player and its off by inches, you get the risk of not having the ball. Overall the Potato Farmers team had played the game of inches perfectly, while Appalachia hadn't. in a close game that matters, in a 0-0 game thats core makes it even more crucial. And that folks is why the score ended up as Potato Farmers 2-0 Appalachia. I will be fair neither team played well, but that just emphasizes the good more than if both teams had pristine playing technique. Potato Farmers had a wildly low 35% success rate in passing, Appalachias was at 33%. The difference being that while Appalachia continued to have issues, Potato Farmers had gotten to grips with passing to the end that allowed them to turn a certain tied up 0-0 game into a 2-0 victory. Goals by Janelle Frederick and Bridgett Elliott giant forhead doomed the Hillbillies. Potato Farmers was the key game too as Equestria and host Taeshan await, two nations with more powerful development programs than what is available to the Hillbillies as of right now. Infact Taeshan gets to host the next game for Appalachia.

Poafmersia - 2
Frederick 70'
Elliot 85'

Appalachia - 0

[Gergary]

Gergary National Under-18 Football Team
Gergary U18-Nationalmannschaft | Gergary Nemzeti Under-18 Labdarugo-Valogatottt

National Information
Region: Esportiva
World Ranking: Unranked
National Colors: Gergarian Green and Gold

Coaching Staff
Manager: Orsolya Sirokay | 51 | Female
Assistant Manager: Daniel Szisz | 45 | Male
Coach: Ansgar Baum | 44 | Male
Assistant Coach: Karlheinz Hintzen | 35 | Male
Doctor: Louise Reiter | 28 | Female

Playing Squad

GK | GK  | Andrea Kun                      | Female | 18 | VfR Steinigestrasse
DF | RCB | Jeremias Adler                  | Male   | 15 | Balogsi ETO
DF | CB  | Aranka Alfoldi                  | Female | 15 | SV Bauern Milchmaenner
DF | LCB | Ester Brand                     | Female | 16 | VfR Steinigestrasse
DF | LB  | Petra Teller                    | Female | 17 | SV Bauern Milchmaenner
MF | CDM | Barna Marek                     | Male   | 18 | VfR Steinigestrasse
MF | RCM | Barnabas Bozsik                 | Male   | 15 | Balogsi ETO
MF | CM  | Adrienn Szocs                   | Female | 17 | FK Egyetertes Borbely
MF | LCM | Krisztofer Rosztoczy            | Male   | 17 | FK Evolucio Szekely
MF | CAM | Kunz Schwangau                  | Male   | 15 | FSV Matrose Wiesenblume
FW | FW  | Iren Erdos                      | Female | 17 | Balogsi ETO

GK | GK  | Britta Glass                    | Female | 17 | 1. FC Blauewelle
GK | GK  | Bettina Nussbaum                | Female | 15 | Szilagy BSS
DF | RB  | Emese Csere                     | Female | 17 | VfR Steinigestrasse
DF | RCB | Dominika Fricsay                | Female | 15 | SV Bauern Milchmaenner
DF | CB  | Elizabet Magocsy                | Female | 16 | 1. FC Blauewelle
DF | LCB | Wanja Scheinberg                | Female | 15 | FK Evolucio Szekely
MF | RM  | Florentin Andres                | Male   | 18 | FSV Matrose Wiesenblume
MF | CM  | Dietlind Silverstein            | Female | 16 | FK Egyetertes Borbely
MF | CM  | Arnold Wendell                  | Male   | 17 | Balogsi ETO
MF | LM  | Nadine Koenig                   | Female | 17 | SV Bauern Milchmaenner
FW | FW  | Teri Szocs                      | Female | 17 | SV Bauern Milchmaenner
FW | FW  | Alexandra Domotor               | Female | 18 | Ingbert-Borbely AFRT
FW | FW  | Michael Brune                   | Male   | 15 | Ingbert-Borbely AFRT
FW | FW  | Wilhelmina Boesch               | Female | 15 | Szilagy BSS

Jerseys
Primary kit is White shirt and socks, and Gergarian Green shorts, Secondary kit is All-Gold with black trim
The national symbol of Gergary (white vulture) is placed in liue of the federation logo on the kits.

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my lineup: Yes
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes - I'll determine the severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: No - Absolutely no death here please.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: No

Style Modifier: -4

[HUElavia]

HUElavia being U18 WC with a win!

HUElavia once again starts off a tournament on the right foot, as Los Amarillos debuted in the tournament at The Field (23,000), Williams Isle, against Abanhfleft, who has had experience in making the Final of this tournament. The youngsters came into the game with motivation, as some of the squad had players that participated in World Cup 84, including Navarro and Hamada scoring goals in the tournament. The game was viewed evenly, with either side having a fair chance of winning the match.

Although, the match was strongly favored for HUElavia, as they took total control of the match from the start. In the 5th minute, Hamada sped past 3 defenders to take a one-on-one chance against Gaxiola, chipping it over the keeper to make it 1-0. The sizable portion of HUElavians jumped and celebrated, while Hamada was mobbed by her teammates in the celebration. This lead would expand in the 23rd minute, as a tackle by Wakefield over Almeida in the penalty box was a clear foul, the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot and give a yellow card to Wakefield for the harsh tackle. Navarro stepped up and gave a panenka shot into the net to make it 2-0, scoring it as a way to mock Abanhfleft. While Abanhfleft attacked and attacked, they could not get anything further, and the half ended 2-0.

The second half saw only both teams try to score into each other's nets, but to no avail. Navarro had some shots hit the post, while Galvez had some shots saved by Vallares. The lead would be cut in additional time, as in the 90+2nd minute, a cross by Dustin met the head of substitute Coello, as it went in past Vallares to make the match 2-1, but it was too late for a comeback, as the referee blew the whistle and HUElavia took the 3 points to start the tournament.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Mavinet]

Hotel restaurant
Wolf Island, Taeshan
8am

The Mavinet U18 team gather for their breakfast. The young players laugh and talk to each other merrily. The staff is enjoying their morning coffee while listening to the news on TV. The mood seems a lot livelier today. Of course, because excitement and joy are high on everyone's mind: They beat Starblaydia 2-1 in their first match. The ex-champion, high and mighty in the football world, was defeated by an unknown rookie. How crazy is that!

Our 3 friends, Hai Anh, Bao Lam and Hoang Khang, obviously are even more ecstatic after this improbable feat the team just pulled off. They were directly involved in the winning goal. Hoang Khang takes a bite out of his sandwiches and turns to his friends with his mouth full of food: "Seeow guuys, mymm cuttim imsidem wasm't too bod."

"Bao Lam spanks on Khang's head: "The f*** are you saying? Don't talk and chew, dummy."

"What I said was: My cutting inside was great, wasn't it?"

"Alright it was good for once." Lam bursts a slight laugh. "At least that helped me seeing what you were gonna do."

"So we just gonna ignore my perfect long pass again?" Hai Anh frowns.

"Both of you were great." Bao Lam quickly rectifies his recognition. "The whole team worked hard, so we deserved that win."

"The foods here are nice. I'm getting another sandwiches and some fruits. Wanna come?" Hoang Khang asks.

"Sure, I could use another one too." Bao Lam slides out of his chair and runs along with his friend. Hai Anh shakes his head. He doesn't usually eat much for his breakfast. He pulls a small bag of dried apricots, given to him by Hoang Hai on the flight to Taeshan. "Now this is a good dessert." he thinks.

While enjoying the sweet and salty treat, Hai Anh notices Hoang Quan, the prodigious 17-year-old playmaker, sitting by himself at a table close to the corner of the restaurant. Thinking for a bit, Hai Anh decides to approach and asks: "Can I have a seat here?" Hoang Quan nods slightly and gives a small smile: "Of course captain." Hai Anh feels a bit uncomfortable with the formal tone.

"So how are you feeling? You played great yesterday too, so you must be happy with the result." Hai Anh starts the conversation.

"Just a little bit, captain. I didn't do that much." Hoang Quan doesn't show a lot of expression and seems adamant at Hai Anh's attempt to be friendly.

"Really? We made an explosion with the result yesterday. You don't have to be modest. That set up for the first goal was very well done."

"Thank you, captain. Of course it was a great win, I just don't think I made much of an impact."

"Yes you did. Also, why do you keep calling me captain? I'd rather you be informal to me like I'm your friend."

"My apologies, cap... Sorry. I'm just not used to making small talks." Hoang Quan looks a bit abashed.

"It's alright. If you don't feel comfortable then I'll talk to you another time."

"No it's fine. I don't have many friends, that's why. Fellow players don't like me because I always get special treatment from the coaches. Even here, I'm by myself. I'm just too different in everyone's eyes."

Hai Anh sits there silently, just listen to Hoang Quan. Deep down, he can relate to how the 17-year-old feels. Like him, Hai Anh used to feel the indifference others shown to him. He has always been more mature in his thinking and behaviors than his friends and fellow young players. The trust and responsibility the coaches put on him at a young age created a boundary between him and his peers by accident. It still happens now, but as Hai Anh learns to accept this, he also learns to open himself up to people, like what he is doing with Hoang Quan.

"I don't think you are different. I saw you celebrating the goals yesterday like all of us. And you train, you eat, you think like everyone." Hai Anh says.

"But not everyone is like you. They just don't feel I'm normal enough to interact with me. It doesn't help when the media keep calling me a prodigy." Hoang Quan looks down.

"Because you are, Quan. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe it's also you that are closing yourself off from others." Hai Anh stands up. "You know what, if no one has, I will be your first friend! You'll see that it's better to try to change your approach on things than waiting for things to change."

Hoang Quan looks up to Hai Anh's face, a bit of hesitation shown in his expression. "I have no idea what you're saying, but that sounds nice, friend." his face eases up with a smile.

At this moment, Hoang Khang and Bao Lam walk over with the cups of orange juice. Breakfast time is over and the coaches are gathering everyone out in the lobby of the hotel.

"Are you making new friends without telling us, Hai Anh? Although at this point, there is no 'new' face really." Bao Lam remarks, then turns to Hoang Quan with a wide grin. "Thanks for the passes yesterday. They were sharp as hell. You really lived up to your reputation."

"Come on guys, let's move. The coaches will give us another 20-lap run if we are late again. Go with us Quan!" Hoang Khang pulls Hoang Quan up from his chair.

"A..alright." Hoang Quan stands up and looks shyly toward his new friends. The 4 boys rushes out of the restaurant. Suddenly, Hoang Quan's feet feel so much lighter.

---------------------
Lineup for Matchday 2

[Imperial Joseon]

조선황국 (Imperial Joseon)
한양방송국(Hanyang Broadcasting Station: HBS)
태산도, 태산 (Taeshan Island, Taeshan)

================================================================================

(TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH)

Hello, we bring you live the fist match of the tenth season of the U18 Sporting World Cup, where our national team competes for the very first time in any international tournament: Imperial Joseon versus Lisander. This game won't be easy as our Joseon players will have to tackle the highly physical Lisanderian players.

[CAMERA SNIPS TO FIRST HALF]

(27th minute)
F Kang Han Seon drives the ball to the middle and into the Lisanderian zone. He has three tall men in front of him, but uses his finesse to drive the ball to the left and shoots, but the ball hits the left post and stays out of the net.

[CAMERA SNIPS TO SECOND HALF]

(49th minute)
MF Seol Ji Myeong retrieves a long, right pass from D Kim Jung Ho, drives the ball to the right and takes a strong, low shot to the right of the Lisanderian goalkeeper and the ball hits the bottom of the right post and deflects right to F Seo Woong In in the penalty area. F Seo buries the rebound lowly, and he scores! 1-0 Imperial Joseon! First-ever international tournament goal for Joseon and Seo Woong In accomplishes it! (http://youtu.be/PQfARR-agzg)

(75th minute)
Now, 1-0 Imperial Joseon. MF Yang Ji Hwan receives a long, right pass from D Kim Jung Ho, slowly encroaches into the Lisanderian penalty area, takes a low shot to the left of the Lisanderian goalkeeper, and the ball hits the left post and deflects in! What a brilliant finish by MF Yang! 2-0 Joseon! (http://youtu.be/l798ShlxcfA)

(93rd minute)
Final whistle blows, and Imperial Joseon has her first-ever international tournament win and it's against Lisander: 2-0!

[Filindostan]

OOC Note: I assumed that the stadium assignments for group stage aligns with the listed games; since Filindostan was in the second listed game, the match is assumed to be held in the Real Stadium on the Lake. TG or HMU in DIscord if otherwise.

So Filindostan won against Jerno, narrowly.

At the Under-18 World Cup happening in Taeshan, they were confused at which stadium they should have played their first match. Others say it's the Stadium on the Lake, others say it's the Real Stadium on the Lake. Fortunately, they were able to go to the correct stadium, and have their last minute preparations against Jerno.

Despite conceding two goals, the U-18 Garudas were able to contain the offense of their opponents, denying them further chances on goal, and score three goals themselves, due to the slick play of Tasya Haasse. The Perotres combo with Danielle Roxas proved to be potent and their opponents had no answer to their one-two punch. Alivio, Anwar, and Mandowen scored goals apiece to give Theo San Martin his first three points of this campaign.

Will Hayvnwilde or Gergary give another challenge to the Filindos come matchdays 2 and 3? It is really important for the Esportivans to win all their matches, as second place might not be enough to progress to the next stage of the competition.

[Oberour Ar Moro]

(open file post_1_de_saincte_croix.wve)

Kelig de Saincte Croix: -own into the deep end of the pool, you know?

(A younger adult voice is speaking. He had begun speaking before the recording began.)

Voice Off Camera: How so?

(An older male voice is asking de Saincte Croix questions with a clipped, deeper tone.)

de Saincte Croix: You don't think so? We've never coached a game before, the guys have never played a match before. Before today.

VOC: What do you think about the performance?

de Saincte Croix (sighs): Not good, huh? Zero-Zero.

(pause)

de Saincte Croix: The worst part is that we didn't seem to challenge. Christophe (d'Apchier) barely touched the ball. Kadvalaer (d'Ayre) was a real disappointment. Paskou (Defauxs) was really selfish with the ball...

VOC: What are you going to change?

de Saincte Croix: I need to sit down with Maugan (Garnisseresse) and Blaise (Estuveresse) and we'll talk-

VOC (interrupting): -Then what would you change?

(pause)

de Saincte Croix: If I were the manager...I'm not...

(pause)

de Saincte Croix: It's not the players, though the lack of game experience is a problem. Everyone's too selfish...

(pause)

VOC: What will you do about it?

(pause)

de Saincte Croix: I really need to sit down with Maugan and Blaise.

(file ends)