AOCAF LXII Everything Thread

[Osarius]

"We can't expect special treatment because we won it decades ago, Odell," said Firebirds assistant manager Nyomi Lyons. She had worked with Odell for years, being his second-in-command at Hastmead in the academy setup, and before that, at Academia Deportes in Aquillian. She had even played alongside him in the under-16s at Hastmead, half a lifetime ago. "We always knew we'd have to fight our way up the ladder again."

Odell McIntosh sighed. The sigh of a man not-quite-defeated-but-almost. "I expected a fight, but not this. When we agreed to enter, we didn't know how slim our chances would be." He said, with only a hint of a whine in his tone. "The format doesn't make sense. We have to win our group in phase one, and then finish top two in the second phase to qualify." He paused for effect. "Or... if we don't win the group in phase one, but we do in the second phase, we have a playoff against one of the top sixteen ranked teams. A top sixteen team who could theoretically lose every game up to that point, then show up and beat a team like us, or even worse, in a one-off playoff, and get into the round of twenty-four. So a team in the top sixteen could win one game, and end up in the same place as we would if we had ten wins in the same stretch. How does that make sense?"

Nyomi pursed her lips. She knew on some level, he was right, but also... "Would you make this same argument if we were ranked in the top sixteen, Odell? Honestly?"

"But we're not in the top sixteen, Nyomi."

"That's not what I asked. You're dodging the question because you know you're only upset about this because you think it disadvantages us. But realistically, what would our chances be of making the knockout rounds of the cup in a traditional format anyway? Slimmer, probably. Let's be honest about this."

"Perhaps." He wilted a little. The frustration still swirled within him, she could tell.

"All we can do is prepare the team," she added. "Then let them do what they do. Nobody is expecting us to reach the knockout stages anyway. Let them write about how 'happy we are to be here' and all that nonsense again."

Odell smiled briefly. He was well aware of the stories. Despite the time dilation within Osarius that meant the events she referenced took place roughly a century ago now. Amandeep Sahota, one of the earliest proponents of Suzakudo -- a teacher to Odell, and all coaches who favoured the old Way of the Firebird and the classic Osarian 4-3-3, in a way -- took Osarius to the World Cup finals unexpectedly way back in World Cup 63, and through to the Round of Sixteen. Many joked prior to the start of the finals, that his team were "just happy to be [there]". It turned out to be the catalyst for the Firebirds' explosion into the "elite" tier of the international football scene. Two years later, they were narrowly beaten in a World Cup semi final by the legendary Audioslavia side of the time, who, in doing so, put themselves in position to complete a decade long sweep of World and AOCAF Cups. It was a nice reminder to have. A reminder that sometimes being "the underdog" worked out quite nicely.

"What do we know about the opposition in this first group stage phase?" Odell asked, back on task.

"Well, we know a lot about Legalese," Nyomi replied. "Comparatively speaking, anyway."

"But..?" He sensed it.

"But, the truth is that we don't really have much data on any of the teams in the group. Legalese included. The contraction of operations within the OFA, the focus on rejuvenating the domestic league, and so on... we just don't have the staff to properly scout opponents at the moment."

Odell exhaled forcefully through his nostrils, and drew a long, hissing breath through his teeth. "Suppose we better get started then."

[Starblaydia]

AOCAF Us is a game of teamwork and betrayal.

Players are either Entrants, or The Champion.

Play with 48 players online or via local Wifi!

Banija and Busoga Islands are hosting the game, and have determined the rules and who they want to play with!

Last time Starblaydia was The Champion (7 times over the past 61 games), who will it be this time?

[Hapilopper]

TEAM HAPILOPPER
Full Nation Name: The Dominion of Hapilopper
Trigramme: HAP
Nickname: The Haps
Team Colors: Blue, Green and White

Info:
The Hapilopper National Football Team, as we know it, is dead. The Hapilopper Football Association is on life support, the result of a match-fixing scandal that made itself known during the 61st AOCAF. As a result, a new organization led by former HFA head Dominic Probst has been formed for the purpose of fielding a team in international competition. The organization, tentatively known as "Team Hapilopper," consists of a good number of former international team players - primarily those that opposed the match-fixing scheme and those that remained neutral in the matter. Former head coach Thom Perkins, who departed the team after the 84th World Cup, has been brought in as Team Hapilopper's first head coach. Buddy Martinez, who coached the HNFT during the World Cup 85 debacle, has agreed to take the assistant coach position. The team will rely on the 4-4-2 formation.

COACHING STAFF:
HEAD COACH: Thom Perkins
ASSISTANT COACH: Buddy Martinez
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Anthony Welch
GOALKEEPING COACH: Willy Stone
TRAINER: Marc James
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Jim McNeil
PHYSIO: Russ Oliver

Stadium:
Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City, Hapilopper
Built: 1970 | Seating Capacity: 66,025 | Open-Air | Artificial Turf

(Pictured: Capital Stadium in gridiron configuration)
Capital Stadium, Hapilopper's de facto national stadium, is the last of Hapilopper's classic cookie-cutter venues, used for a variety of applications, including the Hapilopper City Nationals baseball team, the Hapilopper National Baseball Team and is the home of Team Hapilopper. As is custom with cookie-cutter stadiums, the park is completely symmetrical and is surrounded by multiple decks of stands, typically filled with screaming fans when the home team is doing well. Back in the 1970s, the HC Nationals, and their vaunted "National Machine" dominated Hapiloppian baseball, and brought over four million fans through the turnstiles on six occasions. Hapiloppian fans have vowed to come to Capital Stadium in force for TF games. Typically, Hapiloppian fans, including the members of the "Traveling Thrashers" supporters group are among the wildest fans in sport, and promise to be exactly that for the AOCAF. Expect to see fans dancing along to 1970s funk music, slamming drums as loudly as possible, waving their flags, and throwing streamers for every Hapiloppian goal.

Uniforms:

From left: The team's primary kit, the secondary kit and the goalkeeper's kit.

These uniforms, as seen here, are Team Hapilopper's designated regular season kits. Should Hapilopper, by some miracle, make the knockout stage of the AOCAF, the team will unveil a gaudier, livelier uniform for its team to wear. These uniforms, the "playoff specials," are a Hapiloppian sports tradition, and a tradition held very dear since the early 1970s when the West Hampton Royals introduced the "playoff special" to the Hapiloppian sports culture.

(Please note: If players have been transferred to other clubs, please let me know so I can keep this current.)
STARTING PLAYERS:

#1 - COOTER HARRIS - Goalkeeper/Sweeper-Keeper - Northshore FC (Xanneria)
Cooter Harris, the first hero of international Hapiloppian sports, has been brought back as the starting goalkeeper for Team Hapilopper. Harris, unfortunately, is still known internationally for his meltdown after the infamous "Manehattan Massacre" when the dominant team from the Equestrian States came out and ran up the score on the Haps. Harris left the team soon after, and was shopped off - at a painfully low price - to Northshore FC in Xanneria, where he had a career renaissance of sorts. In fact, there appeared to be large pressure to get him to start a match or two at keeper during the World Cup 85 qualifiers, something that reportedly didn't happen because of meddling from HFA head Max Greenwell.

#2 - CLIVE BLACKBURN - Defenseman/Left Wingback - Hapilopper City Soldiers
Clive Blackburn, a longtime bench player for the Hapilopper National Football Team, has been rewarded for his patience with a starting defense position for this World Cup campaign. He's also one of the oldest on the team, at 31 years old. His defense work might now stand out quite so much as, say, Nate Ellis, but he'll fight for position about as effectively as anyone in Hapiloppian football. Away from the pitch, Blackburn's family is known for its farm, one of the finest chicken farms in all of Hapilopper. Blackburn Farms Chicken is one of the more popular chicken brands you can find in Hapiloppian supermarkets.

#3 - COLIN McLAIN - Defenseman/Right Wingback - Hapilopper City Highway Patrol
At one point, Colin McLain was considered one of the hardest-hitting players in Hapiloppian football, and was known for his rivalry with Ernie Stevenson. But he's faded to the background as other, more controversial players, have taken the attention. Nevertheless, McLain is still a very physical defender, and has helped Highway Patrol stop offensive efforts with his tackling with impunity.

#4 - PAUL DIBBLE - Defenseman/Defensive Sweeper - Juavi FC (Valanora)
Regaining his starting position with Team Hapilopper as a result of Fernie Fairburn's involvement in the match-fixing scheme, Paul Dibble and his all-out style of play will be a key piece of Team Hapilopper's defense. Paul Dibble is a fantastic defensive player. He'll make sure you know that. Unfortunately, his all-out style of play, which has put him in card trouble in the past, and injury trouble as well - has started to take its toll, and his reliability is a question mark. Away from the pitch, Dibble plays bass guitar for "The Yellow Cards," a band that is not high on Dom Probst's list after their song "Fuck Jed Onkel," a power ballad decrying an unpopular Hapiloppian referee, became a hit. The song became so popular that fans at stadiums across Hapilopper chanted the chorus to the song any time Onkel refereed a match.

#5 - NATE ELLIS - Defenseman/Centerback Stopper - Southfell United (Nephara)
The most accurate term to describe Nathan Ellis, at this point in time, is "madder than hell." Ellis, the resident homicidal maniac of Team Hapilopper, returns to his starting position in centerback for the team. One of the most vocal opponents of the match-fixing scheme, Ellis faced down Rod Hughes, the ringleader of the scheme, in a locker room during the last AOCAF, which eventually led to the public learning of the scheme, and the death of the HNFT. Ellis, considered "the most likely to start a riot in another nation" for his violent antics, is believed to have also been behind a violent incident during the 86th World Cup involving his good buddy, Alexis Fotellis of Vdara. But nobody's talking...

#6 - PANCAKES TAGGART - Midfielder - Capital City United
Pancakes got a starting spot back! Pancakes Taggart, one of the Hapilopper National Football Team's original players, has returned to the midfield for Team Hapilopper. Pancakes, one of the more popular players among Hapiloppian fans, got overlooked in the face of players such as Auggie Burton, Fernie Fairburn and others. Nevertheless, Pancakes remained a reliable hand on the Hapilopper teams, and has been rewarded for his persistence. Taggart got his nickname after eating 25 pancakes in one hour at an International House of Flapjacks on the outskirts of Hapilopper City, and is rumored to be purchasing the chain.

#7 - AUGGIE BURTON - Midfielder - Capital FC (Xanneria)
August "Auggie" Burton, not long ago, was one of the members of the Junior Haps that joined the HNFT following some incredible performances in that Di Bradini Cup that the Haps nearly won. Auggie got a starting position off that performance, a position he got to keep based off his performance in the qualifying phase of World Cup 84. Still considered one of the top rising young stars in Hapiloppian sport, a player expected to be among Hapilopper's elite for years to come, even as he plays in Xanneria.

#8 - MURRAY HUNNISETT - Midfielder - Istria City FC (Banija)
Murray Hunnisett, the younger brother of baseball star Leroy, became known a year ago for being one of the "Hapilopper Ten" that got picked up by an international team. Both the Hunnisett brothers now call Banija, a fellow Glorious Southwest nation, home these days. He still remains one of the key pieces of Team Hapilopper and a crucial piece of the national team's midfield. With formation changes, Murray is expected to fire shots to Claire Randall on the left side in most situations. Away from the pitch, when he's back in Hapilopper City, Hunnisett is known as a ride-share driver on the “Mega” rideshare service around Hapilopper City, benefitting the “Drink, Drive and Die” campaign to stop drunk drivers in Hapilopper.

#9 - BEAUTIFUL BOBBY EAST - Midfielder - FC Kaiserhaven (Siovanija and Teusland)
Beautiful Bobby East, the quiet attacking midfielder, became a folk hero among FC Kaiserhaven fans. In years past, Beautiful Bobby was the last step of the equation before firing it off to Ernie Stevenson for the inevitable goal. He'll still do so but on the right side of the pitch in most situations. Bobby is known as one of the nicest people in Hapiloppian sport, and teammates have told tales of him paying for everybody's dinner, even when not asked to. Believed to be headed to another club team before long.

#10 - CLAIRE RANDALL - Forward - Clayton City Ladies FC (Baker Park)
The first woman to play on a Hapiloppian national team, Claire Randall made her name for herself during that magical run in the Di Bradini Cup not too long ago, and practically forced the Hapilopper National Football Team to consider her as a part of their squad. In fact, her play was so good that the team decided to go with two attackers rather than the one they had been used to using. She'll split the bulk of the goals with Ernie Stevenson. Formerly in a relationship with NSSCRA driver Chris Holmes, the two split up when Claire tired of Chris's juvenile behavior.

#11 - ERNIE STEVENSON - Forward - Leichhardt (Nephara)
Perhaps the most famous Hapiloppian player in international football, Ernie Stevenson helped put the Haps on the map during the World Cup 83 cycle with goal after goal. While one of the flashiest strikers in international football, perhaps Ernie could cut down on his theatrics. In a lopsided match for Leichhardt against Sabrefell Athletic, Ernie scored a hat-trick. Only one problem: Sabrefell Athletic had already scored seven goals at that point, and when Ernie celebrated his hat trick, he was hilariously chased down by Leichhardt manager Lara Winter, who whipped him repeatedly with her jacket, a scene that became a viral video in Hapilopper. Ernie is the younger brother of NSSCRA driver Drake Stevenson, himself one of the most popular sporting figures in the Dominion.

BENCH PLAYERS:

#12 - JOHN CORNETT - Forward - Gladerial United (Valanora)
John Cornett, Gladerial United's ill-tempered striker, was at one point a member of Garvinson's "Midnight Express" trio. Bobby East and Stan Long would fire shots to Cornett, who would put them in the back of the net with impunity. Cornett, however, is also known for fits of extreme anger. Several years ago, Cornett was suspended for half the season for threatening to use a broken beer bottle on a referee. Rumors also exist of a video of Cornett threatening a drive-through worker of a Fat Chuck’s Tasty Fried Chicken restaurant. Rumors exist of some kind of emnity between Cornett and Swindlehurst, an emnity that did not go away with the enforced break that Hapiloppian footballers went on.

#14 - JULES SCHMIDT - Forward - West Hampton Sports Club
Jules "Bug-Eyed Dummy" Schmidt is one of several first-timers on Team Hapilopper. Schmidt, known for his wide eyes, was given the name "Bug-Eyed Dummy" by North Hampton goalkeeper Eric Marlin, who was frustrated over giving up a late goal in a North Hampton/WHSC match. The name stuck among fans, even in spite of the fact that Jules is not all that big of a fan of the name. Nevertheless, Jules is greeted with huge "BUG EYED DUMMY" banners in the supporters section of WHSC home matches. Eventually he's going to just live with the name, you know?

#15 - SWEET STAN LONG - Midfielder - United Marietta (Xanneria)
In a past life, Stan Long was one-third of Garvinson's "Midnight Express" trio, along with Bobby East and John Cornett, that helped propel Garvinson to the top of the HFA table, before getting sold off in a fire sale post-season. These days, he plays for Xannerian side United Marietta. Reportedly has a black belt in karate.

#16 - STEVE SWINDLEHURST - Midfielder - Raceway Football Club
Steve Swindlehurst, who can be placed anywhere ahead of the midpoint of the field, is a strong midfielder for Raceway Football Club in Buckridge. Swindlehurst is known for one of the luckiest goals in HFA history, scoring from 55 yards out when no one was paying attention in a match a few years ago. Reportedly has some kind of enmity with John Cornett over an unspecified incident that for one reason or another, nobody's going into details about.

#17 - STEVE ERICKSON - Midfielder - 1830 Cathair (Audioslavia)
With the change in formations, Steve Erickson, the playmaking midfielder and striker for Audioslavian side 1830 Cathair, got the shaft from the HNFT and was relegated to a bench role. Erickson wasn't too happy about it, but some suggested that Erickson's tendency to "simulate" injuries - or, in other words, flop like a jackass, something that HFA officials have vowed to stamp out - cost him his starting position. In spite of his flopping nature, Erickson has made it quite clear that he was opposed to any match-fixing scheme, stating his "simulation" was done in an effort to give his team a needed boost.

#18 - TODD BRANTLEY - Midfielder - West Hampton Sports Club
29-year old Todd Brantley, a key piece of the West Hampton Sports Club's midfield, was a late addition to the squad following an injury to Brandon Herbert during a training session. Brantley is also a goal-scoring threat and scored nine goals last year for WHSC. An avid car collector, Brantley's collection includes a 1942 Preston Phaeton convertible, one of five ever built, and an unusual 1985 Preston Skychief shooting brake. Supposedly, Brantley also moonlights as an occasional motorsport photographer, getting some great pictures for a local newspaper in the Hampton Cities showing the rough and tumble world of racing in the area.

#19 - LANDON HARPER - Defenseman - Hapilopper City Generals
If you've ever had a tough time sleeping, chances are you've gone on twii.tur in an attempt to knock yourself asleep. As you look through twii.tur, you see some strange guy posting some whack memes that wind up going viral the next day, and everyone calls that guy "funny as hell." You've just found the wild world of Landon Harper, defenseman for the Hapilopper City Generals. One of the most popular players among the Generals team for his memes, Landon is, regardless of whatever he posts on twii.tur and on other social media sites, one of the top rising defensemen in Hapilopper. He'll stop an offensive effort with great physical play, but not to the point where he's putting people in the hospital.

#20 - BILLY HUTSON - Defenseman - United Hampton Cities
A rookie on the United Hampton Cities team, Billy Hutson could potentially be considered "the most physical player this side of Nate Ellis," which is incredibly concerning, if you consider who he's being compared to. In his first season, Hutson made his mark in a very vicious way by suplexing Clive Blackburn of Capital City United, as he was on his way to scoring a goal. Hutson was sent off, but the point was made. When Billy walked under the tunnel, he fired off two middle fingers to the fans of Capital City United, who responded by hurling debris at their new villain. At 18 years old, Hutson could wind up being one of the great villains of Hapiloppian sport for years to come. Watch this space.

#21 - CARL WAKEFIELD - Defenseman - Washington FC
One of several new players on Team Hapilopper, Carl Wakefield was an interesting choice. It's not as if he's homicidally violent like Nate Ellis or Billy Hutson, and it's not like he's all that popular like other players. Carl is just there. But he gets the job done, working to stop offensive efforts against Washington FC. Likely may not see much playing time as other players are put on that bench role to sub off defense players.

#22 - RANDY LYNWOOD - Defenseman - Raceway FC
You smell that? That smell of burgers on the grill? That's probably Randy Lynwood, defenseman for Raceway FC, one of several first-time players on Team Hapilopper. Lynwood is one of the best rising defensemen in international football, and at 20 years old, many suggest the future is boundless for him. But away from the pitch, Lynwood is one of the best barbecue experts in sports. Burgers? Sure. Pulled pork? Absolutely. Chicken? Hell yeah. Some suggest he'll be opening his own restaurant when his playing career comes to an end, as he loves food just as much as he loves playing the game of football. And you can tell, too - Lynwood is one of the beefier players in Hapilopper.

#30 - COLT DELANEY - Goalkeeper - West Hampton Sports Club
Colt Delaney has been, surprisingly, on a Hapilopper national team since the start, but has seen very little playtime in those years since Hapilopper started playing international football. A lot of this is due to injuries. Last season, playing for WHSC, Colt was accidentally kicked in the head by Highway Patrol forward Rufus Weeks, and the ensuing concussion ended his season. Nevertheless, he is still a very efficient goalkeeper, registering one goal per 105 minutes of play.

#60 - ERIC MARLIN - Goalkeeper - North Hampton FC
The new third keeper for Team Hapilopper, Marlin been listed as #4 on the HNFT's depth charts behind Rod Hughes, Cooter Harris and Colt Delaney. With Rod being declared persona non grata as a result of the HFA's match fixing scandal, Eric was brought in to replace. A five-year veteran at keeper for the North Hampton Football Club, Marlin is known for his very entertaining post-match interviews, which some Hapiloppian sports pundits have suggested "need subtitles" and are known for his very colorful descriptions of what happened on the pitch - such as the time he infamously called forward Jules Schmidt "a bug-eyed dummy". The name stuck, too.

Style Mod: +3

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but TG me if you want to do something serious
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: TG me first, or ping me on the NS Sports Discord, and we'll talk about it
Godmod other events: Yes, but TG me first
RP Coronavirus-related events: No. A RL pandemic does not exist in Hapilopper and Hapiloppians do not have it.

[Khytonya]

Although there was a rich history of football in Khytonya, no one would ever think of participating in an inter-regional tournament like the Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football Cup (AOCAF for short). If anything, Khytonya only has some kind of football experience in form of the Khytonian Premier League which existed since 1950. Nothing to write home about other than their momentous debut in this edition's AOCAF.

Fans around the country were delighted to witness the national team coming out to perform outside where they usually play. The problem was their obvious inexperience means Khytonya would be crushed by those with more experience than them. Despite that setback, it was nothing short of cheers from the crowds. If there will be crowds, anyway...

The question now comes to this: how would Khytonya perform in their tournament debut? Will it be surprisingly great? Or will it be sufferingly cruel? Time will tell if the team can handle the pressure here.

---

THE KHYTONYA NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

Nickname: The Magical Bhoys
Association: Royal Khytonian Football Association
Head Coach: Arthur Hartley
Captain: Thomas Liaw Cheng Swee
Home Stadium: Scarlet Park
Trigramme: KHY
Style Mod: +2.5

Stadiums
Scarlet Park


With a capacity of 65,000 seats, Scarlet Park (located in the capital Honeport) has been a national home to Khytonya National Football Team since 1920! In fact, it was the oldest stadium still surviving to this very day. Known for its boxy shape, the modern design deliberately chosen to give an essence of 'nostalgia' in contrast with dome-shaped, curved stadium designs. Due to this, it was known as the Chocolate Box. Recently, the stadium owners signed a sponsorship with confectionary brand Earls Chocolate LLC. thus so it'll go under the name 'Scarlet Park presented by Earls Chocolate'.

Blookrows Field


It can only hold about 15,500 supporters, but Blookrows Field in a town outside of Honeport was still a favoured pitch to play on. The small, yet comforting stands mean there was a lot of personal touch between the players and the fans. Taller fences will have to be installed the ensure the safety of the players so giving jerseys or merchandise will be a hard feat to achieve. Lately, there have been plans to renovate the stadium to increase the capacity and introduce safe terraces on small parts of the stands. Blookrows Field was still a beloved football pitch to play on, even going by the name 'The People's Park'.

Gerry Malone Memorial Park


Named in honour of prolific athlete Gerry Malone, this stadium located in Murrayfield can hold a capacity of 33,000. The Gerry Malone Memorial Park was built to host a national athletics competition first held in 1963. Since then, it was outfitted to host some football matches. It was usually the main home of Murrayfield Rovers FC, but a new soccer-specific stadium will be built by next year so for the very least a new, lesser-known club will be occupying it.

Tengoku Colliseum


Kyneriland may have the best stadiums, but Tonecia boast another great one to add into the international stadium status in form of the Tengoku Colliseum located in Tsukigawa. The name, which translates to heaven in Japanese, was capable of holding up to 55,500 supporters. This new modern building may be 5 years old, but so far it has attracted a load of football fans thanks to the atmospheric delirium in the stands. One can only say they felt a sense of euphorism, like catching a football fever in a frenzied crowd.

---

Full Squad List

Goalkeeper


Reliably, Tsukigawa United's Yukiko Honma guards the net with her tall stature (200 cm in height) and great positioning, which makes up her terrible diving ability. Catching the ball in the air shouldn't be a problem with Yukiko due to her good handling and catching skills, though she may fumble after landing the ball in her hands. Honma was a seven-year veteran of the KPL, winning the Golden Glove Award five times.

Interestingly enough, Honeport Victory's Joel Monahan contrasts well with the starting goalkeeper. The 20-year-old rookie was known for his tremendous diving ability which would put into good in close call situations. Monahan was also quick to respond when the opposition starts to counterattack. His weakness stems from his inability to face a long-shot goal. He can be a bit sloppy at crucial moments but it shouldn't be a concern as Monahan progressively grows.

Defenders


The Conacher twin brothers, Kyle and Jack, were pretty much lightning bruisers; quick to the ball yet hard on the tackle. As speedy as they come, their dribbling ability was lackluster so they would only be used as a wall for Yukiko to protect from. Occupying the space left and right was Vickie MacTavish and Wendy McKenna, respectively. These two women weren't exactly strong on the tackling side and were prone to picking up bookings at the wrong time. That doesn't mean they shouldn't be here as both MacTavish and McKenna were able to position themselves to intercept passes no matter how long or short are they. MacTavish and McKenna were also better dribblers than the Conachers alongside their wonderful ball control.

The substitute mostly consisted of players nearing their peak age. Kieran Howe, Sebastien Guidolin, and Lee Gagner were no strangers to losing steam when it comes to their careers. The three were still crucial as they can be relied on adding one extra defender to bolster their wall. Plus, should there be an injury to the main stars, Kieran, Sebastien, and Lee replace them with good dependability, showcasing Khytonya's willingness to add an in-depth squad set.

Midfielders


All eyes will be on these four players; Dawn Williams, Hironobu Miura, Alice Matthews, and Terry Sillinger. They all have in common, and that was their attacking prowess. Williams and Matthews can move forward to support the attackers in applying more pressure to the opposition's defenders. Miura and Sillinger held the positions together, acting as an anchor between the forwards and the defenders (although the other two girls were capable of doing this job). Their positioning might need some work to do. Yet, their complete bond with each other may come in handy against teams ready to exploit the midfield's mistakes. As for Matthews, her phenomenal shot accuracy was the main reason for her known fame as a free-kick specialist, although she lacks the shot power part. The midfield quartet was completed in the form of K.P. Boucher. Though a young rookie, he was shown great promise as a lovely playmaker with a great sense of awareness on the field. Thus, Boucher was unofficially the assistant captain to the main striker Thomas Liaw Cheng Swee.

The same can be (similarly) said to Jared O'Reilly and Ron Westwick except these two eight-year veterans were specialised in defense, meaning Khytonya were likely to park the bus than to actually attack. It would make some sense since both Jared and Ron previously played as left-backs earlier into their career. Contrasting the veterans were the rookies named Bryan Daneyko and Steve Ashton. They're more or less the jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type of players. Daneyko's defining trait was a good vision and superior passing. Ashton's defining trait was his nice positioning and excellent mentality. Other than that, they were only noted for being part of the first-ever squad in Khytonya's AOCAF debut.

Forwards


One was a prime time captain, the other was his mentor. Thomas Liaw Cheng Swee and Keiji Sakai were both great strikers known for the raw shot power and great dribbling. The difference was the finishing part. It was told that Sakai taught Liaw on finishing techniques and putting his mind into a zen-like state where pressure won't hamper his shooting chance. Whether it was true or might be a coincidence, Liaw was known for his calm and collected demeanor which also helps in penalties. On the other hand, Sakai was specialised in aerial skill because of his towering height of 203 cm, tall than Honma. As such, he will be a key role in headers during corners.

Nigel Neilson and Larsen Reinhart were picked for the squad. They were decent wingers capable of using their high pace to set up a scoring chance by utilizing the wide areas before crossing in the penalty box. Arianne Panarin was only the youngest at 16 years of age so fans were more likely to think she was picked to attract the younger pre-teen crowds...and nasty nonces. She was, however, a hard-working prodigy able to progress quickly and push beyond her limits, guided only by her friendly love for the game.

Formation


Khytonya went with a 4-3-1-2 formation, which meant all eyes were on the midfield and the forward. Fears grew over the neglect of the defense as they would do most of the defensive work, leading to a case of overworking and stress. Nevertheless, the best defense was a good offense so everyone needs to push the ball forward and attack where possible. Keep in mind Khytonya was under an offensive-minded coach with great emphasis on scoring rather than going deep to prepare for a counterattack.

SPECIALITIES


Liaw was a natural-born leader by his own right. He has faith in leading his team by example which mostly justifies Hartley's decision to appoint him captain of Khytonya. 'What can I say?' questions Hartley with enthusiasm, 'Tommy leads the team looks every leader should. I wouldn't be surprised if he was elected Prime Minister of this country! But I wouldn't rely on him every time,'

Liaw was also a penalty taker as mentioned in the 'Forwards' section. Here, he somewhat excels in the accuracy department so don't expect him to accurately put the ball in the net. Then again, only a few players know how to approach penalties One of them was Sakai himself, which would help the team a bit the next time the opponent draws a foul.

Matthews was essentially the master of free kicks. In fact, she leads the local football stats as the player with the most free kicks scored with 46 goals in her seven-year career. She curves the ball in the shape of a bent piece of a long metal pipe and has the shot accuracy of a trusty Javelin rocket launcher, but her lack of shot power means it would the advantage can be used in spots nearest to the penalty box. Matthews was also the catalyst for assisting in the attacks so expect her to be credited with the assists.

Miura and McKenna were great crossers in their own right. However, they tend to play simple passing instead of directly crossing. Perhaps it's best for them to train into crossing more and be confident with Sakai's aerial ability.

---

COACHING STAFF

Following his successful stint with Honeport Royals, Arthur Hartley was given a managerial role in the RKFA. He insisted on focusing on pressing while playing a passing game. Hartley wanted to create more chances by building enough momentum to put in more goals in the net so he needed every player to at least moving forward to bring it up the field. This exposes his blatant disregard for defense as Hartley considers parking the bus as a complete borefest without realising Khytonya would risk conceding more goals than scoring one. Nevertheless, Hartley was willing to give his very best in the tournament.

Ben Weigang assists in modifying tactics that Hartley made. He was brought in as a defensive specialist so mistakes in the defending area can be minimised. Weigang wished to push his players to get down to the field should he felt the situation calling from him, causing occasional rifts between the two men with different philosophies. Still, Weigang was the blue oni contrasting to the red oni known as Hartley.

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STAFF MANAGEMENT

Everyone on the management staff was handpicked by the President of the RKFA. With 15 years of experience, Shawn Francis hired what was considered to be the best according to his own judgment. Francis's full trust towards himself made it likely to unintentionally chose an incompetent nincompoop as he wasn't willing to spot some people's shortcomings. Therefore, his assistants were here to advise him about who to bring in. These people were told to be good at their own field, but the fans wouldn't put too much faith in its almost-good quality.

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RP PERMISSION

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes (But make it realistic)
RP injuries to my players: Yes (One player at a time)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (Three players at a time)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (One player at a time)
Godmod other events: No

Score a Goal

• Regular ~ T. Liaw C. S., K. Sakai, N. Neilson, A. Matthews, H. Miura, T. Sillinger, D. Williams, S. Ashton, J. Conacher, L. Gagner
• From Long Distance ~ T. Liaw C. S., A. Matthews, H. Miura
• Off a Header ~ K. Sakai, N. Neilson, H. Miura
• Free Kicks or Penalties ~ T. Liaw C. S., A. Matthews

Provide an Assist ~ Tsung Nam-Kan, Raul Constatin, K. Komura
Create a Goal ~ Absolutely Everyone. Even the keepers.
Get Booked

• Yellow Card ~ T. Sillinger, J. O'Reilly, K. Howe, S. Guidolin, W. McKenna, V. MacTavish
• Red Card/Sent Off ~ W. McKenna

[Busoga Islands]

Busoga Islands National Team

Information
Country code: BUS
Denonym: Busogans/Busoga Islanders/Islanders(Busoga Islanders is the formal term; many Banijans call them Busogans, while locals refer to themselves simply as Islanders, which will be the terminology used by the journalists of this country)
Association: Busoga Islander Soccer Association(BISA)
Manager: Bethany Donnell, 66, female, native of Brenecia. 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. That lead to turning Pikemouth into one of the larger second-tier sides into a consistent UICA challenger. Unfortunately, she lost her way somewhat at Northern Union. With the SRS, she consistently lived up to expectations for four years, but rarely exceeded them. She was let go in her fifth year after a poor start to WC84 qualifying, but a third place finish at IAC8 the year before remains a feather in her cap. She began in AOCAF LX with this squad- and while they regressed in World Cup 85 Qualifying, they look forward to improving in the Cup of Harmony.
Senior Assistant Manager: Xavier Mosobo. 44 years old, male, native of Banija.
Captain: Kamu Jacobs
Alternate Captain: Jay Khano
Home Kits: Red
Away Kits: Black
Alternate: White


RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss).
Godmod other events: Yes(However, all Busogan nationals, players or fans or whoever, are banned from catching a pandemic).
Style modifier: -2

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

Roster for AOCAF LXII

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=vy8ty3

Starters: 4-3-3.
The six professional clubs on the Busoga Islands are all part of the Banijan soccer pyramid.
Players who received their first call-up during AOCAF LXII are italicized.
Players who do not play within the Banijan soccer pyramid are bolded.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, the second from top-flight for Banija & the Busoga Islands.
S-FPL is the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, the joint top flight for Banija, Busoga Islands, and Farfadillis.
GK #1 Mustafa Taal. 25 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual-national who is now cap-tied to Busoga. Plays for the Herzegovina Phoenix in the BSL. First ever tournament as a starter.
RB #16 Abdullah Guennoun. 29 years old. Plays for the Hawabark Boulders in the BSL. Male.
CB #5 Govind Nigam. 28 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the S-FPL. Male.
CB #3 Hassan Thiaw. 27 years old. Plays for Aissa United in the BSL. Male.
LB #4 Mohammed Gassama. 27 years old. Banija/Busoga Islands dual national, chose to play for the Busoga Islands. Plays for Workers Union in Eura. Male.
CDM #6 Delbin Kasekende Jr. 19 years old, free agent. Son of former NT captain and the present President of the country, Delbin Kasekende. Male.
RCM #10 Jay Khano. 31 years old. Plays for Dukuma SC in the BSL. Male. More of an attacking midfielder by trade.
LCM #8 #23 Cicek Aga. 21 years old. Plays for Ausharmuj Marusi in Farfadillis. Female. First tourney as starter.
LW #11 Kamu Jacobs. 31 years old. Plays for Anomalies in Chromatika. Male. Captain.
ST #9 Sarika Birla. 24 years old. Plays for Suwawa FC formerly in the Northwestern League, now in the BSL. Female. First tourney as starter.
RW #17 Upanshu Paramartha. 33 years old. Plays for Rukunbi FC in the BSL. Male.
Bench
GK #35 Kylian Jawara. 29 years old. Plays for the Tripoli Foresters in the Northwestern League. Male.
GK #23 Izgul Avan. 24 years old. Backup for Suwawa FC in the S-FPL. Female.
RB #2 Yashpal Gopaal. 30 years old. Plays for The Isipongo Flash in the BSL.
CB #18 Ami Biri. 29 years old. Plays for Bwubanza City SC in the Southern League. Female.
CB #19 Azzoz Tahir. 21 years old. Backup for Lakiska SC in the S-FPL. Male.
LB #14 Ibrahim Karakaya. 24 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the S-FPL. Male.
CM #6 Ilke Akgun. 20 years old. Plays for Lakiska SC in the S-FPL. Female.
CM #14 Osman Baykal. 23 years old. Plays for the Nezrouch Rovers in the Northwestern League. Male.
CM/CAM #23 Kara Yesilnil. 24 years old. Plays for the Busukuma Force in the BSL. Female.
RW #7 Yengi Uzer. 20 years old. Comes off the bench for Dukuma SC in the BSL. Male
LW #20 Barkha Visariya. 25 years old. Starts for Lakiska SC in the S-FPL. FEmale.
ST #12 Servet Ornet. 24 years old. Comes off the bench for Istria S-FPL in the BSL.


Notes:
- Our free kicks and penalty kicks are taken by Kamu Jacobs.
- In terms of substitutions, anybody is OK to substitute off the pitch besides Kamu Jacobs. He has ascended to his status as the team's best player since his move to Chromatika, and attacks do seem to generate through him.

Lakiska City Field


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

Orange Field


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

Dukuma Oval

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

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

Lakiska City Cricket Park

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

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

Phase 1 Group B1 Schedule
Matchday 1: Busoga Islands v. Lochario(19) @ Lakiska City Field in Lakiska, South Island.
Matchday 2: Busoga Islands v. Overseas Territories of Sylestone(38) @ Orange Field in Dukuma, North Island.
Matchday 3: Busoga Islands @ Freeport Isles(28)
Matchday 4: Busoga Islands @ Lochario(19)
Matchday 5: Busoga Islands @ Overseas Territories of Sylestone(38)
Matchday 6: Busoga Islands v. Freeport Isles(28) @ Lakiska City Field in Lakiska, South Island.

[Khytonya]

*The Prelude 1: Before the Storm*

MD1: Khytonya's first match is against the much experienced Anthor, held in either Banija or the Busoga Islands the Royal Athletic Stadium as an away team. Wherever the match will be played at won't matter much. The focus is on the debut and the performance. If Khytonya can do well and manage to secure a happy win, fans will be celebrating on the internet showcasing what could be a memorable match. If not, the least they can do is try and put on a fair show.

Anthor didn't reveal their squads just yet, but judging from the rank number it seems to be an uphill battle for Khytonya. It's simple really, it's either a crushing defeat or an insane, hard-fought draw. The winning part may be out of reach but there is a lot of unpredictability in the beautiful game.

MD2: Gallavrynga will be the next opponent held in Scarlet Park, Honeport. Like Khytonya, they were unranked so they should relatively easy to beat. However, the Magical Bhoys shouldn't be too cocky, else they would suffer a clear humiliation. Actually, don't even try underestimating the Lionhearts. Led by a goal crazy manager, Isaac Longwood, Gallavrynga won't hold the attack back as their wingers and their fullbacks meant applying pressure to the potentially overworked defenders. Especially with players like Shakur Giraffe, Carlos Villanueva, Carla Martinez, and Francisco Testudio.

Luckily, the latter two have bad blood that stems from the rival clubs. There could be possible exploitation around this but whether or not the referee would allow it to happen will be up to him. Plus, their goalkeepers aren't the best as they consist of young players plus a slightly experienced veteran. It'll be a gentle, yet rough breeze for the main forwards like Liaw, Sakai, and Boucher.

MD3: North Handoria is the same as Gallavrynga. Again, another possible win if they took the game a little serious.

The rest of MD4 onwards were the same, except the home games will be against Anthor and North Handoria. On the final matchday, Tsukigawa's Tengoku Coliseum was chosen as the venue for the match as fair treatment for the Tonecians across the river. Promotion to League B won't be an easy feat if it meant only first place. Fear of losing will only lead to losing so Khytonya would need to look sharp take home as many 3 points as possible. A draw would be fine but that won't be enough if they were to end matches with constant draws, though a few are okay so as long as they win.

[Demot]

Demot "Dynamo" Roster

Kits

Home Away

Manager: Scott Gaines, age 55
Assistant: Gary Josephs, age 53

Modifier: +4

GK: Ramón Coleman, age 25, Tiranyus FC
GK: Erica Caldwell, age 27, Skyhaven FC(F)
GK: Elsie Morris, age 31, Santa Rosa FC (F)
LB: Maureen Price, age 32, Likewell Kirk
LB: Melvin Kinney, age 29, Freestone FC
CB: Jacqueline Juárez, age 26, Skyhaven FC (F)
CB: Judy Nelson, age 31, Atalantian FC (F)
RB: Julio Jordan, age 26, Druidisian United
RB: Ralph Sanders, age 32, Skyhaven FC
RW: Judith Mason, age 26, Club Demot (F)
RW: Diane McDonald, age 32, Tiranyus FC (F)
LW: Irene Osborne, age 26, Atalantian FC (F)
LW: Irene Murray, age 32, Oceanic United (F)
MC: Rafael Fields, age 31, Druidisian United
MC: Ricardo Henderson, age 25, Club Demot
AMC: Theodore Dunlap, age 27, Oceanic United
AMC: Randy Banks, age 29, Santa Rosa FC
AMC: Edgar Méndez, age 24, Likewell Kirk
AMC: Margaret Castañeda, age 25, Freestone FC (F)
ST: Gabriel Baldwin, age 25, Druidisian FC
ST: Gilbert Irwin, age 26, Skyhaven FC
ST: Valerie Lynch, age 32, Santa Rosa FC (F)
ST: André Maynard, age 28, Likewell Kirk

Morris
Jordan             Juárez              Price
Mason                     Fields                      Osborne
 Banks                 Méndez  
     Maynard       Baldwin    

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

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Home >> Sports >> International

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So much to look forward to in this new format: Typaiev
by Antonio Vasiliev

Daniil at a talk show

Despite the new and foreign format, Typaiev believes that his Mini Lieutenants will prosper in this format.

With Twicetagria and OTS losing out to Banija and Busoga Islands in the AOCAF LXII bid, this APCAF will feature a new format not tried before. While many Twicetagriens are worried about the format Typaiev, the U-19 manager, believes that his squad will have fun during this AOCAF.

“You know, it’s a new format and all, but I’m personally really excited. There’s a lot of potential in this and I believe that this format will be better than others,” Typaiev commented, “Even if the format doesn’t work out I think it will serve as a learning point for Twicetagrien squads, as well as any Twicetagrien hosting committees looking to host a tournament.”

The format wasn’t the only worry for Twicetagrien football fans, though. A lot of fans were not happy when the Twicetagrien FA announced that they would be sending a youth team instead of a senior team. Many thought Twicetagria would look silly with their youth team facing many senior teams. They even thought that the youth players wouldn’t learn anything and would be let down by the chance.

The president of the FA, Mark Vinkiev, said that while the youth players may be overwhelmed by their opponents, this would serve as a learning point for them to experience playing against senior teams. Besides, he said, this was also a scouting ground for Ryoviste to catch aspiring and promising youth players for his squad.

Catch us as we face Tropicorp tomorrow for the AOCAF opener.

[Farfadillis]

The Freisan Farf Freitball Francitian hereby presents the Farf roster for the 62nd Edition of the AOCAF Cup
Nation Name: The Oulandish Lands of Farfadillis
Demonym: Farf (plural Farves)
Team Nickname: La Vherderoja
Honours: World Cup 84 and AOCAF Cups 43, 48 and 57 Winners

KITS
Provided by ediraf

STYLE MODIFIER: +5

STAFF
Manager: Pamela Scott
Assistant Manager: Rob Lundstrom

STARTERS

#12 - Isak Aanderaa - GK - Age 26 - Bruul Skewers

IPA: /ˈaɪzək ˈa:ndeɾa:/

A flashy goalkeeper, Isak loves to be the star of the show. Both on and off the pitch. He will try to dribble his way out of the box, and succeed most of the time. He also has terrible positioning, but likes to make up for it with some incredible saves. The talent is there. In reality, Isaak has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if you ask any Farf. Alas, he is very much set in his ways, and they are not good ones. Nonetheless, Pam is desperate for a decent goalkeeper and is willing to test Isak out a bit and see if he is one. He was a substitute last cycle, but the team conceded 23 goals in 7 matches at the proper, so yeah...

#15 - Loxjilo Exihosahar - LB - Age 23 - Royal Rumiatzi

IPA: /loksˈxilo ˌeksiɦoˈsaɦaɾ/

When Lele Manguele, Royal Rumiatzi's bizarro Farf manager, signed an unknown Farf amateur from Induja, nobody expected him to actually hold his own. But hold his own he did; he's gone from "who is this guy?" to "hey, he's actually pretty decent!" to Galáctico longlist in a remarkably short time. He's fast, pacey, rapid, swift, speedy, brisk, fast-moving and quick. He is also ok defensively and can cross the ball pretty well. Rumoured to be insecure about his height, too. Pam is eager to experiment after, we reiterate, conceding 23 goals in 7 games, so Loxjilo will be getting the nod over Fermández this cycle.

#2 - Çìríkò Ûsêtêrnìx - CB - Age 31 - FC Felsenkirchen 1879

IPA: /t͡sĭˈɾikŏ uăˈseăteăɾnĭʃ/

Ûsêtêrnìx has always had big boots to fill: he replaced one of only two Farf centerbacks to have managed to hold the line decently, and one that led the defense to a World Cup win no less. On top of that, there is a certain sense that Bajnok would have a good chance of stealing the starting spot from him if he unretired. However, Çìríkò's doing an ok, six-out-of-ten job, and has been good enough to keep his starting spot despite the team conceding—I don't know if we've mentioned this—23 goals in 7 games. His domestic performances show he could be doing much better, however. He isn't very physical, unlike his predecessor, but is much more capable on the ball. He's not as aggressive as a player, and is not as tactically-astute, but compensates for that with athleticism and a tendency to go for sliding tackles. This has, perhaps perplexingly, not backfired yet.

#4 - Têrçêr Ànáxímane - RB - Age 22 - Dí Maozöxê

IPA: /teăɾt͡seăɾ ănˌaˈʃimane/

The only positive in defense from last cycle, Têrçêr may be young and he may have come out of nowhere. He also may not be specially talented. And also he's quite ugly, to say nothing of his stutter. But he clearly didn't mind the pressure of being thrown into the starting eleven overnight. Very pacey, with good technique and defensively somewhat okay. What more could Pam ask for right now? We'll tell you the answer: a move to a different league. She really wishes Têrçêr would move to some more defensively-oriented league in order to pick up a defensive skillset that would set him apart as a (maybe) world class player. So far, Têrçêr seems content to ignore her pleads.

#5 - Sürgân t'Öéséné - CM - Age 30 - The intern has forgotten the club because it didn't have a crest

IPA: /ˈsʏɾɡa:n twe:iˈsene/

A very dependable player. Unlike most Farves, Sürgân does not have a crazy style of play: he's quite measured in his decisions, and never lets pressure get to him. He is the smartest player on the team and is always in charge of the tempo. As the most "defensive" midfielder in the line-up, he will also be tasked with trying to keep the control of the midfield when not in possession. Overall, an unenviable role, which he pulls off to almost perfection... most of the time, nowadays. He had a few shaky games last World Cup. It is one of the most important roles to be filled in la Vherderoja's tactical set-up, and nobody else comes close to him in it, so his starting position is safe despite his recent slight decline. Sürgân is the most unsung of the World Cup 84 heroes, without a doubt.

#3 - Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí - CM - Age 23 - Mâ Âlâmëómë

IPA: /ˈignjăgo t͡si ʃoăˈɾi/

Ígnîgo's ascent was simply meteoric. In a matter of months, he went from a squad player in Mâ Âlâmëómë's youth team - presumably close to getting sold off to some mediocre team - to NT starter. Initially, he managed to hang onto his starting position by the skin of his teeth. However, he quickly became the Mâ Âlâmëómë's best player, and a key player for the national team, arguably only second to rue Cazade. He's got great technique and vision, and is quite decent defensively. His playmaking and dribbling skills improved enormously recently, which has turned him into a player capable of grabbing matches by the throat, albeit more subtly than your average star striker.

#10 - Faragó rue Cazade - TK - Age 30 - Brinemouth

IPA: /faʁaˈgo ʁu kaˈzad/

Faragó is indisputably the best player on this team He is a notoriously difficult player to contain. Why do you think Brinemouth destabilized the Szoirsian economy (admittedly not that hard, mind) in order to sign him? He is great at timing his runs to always get that elusive chance at a shot from the edge of the box with some space to spare, and he is deadly when he gets these chances, to say nothing of the fact that he is quite tall and a considerable aerial menace. He plays as a takilante, a position invented for him by his former manager and mentor Ichi Tuzzio. He will press a lot, play roughly as a center midfielder to increase the team's presence in that area, and commit a lot of tactical fouls. With what little energy he will have left, he will score, and often. He was a man on a mission last cycle, earning the Iron Ball in the Premiership and finishing as the World Cup's top scorer, and capping things off with a Galáctico runner-up award.

#21 - Emiliano Gallegas - LW - Age 23 - Energija Chernovets

IPA: /ˌemiˈljano gaˈʃegas/

A winger with insane pace and a lot of attitude. His pace alone makes him hard to control, but add in good dribbling, good crossing and nerves of steel and you've got sprecisely what Pam is looking for to replace aging Wìjìnì on the left flank. To that end, she'll be giving Gallegas the nod this AOCAF Cup. He'll have to play well to make this last into the World Cup. He's got a very direct style—both on and off the pitch—so expect him to cause trouble to any slow defenders or bothersome journalists.

#11 - Tôsgo Alxíkí - RW - Age 21 - Lâ Lüs

IPA: /ˈtoăsɡo alˈʃiki/

Tôsgo's been touted as Farfadillis' next big thing for a few years now. The jury's still out on that one, in all honesty: he's undeniably very talented, and has been getting a lot of recognition for his talent throughout the Multiverse. However... doubts remain over whether he can really achieve, say, Fôrté Wínrôuge levels of talent, let alone Xíxì Êns levels. Maybe not, but he'll probably still be world class. Anyway, he's astonishingly fast, a fantastic dribbler, and quite a good finisher. Passing the ball is proving difficult, however.

#9 - Edmün Çídh - ST - Age 24 - Herzegovina City

IPA: /ˈedmʏn t͡sið/

Edmün played a huge role in World Cup 84, scoring the winning goal against Banija in the group stage. The win eventually let la Vherderoja advance to the knock-outs, and the rest is history. His development momentarily stagnated for two years after that, but Edmün is now back on track. He is a very complete player. Fast, good at dribbling, good at playmaking and good at finishing. He is reportedly not a great influence off the pitch, however, and apparently has a very cold relationship with his brother, with whom he ironically seems to have a fantastic connection up front.

#7 - Röémün Çídh - ST - Age 22 - Rülândéá Kôstä

IPA: /ˈrwe:imʏn t͡sið/

The less-talented-but-slightly-taller-and-stronger-and-that's-gotta-count-for-something version of his older brother Edmün, Röémün is a very hard-working player who you'd be forgiven for thinking is not Farf at all based on his personality. It is rumored this is precisely why Pam had initially so eagerly handed him the starting spot. However, Röémün earned his starting spot last cycle. His great poaching skills actually had him outscoring his more talented brother. He's one of Rülândéá Kôstä's unlikely heroes, after putting seven past his brother's team in the final matchday to win the league, so it's safe to say he's flying high on confidence.

SUBSTITUTES

#1 - Dieje Ibrelaná - GK - Age 25 - Urbizania Wanderers

IPA: /ˈdjeʒe ibɾelaˈna/

While the sight of an Urbizania Wanderers starter would've made many tremble in the past, this is not the case anymore. That doesn't matter, however, because Farfadillis is really struggling to field a good goalkeeper right now, and Ibrelaná just might do... is what we thought last cycle. In came flooding the goals, and somebody has to get guillotined, figuratively. Ibrelaná did, so now he sits on the bench. He's acrobatic and his positioning is good. Yes, he can be shaky when playing as a sweeper keeper which is—as we found out last cycle—not ideal on a team like this. He is young and, much like most Farves, very fast, so he could very well grow into the role, though. We're still waiting.

#23 - Berény Phelede - GK - Age 30 - René Skaé

IPA: /bəˈʁeni ˈfəled/

When Berény Phelede first started a game for Farfadillis, he became only the fifth goalkeeper in the team's history to do so. All four before him had had illustrous and long careers. He bucked the trend. One cycle later, he'd been relegated to third goalkeeper. But hey, he's still got solid reflexes and is good at organizing the otherwise horribly disorganized defense. He's supposedly much better playing for his club, too, so maybe he was just unlucky with the NT. If the other two get hit by a bus or something, we might find out.

#6 - Moisés Fermández - LB - Age 31 - Bastion

IPA: /moiˈses feɾˈmandes/

Moisés Fermández spent most of his best years relegated to the bench of the national team because of Baldomero Teijeiro barely edging him for the spot. Teijeiro's insubordination and slight decline gave him a chance to take the starting spot he must've felt was rightfully his and show what he could do with it... and he sort of squandered it. He got scapegoated to hell and back, and has been dropped in favor of... an Indujan? Talk about a fall from grace. Anyway: Moisés is solid-ish defensively and as much of a menace up front as you'd expect a Farf fullback to be. He's starting to lose some pace, but he makes up for it with a lot of experience - namely a decade spent playing in the Euraleague - and calm leadership.

#14 - Drì Lsôs - CB - Age 28 - Crossroads

IPA: /ðɾĭ lsoˈãs/

Perhaps the most attack-oriented centerback Farfadillis has ever produced. Some say Pam is hoping to start fielding a back four, and Lsôs could be instrumental in that transition. Her first few attempts were quite dreadful, truth be told, but maybe the team just needs to get used to the idea. Drì is a fantastic dribbler and is very good at passing. You'll see him try to surprise his opponents by surging forward every now and then. He's definitely the kamikaze option at the back and, as such, Pam is unlikely to sub him in unless a crazy match is exactly what she is looking for. As the team conceded 23 in 7 last World Cup, don't hold your breath for that happening often. Alternatively, though, she might look to throw her opponents off by playing him as a midfielder. He can also fill in as rightback, which has given Pam the breathing space to call up another centerback.

#13 - Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô - CB - Age 20 - Rülândéá Kôstä

IPA: /gəŋgʏˈdo pĭgʏˈloăt͡soă/

Pìgülôçô had a fantastic season for Rülândéá Kôstä and, as a result, gets the call-up. Pam focuses on developing young players, that much has become obvious the last four years, and Gëngüdó continues that trend. He's... pretty dumb, but he's big and strong and God help you if he mistimes a tackle when trying to mark you. Not that technical, admittedly, but that ain't saying much. Expect him to be subbed in when a lead needs to be defended and/or the opposing team is bad defending set pieces.

#16 - Mbogo Nørgaard - CM - Age 18 - Revolutionaries

IPA: /ˈmbogo ˈnøɾga:ɾd/

Half-Banijan, half-Fröndti, Mbogo's undoubtedly very talented. Almost as talented as he's very much green, mind. He's got a gifted physique and good playmaking skills, but it's hard to tell what kind of player he will end up being. Presumably, Pam wants to play a role in his development, and that's why he's getting called up. Expect him to feature here and there when it doesn't really matter, since he's got some very tough competition in t'Öéséné and Çí Xôrí. But hey, he can afford to wait: he'd barely be of drinking age in Farfadillis if there were drinking laws or laws.

#17 - Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá - TK - Age 29 - Rülândéá Kôstä

IPA: /eˈmeɾi dʏ a:ɾusa:nĭˈɾa/

The only good takilante besides rue Cazade, Émérí's a fitting replacement for the Szoirsian if he ever gets injured. He's got exactly the same skillset, but he's worse. He's a legend back home (by back home we mean the Rulandese coast) after his exploits last season, though, so he'll warm a lot of hearts if he does get minutes, and even more if he gets a goal here and there. He will no doubt play well if given the chance, but it looks doubtful. Supposedly a very positive presence off the pitch, and Pam can't really pass up on that.

#8 - Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì - LW - Age 32 - Busukuma AC

IPA: /ˌvinsesla:ˈðis ˈwiʒĭnĭ/

Being the son of the most famous terrorist in the history of Farfadillis hasn't stopped Wìjìnì from setting pitches on fire. Figuratively. Without a doubt the most versatile player in the team, Wìjìnì is good at just about any offensive task he gets assigned to do, and is a natural at the intricacies of every role, to the point he hit the ground running as center midfielder in World Cup 84, putting in good performance after good performance en route to the title. He's been benched in favor of Gallegas due to his age, but he will be eager to win his spot back. As a winger, expect him to use his (admittedly diminishing) pace and strong weak foot to cut in and make things happen. Or maybe run down the flank and do some old-fashioned crossing of the ball. You never know with this guy.

#20 - Folgore Alaminos - OM - Age 21 - Jungle Strike

IPA: /folˈgoɾe alaˈminos/

The son of ex-NTer Santos Alaminos. His father used to be a sensational fullback for Farfadillis. He was, in fact, arguably Farfadillis' first world class fullback. Folgore is nothing like his father, however. He inherited his father's tactical astuteness, but Folgore can't tackle to save his life. He is, however, a fantastic playmaker and a dangerous presence inside the box. A very typical offensive midfielder, really. Football, apparently, simply runs in this family. He has been having trouble breaking into both Jungle Strike and the NT, but his talent is still very evident.

#19 - Éric Pueyrredón - RW - Age 23 - Real Atlantea

IPA: /ˈeɾik ˌpweireˈdon/

Éric was not rated very highly in Farfadillis. He's not as fast as the average Farf winger, which didn't help his case. However, getting continuously turned down by professional team after professional team did not hold him back in the slightest: at some point, he just said "fuck it" and left for Taeshan, where no Farf not named Wolf van Rossum or Adrián Raya had been. There, his non-blistering pace did not immediately disqualify him from being a winger, and he could shine for what he is: a pretty decent wide playmaker with some pace and very good crossing. He tracks back, so of course he gets the call-up.

#18 - Horacio Bastanchury - ST - Age 20 - FC Einheit Marnau

IPA: /oˈɾasjio ˌbastanˈt͡ʃuɾi/

Farf players are like cockroaches in that they can pop out anywhere, so it was not such a surprise when some nineteen-year-old started banginng them in in Siovanija and Teusland for some middling club. He's got two great young players ahead of him, so competition will be tough, but he's fast and good at finishing. A simple, but very effective combination. Neither of the Çídh brothers can rest easy with him sitting on the bench, if his club form is anything to go by.

#22 - Çè Quîrîjá - ST - Age 22 - Steinaux

IPA: /t͡sĕ kiăɾiăˈʒa/

Lâ Lüs' astonishing rise from amateur fodder to Champions' League round of sixteen team and FFL runners-up was, mostly, a product of Alxíkí's performances. However, in that squad there was definitely a second-best player. Quîrîjá is a very fast striker with lethal finishing, much like Bastanchury, but also two years older. His move to Græntfjall might help his development, which could give him the edge in the future, but he can rest easy knowing the move at least helped his club secure military control over the entire region of Ruland. So there's that, I guess.

FORMATION AND TACTICS

Last cycle, we're pretty sure that the team broke the record for most goals conceded in a World Cup proper, while also falling one short of the record for most goals scored... so, for better or worse, Farfadillis seems to be at its most reckless.

In goal, Isak Aanderaa will try to be an ok sweeper keeper. He's a bit of a loose cannon. In defense, Çìríkò Ûsêtêrnìx will be tasked with starting counterattacks with precise long balls and also defending the massive hole in defense that this formation leaves. He is particularly good at this, unlike his predecessor Kósa Bajnok, but does not shine as much as an actual defender. Exihosahar and Ànáxímane will help him out defensively, but they'll still prefer to play wide. The two of them will be extremely tired by the end of any match, since they'll be running up and down the pitch the entire time, as well as trying to keep as narrow a defensive shape as possible. Neither Exihosahar nor Ànáxímane will have particularly suicidal tendencies going forward. They'll both look to overlap when they join the attack.

Sürgân t'Öéséné will be playing very deep. He'll be responsible for recovering the ball as any other holding midfielder, but he'll also look to arrive late at the box and go for perilous long shots or some smart assist. Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí will be tasked with running a lot, recovering the ball, playmaking, etc. Much like Sürgân, but in a slightly more advanced position, and he is not tasked with dictating the tempo. On the left wing, Gallegas will be tasked with blitzing past defenses. Hopefully he'll help out the defense too. On the right wing, Alxìkì will be doing the same, but doubts remain over whether he can be bothered to defend at all. Faragó rue Cazade will operate as a takilante, something Ichi Tuzzio came up with and that nobody's sure is actually a real thing. The gist of it is that he'll play in the position of an advanced center midfielder, try to arrive late at the box, press a lot, try to score, get carded often, etc. His performances will make or break this team.

Up front, Pam has done away with the false-nine-plus-actual-nine set-up and will instead field the two brothers Edmün Çídh and Röémün Çídh as advanced forwards. They'll have to press a lot, that's for sure. Besides that, they're expected to sneak past defenses and bang in goals. Interestingly, neither seems to take on a more supporting role: Edmün is much too talented to be a supporting striker, according to himself, and Röémün's skillset is not really conductive to providing his brother with enough service. For now, they're just two good old-fashioned strikers, and it sort of works.

The team will look to play a vertiginous game, with few passes wasted on recycling possession. Farves live to have the ball at their feet, but also to do something exciting with it. Expect them to press, counterpress and generally look desperate to recover the ball. The further up the pitch you manage to go with the ball, the more in danger they are. However, if you do lose the ball while attacking them, they'll almost always try to start a counterattack. They're very adept at it with their direct passes and stunning pace, so try to make your chances count. Finally, the three-man defense will obviously use the off-side trap, as it's a natural choice with such a high defensive line and three players.

When holding a lead, the team will be much more eager to recycle possession and wait patiently for a goal. In that case, passes will still be direct, but less so. When chasing a game, though, expect some of the most urgent football the Multiverse has to offer.

[Chromatika]

AOCAF LXII Preview

As we head to this very different AOCAF, let us take a look at the competition, the team, and what we should expect.

The Competition

In this very strange format, Chromatika will play in Group A1. What does that mean? That means that Chromatika is playing in League A, comprised of the top sixteen teams in the tournament; after a double round robin, the worst performing team will go down to League B. So, all that matters in the initial six matches is to not be last. Seeding will be based on record, but still, less pressure, right?

Well, not when you look at the caliber of nations in the group. I mean, seriously:
Matchday 1: @ Valanora
Matchday 2: vs. Baker Park
Matchday 3: @ Flavovespia
Matchday 4: vs. Valanora
Matchday 5: @ Baker Park
Matchday 6: vs. Flavovespia

Our record vs. Valanora: 2-1-7.
Our record vs. Baker Park: 2-0-0.
Our record vs. Flavovespia: 1-0-0.

The Elves. One of those victories was for the AOCAF title a while back, but they always give Chromatika trouble. Thankfully, our record against Baker Park and Flavovespia are much better, so there might be a decent shot to finish in the top two places. If you are in Group A in the second group stage, you make it to the playoffs in some way or another. Chromatika could've had it worse - Group A2 has Banija, Sarzonia, Audioslavia, and Equestria - all four World Cup winners; A3 has Starblaydia and Vilita and Turori alongside Siovanija and Teusland and the EUran Oceania Territories; and A4 has Farfadillis, Krytenia, Ko-oren, and Mriin. Yep, definitely a better draw for the Chromatiks.

The Team

Landers and Valens are sticking with the U-25 aspect of the regional squad, and that means that this squad is more of a continuation of the U-21 squad of the cycle prior. Only nine players are based abroad, and four of the Starting XI; seven of the twenty-three are still in University.

Juxon Fillar is an aspiring prospect in goal, having won back-to-back championships with Chromia Central College. That he is getting appearances before he graduates speaks wonders for his potential.

Victoire De Saint-Pierre had five caps in the recent WC cycle, and will be starting at right back; Ulrich Slaven and Damon Ingram, recent graduates and now playing in the Tikariot Premier League, anchor the middle. Marietta Adams rounds out the group, being a good player for Brisara FC.

Barrion Winge is an intriguing prospect, while Kateryna Zuniga is the future, and the Captain. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov? going to be one of the best.

Haley Hauser is flashy and exciting, while Renate Haggard was one of the better players in the last Di Bradini Cup; Alicia Gainsbourg has been waiting for a long time, and since Molding, she is getting a crack, too.

Mostly an experimental squad with Zuniga and Kuznetsov providing the experience.

Expectations

Matchday 1: @ Valanora - L
Matchday 2: vs. Baker Park - D
Matchday 3: @ Flavovespia - W
Matchday 4: vs. Valanora - D
Matchday 5: @ Baker Park - L
Matchday 6: vs. Flavovespia - W

2-2-2, 3rd place. After getting fourth place in the last AOCAF, how far could this team go?

---

Stadia Submissions
Quarterfinals or Semifinals: The Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Chromatika (Cap. 144,000)
The crowning jewel of Chromatika, and the national stadium where international matches are usually held. It's your typical big-team stadium, home of the Chromatik Capitalizt. It is one of the few stadiums that are only used for football matches. The national collegiate finals and high school finals are held here, too. Previously hosted the 3rd Place match of Baptism of Fire 73 and the final of AOCAF 53.

Round of 24 or Round of 16: The Islander Dome, Myana, Chromatika (Cap. 133,000; 35,000 Seats)
The Island Dome is located five miles from downtown Myana, towards the interior of the Island. It is in the shape of a boat to commemorate the naval forces, and there is a cannon that goes off every time the Islanders score a goal at home. Hosted Round of Sixteen match in Baptism of Fire 73, 3rd Place match in AOCAF 53.

[Yesopalitha]

I. The Return of the Shadow

Yesopalitha was founded under the principle that those beings that had once been cursed, the species that had been left by the others as evil or dead, deserved a place to live.

For a number of years, they were fine. Thriving, even. Goblin, skeleton, mummy, dark elf, orc, wraith, ghost... They coexisted with the small population of humans, elves, and dwarves that lived on the land.

When Yesopalitha first approached the the sport of football, they approached it as a game to be played by all species. Then, things got a bit more selective.

For the last two decades or so, it's been all humans. All from the 2% of the population that were humans.

No more.

In this 62nd edition of the AOCAF, Yesopalitha will be represented by species all across the spectrum, including a certain Certani, which is an unknown species of unbidden.

Back to the roots, back to the shadows.

Phase 1 Schedule:
Matchday 1: vs. Tiogludos
Matchday 2: vs. Pluvia and the Saxean Isles
Matchday 3: @ Aut-Ves-Nat
Matchday 4: @ Tiogludos
Matchday 5: @ Pluvia and the Saxean Isles
Matchday 6: vs. Aut-Ves-Nat

[Gyatso-kai]

Gyatso-kai Men's National Football Team,
凯海洋国家足球队
Kaihaiyáng Guójia Zúqiú Duì
Gyats'kai Tsad droten Taab’rugam

Official Name: Gyatso-kai Men’s National Football Team
凯海洋国家足球队 (Kaihaiyáng Guójia Guójia Zúqiú Duì)
Gyats'kai Tsad droten Taab’rugam
Official Nation Name: The Avatarian Republics of Gyatso-kai
凯海洋降世神通共和国 (Kaihaiyáng Jiàngshì Shéntong Gònghéguó)
Tsad Gyats'kai Jettise
Country Code: GKI
Officiating League: The Republic Premier Football League (RPFL)
Founded: 1876 (228 AKy)
Regional Officiating Body: The Atlantian Oceania Confederation of Association Football (AOCAF)
Year of Membership: 2019.2 (63 AAg)
AOCAF Cup Record: 5-3-11 (WDL)
Titles: 0 (Eleven World Cup Appearance)
Rank: 31st (After AOCAF LXI)
Nickname: Bisons

After a miserable seven multiverse campaigns – three World Cups, three AOCAF Cups, and one Cup of Harmony – all ending in early elimination and middle-to-bottom-of-the-group finishes, the Avatarian National Team is set to enter their third AOCAF Cup Tournament, and in the Sixty-Second Edition, there are to be a few changes to the usual format. Introducing a ‘League Format” the playoffs will expand from the usual two rounds to four – Phase 1, Phase 2, Play-In, and Playoffs – which potentially means more games for the Bisons should they find themselves in their usual funk at the bottom of their group.

It is a hard fact to admit, but since the return from The Silence, Avatarian sports have been difficult to watch for those of us who remember the Before Times. Just before The Silence, Avatarian football had found themselves playing in the Group Playoffs in World Cup LXII against the likes of Audioslavia and Pasarga. Since their return, the Bisons have held Avatarian records for worse performances – going 5-3-10 in the Eighty-Sixth World Cup and 1-1-3 in the Sixty-First AOCAF.

Which begs to question… Why is Kad’e Tay’haai still our coach?

Sure, the ASPN pundits have been rambling on and on about a buyout – only five jì left on the contract, a simple ¥2.44 million sum to be paid – but really, will that solve the problem? Is it a matter of coaching, or is it a matter of players, or some combination of the two? For some, we need to look at the Republic Premier Football League to see the issue. Since The Silence, not a single Avatarian players has played on foreign soil… no one… and domestic creep is clearly setting in. Our men don’t have the talent or the ability to show their talents to the multi-verse when we continue to find ourselves lounging at the bottom of the group table. No team wants a player who scores ten goals a tournament on a team that wins just 27% of their matches. Those aren’t stats a foreign club would even blink at, let alone tender any interest…

So what needs to happen?

In all honesty… We need to ditch the old players, and bring in young blood. The days of 35-and-over players leading a National Team must come to an end. The days of having players from the Before Times come on to the pitch wearing a captain’s armband and expecting them to lead any young stars in beyond sight. We need youth, we need vitality, and most importantly, we need a new image.

And if we cannot find that youth and vitality under Tay’haai… This might just be the tournament to say farewell to our former Captain and Coach and find someone who can find that vigor.

***************
The Roster

When RP'ing, the name of my players in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS AND BOLD are the player's family names. These are the names on their jersey and the name professional commentators would call out when making observations. Also, do not write the names in all capital letters, as this is somewhat annoying when reading; I just imagine someone reading calmly along then suddenly SHOUTING the player's name. For example, if writing about FENG Shaoli making a long shot, one would write "Feng made a long shot..." as opposed to "FENG made a long shot..." If you have any further questions regarding names, please feel free to telegram me.

Players age ONE YEAR in-between cups.

Starting players will have their names in GREEN type
Alternate players will have their names in BLUE type
Reserve Players will have their names in STANDARD type.
Travelling Players will be in tables.

1- ZHAO Baoli
Height: 187cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 28 years old - Team: Enceri FC

Withhis first starting tournament having been the somewhat-lackluster AOCAF LXI, Zhao Baoli[/i] has returned as the starting keeper for the Bisons. Fast and agile, as most keepers are, Zhao has a tendency to play medium-range passes incredibly accurately, as opposed to the short-range clears that were made common by Kio’los; this change in style is set to give the Bisons a bit more room to make plays on the offense, breaking up the opponent’s momentum, as well as preventing short-range clears from becoming odd-man rushes on the net. All of this is seen as a welcomed change by Head Coach Tay’haai, as the Bisons move to make their game more offense-driven and rely less and less on good defence to outlast an opponent.

Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Form: A
CAPS: 23 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

[b]22- ARMOK Hikari
Height: 177cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 27 years old - Team: Southern AFC

Coming off a successful fourth season with Southern AFC, Armok Hikari has continued to develop rather nicely when compared to his style back at his alma mater, University of Omashu. After two rough tournaments, many are hoping to find Armok having moved solidly into his role as backup and shaken off the nerves of his first few caps.

Unlike Zhao and his sniping mid-range clears, Armok tends to favor the long-range kicks out to midpitch so as to clear as much action from the back end as possible. Also, Armok is a much more traditional goalkeeper when compared to the very ball-heavy play styles of the first two men in the corps; he firmly believes that his primary goal is to stop balls from getting to the net, and by clearing out the attacking zone quickly, it gives him a chance to set the team up more defensively as he does tend to hand over possession often, but that allows him to focus on the main job of stopping balls and not worrying about diving out of the box and going for more ‘flashy’ plays.

At just a year younger than Zhao, Armok is comparable in experience on a professional level, and after last World Cup garnishing eight caps for the Bisons, is set to become a fixture on the national team roster for some time so long as he proves to be successful.

Rating: B - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: B
CAPS: 14 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 61,[ WC 85-86

44- HAMADA Roshi
Height: 181cm - Weight: 88kg – Age: 21 years old - Team: Royal Fire Nation University

The newest blood to be added to the Goalkeeping Corps, Hamada Roshi is one of the first players to be promoted from the Travelling Corps to the main roster. A young player in his final semester at one of the most prestigious universities in Gyato-kai, it is unlikely that Hamada will ever step foot between the pipes this tournament. However, one can never be certain of what lays beyond tomorrow, and as such, Hamada is preparing for this spot as if he were the starter.

A player who developed an odd style in the Fire Nation, Hamada is known for stepping way in front of the net and attempting to use his physique to stop an offensive player before getting to the ball. Many attribute this odd quirk to Hamada and his twin brother Yoshi having grown up playing ice hockey; whereas Roshi would go on to find his love in football, his brother Yoshi continues to attract scouts on the ice at the University of Kyoko in the Fire Nation. Equally adept at his position as a younger Kio’los, many see Hamada as an eventual stopgate between Zhao/Armok and the next generational keeper for the Bisons.
Rating: B- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: C
CAPS: N/A :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: None

Travelling With the Team

Name		Age		Team					Nation              .
PAO Lishin	23		Mando FC				Earth
LEE Fendao	19		Academy of South Kibago		Mandalore
TSUTSAMA Yen	20		University of Adirolf			Fire

As had been done under Vhett, Head Coach Tay’haai has instituted a Travelling Corps so as to bring young and upcoming players along with the Bisons to show them what Multiverse Play is all about. Pao, having been passed up for the promotion to Alternate, has found himself distant from the other keepers on the Travelling Corps; maybe a bit bitter, maybe a bit more driven to one day take Hamada’s spot. Lee is a much younger player, brought in from a developmental academy in KIbago Province, who is somewhat of a star in the Avatarian Soccer circle; having not let in a single goal in three seasons and representing his Academy at the national level. The newest addition, Tsutsama Yen, is a relative newcomer to the multiverse; having a somewhat average season at UA, he came to the National Team tryouts and put up some impressive physical numbers through the Combine, and thus found his way into the third spot.

Left Defenders:
16- TERCAR Shuajo
Height: 180cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 23 years old - Team: Mando FC

Auranaq Itawaku, “The Beast of the North” has decided to hang up his jersey for the last time, and with his departure, there are no players on The Bisons from before The Silence. In his place, a somewhat smaller Mandalorian finds himself on the left side of the pitch.

Tercar Shuajo, who signed a four-year contract with Mando FC after graduating from Northern University, has added 8kg to his frame in muscle, yet still retains his speed. A very quick and agile defender, Tercar uses his feet and agility to outmaneuver most other players instead of relying on sheer mass to take away a ball, a tactic he learned from pairing with Itawaku during exhibition games prior to World Cup 86.
Rating: B- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: C
CAPS: 12 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: WC 86

12- PAM Kai
Height: 183cm - Weight: 86kg – Age: 24 years old - Team: Senlin Timbers

Formerly the backup to the Beast of the North, Pam Kai spent five tournaments in the shadow of Itawaku, hoping to one day earn the starting spot from him or to replace him. However, at the tryout camp, it was Tercar Shuajo who shined, and received the Starting Spike from Tay’haai. Following another lackluster season in Senlin, Pam has shown himself to be a perennial backup defender; though this time, he has been kicked out of the limelight by a former classmate and teammate of his from Northern University… One has to wonder how that will play out during the tournament.
Rating: B+ - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: A
CAPS: 16 :: GOALS: 3 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 61,WC 84-86

26 – Khánh KA’LOMI
Height: 190cm - Weight: 94kg – Age: 20 years old - Team: Island FC

A young Southern Watertribesman who signed a professional contract with Island FC at just 20-years-of-age, Khánh Ka’lomi is already making waves in the Avatarian sports community. With an impressive size for such a young player, many see him as the next Itawaku, and some have already started calling him “The Beast of the South”. In his first season at Island FC, Ka’lomi put up impressive numbers for a defencemen; ending his season with the highest involvement in goals by a defender with 2 goal and 7 assists to go with 6 clean sheets. Given the way the Bisons have been playing in tournaments prior, don’t expect Ka’lomi to find himself sitting in the press box too much, with a late series call-up likely should Pam or Tercar start to tire or fail to produce.
Rating: B- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: B - Form: C
CAPS: 0 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: None

Central Defenders
5- HASHIMOTO Isamiru
Height: 178cm - Weight: 75kg – Age: 31 years old - Team: Ba Sing Se UNITED

One of the most highly-rated player for the Bison defence, Hashimoto Isamiru, or “Hashi” as he is loving called by fans, has shown himself to be a very valuable asset to the team. A strong defensive player who often falls in to a full-back position, Hashimoto has made great strides in improving his passing and marking skills since he was traded to Ba Sing Se UNITED from Keldabe FC after a very disappointing season which saw Kelabe not advance to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 68 :: GOALS: 6 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

15- UTHAN A’den
Height: 185cm - Weight: 83kg – Age: 22 years old - Team:Kyoshi State University

A large and physically imposing player, Uthan A’den does not play a very physical game like Auranaq or Hashimoto, but instead proves himself to be one of the fastest players on the team; one who uses that speed to outpace and overtake many of his opponents. Less prove to tackle and trip, and more likely to simply run up from behind and steal the ball mid-dribble, expect to see Uthan engaging opponents closer to the net than you will be comfortable with from previous Bisons campaigns.
Rating: A- - Team Relationship: B - Morale: A - Form: A
CAPS: 68 :: GOALS: 11 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59- 61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

15- Ganham Ri’om
Height: 175cm - Weight: 70kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Concord Dusk AFC

Though not as fast as Uthan, Ganham Ri’om is a full-back more focused on the offence, who uses his skill with the ball to often drive the offence from the backfield. Though Ganham can have some minor difficulties when tasked with defence (given that he played his entire career at Hatsu State as a offensive midfielder before switching to defence when drafted), he is a very dedicated player and works hard to improve where he knows there are weakness.
Rating: B+ - Team Relationship: B - Morale: A - Form: B
CAPS: 13 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-60, 62,WC 84-86

Right Defenders:

3- SOMCHAI Kikwan
Height: 187cm - Weight: 83kg – Age: 31 years old - Team: Itakawai City

While certainly not the oldest player in the defence, Somchai Kikwan does serve as the counterpoint to Uthan’s youthful excitement. Having graduated from Kyoshi State, Somchai is very familiar to the style of play Uthan is used to, and the two of them communicate very well on the side of the field. Very adept at playing the middle of the field, when pushed to the right side, Somchai is quick to adapt and has the endurance and stamina to keep up with the demands.

Having made his multiverse debut in World Cup 85, Somchai has continued to play through a nagging lower body injury. While he has shown signs of improvement – as well as the additional reports of him seeing a Northern Healer for therapy, he continues to play a On-Off schedule; starting one game, resting the next. Many felt he should be taken out of the starting line-up, however, after being the only player to score in four of the Bisons’ five World Cup 86 victories he seems to have garnished a bit of faith from the ASPN team of commentators.
Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 17 :: GOALS: 5 :: TOURN. PLAYED: WC 85-86

23- HUANG Aodhán
Height: 183cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Makapu ERUPT

With Mi’rez Yiman retiring, Huang Aodhán would find himself moving up on the list of right defenders. Signed onto a Taap-A team right out of college, Huang was quick to mature and found his way onto the Makapu ERUPT just two season ago. A quick study, he adapted well to his new team and soon made it to their starting eleven. Huang is a natural athlete, with impressive speed and stamina to match, and we can expect to see that natural athleticism on display as the tournament wears on and fatigue sets into the Starting Eleven.
Rating: C – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: C
CAPS: 12:: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 60-61, WC 84-86

15 – Tarou ADEEN
Height: 189cm - Weight: 90kg – Age: 21 years old - Team: Royal Flames

With the retirement of a couple of the Bisons’ core defenders, the Travelling Corps has produced another potential feature player in the form of Tarou Adeen. A product of both the Royal Fire Developmental Programs as well as serving under the tutelage of Fujimoto Zhong at Omashu State, Adeen is sure to see his number called in future tournaments. Much like his counterpart on the left, Tay’haai seems to be wanting to bring size into the game; Adeen stands at just under 190cm and weighs a little under 90kg. Combine that size with his speed and vision on the pitch, and you have a defender who can knock an opponent off course and redirect a ball to a forward without even lifting his head from his target. As with others in the lower levels of the team, expect to see Adeen as the tournament progresses.
Rating: C – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: C
CAPS: 0:: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: **None**

Travelling With the Team

Position	Name		Age		School				Nation                |
RD		KATO Zhao Ling	21		Enceri State University		Mandalorian	
RD		YAMADA Goro	20		Republic City State University	Fire
CD		ZHOU Hiroto	20		Kibago University		Earth

The Travelling Corps for Defense is a mixed group of under-21s who are all potential future Bisons. Kato, from Enceri, is coming off a All-Star season in the Southern Islands Conference, having been credited with the most goals by any defenseman in season. Yamada stays on the travelling squad, while his future linemate Ka’lomi was called up; though you can expect to see Yamada in the future should he continue to show promise in his last semester at RCSU. Zhou, still riding the high of his previous season at Kibago, looks to repeat his selection to the Coaches Poll All-Star team with another resounding performance.

Defensive Midfielders:

7- TAKAHASHI Hikaru
Height: 178cm - Weight: 76kg – Age: 34 years old - Team: Northern AFC

A strong defensive midfielder. Takahashi Hikaru’s strength lies in his kicks; easily able to send a ball soaring across the pitch with surprising accuracy, Takahashi is known for feeding the ball to the strikers and catching many opposing defences off-guard. He often has great vision, and he is easily able to read the play and can adapt accordingly.

Now, Takahashi has to step into a new role, as the oldest player on the team. With the retirement of so many of his fellow over-30 players, some feel the pressure is on Takahashi to produce more in this lengthened tournament, or find himself warming the bench while the young ones sharpen their teeth.
Rating: S – Team Relationship: S – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 70 :: GOALS: 21 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

6- MA Haijiang
Height: 187cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 31 years old - Team: Northern AFC

Head Coach Tay’haai made the unusual selection of having both of his defensive midfielders come from the same team, for reasons most can ascertain. A proven veteran on the pitch, Ma Haijiang complements Takahashi’s strong kicks and accuracy with the speed to overcome most opponents; if he can not strike a ball deep, Takahashi will often send a volley up to Ma who will then run it into the offensive zone before lasering the ball to an open forward. Expect to see either Ma or Takahashi in the assist column for plenty of goals.

Though, now with both players into their 30s, and many calling for younger blood to take the reigns, one has to wonder how much longer the ‘Northern Duo’ will continue to play together… or worse, who will be the first to retire…
Rating: A- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 68 :: GOALS: 13 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

17- YOSHIDA Arata
Height: 177cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 28 years old - Team: Royal Flames

Yoshida Arata is a dedicated player who has worked incredibly hard to make his way to the national team; having spent several months training with one of the greatest Avatarian midfielders to ever play the game, Bralor Kotyc’e. Time spent with Bralor has proven to greatly improve his game, seeing Yoshida climb up the ranks during the Trials for the national team.

Though, Yoshida is not a player you will often notice. He is not one for showboating, and very rarely makes a goal or garnishes an assist. Instead, he focuses his time on the pitch by setting up the offense for a great pass, a decisive tackle that often swings the game’s momentum, or just being able to intercept the ball at the most opportune time. One of the best midfielders in the Southern Conference of the RPFL, Yoshida is sure to see time on the pitch by relieving Takahashi or Ma in the later games of the competition.

Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: B
CAPS: 21 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60, 62,WC 84-86

Neutral Midfielders:

18- HISAKAWA Si Woo
Height: 183cm - Weight: 84kg – Age: 31 years old - Team: Senlin Timbers

An extremely technical midfielder, Hisakawa Si Woo is not one to shy away from trying for goals. More aept at reading the play and setting up his forwards, Hisakawa is a bit more impatient than one would like, and he posseses the speed and agility to run through a good defence and find the back of the net on occasion. He is also the only player on the Bisons who is currently unsigned; his contract with the Taap-A team Omashu Athletic ended after AOCAF LX, and with nothing really to showcase his worth, Omashu Athletic chose to not sign Hisakawa; a fact that has certainly hurt his morale going into the last World Cup. However, an impressive showing, including four goals at WC 85, saw Hisakawa sign a two-year contract with the Senlin Timbers just days after the completion of the group stage.
Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 42 :: GOALS: 9 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84, 86, CoH 76

Attacking Midfielders:

8- YU Shichiro
Height: 183cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 26 years old - Team: Keldabe FC

With a very offensive-minded footballing style, Yu Shichiro works as the last link between the midfield and the offence. Much like Hisakawa, Yu has been known to even advance from the midfield to score quite a few key goals in pivotal games, including the 2019.2 Ve’vut Cup winning goal against Concord Dusk AFC. He has a powerful long shot and is exceptional at heading, both of which are aided by his height. However, as skilled as he is in offense, Yu still prefers to pass the ball up to forwards for an assist in a goal as opposed to being the star player.

Rating: A- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 46 :: GOALS: 2 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86


11- GUANYU Jun
Height: 185cm - Weight: 81kg – Age: 24 years old - Team: Omashu Athletic (Taap-A)
A very creative midfielder, Guanyu Jun is very capable of making plays on the fly; with great vision and quick feet, he often can set up his forwards for a great goal or keep the ball moving through the middle. Though having graduated from Heibai University right after AOCAF, Guanyu, who managed to only appear in a single game during AOCAF, started in the next two World Cups as well as AOCAF 60, before being knocked off his starting position by Yu Shichiro coming into AOCAF 61. Who knows how that will play out, seeing as how many in the sports world see Guanyu as more of a playmaker than Yu and a bit more skilled despite being three years his junior.

Rating: B+ – Team Relationship: B – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 22 :: GOALS: 4 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-85

14 – Fei’kao SONG
Height: 185cm - Weight: 81kg – Age: 23 years old - Team: FC Mando

Relatively young when compared to his teammates, Fei’kao Song chose to forgo his collegiate career, getting drafted by FC Mando the day before his twentieth birthday. Despite all the fanfare of his first season behind him, Song has not had a promising start to his sophomore season. Given his still-developing skills in midfield, his is seen as a comparatively weak player and often spends more time with the coaching staff than other more-seasoned players. Song, much like Hisakawa, is a technical player by nature whose greatest asset is not in his aim or power, but in the art of dribbling which he uses at every opportunity. While more prone to provide assists on plays as opposed to goals, Song has proven himself through Trials to Tay’haai and earned a spot on the National Team, albeit a reserve position.

Rating: B- – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: C
CAPS: 2 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 60, CoH 76

Travelling With the Team

Position	Name			Age		School					Nation
DM		INOUE Anernerk		23		Uni. of the Northern Tribes		Water
DM		Kal ITOWA		23		Uni. of the Southern Tribes		Water
NM		Penlu SAITO		20		Chomain State Academy			Fire
OM		SHAO Mi’ka		22		Univeristy of Kibago			Water
OM		DIK Up’lis		21		Omashu State University			Earth

Mostly comprised of Water Tribesmen, the Midfield Travelling Corps is a grabbag of talent. From the University of the Northern Tribes come home-grown Inoue Anernerk, who at just like his father, the famed Inoue Kuruk, completed back-to-back double-digit scoring seasons in his last two seasons of college; impressive for a man who is supposed to be on the defensive midfield. From UST, Kal Itowa mirrors the success of Inoue, though a career less filled with goals and more with assists. Penlu Saito, a young player from the developmental Chomain State Academy, hopes to see a professional contract within the year, and with such a great season in the ADFL, you can be sure he will at least entertain some good offers. Out of the University of Kibago, Shao Mi’ka is a relatively quiet player who has had offers from both Gaoling Union and Senlin Timbers. Dik Up’lis rounds out the Travelling Corps, bringing from Omashu State a drive for excellence many teams would love to have, even if it comes with a bit more maturing to be fostered.

9 - Dag’da SKIRATA
Height: 185cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 23 years old - Team: University of Adirolf

From the fabled and illustrious Skirata family, Dag’da Skirata continues to show why the Skirata’s are the most famous Avatarian family in sports; from his grandfather Kad coaching the Men’s National Ice Hockey Team to his father A’den’s 59 goals in 190 caps for the Bisons, Dag’da has some massive shoes to fill. Though his youthful energy often times shows itself in classic mistakes, Skirata is able to power his way through many the defender and be it by foot or by head, he finds the net more often than not. In his first season with the Adirolf Gators, A’den went for 19 goals in 10 caps, including the last game before AOCAF where he received his first hattrick in a stellar 4-0 victory of their rivals from Adirolf State.

Rating: S – Team Relationship: S – Morale: S – Form: A
CAPS: 71 :: GOALS: 30 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

10 - SONG Kaoru
[i]Height: 178cm - Weight: 74kg – Age: 26 years old - Team: FC Mando

Much like Skirata, Song Kaoru comes from a sports-centric family; with his father a coach in the RPFL, his mother a third-line winger for the Ice Bisons and his younger brother the star goalkeeper for Itakawai City, fans and critics have come to expect nothing but greatness from Song. They have certainly not been disappointed in domestic play, with Song showing a near-effortless game on the pitch. Dodging defenders as if they were standing still, sniping balls past nets which might as well have been empty, Song has quickly become the media’s favorite player... especially with how he loves to be interviewed.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
CAPS: 69 :: GOALS: 21 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

21- LI Yuuta
Height: 185cm - Weight: 85kg – Age: 27 years old - Team: Island FC

Older than both of the starting forwards, Li Yuuta also fins himself the oldest member of the Forward Corps. Playing the last five seasons in Island FC, Li has continued to develop as a well-rounded secondary striker; able to shield the ball from the other team and hold them off long enough for either of the Bisons’ primary stikers to get into position for a great shot. Li is very adept at striking himself, having led Island FC in Goals Scored last season.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 14 :: GOALS: 1 :: TOURN. PLAYED: AOCAF 59, 60,WC 84-86, CoH 76

19 - KIM Vinh Lành
Height: 185cm - Weight: 80kg – Age: 25 years old - Team: Island FC

A seasoned pivot man through five seasons at Island FC, Kim Vinh Lành is known for his ability to read the pitch and place himself ahead of a ball to bring in an attempt --- even if the pass is terrible --- through his excellent ball-handling skills. Albeit not the most conditioned player, with stamina that often finds him at the back of the pack during running exercises, Kim makes up for his endurance with incredibly fast bursts to the goal.

Rating: B – Team Relationship: A – Morale: B – Form: A
CAPS: 4 :: GOALS: N/A :: TOURN. PLAYED: WC 86

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Captain: TAKAHASI Hikaru
Vice-Captain: HASHIMOTO Isamiru
Third Captain: MA Haijiang

Kick Takers (in order of ability)
Free kicks: SONG Kaoru
Right corners: GANHAN Ri’om, UTHAN A’den
Left corners: TAKAHASHI Hikaru, UTHAN A’den
Penalties: Dag’da SKIRATA, TAKAHASHI Hikaru, MA Haijiang, GUANYU Jun, HASHIMOTO Isamiru, YU Shichiro, SOMCHAI Kikwan

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Head Coach: Kad’e TAY’HAAI
Height: 182cm – Weight: 76kg – Age 59 years old – Team: University of Adirolf, Head Coach

With 253 caps in Multiverse Play, and originally having been dubbed “The Next One” as a player, it only seemed right when Vhett Boba, the esteemed Head Coach of the Natonal Team since World Cup 57, stepped down that Kad’e Tay’haai would step into his boots. After such an illustrious career in football, Tay’haai found himself retiring from the sport in 2016.2 and moving on to become an assistant coach for the University of Adirolf for three cycles, before stepping into the role of Head Coach in 2018.3. While Adirolf has not quite enjoyed great success through the ACSA, it has begun to turn itself around; after boasting their first losing record in 32 years, the Adirolf Gators came out of 2019.2 with a 17-7-0 record and a second place finish in the National Championships.

However, with all of this domestic success, Tay’haai has struggled to convert it to the multiverse. Since the return of the Bisons’ from The Silence, the team has garnished a paltry 24-18-44 record, with their AOCAF record a measly 5-3-11. So many in the National Sports Council have been calling for Tay’haai to step down, that for some, they see this AOCAF and the subsequent World Cup as the last chance for the “Tay’haai Experiment” to bear fruit. If it doesn’t, that buyout option looks even better.

Rating: A- - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Confidence: B
Tourn. Coached: AOCAF 59-62,WC 84-86, CoH 76

Assistant Coach: WONG Haru
Height: 185cm – Weight: 88kg – Age 48 years old – Team: FC Itakawai, Assistant General Manager

Once a star defender for the Bisons, following his retirement from national and multiverse play, Wong Haru made a name for himself with a brief stint in coaching professionally; first as a Defensive Coach for Solus FC for two years and then FC She Pass for another four. However, when Wakahisa Hikaru – whose infamous knee injury in the championship game for the Republic Chalice brought the nation to tears and ended his professional career – called Wong to bring onboard FC Itakawai when they shifted ownership, it was a call he could not pass up. Being the head coach of one of the RPFL’s best teams for nearly 8 years truly honed his knowledge of the game as well as his abilities to analyze and coach players to greatness. Of course, it was an easy decision for Tay’haai to bring an old teammate on-board to be his assistant coach, who then filled out his coaching staff wth even more veterans of the Bisons...

Rating: B - Team Relationship: A - Morale: B - Confidence: B
Tourn. Coached: AOCAF 59-61,WC 84-86, CoH 76

Coaching Assistants: KUSONAGI Batou, PHAM Vinh Lành, KRYSE Pre (Forwards), NAKAMURA Batou and MAKI LI (Defence), KITA Bai’a, NISHIMURA Kenshin (Goalkeeper)

Head Medical Officer: Doctor FONG Jintao
Height: 190cm – Weight: 82kg – Age 33 years old
Following the retirement of Wen Wuchin after the 85th World Cup, the much-younger Doctor Fong Jintao replaced the “Ol’Doc” as he was so lovingly referred to as by the team. Having served through the Grand Army of the Republic, Doctor Fong is a veritable successor to the Ol’Doc’s history as the last member of the Old Guard – all staff appointed by former-Head Coach and now Director Boba Vhett. When not travelling with the team, Fong carries the rank of Captain, First Class and serves in the 501st Legion in the First Territorial Army, stationed in Republic City; specifically, he is a resident Surgeon within the Third Avatarian Guard, and is seen as a competitor for the soon-to-be-vacated position of Head Assistant Surgeon in the Capital Medical Facility, thanks to another former member of the Old Guard retiring from that post.
Rating: A - Team Relationship: A - Morale: A - Confidence: A
Medical Assistants: HU Haicheng, HONG Sujin, LEE Jiabao

Security Chief: Captain AKAAN (RC-4868)
Height: 183cm – Weight: 81kg – Age: 45 years old CHRONOLOGICAL (48 years old BIOLOGICAL)
A clone officer within the Grand Army of the Republic, RC-4868 was appointed Chief of Security for the National Team in 2011.1. Each time the team travels abroad --- so long as he is not engaged in a mission --- RC-4868 is pulled from service and placed into the spotlight of security. He is battle-hardened, having been raised since birth for war and combat, and as such often views these assignments with true boredom. The seven men he brings with him on assignment share the same sentiments of the ‘mission’, however, their ‘unwaivering loyalty’ to the Republic prevents any negative speak during the assignment. Each is a member of the Avatarian Guard, whose sole responsibility is to defend the Avatar at both home and abroad; this protection then extends to all sports teams travelling beyond the borders of the Five Nations.
Rating: A – Strength: A – Tactics: A – Skill: A
Security Assistants: CT-2234, CT-45-9934, CC-8341, CT-2401, CC-75-3341, RC-1346, RC-4321, RC-4555

President of the ALAF: HIS RIGHT HONOURABLE VHETTBoba
Age: 73 – Time in the job: 8 Years (31 jì)

Once the longest serving Head Coach in Avatarian History – with a record spanning 261 games, ten World Cups and multiple other multiverse competitions – it was only right for Vhett to step into the role of President of the Avatarian Leagues of Association Football. Having brought a team from nothing to the quarterfinals in 8 World Cups is not something to look away from, and although his career was tarnished slightly by the final performances of the Bisons – going 5-7-1 in his last World Cup – Vhett is confident that soon glory will be returned to the Avatarian Republics, although initial performances in all seven tournaments to date have been far from promising.

Rating: S - Influence: A - Morale: A - Confidence: A – History: S

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Kits

For the Sixty-Second Edition of the Atlantian Oceania regional tournament , The Bisons will be using the same kits worn since AOCAF LIX.

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------------------------22------------------------
-------------05--------------------04-------------
--------16------------------------------03--------
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--------07------------------------------06--------
-------------18--------------------11-------------
-------------------09--------10-------------------
 

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::: PHASE I :::
League B
Group B2

Matchday 01 vs Qasden₂₁
Matchday 02 vs Oontaz Dert Li Ng₃₂
Matchday 03 at Saltstead₂₇
Matchday 04 at Qasden₂₁
Matchday 05 at Oontaz Dert Li Ng₃₂
Matchday 06 vs Saltstead₂₇

NOTE: All matches played at Home shall be played at the national stadium, located in Republic City. Flights into Republic City shall be discounted for travelling fans, and ticket priority will be given to Avatarian fans. All games will be ticketed in such a way to keep the stadium 60% Gyatso-kai and 40% Opposition, with lower level seats near the opposing side’s bench and entry reserved for opposing fans. Upper Levels will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Official Name: Stadium of the Republics
Local Name: The Bowl
Seating Capacity: 83,686
Location: Republic City, Republic Capital Territory, Gyatso-kai

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Style: +4.0 out of 5.0
Choose my goal scorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:[\/b] Yes
[b]Injure to my players: Yes for minor, one-game-out injuries. I will decide and RP any further inactivity for a player caused by your injury.
Godmod injuries: Yes for minor, one-game-out injuries
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes, within reason
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes (1 MAX PER GAME)
Godmod Other Events: Yes, within reason. Please telegram me if you’re in doubt.

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[Mriin]

Mrii National Team

For competition in the 62nd AOCAF
Right: An artist's rendition of Solara Vol, Mrii legend (in her Sabrefell Moths duds).
Style: 4-4-2, +1.5
Nickname: the Reavers

Note that most players are satyrs, as pictured, though with a variety of skins tones--mostly in various shades of blue, purple, and red. They're on average very tall, along the lines of human professional basketball players, and specialize in aerial play thanks to the elevated header control courtesy of their horns. Their stature also lends itself to a fast and aggressive attacking game, leveraging long strides, high stamina, and imposing presence to pressure and wear down the opposition. While there are certain Mrii who show a phenomenal amount of dexterity on the ball, they're generally the strikers; small, quick humans that can "get under" Mrii backs have been a problem spot for the team, though under Tailtiu Brennan's tutelage they've become much more adept at punishing mistakes with brutal counterattacks.

POSITION - NUMBER - GENDER - AGE - NAME - TEAM

M  -    - F - 56 - Tailtiu Brennan   - 
AS -    - M - 34 - Omuul Alkiina     - 

Sample XI
GK -  1 - M - 31 - Dun Mekeus        -  Chromatik
LB -  2 - F - 23 - Filia Draaken     -  Vidial Alchemists
CB -  3 - F - 25 - Yngriit Kalabaan  -  North Hall
CB -  4 - M - 28 - Paarsimer Jaan    -  North Laithland
RB -  5 - F - 31 - Karii Bruun       -  Sabrefell Moths
DM -  7 - F - 23 - Winabæn Kevaarsen -  Aries Chariots
CM -  6 - M - 23 - Idi Mboge         -  New Bremen FC [Human]
CM -  8 - F - 26 - Ÿya Tuuvyr        -  La Nueva Avenida
AM -  9 - F - 28 - Otalia Kasmiir    -  Brinemouth  <Captain>
ST - 10 - F - 27 - Istria Saara      -  Coret Hawks
ST - 11 - F - 26 - Äzyr Fæwin        -  AFC Hosingr <Set Pieces>

ALTERNATES
GK - 12 - F - 26 - Hadrii Tiaant     -  Jlinal Cove FC
GK - 23 - F - 36 - Dinii Eduun       -  Northern Stallions
LB - 13 - F - 34 - Pia Levaani       -  Rozelle
CB - 14 - M - 35 - Maas Halder       -  Oljestaden IF
CB - 15 - M - 26 - Tayaaga Romneir   -  Osarese Marcadia
RB - 16 - F - 27 - Kiora Moor        -  AFC Hosingr
LM - 17 - M - 31 - Popo Tevainen     -  Bruul Skewers
CM - 18 - F - 35 - Malia Yonen       -  AFC Corvistone
CM - 19 - F - 27 - Lavinia Riitsi    -  Marque
RM - 20 - F - 33 - Tia Mor           -  Maal Dæmons
ST -  0 - F - 32 - Mako Silanii      -  Ponyville United
ST - 21 - F - ?? - Tali’raia         -  Crystopolis City [dryad]
ST - 22 - M - 26 - Beiren Reiger     -  Harbor

NON-ROSTER INVITEES
CM - 98 - F - 23 - Alkrÿ Bren          -  Dí Maozöxê
RM - 96 - F - 23 - Älita Nomii         -  Prei Dragonriders
ST - 95 - M - 24 - Manahaal Brimorii   -  Maal Dæmons

POSITION - NUMBER - GENDER - AGE - NAME - TEAM

KEEPERS

GK -  1 - M - 31 - Dun Mekeus        -  Chromatik
GK - 12 - F - 26 - Hadrii Tiaant     -  Jlinal Cove FC
GK - 23 - F - 36 - Dinii Eduun       -  Northern Stallions

After a catastrophic defensive collapse in the first half of qualifiers, Dun successfully unhanded Dinii of the starting goalkeeping spot, but will need to keep a watch over his shoulder as Hadrii enters his prime. Dinii is still a highly respected keeper, of course, and can slot into the lineup on any given day without a second thought.

DEFENDERS

LB -  2 - F - 23 - Filia Draaken     -  Vidial Alchemists
LB - 13 - F - 34 - Pia Levaani       -  Rozelle
CB -  3 - F - 25 - Yngriit Kalabaan  -  North Hall
CB -  4 - M - 28 - Paarsimer Jaan    -  North Laithland
CB - 14 - M - 35 - Maas Halder       -  Oljestaden IF
CB - 15 - M - 26 - Tayaaga Romneir   -  Osarese Marcadia
RB -  5 - F - 31 - Karii Bruun       -  Sabrefell Moths
RB - 16 - F - 27 - Kiora Moor        -  AFC Hosingr

With the current generation of Reavers seeming to cap out at the World Cup quarterfinals, an executive decision is made for a youth infusion for the AOCAF. A few 23 year olds--an age not seen on the first team since the BoF era--are being capped, including long-anticipated prospect Filia Draaken who honed her skills in the Hinodijen league system. A lithe and athletic back who pressed forward with vigor and, occasionally, arrogance. She’s joined on the younger side by another prospect, Yngriit Kalabaan, who just finalized a big move to Brenecia. She’s a brawler by trade and tracker by training, having studied under “Mr. Anger Management Issues” Maas Halder and gaining a good measure of the restraint he had eventually learned.

Paarsimer has stellar coverage and is perhaps the cleanest tackling satyr there is. He’s balanced out on the right side by Karii, a shorty by satyr standards--a mere 6’3”--who managed to overcome the chip-on-the-shoulder mentality she grew up with but kept the weaponized malice. She’s the squad’s bruiser and will be coming after your cocky striker.

MIDFIELDERS

DM -  7 - F - 23 - Winabæn Kevaarsen -  Aries Chariots
LM - 17- M - 31 - Popo Tevainen     -  Bruul Skewers
CM -  6 - M - 23 - Idi Mboge         -  New Bremen FC [Human]
CM -  8 - F - 26 - Ÿya Tuuvyr        -  La Nueva Avenida
CM - 18 - F - 35 - Malia Yonen       -  AFC Corvistone
CM - 19 - F - 27 - Lavinia Riitsi    -  Marque
RM - 20 - F - 33 - Tia Mor           -  Maal Dæmons
AM -  9 - F - 28 - Otalia Kasmiir    -  Brinemouth  <Captain>

It’s time for a miniature Baptism of Fire. At this point in the cycle, at this point of the tournament, localized entirely in the Reaver’s midfield? It’s more likely than you think. It’s not quite fair to call this a bleeding of the ‘old guard,’ persay. Popo is still in his prime, Tia is barely on the come-down, and Malia is still an extremely capable star. They’ll all likely be seeing plenty of play this AOCAF with such an abnormally clogged schedule. They may even still get the edge when it comes to the knockouts. But for now it’s time to see if the likes of Idi--the first human to break into the Reavers lineup--and Winabæn can perform at this level already. Joining them will be Otalia, the youngest member of the WC86 midfield and the only one keeping the nominal starting spot and taking over Malia’s armband. Not to mention Ÿya Tuuvyr, who’d broken out in the Schottic league during its brief resurgence and now finally caved to move to another league. Going from Schottia to Farfadillis is a hell of a change of scenery to say the least.

STRIKERS

ST - 10 - F - 27 - Istria Saara      -  Coret Hawks
ST - 11 - F - 26 - Äzyr Fæwin        -  AFC Hosingr
ST -  0 - F - 32 - Mako Silanii      -  Ponyville United
ST - 21 - F - ?? - Tali’raia         -  Crystopolis City [dryad]
ST - 22 - M - 26 - Beiren Reiger     -  Harbor

The striker selection at Tailtiu’s fingertips is largely a mix-and-match skills puzzle. Istria is towering and imperious in front of goal; Äzyr is blazing fast with a technicality that’s hard to find in satyr strikers; Tali’raia brings a subtler touch than any of their behooved teammates, capable of losing markers and phasing through blockers seemingly at will but liable to be just as invisible to their teammates on a bad day. Mako is a prototypical marauder with a cannon for a hoof, but with a developed ability to cut in lethally from the wings should the opportunity present itself. Beiren’s skillset has a fair bit of overlap with Mako’s with a bit more youthful vigor and a pinch more directness/murderous intent.

---

Stadia:
Kapytaal, Maal (75 000)
The new glimmering jewel of the MNL, purpose-built for the World Cup 85 hosting effort. Located in the heart of
the capital's biggest entertainment districts, surrounded on all sides by fine theatre, raucous nightlife, and fine dining.
No expense was spared to provide the ultimate spectator experience by leveraging the minds of the University of Architecture
to create a high-capacity stadium that retains a measure of the intimacy football fanatics so dearly crave. Not to mention
unparalleled crowd flow patterns--guaranteed to get you to the concourse vendors and back in your seat as fast as possible.

Kits fabulously provided by Aer!
Home / Away / Keeper

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (minor, out-for-the-game max)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes (no plagues pls)

[Saltstead]

The Royal Saltsteadish Football Association proudly presents
Såutsteides näsjonal Footballsplug

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Country code: SAL
Nickname: The Stallions
National anthem: Risen from Ruins

Notable matches
First international: Saltstead 0–2 Loynn (Bellator, DRK; BoF 65 matchday 1)
First win: Finland 0–1 Saltstead (Bellator, DRK; BoF 65 matchday 2)
First loss: Saltstead 0–2 Loynn (Bellator, DRK; BoF 65 matchday 1)
First draw: Saltstead 4–4 Acapais (Bellator, DRK; BoF 65 semifinal)
Biggest win: Makhnovia 0–6 Saltstead (Unknown City, MAK; WCQ 80 matchday 17)
Biggest losses: Saltstead 0–4 Starblaydia (Maneapolis, EQS; AOCAF LVI matchday 3); Equestria 4–0 Saltstead (Freeport, FPT; AOCAF LIX round of 16)

The temporal anomoly has deeply scarred the reputation of Saltsteadish football, with Saltstead now fighting to make up significant lost ground. With the “Qusma revolution” long past, the Stallions have returned to their defence-oriented, “anti-football” roots, but not exactly in the most graceful of ways. The Rosencrants era has been one of firsts: first finish in the bottom half of World Cup qualifying, first group stage elimination at the Cup of Harmony and—a good first for a change—a silver medal finish at the Stallions’ début Rabastor Unity Trophy appearance. With a young, inexperienced squad headed to AOCAF, a first knockout stage win at the multiverse’s oldest active regional championship looks unlikely, but football is played on pitches, not pieces of paper.

---

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Personnel
Head coach: Heir John Nicholas Rosencrants [OME]
Assistant coaches: Heir Thomas de Vricht [OME] and Heir Aleksänder van den Bergen
Fitness coach: Heir Clement Kolen | Medical lead: Frue Annelise Prinsen | Physio: Frue Johanne Angelshus
The grandson of Saltsteadish republican dissidents, Rosencrants played as a forward for the Omerica national team before retiring to coach his hometown club Saint Anne Athletic. Achieving stability at the club and guiding them through an unexpected relegation battle, the Saltsteadish-Omerican’s appointment is seen as providing a safe pair of hands to transition Saltstead back into international football after its unexpected interruption. Rosencrants brings along another Saltsteadish-Omerican in former Omerica midfielder and longtime confidant Thomas de Vricht, while employing native Saltsteader Aleksänder van den Bergen to act as a cultural liaison between the Omerican duo and the rest of the Saltsteadish team structure.

Goalkeepers
№1 Frue Kathrinita Äsħes (age 25; SIS FC)
№12 Heir Adam van Middelkamp (age 21; Ōtachi Audfort)
№13 Frue Julij Kåler (age 22; Saint George University)

Defenders
№2 Heir Gunner Stepħenssen (age 23; Royal Michaeltown)
№3 Heir Rokus Michahels (age 25; Königlik Veelheim)
№4 Heir Dijter Ackerdiħ (age 20; Königlik Veelheim)
№5 Heir Tobias Thomassen (age 24; Ōtachi Audfort)
№6 Heir Yorg Handel (age 24; Ōtachi Audfort)
№14 Heir Frans Richard (age 22; SIS FC)
№15 Heir Sebastien van Can (age 20; Cherrygrove City)
№16 Frue Anne Hodmaker (age 19; Sänt-Claudie)
№17 Heir Johan van Tilborg (age 22; Cherrygrove City)
№18 Heir Constantijn Kåler (age 22; Cherrygrove City)

Midfielders
№7 Frue Marina Jager (age 21; SIS FC)
№8 Frue Violeta Igesleven (age 22; Saint George University)
№9 Frue Margaretha Wilheumssen (age 24; Ōtachi Audfort)
№10 Heir Nico Joxepħssen (age 22; Cherrygrove City)
№19 Frue Johanne Geuberts (age 20; FC Heilig Krösħ)
№20 Heir Nico Swart (age 23; Saint George University)
№21 Heir Theodor Felicianus (age 25; Königlik Veelheim)
№22 Frue Aleksa le Duc (age 20; Königlik Veelheim)

Forwards
№11 Frue Stepħanie Withöüf (age 23; Royal Michaeltown)
№23 Heir Edvard Rothås (age 20; SIS FC)

---

---

Most likely to …:
Foul: Gunner Stepħenssen
Be fouled: Margaretha Wilheumssen
Be subbed out: Tobias Thomassen
Be subbed in: Jån van Tilborg
Shoot: Stepħanie Withöüf
Score from close range: Stepħanie Withöüf
Score from long range: Nico Joxepħssen
Attempt the spectacular: Edvard Rothås

Player roles:
Captain: Kathrinita Äsħes
Vice-captain: Tobias Thomassen
Second vice-captain: Rokus Michahels
Left corners: Nico Joxepħssen
Right corners: Marina Jager
Direct free kicks: Dijter Ackerdiħ
Indirect free kicks: Dijter Ackerdiħ
Penalty taker: Violeta Igesleven

---

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Formation and tactics: (5-4-1)

Withöüf/Rothås
Joxepħssen/Le Duc . Wilheumssen/Felicianus . Igesleven/Swart . Jager/Geuberts
Handel/Kåler . Thomassen/Van Tilborg . Ackerdiħ/Hodmaker . Michahels/Van Can . Stepħenssen/Richard
Äsħes/Van Middelkamp/Kåler

The default Saltsteadish strategy can be summed up in one phrase: “the best offence is a good defence”. The Stallions play a highly opportunistic attack, lying in wait for an opportunity rather than charging head-on, with possession mostly confined to the midfield. Saltstead prefer to play a passing game in possession, while attempting to pry the ball away from the opposition when not, either by intercepting a pass or tackling players. The Stallions will attempt to frustrate and infuriate the opposition and are unashamed of drawing games and advancing via penalty shoot-outs.

---

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Home stadium:
King William VII National Park, Ashwell (König Wilheum VII Näsjonalpark, Asħwell)
Capacity 77,000
Located in the heart of Romanesque city of Ashwell in the borough of Grandstraxe, UICA Champions’ Cup 70 final venue de Näsjonalpark is at the centre of de Näsjonalplaat, the sporting mecca of the realm and home to the Royal Saltsteadish Olympic Federation, the Royal Saltsteadish Football Association and several of the most important venues in Saltsteadish sport. The surrounding city is an ancient city in the modern era and home to the royal family and some of the nation’s biggest attractions, giving visitors plenty of sightseeing to do before and after the game.

The stadium—which takes its name from the father of Saltsteadish democracy, longest-reigning Saltsteadish monarch and great-grandfather of the Reigning King—is the largest in the country, features amenities such as a retractable roof, air conditioning, sports museum and full Wi-Fi access and is readily accessible to fans through the capital’s bus network and Ondergrundtrein metro system. A venue owned and operated solely by the Royal Saltsteadish Football Federation, de Näsjonalpark serves as the usual home of the Saltsteadish national football team, the host venue of Silver and Bronze Division promotion play-off finals and the final of the annual Saltsteadish Royal Cup.

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Kits:
Home: Red-and-black-hooped shirt with black shorts and socks
Away: White shirt with blue shorts and white socks
Goalkeeper: All gold

---

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We are and shall be
SALTSTEAD
Nothing more, nothing less

Style modifier: -3.14

---

RP permissions: Your RP permissions are mine, short of death and career-ending injuries. In case of reciprocal “no u” permissions, please assume all Y’s with the relevant death/career-ending injury exceptions.
Note on surnames: Saltsteadish surnames follow RL Netherlands Dutch conventions on surname prefixes: they aren’t capitalised when used in combination with first names or initials, but are capitalised in all other situations.
Pandemic disclaimer: I do not recognise the existence of any international pandemics. This does not mean that I will not recognise the existence of disease outbreaks in other countries (largely in the interest of not being a hypocrite), but these will be construed as a series of unrelated outbreaks and will not under any circumstances extend to or from the Saltstead. Any attempt to introduce new disease outbreaks to Saltstead will be immediately nullified by the Ministry of Defence’s “Instantaneous Godmode Neutralisation by Optimised Revision of Events” (I.G.N.O.R.E.) system.

★
The Royal Saltsteadish Football Association
Royal House of Sport, Ashwell

---

Due to the Stallions’ “relegation” for Phase 2, the Saltstead national football team shall take no further part in AOCAF LXII. If necessary, the Royal Saltsteadish Football Association will send twenty-three humanoid robots to fulfil its contractually obligated fixtures.

Goalkeepers
№1 VbP4uFma
№12 XMzKEStD
№13 33aQiwvT

Defenders
№2 CEN9TmDu
№3 sFYbnhJN
№4 B3MzZXKu
№5 7hLJjJZ2
№6 xfav52sH
№14 6uneeiTB
№15 2mK3VNVT
№16 YnVwsH4c
№17 L79hLSwC
№18 f3acDKBA

Midfielders
№7 zF3UfmCB
№8 AUJMERy2
№9 XkdTPPFt
№10 3Rxeqf8k
№19 NyBr6qLh
№20 eXCuGz2i
№21 HfXntBYw
№22 kjhY6XSh

Forwards
№11 2mnAwCyw
№23 RGxwzHzP

---

Style modifier: -3.14

---

RP permissions: Yes
Note on surnames: Saltsteadish surnames follow RL Netherlands Dutch conventions on surname prefixes: they aren’t capitalised when used in combination with first names or initials, but are capitalised in all other situations.

[Gyatso-kai]

.::Weapons Range Room #2002-A, Capital Garrison, Republic City, Gyatso-kai::.
0145 hours local time, 5 November 2020.2

Nine hours until deployment, and this is what I choose to do…

The single thought running through Captain Akaan – Identification RC-4868 – at this time of night was why was he in the weapons range nine hours before his new assignment. Here he was, nervously drilling sidearm routines like it was his first mission ever. He aimed his service pistol – the most recent edition of the Mk57 – down the range, took a breath, and let off three shots. He checked the chamber and holstered the weapon, before reaching out and depressing the red button which would send the target back up range to his station. The whirl of the servos were the only sound in the room, and as the paper target approached, Akaan just sighed.

Three shots, center of mass… Can’t complain, Akaan thought as he reached up to remove the target. Placing it down in one stack, he grabbed a new target from an adjacent pile and attached it to the holder. He looked at the target, shrugged, and looked to the red button, now flashing green, and he depressed it once again. The target flew away, and as it went, Akaan drew his Mk57 and began to fire. Each shot rang out in the empty room, the target flapping both in the wind and from each 5.7x28mm round piercing it. Seventen shots were fired from the weapon, and as the target came to a stop at the end of the range, Akaan put the firearm on the counter before him and depressed the button to bring the target back again.

”There must be a better pre-mission ritual, sir,” a lone voice rang out from behind Akaan, who simply shook his head as the target continued its fifty meter journey from the end of the range back to its home. He didn’t need to look to see who it was; the sound of the voice, the way his weight shifted as he walked, all gave away the identity.

”It’s the same ritual I’ve done since my first appointment to this mission,” Akaan said with a bit of frustration, ”As I am sure you have the same ritual…”

“True,” the other man spoke, ”Though mine usually involves a tall bottle of lǎngmǔ and my wife in our bed.”

Akaan laughed and turned to face his visitor, and sure enough, he was correct. RC-4321 – or Countdown as he was called – leaned against the wall directly behind Akaan. ”Well, sorry Count. My wife is back home with her family in Kelita. She left yesterday.”

“Shame. You should have got at least one more sleep with her.”

“Eh, we’ve done this little dance since we first met twenty years ago. Night before the last day, she goes to her family, I stay here and focus.”

“What about those sudden deployments?”

“I spend them in the Guard quarters… where you should be as well.”

“Eh,” Countdown spoke as he stepped into the booth. ”Some idiot left the hallway light on when he walked out at one in the morning and I rolled over. BAM! Blinded awake!” Laughing, Countdown picked up the Mk57 on the counter. He held it in his hand, studied it, before placing it back down.

“So I woke you up and you had to come disturb me?”[/b] Akaan asked as he took the Mk57 and placed it into his holster. Dressed in the lower half of his armor, he looked a bit different than Countdown, who was in the standard black body suit that all soldiers slept in.

”Yep. Second in command… bothering you is what I do best.” Countdown said with a smile. ”Besides, you know Tay’haai wants an early morning brief before the rest of the team arrives at the airport.”

“True, though I wonder how many more briefings he’ll get,” Akaan let slip his own thought, and Countdown just shook his head.

”Yeah, I like the guy… but man, are we struggling.”

“Worse record in the history of our nation. Nearly everyone against him at the Sports Council. Haran, I’m surprised the team is still on his side.”

“Soldiers follow their officers, sir,” Countdown spoke motioning for the door. ”Even when no one else likes that officer.”

“Still,” Akaan, taking the hint, organized his booth before turning to leave. ”So many defeats…”

“And they still listen. Sounds like you and me, eh?

The two men continued walking down the hallway back to the Guards quarters. It was essentially a large apartment within the garrison; four rooms attached to one large staging area. When Akaan and Countdown walked into the main area, Akaan began to remove his lower armor, placing it back in its designated spot with the top half of his armor. He admired it for a second; the red and gold stripes over a dingy white from years of wear, small scuffs and scratches from countless engagements and deployments. He looked up to the top shelf, his helmet sitting there, and he gave it a gentle tap. Afterall, looking into the helmet for Akaan was like looking into a mirror, and he smiled at what he saw.

The large main area had a dressing hallway, a weapons locker, and then it opened into the common area, with enough chairs and couches for the nine-man squad to occupy and rest. The television was on, though muted. From what Akaan could tell, it was a late-night news channel, and the host was some blonde woman; Akaan was far more occupied with his thoughts about tomorrow to even recognize the host. He reached for the remote, but as he did, Countdown had already had it in his hands and he turned off the monitor.

”Eh, probably boring,” Countdown smirked as he walked into the kitchen area. A small pot of something was on the stove, and as Akaan sat down, the smell wafted over and he recognized it as Omashuan jasmine tea. Countdown poured two cups, and brought them both over to Akaan; he sat down adjacent to Akaan, and held out the left glass. Taking it into his own hand, Akaan appreciated the warmth of the cup and he looked to Countdown.

”To tomorrow.”

“Aye, tomorrow,” Countdown repeated as he took a sip from the glass. Akaan had done the same, the warmth and smell of the tea overtaking him for a brief moment as he leaned forward.

”It’s just a simple escort. Why do I feel like it is more?” Akaan asked his second in command as he leaned back into the couch.

”Probably because you’ve been listening to those whacks on ASPN, and all the talk about Tay’haai has you stressed.”

“Why should I care about who the head coach is?”

“Because they have final say in the protection detail.”

“I worked for Vhett, I worked for Tay’haai… why would his replacement not accept me?”

“Old dog, my friend,” Countdown gave a slight chuckle. ”We aren’t exactly fresh from basic here. New coach might want a new face.”

“But these missions are so boring,” Akaan half-complained as he placed the empty glass down. ”Why should I care if I don’t get selected after this one?”

“Because it is an honor to serve the Avatar. You know that, I know that…”

****
The two men continued their ramblings for a bit until they both fell asleep in their seats. Their talk earlier was nothing but another ritual of theirs; having been on the protection detail for the national teams for so long together, this was such a common exchange. It always relaxed Akaan, and it amused Countdown, to just have a mindless rambling conversation over tea.

In a few hours, the two men would wake, get into their armor, and wake up the rest of the squad. Once they were dressed and ready, the squad would move out, taking a short ride by truck to the airport where they would await the Head Coach of the team. While waiting, they would receive a blessing from the Avatar, who always came to see the teams off, and after the briefing and all the members of the team arrived, the Avatar would then bless them and wish them well on the tournament. In tournaments past, there would be huge throngs of well-wishers outside on the tarmac, each cheering and screaming for the team’s success. However, with all of the defeats lately, the tarmac was significantly less packed.

The nature of the sport, I suppose…

[Audioslavia]

Madness is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You could not throw this insult at Audioslavia manager Sean Patterick. Sean Patterick’s thing is to try different things again and again and, largely, to suffer the exact same results.

It’s a generally accepted fact that this will be Patterick’s last tournament in charge of the Audioslavia national team. He’s been a fine manager, but that’s it. He’s been fine.

And sometimes he’s been a bit weird.

Putting out a 5-5-0 formation throughout most of World Cup 85. Sitting there scratching his head as the national side were dumped out of competitions by EOT and Starblaydia sides whose entire schtick was ‘playing exactly like Audioslavia’. Having no plan B ever.

This time, to combat his critics, Patterick has a plan B. It appears he has plans A through to M. In an attempt to keep his job as manager of the national team, Sean Patterick has decided to stack the deck in his favour. He holds all the cards.

In his first press conference before the tournament, he literally has a pack of cards.

Aces
♦    G     Xarles Zarragoitia        26 CMT Brisara FC
♣    G     Rinus Wever               29 SNL Walstreim Lions
♥    G     Maren Artetxebarria       23 AUD KT Moreazerua
♠    G     Goran Stroud              22 AUD 1830 Cathair

[spoiler=]

Twos
♦    D RC  Roc Riva                  20 AUD KT Moreazerua
♣    D RC  Jarell Poulsen            28 VIL Marine Coast United
♥    D R   Michel Saint François     20 EUR Revolutionaries
♠    D R   Hereld Jansen             22 AUD Union Cathair

Threes
♦    D LC  Viriato Ramires           24 CMT Chromatik
♣    D RL  Per Frandsen              18 AUD Cazadores Cathair
♥    D RL  Anxo Osorio               28 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♠    D L   Asztrik Puskás            30 AUD KT Moreazerua

Fours
♦   DM C   Thorian Nielsen           20 AUD Oljestaden IF
♣   DM C   Iago Cacho                24 AUD Cazadores Cathair
♥   DM C   Arial Skidoomacher        25 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♠    M C   Declan MacCowan           20 AUD CdF Celtade

Fives
♦    D C   Riccardo Rastelli         24 BNJ Jinja City FC
♣    D C   Marwyn Asterisk           24 AUD KT Moreazerua
♥    D C   Leonardo Ceron            23 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
♠    D C   Hireild Gudmundson        17 AUD AC Izotz Zubia

Sixes
♦    D C   David Logan               24 EUR Holdenberg
♣    D C   Daniel MacCowan           20 AUD CdF Celtade
♥    D C   Alejandro Consuegra       21 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♠    D RC  Eric Soren                23 AUD Oljestaden IF

Sevens
♦   AM R   Rogier Kuijken            21 AUD Excelsior Zijweg
♣    M RL  Gabirel Oteiza            25 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♥    M RC  Erwin Spijkers            20 NPH Crisisbless
♠    M RC  Bastiaan Makaay           22 AUD Oljestaden IF

Eights
♦    M C   Tigran Deschapelles       23 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
♣    M C   Moses Moxey               21 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♥    M C   Gael Texeira              19 AUD KT Moreazerua
♠    M RC  Armand Cariou             18 AUD 1830 Cathair

Nines
♦    F C   Luca Senna                24 AUD CdF Celtade
♣    F C   Koenraad Rijsbergen       22 AUD KT Moreazerua
♥    F C   Santiago Rosel            22 VLD Marinos Metropolis
♠    F C   Rod Gordon                19 AUD Shamrock Cathair

Tens
♦ AM/F C   Eurico Da Rosa            19 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
♣    F C   Gabirel Zozaia            23 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♥    F C   Olly Masiku               27 VIL Eastal Lunar
♠  M/F RC  Facundo Rosa              19 AUD CdF Celtade

Jacks
♦  D/M RL  Jerónimo Marzan           22 AUD KT Itzalovalle
♣  D/M RCL Carmelo MacCowan          16 AUD CdF Celtade
♥  D/M RCL Angelo Castaldo           22 PAS CA Paulinthal
♠  D/M R   Pelle Juergensen          24 AUD Oljestaden IF

Queens
♦    M LC  Koldo Bazterrika          19 AUD KT Moreazerua
♣    M LC  Dries Van den Bossche     22 AUD Oljestaden IF
♥   AM L   Kyran Knudsen             30 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
♠  M/F LC  Leandro Mexilhões         18 AUD Bombarralense

Kings
♦   AM RCL Guillem Serra             23 AUD CdF Celtade
♣   AM RC  Axel Agard                19 AUD Excelsior Zijweg
♥    M LC  Bernard Jézéquel          27 SCT Port Sebastian
♠    M R   Gustavo Mascarenhas       20 AUD AC Izotz Zubia

Jokers
☺    F C   Fergus Coren              17 AUD AC Izotz Zubia
☺  M/F C   Hjalmar Boisen            20 AUD Union Cathair

There was a minute of silence before the first journalist manage to pick his jaw up off the floor long enough to splutter a question.
Sean, Sean, wait, Sean, what… Sean how will we accommodate fifty-four f****g players on our travels?

Sean, are any of those guys going to be annoyed about being called a Queen?

The kings aren’t very kingy, Sean

Sean why can’t you just be normal?

What about squad numb... Oh my god the kits... they have symbols on the back

Sean who the hell is Hjalmar Boisen?

Sean for five minutes can you just not?

Sean are you taking the p..

“Gentlemen, gentlemen” comes Sean’s reply. ”I promise, all will become clear”

[Busoga Islands]

The Busoga Chronicle
The Islands #1 News Source!

After 'disastrous' World Cup 86 cycle, the Busoga Islands look to get their program back on track at the regional championships


Various photos of Islander soccer fans

LAKISKA, SOUTH ISLAND- To put the World Cup 86 cycle as disastrous is only the tip of the iceberg to describe the amount of disappointment we can assign to that cycle. Since the formation of the Busoga Islander Soccer Association, soon after our independence following World Cup 80, we have slowly but surely been working our way up the world rankings. We struggled with consistency- we'd follow strong Qualification campaigns with middling ones, but we were always competitive. We quickly garnered a reputation as a solid defensive squad, and with an upset win over Vilita in World Cup Qualifying in the midst of their back-to-back title run, we earned a reputation as a nation that could play with the big dogs.

We thought there was hope after World Cup 85 Qualifying. We were in the running until the Final day, and although we did not qualify for the tournament proper, we won our group at Cup of Harmony 77. It meant, for the first time since our Baptism of Fire preceding World Cup 81, we had made the knockout stages of a major tournament. It's been a struggle for this national team for sure, but we thought we were on the upswing. The AOCAFs didn't go well, but the AOCAFs never seem to go well for this squad- the regional championships, over the years, have been a tournament that we have consistently struggled with.

Then, came World Cup 86 Qualifying. The ranks came out. For the first time the Busoga Islands found themselves in the Top 50, sitting pretty at 45th in the KPBs. We found ourselves in the highest ever Qualifying pot, Pot 3. We thought, maybe we had an outside shot to do something that this small nation of 12 million had never done- qualify for the World Cup Finals. And then.... Disaster. As we watched our Banijan neighbors across the Shango-Fogoa Basin go a perfect 18-0-0 in World Cup Qualifying, we embarrassed ourselves. We finished 8th out of 10- our worst ever Qualification campaign. One of the worst comparative performances in the entire cycle. We were probably the most disappointing team in our Pot, and frankly, may have been the most disappointing team, relative to realistic expectations, in the entirety of World Cup 86 Qualifying.

Of course, the entire time, BISA was working with the FFFF and the RBSA to form the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, so it seemed that our own footballing association barely noticed. And then, it became even more embarrassing. Folks at BISA, while backing Bethany Donnell, started talking about how Cup of Harmony 78 would be their redemption. We evenly publicly released a squad of 23 for the tournament- and then were promptly disinvited by the hosts. Can we even blame them? But the fact that we finished 8th out of 10 in Qualifying, and then didn't even participate in the Cup of Harmony, we dropped 37 places in the KPBs. From 45th, to 82nd.

From the brink of the Top 40, to a middle of the pack team in Pot 5 for World Cup Qualifying. It'll take multiple cycles to undo all of that damage. And to make matters worse, the actual World Cup Finals could not have gone worse- Banija won the World Cup. Nothing worse than a smug Banijan. Banijan migrant communities partied all over the multiverse- from Corvistone, to Maal, to Montreal and Quebec City, to Stalliongrad, and of course, actual Banija lost its mind. It was a terrible day to be Busogan. There's nothing worse than a smug Banijan. In fact, someone's gotta send Cassadaigua's gridiron coach flowers- if Banija had completed the World Cup/World Bowl double, life would be a living hell.

But now, we've got the AOCAFs upon us. And with the new format, we're co-hosting with Banija, and we find ourselves in League B. We're in a group with the Freeport Isles, Lochario, and the Overseas Territories of Sylestone. Bethany Donnell talked about how these games would be crucial in getting her players back on track. "We are going to move on as quickly as possible from last cycle's debacle. But that did not define who we are- it is an abberation, and something that we will come back from. And that starts right here, in the regional championships. If we want to compete in the multiverse at-large, we've first got to compete at home, in Atlantian Oceania. We've got an opportunity to try and duke it out with some of the best in the world in this cut-throat region, that's for sure."

She made no mistake about it- her goal is earning promotion to League A. And the road starts at Lakiska City Field, where they will play host to the highest ranked team in all of League B, Lochario. Islander star player and the newly minted team captain, Kamu Jacobs, spoke about the opportunity. "Nobody expects us to do anything here." He remarked at the pre-game press conference. "But we're highly motivated. Good mix of new players and old players, and we like our chances. It's gonna be six tough games though- we just want to get off to a good start in front of our fans on home soil."

[Aji No Moto]

THE AJIAN EXPRESS
bringing you the latest from aji no moto

---

Football
Turmoil inside the federation?
ajian football federation under fire for u-turn in manager appointment

Joshuyo -The Ajian Football Federation has been under fire for not pushing through with the appointment of recently-retired forward Hideyuki Kikkawa, and instead appointing Bunta Itagaki as the national team manager, a move which is proving unpopular with the professional players and fans alike. Despite promising a change of philosophy to an attractive and attacking football, the missed opportunity if employing a youthful ex-attacker to complement their planned attacking style football.

It was announced in the last tournament participated by the Ajians that Kikkawa-san will take over the management of the national team. However, things did not materialize, as the Golden Phoenix did not participate in the 61st edition of the AOCAF Cup, with the nation returning this edition. It was an interesting format hosted by the neighboring Banijan and Busogan football federations, and the first phase will see Aji No Moto put in one of the groups of League C, containing the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament. Group C4 was dubbed one of the two "Groups of Life" as they have been drawn with three unranked sides in Netop, Savigliane, and Ibixa. The Ajians will host Netop in Ajinomoto Stadium first in a double round robin format for the first stage. The group winners will be promoted to League B for the second stage, in which another round robin this time in the host stadiums will determine if they will advance to the knockout rounds.

It will be expected that the Ajians will progress to League B after the first stage, and Itagaki-san will be under pressure to prove his doubters wrong. The fans are prepared to cheer on the team, and criticize the manager at the same time.

[Valanora]

"So Didrik, you have come to the Marauders post at an interesting time, it is something of a transition period for the team, as most of the stars of the team are likely to either be left out of the national team pool altogether for the World Cup or should be at least relegated to the bench. How confident are you that you will be able to handle the transition of the players and how is this tournament going to shape that transition?"

The lights were flashing as Didrik Gjedrem was sitting in front of the press for the first time as the manager of the Eternal Empire's national football team. He had done a thousand of these with Raynor City United, it should have been just another boring press conference that he had to do because of the press obligations that were expected of managers, yet he could not help but feel a bit of anxiety as he sat before the two dozen or so reporters in front of him from across the region. He hid it well though, with a smirky grin and a look that exuded confidence, but inside he was nervous as he was that first year that he had been in charge of the Rockers, wondering if he was up to the task and could do the history of the team justice.

"Well, I was the manager at Raynor City United for a decade and a half, in that time we had to do a lot of player turnover as players started to slow down or age out of the starting line up. Most players know when that time has come and when age is starting to catch up to them or when there is a better option that has finally pushed through the reserves and needs their chance. You handle it best you can, let the players know what your plan is, and go from there. With the unique format of this regional championship, yes, we are likely going to be seeing quite a few of the reserves getting starts as we look to evaluate who should be in the pool moving forward, with the Qualifiers starting in a few months time." Calm and to the point, playing upon his experience, it was the wisest decision to do.

"There is a lot of talk about Lothas Ludwig, having had a brilliant domestic campaign with FC Felsenkirchen 1879, a campaign that got the attention of the Galacticos and he was recently awarded the Young Galactico of the past season. Where do you see his best position as, with him having played on both the wing as well as leading the strikers? Also, can we expect to see a lot of him during the tournament?"

Ah, he had expected a question about young Lothas, the young lad had been exceptional for his domestic club and had even gotten a few substitute appearances for the Marauders during the last Qualifiers. He was the buzz of the nation when it came to the supporters but Didrik had to wonder if all the attention would go to the young lads' head, not letting him focus on getting better and fulfilling on that large amount of potential that he showed. There was no denying his talent though and that award win was going to shine the light even more on him.

"To be honest, I think he is a natural in either position and I like to see a player that can have that sort of versatility and adaptability in their game. It means that there are more options in any given situation, as he could come on for either Kvaal or Møller. That being said, when I look at his build and how calm he is in front of goal, I think he is probably more suited to the striker position. As for seeing a lot of him during the tournament, well he would not have been picked for the team if we did not have use for him in the team, though I am not willing to say how much you may be seeing him out on the field. Everything is situational, after all." The truth was, Ludwig would probably see quite a bit of minutes during the tournament, likely alternating starts and appearances on the wing or up front, but he was not about to give any of the teams in their group that sort of information.

"How far do you think this Marauders team can actually go in the tournament, what with the highly unusual and controversial format? The road ahead does not look very favorable for a team like the Marauders and they could very well be among those who will suffer from the format. Do you have any advice to the fans that feel like it might be an early exit for the team?"

And there it was, the doubt that the fans and media had that he could actually handle the pressure of the job and keep the team up to the standard that brought all those stars that adorned the crest. It was going to be a doubt until he proved them otherwise and that was just something he was going to have to live with, much as he had made peace with that doubt when he first took over Raynor City United. The fans had a certain expectation of the team, even if it had been some years since those successes had come, but he was going to do his best to try and revitalize the national team, hopefully he could bring another trophy or two back to the Hatire Memorial.

"Honestly, I would tell the fans to remember to breathe and let the games play out as they will. Yes, the Marauders have a long and storied history both in the AOCAF and World Cup, it is why so many nations look at the name Valanora or the crest and feel a certain thrill when playing them. The team is as skill as any other team in the tournament and wants to do well, wants to live up to the standard that people have come to expect from the team. However it takes work and every single other team in the AOCAF as well as the World Cup is working towards those goals as well. Sit back, enjoy the games, and have a bit of faith that the team and staff are going to do all they can to try and bring a trophy back to the Eternal Empire, but we may fall short. That is not a failure though, as I would say that the team did not fail this World Cup despite not winning the tournament. Each step has to be taken and every obstacle worked through and overcome, that way when you do get to the fruits of your labor, they are that much more sweet to behold."

[Sarzonia]

Three AOCAFs ago, Sarzonia tentatively dipped its toes back into international football, sending an Under 21 national team to compete in the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football.

That team was managed by Bryan Ostrom, and while the team's 2-1-7 record during the group stage clearly betrayed the Junior Stars's inexperience, the team still made an impression on observers who noted that the youngsters were standing toe to toe with senior national teams.

Ostrom impressed enough observers that he was named the senior national team manager when Sarzonia decided to return to the World Cup for the first time since Sarzonia co-hosted World Cup 57 with Cafundeu. Unfortunately, Ostrom would not be around to shepherd his team as he committed suicide prior to the team's first World Cup qualifying match against Terre Septentrionale.

That sent a reluctant Kevin Connelly into the hot seat, and the team played the first half of qualifying like a team that was unranked. But then, the second half of qualifying happened. The Stars began to win, and capped off the unexpected success with a bronze medal in the Cup of Harmony.

The Sarzonian team that faced Banija AOCAF 59 was a collection of youngsters, but this team that will face the highest ranked team in the region is an experienced team. Some of the best players for this Stars team under new manager Nicola Mentes also played in AOCAF 59 against Banija, but Mentes said that wasn't much of a factor.

"They're a great team," Mentes said. "Banija have become a fierce rival for Sarz-- uh, in many sports. We're going to have to play hard and smart football to get a result."

That isn't the only challenge facing Sarzonia in this tournament. No. 10 Audioslave, a country seemingly at the centre of international football since before Sarzonia fielded its first team are also in the group. So, too is No. 6 Equestria. The idea of facing a team of horses on the pitch may seem daunting, but midfielder and team captain Clayton Wilson said the team's pedigree -- no pun intended -- was of greater importance.

"Just look at what all they've accomplished in the sport," he said. "We've played bears, trees, and Cat knows what else. That's just another opponent."

As for Audioslavia, midfielder Brady Reynolds said that the country and Jeremy Jaffacake have both seemingly been around forever. Calling to mind a famous catchphrase from antiquity, Reynolds smirked.

"We hope after we've played them that we'll be the ones saying 'G'nite, bitches'!" Reynolds said.

[Pluvia and the Saxean Isles]

Royal Marienburg University, Marienburg, Pluvia and the Saxean Isles

Prof. Charles Cunningham of the history department at the Royal Marienburg University was up early and out the door before the sun was up. Yes, he'd come home to a cold dinner and a colder wife, and yes, he didn't seem to be working on grading his students' papers, and yes, he'd told his students to engage in revision and "group work" throughout most of his recent classes, but that didn't seem to matter. He had William II's diary, the greatest piece of undiscovered history (as far as he was concerned) in recent Pluvian memory. The diary was simply too engrossing to put down.

The last diary entry saw William II having been recalled from the Saxean Isles back to mainland Pluvia by his father. The protests in the Isles had ended and things seemed to be improving. Now before him was the monumental task of talking to his father. He had decided that he must speak with him about the situation in Saxea. He believed that the policies of his father's government were hurting the people and that something had to be done.

September 30, 1884

It is a bitter day. It is a week since we returned from the Isles to the mainland, and then from the coast to Marienburg. When I first arrived there, I was eager to talk with my father about what I had witnessed and to make my case to him for changes to his policies. But when I arrived to give my report, the Praesidium was there. I knew I could not prevail in my case in front of Father's advisors, since most of them are old men whose convictions are as unmoving as mountains. But it mattered little, for Father sharply told me to make my report as a man reporting to his superior officer, and not as his son. So I related what I saw publicly, but little else. Had I confided in him about my not strictly authorized subterfuge, I might have come up on charges. It did not take long for me to make my report and, after glancing at his advisors, my father told me to depart the room. I was unable to secure another chance to speak with him privately until today.

This time, Father embraced me and we conversed for a short while before I tried to turn the subject to my time in the Isles. But Father wanted to hear how my studies were going, and how my fellows in the regiment were getting on, and whether or not I'd talked with my sister since I'd returned. But finally I, perhaps with a little too much vehemence, told him I wished to discuss Saxea. Father raised his eyebrows and I thought I could see a flash of anger, but he sighed and allowed me to speak. I poured out all I had seen and heard, the unrest, the pinched faces, the worries of the people over their harvests, the Protestant tax, the feelings of neglect I witnessed on the Lesser Isle and many other things besides. My father mulled this over for a while and would not speak, but he eventually rejected my claims. He said that Saxea had to be governed as it was because of the anti-government elements in their society, and how the Protestant tax provided government revenue for Saxea and discouraged disunity in matters of religion, as it was an incentive to become a Catholic. He did not dispute the facts of my findings, but he did refuse to accept my solutions or even that it was a serious problem. He said that he and his government were like fathers of the nation, and that Saxea and Pluvia were like brothers. For some children, a lighter hand works better, while for others, a sharp switch is the only thing that will discipline them.

I came away from our meeting disappointed. My own father dismissed my cause and my evaluation of the situation. He was not unkind, but he is inflexible as ever. He bade me apply myself to my studies and my military training, and forget philosophy and politics for the moment. I cannot. I must convince him or else must work with whomever I can to right these wrongs.

[Netop]

Netop Prepares for first ever AOCAF

It was a succesfull Baptism of Fire for Netop as they were one of the quarterfinalist in a 36 team, 73rd Baptism of Fire. Our Baptism of Fire would end at The Stade de l'Amitié in Valladares where we would suffer a 2-1 loss to eventual silver medal winners Tioguldos. Nevertheless it was a successful maiden voyage for us highlighted by a 3-0 dispatch of Megistos in the round of 16. Just like that we had hope that football could become a large thing over here in Netop and the squad prepared for the World Cup 86 Qualifiers.

Now the expectations nor predictions of us ever had Netop to advance or in position to advance and they were correct. Overall I'd say it was a successful World Cup 86 Qualifiers. In the end we finished 7th place in a 10 person Group 2 going 5-5-8 and finishing with a respectable total of 20 points. While it wasn't the best we could have done it's definitely a performance we can build on in the future and hopefully next cycle goes even better. We currently sit with a rank of 129 in the World with goals to be in the top 100 at the conclusion of next cycle.

However this is not a WCC tournament, instead it's regional time and Netop are joining 47 other teams in this one. However unlike most other tournaments AOCAF LXII (62) is quite differently formatted from most normal tournaments. Banjia and Busoga Islands have come up with a quite interesting tournament for this one that should theoretically put us in a better position to succeed. The format is quite complicated and all you really need to know is that it's long and that for the time being Netop will be playing against other teams at our level in League C. If we win the double round robin League C group we advance to League B for the second part of the tournament.

However in order to get past our League C group and up to League B we will have to go through Aji No Moto, Ibixa, and Savigliane with the latter two like us having never participated in an AOCAF before. Our first match will see us travel to Ajinomoto Stadium to take on Aji No Moto as underdogs although frankly it's anyone's game. A win her would go a long way in trying to get up to League B for the second part.

[Krytenia]

Please assume YES for all answers in the Permission Box – just TG me first if it's particularly insane and/or egregious.

KRYTENIA 2280 AOCAF CUP SQUAD
Modifier: +5

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Manager – Jerome JAFFACAKE-PHILLIPS (KRY/AUD), Age *shrug*
Son of one of the multiverse's most infamous journalists – and son-in-law of the other. Former Krytenian international back in the Stone Age; previously manaaged Silexhera's national team. Expect him to be especially animated if the Dragons play his father's homeland.

Assistant Manager – Paul DAVIS, Age 44
JJP's tactical mastermind, he's being groomed as a future national team boss.

Goalkeeping Coach – Marcus WASHINGTON, Age 47
Defensive Coach – Robert FIELDS, Age 48
Offensive Coach – Graham OWENS, Age 63
Physiotherapist – Stephen WILLIS, Age 39

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Damien CARPENTER
Age: 32
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Mercia Bromham
Steely blue eyes and a blonde ponytail swishing in the wind – Carpenter is the poster boy for the Goalkeeper's Union in more ways than one. Hero of Krytenia's shoot-out victory in the Cup of Harmony final. Tends to punch crosses rather than go for the clean catch, which has made him unpopular in some circles.

Serge DUPRÉE
Age: 27
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Bromham City
Agile custodian who was pretty much the only reason Westleigh spent two seasons in the Prem. Now working more miracles in the Mercian capital.

Robert WILSON
Age: 22
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Notegia Rangers
Impressed in the Under-18 World Cup, which earned him a place as Rangers' number one.

Defenders

James AITKEN
Age: 30
Position: Right/Centre-back
Club: Ashton Olympic
Practiacally a midfielder in terms of pressing. Loves to work the overlaps.

Ross GREEN
CAPTAIN
Age: 30
Position: Centre-back
Club: Leston Town
The Leston man is only the second Krytenian to captain a trophy-winning team. Tall and rangy, but can shift his weight when needed. Bags of pace and a good read of the game.

Joey SINTON
Age: 23
Position: Left/Centre-back
Club: Ashton Olympic
Learning his trade well alongside Aitken. Excellent reader of the game.

Ross OKANO
Age: 23
Position: Left/Centre-back
Club: Oustia
Young all-rounder helped guide Oustia to their first season in the big leagues.

Rodolfo MARQUEZ
Age: 29
Position: Right/Centre-back
Club: Avidia United
Speedy and smart in the tackle; can be hesitant to go forward when the Dragons have the ball.

Eddie BULL
Age: 23
Position: Left/Centre-back
Club: Stanton Town
Prodigious young talent; Paul Davis saw enough in him to put him straight in the U21s, and from there to the senior squad.

Midfielders

Joshua KELNIC
Age: 30
Position: Right midfield
Club: Avidia United
Accurate crosser of the ball and good with it at his feet. Not the fastest.

Oliver ALEXANDER
Age: 31
Position: Left midfield
Club: Notegia Rangers
Cultured winger with a fierce cross.

Samuel JOHANSSEN
Age: 28
Position: Central midfield
Club: Bradwell Saints
Tenacious midfielder, full of running. Better at short than long passes.

Cormac O'NEILL
VICE-CAPTAIN
Age: 28
Position: Central midfield
Club: Stanton Town
Silky ball player and workhorse midfield general all in one. Tends to be the fulcrum of the team's attacks.

Daniel MOULIER
Age: 26
Position: Central midfield
Club: Emberton Reds
Intelligence beyond his years. Quick passer of the ball.

Ben FOYLE
Age: 24
Position: Right midfield
Club: Mercia Bromham
Speedy winger, accurate in the cross.

Darren HARRISON
Age: 24
Position: Central midfield
Club: Ousevale Borough
Intelligent ball-player starting to get his chance at the Tigers. Formed in the mould of Ousevale CMs gone by.

Joe BIELSA
Age: 26
Position: Left midfield
Club: Royal Emberton
Carves his way down the channels, loves a cross from the by-line.

Forwards

Apollo PETERS
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Club: Avidia United
The Eagles often produce prodigious strikers, and Peters is no exception. Speedy and clinical.

Alun BELMWR
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Club: New Cefn Albion
English may not be his first language - in fact, it's his third, behind Welsh and goals. Prodigious young talent, oddly spelt but familiar name.

Neil SMITH
Age: 26
Position: Forward
Club: Stanton Town
This young lad is built like the proverbial outhouse,but is surprisingly quick on his toes. Right foot could open a jar of pickle.

Andrew CARSETTI
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Club: Beckton Supermarine
Promising striker with a keen eye for goal.

Curtis SUNDAY
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Club: Bromham City
Banging them in for Bromham's other team. Nicknamed "Weekend Warrior" for obvious reasons.

Alex PARSONS
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Club: Notegia Rangers
Pace makes him difficult to track; has a lethal left peg. Only 5'7” though, so unlikely to win too many headers.

LIKELY STARTERS – Formation: 3-4-3 “System Garcia”


THE KITS – courtesy of JMC

[Flavovespia]

Introduction
The island nation of Flavovespia lies close to the centre of Atlantian Oceania. It’s fairly densely populated, with a population of over 20’000’000, although there are some notable rural and urban splits. Waldster, the capital lies on the south east, with Hadford Hill in the north east and St Astons in the north west the other major cities. Flavovespia is a parliamentary democracy, with high levels of personal, social and democratic freedoms.

Recently Flavovespia reached the Round of 16 in AOCAF Cup 61, before a penalty loss to Farfadillis. In the last Cup of Harmony, edition number 78, a quarter final appearance for Flavovespia, before they fell to a defeat at the hands of Sargossa. Flavovespia are in the Top 16 of Atlantian Oceania, and therefore play Phase 1 in League A. A 16 team list that contains many elite nations, Flavovespia will see it as a good sign they’ve made it into their company, but the fight is now on to stay there.

National Stadia

Flavovespia will spread its 3 home games for Phase 1 across 3 stadia in the nation. Hornet’s Nest in Waldster, Highland Road in Hadford Hill and Saints Park in St Astons will host games in the AOCAF Cup 62. As well as Flavovespia’s 3 home games, the FFA will nominate the Flavovespian stadiums to host knockout games at the AOCAF Cup 62. This would be the first time outside of qualifiers that Flavovespia will, if successful, host international tournament football, a small but not insignificant step for the nation in looking to increase their international stature.

Hornet's Nest
Location: Waldster
Club team: Waldster FC
Capacity: 75000
Opened: 0U
Open/Closed Roof: Covered seating, retractable roof
City Population: 2504654


The largest stadium in Flavovespia, and home to Waldster FC. State of the art when it was built, and still impressive 3 decades later. A very well connected stadium for fans, and a landmark of the capital. It will be the host against Valanora on Matchday 5.

Highland Road
Location: Hadford Hill
Club team: Hadford Hill FC
Capacity: 69518
Opened: 79BU
Open/Closed Roof: Open seating and field
City Population: 4078906


The oldest stadium in Flavovespia, it may have changed a lot in over a century, but it will always be loved by those in Hadford Hill. It’s currently only home to second tier domestic football, but the enthusiasm and fierce atmosphere generated in the ground hasn’t been particularly dampened. It’s not a flashy, modern stadium, but it’s one with unrivalled history and a proper old-school feel. Highland Road will host the opener for Flavovespia against Baker Park.

Saints Park
Location: St Astons
Club team: St Aston's City FC
Capacity: 60000
Opened: 30BU
Open/Closed Roof: Covered seating, open field
City Population: 1892787


Saints Park was once the most well known multisport stadium in all of Flavovespia. It has however been converted to football only, to the delight of many fans and footballers. It strikes a balance between the classic Highland Road and the flashy Hornet’s Nest. A little bit away from the urban parts of St Astons, but nevertheless still a stadium really well liked by the St Astons City fans. It will host Chromatika on Matchday 3.

Schedule for Flavovespia:
Phase 1
Matchday 1 Baker Park (H) 1-4
Matchday 2 Valanora (A) 4-4
Matchday 3 Chromatika (H) 0-1
Matchday 4 Baker Park (A) 6-4
Matchday 5 Valanora (H) 3-3
Matchday 6 Chromatika (A) 2-1

Phase 2
Matchday 1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec 1-0
Matchday 2 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 2-2
Matchday 3 Dogsmouth 3-2

Round of 24 Mriin


Kit

Home-Away-Third

Flavovespia will wear the FV kit for the final time in this tournament. The home kit is in the traditional yellow and black. The 2 stripes on the chest are laid out in such a way to spell out FV, and also to replicate the flag of a nation. A popular design in Flavovespia that tied in the national identity in a smart way. The collar and cuffs are double banded in black. The away kit uses the same template in all-white, and the third kit uses an unusual combination of burgundy, white and lime green.

Roster
(Note, all caps and goals are taken as of the start of AOCAF 62)
Goalkeepers
1 Aarif Muhammad 22 GK Stanmorn Caps:27 Goals:0
12 David Meehan 32 GK Bavingtor Caps:65 Goals:0
26 Robert Jones 28 GK Kings Lunsel Caps:2 Goals:0

Aarif Muhammad is fast continuing to establish himself as the undisputed #1 goalkeeper amongst Flavovespians. At his age, some are even whispering that he could turn out to be a generational talent. Not every game has been perfect for him, but he’s certainly shown more than his fair share of great performances. David Meehan is still a very solid goalkeeper, but at 32 and will a young prodigy taking the #1 shirt, the number of further caps Meehan can earn is dwindling it would appear. As a back-up however, a good option. Robert Jones comes in as the 3rd choice goalkeeper, he’s had a few caps and good seasons at Kings Lunsel, but is unlikely to make waves here.

Left Backs
2 Scott Vaughan 30 LB Kings Lunsel Caps:42 Goals:0
24 David Lyons 21 LB Langmere Green Rovers Caps:5 Goals:0

Scott Vaughan has shown a solid, if not spectacular set of performances at left-back. The defence minded full-back rarely tries anything flashy or get forward often, but he is becoming a reliable option at the back for Flavovespia, at least for now. David Lyons has made a handful of appearances, most off the bench so far. Still learning at this level, but he has a bright future ahead of him.

Center Backs
4 Alexander May 29 CB Langmere Green Rovers Caps:69 Goals:2
5 Tony Gardner 27 CB Kings Lunsel Caps:107 Goals:4
15 Paul Rodwell 27 CB Langmere Green Rovers Caps:16 Goals:0
27 Alastair Ross 25 CB Stanmorn Caps:2 Goals:0

Tony Gardner is a key name for Flavovespia, the defender has shaken off some of his inconsistencies and petulance of his younger days, to become a strong leader at the back. As well as his good defensive qualities, he is surprisingly adept with the ball at his feet. Alexander May for now looks the best option to partner Tony Gardner. He’s someone who’ll never back out of a challenge, for better or for worse. The second centre-back spot has seen plenty of rotation over the years, so May will need to perform well to keep it. Paul Rodwell grew somewhat into his role as part of Flavovespia, but did make some errors at times. Him and May, although a very strong domestic partnership, didn’t quite deliver internationally. Alastair Ross gets a call-up from Arnold Stevenson, the Stanmorn defender has performed well domestically, and was always in the international picture. The question is now, how much game time can he end up with.

Right Backs
3 Stephen Shepherd 29 RB Waldster Caps:63 Goals:0
16 David Blythe 24 RWB Kytheas Rivermen (TKT) Caps:46 Goals:0

Right back still remains something of an enigma for Flavovespia. Stephen Shepherd is currently the favoured choice. Much like Scott Vaughan on the other flank, he provides a solid defensive performance at the expense of attacking flair. That’s not to say Shepherd has no pace or dribbling skills though. David Blythe is much more of a wing-back, keen to get forward and cross. He can still play as a full-back, but it’s not his favourite style of play.

Left Midfielders
19 Jonathan Feld 28 LM Kings Lunsel Caps:88 Goals:11
25 William Somers 30 LM Loxthorpe Rovers Caps:10 Goals:0

Jonathan Feld was something of an underrated hero in the World Cup Qualifiers 86 and Cup of Harmony 78. Dropped to the bench initially, he forced his way back into the starting 11, and put in several good performances. Jonathan Feld has few glaring weaknesses, although he also doesn’t have any major stand-out strengths, relative to the best Flavovespians. William Somers will be the back-up left midfielder, he’s been okay in international games, but domestic form probably pushed him over the line into the 23 man squad.

Central Midfielders
6 David Clark 25 CDM Langmere Green Rovers Caps:15 Goals:0
7 James King 32 CM Stanmorn Caps:113 Goals:14
18 Murad Ahmed 26 CM Langmere Green Rovers Caps:34 Goals:2
28 Kieron Player 20 CDM Kings Lunsel Caps:0 Goals:0

James King, despite his age, looks set for another tournament as vice-captain and a key playmaker in midfield. He’ll be likely to play as a central defensive midfielder in Stevenson’s 4-2-3-1, but with his great passing, that role will still suit him. Next to him in central midfield could be any of the other 3 chosen. Murad Ahmed was favoured in the Cup of Harmony 78. He’s shown near-endless stamina, and is always looking to close down opponents and do something with the ball when he gets it. Additionally, he’s a utility player who can play pretty much anywhere in midfield. David Clark domestically looks good on the ball and also solid defensively. Many feel he just needs a bit more of a chance at a breakthrough in the national team. Kieron Player is the only debutant in this squad. Some feel that 20 is possibly too young to be called up, but he’s been a starter for at least a year, arguably two at Kings Lunsel, and hasn’t looked inexperienced there at all. Getting stuck in at the highest level could really aid his growth. Player is a tall and strong defensive midfielder, built almost like a centre back, but also no slouch on the ball. Very much one for the future if he continues developing well.

Right Midfielders
11 Steven Hall 29 RAM Kings Lunsel Caps:117 Goals:42
22 Christopher Ace 26 RM St Astons City Caps:38 Goals:4

The captain of Flavovespia, Steven Hall has been everpresent in every Flavovespian squad. Watching him play it’s not hard to see why. He can often dribble the ball like he has magnetic feet, he’s very agile, and can finish well. He’s very much a raumdeuter when he plays out wide, but Arnold Stevenson has found him a role in central attacking midfield, posing a threat from further back from the striker, both in terms of scoring and assists. Christopher Ace is probably the quickest player in the national side, if not amongst all Flavovespians. His pace can be a real handful down the right wing. He’s not the most clinical or accurate, but can create plenty of chances for himself and others.

Strikers
9 Ramon Martin 33 CF Langmere Green Rovers Caps:46 Goals:15
10 Scott Coleman 26 CF Aries Chariots (NPH) Caps:99 Goals:62
20 Mark Paul 24 CF Bavingtor Caps:4 Goals:0
21 Marc Sharratt 25 CF Kytheas Rivermen (TKT) Caps:34 Goals:3

Realistically one striker will likely be key for Flavovespia. Scott Coleman had 25 goals across the World Cup Qualifiers 86 and Cup of Harmony 78, a brilliant record in front of goal. It has seen him earn a move to Aries Chariots of the Nepharan Premiership, one of the most prestigious domestic leagues. Pacey, agile and a fiercely accurate finisher, Scott Coleman is likely to go down in history as a star of Flavovepsian Football. Of course there are 3 other strikers in the squad. Ramon Martin brings experience, and good hold-up play to the national team, in what could very well be his last outing for Flavovespia. Marc Sharratt is another Flavovespian now playing abroad. He’s very pacey for a forward, and is quite often seen as a “super sub”. Finally Mark Paul has had few actual minutes in international football, his caps largely being substitute appearances. However his domestic goalscoring record is impressive, and many do feel he deserves a call up.

Arnold Stevenson 46 Manager
Replacing Richard Crawford 5 games into World Cup Qualifiers 86, initially as an interim, his unbeaten role got him the job on a longer contract. He brought a feel-good factor back to Flavovespia after a poor start to eventually reach 4th. Then in the Cup of Harmony 76, the good times rolled on and the quarter finals were reached. Arnold Stevenson cuts a likeable figure with the media, and seems to enjoy his role, treating every game as an honour to be there. He can be passionate on the touchlines, but is rarely outwardly angry towards his own players.

His favoured formation, which he sticks to a lot is a 4-2-3-1. The defensive four largely stay flat, unless behind, and look to hold a steady back line. Amongst the two defensive midfielders, typically one tries to close down more, the other looks to cut out the passing lanes. Either is given the freedom to try and advance the ball forward with passing or dribbling, although one typically drops back. The wingers are often expected to attack from wide, but can cut in, especially if the central attacking midfielder or occasionally striker drift out wide. The central attacking midfielder is typically the focal point of attacks through the centre, and the striker will aim to make runs into scoring positions and latch onto balls sent in to the box.


Predicted Starting XI:
Phase 1
MD1: Aarif Muhammad, Vaughan-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Ahmed-King, Feld-Hall(c)-Ace, Coleman
MD2: Aarif Muhammad, Vaughan-Ross-Gardner-Shepherd, Ahmed-Clark, Feld-King-Hall(c), Coleman
MD3: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-May-Rodwell-Shepherd, Ahmed-Clark, Feld-King-Hall(c), Coleman
MD4: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-May-Rodwell-Shepherd, Ahmed-King, Feld-Paul-Hall(c), Martin
MD5: Meehan, Vaughan-Ross-Gardner-Blythe, Player-King, Feld-Coleman-Hall(c), Martin
MD6: Meehan, Vaughan-May-Gardner-Blythe, Player-King, Feld-Coleman-Hall(c), Martin

Phase 2
MD1: Meehan, Vaughan-May-Gardner-Blythe, Ahmed-King, Feld-Coleman-Hall(c), Paul
MD2: Meehan, Vaughan-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Ahmed-King, Feld-Coleman-Hall(c), Paul
MD3: Meehan, Vaughan-May-Gardner-Shepherd, Ahmed-King, Somers-Coleman-Hall(c), Paul

Round of24 : Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-May-Gardner-Blythe, Ahmed-Player, Feld-King-Hall(c), Coleman

Style Mod: 0

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My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: TG me or Discord me first
RP injuries to my players: Y, I choose length of injury
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me or Discord me first, I choose length of injury
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y (although if you want multiple Red Cards, TG me or Discord me first)
Godmod other events: TG me or Discord me first

COVID-19 specific issues: Flavovespians are assumed to be vaccinated/immune against this. However if your nation is in a pandemic, assume the Flavovespia NT take specific precautions to avoid infection (i.e. isolating at all times before and after the match, daily tests. If you have any particular questions or RP lines that may involve my permission, TG me or Discord me.

I'll try and post the next MD line-up here before each match. If not, assume the same as previous in the event of a win, or some rotation otherwise. Feel free to use any player as a sub (within reason), unless they're listed as injured or suspended

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OOC Info: The year in Flavovespia is 31AU. The 31AU domestic season for Flavovespia IC has begun but scorination of it has yet to begin. Player ages are taken from the start of the year, but the player teams reflect the most recent transfer window. TG me or Discord me if you need some IC or OOC info for RP purposes.

[Dogsmouth]

Cleighmor Herald
Convoluted Conference Conspiracy
Maya Saunders - Busembe, Banija

You heard that right, there's a conspiracy afoot. AO is so embarrassed at their best and brightest being undone by the upstart Dogi national team, they pass a radical and nonsensical format just to kennel us alongside other teams of mediocre repute. It's well known that as a people we relish in being the underdogs, the ones who punch up and overcome the greatest odds. What odds are there to be overcome when we're somehow the second seed of our group? Having to face the likes of Northwest Kalactin--who we notably played down to their level last AOCAF, lacking the drive to show up a similarly unheralded team--and Huaymerica is a distinct penalty. There isn't a good story to be had there. It's minnows amongst minnows. Who wants to watch that? Who wants to play that? Well, we haven't a choice in the matter. So we'll have to make do.

The one upshot to this draw is that Quebec's AOCAF ranking is still recovering, meaning they were available to be the relative Known Quantity in a League B group. But it doesn't hide the core truth: The Banijans are scared. We showed the world we meant business when the first match after Farfadillis' World Cup championship, they were held to a draw by a nigh-unranked Dogi squad. Then we were the only side to beat the then world #1 Banijans in last AOCAF's group stage. And then 1510 Plinth beat the Hoima Warriors in the AOCL! The Banijans know we have their card, and they're doing everything in their power to make sure David doesn't trip them up once more. That the Federation voters let this transparent scheme pass, when a perfectly good bid courtesy of the Twicetagrians and Sylestoneans was right there, is nothing short of a travesty.