Copa Rushmori XXXVII / CR37 - Everything Thread

by **Eura** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:26 pm

EURA37

Welcome to the Everything Thread for the 37th Copa Rushmori! Its been a little while since an international football tournament has called itself home in the mighty Federation, but for this Copa, Eura will play host to sixty four matches of the beautiful game to decide the next champion of Rushmore. Visiting teams will be treated to the sights and sounds of eastern Rushmore's giant democracy, its massive stadiums, vibrant sporting culture and sublime conditions suited to producing great games of football.

Its a familiar format this Copa, as thirty two teams enter a straightforward round robin of eight groups of four, followed by a knockout round of sixteen, quarter finals, semi finals, third play off and the final. The favourites will no doubt be recent World Champions and three-in-a-row finalists Nephara, also reigning champions of Rushmore, closely followed by rivals with great prestige in this tournament such as the historic heavyweights of Cassadaigua, Pasarga and the hosts Eura, the Copa specialists Sargossa and Valladares, and the fast rising Savojarna, along with a myriad of other familiar names.

But this is a tournament of thirty two teams (including a handful of new entrants this year), from the juggernauts to the juniors, all of whom will be hoping to meet whatever their expectations may be, even if that just means avoiding a pummeling every game - but any of them could be a dark horse waiting to upset the applecart and put the big guns back in their place. At the end of it all only two teams will remain to duke it out for the Rushmori title at the Bastion Arena in front of 110,000 fans. Who will be the champions who see off all opposition? Who will be the disappointments, the underdogs, the heroes, the villains? There's only one way to find out.

How does it work?

Most of you know how the Copa and football tournaments on NS Sport work in general, but as a reminder, please use this thread only to post your rosters and roleplays. Any OOC commentary or questions should be kept in the signup thread. When you post a roster, please remember to do two particularly important things:

1. Indicate your preferred style modifier, a number ranging from -5 to +5 to indicate your team's play style. -5 indicates the most defensive team possible, +5 the most attacking team possible.

2. Provide a permissions box for other roleplayers to set expectations for what you are/are not comfortable with in their roleplays involving your team, which should look something like this:

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

If you're new to sports roleplaying and want further guidance, you may find these links useful:
Guide to Sports Roleplaying
General Sports Roleplaying Questions

Who is taking part?

The list of participating nations is as follows:

Pots

Group stage draw

Group A
Cassadaigua
Taeshan
Mapletish
Thibaea

Group B
Pasarga
Yuezhou
San Ortelio
Ancharmunn

Group C
Eura
Plane of Possibility
Pridnestrovia
Aut-Ves-Nat

Group D
Savojarna
Southwest Eastnorth
Tikariot
South Jeolerina

Group E
Sargossa
Mavinet
Eastfield Lodge
Nyowani Kitara

Group F
Valladares
Mytanija
Crystalline Caverns
Tveidalen

Group G
Graintfjall
Darmen
Hispinas
Astidt

Group H
Nephara
Astograth
Oberour Ar Moro
Soldera

Schedule and scorination

The group stage will follow this schedule, with teams numbered by pot (and the order they appear in the groups drawn above):
1v4 2v3
2v4 3v1
4v3 1v2

Please note the schedule may be subject to change depending on real life circumstances. Provisionally, however, the schedule will be:

March 17 – Group stage draw
March 21 – Groups MD1
March 23 – Groups MD2
March 25 – Groups MD3
March 28 – Ro16
March 30 – QF
April 1 – SF
April 3 - 3PPO and Final

Cutoff will be taking place at 23:00 UTC on every matchday, with an approximate gap between each cutoff of 48 hours. The order of tiebreakers for the group stage will be:
1. Goal Difference
2. H2H results
3. H2H goal difference
4. Wins
5. Coin toss

If you have any questions for me, please drop me a TG or message me on the NS Sports Discord. Have fun!

by **Eura** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:26 pm

About Eura

History

The United Federation of Eura is a very large parliamentary democracy located in south eastern Rushmore, home to just over three billion citizens, the Rushmore delegation for the World Assembly, and a key member of the Common Rushmori Community. Eura became a unified state of six regions after centuries of civil wars several centuries ago, developing a strong national identity with a distinct Euran-Anglophone culture originating from the region of Endemia. Sat on the coast of the Endemian ocean, Eura is hedged between several countries of note such as Electrum and Rhodesiah, and for many years has formed a focal point of Terranean civilisation.

The land that now makes up Eura was formerly settled by various peoples, who were mostly displaced millennia ago. The majority of Eurans migrated over several thousand years ago and quickly colonised the area, during the "Endemian Golden Age" of the ancient period. Although Eura did not exist for some time as a unified state or culture, the term "Eura" became popular about two thousand years ago, used to refer to fluctuating proportions of the eastern Terranean landmass. Eventually a number of states and empires formed, grew and then fell in the area, the most famous being the long dead Braetheon Empire and the medieval to industrial era Kingdom of Bastion.

For much of its history Eura was plagued by violent conflict and unrest, terrible famines and purges, and was endlessly divided. Despite its size and relative cultural homogeneity it would be picked apart by foreign powers, mercenaries and home grown despots in these conflicts, including the mammoth and never ending early Endemian Wars. Finally, after a particularly brutal few years at the hands of a late fascist turn by the Kingdom of Bastion, the Euran Civil War brought unity. Bastion’s defeat at the height of its power – the famous dual loss of the battles of Pooltree and Golden Fields – and the subsequent recapture of Directus by a quasi-federal alliance - led to the subsequent War of Unification, in which the Four Star Alliance of pro-democracy forces triumphed over the fascists. The result was the creation of a body initially called the Euran Commonwealth, later renamed the United Federation of Eura.

Since then Eura has been through further hardship, including multiple wars with its neighbours and the “seventh region” of Sameba and a lengthy period of communist rule as the Federated Socialist States, eventually brought down by a combination of civil resistance and military mutiny. Over time Eura’s delicate democratic arrangements have survived and evolved into a federal parliamentary democracy of enormous scale and participation. In the last half-century Eura has experienced historically unprecedented population growth (followed by a sharp levelling out), an almost non-stop economic boom, and ascension to the status of a military-industrial superpower. The old islands of Endemia and other overseas territories (such as Helving, the Uke Islands, and the Euran Oceania Territories) have become part of a “Eurasphere” of overseas Euran territory. The era of Euran influence and confidence has been best represented on the international stage by its rise to prominence in international football.

All of this progress was almost sabotaged successfully in recent years by an unprovoked invasion from the Republic of Sameba under the dictatorship of President Emile Gartanzo, who successfully duped the international community into believing he was a peaceable reformer before launching an asymmetrical nuclear attack and massive conventional offensive against Eura’s border. Eura suffered greatly from immense loss of life, both military and civilian, initially from the nuclear attack on Pooltree and indiscriminate conventional assault, and then from a deliberate and sadistic campaign of genocide in Eura’s remote northern towns and villages. With the support of the international community and some close allies such as Nephara, Eura turned the tide and repelled the invasion, only to be bogged down in attritional warfare in Sameban cities for several years. Gartanzo was killed by one of his own confidants in time, prompting an internal power struggle that collapsed the Sameban state and handed Eura a victory that it hopes will have ended the “thousand year struggle” between the two countries.

Now the “seven star federation” rather than six (the flag remains as yet unchanged), Eura is mostly stable once more and its economy recovering. Hosting the Copa Rushmori is seen as a prime opportunity to remind the world that the country is, as ever, powering through the worst the world can throw at it to succeed regardless.

Government and geography

Eura is a federal parliamentary democracy, and a big one at that. Its population of three billion citizens normally participate in elections every five years, and are currently ruled by a majority government of the Liberal Party. For the duration of this tournament the government and local metropolitan councils of Eura's various megacities shall have the final say on many aspects of the tournament in Eura, but the Euran Football Association will lead the way in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, police and security services, public transport, various sponsors and the clubs providing the stadiums for the tournament.

Eura is geographically a very large nation, underrepresented in its size by the stretching of surrounding nations on most maps, but is nevertheless densely populated and has immensely large urban centres, some of which (especially the capital Bastion) are more populous than many Rushmori countries, requiring a great deal of high rise and underground accommodation. Eura is historically split into six regions, hence the six stars on its flag; the Borderlands of the furthest west of the country, Callowdonia which occupies the near west and some of the north and is the smallest region, the Heartlands and Bastion which occupy the centre of the country, the South, the northern region of the Holden, and finally the eastern Reach region, where Eura's only coastline lies. It also now comprises the territory of the “seventh” Endemian region, Sameba, formerly the independent Republic of Sameba prior to the recent Great Endemian War.

Eura's mountainous neighbour Austroslovakia lies on the Askoy, or Ituyan in Valladares, mountain range to the west. Consequently, the very western borders of Eura are elevated high above sea level and snow capped, with a steep incline going down to the east. The range that is mostly over the border tops out at the peak of Grazpike, a 14,659ft (4,468m) high infamously dangerous mountain visible for hundreds of miles. Eura does have more mountains in the north along the eastern half of the border with Szavoda and part of the western reaches of the old border with Sameba, which are difficult to traverse and at their centre have several mountains which stand well above the others. At the point where the three territories meet, the line on the map is perforated almost exactly by the peak of one of Endemia's greatest geological aberrations, the area's only 8,000m+ peak, Garranor (27,221ft/8,297m). Referred to in the earliest Euran folklore as the summit of heaven, its name descends from old Holden dialect and translates as something approximate to "endless".

For the most part however Eura is a landscape of intermediate proportions for the most amateur of climbers, not flat but no more than hilly in most places. Its north western regions are the most notably bumpy and home to much of Eura's immense wealth in natural resources, and are heavily urbanised, while Eura's centre is almost entirely urbanised and the confluence of the Holden and other rivers is surrounded by Bastion's satellite settlements. It is arguably at its most rural and natural in the south near the border with Electrum, where gargantuan farms meet only a small part of Eura's food needs, and are in close proximity to Brigham and Spartangrad, two more megacities.

The east is the flattest and warmest region and generally the driest, its most notable cities being the cultural and economic hub of DIrectus and the naval port of Falourr, whose authorities boast is "big enough and deep enough to fit every vessel, its captain, and the captain’s mother". The wettest part of Eura is no doubt Sameba, and the most northeastern parts of the original federation borders, the cutoff in climate between that area and the rest of the eastern Reach being severe. Spanning the old border is the remains of the infamous and heavily militarised "Danger Zone", which is still home to the remnants of bloody conflict. Sameba itself is similarly physically scarred in a way that the rest of the Federation is not; a lack of investment over recent years has left many of Sameba’s cities derelict and relatively impoverished, still impacted by power cuts and food shortages a decade after the war ended. It is no surprise that the Euran authorities opted against including Sameban cities in the tournament.

Culture and norms

The stereotype of Eurans assigned by foreigners is usually that of a homogenous, culturally uninteresting horde, who are zealously patriotic, officious, law abiding and economically left leaning. Despite this (mostly) untrue characterisation, Euran culture has found success and popularity abroad in many forms, especially in cinema and sport, and the country itself has become a hugely popular destination for foreign business and tourists who come to see its heaving megacities, beautiful mountains, magnificent castles and towering industrial complexes. Eurans have gained a more positive reputation in recent years as an industrious and hardworking people, and the state a positive reputation for decisive if sometimes forceful regional leadership, while they have had their eyes opened to foreign cultures to an unprecedented extent. The war with Sameba provided fuel to the fire of international sympathy and understanding, putting Eura and Eurans in a positive light more than ever before.

Football is valuable cultural currency in Eura, so the Copa is being warmly welcomed in the country. Foreign fans can be expected to be welcomed with open arms by locals as a result. Nevertheless, every country has its quirks, so here is a quick run through of what to expect from Eura and how to behave if you are visiting:

• The most important thing is to be polite. Whether someone is holding a door open for you or serving you a drink, always remember your “please” and “thank you”. Euran society is not completely strait-laced but basic niceties are a big part of social interaction, and it is not uncommon for locals to come across as weirdly courteous or even apologetic to visitors. However uninvited rudeness to others, particularly if it is directed at staff in service industries, is heavily frowned upon. You can swear like a docker wherever you like, but doing something like getting testy with a shop assistant will draw glares from every Euran present.

• “Euran English” or “Endemian English” is a variation of a popular language with minimal differences from the norm. Still, it is worth paying attention to the travel guide section on basic phrases if you are not fluent; Eura is a big country and chances are you may occasionally come across a local who finds it difficult to communicate with you. Ironically, given the above about politeness, foul language is quite common in Eura – even in professional settings – so try not to be too shocked if an old lady at the bus stop starts dropping f-bombs about the weather.

• Eura is a socially liberal country where drug use is largely decriminalised, public displays of affection are normal, social policies towards minority groups are progressive and the nightlife is appropriately alcohol-fuelled. Therefore, you can be yourself as you normally would; just be careful not to fall into any obviously criminal behaviour such as violence and you will be left to your own devices without judgement.

• Football fan culture in Eura is good spirited and raucous. Stadiums regularly fill out for domestic games with huge crowds. You can expect this to continue during the Copa Rushmori, with most Eurans thrilled to have an international tournament hosted in their country for the first time in many years. Don’t be too offended if they demonstrate ignorance about your own country’s footballing heritage or achievements; Eurans have been blessed with many years of great football to watch at home, and many have never travelled abroad.

• Worried about stodgy food and cheap drinks that taste like piss? Don’t – Euran cities are very cosmopolitan and offer a wide range of hospitality from around the multiverse. If you do want to dabble in local cuisine and beverages, the best local dishes tend to be meat based, particularly Holden lamb, though the country is rapidly developing a reputation for vegan cooking. The beer is pretty average in Eura, so you might want to try spirits instead, especially gin and whiskey. There is also an abundance of good ciders if that floats your boat. Food hygiene standards are high, so you can trust local takeaways and street food.

• Similarly, the quality of city and even rural nightlife in Eura is excellent. Avoid chain nightclubs and bars if you can (they tend to be populated by students), or even better go upmarket; every city has dozens of top tier venues. If neither of those are up your alley, Eura’s pubs, cafes and other more relaxed leisure environments can be found on almost every street corner.

• Local citizens are quite patriotic, which will be obvious from the passion of Eurans about their national team, the prevalence of the Euran colours and flag in civil society, and almost universal observation of national memorial events that coincide with international football matches. Although Eura is not as nationalistic as sometimes depicted by the press overseas, and tourists are certainly not expected to participate in any way unless they desire to, visitors should be conscious of Euran civic patriotism being a strong force – insulting (or being perceived to insult) symbols of Euran culture, history, war memorials or commemorations is considered deeply offensive.

• On a related note, do mention the war if you want to, just be considerate about how you talk about it. Eurans are quite open to speaking about their experiences of the vast conflict that recently engulfed the region, but bear in mind that at least fifty million people died, and there is a good chance everyone you meet will have known at least one of the dead. It is a sensitive subject and should be approached with due care.

• While you are in Eura, make the most of the heritage and tourism destinations on offer. Whether it is the endless battlements of Bastion Castle or the magnificent central span of the River Holden that interests you, or something entirely different, Eura is home to too many treasures and sights to count. Museums tend to be free or offer cheap entry, as are galleries and historic buildings.

Travel advice (including safety and security advice)

• The quality and availability of public transport in Eura is high, and it is largely affordable, in particular overground rail, subways and buses, and some of the cities have extensive tram systems. However, it is a very busy country and these public transport networks are heavily strained in many places, despite their immense capacity and modernity. Federal Rail offer cheap tickets for international tourists on most weekdays if you want to travel between cities for games, just be careful to avoid peak commuting hours. If you are a student, bring your student ID with you, as most Euran public transport networks offer discounts to people in full time education regardless of citizenship under the Mobility in Education Act.

• Unless you are coming from a neighbouring or nearby country it is strongly advised not to attempt to travel to Eura by road; Eura’s motorway network has been a problem for years with serious overcrowding, so get a plane or train instead. Flying in may surprisingly be the easiest part of traveling in and out of Eura due to its fantastic aviation infrastructure, with a number of large airports dotted around the country including the massive Bastion Fairways International.

• Eura is an overwhelmingly urban nation – in the most extreme example, Bastion, you have a leviathan population across the wider metropolitan area of 70 million people. That means the chances of getting lost in one of the megacities hosting games is pretty high. Fortunately, the locals happy to help any tourists find their way. Even so, you should invest in a paper map or digital app to find your way around.

• The best accommodation option for most visitors would be one of Eura’s many budget hotel chains such as Resthouse, Star Inns and HafH (Home away from Home, in case you were wondering what that means). If you would prefer an even cheaper option there are plenty of hostels, low budget independent hotels or gig economy flat hire options throughout the country.

• Good news – internet and mobile data is freely available across the entirety of Eura, with only minor drops in service quality in very rural areas! The bad news is that its not really “free”. If you are not on a Euran network by default, which you won’t be, you could be charged extortionate roaming charges. Make sure to sort out a short term deal before you travel, Eura’s largest service providers all offer very affordable “mini contracts” for tourists.

• As with all travel abroad, travel insurance is an absolute must. However, you probably don’t need to worry too much about the healthcare component of that as the Euran healthcare system is free at the point of use for all regardless of citizenship. The only risk is if you have a very rare condition in which case the Euran state may ask you to acquire funding for treatment or send you home. Insurance is more important for protecting yourself against things like cancelled flights and theft.

• It can be a bit overwhelming to travel to a Euran city and experience the human wave that is the local population, but there is no need to be intimidated. Most cities are well policed and street crime is low, so you should be fine as long as you take the same precautions you would on any other trip abroad. Generally, it is not hard to have a good time as local authorities rule by consent and petty disturbances like drinking and the odd bit of loud behaviour on a Saturday night are usually treated empathetically. However, make no mistake – Eura’s police and security services have a huge presence, are usually close by and are always paranoid, so do not find reasons to aggravate law enforcement. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to get around customs controls with contraband such as banned imports or narcotics; you will be caught and could face jail time in serious cases.

• There is also no harm in being part of a more “enthusiastic” fan group, as Euraleague is full of them after all. However, getting involved in any kind of hooliganism or violent behaviour at a football match in Eura is a serious mistake. The games will all be heavily policed and every Euran football stadium is required by law to deploy one steward to every thirty fans as a minimum. Any incitement of violence at a sporting event is usually dealt with quickly and harshly, and foreign governments are rarely able to leverage influence on the Euran government to drop charges against foreign nationals for these offences.

• There are substantial human rights protections for all and generally speaking it is uncommon for visitors to experience discrimination based on protected characteristics such as sex, race or religion. However, like many societies, Eura is not free from these ills as much as it might have progressed over the years, and therefore sporadic incidents of such behaviour may occur; specifically, in relation to the Copa, there have been isolated incidents in recent years of sexist chanting and heckling following the co-ed merging of the men’s and women’s game. The most common kind of discrimination in Eura is Samephobia (bigotry towards ethnic Samebans). If you are the victim of any discriminatory and/or criminal behaviour, you should report it to the police.

• If you care about privacy you should ask for an “International Visitors Data Charter” on arrival. Digital monitoring of the population is more normalised in Eura than most democracies, and this government document gives you a detailed breakdown of what information the Euran state will collect on your during your stay (spoiler alert: basically everything).

• Despite the strength of law enforcement and security forces in Eura, it is sadly the case that the country is at a high risk of terrorism due to its global status and ongoing unrest in the former Sameba. Eura has been the victim of a number of high-profile terrorist attacks on public places in recent years, including post-war. Read the security guidance for visitors on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travelling to find out what to do if you are affected by such an event. If you think you have witnessed suspicious behaviour, please report it to the authorities immediately. As a consequence of this high risk level, many Euran military installations are deemed particularly sensitive and maintain a constant state of high alert, so you should avoid them unless they explicitly permit activity such as photography or tours.

• All visitors to Eura are advised to avoid all but essential travel to the Sameban region of the country north of Aspel, due to a risk of violence towards foreign nationals, or foreign nationals being caught up in violence towards police, security forces and civic institutions. Violence can range from civil unrest between police and protestors at the low end, to terrorism and fighting between paramilitaries and the Euran Army at the extreme end. Although the war with Sameba officially ended years ago, the Euran military continues to fight a low level counter-insurgency against sporadic resistance in the furthest northern reaches of the country, including far right nationalist paramilitary organisations who have been known to kidnap and sometimes kill foreign nationals, particularly those from countries deemed as close to Eura. In the north east, far-left paramilitary organisations continue to attempt to recruit foreign volunteers for their cause; these organisations, like the nationalist groups, are proscribed. Any attempt to make contact with or join these groups is a criminal offence. If you have any affiliations or connections to individuals linked to any of these groups, you contact the Federal Border Authority before you travel and ensure you are able to enter the country.

• Fans visiting the northern city of Oakstone and any cities, towns or rural areas to the north of Oakstone, should be aware that the city and surrounding areas are still recovering from the impact of the Great Endemian War, and may be in unsafe for visitors in some places. Risks to citizens and tourists alike can include large scale building and repair works, damaged infrastructure and buildings, and in rare cases, deceased persons and unexploded munitions. Unsafe areas will be marked clearly by local authorities and guidance is available on the Oakstone Metropolitan Council website. In the very unlikely event that you discover a deceased person or unexploded munitions, it is critical that you inform the authorities immediately and do not attempt to deal with the danger yourself. However, authorities have deemed that the risk of this is low, and the area of the city surrounding the Oak House stadium and main tourist districts is very safe.

• Serious natural hazards in Eura are thankfully rare. Nevertheless you should remain alert to local weather reports wherever you travel, and listen to official advice if a serious natural hazard is expected. The most common types of these hazards in Eura are serious adverse weather events, namely cold weather and snow in the west and north in the winter, and excess heat or heatwaves in the east, south and centre of the country in the summer. Storms occur infrequently though they do not reach the scale of larger events such as a hurricane. Heavy rain and gale force winds sometimes are a feature of storms in Eura, particularly in the north and former Sameba. Earthquakes and other tectonic events are very rare and usually cause only low level damage and injuries. There are no region-specific biological threats (e.g. rare diseases).

Stadiums (By stadium name, club, city, capacity)

Eura is blessed with an abundance of high capacity stadiums. All groups feature a larger and a smaller stadium (though all are above 45,000 seats, and the majority above 60,000), which are distributed across eight locations in Eura that are based on a mix of geographic and historic categorisations. In every group the stadiums will host the following games:
Larger stadium – 1v4, 1v2, 3v1
Smaller stadium – 2v3, 4v3, 2v4
Although this format means the top seed will play all three of their games in the larger stadium (due to the scheduling format for games matching the teams seeding), it has been selected by the EFA to ensure that every team gets to play in the larger stadium at least once.

GROUP A – The Northwest
Troutbridge (Ulsa, Ulsa, 97,460) - Rebuilt from the ground up a few decades ago, Troutbridge is a striking stadium that combines modern construction with a traditional attitude to what makes a good football stadium. It blends a looming, retractable cantilever roof and a powerful audiovisual electronics suite on the one hand, with steep banked tiers hugging the crowd close to the pitch and an old fashioned entrenched dugout on the other. Its white and light blue colour scheme is also a memorable feature. Already a stadium of international repute as home to four time Globe Cup/Challengers Cup winners.
Ludvik Ring (Usmer, Usmer, 69,492) - Another stadium daubed in white, which is off-brand considering its ageing concrete exterior resembles something closer to the coal that made the city of Usmer famous, after years of industrial pollution. The Ludvik Ring is one of the oldest and least modified stadiums at the tournament despite being subject to one of the government's substantial expansions before the last Copa in Eura. Its flat bowl shape is deceptive as the stadium can hold just shy of 70,000, and in spite of hosting a club side who have spent most of their existence bouncing between the first and second tiers with some brief glories (they're the only Euran team to have won the SBCC/LBCT), it has a formidable reputation as a difficult place to visit.

GROUP B – Callodownia and the Holden
Workers Athletic Achievement Stadia (Workers Union, Callodown, 80,000) - As its clumsy but much loved anachronistic name implies, this is a ground of the people, for the people. Originally a stadium built by Eura's long extinct communist regime, the "WAAS" is truly from another era - it had dangerous old terraces until Workers Union were threatened with a points deduction if they didn't get rid of them (safe standing has recently returned in their place though), the worst catering facilities of any major stadium in the country, and no roof to speak of until its last expansion. And yet the fans love it for its iconic boxy shape and rudimentary services. Local tourist guides describe this ground as having a "rustic aesthetic and experience", which might be the biggest understatement of all time.
Benedict Lane (Holdenberg, Holdenberg, 74,869) - In stark contrast to the slightly larger stadium of the group, Holdenberg's Benedict Lane is a state of the art reconstruction similar to Troutbridge in many ways. It has one of the largest single tier stands in Eura behind one goal, allowing a maximum of 25,000 people sat and standing. Its pitch is a sublime carpet, compared to the historic minefield it was before the rebuild. It also features one of the most stunning views over its smallest stand at the opposite end, made up of distant mountains, the skyscrapers of central Holdenberg and the unique "Holdenberg Haze", a red and orange constellation of lights emanating from miles of steelworks nearby.

GROUP C – Heartlands/Bastion
Bastion Arena (Bastion, Bastion, 110,000) - If Euran football were a religion, the Bastion Arena would be its grand temple. The leviathan home stadium of Bastion and the Euran national team has been an ever present symbol of the Euran game since gaining international prominence in the 50's era of WCC football. It was virtually brand new when Eura dipped its toes into World Cup qualifying, and celebrates its 50th anniversary during this Copa Rushmori. The stadium was controversial when built, described by a prominent Emplor journalist as a "ghastly new build eyesore staining the Bastion skyline". Over the years it has stood the test of time and its critics have been placated by its iconic double-arch roof structure, superb visibility, acoustics and lasting modernity.
The Athletic Ground (WEA, Bastion, 54,202) - Despite its name, this is not an athletics track with a football pitch shoehorned in the middle. The Athletic Ground is the site of one of the oldest clubs in the country - WEA, or West End Athletic - and one of the oldest stadiums before it was rebuilt to be an all seater ground. Its a proper Euran football stadium, a claustrophobic shed with a hostile home crowd and glaring floodlights.

GROUP D – The Borderlands/the West
Walter Avenue (Hornchurch, Hornchurch, 56,392) - The teams in Group D have perhaps drawn the short straw when it comes to group location, as they will be playing in two of the three smallest stadiums in the tournament. This is due to the regional system the EFA have chosen for picking host cities - the Borderlands of western Eura have the least professional football teams of any part of the country and tend to have smaller stadiums. However, Walter Avenue is more than capable of hosting international football, and makes up for its smaller size and age with its beauty. Hornchurch might be best known in recent years for bringing through the partnership of Damion Bowman and Kurtis Bastable but their home is a beautiful example of stadium architecture, with a curved steel roof on all four stands in the shape of a diving wave or hook. Hornchurch also happens to be one of the most picturesque cities in Eura, so it will be a pleasant visit for fans, especially if they enjoy skiing.
The Iron Shed (Unioneers, Harther, 45,390) - Unlike the Athletic Ground, the Iron Shed lives up to its name. The deceptively new home of Unioneers is a no nonsense metallic cage that pins over 45,000 fans and both teams into a cramped urban arena, surrounded by the heavy industry of Harther. Its aesthetics are brutal, yet the Shed invites prettier football; Unioneers have become a success story among the life and death struggle of smaller Euran clubs, largely thanks to their free flowing, possession based game and smart recruitment policy. The smallest stadium in the tournament is still one to savour.

GROUP E – The Southwest
Olympic Stadium (Spartangrad, Spartangrad, 104,773) - Has it ever hosted an Olympics? No. Did that stop the owners calling it an Olympic Stadium anyway? No. Is it nevertheless a magnificent construction that dominates this one club city? Yes. The Spartan's stomping ground has seen a lot of successful teams over the years, including those that won the Gold League many times, the Champions Cup once and most recently the Challengers Cup. Its distinctive blue and white striped paintjob emulates the team's famous shirts, and its elevated bowl design makes it visible on the skyline for many miles. The third largest football stadium in Eura by capacity, it also boasts the highest proportion of safe standing capacity of any Euran stadium that can carry 50,000 fans or more.
Sharp Stadium (Cupapy United, Culpapy, 60,000) - Sharp Stadium was built following the retirement of Euran footballing legend Lee Sharp to serve as the home of Culpapy United, the club where he started his career. Much like his short stint as Euran national team manager, the stadium has proven to be a disappointing calamity. Culpapy were a small club by international standards let alone Euran ones, and have rarely ever filled this soulless out of town arena, especially after the club plunged down the leagues. The club were forced to sell the stadium, a rare fate in Euran football, and it was nearly cleared for demolition not that long ago. Only the intervention of the EFA has saved it, after they committed to using it as the secondary stadium for the southwest region if Eura hosted a major international tournament.

GROUP F – The Southeast
Sasky Rising Memorial Stadium (Revolutionaries, Brigham, 107,000) - The SRMS, or "The Sasky" as fans have affectionately nicknamed it, is the second biggest sporting venue in Eura and perhaps the most loved in the country. It is most well known for its distinctive old fashioned bowl shape, its dark green and black colour scheme, a massive concrete superstructure surrounding the oval it forms and a short canopy roof stretching out from the back. The stadium was gradually expanded for years despite damage during a war or two, before achieving its distinctive current state over half a century ago. Since then it has been expanded further, and now it seats a massive capacity of 107,000 people. A recent programme of improvements saw the roof refitted, a massively upgraded concourse system and new security features. Aside from hosting the Globe Cup final, the SRMS has hosted Euran national team games, several Copa Rushmori fixtures, and various domestic cup finals over the years when Bastion Arena has been unavailable or an inappropriate choice.
Old Ham Lane (Brigham, Brigham, 76,409) - Brigham's Old Ham Lane lies not all that far from the Sasky, but is an altogether different deal. Its unusual among Euran stadiums in that it doesn't have built in corners, and has one stand that is underdeveloped compared to the other three, all of which are very high capacity, triple tier stands. Although it is situated in the sunny south of the country, there is a dire and overcast quality to Old Ham Lane with its cold steel facade and its black and white colour seats that could deceive you into thinking it were an industrial park that confused itself with a football stadium.

GROUP G – The Northeast and The Reach (North)
The Oak House (Oakstone, Oakstone, 82,402) - Beloved and unique, the Oak House has the greatest story of recent times of any Euran stadium. The Oak House used to be one of the biggest stadiums outside of the top flight when Oakstone were regularly in the Silver or even Bronze leagues, then came to enjoy a return to glory before being laid low by war and the Sameban siege of Oakstone. The stadium served as a makeshift field hospital and was severely damaged by long range artillery, necessitating the club Oakstone playing elsewhere for a number of years. Eventually it was rebuilt with government money and became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity; its massive brown exterior wall, designed to resembled the kind of wood from which the city takes its name, still bears some deliberately retained scars of war. The Oak House towers over the city that surrounds it, far away from the skyscrapers of the centre, and with its steep tiers is surely one of the best spectator experiences the country has to offer.
Pignot Stadium (Farrenton Athletic, Farrenton, 70,000) - Pignot Stadium was named after the steel magnate who founded the club way back when. It might as well have been built with the blood and sweat of the city's workers, as its constructed almost entirely from locally sourced materials, and many of the men and women who built it would have been among the first fans to see Athletic play there. Situated on the giant Baker Canal, the stadium has required two substantial rebuilds and a recent renovation to repair war damage. Its not popular in Eura, with a questionable fan experience from certain parts of the stadium and a home team who aren't particularly well liked, but the stadium owners have redesigned some of the stadium's internal architecture to offer a better spectator experience at the Copa.

GROUP H – The Reach (South)
Castle Road (Directus, Directus, 95,000) - Considered by many to be the greatest stadium in the country and to have the best atmosphere, Castle Road is the intimidating, passionate home of megaclub Directus. Its home crowds are legendary but even without them this is a hell of a stadium; towering stands that reach up into the gods, blood club colours on almost every surface that tell you who really owns this place, and acoustics to rival any ground in the multiverse. Aside from restricted viewpoints in the south stand (usually where the away fans sit) due to some questionable construction decisions many years ago, Castle Road offers fantastic views of the pitch from almost every position. Eura have played here themselves in the past and the stadium has plenty of history. It was here that Directus and Bastion used to duke it out for the title almost every year. It was here that Lee Sharp scored the record breaking 40 league goals. It was here that Rowena Strongbow and the then technically Nepharan Monica Rowland became the first foreign women to play in Euran mens football. Now it is here that the teams of Group H must all do battle.
Sandstone Ground (Falourr, Falourr, 76,000) - Last but not least comes the Sandstone Ground, a picturesque stadium similar to the famous Aspel Dellaro in the former Sameba. In fact they actually had the same chief architect. As you might have guessed it is carved into a sandstone hill close to the coast of Eura's great eastern port megacity, which can sometimes lead to "challenging" weather conditions, where heavy crosswinds from the sea and torrential rain can lead to nightmarish battles on the pitch. The stand with its back to the sea is slightly lower in height than the others which magnifies this unique effect. At least if you lose here the ferry home isn't too far away.

Reserve stadiums
Lansbury Road (Lajuno, Lajuno, 62,000)
Hafran Lane (Holdenberg City, Holdenberg, 63,590)
The Hive (Honeybadgers, Directus, 62,107)

In its original plans for the tournament, the EFA had envisaged one group being based in the former Sameba. However, due to ongoing security concerns and the potential for crowd trouble, the EFA have decided to host all eight groups in the original boundaries of the Federation.

by **Yue Zhou** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:33 pm

THE UNITED REPUBLICS OF YUEZHOU - NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
月州联合共和国 - 国际足球队

It’s a new dawn for Yuezhou, and that extends to the national team as well. At home, a significantly weakened federal republic has opened its doors to the Rushmori community (or, to more cynically-minded Yueren, exploitative foreign corporations). On the national team, Lu Jialan has finally been given a chance to impose his own style on the new-look Red Dragons, as after an exciting WCQ86 and Copa Rushmori quarterfinals run, WCQ87 saw the influential Yuan Zilai finally sacked by the FA. The Copa Rushmori has historically been a competition where the Dragons have seen more success, and although the team’s Cup of Harmony campaign went up in flames to neighboring Graintfjall, there’s hope in the war-weary populace that this could be their year.

Manager: Lu Jialan
Assistant Manager: None [left vacant since the Alba and Cymru Incident]
Nickname: The ~~Red~~ Dragons
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Style Modifier: -2.75
First-Choice Lineup
Tactics:
Yuan Zilai, the previous coach of the national team, used an aggressive midfield press and a dynamic counterattack to stun much more talented opposition. However, it was clear by the end of the tenure that the wheels had come off a bit, especially with the press tending to lead to sloppy defending and tired legs late in matches. There were also some concerns with the attacking setup, with Liu Huiying and Gu Zhalei looking out of place on the wings, and Huang Shedong isolated upfront.

Former Dynamo Dalian and Beian City manager Lu Jialan’s tactics are largely responding to these weaknesses. On the attacking end of things, Liu Huiying has been moved centrally, and will frequently push up to form a strike partnership with Huang Shedong. Wen Xiaohui will also tuck in and spray passes from a more central position, although she’ll have a freer role that allows her to drift wide and find spaces between the lines. The focus in open play will be to play more centrally and dynamically, shifting play between the two sides of the pitch when needed. Lu relies on his fullbacks-turned-wingbacks for width, with Diadora Reeve and Kang Enlai being given more license to push up and provide a wide threat, although Yuezhou will never have the personnel to play many crosses in.

Without the ball, Lu Jialan sets his team up in a position to counterattack. Immediately after losing the ball, Yuezhou will attempt to defend from the front, trying to win it back. However, unlike Yuan Zilai’s setup, they will not press aggressively in midfield, instead dropping back into a 5-4-1 medium block. The center-backs will play very conservatively, although Zhu will have more license to bomb forwards on the counter, and the midfield pivot (especially Guo, who can make the defense a six-man back line at times) also frequently sits back. The aim will be to control the center of the pitch and force attacks into wide areas, while maintaining space up front to surge forward into a counterattack if need be.

STARTERS

#23 - GK - GUO Yanhong (郭艳红) - 28 - Dhun Lagarr FC (TKT)
A modern sweeper-keeper and competent shot-stopper who is aggressive to a fault, but who had an incredible enough season in Tikariot to earn a call-up.
#03 - LCB - REN Fang (任方) - 31 - Hamiltonian Cambria (KSK)
A strong, disciplined defender who's at his best in the air. Athletic and very versatile, Ren’s only weakness is that he tends to just hoof it whenever he wins a ball back.
#05 - CB - HAN Jian (C) (韩建) - 33 - Letson Town (ETN)
Cautious and disciplined, the experienced Han Jian is the de facto leader of the backline for both club and country. Incredibly solid, but like Ren, has little skill on the ball.
#15 - RCB/RB - ZHU Aiguo (朱爱国) - 27 - Iturributa United (ASG)
An aggressive, versatile defender who likes to win balls and push forward with them. A center-back by trade, Zhu has unexpectedly become Yuezhou's starting right-back - his emergence at the position has earned him a transfer to Astograth as well as his starting spot.
#02 - LB - KANG Enlai (康恩来) - 28 - Corvette Maulers (NPH)
The most ambitious of the full-backs on the roster, Kang is the best source of width on the team (although that probably says more about the team than it does about Kang). Strong athleticism and crossing ability, although he is a bit one-dimensional on the attack.
#07 - CDM - YANG Tao (杨道) - 28 - Fagli Cinquanta (SOR)
Energetic but not particularly skilled, Yang will be tasked with pressing aggressively, winning balls back before passing them to someone more creative, and kicking opponents to stop attacks.
#08 - CM/AM - LI Jing (李精) - 28 - Steinaux (GRF)
Li Jing is very quick and excels on the counterattack as a creative or goalscoring threat. Has enjoyed increased praise lately for his exploits in Graintfjall due to the beginning of normalization in relations between the two countries.
#13 - RB - Diadora REEVE (f) (利朵拉) - 26 - North Sabrefell (NPH)
Diadora Reeve is an athletic, relatively attack-minded fullback who provides an interesting tactical option for Yuezhou in place of Zhu Aiguo. We think she had a Yue grandfather or something, which is why she's turned up on the Yue national team despite everyone previously thinking she was Nepharim.
#10 - CAM/SS - LIU Huiying (f) (刘辉映) - 26 - Iron City (NPH)
Liu’s speed and devastating passing ability make her one to watch with every counterattack. Her high workrate, even on the defensive end, should theoretically make her a good candidate to slot into attacking-midfield - but the move, although Lu has stuck with it, has had mixed results so far.
#18 - AM - WEN Xiaohui (f) (文小辉) - 24 - CASK Thorsborg (SVJ)
Wen Xiaohui, the niece of controversial star midfielder Wen Xiaoli, has rapidly developed from Yuezhou’s next big thing to a star in her own right. She’s not a great tactical fit for Lu Jialan’s style, but her pace and playmaking more than merit her inclusion in the first-choice starting eleven, and her breakout WCQ87 campaign was a rare bright spot in an otherwise miserable qualifiers.
#09 - ST - HUANG Shedong (黄舍东) - 27 - Stahlberg Rovers (NPH)
While not particularly good at hold-up play or in the air, Huang's blazing speed and technique mean he excels at exploiting gaps in the opponents' defense with his dribbling and short passes. A strong finisher, but relatively unproven leading a line by himself.

RESERVES

#1 - GK - LU Qiang (f) - 29 - Guerrilla Cathair (AUD)
From an actual guerrilla in the Yue Civil War to Guerrilla Cathair, Lu Qiang is a fighter above all else. On the pitch, she’s more modern, better at playing the ball from the back, but undoubtedly worse at actually stopping the ball from going into the net.
#12 - GK - WANG Bo - 29 - Wahrsager Der Berg (ZRH)
A polished shot-stopper with strong leadership abilities who was rewarded for his efforts with a Golden Gloves award two years ago. Earned a big-money (by Yue standards, at least) move to Esportiva this transfer window.
#14 - LB - JIAWEI Chuan (f) - 26 - Omnio (CMT)
A quick, crafty full-back (or wing-back, or even winger if Yuezhou are really parking the bus) whose biggest weakness is a propensity to get forced off the ball.
#25 - LCB - YAO Wenyan - 25 - Olympic Nangang
A left-footed center-back who can play left-back in a pinch (for instance, if Lu Jialan really wants to park the bus), Yao is a quick, intelligent defender capable of making surging runs into midfield.
#16 - RCB - YUAN Mingrong - 23 - Ararat (MYT)
An intelligent, cultured young center-back who's solid but still a bit raw with the ball. Showed enough promise in Mytanija as the best defender in an admittedly underwhelming Ararat defense to earn a shot, although that might say more about Yuezhou’s center-back depth than anything else.
#06 - CB/CDM - GUO Xiawei - 28 - Tanques AOE (KOR)
Formerly a makeshift libero in a back three, Guo Xiawei has been redeployed as a defensive midfielder. One of the first of his generation of Yue players to sign abroad, for since-relegated Tanques AOE, Guo has flashes of brilliance with the ball and is very good at reading and intercepting passes, but tends to make unforced errors on defense too often to be trusted unless in a back three.
#19 - CDM/CM - WAN Sheping - 20 - Wirr Tsi (CMT)
An old-school, defensive-minded midfielder who's surprisingly good in the air despite being 5'8". Earned a move to countryman Zhaxi Nanlei’s Wirr Tsi squad this transfer window.
#11 - CM - CHEN Xiwei - 31 - Bikarsh (PFA)
Energetic but not particularly skilled, Chen is a slightly more attack-minded option in the pivot who nevertheless mostly just kicks people and wins the ball back.
#17 - CM - LI Keqiang - 27 - Vantanoch FC (TKT)
An absolute wall of muscle, Li Keqiang's combination of pace and physicality make him a tough player to get past. Has proven surprisingly effective as a goal-scorer in Tikariot.
#20 - AM - TAO Beiliang - 24 - Korsbach (GRF)
A relentless source of energy, aggression, and creativity, Tao is still pretty inconsistent, but is a great student of the game and could be starting for the Red Dragons in a few years.
#21 - ST - JI Weibo - 20 - Valley Wanderers (SNL)
While selfish to a fault and not the easiest personality to work with, Ji Weibo has laid waste to South Newlandia to the tune of 17 goals in 22 matches. A pure poacher who’s posed an increased long-range threat as of lately, Ji isn’t much of a team player but can arguably lead a line by himself better than the less physical Huang can, and could be a real option off the bench.
#22 - ST/RW - LUO Dan - 25 - Beian Rovers
A more mobile forward who can deputize capably on either wing or as an attacking midfielder if Yuezhou are chasing goals, Luo is a dangerous scorer known for his quick-burst runs behind the defense. Can be a little selfish at times.

RP Permissions: no killing/serious injuries, TG or DM before godmodding, everything else is fine

by **Pasarga** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:12 pm

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

Pasarga Roster
Nickname: Wanderers
Most Caps: Mór Császár (196)
Most Goals: Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (124)

Kits

Home Away Third
Modifier: +1

Manager: Meriadoc Griffiths

, age 52
Assistant: Anna Kováts, age 50 (F)

Goalkeepers
GK: Szescõ Mezei, age 28, Hellinic Rouge
GK: Ambrus Galambos, age 33, Stein-los Turkish
GK: Guglielmo Lo Duca, age 33, Atlantea Hurricanes

Both Galambos and Mezei had excellent domestic campaigns and maintain their grip on the top two spots of the pecking order, with Griffiths having a difficult choice in who is the number one choice. Galambos has excellent reflexes and has been something of a late bloomer, meaning their age likely wont be in effect for at least another cycle or two, but Mezei has been excellent since a teenager and has only gotten better. Lo Duca is a solid enough third choice, should the need arise.

Defenders
LB: Rozalia Sebeôk, age 31, Duke of the North (F)
LB/LW: Deli Ács, age, 30, Directus

CB: Lazar Meier, age 31, Directus

CB: Laborc Szöllössy, age 30, Spartangrad

CB: Borsala Máté, age 32, Hellinic Rouge (F)
CB: Asztrik Szalay, age 30, Sabrefell Athletic

R/CB: Tabor Csikós, age 30, Spartangrad

RB: Anita Szarka, age 27, Sardin United (F)

A very veteran an experienced defensive group that has more or less been playing together as a unit for four years now. They are all in the middle of the prime part of their careers but this is likely the last tournament for almost the entire selection of the pool. For that, they have to build off the last two cycles performances and come together as a group to put up the elite level marking that they do for their clubs. It starts with the captain on the left side, he is in the part of his career where he needs to stay back more and defend rather than blasting forward, having the experience now to know when to overlap and not constantly do it. Mentally and physically tough after most of them have spent their time in the Eura league, this is the cycle where they can make their case for being the golden generation of Pasargan defenders or just a group of good individual defenders never really got it down with the national team.

Midfielders
RW: Erik Földessy, age 30, CA Paulinthal
RW: Jan Gersten, age 33, Bastion

AMC: Mária Vöröss, age 30, Royal Canterlot HC

A/MC: Márió Szölösi, age 27, Ulsa

D/MC: Szalyk Földessy, age 30, Ibini FC

D/MC: Ubul Kuruc, age 25, FC Felsenkirchen 1879

LW: Vojmil Topić, age 23, CA Paulinthal
LW: Pellegrin Csapó, age 27, Marque

This group is not much changed from the group that was selected two years ago, bar the inclusion of two CAP wingers to the team. Gersten is now brought to the role of an impact sub or rotation player as another one of the Földessy clan gets their time in the spotlight after season after amazing season for the Hurricane in the SuperLiga. It is worth noting that only the two players from CAP are the only players from the SuperLiga that have made the team (in the midfield), once again showing that foreign clubs like to pick up the talented Pasargan youth. By now everyone knows how good Vöröss is in the attacking midfield role and in any dead ball situation, though Szölösi is not that far behind her. Szalyk Földessy might be starting to slip a bit, but he is still the best defensive minded midfielder that the Wanderers have at their disposal. All in all, there is quality throughout the midfield and in the depth chart, as it looks like it has finally reclaimed the position as the best group of players for the national team from the striker group.

Forwards
LW/ST: Elek Salai, age 21, Ibini FC

AML/ST: Boriska Nagy, age 25, Spartangrad

(F)
ST: Réka Szôllôssi, age 32, Stein-los Turkish (F)
ST: Júlia Müller, age 31, AC Izotz Zubia

(F)

It is clear that the star of the attack is Júlia Müller, as the elite striker is in the absolute prime of her career and her time in Brenecia has toughened her up to be a more well rounded striker. However the name that is on everyone's lips is that of Elek Salai, as the young Ibini player gets included into the pool after being a major force with the U21 side the last few years. Réka Szôllôssi is the starter, having had some fine form in the domestic league, but Salai is the first name off the bench if the side is in need of attacking options.

Captain: Deli Ács
Corner Taker: Pellegrin Csapó
Set Pieces: Mária Vöröss
Penalties: Júlia Müller

Tactics

Griffiths came in and was supposed to bring about a system that emphasized pace with technical skill, something that would eventually overrun the opponents as the technically gifted players would rise to the occasion. What happened however was a series of matches where the side had to grind out results, something that is not exactly in Griffiths forte. Without the talismanic striker of Jager to come off the bench to bail out the team when they are not performing to the way the manager want them to, Griffiths needs to get the entire team to buy into his ideas. The pace on the team is outstanding and there is plenty of skill to around as well, but it starts with controlling the possession of the game and not allowing the opposition to get many clean looks on net. This team is set up to play a controlling game when against weaker opposition and to hit teams hard on counters when facing sides that are on par or perhaps even better than them.

by **Plane of Possibility** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:16 pm

Planer National Football Team
Formation: 4-3-3
Style Modifier: +3
Starting XI:
GK Hope Lamont (27), Half-Elf Cleric, Light Domain
RB Kosxire Duskborn (26), Tiefling Bard, College of Valor
CB Riki Dremont (23), Tifling Wizard, School of Transmutation
CB Sir Samuel Urael III (35), Human Paladin, Oath of Vengeance
LB Morning Shadow (22), Tiefling Rogue, Assassin
RM Sigrun Irota (33), Mountain Dwarf Ranger, Beast Master
CM Fribis Vierra (22), Tiefling Barbarian, Berserker
LM Sorrow Song (21), Tiefling Sorcerer, Divine Soul
RW Ariqine Arrowstorm (25), Tiefling Monk, Way of the Open Hand
ST M'tok K'nen (27), Half Orc Fighter, Battle Master
LW Malaia Mietre (30), Tiefling Druid, Circle of the Moon

RP Permissions: Anything except death.

Home Field: Field of Dreams (Cap. Endless)

One week before any visitor arrives at the Field of Dreams, they'd receive a Teleportation Scroll in their mail; the team, its retinue, and one film crew would be allowed to teleport to the Field of Dreams. The Field of Dreams is a regulation-sized pitch where all the film crew's electronics would be fueled by the realm's magic; the crew would be allowed to broadcast the match, but that would be all. No other visitors of any kind are allowed in the Plane of Possibility.

by **Southwest Eastnorth** » Mon Mar 15, 2021 9:20 pm

SWEN PIONEERS/FRONTIERSMEN ROSTER

FORMATION 3-3-4-1 (F-M-D-G)
Style Modifier +4
COACH: Jayson Rox (26 years old)
ASSITANTS: Dennetter DiMore (Age 46), B.J Rotheborune (age 44)

FORWARDS

#3 Jessica Roth - Ripken River AA
#5 Gorman Thurman IV - East End FC (Xanneria
#11 Chris Houton - Capital FC (Xanneria)
#27 Leigh Bourne - Grandal Wild FC
#29 Jeremy Murdock - Topps Valley Heritage FC
#35 Phillip Di Grassi - Mt Moustakis College

MIDFIELDERS

#2 Alfonso Rogilio - White Sock United
#16 Mark Martz-Marx - Journey Bay FC
#24 Jessica Ryan - Topps Valley Heritage FC
#25 Kevin Elder - Yelichville Union
#30 Trevor White - Topps Valley Heritage FC
#85 Robbie Gear - West Hills FC

DEFENDERS

#4 Mike Donaldson - White Sock United
#6 DeShaque'm Harnett - White Sock United
#9 Phil Bruce - Colome Range FC
#13 Lucy Hermanez - Yelichville Union
#19 Esther Bloemfurst - PFC Canada City
#55 Devin Thompson - Mt Moustakis
#77 Gerrard Klattenberg - Shorterville AC (Xanneria)

GK
#0 Mick Bolen - White Sock United
#00 Trevor Ducksby - PFC Canada City

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes But keep it infrequent
RP injuries to my players: Yes Typical injuries, that will not result in heavy losses
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes Keep it infrequent
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Graintfjall** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:26 am

Team name: Græntfjall
Trigram: GRÆ [GRF when not available]
Demonym/adjective: Græntfjaller
Team nickname: Snow Wolves

Coach:

Kang Guilin
Assistant coach:

Torsten Oliversson
Translator:

Xieren Fusdóttir

Kang was a new appointment for World Cup 87. A one-club player-turned-manager with the Nangang Royals, Kang took a struggling team rich in history and turned their fortunes around to the tune of four league titles. But with opportunities curtailed by the civil war, he was welcomed to become the first foreign coach in Snow Wolves history. He plays a non-traditional but effective counterattacking and pressing style, and earned plaudits for his tactical flexibility and pragmatism in Yuezhou; it is to be hoped the same translates to Græntfjall. Despite failing to qualify for the World Cup, he was generally perceived to have done enough to run the team for anoher cycle with a QF run in the CoH. However, there will be pressure should he fail to achieve more than the now-traditional Ro16 drubbing at the hands of Nephara. He will be assisted by Oliversson, former national U-18 coach, and Fu Xieren, an immigrant of Yuezhouese extraction hired to provide translation when needed and who is absolutely definitely not a Græntfjaller intelligence services plant keeping track of Kang in case the Yincheng regime attempts to retaliate against him.

Squad: A 23-person squad has been named for the tournament. While Græntfjall traditionally started 1-11, over time unusual starting numbers have swelled and now half of the team come from outside that range, so default starters have been bolded.

The Græntfjaller Premier League is gender-mixed and it is seen as uncontroversial for men and women to play alongside each other. If you find this unrealistic you are welcome to RP surprised reaction [although given the general state of NS Sports it would surely be not too much of an outlier] but it won’t be something we dwell on. -son names are men, -dóttir names women, -bur names gender-neutral.
Football is only just becoming a millionaire’s game in Græntfjall, and then only at the top. Players earn a decent wage in the GPL but rarely more than that; the most expensive foreign transfer signings have been low seven figures NS$.
In general, Græntfjaller players are athletic and have excellent whole-match fitness, disciplined, and not prone to violence or emotional outbursts. They are, however, not tremendously skilled. A particular type of footballer, nicknamed “BFGs” (Big Fucking Græntfjallers), is associated with the country, normally playing in central roles, and this squad, with the inclusion of an unusually large number of unusually large players, is being nicknamed “the Ultra-BFG team”.
Græntfjall do not traditionally appoint a designated captain, and instead have the starting XI elect a captain before each captain. During the early days of Kang’s reign at the helm, Hrærekur Jvarsson served as captain on a permanent basis, but as he is absent from this tournament, they will default to an elective model here.
Timing note: In my timeline this occurs 1 year after the WC/CoH and 2 years after the last CR. It occurs immediately after the next GPL season, concurrent with Transfer Window 31. Any players on foreign teams will be assumed to be given leave.

Goalkeepers

1. Kauko Jorgesson (31) –

Gunzlach (caps: 29)
12. Christian Einvarðursson (26) –

Molding (10)
13. Björnólfur Ernestisson (21) –

AK Stanimir (8)

There has been significant impatience at the goalkeeping position, each potential starter earning the #1 jersey for a few games until they let in a few goals and are immediately dropped, a tendency that can hardly have fuelled any of their confidence levels. Kauko remains, just about, the man in position, having started the most recent Cup of Harmony in third position. Björnólfur continues to be groomed to take the position on full-time but remains just a shade too green. Kauko is a decent shot-stopper and improving his management of his defensive area. He’s not good at playing it out from the back – a tactic that isn’t common in Græntfjall at all – but has a hefty boot and a powerful long throw.

Defenders

2. Frederik Thorleifsson (25) –

Molding (3)
3. Arinbjörn Markusson (23) –

Mühlrich (3)
4. Hjörleifur Reynarsson (28) –

Steinaux (40) (goals: 7)
5. Mathias Kristersson (23) –

Molding (14)
15. Stefan Jokulsson (24) –

Folte (5)
16. Vigfús Bensson (28) –

Bavingtor FC (9)
17. Tom Ernestisson (24) –

SW Stahlberg (30) (2)
21. Ásgautur Johannesson (33) –

Mühlrich (14) (1)

A major shake-up at the back as, with 3 center-back formations becoming increasingly common in the GPL, the national team for the first time shifts to a 3-at-the-back look. On the plus side, that means an extra “BFG” in the lineup; on the other hand, it means dropping the team’s best and most experienced defender, Emeli Vilbertsdóttir, altogether. It’s a huge tactical gamble that will put pressure on all three of the starters: for young Mathias Kristersson, proving he belongs at this level; for Hjörleifur Reynarsson, anchoring the defense and serving as a team leader in the absence of Hrærekur Jvarsson; and for Tom Ernestisson, the most skilful of the three, providing link-up play. Adding to the pressure is that center-back is the position Græntfjall enjoys the most depth at, with the new “Folte Tower” Stefan Jokulsson the leading contender for minutes. BoF veteran Ásgautur Johannesson is the only natural left-back in the squad, also able to press forward to cover the wing position, and Arinbjörn Markusson could cover full-back in a pinch as well as his more natural center-back position, but leaving Emeli and Elektra out of the squad altogether tends to suggest Kang is going all in on his gamble.

Midfielders

6. Lana Mensdóttir (23) –

Dí Maozöxê (18)
7. Jade Miansdóttir (24) –

Porter City (10) (1)
8. Amanda Guttisdóttir (24) –

Holdenberg City (70) (20)
14. Hanne Heikkisdóttir (25) –

Molding (27) (3)
18. Bríana Noahsdóttir (26) –

Association Ariddienne (55) (7)
19. Álfar Ásvaldursson (26) –

Marlesee 97 (40) (3)
20. Kalle Bjørnsson (30) –

Busukuma AC (38) (2)
22. Tinni Grímólfursson (22) –

Atlás Ciuredor

With his suspension over, Kalle Bjørnsson – the BFGiest BFG of them all – roars back into the team, and this time in a starting position, partly to make up for lost time, partly to cover for the absence of injured talisman, Græntfjall’s most-capped player and de facto captain Hrærekur Jvarsson. He’ll play as a true defensive midfielder behind two defensively-minded central midfielders, the versatile Jade Miansdóttir and the brutal Álfar Ásvaldursson, to create an imposing defensive blockade in the middle of the park – but pile the pressure on Amanda Guttisdóttir to carry the entirety of offensive play-making duties. She was the player who most obviously benefitted from Kang’s switch to a 4-2-3-1, and after years of underwhelming international performances was the team’s standout player in World Cup qualifying and the Cup of Harmony campaign. So the shift behind her may not be entirely to her comfort. Hanne Heikkisdóttir and Lana Mensdóttir start as pacy wing options, Hanne also offering some great free-kick skills, but neither has played without a full-back behind them, and nor is there much cover on the bench. After another great season in Tequilo Tinni Grímólfursson earns a maiden full NT call-up, capable of playing in defensive midfield or on the right.

Forwards

9. Jason Þórhallursson (24) –

Busembe Timberwolves (65) (44)
10. Justiina Dannysdóttir (29) –

Umbar (33) (4)
11. Ásvarður Bergmundursson (25) –

Parakleion Firebirds FC (16) (6)
23. Eiríka Jonathansdóttir (26) –

Maigburg (11) (1)

Continuing the theme of players with a lot of expectation piled on their shoulders, Jason Þórhallursson at least looks broad enough to bear it. But his record is CRs is absolutely terrible, without a goal to his name in either of the past two and much of the blame for the team’s poor performance at home last time through his infamous sending off. He had a good World Cup and Cup of Harmony though, continuing to score regularly and enjoying the sole striker role. Ásvarður Bergmundursson offers a less-skilled like-for-like in physical terms; Justiina Dannysdóttir lacks the physicality to play as a sole striker but is more effective slotting in at 10 so could cover for Amanda, while Eiríka Jonathansdóttir had some success being played out of position as a winger during the World Cup campaign. What the team really needs is someone who can regularly score at Jason’s prodigious rate to provide effective, and none of the forward options have thus far shown themselves capable of that.

Style modifier: -1

What looks to be an attacking 3-6-1 is likely to default more to a highly defensive 6-3-1, cramming bodies behind the ball at the cost of offense.

RP permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Y, see note below.
Choose My Scorers From Free-Kicks/Penalties: N, use Bríana, Hanne or Amanda for free-kicks and Jason or Amanda for penalties.
Godmod Scoring Events: N
Hand Out Yellow/Red Cards: Y, but be sensible; I use a self-enforced rule of a 1 match suspension for 1 red card or 2 yellow cards , but I won’t apply this to your players without your permission.
Injure My Players: Y, you can say they are injured but let me decide the severity and consequences.
Godmod Other Events: N, but if you ask first I’m open to any roleplay angles you have in mind.
Additional permissions:

Please don’t have my players, staff, or fans engaging in violence without my permission.
If you use non-photoshopped photographs, please don’t say they’re my players without asking.
If I have not specified the captain on a particular game day, my opponents may decide whom the team elected.
In general I’m open to most things so long as you ask.

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 3:30 pm

Nyowani Kitara National Team

Nyowani Kitara is a nation that is a multi-ethnic and largely bi-racial communist nation, ruled in a one party state. There are two major ethnic groups- the Kitara(approximately 57% of the population), who are black skinned people who originate as part of the Kitara tribe, in Banija, and mass migrated to Nyowani Kitara in the 1840s after they were largely exiled by Banijan authorities. Because of that, they have no diplomatic relations with Banija and are largely to be considered 'radically' anti-Banijan.

When they came to north Rushmore, They conquered the land that was dominated by a variety of white native tribes. Osterlanders(approximately 30% of the population) are the biggest native white ethnic group, with Nordlanders(6%) and Zealanders(1%) behind them. The remaining 6% are largely white immigrants and their descendants from neighboring countries (particularly Graentfjall, Tikariot, Yuezhou, and San Ortelio).

Nyowani Kitara is known for its short, yet harsh, winters. This is a small and poorer country, and therefore outdoor sports are rather popular in this corner of Rushmore. Ethnic group for each player is listed. While sports in Nyowani Kitara are integrated on gender, this team is all males.

Information
Country code: NYK
Denonym: New Kitaran
Association: Kitara's Workers Footballing Association(KWFA)
Player-Manager: Tage Hermansson. 31 years old.
Senior Assistant Manager: Raira Ouma. 37 years old.
Captain: Tage Hermansson
Alternate Captain: Amittai Owino

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 of my nationals, players, fans, or whomever else you can think of, are banned from catching a pandemic).
Style modifier: +4

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 Copa Rushmori XXXVII

Starters: 4-4-2.
The six professional clubs on the Busoga Islands are all part of the Banijan soccer pyramid.
Players who are receiving their first call-up during this tournament 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 Oduor Bigombe. 22 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
RB #16 Trophimus Agutu. 28 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
CB #5 Tage Hermansson. 31 years old. Osterland ethnic group. Captain, also Player-Manager.
CB #3 Ernst Grönberg. 29 years old. Osterland ethnic group.
LB #4 Armoni Okombo. 24 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
RM #17 Vilgot Westermark. 22 years old. Osterland ethnic group.
RCM #6 Ramah Abong'o. 22 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
LCM #8 Amittai Owino. 27 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
LM #20 Leonard Lundquist. 29 years old. Nordland ethnic group.
RS #12 Odede Angonga. 19 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
LS #11 Owino Odede. 19 years old. Kitara ethnic group.

Bench
GK #35 Parmenus Apondo. 23 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
GK #23 Fwaya Sialo. 21 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
RB #2 Shemaiah Adida. 30 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
CB #18 Casper Edström. 29 years old. Osterland ethnic group.
CB #19 Ouma Okeyo. 19 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
LB #14 Adriel Obonyo. 28 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
CM #6 Abraham Obong'o. 31 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
CM #10 Salem Lagum. 25 years old. Kitara ethnic group.
CM/CAM #23 Arendt Sundin. 24 years old. Osterland ethnic group.
RW #7 Nicholas Ekdahl. 21 years old. Osterland ethnic group.
LM #39 Johannes von Weber. 22 years old. Zealander ethnic group.
ST #9 Sigmund Mickelson. 34 years old. Osterland ethnic group.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Odede Angonga. Penalties are taken by Odede Angonga.
- In terms of substitutions, anybody is OK to substitute off the pitch besides the Player-Manager, Tage Hermansson.

Copa Rushmori XXXVII Group E Schedule -
Matchday 1: Sargossa v. Nyowani Kitara @ The Olympic Stadium(cap. 104,773) in Spartangrad, Eura
Matchday 2: Nyowani Kitara v. Eastfield Lodge @ Sharp Stadium(cap. 60,000) in Culpapy, Eura
Matchday 3: Mavinet v. Nyowani Kitara @ Sharp Stadium(cap. 60,000) in Culpapy, Eura

by **Hispinas** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 2:39 am

Hispinas National Football Team
Equipo Nacional de Futbol de Hispinas
Pambansang Koponang Pamputbol ng Hispinas
Hispinako Futbol Talde Nazionala

TEAM INFORMATION / INFORMACION DEL EQUIPO
Team Record: GP 37, W 9, D 8, L 20, GF 38, GA 71, WP 24.32%, latest as of post-WC87Q
Consultant: Iago Escobar Ferreiro, 52, Male, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas
Head Coach: Alfonzo Medrano Rama, 51, Male, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas
Assistant Coach: Gorane Iturraspe Zarauz, 42, Female, native of Haranbehera
Coaches:
Josepe Agerre Norzagarai, 37, Male, native of Vallezul
Maria Jesus Capote Andino, 53, Female, native of Lirio
Captain: Cordovan Chia Hierro, 34, Male, native of Felipamerigo
Vice-Captain: Ozeano Amunategui Gonzalez De Artaza, 30, Male, native of Vallezul

TEAM ROSTER / LISTA DEL EQUIPO
Goalkeepers
1 - GK - Natalio Londono Cerna, 24, Male, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas - 1.97 m, 85.1 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
13 - GK - Errasti Ochoa De Olza Ecala, 24, Female, native of Seviguio - 1.93 m, 82.2 kg - Plays for Errege Iparekialdeko
23 - GK - Elpidio Campoy Piedra, 23, Male, native of Mandrid - 2.1 m, 107.7 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid

Centerbacks
5 - CB - Chequil Puma Bonito, 27, Male, native of Mandrid - 1.93 m, 83.2 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid
6 - CB - Casimiro Coro Velasco, 25, Male, native of Felipamerigo - 1.87 m, 88.7 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
16 - CB - Igon Murguiondo Ubiña, 33, Male, native of Vallezul - 1.78 m, 72.9 kg - Plays for Atletikoa Haranurdina

Side/Wingbacks
3 - LB - Fermin Maquibar Artazcoz, 25, Male, native of Vallezul - 1.67 m, 74.2 kg - Plays for Atletikoa Haranurdina
17 - LB - Latisha Gurule Matute, 26, Female, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas - 1.6 m, 65.6 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
2 - RB/CB - Gurutze Aranaz Azcarate, 27, Female, native of Haranbehera - 1.75 m, 68.4 kg - Plays for Errege Iparekialdeko
19 - RB/CB - Chicho Mondragon De Dios, 28, Male, native of Mandrid - 1.71 m, 73.4 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid

Central Midfielders
4 - CM/DM - Cordovan Chia Hierro, 34, Male, native of Lirio - 1.8 m, 84.5 kg - Plays for Azucena CF
8 - CM/AM - Trinidad Quevedo Nepomuceno, 30, Male, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas - 1.53 m, 61.2 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
14 - CM/AM - Maite De la Pena Sedano, 30, Female, native of Piedramarilla - 1.64 m, 68.3 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid
18 - CM - Auza Vertiz Goñi, 28, Female, native of Vallezul - 1.71 m, 64.3 kg - Plays for Atletikoa Haranurdina

Side Midfielders
7 - LM/CM - Salomon Duran Acevedo, 26, Male, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas - 1.55 m, 60.2 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
11 - RM/RW - Florita Carrion Tallon, 29, Female, native of Punta de Malklan - 1.56 m, 68.4 kg - Plays for Gimnastic Vigano
12 - LM/LW - Pancho Del Olmo Molina, 21, Male, native of Piedramarilla - 1.77 m, 73.9 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid
21 - RM/LM - Chara Grullon Iñiguez, 26, Female, native of Mandrid - 1.62 m, 64.4 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid

Wingers/Forwards
9 - ST - Ozeano Amunategui Gonzalez De Artaza, 30, Male, native of Vallezul - 1.86 m, 85.2 kg - Plays for Atletikoa Haranurdina
10 - ST/LW - Peppi Palmero Campana, 27, Female, native of Piedramarilla - 1.7 m, 66.6 kg - Plays for Royal Mandrid
15 - LW/RW - Gorka Uralde Cruzalegui, 32, Male, native of Vallezul - 1.58 m, 63.9 kg - Plays for Atletikoa Haranurdina
20 - ST/RW - Carmelita Grimaldo Lainez, 27, Female, native of Ciudad de Cebuenas - 1.64 m, 69.8 kg - Plays for FC Cebuenas
22 - ST/CM - Everardo Esquilin Echavarria, 26, Male, native of Lirio - 1.69 m, 68.4 kg - Plays for Azucena CF

FORMATION / FORMACION

STYLE OF PLAY / ESTILO DE JUEGO
Style Modifier: +2
Description: Alfonzo Medrano likes to play attacking football with three players up front, with tall striker Amunategui in the middle and abundance of wingers capable of playing multiple positions at their disposal. The three players upfront is mandatory in his lineups, and he prefers the 4-3-3 over the 3-4-3 formation due to lack of central defenders in his squad. He may also play 2-5-3 depending on the situation. They also employ a physical brand of football where players commit to tackles and prefer to roughen up the opposition.

The team prefer the usage of wingers to deliver the ball to the box via low to high crosses, and does not prefer to keep the ball at the middle of the park. Corners are usually delivered via crosses with the ball kicked from the corner spot.

Medrano is a calm man and is less likely to react violently to partial calls. His coaching staff however, have a quirk to start touchline brawls.

Most likely to:
Score penalties: Quevedo, Amunategui, Chia
Score a direct free kick: Chia, Quevedo, Palmero
Concede a penalty: Puma, Aranaz, Coro
Booked for short temper: Puma, Duran, Maquibar

OFFICIAL KITS / EQUIPOS OFICIALES
Provided by Harrokeria from Vallezul. Bring on the swag.

ROLEPLAY PERMISSIONS / PERMISOS DE JUEGO DE ROLES

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

ADDITIONAL NOTES / NOTAS ADICIONALES

IC History with Hispania y Filipinas is expunged and not recognized by the Hispino Monarchy. Thus, any mention of the Hispania y Filipinas name or its stint in the past IBCs will be met with raised eyebrows by the government.
Spanish naming customs is followed, Given name, then paternal name, then maternal name. Jersey names will be the players' paternal names, in certain exceptions, the known nickname of the player, is used

by **Eura** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:47 pm

EURA37

The Group Stage Draw

In a packed press room at the headquarters of the Euran Football Association, thirty two balls go into a drawing cylinder, and their fates decided:

Group A
Cassadaigua
Taeshan
Mapletish
Thibaea

Group B
Pasarga
Yuezhou
San Ortelio
Ancharmunn

Group C
Eura
Plane of Possibility
Pridnestrovia
Aut-Ves-Nat

Group D
Savojarna
Southwest Eastnorth
Tikariot
South Jeolerina

Group E
Sargossa
Mavinet
Eastfield Lodge
Nyowani Kitara

Group F
Valladares
Mytanija
Crystalline Caverns
Tveidalen

Group G
Graintfjall
Darmen
Hispinas
Astidt

Group H
Nephara
Astograth
Oberour Ar Moro
Soldera

Info on stadiums and host cities will follow tomorrow. Information on scheduling can be found in the OP.

by **Yue Zhou** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:54 pm

The Nanhai Daily
NATIONAL UNION SECURES OVERWHELMING MAJORITY IN INAUGURAL ELECTIONS
Zhuang Lujing, POLITICS

NANGANG -- Interim President Wu Zhongsheng’s National Union party rode a wave of jubilation at the nation’s release from the shackles of socialism, winning 243 of an available 300 seats in The Assembly, as well as the Presidency. The victory marks a solidification of the political, civil, and economic freedoms that the Nanhai Liberation Front first fought for years ago, and marks the beginning of a new, brighter era for the Yue people.

Wu, who ran on a centrist platform of creating a business-friendly environment to encourage foreign investment, promoting stability in Sangau and Xilindao, and creating large-scale rebuilding projects to improve infrastructure and create jobs, ultimately won a massive majority of 90.3 percent of the national vote, as well as majorities in almost all provinces. Despite protests at the election being “rigged” from the opposition parties, the evidence will show that voting proceeded without any irregularities - a massive logistical feat for a nation that hasn’t held free and fair elections in decades, made possible by the hard work of election workers and altruistic external consultants alike.

Wu Zhongsheng dedicated his victory to his “friend and hero” Governor Zheng Zhoulun, who was tragically murdered by radical left-wing “revolutionaries” before he had a chance to see his vision of a free Yuezhou play out. It was a sobering reminder that there is much work to be done. Ren Qiang and his treasonous faction of the Yue People’s Army have recently returned from hiding in Dewayo, Nyowani Kitara, to attempt a false insurgency on the island of Xilindao. Closer to home, senseless terrorism in the mountainous province of Sangau remains a security risk as well. And the economic collapse caused by the People’s Federation’s wasteful policies is another pressing risk President Wu must solve. But today is still a landmark victory for freedom and democracy in the newly-minted United Republics, and although there are more challenges ahead, the future under the Wu administration looks bright.

Presidential Election Results: WU ZHONGSHENG (National Union): 271 (90.3%) • Yan Ailing (Progressive Democratic): 13 (4.3%) • Liang Ziyou (Liberation Army): 10 (3.3%)
Assembly Election Results: NATIONAL UNION: 243 (81.0%) • Liberation Army: 11 (3.7%) • Progressive Democrats: 9 (3.0%) • Northern League: 7 (2.3%) • Yue Greens: 6 (2.0%)

Yincheng Evening News
NATIONAL UNION NARROWLY CAPTURES PRESIDENCY, ASSEMBLY, IN CONTROVERSIAL FASHION
An Zaoliang, POLITICS

NANHAI -- President Wu Zhongsheng solidified his control over the Presidency, as well as his National Union party’s control over the Assembly (the United Republics’ newly-formed legislative branch), in an election that was riddled with allegations of fraud and partisan bickering. The center-right National Union now controls 243 of the 300 seats in the Assembly, with the far-right Liberation Army the largest opposition party with eleven of the remaining seats. By subtly changing the election rules to benefit his own party, as well as playing the numerous opposition parties off of each other, President Wu has entrenched Yuezhou in five years of National Union dominance.

The win is an important one for Wu Zhongsheng, whose party successfully ran on a platform of opening Yuezhou to exploitative foreign investment, cracking down on independence movements in Xilindao and Sangau, and solidifying Nanhai’s economic stranglehold through a series of targeted infrastructure projects. It was also made possible by the election rules themselves, which used a “third-party” commission stacked with Wu-friendly (including Graintfjaller and Mavinese representatives, foreshadowing increased friendliness towards both nations from National Union, which did not go unnoticed by the left) representatives to divide Yuezhou into three hundred electoral districts that generally over-represented Nanhai and Jiangdong due to irregularities that the census data used. Combined with the choice of a first-past-the-post system in each district, as well as the lack of ideological cohesion in the many opposition parties, this led to a resounding victory for Wu Zhongsheng, who won 271 of the 300 districts (90.3%) and saw his party pick up 243 Assembly seats. However, it also over-represents the margin of victory, when in reality Wu won only 46.7% of the popular vote (and his party’s candidates even less, at 45.1%), indicating significant opposition to his hard-right platform.

“The Nanhai-biased nature of the process may have knocked us down, but we won’t stop fighting the corruption of the current government,” vowed left-wing ideologue Yan Ailing of the Progressive Democratic Party, who were widely believed to be the National Union’s strongest opposition. The election marks a catastrophic defeat for the Yue left, who swung for the fences with a national campaign strategy but ultimately failed to overcome internal ideological and geographic divides, winning almost twenty percent of the popular vote but a mere nine seats. If they can’t figure out a way around such divides, the foreseeable future will be dominated by the blue and yellow of National Union, as it was tonight. With Ren Qiang returning to Xilindao and establishing a People’s Federation in open defiance of the current government, the Free Republic of Sangau continuing their war of independence, and the economy remaining devastated from the Yue Civil War, we can only hope that Wu Zhongsheng will be able to overcome all obstacles.

Presidential Election Results: WU ZHONGSHENG (National Union): 46.7% • Yan Ailing (Progressive Democratic): 18.4% • Liang Ziyou (Liberation Army): 13.9%
Assembly Election Results: NATIONAL UNION: 243 (45.1%) • Liberation Army: 11 (11.0%) • Progressive Democrats: 9 (19.2%) • Northern League: 7 (5.6%) • Yue Greens: 6 (8.3%)

by **Astidt** » Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:28 pm

Astidtian Roster for CR 37

The Astidtian roster is as follows:
Giant Banana

Yes, you read that correctly. Astidt's only player is the giant banana. Now, you might be wondering, why is this? Well, it is all that they could muster. It's pretty difficult to get more players when there is only one inhabitant in the entire nation.
The giant banana is two metres tall and plays all positions at the same time. Apart from goalkeeper, because it simply has no hands. It can move at a very fast pace around the field and only skilled ball play can keep the Giant Banana away from the ball. Although it is an almost god-like creature, it is still only learning football and is not expected to win many games in this tournament.

For people who prefer to RP more seriously*:
The giant banana can split into eleven not-so-giant bananas if you need them to. However, none of these bananas has a position on the field and they just wander around wherever they wish.

Style Modifier: +5
Formation: N/A
RP Permissions: Go crazy

* If you don't want to RP the Giant Banana in its usual form, make sure to let me know beforehand just so if I do RP before you, I can know which way you would like me to RP.

by **Tikariot** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 6:06 pm

Within two World Cup cycles Tikariot has managed to elevate itself into the upper echelons of football. After narrowly missing out for World Cup 86, having been in contention for a playoff spot until the very last day of qualification, where they went into what basically was a playoff in itself against TJUN-ia as a win would have meant Tikariot qualifying for the final playoffs, their World Cup 87 campaign seemed doomed from the beginning, having been drawn into one group with Vilita, Newmanistan, Tequilo and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom, but they qualified for the playoff stage, only one point behind favourites and group winners Vilita, where they beat Huayramarca to qualify for a World Cup for the first time in their history. Here they managed to remain unbeaten during the group stage, qualifying for the Round of 16 as group winners ahead of ultimate World Cup winners Nephara, where they ultimately lost against Farfadillis, but they definitely left a lasting impression during this run with their very offense minded football!

The same the fans of the senior team, the fans of the Owlets also deserve particular mentioning. Not only are they renowned for their chants, but they are also bringing the Thunder Clap (Click here for example) to the stadium, something that the players join in as a pre-game ritual that has left an impression on the opponents and opposing fans more than once (OOC: similar to the Haka of the New Zealand All Blacks). The players will form a triangle near the kick off circle and lift their arms, which the fans do as well. Then a long drum will start to signal the rhythm and both players and fans alike will move in unison, each clap accompanied with a loud cry, the claps (and cries) speeding up, creating an overwhelming sense of impending doom.

Stuart Ekstrom - 47

Not least due to the surprise run in World Cup 87, Stuart Ekstrom is very high in popularity polls both among fans and federation officials. A wily tactician that prefers an offensive game, but with the ability to fluidly switch systems by pulling back the wingers to give a sudden defensive man advantage. He is a proponent of the offense-heavy 4-3-3, with the Copa Rushmori acting as an opportunity for mostly uncapped players to showcase themselves on the international stage and give them a chance to join the player pool.

G Malachai Morgenstern - 19 - Ancarea FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
Last season dependable back-up to Tikariotian goalkeeper shooting star Matthias Prediger, he has now assumed the number one role at Ancarea after Prediger's transfer to Eivora and has seamlessly continued the great performances. He has great penalty box co-ordination and jumping abilities as well as excellent distribution of the ball, playing as a sweeper keeper. Only on the line he has a few issues with the speed of his reflexes, but given his age that can still be learned.
LB Daryl Worthington - 21 - Nagoush FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
A young upstart this season with promoted Nagoush, Worthington is fast, agile and technically sound, being able to outrun most of his opponents. He still has some issues with his nerves, though, getting flustered a little too fast, which could be put down to his inexperience.
CB Sean Carr - 26 - Dhun Lagarr FC - 1 cap, 0 goals, 0 assists
Forming a formidable centre back duo in Dhun Lagarr with Caleb McKinley, Carr is extremely dependable, great in aerial battle and challenges, if technically limited. He can read the game very well, however, which aids him in his positioning. If formed with a technically better colleague, he can be the shutdown defender, while the other centre back can work on the re-distribution of the won balls.
CB Ron Sullivan - 26 - Eivora Athletic FC - 3 caps, 0 goals, 1 assist
A great counterpart to Carr, Sullivan is technically very sound for a centre back, allowing him to play dangerous passes out of the defense to initiate counter attacks. While not very tall, he is very resilient and will not leave the ball-carrying opponent until the end.
RB Dominic Naismith - 26 - Morannon Athletic FC - 1 cap, 0 goals, 0 assists
After a horrible season with Carathyr and their relegation, the move to promoted Morannon has given Naismith a second life. Defensively extremely efficient, he has also brought his scoring instinct with him to Saburnia, being one of the most dangerous scoring threats among TPL defenders, using his speed and vicious shot to the biggest extent.
LM Sakari Vainionpää - 20 - Anhedron Wanderers FC - 1 cap, 0 goals, 0 assists
Vainionpää is one of the most improved players of this season so far, displaying both scoring abilities, great tactical acumen and precise passes. He also has worked on his stamina and speed, the main area he still has to improve on is his hotheadedness, which has landed him in trouble more than once.
CM Maxwell Lambert - 20 - Bul Khungur Miners FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
While technically only a bench player in Bul Khungur, he is usually the first player to called upon when an injury or suspension occurs and he is doing everything to prove that he is ready for a starting position. Not much of a scoring threat, he is a great conductor in midfield, demanding, recovering and redistributing the ball with great efficiency, something that goes over very well in the fluid system of Stuart Ekstrom.
RM Arfon Davies - 20 - Dhun Lagarr AFC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
Another discovery of the season, Davies has benefited from a few suspensions in the Dhun Lagarr midfield and has proven himself as a great allrounder, scoring goals, providing assists, showcasing his great passing abilities. He only has to work on bulking up to be able to withstand the harder tackles of the top flight and help him with his defensive play.
LW Damian Weaver - 20 - Stade-Ferre Trinité (SVG) - 1 cap, 0 goals, 0 assists
The Parakleion player out on loan for Savigliano Stade-Ferre has had a stellar season, narrowly missing out on the golden cannon with 19 goals, but helping his team to their first title in the SavigLega. He is a very physical winger, with great aerial power and he is not afraid to use his body to get himself through challenges and the opposing defense.
CF Simon Arrowsmith - 23 - Guillarim Blades FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
Arrowsmith has developed into one of the TPL's dark horses in the offensive sector. While not very tall for a centre forward, his agility and speed have made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. He is constantly in motion, either drawing the ball to himself or defenders and he also has a great eye for his teammates.
RW Greg Akwei - 26 - Vantanoch FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
With Alan Castanheira now in Eivora, Akwei has stepped out of his shadow and is coming into his own in Vantanoch. Despite playing for one of the lower ranked teams in the league, he has shown that he is willing and able to carry the team forward, both as scoring threat and assist-giver. While he knows how to score goals, he has developed some of the sharpest crosses the league has to offer.

GK Colt Skirving - 18 - Avanaroch White Wings FC - 3 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
GK Stephen Heinrich - 26 - Meriador FC - 9 caps, 0 goals, assists
LB Jean-Aniel Sirois - 26 - Tikariot City FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
CB Peter Buckley - 28 - Morannon Athletic FC - 7 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
CB Jason Hardin - 22 - Miruan City FC - 4 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
RB Brian Docherty - 19 - Eivora Athletic FC - 5 caps, 1 goal, 0 assists
LM Jean-Jacques Vaniere - 20 - Nagoush FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
CM Rylan Abbott - 27 - Guillarim Blades FC - 1 cap, 0 goals, 1 assist
RM Georges-André Drouin-Lacroix - 23 - Morannon Athletic FC - 0 caps, 0 goals, 0 assists
W Lawrence Bowden - 25 - Meriador FC - 1 cap, 2 goals, 0 assists
W Benedict Edwards - 23 - Sword (EUR) - 3 caps, 2 goals, 1 assist
CF Addison Gray - 23 - Old Boys (EUR) - 3 caps, 2 goals, 0 assists

+4

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes-ish (TG me and I can give you the names, but we'll figure this out one way or another)
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (just please be reasonable)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (again please be reasonable)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (same deal)
Godmod other events: Maybe? (Please TG in this case)

by **Mavinet** » Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:20 pm

MAVINET NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

INFORMATION
Head Coach: Vũ Thế Phong
Assistant Coach: Trần Thành Hưng
Trigram: MVN
Nickname: The Water Buffaloes
Demonym: Mavinese
Style: +4

Vũ Thế Phong - 56 years old

Recently appointed the new head coach of the national team, Vũ Thế Phong brings with him a wealth of experience leading two of the big clubs in Mavinet's domestic league: MCB Đại Nam and Vĩnh An Đại Hòa. The MFA has every reason to be confident in Thế Phong's ability to lead the national team: He had successfully transformed each club he managed into a coherent and efficient group, capable of attacking and defending as a whole unit. His style of football can be described as "exciting": He demands high pressing frequency and fast-paced passing from all parts of the field, and generally favors attacking styles.

GOALKEEPERS
#1 Do Manh Cuong - Age: 27 | Height: 181cm | Club: Vĩnh An Đại Hòa

#13 Le Van Thinh - Age: 24 | Height: 184cm | Club: TelcomMavi FC

#21 Doan Phuoc Hung - Age: 20 | Height: 183cm | Club: MCB Đại Nam

With the retirement of Nguyen Hoang Trung from the national team, Do Manh Cuong is now trusted with the number 1 shirt. Aside from the fact that Do Manh Cuong has been a reliable substitute to Hoang Trung for the past few tournaments, he is also a good fit for new head coach Vũ Thế Phong’s focus on building from the back. The retirement of the veteran goalkeeper also gives Thế Phong a chance to introduce a fresh face to the goalkeeper rank: Doan Phuoc Hung. The 20-year-old talent from MCB Đại Nam has impressed with his physical attributes and performance in his club’s youth team. He most likely won’t get much playing time at this stage, but the introduction to the national team is a positive sign for the youngster.

DEFENDERS
#2 Pham Nhat Quang - Position: RB | Age: 25 | Height: 175cm | Club: LoKa Trung Sơn

#22 Hoang Duc Vuong - Position: RB | Age: 23 | Height: 177cm | Club: Vĩnh An Đại Hòa

#6 Ha Van Thao - Position: CB | Age: 31 | Height: 180cm | Club: Port Rhovanyon AFC (TKT)

#5 Bui Duc Dung - Position: CB | Age: 26 | Height: 184cm | Club: Nam Quan Steelers

#4 Tran Linh Dan - Position: CB | Age: 25 | Height: 181cm | Club: Phúc Châu Port

#18 Tran Quang Dang - Position: CB | Age: 26 | Height: 182cm | Club: ALT Vĩnh Thủy

#3 Cao Thanh Binh - Position: LB | Age: 22 | Height: 178cm | Club: Vĩnh An Đại Hòa

#23 Tran Khang Anh - Position: LB | Age: 28 | Height: 178cm | Club: TelcomMavi FC

An area seeing massive makeover from new head coach Vũ Thế Phong. Only Ha Van Thao and Tran Khang Anh were present in the last roster at the Cup of Harmony 79. Most new faces featured are around their early-mid 20s, which show the emphasis on young energy in the new system. Thế Phong likes to build from the back and have 2 wing backs pushing up frequently into midfield and the final third. His choices for the defenders reflect exactly that: Young, physical center backs that are also good passers, and quick, agile wing backs who excel at surging up.

MIDFIELDERS
#34 Bui The Hien - Position: DM | Age: 29 | Height: 180cm | Club: Phúc Châu Port

#8 Ho Dinh Loi - Position: DM | Age: 25 | Height: 179cm | Club: MCB Đại Nam

#15 Phan Trung Kien - Position: CM | Age: 23 | Height: 177cm | Club: Thương Giang FC

#7 Le Quoc Loc - Position: CM | Age: 26 | Height: 178cm | Club: Phúc Châu Port

#11 Mai Trung Hai - Position: CM | Age: 26 | Height: 175cm | Club: Olympia Borograd (STL)

#10 Nguyen Hoang Bach - Position: CM | Age: 25 | Height: 179cm | Club: MCB Đại Nam

Vũ Thế Phong also shakes up the midfielder rank quite a lot, again due to his emphasis on getting younger players into the national team to freshen up the style. Veterans like Tran Hoang Minh or Lam Tri Thong have been dropped in favor of younger alternatives like Ho Dinh Loi and Nguyen Hoang Bach. The latest group of midfielders present a good mix of technical abilities: Bui The Hien is a well-known tackler and ball-winning midfielder not afraid of going all-in on an approaching opponent; Phan Trung Kien and Le Quoc Loc have the stamina and passing ability to reliably moving the ball around the pitch, while Mai Trung Hai and Nguyen Hoang Bach bring creativity and vision to the midfield. The midfield in Thế Phong’s systems usually need to work a lot in terms of pressing and passing, so the youngsters’ enthusiasm and energy will come in handy.

FORWARDS
#12 Vu Tien Linh - Position: LF | Age: 30 | Height: 177cm | Club: MCB Đại Nam

#14 Pham Hong Chuong - Position: LF | Age: 22 | Height: 178cm | Club: Vĩnh An Đại Hòa

#14 Ho Vu Thanh Hoang - Position: RF | Age: 27 | Height: 176cm | Club: La Nueva Avenida (FFD)

#16 Nguyen Khac Viet - Position: RF | Age: 21 | Height: 180cm | Club: Thương Giang FC

#9 Dang Duc Trong - Position: CF | Age: 26 | Height: 183cm | Club: Vĩnh An Đại Hòa

#19 Hoang Phi Bang - Position: CF | Age: 23 | Height: 181cm | Club: LoKa Trung Sơn

With the wingers now classified as forward players, it is clear that Thế Phong’s plan is to push the traditional wide attackers further up the final third to effectively have 3 forwards in front of the opponent’s goal area. Vu Tien Linh and Ho Vu Thanh Hoang are retained from the previous roster, obviously due to their proven abilities as young players. The center forward position is completely revamped with two new faces: Dang Duc Trong and Hoang Phi Bang, both in their 20s. Dang Duc Trong will be the one to watch this tournament after an impressive campaign with Vinh An Dai Hoa in the latest season. Long-time striker Vo Thanh Hai surely isn’t happy to have been replaced both at club and national level by his younger clubmate, but will have to accept the fact that it is time for a fresh change to the front line of Mavinese football.

Default lineup - Specific lineup for each MD will be posted between cut-offs

New head coach Vũ Thế Phong’s favorite formation is 4-3-3 with 2 aggressive wingbacks frequently push up into midfield and the final third to support attacks. Thế Phong favors possession football and always demand high mobility in both the players and the ball. Under the new head coach, Mavinet will play with a higher emphasis on collective collaboration: All players pressing, defending and attacking as a unit. Creative players like Nguyen Hoang Bach, Le Quoc Loc or Mai Trung Hai will be instructed to exploit the half spaces a lot to progress the ball forward as well as to create shooting chance for themselves. While not physically weak, Mavineses are relatively smaller in stature than other countries' people, so physicality is not their strong suit. Instead, they favor teamwork, speed, technique and movement off the ball to break down opponents' defense and create chances. The new defense relies on the ability of the players to quickly press as a unit to contain threats instead of just relying on the defenders like before. This emphasis on total pressing and high-paced football tends to wear out the players faster, and Mavinet may suffer from fatigue and pressing quality deterioration in the later time of the match.

ROLES

Penalty takers (in order): Nguyen Hoang Bach, Dang Duc Trong, Vu Tien Linh, Ho Vu Thanh Hoang, Le Quoc Loc
Freekick takers (in order): Nguyen Hoang Bach, Ho Vu Thanh Hoang, Bui The Hien
Corners: Ho Vu Thanh Hoang (both), Mai Trung Hai (right), Vu Tien Linh (left)
Most likely to get booked: Pham Nhat Quang, Bui The Hien, Mai Trung Hai

Vinh An Inc., Mavinet's largest sportswear and sport equipment manufacturer, present the third-generation kits for the national team, incorporating several traditional patterns and symbols of the country. The kits also feature famous Pho Tranh traditional paintings, reimagined in digital form by artist Lam Xuan.

PERMISSION

Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y
Injure Players: Y (I decide severity)
Godmod Injury Events: Y (discuss with me first)
Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y (up to 3 players)
Godmod Other Events: Y (anything major should be discussed first)

by **Trans-Dniesters** » Fri Mar 19, 2021 10:57 am

THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED SOCIALIST STATES OF PRIDNESTROVIA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM

The Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia is not overly familiar with humiliation. Failure yes, there has been a lot of that since the entry of the Pridnestrovian Republic into the greater multiverse; but humiliation not so much. Until the 32nd Copa Rushmori, when the Pridnestrovian national football team turned in one of the most abject performances that a national team could ever put in in the history of football. Couple that with suspicions that something funny may have been happening in Qusmo and the Pridnestrovian Republic is not really that excited for the 35th Copa Rushmori this time around. However, things are looking up a little bit: Werner Ceausescu has agreed to return to managing the national team for another shot at the regional title, but will his age have finally caught up with him and the team? Only one way to find out, of course.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: The Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia
Demonym: Pridnestrovian
Team colors: Green and red
Style modifier: +4 (a return to super-attacking football)
Formation: 3-5-2
Head coach: Werner Ceausescu (78 y/o, Pridnestrovia)

STARTERS
GK: Fyodor Isaakovich EKSTATOV 37 y/o, Fortuna Novonikolaysk

Fyodor Ekstatov knows that he will never have a season quite like 2021-22. It's a cliche of course, maybe already an overused one, but in Ekstatov's case it certainly rings true. Clean sheets have been hard to come by in the Pridnestrovian Super League, leading to the stat becoming a little bit meaningless. Of course the ability is still quite highly prized, but more because of its rarity than the ability to get results out of it. Hence why Ekstatov is more than happy to warm the bench for the national team while collecting his wages from Fortuna.

RCB: Boris Vladislavovich LERMONTOV 29 y/o, Birdingstone United (Ethane)
He's so good at defending that he's divine. At least that's what Ufa claims when they put Boris Lermontov up on the free agent list. But if he's a divine defender then why is the team that came in fifth in the Pridnestrovian Super League allowing Lermontov to switch clubs for free? It seems as if he might just be the missing piece of the puzzle that they need to finally get into the Globe Cup places once again or even a title challenge.

CB: Jason Edgar REUSS 27 y/o, Paulsen FC

(Abanhfleft)

LCB: Timur Timurovich SHALYAPIN 33 y/o, Paulsen FC

(Abanhfleft)
Timur Shalyapin has now been involved in two great escapes with Paulsen FC. Whether it has anything at all to do with him or if Paulsen have really just gotten lucky both times is still up for debate. There's no denying that Shalyapin is a great defender; no one adds Sporting Ceneisis to their CV if they aren't good.

RWB: Yevgeniy Yevgeniyevich TATARINOV 33 y/o, Shakhtar Rheinburg

RCM: Yeremey Vasilyevich TSVETNOV 30 y/o, Shakhtar Rheinburg

CM: Semyon Ilyich ARSOV 30 y/o, Hullbury Town (Ethane)
Pridnestrovia seems to have a glut of good central midfielders, especially one who can defend their own box and then spread the play out, and Semyon Arsov is just one of them. Arsov tried his best to bring Novosverdlovsk back up to the Pridnestrovian Super League but they just couldn't do it, and the new manager has outright stated that Semyon has no place in his plans.

LCM: Dmitry Anatolyevich NOVIKOV 33 y/o, Pasargad Manitogoro

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

LWB: Mitrofan Maksimovich MATVEYEV 30 y/o, Ufa Verkhovyansk

CF: Adrian Gervas SALLER 32 y/o, Fortuna Novonikolaysk

CF: Filipp Pavlovich DYKHOVICHNY 34 y/o, Locomotive Imgortur

(Abanhfleft)
Filipp Dykhovichny had an impressive start to life in the Fleftic Premier League after moving to Eielo Sunlight from Chernomorets Bratsk, and after Eielo were relegated Dykhovichny signed with Locomotive Imgortur, where he has made a name for himself as a dependable goalscoring option. Dykhovichny hasn't been able to do the same for the Pridnestrovian national team but most people agree that it's only a matter of time before Dykhovichny opens his account for the Red Army.

RESERVES
GK: Ivan Kazimirovich KOSTIN 29 y/o, Gryphons Nubalochi

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

GK: Karl Vitaliyevich FENENKO 28 y/o, Paulsen FC

(Abanhfleft)

DEF: Kazimir Ivanovich KOVALEVSKY 30 y/o, Botafogo de Maranao

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

DEF: Daniil Lvovich POLYAKOV 24 y/o, Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk

DEF: Lucas Arnim SCHEFFEL 31 y/o, FC 23 August

DEF: Urgan Abramovich SPETSIUK 34 y/o, Sheriff Tiraspol

MID: Ivan Yakovlevich TERESHCHENKO 27 y/o, Etazig Petroleum SC

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

MID: Timofey Yanovich MARININ 25 y/o, Chernomorets Bratsk

MID: Bilal Azad KÜÇÜK 29 y/o, Rotor Dnistrosh

MID: Venyamin Vasilyevich TUROV 26 y/o, Kesselburger Kickers

FW: Osip Vsevolodovich ANGELOV 25 y/o, Atletico Bed Deg

(Copper Cuprum)

FW: Anatoly Gerasimovich BABIN 31 y/o, South Ons Deg Rabbitohs

(Copper Cuprum)

STARTING LINEUP (Outdated)

KITS (by Adidulas)

IMPORTANT STATISTICS
Win-loss record: 57-20-57 (penalty shootouts are counted as draws regardless of final result)
First international match: VS Aynard (W 6-0)
First win: VS Aynard (6-0)
First loss: VS Fratton (0-1)
Biggest win: VS Nurkama (9-0)
Biggest loss: VS Pasarga (2-6)

SCHEDULE
WIP

HOME STADIUM (NEW ARMY STADIUM, TIRASPOL)

New Army Stadium in Tiraspol is the home stadium of CSKA Tiraspol and can comfortably seat over 80,000 spectators following a three-year capacity expansion project.

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (I decide severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (3 per game)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (1 per 2 games)
Godmod other events: Yes (TG me first)

WIP

by **Nephara** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 2:36 am

NEPHARA
World Ranking: 1st
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
Secondary Formation: 4-3-3
Style Modifier: -1
Home Stadium: The Farham Arena in Sabrefell is reserved for the biggest games, but Nephara is a large enough country that it spreads its matches across the nation.
Kit Supplier: ediraf
Nickname: The Cormorants

Home.

Overall Record
550 wins - 98 draws - 127 losses
1832 scored - 929 conceded

Trophies
Baptism of Fire 51
Cup of Harmony 61
World Cups 74 and 87
Eagle's Cup 5
3 Cope Rushmori - 30, 35, 36
5 Campionati Esportiva - 6, 8, 10, 15 and 18
Only the second nation in history to achieve the 'Triple Crown' of WCC titles - represented by three stars on the crest.
Second in footballing ability only to 6PupperFunnerRunnies.

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

* Moxham takes most set pieces, including penalties.
** I'll have the final say on how long the player will be out, but feel free to make them look severe as you want.
*** One per match.

Tactics

Nepharan football is based around playing hard, pressing aggressively, playing for keeps. Occasionally this leaves gaps behind the high defensive line, though most Nepharan goalkeepers are in the sweeping mould these days to compensate. Marchers are, by and large, a physically imposing folk, and eager to throw their size around. The footballing culture is intensely competitive, and those that survive to make their way to the top are hellbent on winning at any cost. Elbows to the face. Subtle digs in the ribs. Diving is dishonest when opponents do it but streetwise when Nepharim do it. In short, Nephara are the bully from two years above who picked you, specifically, out as a natural target.

That is often the foreign perspective, but it overlooks a key fact; Nepharan football can honestly be beautiful to watch. Generations of players brought up on dry plains or asphalt play the ball quickly and fearlessly along the ground, never sideways when there's a forward option open, always looking to stretch and probe and stay one really good pass away from a goal. Nepharim are undoubtedly physical, even cynical, but their success has been built off the backs of ruthless, fast-paced passing football.

The Godhead
For home matches, and during international tournaments, Nephara wheels out the 'Godhead', a giant boulder with an eerie resemblance to Gethin Ramsey, first manager of the Cormorants in the modern era and by now long dead. Nepharim have a superstitious streak, and while nobody's saying it is, in fact, the mystic reincarnation of their most iconic leader, nobody's quite not saying it, either. The Godhead is traditionally 'walked' to the stadium by Nepharim ultras using an intricate series of ropes, and often a flare is wedged into its 'mouth' to simulate a smoking cigar.

Staff
Manager - Triffid Ramsey - Age 46
Assistant Manager - Catherine Sedgwick - Age 57
Daughter of the legendary Gethin Ramsey, Nephara's Baptism of Fire manager and (probably) the first manager to take three different nations to the World Cup, but Triffid's eager to get out from under that shadow. A very good but not excellent player, Ramsey took naturally to management and pursues a more modern version of the elder Ramsey's ideals - industry backed by data, athleticism backed by sport science, pace backed by skill. Catherine Sedgwick is a former national team player and formidable manager in her own right, here to offer a steady hand at the tiller and keen tactical mind. Together, they won the World Cup. What else is there to say?

Goalkeepers
Core
1 - GK - Aranea Provost (

Holdenberg) - Age 26 - 38 caps, 21 clean sheets
WC87 Champion
Anyone with any sense has their eye on Provost. She's sharp, spry, with the height and deceptive power to command her area, and only getting better year on year. Her sights are set on the very top, as she has the potential to be one of the best in the game.

12 - GK - Raluca Garamond (

Sabrefell Athletic) - Age 26 - 8 caps, 4 clean sheets
WC87 Champion
A languid, reliable goalkeeper with a rare command of her area. She might not be the most eye-catching of shot-stoppers, but her judgement and anticipation are second to none. Garamond will reliably concede slightly fewer goals than expected without ever really being flashy about it.

20 - GK - Alexandra Markgraf (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 29 - 2 caps
WC87 Champion
Already well-travelled, Markgraf is making her mark as an athletic, agile shot-stopper, the kind of goalkeeper who can fly into the top corner and flick the ball over the top in a single fluid motion. There is an error in her game every now and again, but her skill will soon catch up to her confidence.

Defenders
2 - RB - Rovena Stride (

AFC Treason) - Age 28 - 88 caps, 8 goals
C75 Galactico, WC87 Champion
Stride's surname is apt. She's fast; very fast, and just gets the simple things right. All of them at once, racing upfield for overlapping runs to lash in raking low crosses, before tracking back at full speed to put in a crunching sliding tackle. A world-class player.

3 - LB - Vivica Muscadin (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 27 - 58 caps, 4 goals
WC87 Champion
Like many prospects from the Moths, Muscadin is sharp and trained to win at any and all costs. She strides the field with an easy arrogance and a ferocious burst of pace, and anyone trying to get past her is due a stud in the back of the knee. So, no, she's not interested in playing nice.

5 - CB - Reniira Clevinger (

Sabrefell Athletic) - Age 23 - 26 caps, 5 goals
WC87 Champion
The first half-satyr - indeed, the first non-fullblooded human - to represent the national team, Clevinger essentially looks like a hulking 6'8" woman with blue skin and stubby, vestigial horns poking out of her scalp. Unsurprisingly, she's also the tallest person in Cormorants history. That's handy as a centre-half, and helped her score two goals in WC87.

6 - CB - Miska Brabanzon (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 24 - 11 caps
WC87 Champion
A pugnacious, bruising centre-half who flies eagerly and viciously into challenges. The hope is that Brabanzon and Clevinger will be the new Thorn and Brosch, going forward, just as they've been at youth level and in the Eagles Cup - this, despite playing for the two sides with the most enduring rivalry in Nephara. She offers more silk and dynamism to go with the steady Clevinger's steel.

18 - RB - Pristina Soeringer (

Stein-los Turkish) - Age 23 - 12 caps, 1 goal
Diminutive when she came through the ranks, Soeringer learned to fight dirty from the low ground, before late-blooming into a powerful specimen. She can play dirty or firm-but-fair, and boasts an excellent cross and the nous to know when to surge forward. A superb allrounder.

19 - CB - Gabriel Lockheed (

AFC Treason) - Age 31 - 42 caps, 2 goals
Lockheed is a powerhouse, someone who was on no lists of future greats until injuries at the Stags thrust him into the firing line and he stood up flawlessly to the task. He combines physicality with intelligence and no small mastery of the dark arts.

22 - LB - Radeka Lind (

Vermillion Rage) - Age 20 - 4 caps
WC87 Champion
A radical selection. In a largely unexceptional (though solid) field of backup leftbacks, Lind stands out. An injury crisis gave her the opportunity to break through before schedule as one of the precious few teenagers getting regular minutes at Zenith level... in a Vermillion side inexplicably destined for the Champions League places.

Midfielders
4 - HM - Rook Timekeeper (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 23 - 11 caps
An elegant player with a strapping physique, Timekeeper offers both silk and steel in equal measure. With pace, technique and strength, he roves the midfield not only able to whisk the ball away, but with plenty of ideas for where it can go afterwards. A thumping shot doesn't hurt, though in fairness it's usually thumped into the stands, or a nearby street.

7 - RM - Anselm Koerner (

1830 Cathair) - Age 26 - 29 caps, 6 goals
WC87 Champion
Surprisingly, a winger without all that much flair. Koerner's best aspects are blinding pace, bruising muscle and relentless physicality, and he's set to ride that to the top. Nobody really expected him to be the one of his class to make it, but the difference might just be top-class athleticism and the workrate to us e it. He's always, always running.

8 - CM - Lothaire Cromwell (

AC Izotz Zubia) - Age 26 - 47 caps, 11 goals
WC87 Champion
Cromwell is the kind of player whose statistical multi-scale radar looks like a circle. He held down the midfield for the U21s and can certainly play that role, but at heart he needs to run, and room to run forward into the box at the perfect moment. He's tall, strong, fast, he'll brawl, he can pick out a pass, and he's already a leader of the team.

11 - LM - Kendra Considine Ramsey (

AFC Treason) - Age 24 - 12 caps, 2 goals
WC87 Champion
The wild card of the team. Considine's international future was an unknown for the longest time, and those closest to the player assumed she'd represent Schottia. She's Triffid Ramsey's adoptive daughter, and has no actual blood ties to Nephara. But she's ambitious, at heart, and with Schottia out of current contention, has seized her opportunity to bring her particular brand of fey lethality to the world stage.

13 - RM/LM - Ysabet Belgrade (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 25 - 37 caps, 10 goals
WC87 Champion
A combative firebrand on and off the pitch, Belgrade really just wants to make trouble. Bad things happen to defenders when she's involved. Relentless when taking on defenders and making surging, violent runs that slam into opposing defences and scatter opponents in their wake.

14 - CM/AM - Exene Fletcher (

Hellinic Rouge) - Age 24 - 20 caps, 6 goals
WC87 Champion
Somehow overlooked by the big academies, Fletcher clawed her way up from the third tier, making a name for herself by combining silky playmaking with sharp tackles. Her rise has been nothing short of meteoric, and her workrate reflects how far she's come. The wild card of the team.

15 - HM - Rashica Horvath (

La Nueva Avenida) - Age 28 - 14 caps
WC87 Champion
A revelation in qualifying, Horvath was a forgotten woman who everyone figured had missed her shot, including herself. But the former U21s captain is made of stern stuff, and managed to wrestle her way back into contention. Hard-nosed, taciturn and useful with the ball at her feet, Horvath's more than a plain destroyer.

17 - CM/AM - Ilia Mueller (

AFC Treason) - Age 28 - 8 caps
WC87 Champion
Sometimes you just look to the extended national pool and someone stands out as the right option for precisely one year. Fortunately, Mueller's mixture of diligence, composure, versatility and top-class experience make her an essential piece of the puzzle, not just some one-trick wonder - and, anyway, helping Nephara to the World Cup final would've been a hell of a trick.

23 - RM/ST - Traudl Mrdja (

Vermillion Rage) - Age 26 - 19 caps, 6 goals
WC87 Champion
Rangy and raw-boned, a part of Mrdja still can't believe she's come this far. She made her name by simply being fearless on a local side in Rochford that had cause to fear most anyone. A player of relentless energy who relishes the chance to press hard and early. Becoming something of a lucky charm for the national team.

Forwards
9 - ST - Ruby Gjasula (

Bastion) - Age 26 - 6 caps, 4 goals
Feisty, arrogant and with a remarkable eye for goal, Gjasula's meteoric rise makes her the bolter in the squad, given that consistent goal output was the Cormorants' one struggle in their glory year. Originally reliant on her pace, Gjasula's intelligence shines through with her runs, and her ruthless finishing helps round out a lethal forward.

10 - ST - Konrad Lovelace (

Revolutionaries) - Age 29 - 73 caps, 39 goals
C78 Galactico, WC87 Champion
'The new Estrella Hawke', according to excitable headlines that don't pay attention to anything that matters. They're both from Starling, they're both strikers, they're both athletic, they're both good. Blistering pace, football intelligence and a ruthless finish are his best assets, his right boot his one failing. The one year he forced his way above Bastable, he was still dropped for the final for tactical reasons; he just can't catch a break.

16 - ST - Bastet North (

Jungle Strike) - Age 25 - 4 caps, 1 goal
Called up to the Eagles' Cup without first-tier experience, North's explosive form warranted both it and the call from Jungle Strike that followed. A prowling, unpredictable striker who isn't physically remarkable but is mentally resolute, and has a terrifying sprint on her when she feels the need.

21 - ST - Latona Basilisk (

Mâ Âlâmëómë) - Age 26 - 26 caps, 15 goals
C75 Young Galactico, WC87 Champion
Former Young Galactico Basilisk is self-assured to the point of parody, right to the point of having made 'Basilisking' - purported to be her petrifying stare one-on-one with goalkeepers - not only part of her brand, but trademarked. So you'd better believe it matters to say: she's very nearly as good as she thinks she is. Moxham decided only Basilisk had the moxie to pull off the 21 without her. Then came back to reclaim it. Now she's gone again, so Basilisk's gone through a lot of shirt numbers.

ABBREVIATED ROSTER
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Holdenberg, EUR), 12 - Raluca Garamond (Sabrefell Athletic), 20 - Alexandra Markgraf (Sabrefell Moths)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Vivica Muscadin (Sabrefell Moths), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Sabrefell Athletic), 6 - Miska Brabanzon (Sabrefell Moths), 18 - Pristina Soeringer (Stein-los Turkish, PAS), 19 - Gabriel Lockheed (AFC Treason), 22 - Radeka Lind (Vermillion Rage)
Midfielders: 4 - Rook Timekeeper (Sabrefell Moths), 7 - Anselm Koerner (1830 Cathair, AUD), 8 - Lothaire Cromwell (AC Izotz Zubia, AUD), 11 - Kendra Constantine (AFC Treason), 13 - Ysabet Belgrade (Sabrefell Moths), 14 - Exene Fletcher (Hellinic Rouge, PAS), 15 - Rashica Horvath (La Nueva Avenida, FFD), 17 - Ilia Mueller (AFC Treason), 23 - Traudl Mrdja (Vermillion Rage)
Forwards: 9 - Ruby Gjasula (Bastion, EUR), 10 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR), 16 - Bastet North (Jungle Strike, VIL), 21 - Latona Basilisk (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD)

by **Cassadaigua** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 9:07 am

Team Cassadaigua- Copa Rushmori 37

Coach- Brittany Byers (49) (Brattleboro FC)
Brittany was a part of the national team roster as a defender in World Cups 78 and 79, and served as the captain of those teams. She was already in her 30's at that time, so she was unable to have a longer career with the team. Those leadership qualities helped her become a success as a coach domestically. This is her second consecutive Copa Rushmori that she will coach. Served as an assistant to Stephanie Sweeney in the last World Cup, and has commonly been one of our alternative managers.

Starters in Green
Starters in Blue
Starters in Red

Goalkeepers:
#20- Danielle Cotter (27) (Grande Mountain)- Sub WC 87, Reserve WC 85 & 86, Starter DBC 47, CR 34 & 36.
#21- Katie Schnapper (24)- (1093 Club de Football Atlantea, Taeshan)- Sub CR 36, Starter DBC 48
#31- Cynthia Kerr (22) (Victoriaville South End)- Starter DBC 49

Regular national team starter Tiffany Nelson has opted out of the Copa Rushmori, much like she did last time. This will allow Danielle Cotter to be the regular starter again, but look for Katie Schnapper to get a game at some point. Overall, Byers is more than pleased with this collection of players.

Defenders:
#4- Sierra Swift (25) (Grande Mountain)- Sub WC 85-87, CR 35 & 36, Starter DBC 47
#6- Amanda Clayton (25) (Starksville United)- Sub WC 86 & 87, CR 36; Starter DBC 47
#3- Summer Speers (25) (Victoriaville South End)- Reserve DBC 47, CR 35, WC 86 & 87
#2- Caitlyn Kaleta (23) (Brattleboro FC)- Starter DBC 49
#24- Sarah Bayne (22) (Brattleboro Westside)- Starter DBC 49
#26- Nicole Holland (23) (Grande Mountain)- Starter DBC 49
#29- Tara Keane (23) (Victoriaville City)- Sub DBC 49
#39- Amanda Southerby (22) (Northbury SC)- International Debut

A very interesting group in that none of the starters from the World Cup 87 side are going to be a part of the Copa Rushmori team. This is by design as manager Byers wants to get a longer look at who might be the future of the team at a position where two key starters are now in their 30’s. Now, Brooke Sutter and Kimberly Carson could still reappear in World Cup 88, but it is important to see who might be next in line at this position. Leaving off Katie Standish and Michelle Graves, who are in the prime of their career now as World Cup starters was probably a little more difficult, but Byers has great rapport with the defense as an ex-defender herself, and has explained her decision well to the regulars.

Midfielders:
#9- Morgan Rosenblatt (23) (AFC Treson, Nephara)- Starter WC 87. DBC 48 & 49, CR 36
#16- Meghan Wolcott (30) (Herzegovina City FC, Banija)- Starter WC 84-87, CR 34-36, DBC 44 (TEAM CAPTAIN)
#19- Preston Newfeld (30) (New Lakeland Soccer Club)- Sub WC 84-87, Starter CR 34, 36 & DBC 44
#8- Courtney Graham (28) (Brattleboro FC)- Starter WC 86 & 87, Reserve WC 84 & 85, Starter CR 34, 36
#34- Danielle Porter (27) (Concord Heights City)- Sub WC 86 & 87, Reserve WC 84 & 85, Sub CR 34-36
#25- Allison Rice (22) (Hannah, Taeshan)- Sub WC 87, Starter DBC 49
#36- Tyler Reynolds (22) (Capetown Crocs, Taeshan)- Reserve WC 87, Starter DBC 49
#37- Sarah Giles (26) (Brattleboro Westside)- Reserve WC 86 & 87; Starter DBC 47, Sub CR 36, Reserve CR 35

Ironically, we go from a position where there are no returning starters to a part on the field that looks completely identical to our World Cup 87 roster. At this position, there is not a logjam of 24 and 25 year olds as there are in the back, so the line of progression is seemingly a little more clear for Byers. Morgan Rosenblatt really stepped up in the last Copa Rushmori, and that carried into the World Cup, getting her the contract with AFC Treason. It is hard to believe that she is still only 23 years of age, and Cassadagan fans are excited about watching her and Wolcott, particularly, work together again. Wolcott serves as a captain of a senior team roster for the first time.

Forwards:
#27- Madison McClain (28) (Jinja City, Banija)- Starter WC 86 & 87, Sub WC 84 & 85, Starter CR 34, 35
#12- Loreen Hazen (26) (Rutland FC)- Sub WC 86 & 87, Reserve WC 85; Sub DBC 47, CR 35
#23- Taylor Russo (26) (Starksville United)- Reserve WC 84 & 86, Sub WC 87, CR 34, 35
#29- Kelsey Whitman (25) (Brattleboro FC)- Reserve WC 86 & 87, Starter DBC 47
#28- Jenna Frontiera (22) (Brattleboro FC)- Sub DBC 49
#32- Bayley Stanton (23) (Concord Heights City)- Reserve CR 36, Starter DBC 47

Rachel Schanke’s opt out of the Copa Rushmori did, admittedly, catch Brittany Byers by surprise, but as players are allowed to do so without any repercussions, Byers will be making the most of it. This could be a great chance for McClain to have a signature tournament as she will be the go to person up front. Expect to see Hazen and Russo split a lot of time. Other youngsters will get a look here as well.

Team Info:
Style Mod: +2.7
Formation: 4-4-2
People from Cassadaigua are referred to as Cassadagans.
Team nickname: Fillies. Also, we are commonly referred to as the Dagans

RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes but only say they hurt
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, no more then one more then you give yourself.
Godmod other events: TG idea first. If it fits the theme of my team, I probably will allow it.

Kits: (Pink= home, White= away, Black= keeper or third. Thanks Donnacona!)

If there is a conflict with the white kit, the team will wear pink.

Retired Kit Numbers:
#1 is retired in honor of Allison Salamida
#5 is retired in honor of Michelle Fuller
#7 is retired in honor of Shannon Myers
#10 is retired in honor of Brittany Lawton
#11 is retired in honor of Courtney Ferguson
#13 is retired in honor of Meaghan Bateman
#14 is retired in honor of Stacie Kerrigan-Fraser
#15 is retired in honor of Erica Lambert
#17 is retired in honor of Jessica Schanke
#18 is retired in honor of Taylor Connolly
#33 is retired in honor of Hannah Ranucci

by **Mytanija** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 3:56 pm

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: MYTANAR SQUAD FOR COPA RUSHMORI 37

##  Pos.    Name                  Age  Caps/Goals  Club                 
01  GK      Pedja Kasun           29   60/0        Ararat Severyan
02  DL      Srdan Vukovic         29   66/2        1896 Ebor
03  DC      Grigorij Savicevic    23   16/1        Atletik Thessia
04  DC      Mojmir Anac           29   75/3        Olympic Thessia
05  DR      Petr Isaev            31   86/2        Crvena Zvezda
06  MC      Alen Hrdaljko         25   40/5        CDSA
07  MC      Tahir Fejzuli         30   78/7        Mâ Âlâmëómë [FFD]
08  AML/R   Brajko Gavrilovic     27   36/8        1896 Ebor
09  ST/AMC  Jezdimir Ocokoljic    27   79/40       Atletik Thessia
10  MC/AMC  Jasno Odonelec        27   68/26       Atletik Thessia
11  AMR/L   Boris Kalinic         30   43/8        Workers Union [EUR]
12  GK      Semir Besak           19   0/0         Olympic Thessia
13  DC      Niksa Obadko          31   45/1        Liria Prizren
14  DC      Kamil Jernejec        28   31/0        Olympic Thessia
15  DL/R    Patrik Odonelec       22   12/0        Atletik Thessia
16  DMC     Branko Brkljacic      30   50/0        Atletik Thessia
17  MC      Vilim Kupresak        27   35/4        Olympic Thessia
18  MC      Sefir Ajanovic        23   6/2         FK Arsika
19  AML/MC  Dalibor Vlahovic      27   26/5        1896 Ebor
20  AMR/L   Kemal Gajic           22   9/4         FK Arsika
21  ST      Anton Derajevic       32   6/3         Nyva Zvornik
22  ST      Strahinja Nanusevski  23   0/0         Liria Prizren
23  GK      Zafer Muminovic       26   5/0         Tekstil Ibon

PLAYER INFORMATION

GK: Pedja Kasun, 29, Ararat Severyan [MYT]
60 caps, 0 goals
He's been the best goalkeeper in Mytanija for years now but he didn't enjoy the best of seasons last time out as Ararat's much vaunted defensive prowess disappeared for much of the 28/29 campaign. Kasun was left with more work to do than usual and whilst he did okay he wasn't as brilliant as in previous years and due to the high standard he has set himself it was extremely noticeble. He's a great shot-stopper and communicator; possessing good reflexes and speed in order to rush out towards oncoming forwards too. He stands at 195cm so is an imposing presence between the posts whilst also being useful with his distribution of the ball, something which is especially important in Repin's team.

GK: Semir Besak, 19, Olympic Thessia [MYT]
Uncapped
Besak is a phenom and will either take over the starting role from Kasun once he retires from international football or actually overtake him and take it off him whilst he's still playing. He's won a league title already in his career and won the Golden Glove award this season by keeping 14 clean sheets in 30 games. Such was his influence on the Olympic team that he actually finished second in the running for under-23 Player of the Season, a rarity for a goalkeeper. Besak can do it all though, he's a fine shot-stopper and also excellent with the ball at his feet and few will bet against him being Mytanar #1 in the future.

GK: Zafer Muminovic, 26, Tekstil Ibon [MYT]
5 caps, 0 goals
Third choice goalkeeper who has impressed domestically over the past few years despite never having one of the best-stocked defences in front of him in terms of personnel. This is a spot which he has largely locked down over the years, Muminovic doesn't expect to be starting for the national team but is quite happy to accept the role of back-up. Domestically he has been extremely steady and finished 2nd in the running for the Golden Glove award at the end of the 28/29 season with 13 clean sheets in 30 games.

ST/AMC: Jezdimir Ocokoljic, 27, Atletik Thessia [MYT]
79 caps, 40 goals
Ocokoljic has had a pretty unbelievable career and he's still only 27. He's a hero in Tsrvena after taking his boyhood team Crvena Zvezda to two league and cup doubles; he then moved to Nephara and became a club icon with Newrook City (somewhere he's reportedly open to returning to); now he's at the biggest Mytanar club in the form of Atletik Thessia and he has had an instant impact on the team in sky blue, helping them on their way to the league title with 25 goals in 29 games on his way to Golden Boot and the Player of the Season award for good measure. His strike rate for the national team is at a clip not seen since Kristian Haugen played for the Hoops, a fact which identifies Ocokoljic as the country's top marksman and means he's a danger for all opposition defences. A good dribbler, he'll embarrass any opponents that look to give him particularly rough treatment with his quick feet and trickery. His finishing is pinpoint precise too and he's decent from free kicks for this reason as well. He's extremely adept at finding space, his off-the-ball movement makes him a nightmare to defend against. Ocokoljic has taken on an increased level of tactical importance with the national team in recent years with Repin's desire to play using a false nine and Ocokoljic will continue in that role in the hybrid 4-3-3/3-1-3-3 the coach has now settled on.

ST: Anton Derajevic, 32, Nyva Zvornik [MYT]
6 caps, 3 goals
A forward who was not even in the conversation for the national team ahead of qualification for the last World Cup but Derajevic's performances for Nyva Zvornik have put him well and truly in the picture over the past couple of years. Derajevic led Nyva to the National Cup in the 27/28 season and last year finished second in both the Golden Boot and Player of the Season award as he scored 20 goals in 28 games to fire Nyva to 6th place. Derajevic was once a problem for managers, prone to temper tantrums and getting himself involved in all manner of off-field issues. He has matured well and has seemingly put those problems behind him and given his form Repin couldn't ignore him for the Copa Rushmori. He could suit the way Repin's national team play too, liking to drift from the central striker position to create himself space. He has 110 in 238 games in the Top League for 1923 Esca and Nyva Zvornik and whilst he may have thought his national team career was over he gets another chance here, he'll want to take it.

ST: Strahinja Nanusevski, 23, Liria Prizren [MYT]
Uncapped
A real complete forward in the mould of a Laze v Tuhinju or Nebojsa Aleksic, Nanusevski is physically imposing but retains speed which could make him a problem for defenders. He's a good finisher as demonstrated by his return of 19 goals in 30 games for Liria last season (and more generally by his record of 47 goals in 90 Top League games) and whilst there were other options who perhaps suit Repin's tactics better (eg. Dejan Zgela) or have more international experience (eg. Zlatan Andrijasevic), Nanusevski's recent form meant Lev Repin couldn't leave him out. He finished third in the running for 28/29 under-23 Player of the Season for a reason, after all.

Mytanija employ a wide-range of formations dependent on different situations within each game, players are taught different tactical ideas from an early age in Mytanar academies and it leads to flexible players who can slot into a wide-range of systems fairly comfortably. During this World Cup qualification cycle Mytanija's default formation will be the 4-3-3/3-1-3-3 hybrid used to good effect during World Cup qualifying, but they may switch to a 4-6-0, 4-2-3-1, a 4-3-1-2 or 5-3-2 dependent on the opposition and the game state. I shall try to detail here the different scenarios which will lead to a change of formation. Please don't hesitate to either TG me on here or direct message me on the NS Sports Discord if you have any questions about Mytanija's tactics, whether it be the underlying principles/theory for each one; personnel for different formations; or if you just want to shoot the breeze about different tactical ideas.

The 4-3-3/3-1-3-3 hybrid is split into defensive shape (4-3-3) and attacking shape (3-1-3-3), this obviously depends on whether Mytanija has possession of the ball or not. Out of possession, the team will retreat into a fairly standard 4-3-3 formation. The back four will defend across the width of their penalty area, any deviance from that distance will result in Mojmir Anac berating whoever it is that has moved out of that line. Defensively the team will try to keep the distance between each player as consistent as possible so that no one player has to defend large spaces by themselves. In front of the back four will be Alen Hrdaljko and Tahir Fejzuli, they will be directly in front of Mytanija's pair of central defenders and mostly look to prevent through balls into the space in front of the central defenders and engage any players who look to dribble into the space that they are occupying. Against some teams they may press the opposition, but if this happens only one will do so at any one time. The majority of the pressing is left to Jasno Odonelec who will cover the space in front of Hrdaljko and Fejzuli; as well as Jezdimir Ocokoljic who will take on the brunt of this. The team's wingers will mostly track the opposition's full-backs, but if the opposition don't tend to use their full-backs as attacking options then Mytanija's wingers will press and tuck-in (ie. one winger will press when possession is on his side of the pitch; the other will tuck-in on the opposite side to allow the Mytanar midfield to shift across the pitch to focus the defensive effort on the side of the pitch that the ball is on).

When Mytanija regain possession, the formation will change from the defensive shape of the 4-3-3 into the attacking shape of the 3-1-3-3. This will generally mean Grigorij Savicevic shifting across to the left slightly from his left-sided centre-back position, with Mojmir Anac occupying a position in the centre of a back three with Petr Isaev coming inside slightly from right-back. This back three will usually play quite high up the pitch to try and catch the opponent's forwards offside, relying particularly on Anac's pace to recover if the opposition succeed in breaking the offside trap. Ahead of them Alen Hrdaljko will act as a defensive shield slash midfield conductor, he'll mostly recycle possession but if Mytanija lose the ball he'll be there to (hopefully) put out any fires before they reach the defensive trio - who in turn are there as a three to add that little extra layer of protection than just your usual two central defenders. This extra layer of protection is necessary because nominal left-back Srdan Vukovic has been given a roving brief as something of a number 8/10 on the left of three central-attacking midfielders, with Jasno Odonelec in the centre and Fejzuli on the right of this three. They will largely be looking to operate in the gaps between the opposition's midfielders and also between their midfielders and defenders. This formation is about trying to overload certain areas of the pitch when Mytanija have the ball and Vukovic's presence in attacking midfield areas is demonstrative of this. The team's wingers will stay wide to try and keep the opposition full-backs wide, leaving space in between the full-backs and centre-backs for the likes of Vukovic, Odonelec, Fejzuli and Ocokoljic to exploit. Similarly Ocokoljic will operate as a false nine and regularly drop deep to try and drag the opponent's centre-backs out of position, with the space they vacate when following Ocokoljic hopefully being exploited by the wingers and Odonelec. On the right is a rough example of how this formation will appear when Mytanija are in possession.

If you have any questions or queries regarding Mytanija's tactics or in-game substitutions because you want to include information about them in an RP, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will endeavour to respond to clear them up.

TEAM ROLES
Captaincy: Petr Isaev is the team's captain and most-capped player. Following a string of influential performances Jasno Odonelec has been elevated to the position of vice-captain, a decision which has been welcomed by much of the squad given his popularity. If neither of them are on the pitch the captaincy would pass onto the likes of Pedja Kasun or Mojmir Anac, beyond them it will usually be the player with the most caps on the pitch.
Penalties: Odonelec is now the team's first-choice penalty taker, after than the responsibility would fall to Ocokoljic. In a penalty shoot-out the order would be something like: Odonelec, Ocokoljic, Hrdaljko, Fejzuli, Anac; then the likes of Derajevic, Vlahovic, Vukovic, Brkljacic would come after or replace those they are substituted for if they are on the pitch.
Corners: Essentially anyone I've noted as a good passer or crosser of the ball: Fejzuli, Kalinic, Odonelec (who will begrudge taking them due to him being a reasonable aerial threat), Vukovic etc.
Short free kicks: Ocokoljic or Fejzuli, basically. Ocokoljic is more likely to take them from the left as he's right-footed and Fejzuli more likely from the right as he's left-footed. Odonelec would be next choice and Branko Brkljacic would offer a different method of taking it which mainly involves just hitting the ball as hard as he possibly can. If none of those are on the pitch, the likes of Kalinic or Vukovic are options. Failing that pick someone at random.
Long free kicks: Usually whoever's playing at left-back or right-back will take our long free kicks and try and punt it into the box and take advantage of having quite a tall team.

NOTES:
• Lev Repin (aged 51), is the Mytanar national team manager and has been in the role for one World Cup cycle and a Copa Rushmori. Repin is a Mytanar footballing legend and played for the national side 177 times, scoring 14 goals from full back, winning Copa Rushmori XVII and Cup of Harmony 56 and 59 along the way. He managed the under-21 squad at the Di Bradini Cup and took them to a runners-up finish. Repin is known as a bit of a schemer tactically and this was evidenced during qualification for World Cup 82; he also led the team to a 3rd placed finish at the 32nd Copa Rushmori in Qusmo and a 4th placed finish at the 36th Copa Rushmori held in Græntfjall and Tikariot. In qualifying for World Cup 87 he led Mytanija to an unexpected 4th place, only narrowly missing out on qualification despite being unranked heading into the cycle.

• Mytanija has qualified to 11 World Cups, reaching the quarter finals in World Cup 68. Mytanija has won the Copa Rushmori once (XVII), to go with two victories in the Cup of Harmony (56 and 59); and a Di Bradini Cup win (DBC40). Some of these achievements were made under the names Mytannion/the Mytanar Region, Mytanija is ICly the exact same place.

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

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

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

Style modifier: +0.5

by **Mapletish** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 9:26 pm

TEAM MAPLETISH FOR COPA RUSHMORI 37
Nation Name: The Mapletia Unida of Mapletish
Demonym: Maplish/Mapletian
Team Nickname: The Dragons/The Minnows
The Supporters: The Fierykop

OFFICIAL KIT
HOME - AWAY - KEEPER

HOME STADIUM:
Rosfield Stadium - 102,611

The Buio'Dzz
Before every match, the team members (including the designated substitutes for the match) will perform a traditional ritual, called the Buio'Dzz on the pitch just before play begins. The Buio'Dzz performed by the Maplish sports teams are from the Mapli-ane, one of the largest aboriginal groups in Mapletish. The Buio'Dzz originated from the sun god, Inaka, a Mapli-ane creation. To celebrate the birth of his son Arone, Inaka broke into a dance while humming a poem to celebrate the occasion. This continued to be the foundation of all tribe dances done by the Maplish aboriginals. The Buio'Dzz is just one of the many tribe war dances from the aboriginals of Mapletish. It is meant to awe and to challenge their opponents in the sports context today. This is similar to the [RL] New Zealanders' haka before their matches. It is performed by a group of people, with intensity and vigour. Actions are performed rhythmically including foot-stamping, tongue protrusions, rhythmic body slapping, clapping of the hands, and an accompaniment of shouting in the aboriginal dialect, which may represent tribal poems passed down from the ancestors of the particular tribe, or a poem that marks the events of a particular tribe. This ceremonial dance ritual also fulfills social functions such as weddings, funerals and celebration of great achievements, occasions, other than the anticipation of war from its earlier intentions. This would be performed unless the hosts of the match in question object to the ritual.

Previous Copa Rushmori (13)
Copa Rushmori 30, Copa Rushmori 25, Copa Rushmori 24, Copa Rushmori 20, Copa Rushmori 19, Copa Rushmori 15, Copa Rushmori 14, Copa Rushmori 13, Copa Rushmori 12, Copa Rushmori 11, Copa Rushmori 10, Copa Rushmori 9, Copa Rushmori 8

Simple Procedural Notes
Following the dispute between the RFAM and the Mapletish Board of Sports Organisations (MBSO), the relatively unknown Bernhard Floris took on the helms for the team representing Mapletish for multiverse football. The team is made up of semi-professional and amateur young players who were selected and called up by Floris. This is so as the current stance by the MBSO was to not send any of their professional players to participate in national team competitions. The current head coach, Floris, has had two competitions under his belt so far, the Di Bradini Cup 49 and the World Cup 87 Qualifying campaign. Against all odds, the young team finished 6th out of 10 teams in Group 19 of WCQ 87, maintaining a 6-5-7 record, taking points from group strongholds, Eura, Port Ember, Natanians and Nosts and Siovanija & Teusland. Evidently, it has shown that the ultra defensive stance employed by Floris has bore fruit throughout the WCQ 87. Additional emphasis is also taken on keeping the team structure and rigidity with a focus on team work through out the qualifying campaign. All efforts paid off for both Floris and his team as they qualify for the Cup of Harmony 79.

BACKROOM STAFF
Head Coach: Bernhard Floris, 42
A particularly unknown coach from Mapletish or probably he could be someone from the National Academy, who knows? Rumours has it that this 40 year old is a full time artist, enjoys tennis, is obsessed with cosplaying, helping the elderly across the road and reading. I don't know about the genre of his books though. Such quirky character but nothing beats his generosity and creativity. Perhaps that is all you need? Especially when dealing with young adults and teenagers who aren't the particularly "tough" or "headstrong" as the older generations might put that out as. Having grew up in a working class neighbourhood, he sure knows what being tough means. Physically, slightly overweight but otherwise in in good shape? So what does this have to do with sport? Maybe he was eyeing for a mid-career switch and found himself taking the helms. But all that can be said for this middle age man is that he really knows his stuff.

Assistant Coach: Sylvanus Cherokee, 39
An arrogant, talkative and headstrong assistant, Cherokee is vastly on the opposite end of Floris. 3 years his junior, Cherokee seems to be a little more in tune with his sporting/athletic background than Floris. Finally not another full time artist taking a mid career switch, oh Floris. Whlist, one can describe Floris' training methods as benevolent, or in other words, go easy on you when you reach your objectives for the session. Little can be said about Cherokee. Unsparing in his methods? How do we phrase this? Unprogressive? Growing up in a upper class neighbourhood, he sure knows what being tough means. Or however the opposite to what Floris means. Little is known how will this combination work but one can see some obstacles in their partnership on a fundamental level already, but maybe football is the one which breaks boundaries, with football as the common language.

Formation: 4-4-2

Style Modifier: -5

Penalty Takers: Job Bobbie/ Fernando Guavain/ Moseses Quin
Direct Free Kick Takers: Job Bobbie/ Fernando Guavain/ Moseses Quin
indirect Free Kick Takers: Raphael Singer/ Austin Sonnie/ Leonde Patrick
Left Corner Takers: Henry Tomomi/ Moseses Quin/ Randolf Tijs
Right Corner Takers: Job Bobbie/ Austin Sonnie/ Arin Elton

THE opponent can,
Choose my goalscorers? Yes.
Godmod scoring events? Yes.
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, that means no career ending injuries or my players end up dying. I reserve the right to change the severity in the follow up RP.
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above.
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes.
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, only a maximum of 2 per match and that excludes the captain or vice-captain.
Godmod other events? TG me first and I'm always open to ideas.

by **Crystalline Caverns** » Sat Mar 20, 2021 10:37 pm

Crystalline Caverns
Back From the Depths!
Roster
Goalkeepers
- Eivind Gore
- Clovis Terrano
- Sekar Sersiuppe
Defenders
- Josceline Arik 
- Umber Rockwater
- Vanamo Starkeysa 
- Lorian Spokes
- Austin Timour
- Fjordham Alsein
Midfielders
- Pendlewick Kelsiheit
- Alvar Jensson (C)
- Armo Carmander
- Etzel Zircon 
- Lias Bengtsdotter 
- Cosimo Planetaris
- Czechzan Balansis
Strikers
- Opheliet Nandris
- Bituin Coinicus 
- Joel Wang
- Landen Smoker
Coaching Staff
- Line the Feral Wolf (Manager)
- Jerry Poppy (Assistant Manager & Line's Caretaker)
Starting XI
Kits (Brought to you by the kit sponsor I forgot the name of from Kita-Hinode)
Other Info
Style: +3.5
Nickname: The Frostac Wolves (Or just anything ice-related, really)
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
- Choose my goalscorers: Yes
- Godmod scoring events: Yes (The crazier, the better!)
- RP injuries to my players: Get my ok first, then we'll talk injuries ;3
- Godmod injuries to my players: See above
- Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
- Hand out red cards to my players: TG for approval
- Godmod other events: As long as you aren't killing my people, you should be good.

by **Sargossa** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 5:19 am

Copa Rushmori XXXVII

Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'

Head Coach

Brian McAllister (Tikariot)
Brian McAllister is the new face in the dugout and is calling the shots. A key part of the backroom team that masterminded Tikariot’s highly impressive arrival onto the world stage, McAllister is bound to bring new ideas and impetus. Which is exactly what the FFS wanted. Led Sargossa to fourth place at the Cup of Harmony and the Copa Rushmori quarter final.

Backroom Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Gregory Wallen (Tikariot)
Assistant Head Coach: Miguel Marí
Defensive Coach: Iker Conde
Attacking Coach: Jordi Suárez
Goalkeeping Coach: Dario Almirón
Fitness Coach: Luis Miguel Sacristán
Team Doctor: Dr Carla Segura

Talent

GK: 1. Alejandro Martínez (26) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Sergio Arrabal (26) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Tomás Gaos (35) – Sportivo Cordova

As a teenager Martínez was touted as a future star by no less a luminary as former Corsairs’ keeper and coach Martín Tejera. He’s know showing exactly why he earned that praise. Sergio Arrabal spent his formative years as a hugely talented understudy to Penedo at Ciudad. He had to move to Alianza to finally prove he had what it takes to be a number one. Gaos provides a more experienced back-up option.

DR: 2. Tobías Figueroa (21) – El Nacional
DC: 5. Juan Esnáider (31) – Oriannor Mountaineers (Tikariot)
DC: 6. Raúl Dengra (26) – Alianza Jucaro
DL: 3. Alfonso Barrueco (22) – Ciudad Soluca
DLC: 12. Víctor Miralles (28) – El Nacional
DRC: 14. Máximo Moya (24) – Sporting San Marquez
DL: 19. Juan Manuel Martí (27) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 21: Hugo Galán (28) – Yaton FC (Taeshan)

It’s entirely possible that Iker Conde, the national side’s defensive coach, has been entirely made up for tax purposes. At times during the last World Cup campaign the Corsairs were woeful at the back, conceded forty times in eighteen fixtures. Coach Brian McAllister likes what Juan Esnáider offers but is likely to shake up the rest of the backline. Young fallback Tobías Figueroa is earning rave reviews in Goza and the Jucaro based Dengra is an interesting addition.

DMC: 4. Esteban Pomar (29) – El Nacional
AMR: 7. Édgar Elvira (24) – Dínamo Maturín
MC: 8. Enrique González (24) – Ciudad Soluca
AML: 11. Esteban Leguizamo (29) – Blacklake Blues (Taeshan)
AMRC: 15. Agustín Soria (22) – Sportivo Soluca
MC: 16. Adrián Fonseca (32) – Ciudad Soluca
DMC: 18. Marcos Águila (23) – El Nacional
MC: 22. Juan Sebastián Varela (24) – Alianza Jucaro
AMLC: 24. Mauro Pereira (30) – Sportivo Cordova

There was no one happier at the new appointment than Édgar Elvira and Esteban Leguizamo. Finally they had a national coach for whom wingers weren’t just something used in Plan C or D. Midfield battler Esteban Pomar’s lack of creative nous may count against his chances of a start. Which could see veteran César Goyoso drop deeper or the introduction of the talented Marcos Águila. Elvira will battle Agustín Soria, fresh from some impressive cameos off the bench, on the right. While Esteban Leguizamo will surely get the run in the side he’s been so craving.

FLC: 9. Mauricio Sainz (27) – Ciudad Soluca
FRLC: 10. Diego Alejandro Costa (29) – Ciudad Soluca
FC: 17. Mateo Manzanares (21) – Dínamo Maturín
FRC: 20. Diego Cazalla (26) – Miruan City (Tikariot)
FL: 23. Alonzo Bienvenida (29) – Sportivo Cordova
FC: 26. Tomas Murillo (32) – Sportivo Soluca

No team in Group scored more than Sargossa in the last World Cup campaign so personnel in the offensive third are likely to remain largely unchanged. Mateo Manzanares has made the central striking role his own but Diego Alejandro Costa’s dip in form in the second half of qualifiers may count against him, with Alonzo Bienvenida and Esteban Leguizamo both impressing when coming on from the bench.

Style

Brian McAllister, alongside Stuart Ekstrom, implemented an attractive, fluid, attacking style on their Tikariot side. Expect more of the same here. With a formation that is 4-3-3 in possession and 4-5-1 without it and plenty of movement, both on and off the ball. Swift, short passing and forwards switching positions to confuddle the opposition are also hallmarks of the Tikariot approach. Unfortunately, while effective going forward, the Corsairs have been slightly woeful at the back. Which is led to something of a tactical rethink. In response McAllister has moved to meld a defensive form his charges are comfortable with, namely a back three, but still keeping the attacking flourish his own favoured system has displayed.

The SuperLiga is quite a physical league so challenges can often be described as 'uncompromising' and cards are pretty common. Gamesmanship, while never encouraged, is also not entirely uncommon. But diving is considered particularly stigmatic so Sargossan players are unlikely to be found doing it.

Style Modifier = (+2)

Kit
Courtesy of ediraf

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

by **Cassadaigua** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:00 am

Looking for the next CASE President,
By Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Ever since Cassadaigua returned to the international soccer scene, Taylor Connolly had been one of the constants as the head of the Cassadagan Association for Soccer Excellence, otherwise known as CASE. However, as the World Cup was taking place in Taeshan and Ethane, the 82-year old Connolly formally announced that she would be resigning from her position. Soccer has been her life, from playing in the Di Bradini Cup, to winning World Cups, and then being in charge of our international program. This is a decision that Taylor says was made for herself, and that she is still in fine health. When you have spent so much time at the sport, eventually you have earned the right to step down. Connolly told me in a prior interview that she kept going back at it because she really wanted to be in her position if we could win another World Cup. Now, she will watch in a more relaxed mode, saying that she will never separate herself from the game.

The questions following this would certainly be who the successor to Connolly would be. Many feel it is a foregone conclusion that Stephanie Sweeney, who has been the only manager that Connolly ever employed, would be advanced into the position. I had a lengthy interview with Connolly, and she did make comments such as, “There is a list of people we have talked about. When I say we, I reference my top aides in the office. Stephanie is at the top of the list. You look at what she has done for Cassadagan soccer after our return. She’s done everything but get us to a World Cup final, and that’s no exaggeration. Two semifinal appearances, that’s pretty good. She’s young. In her 60’s young, but next to me, very young.” and “I am still the President of CASE and Stephanie Sweeney is still the manager, and not my successor. For now.” Is there an implication there that Sweeney is going to be the obvious choice?

Exhibit A, being the roster for Copa Rushmori 37, would be that Sweeney probably will be the new CASE President. After all, wouldn’t she be managing this team if she were still going to be the senior team manager and not the CASE President? Fair question, but don’t be so quick to connect those dots and think it is a formality. After all, Brittany Byers managed the last Copa Rushmori roster as well because Stephanie Sweeney wanted to manage the youth teams, which were running at the same time, so that she could get a good look at the younger players rather than people on the senior team that are more known to her. The Under-18 World Cup will be underway eventually, and we have not heard anything about who will manage our team quite yet. The Di Bradini Cup will be in the near future as well, and that might be where Sweeney is planning to manage. Stephanie has been pretty quiet in terms of her future, with the best recent quote I could get out of her being, “Right now, I am the manager of the senior team and will continue to go on day by day doing anything I can while in that role. Brittany managing the Copa Rushmori is something we have arranged before.”

In that other article, I talked about some of the other candidates to Connolly, other than Sweeney. These are mostly people already in the CASE office. 63-year old Stacey Matthews is one, as she has served as one of the main vice presidents to Connolly within CASE. Matthews was part of the World Cup 67 team, so does have some experience, and has worked as an executive within the organization for the last 15 years. 69-year old Sierra Hinson and 66-year old Caitlyn Edwards have been to two other vice presidents for Connolly. Each of them has a separate focus, but the one trend you see with those three are the 60-plus ages. If you want a younger candidate, and CASE may decide that, 44-year old Kristen Speller, our goalkeeper in World Cup 78 and who has been working for CASE since retirement, is an intriguing option.

What about international candidates? These are open for consideration, but any such candidate will need to have a very high level of experience in a top capacity for an otherwise successful nation in the World Cup. When I asked Taylor Connolly about this possibility, the sense was that this is not the preferred way for CASE to go, but if a big name of international soccer declared interest, then they would absolutely consider the person. If any international candidate was interested, then the time is absolutely right here and now for them to express that interest.

Who makes this decision? Well, ultimately, this goes all the way to the Palace and Queen Cassie II. Yes, that’s how serious Cassadaigua is about having a successful international sports team in any of the biggest five sports out there. The Queen is not the one conducting the interviews, of course, but it will be people that she assigns and trusts and they will report their findings to her. They will be doing that and hope to have a decision by the end of the Copa Rushmori. For this tournament, it will be the committee of Vice Presidents in the organizing roles, and hoping that Brittany Byers can handle everything with this team. Though, there is not really anything to worry about in that aspect. If it is Sweeney that is decided upon, then the next question would become whether or not Byers is automatically the next manager, or if someone else takes the position on. Talking about Byers is the subject for another article, so we will do it then.

by **Graintfjall** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 10:04 am

Selection of articles from the Græntfjaller football transfer ‘news’ blog GræntGoss.

Rumors swirl over future of Justiina Dannysdóttir

Þórhallursson unhappy at ‘Timberlolves’?

Mathias Kristersson demanding “queen’s ransom” from Molding

~~centre back~~

~~center back~~

defender occupying a position neither left nor right

* For some reason, this article chose to use the South Newlandian term.

by **Hispinas** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 10:31 am

It is currently a puzzling fact why Alfonzo Medrano is still in charge of the Hispinas national team.

Despite showing much promise in the last Copa Rushmori, defeating the likes of Tikariot, Crystalline Caverns, and Mavinet, eventually succumbing to Cassadaigua in the quarterfinals, the Golden Sealions managed to struggle in their next entered competitions. Replacing several players due to Under-21 team callups, the squad remained largely unchanged in the Wonder Cup at Qasden, with Hispinas bowing out of the tournament after a paltry group stage put the team into the lower bracket, and losing their first match.

Due to the proximity of the tournament to the Baptism of Fire tournament, Medrano reverted to the same squad which played in the Copa Rushmori, welcoming back Elpidio Campoy and Pancho del Olmo after their stints in the Di Bradini Cup. The Terranean nation showed promise in the group stages, only losing once as they progressed into the Round of 32. However, after losing their only knockout game against Cirrus Azale, things started to go south for Hispinas.

Despite the relatively early exit from Sylestone, Medrano brought an unchanged squad in their first World Cup qualifiers, and it ended in utter disaster. After travelling to Hayvnwilde in their first qualifiers match and taking a point after a 1-1 draw courtesy of Gorka Uralde, The Hispinos were put back to earth in their first home match, in a packed Estadio Nacional en el Castillo (Esnacas) by emerging nation TJUN-ia, putting five goals past Natalio Londono, almost equaling their 5-0 loss to Savojarna in their debut match. The Hispino fans thought that it would be their worst result for the national football team, however, seven matchdays later, they would succumb to their heaviest defeat to date, an 8-1 thrashing by Flavovespia in Saints Park.

Chequil Puma would want to forget what happened that match, as an own goal earlier in the match, and a subsequent straight red card due to a foul inside the penalty box. This would trigger a touchline spat between the coaches of the two teams, ending with Josepe Agerre being thrown in the stands as well. The players disadvantage contributed to the team further leaking goals, although the Hispinos would get one goal courtesy of Peppi Palmero.

They qualifying campaign ended sourly, as they managed to win only three matches and draw two, with a whopping thirteen losses, for an eleven point haul. This dismal result despite early showings of class and grit in their regional campaign was enough to be snubbed by the Cup of Harmony committee, and thus they weren't able to have any competitive matches between the qualifying campaign and this edition of the Copa Rushmori.

Fans were expecting Medrano to get the axe once the qualifying campaign came to a close, but the task force stood by the manager, giving him a vote of confidence for this tournament. As a means to repay the faith Manolito Padron provided him, he promised changes in the squad in line with the new season of the FFL based on what he saw in the friendly matches between the founding clubs. Medrano would make five changes from the World Cup qualifying squad, meaning he still had faith to the majority of the squad, but infusing the squad with fresh blood should improve the stature of the national team as they start their campaign in a challenging first matchday against Copa Rushmori veterans Darmen.

This time, Medrano is under pressure to bring results to the team, and if he fails to match last year's feat then it might be the time that he will be shown the door by the Task Force.

by **Mavinet** » Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:36 am

At the MFA’s Headquarter, Đại Hòa

Vũ Thế Phong grabs his pen lying in wait on the table, brings it up and smiles for the cameras and press personnel in the conference room. He puts his signature on the piece of paper in front of him in a swift and decisive manner in front of the watchful eyes of everyone else in the room. There it goes! It is official. Vũ Thế Phong is now the head coach of the Mavinese national football team for the next 2 World Cup cycles. The sound of cameras’ shutters quickly fills the atmosphere as he stands up and join the Chairman of the MFA in presenting a jersey with his name on the back. These are publicity stunts that Thế Phong has become so familiar to that he does it with flawless efficiency. His real interest lies on the pitch and the tactic board, and he can't wait to get back to his office to get started.

As he walks to his car in the parking lot, he hears someone calling his name. He turns around to see a man in a navy-blue suit approaching him. It is Phan Vinh Hiển, caretaker head coach of the national team and now Thế Phong’s temporary assistant. For the past few months, people have speculated whether Vinh Hiển will get to keep his seat at the national team after the Cup of Harmony 79. Mavinet made the Round of 32 but failed to progress further after losing to Valladares in extra time. Vinh Hiển did fine for the short amount of time he was caretaker of the national team, but the changes he made didn’t satisfy the MFA, who thought that a more dramatic shift from Nguyễn Minh Quân’s philosophies is necessary. In the end, it was Thế Phong, the former head coach of Vĩnh An Đại Hòa, who was chosen to lead the Water Buffaloes in the next few cycles.

“Congratulations Mr. Phong! You must be really excited at this opportunity?” Vinh Hiển says after courteously shaking Thế Phong’s hand.

“Thank you, Mr. Hiển. Yes, I am excited. We all know how challenging managing the national team is, but I love a good challenge. Mavinet needs to play on a higher level now, and I’m confident I can help the team do that.” Thế Phong replies.

Vinh Hiển stays quiet for a moment there. Although no one says it out loud, deep inside, Vinh Hiển understands how people view him and Thế Phong. Despite being a younger coach, Vinh Hiển knows he is viewed as a representative of the old style. His long-time career with former head coach Nguyễn Minh Quân has influenced much of his decision-making and tactical preferences. Meanwhile, Thế Phong stands for much different brand of football, one that prides itself in discipline, possession and control. In the atmosphere of change and innovation, Thế Phong is the more attractive option. As much as he hates to say it, Vinh Hiển agrees with what Thế Phong said, and he has already made up his mind about his position in the new management.

“Yes, you are right. I regret not having more time to enjoy the challenge, but I’m sure you will be able to do a good job. I will make sure you have the foundation for that, but I must inform you that I will not be staying in the position of assistant coach. I will leave my post after a month after everything is passed on. I have already submitted my resignation to the MFA, and I hope you can understand my decision.” Vinh Hiển looks at Thế Phong, who is slightly surprised by the announcement.

“If you don’t mind me asking, is it because of me getting the head coach position?” Thế Phong asks in a calm voice.

“Well…Yes, it is because you are chosen to lead the national team, but no, not because I’m upset that I’m not the head coach, but because I think for the team to be able to truly play on a higher level, you should have an assistant that fully appreciates your style and tactics. I don’t want to be an obstacle, and I know people will want to see a completely new face for the national team as well.” Vinh Hiển answers.

“You don’t have to always agree with my style and tactics, Mr. Hiển. I have worked in the game for many years, I know how to handle criticisms and differing opinions. You can have a place in my team. Will you reconsider your decision?”

“I already made up my mind, Mr. Phong. I apologize, but it is also time for me to step back and reflect on my time at the national team. I believe this is best for me, for you and for the team.” Vinh Hiển puts up a smile.

“I understand. Well, we can still make the most out of your remaining time at the team. I will need your help setting the team up properly. And once we are done, we can sit down, have a beer, and chat like friends. Does that sound alright?"

“I will look forward to that. We have a deal. Let’s get this buffalo on the road.”

With a handshake and the fist bump between the old and the new head coach, the transition for Mavinet’s national team has officially begun.

Copa Rushmori XXXVII / CR37 - Everything Thread

Copa Rushmori XXXVII / CR37 - Everything Thread

Team Mapletish for Copa Rushmori XXXVII

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