Copa Rushmori 38 - Everything Thread (Rushmore only)

by **Yue Zhou** » Fri Jul 09, 2021 8:40 pm

LU JIALAN'S COLD WAR GOES "THERMONUCLEAR"
LU, YFA NO LONGER ON SPEAKING TERMS

STRATENBERG, MYTANIJA -- After an explosive row between manager Lu Jialan and the Yue Football Association, the manager and the FA are reportedly "no longer on speaking terms". This revelation, coming on the eve of the 38th Copa Rushmori, has not seemed to impact Lu's status as Dragons manager. However, what has been described as a "thermonuclear" conflict threatens to upend the progress that Yuezhou has made under the ex-Beian City manager, and greater turmoil may be on the horizon if the discord affects the team's performance.

After being hired to replace Yuan Zilai in the middle of WC87 qualifying, Lu has overseen a meteoric rise up the rankings. While he has been unable to win a knockout match in two tries against Cassadaigua and Græntfjall, he managed to steer the team towards a historic first qualification for WC88, before leading the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup to four unlikely points against Turori and Farfadillis. His novel 3-4-2-1 system, once far away from the tactical mainstream in Yuezhou, has allowed the likes of Liu Huiying and Li Jing to flourish. Yet although he is generally liked by his players despite his frosty demeanor, he's butted heads with the FA since his arrival.

The most recent conflict appears to have stemmed from the FA's decision to send an entirely Rushmori-based team to Mytanija, which Lu vehemently disagreed with behind the scenes. While Lu was reportedly willing to accept a less-than-full-strength side despite his desire to win a major trophy with his nation, he strongly preferred a team with more youth, including the likes of Wan Sheping and Li Jianguo. Instead, he was given an all-Rushmori side that he reportedly viewed as a "useless political stunt" by a government still trying to redeem themselves to Rushmori eyes.

Lu was also scandalized by the YFA's active recruitment of Kang Guilin, then manager of Græntfjall, at a low point during WC88 qualifying. Lu felt disrespected by the FA's pursuit of Kang, and believed this too to be a political act (Kang being the longtime manager of Nangang Royals). Lu reportedly threatened to walk before Yuezhou's qualifying playoff against Abanhfleft, before ultimately deciding to stay and lead the team to the World Cup (a large qualification bonus reportedly didn't hurt). But while it wasn't enough to force him out, it was enough to significantly fray the relationship between him and the FA, which has apparently only gotten worse since.

Lu is unlikely to walk during the Copa Rushmori, as he reportedly still wants a chance at glory with a group of players that he deeply respects. Additionally, the YFA, aware of how tenuous their position is, and knowing that the players mostly back the manager over a deeply controversial FA, are unlikely to dismiss him so close to a major tournament. Still, at a moment when Yue footballing hopes are higher than they've ever been, the wedge driven between the administrators and the manager threatens to revert all the progress that Lu has made.

by **Kalosia** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 2:15 am

(OOC: Sadly, the computer I usually do NS-related work with broke down a couple weeks back so I unfortunately have to RP at a limited capacity — including for other RPs. That said, I'll try my best to participate.)

The Kalosian National Football Team (KLS)

For the second time, Kalosia is fielding a team to the regional Copa Rushmori tournament. It is the 38th edition of the tournament, and this island nation situated in southeastern Rushmore continues to seek to make a name for itself in a region bustling with sport and waterfowl. Sports executives and commentators in Kalosia see a sustained participation in the regional tournament as a stepping stone to an eventual debut in the World Cup, something that Kalosians have dreamed of over the years.

Coach: Alfredu Parmi
Formation: 4–4–2
Style: -1.5
Nickname: Li Krešenti / The Crescents (their kit design features the crescent symbol, also present in the national flag)
Colours: Dark blue and white (flag colours)

01 GK Ǧiánkarlu Maržini
02 DF Benedetu Kruž
03 DF Rikardu Biažu (captain)
04 DF Kristoforu Altanu
05 DF Petru Kasini
06 MF Ťarlës Mersié
07 MF Agostinu Baľarti
08 FW Alesandru Martineli
09 FW Klaudiu Kasanu
10 MF Paólu Kartas
11 MF Kristianu Grisini
12 GK Luiž Florelu
13 DF Ǧovan Marseľanu
14 DF Mateo Korsikanu
15 DF Ǧamal Tunisi
16 DF Daniél Kasini
17 MF Sebastianu Kaľari
18 MF Gabriél Sardu
19 FW Marku Katalon
20 FW Mario Bonifaťu
21 MF Rajmondu Maržu
22 MF Ǧakomu Salvator
23 GK Martinu Lesku

Note: Starting players are bolded.

As the team departs to Mytanija, the nation awaits. Best of luck to our Crescents — do your best, Rushmore is watching you!

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
Choose My Goalscorers — Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events — Yes, unless I post RP about it first
Injure Players — Yes, within reason
Godmod Injury Events — Yes, within reason
Red Card Players — Yes, within reason
Yellow Card Players — Yes, within reason
Godmod Other Events — Yes, but tell me first

Note: While I'm not explicitly requiring you to, I am available on Discord (intergalacticwifi#2746) if you wish to let me know ahead in case you're looking to godmod a match involving my team.

by **Nephara** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:40 am

NEPHARA
World Ranking: like 4th
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

Is the Golden Age over? Well... perhaps. But one narrow defeat to Banija doesn't stop the fucking freight train that is this team. The Cormorants are, bluntly, the clear favourites to defend their title and make it four in a row. Boldly, Triffid Ramsey has chosen an identical 23, hoping to use the upcoming Eagles Cup as an opportunity to test younger prospects.

Overall Record
578 wins - 103 draws - 131 losses
1899 scored - 953 conceded

Trophies
Baptism of Fire 51
Cup of Harmony 61
World Cups 74 and 87
Eagle's Cup 5
4 Cope Rushmori - 30, 35, 36, 37
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
=================================

* Koerner takes most set pieces, Basilisk takes 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

Sale, Lind and Timekeeper have supplanted Brabanzon, Muscadin and Horvath.
Come to think of it I probably should've just made a new graphic, but

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 Nepharan 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 47
Assistant Manager - Catherine Sedgwick - Age 58
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 (

Spartangrad) - Age 28 - 62 caps, 33 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 28 - 11 caps, 5 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 - Fasolt Senninger (

AFC Treason) - Age 31 - 15 caps, 4 clean sheets
Another former Stags backup who had to leave for fresh air, Senninger combines the physique of a shaved bear with balletic reflexes. He wound up returning to his hometown club, and his excellent form has lead to a national recall as well. An excellent, graceful shot-stopper, but lacking in the finer things.

Defenders
2 - RB - Rovena Stride (

AFC Treason) - Age 30 - 107 caps, 9 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 29 - 76 caps, 5 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 25 - 54 caps, 10 goals
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 26 - 22 caps, 1 goal
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 25 - 26 caps, 2 goals
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 - Bersant Sale (

AFC Treason) - Age 29 - 14 caps, 1 goal
A tall, relentlessly consistent defender, impeccably clean. He puts pressure on without ever overstepping, and will never get you in trouble by thinking he can pass his way out of danger. That, then, is why everyone feels secure despite this guy's extreme lack of international experience.

22 - LB - Radeka Lind (

Vermillion Rage) - Age 22 - 20 caps, 2 goals
WC87 Champion
Initially seen as a radical selection, Lind has pushed her way through as first-choice. Still looks somewhat coltish, but it belies her unerring eye for a challenge. It's Lind's unabashed love of taking the ball away from people that's her standout in a country that tends to like its fullbacks forward at every opportunity; Lind swings in a vicious cross, but her inherent caution is well-suited to the international game.

Midfielders
4 - HM - Rook Timekeeper (

Sabrefell Moths) - Age 25 - 28 caps, 1 goal
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 28 - 49 caps, 11 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 28 - 70 caps, 16 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 26 - 36 caps, 7 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 - Severine Reed (

Raynor City United) - Age 24 - 26 caps, 8 goals
Elegant and refined, despite coming from Stahlburg, Reed's instantly recognisable from the intricate and connected vine tattoos linking both arms. She's also instantly recognisable from the absolutely vicious right-footed deliveries of crosses and shots.

14 - CM - Thalassa Fletcher (

La Nueva Avenida) - Age 26 - 14 caps, 4 goals
No, not that Fletcher, the other Fletcher. Exene is the rags-to-riches story; Thalassa's got pedigree and is living up to it. Not as likable a person, not seen as a natural scrapper, but living in Farfadillis at times like these proves she's harder than given credit for. Statuesque, arrogant, and crisp on the ball. Fletcher never puts a foot wrong. It almost feels like she plays the game in stiletti.

15 - HM - Rashica Horvath (

La Nueva Avenida) - Age 30 - 39 caps
WC87 Champion
A revelation for the Cormorants, 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.

18 - LM - Chantal Kalevi (

Stein-los Turkish) - Age 27 - 26 caps, 6 goals
One of the key beneficiaries of the selection policy over the past couple of Eagles' Cups. Kalevi is a true classic winger, pacy, hard-working and with an absolute hammer of a left boot. There's one exception; she uses that hammer of a boot to make goalkeepers' lives flash before their eyes as the ball whistles into the net.

Forwards
9 - ST - Bastet North (

Jungle Strike) - Age 27 - 17 caps, 8 goals
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 known for being mentally resolute, and has with time developed into an all-around athlete, strong with a terrifying sprint on her when she feels the need.

10 - ST - Konrad Lovelace (

Revolutionaries) - Age 31 - 93 caps, 48 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 - Danica Marinkovic (

Royal Rumiatzi) - Age 29 - 19 caps, 11 goals
A ferocious terrier up front, someone who will not rest until she's got a goal and, after that, until a hat-trick. Bloody-minded and ambitious, but not the largest. She's the bolter of the squad, and probably won't get many more chances with the Cormorants, bluntly... but in this moment, and in this form? It doesn't matter. In the final, in the 80th minute, she could Be The One.

21 - ST - Latona Basilisk (

Mâ Âlâmëómë) - Age 27 - 48 caps, 25 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.

23 - ST - Ruby Gjasula (

Bastion) - Age 28 - 15 caps, 7 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.

ABBREVIATED ROSTER
Goalkeepers: 1 - Aranea Provost (Spartangrad, EUR), 12 - Raluca Garamond (Sabrefell Athletic), 20 - Fasolt Senninger (AFC Treason)
Defenders: 2 - Rovena Stride (AFC Treason), 3 - Vivica Muscadin (Sabrefell Moths), 5 - Reniira Clevinger (Sabrefell Athletic), 6 - Miska Brabanzon (Sabrefell Moths), 17 - Pristina Soeringer (Stein-los Turkish, PAS), 19 - Besart Sale (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 Considine Ramsey (AFC Treason), 13 - Severine Reed (Raynor City United, VAL), 14 - Thalassa Fletcher (La Nueva Avenida, FFD), 15 - Rashica Horvath (La Nueva Avenida, FFD), 18 - Chantal Kalevi (Stein-los Turkish, PAS)
Forwards: 9 - Bastet North (Jungle Strike, VIL), 10 - Konrad Lovelace (Revolutionaries, EUR), 16 - Danica Marinkovic (Royal Rumiatzi, ASG), 21 - Latona Basilisk (Mâ Âlâmëómë, FFD), 23 - Ruby Gjasula (Bastion, EUR)

by **Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:05 am

Team name: Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Trigram: SWR
Demonym/adjective: Schutzenphalian*, Schutzi (colloq.)
* Technically, players such as Jonáš Sklenár are Ruhntuhnkuhnlander, but in practice, ‘Schutzenphalian’ is used as an omnibus descriptor for everyone from the United Iron Principality.
Team nickname: Mountaineers

I will try to post an expected XI before each match, but if I have not you may it can be assumed those numbered 1–11 (except for 21 and 22 instead of 3 and 11) will start:

Staff

Head coach: Max Renner (48)
Assistant coach: Jochen Kindler (50)

Renner is a coach who likes adaptable players capable of covering multiple positions. As such his formations can be fluid, at best putting the best players regardless, at worst forcing square pegs into round holes. His assistant, Kindler comes from an unusual background having never played professional fußball. Driven by analytics and statistics, as well as a strong emphasis on conditioning.

All players play for domestic clubs unless otherwise stated, and all are available for transfer in addition to those listed in TW32.

Goalkeepers

1. Jonathan Wiedermann (31) Saalstein Freihöring
12. Fabian Boltzmann (29) Wolfzeller FV
23. Hannes Maier (25) Eintracht Großborn

Wiedermann is a physically impressive all-rounder who can clear his lines with an almighty boot, laser an accurate throw, or play high as a sweeper. One of the team’s best players. Behind him are Boltzmann and Maier, who have good size and shot-stopping ability but lack his positional awareness, meaning they should not be expected to start.

Defenders

2. Marcel Furtwängler (21) Mistelstein 1882
3. Nathanaël Ndòsi (22)

Corinthians No Longer
4. Stefan Kandel (21) Obernbrück
5. Philipp Strassmann (27) Lengenbrück Gudenfeld
6. Laurenz Ringel (29) Lengenbrück Schmalbüren
15. Benjamin Breunig (25) SV Klagenzell Vólkerheim
16. Sebastian Müller (21) Saalstein Freihöring
18. Jakob Hartmann (28) Obernbrück

Plenty of talent at centre back means the exciting young Ndòsi misses out for now, though the even younger Kandel makes it into the first-choice XI by virtue of his size. The team is likely to operate with three centre backs, leaving specialist right back Hartmann on the bench, and having left back Furtwängler push high into more of a wide midfield role.

Midfielders

7. Lukas Wolf (22)

Hanai Breakers
8. Tom Klor (24) Lengenkamp SC
13. Chizoba Chiemeka (27) Lengenbrück Schmalbüren
14. Noah Frankenberger (19) Saalstein Freihöring
19. Florian Weinstock (30) Lengenbrück Schmalbüren
20. Maximilian Bahr (23) Saalstein Freihöring
21. Jonáš Sklenár (28) VfL Adelsshafen
22. Florian Habeler (23) Saalstein Freihöring

Habeler starts at right wing-back but for Saalstein Freihöring he’s more of a defensive midfielder so can be expected to fill in in front of the back three more than Furtwängler. The consistent Klor and wildly inconsistent Sklenár will anchor the central midfield roles behind attacking playmaker Wolf. Chiemeka, a rapid winger, and Weinstock, who can fill a range of roles with the size to cover defensive midfield and passing ability for a more forward position, are the best of the rest.

Forwards

9. Kai Röthke (24) Wolfzeller FV
10. Klaus Schutz (25) Saalstein Freihöring
11. Peter Weichselbraun (29) Saalstein Freihöring
17. Daniel Reiter (18) 1910 Königmold

Röthke is a fairly classic 9 playing in front of support striker Schutz. Weichselbraun is a very experienced presence and the leading domestic scorer; Reiter is incredibly green and probably just here for experience.

Captain: Ringel
Penalties: Wolf
Free-kicks: Klor, Sklenár
Corners: Furtwängler, Klor

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

Style modifier: 0

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:19 am

Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
National Football Team

Copa Rushmori 38 Roster

Coaching Staff

Manager: Milio Gabriel, age 44 (previously Hibernus Manager)
Assistant Manager: Loys de l’Aumosne, age 42 (previously Massalia City Assistant Manager)
Assistant Manager: Gireg Thuram, age 48 (former Sesamos Manager)

Players
Number Position Name, age (Domestic Club (Nation if not Oberour Ar Moro))
Starters in bold

Goalkeepers

1 GK Laurens Desainctvictori, age 32 (Dursten Easterners (Xanneria))
12 GK Sanson de Dreux, age 30 (Cyrene Bay)
24 GK Guillo au Feure, age 25 (Myrrh-Streamer)

Defenders

2 LB Maudez d'Annet, age 26 (Invicta)
3 RB Claudes Filion, age 23 (Elektriklestirmespor (Timuria))
14 LB Visant Bauldry, age 22 (Regium United)
15 RB Tivio de Malhortye, age 28 (Olympique Chuckio (Darmen))

Sweepers

10 SW Marzhin Petit, age 30 (Invicta)
11 SW Drev Brébeuf, age 33 (Hibernus) _CAPTAIN_
22 SW Mandes Marie-Benoit, age 28 (Patrons)
23 SW Denic Aufort, age 24 (Regium Immortal)

Midfielders

5 LM Iudicael Breut, age 21 (Hibernus)
6 RM Peterne de Courbeuil, age 28 (Tikariot City FC (Tikariot))
4 CM Pierres Branon, age 31 (Invicta)
17 LM Padrig Foray, age 25 (Brasta FC (Squornshelan Remnant States))
18 RM Laou le Boutonnier, age 24 (Cyrene Bay)
16 CM Venig de Bondyes, age 33 (CF Saint-Richard (Kelssek))

Forwards

7 LW Eneour Pique-Pain, age 27 (Patrons)
8 RW Kast le Bufetier, age 27 (Hibernus)
9 ST Taran Bele, age 28 (Tannenberg FC (Valladares))
19 LW Sulian de Beauvez, age 21 (Meteor)
20 RW Ancus Javert, age 30 (Pescium)
21 ST Nycollas Mauranghas, age 27 (Regium United)

Formation
4-3-3 Dual Sweepers, +5 Style Modifier

First and Second-Choice Shirts

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Run it by me by TG or on Discord, and I'll probably say Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes
Give Red Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Run it by me by TG or on Discord, and I'll probably say Yes

Style Modifier: +5

by **Southwest Eastnorth** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:28 am

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 - Islandside (Xanneria
#11 Chris Houton - Delano City SC (Xanneria)
#27 Leigh Bourne - Grandal Wild FC
#29 Jeremy Murdock - Topps Valley Heritage FC
#35 Phillip Di Grassi - Grandal Wild FC

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 - Xanneria

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 - Gauldashian AC (Starcom Racing)

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 **Pasarga** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:11 pm

"So what is the grandmaster plan for the Wanderers becoming competitive in the Copa again? We have hardly looked like a team that could win the tournament since we won back to back a decade ago." It was the question on the minds of all in the dual islands who supported the national team, wondering what could be different in this edition than the last few where they were eliminated earlier than the team, fans, and association would have liked.

"Well the trickest part of the equation is done, we won't see Nephara until a potential Final, which is a huge stroke of luck. If we can then somehow avoid Savojarna until a potential semi-final berth, it would most definitely help the Wanderers chances. The Nepharim and Savojarma teams have been a major pain in the side of the Wanderers the last few editions, not to mention Eura. Some of these knockout draws the side has gotten have been more than a little unfair." Ot was the truth to an extent, the draws had not been favorable but that was just luck.

"The onus is then on the team to do what is expected of them in the group stage and emerge as the group winners to avoid that sort of path. If the last few editions have seen the side with some bad luck in their draws, then this one looks to have been quite favorable by contrast. Yet the players still have to play and not expect teams to roll over for them cause of the name on the shirt." While complacency was not usually an issue for the Wanderers in the Copa, they still had to be wary of it.

"I suppose we will get to see if the new manager is really up to scruff or if the performance in the Finals was a bit of a cloak and dagger routine. Being the last team from Rushmore standing was odd but nice in a way, yet the side has to actually perform in the regionals to lay any true claim to regional supremacy. Can not keep being eliminated by the other big sides in the region, need to go out and come out on top of the close affairs at the top. Until then, we are just a side living off past glory."

by **Valladares** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:17 pm

RUSHMORE | Valladar and Norrish governments reach agreement for construction of canal

SKARRSHOLM, NORRHEM (VAP) — The Royal Government of Valladares, led by Prime Minister Florent Phillippe, has signed an agreement with its counterparts of Norrhem to build a canal to connect the Lesser Inland Sea with the Xandrian Sea, aiming at facilitating the flow of goods and cargo to and from the Mainland, as well as improving maritime communication with the Westlands state. The project, expected to be built in the isthmus where the city of Brattsjo is located, is scheduled to be completed over eight years, during which both governments will cooperate in feasibility studies, construction and operation.

According to Prime Minister Philippe, who signed the agreement as part of an official visit to Norrhem along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade in which both countries reached deals in several areas, "the construction of this canal is necessary since the current waterway leading from the Lesser Inland Sea to the ocean, which is currently making up the eastern border of Norrhem, is long, winding and requires constant dredging due to sedimentation, characteristics that make it unsuitable for large-scale commercial navigation. Fortunately, there has been great willingness and understanding from our colleagues in Norrhem and as a result we have achieved what we believe is the most beneficial agreement for both parties."

Besides the benefits a shorter waterway to the ocean could offer to Valladares, such as a faster way for Valladar exports and imports and improved communication with the Westlands state in the Terramidia continent, the Prime Minister also cited other advantages and benefits that could be derived from the construction of the canal, mostly in the tourism and employment sectors and towards Norrish citizens:

"Other than providing a faster, cheaper and cost-efficient alternative to the existing waterway, the construction and long-term operation of this canal will also provide thousands of employment opportunities to the native population, especially in and around Brattsjo, and the canal could also be potentially exploited for tourism purposes. These aspects will be taken into account in the feasibility studies and designs, and we will work hand in hand with the Norrish government to bring these opportunities to the citizens that will be impacted by the project."

Although the agreement to kickstart the project has already been signed by both governments, further details such as environmental and land compensation as well as operation concessions are expected to be worked out as the Norrish government have been invited to send a delegation to Metropolis to discuss the matter. All in all, the signing of this as well as other cooperation agreements are signaling the start of what could be a close and prosperous relationship between both nations.

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by **Bollonich** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:18 pm

Savojarna, Darmen and San Ortelio stand between us and the knockouts; Copa Rushmori 38 Group Draw
Following what was a slightly disappointing Cup of Harmony the national team would be heading into the regional tournaments as the teams would start to look forward to World Cup 89 Qualifying. But between the two summers separating the World Cup and World Cup Qualifying was the set of regional tournaments and for us it meant our first Copa Rushmori. Going into it we were unranked and were naturally placed in Pot 4 which meant the group draw wouldn’t be favourable for us. Being drawn with Savojarna, Darmen and San Ortelio didn’t seem particularly lucky as we had a very high chance to lose to any of these teams. Regardless of the teams we lose to, the teams we win against is what would count and having not played against any of these teams before this would be a test. A positive tournament for the Bollonischian would be important for Gildiric as another underwhelming tournament could potentially see his managerial position under fire. In our first game we shall face Darmen who are currently ranked 16 but just like in our previous tournaments a surprise could be on the cards here especially with Bollonich’s history of upsets.

by **Norrhem** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:52 pm

--==Norrhems Dagliga Nyheter (Norrhem Daily News) ==--

BRATTSJÖ, NORRHEM The Brattsjö Isthmus has been the centre of a big new economic development plan in a joint venture between Norrhem and Valladares. Valladares, a quasi-landlocked nation to the east of Norrhem, has a large exclave to the southwest of our nation, also known as the Westlands. Due to the geographic location of either part of Valladares all transportation, especially cargo, has to either be airlifted or transported by land, which is either financially unviable or very time consuming.

The proposed Trans-Pavolan Railways network will mitigate some of these transportation issues, however the Norrish and Valladar governments have reached an agreement to explore the feasibility of a canal to connect the Lesser Inland Sea with the southernmost part of the Xandrian Sea, facilitating the flow of goods and cargo not only between the Valladar mainland and dependency, but also with the rest of Rushmore and beyond. Connected to the Lesser Inland Sea via the Kattegat and Great Inland Sea, Valladares sees great potential for the project.

Valladar Prime Minister Florent Phillippe has mentioned that the country also sees more beneficial opportunities for both Norrhem and Valladares through the project. NDN has reached out to the office of Norrish president Jan-Erik Lidenmark, who is cited:

"The canal provides an immense opportunity for both of our great nations both individually and bilaterally. Not only will it open up thousands of jobs in the Brattsjö area, at first through the construction and then also operation of the canal, but the increase flow of goods through the area and the potential to attract additional tourism and open up a completely new market for cruise ships also has tremendous economic potential."

The Norrish government has accepted a Valladar invitation to send a delegation to Metropolis to discuss the matter and set up a timetable for environmental studies to commence as soon as possible. Several environmental groups have already announced widespread protests against the project.

Norrhems Dagliga Nyheter will continue coverage of the project as new details come to light.

by **Hispinas** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 12:55 pm

ES | EN | EU | FIL

Hispinas' PREMIER sports magazine!

Copa Rushmori 38: Quarterfinals 'minimum' target for Medrano
Third place finish in previous edition puts the hunter to the hunted in Group F

ESCA, MYTANIJA - Hispinas manager Alfonzo Medrano is hoping that Hispinas can maintain their 100 percent group stage progression in Copa Rushmori tournaments.

Will all their group stage matches being held in Kotrba in Esca, the now top seeds in Group F is among the contenders for Rushmore's premier regional football tournament, aside from Yuezhou who they will face on Matchday 3, after starting their group stage campaign against San Isidro Labrador and then against Eastfield Lodge, where Hispinas are expected to yield winning scorelines.

Coming from a dismal campaign at the Cup of Harmony where they failed to win a single match, Medrano made several changes to the squad that placed high last edition in Eura, with former captain Cordovan Chia announcing his retirement from international football, handing over the captain's armband to then vice-captain Ozeano Amunategui, with FC Cebuenas' Trinidad Quevedo appointed as vice-captain. Several players will make their international debuts, with Hibai Berriz, who performed spectacularly for Errege Iparekialdeko last season, taking Chia's place in the defensive midfield along with Quevedo and Auza Vertiz, who replaced Maite de la Pena who was omitted from the squad with younger players in place of them.

One name who Hispino fans would have their heads scratched is Mira Makarova, a 19-year old girl playing for Dinamo Mascardo, and made her appearance in the previous Under-18 World Cup. She would be the first player of Rusko heritage to play for the national team, although her playing time may be very limited as she is not expected to be in the starting lineup for the first two matches, and the third match may be a crucial one against the Yuerens, who also want a spot at the top of the group as well.

The squad will establish a base camp near the capital Esca, as all of their group stage matches will be held there, but they might need to travel to various locations away from the capital in the next phases should they manage to progress from the groups. Medrano said in the pre-match conference against San Isidro Labrador that anything other below a quarterfinal appearance will be a disappointment to the progress of the national team, and his job security may be at risk in case of an early exit from the tournament

by **Graintfjall** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:04 pm

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

Coach:

Igrene Cantor
Assistant coach:

Torsten Oliversson

Brought in as replacement for Yue manager Kang Guilin after two cycles of decent football but no forward progress, Igrene Cantor saw immediate success by leading her charges to the Cup of Harmony title. Technically, she’s on an undefeated run, as the team was not yet hers for the opening defeat to Barunia. Of course, a year on, this is much more her team than it was before. As under Kang, Torsten Oliversson continues to soldier on doing… what, exactly, isn’t quite clear, but it seems to involve a lot of picking up plastic cones after practice is over.

Squad: A 23-person squad has been named for the tournament. In past years non-traditional numbers were increasingly represented among the playing 11 but there’s been an effort to get back to 1-11 assigned to the default starters. That said, a starting XI will be named before each game, and if not, my opponents have a certain degree of license in choosing the team.

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.
The financial status of football in Græntfjall is improving, and million+ NS$ contracts are increasingly common. Because the GPL isn’t especially strong, most NT players and hopefuls ply their trade abroad. I normally conduct transfers through the Transfer Window but if you have a desire to sign a player and a particular storyline in mind I may be open to arranging a transfer outside that; send a TG/DM.
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 roles such as center back, defensive midfielder, or center forward. The new crop of, predominantly though not exclusively, female central midfielders somewhat eschew this stereotype and there have been growing attempts to get more skilful players into the lineup, most notably Sara Kristoffersdóttir.
Græntfjall did not traditionally appoint a designated captain, and instead had the starting XI elect a captain before each captain, but this tradition has largely been abandoned, with Hjörleifur Reynarsson being named as the new captain and Emeli Vilbertsdóttir reverting to vice-captain. If he is not in the starting XI, an alternative captain will be named.
Timing note: In my timeline this occurs 2 years after the last CR and 1 year after the last CoH. It occurs immediately before the next GPL season, during Transfer Window 32. Any players on foreign teams will be assumed to be given leave. My database is starting to drift out of alignment in terms of domestic-to-international cycle, so ages here are consistent with past CRs and may show slight variance with domestic listings.

Goalkeepers

1. Björnólfur Ernestisson (23)

AK Stanimir (caps: 27, goals: 1)
Long groomed as the goalkeeper of the future, Björnólfur began winning regular starting caps during World Cup qualifying, not always with great distinction. However, he kept excellently during the subsequent Cup of Harmony and went over 500 minutes without conceding (until Mytanija demolished him in the semi-final, but as the Snow Wolves won, no one really noticed). His physical attributes (impressive size and wingspan, massive boot on clearances, excellent hands in the air) mean he retains the #1 jersey despite some occasional communications issues with his back-line. He is the only Græntfjaller goalkeeper to have scored in international play, but his use as an extra BFG target at corners should be strictly limited to last minute elimination stakes scenarios.

12. Gabríella Hárlaugsdóttir (25)

Southrons-Errant (11)
The first woman to keep goal for Græntfjall, Gabríella was more than a token pick and kept a number of clean sheets. However, she lost the #1 spot to Björnólfur by the end of the qualifying season owing to doubts about her size and her footballing skills. Playing it out from the back is not common in Græntfjaller football but as the team looks to improve their possession, her lack of confidence with the ball at her feet could be a liability. As a pure shot-stopper, though, she is a more than capable replacement option and is generally regarded as a better pure goalkeeper than him.

23. Fabian Snæþórsson (31)

Rosbank Town (7)
Recalled after a spell of international oblivion thanks to the failures of Christian Einvarðursson and Kauko Jorgesson. Once looked on as the next big thing in Græntfjaller goalkeeping, Fabian has faded from the light a bit but carved out a competent career overseas, which is more than be said for the various domestic failures who have cycled through the #1 shirt since the departure of Alexander Leonardsson. He should not be needed, but if he is, can probably do a job, or at least fail in a way that will prove suitably hilarious.

Defenders

2. Elektra Lúthersdóttir (26)

Yeaddin Owls (55, 1)
Capable of playing in advanced positions and putting in crosses, Elektra is nonetheless a defender first, which is why she has generally been preferred to more attacking wing-back options. Known for her habit of violently vomiting before every game, she has struggled with injury worries over the last couple of years, but when fully fit, has probably been the best right back Græntfjall has produced at a position that has seen more turnover than most. Occasionally chips in with a good corner kick as she is little threat in the air; for a full back, she is surprisingly poor at throw-ins.

3. Emeli Vilbertsdóttir (28)

Altendalur (94, 3)
Emeli led the team at the Cup of Harmony, but despite their success she didn’t enjoy the experience of leadership or being in the limelight and has returned to the vice-captain role. Probably the team’s best, or at least most rounded, defender, Emeli’s shock omission from the last Copa Rushmori proved a misstep. While she is not a true wing back she can provide cover going forward, has scored the odd well taken goal, and can be a lockdown defender on the opposition’s right flank. She has played on both sides in the past but is now mainly a left back specialist. Indiscretions from CoH78 continue to haunt her and fans can occasionally be seen waving [non-sentient] kettles or irons. Don’t ask.

4. Hjörleifur Reynarsson (30)

Steinaux (64, 9)
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king and in Græntfjall, the land of BFGs, the center back with even passable footballing skills enjoys similar renown. Hjörleifur is not the best footballer in the world, but his above-average passing and confidence on the ball married to his outstanding size, fitness, leadership, and game knowledge, have led him to MVP honors in the GPL, and now, the long awaited captaincy. He is a true leader of men; he is an indefatigable warrior; he is a supreme athlete and a genuine offensive threat. He is also dumb as an especially dumb rock.

5. Vigfús Bensson (30)

Bavingtor FC (24, 1)
Bensson had drifted out of favor at Steinaux but a move to the Flavovovovespian league has reinvigorated his career and despite the intense competition at easily the most stacked position for the Snow Wolves he has started to become a regular first choice. An excellent all-round athlete and a strong attacking option with his head; his skills with his feet are a bit more limited, but he provides a strong physical presence off the ball and a relentless work ethic. He established himself as first-choice support option to Hjörleifur during the Cup of Harmony, tending to play a role sweeping up behind the big man.

15. Stefan Jokulsson (26)

Gladerial United (15, 1)
The biggest Græntfjaller name in the recent transfer window and the first to play in the Eternal Empire, the 6’9” “Folte Tower” is no beanpole, packing a solid frame to go with his prodigious height. As the Biggest of Big Fucking Græntfjallers, he excels at the physical side of things, with the football side of things coming as something of an afterthought. Improved fitness saw him play more regular minutes during World Cup qualifying (and score his maiden goal, unsurprisingly with his head).

16. Michelle Matteosdóttir (24)

Estdal (10, 1)
More of a true wing-back than Elektra, Michelle’s pace and crossing ability have seen her become a regular for the Ducks. She plays for one of the worst defensive teams in the GPL, meaning her occasional defensive lapses are either overshadowed by everyone else behind her being equally incompetent, or hidden by the blame being spread around, depending on your perspective.

17. Tom Ernestisson (26)

SW Stahlberg (24, 1)
Tom has been in and out of the side, somehow accumulating 50 caps and a goal in the Cup of Harmony final without ever nailing down a starting role. He’s played at right-back and defensive midfield almost as often as he has started at center back. That nonetheless remains his natural position, and with size, strength, but also good footballing skills, including the occasional monster free-kick, if he can put it all together he could be the team’s biggest asset. He can almost write in joined up letters, which makes the rest of the BFG corps regard him as something of a dangerous intellectual.

21. Eir Bjarnfinnursdóttir (27)

FK Metall Jarnstad (2)
A wing-back who won’t let you down defensively, it’s Eir’s final touch that sometimes lets her down in making the key cross or pass. That said, being picked behind Emeli seems to point to a more offensive role for the full-backs in mind now.

Midfielders

6. Álfar Ásvaldursson (28)

Marlesee 97 (56, 4)
Despite a few injuries over the last couple of years, Álfar remains the first choice for the holding midfield role. A powerful physical presence in central midfield, lacking the pace or touch of a quality attacking option but still far more complete as a footballer than the brutish defensive midfielders the Snow Wolves used to favor; if he can stay on the park for 90 minutes, he should be an important contributor.

7. Sara Kristoffersdóttir (23)

Wirr Tsi (26, 6)
For some, the will they, won’t they dance accompanying every squad announcement has grown tiresome: yes, Sara is a special talent, but she has failed one too many times to be worth all the bother. In any event, they will, yet again. While she prefers a more solo attacking midfield role, she’s developed into a fine left-winger. Her maverick playmaking touch can get away from her at times. But expect her to make an impact; whether positive or negative is a much more unknown proposition.

8. Amanda Guttisdóttir (26)

Holdenberg City (103, 25)
With Jason Þórhallursson still missing presumed eaten by krakens, Amanda is the focus of the team’s offense. She started young, meaning her career is now as long as anyone’s, and twice as frustrating. She seemed to have found her niche under Kang, who used her as an attacking midfielder or even a second striker rather than having her sit back in the deeper lying roles for which she’s not physically suited. But this cycle, the constant changes of formation left her adrift. Always regarded as a system player, she’s still a good one, and has developed into a very dangerous free-kick specialist.

11. Johanna Álvgeirsdóttir (24)

Megabrantid (22, 2)
Johanna saw frustratingly little playing time over the last two years despite emerging as the clear best attacking midfield option behind Amanda, but became a regular, and key, member of the team during the Cup of Harmony campaign by shifting out to play on the right midfield. She has the skills to take the ball inside, too: like Amanda, she is smaller and quicker than most Græntfjaller players, with a good eye for goal and fantastic long passing. The main knock on her seemed to be just that, that she is injury prone and brittle; she’s worked on her fitness and conditioning to add a more physical edge to her game.

13. Hæming Tronsson (32)

Hofvinger (25, 2)
Back after a long time out of the team, Hæming is one of the few remaining members of the Baptism of Fire winning team. He’s had a couple of great domestic seasons for Hofvinger, playing a holding role with no frills in distributing the ball around to his speedy wingers and no hesitation in hunting down opposition attackers.

18. Natasja Hólmarsdóttir (25)

Grande Mountain (28, 3)
A grafting central midfielder who won good notes for her play at the Eagle’s Cup, Natasja has also exhibited a potent scoring touch when given the chance. Her exodus to Cassadaigua was slightly surprising, but there is a chance she will move on if she can make a name for herself in blue-and-white. The crowded central midfield makes that a difficult proposition, though, and she is a step behind Johanna on the ladder.

19. Jade Miansdóttir (26)

Porter City (30, 2)
Sometimes overlooked despite generally performing well when picked, perhaps because her best position is slightly unclear. She’s played in central roles, both holding and attacking, and seems best suited to the demands of the former, breaking up tackles without the blunt force trauma associated with BFG DMs of years past, and distributing well with incisive long passes.

22. Lana Mensdóttir (25) –

Dí Maozöxê (41, 1)
Lana has always been more of an assister than a scorer, which is partly why her name slipped from automatic selection to the reserves bench to missing the Cup of Harmony entirely: 1 goal in 41 games couldn’t keep pace with some of her flashier rivals. But she’s a capable contributor who can cover either wide role, provide incisive passes, and frustratingly miss easy shots on goal from a wide range of field positions.

Forwards

9. Eiríka Jonathansdóttir (28)

Starling (33, 6)
A natural goal poacher who doesn't score that much in blue-and-white colors; a speedster who came back from a devastating knee injury; a social media star accompanied by her boyfriend Kyrri, who will have popped his shirt off by the end of this sentence (ah, there it goes); a club legend who demanded a transfer when her club refused to address fan bigotry. Eiríka is a mass of contradictions. Handed the #9 shirt for the first time, now is as good a time as any to try to sort them out into something resembling the promise she once seemed to offer. After having to play on the wing at the Cup of Harmony at times she reverts to a more classic strike role here.

10. Justiina Dannysdóttir (31)

Crossroads (59, 13)
Absent her usual strike partner Justiina had an even bigger job at the Cup of Harmony and performed strongly despite not asking in a glut of goals. For club she has been a goal scorer first and foremost and after a lean spell in blue-and-white that’s desperately needed here. Concerns about her lack of size and her tendency to get injured have held her back from ever being considered a number one for the national team. Until now.

14. Lilly Wolfgangsdóttir (26)

Carthage United (11, 3)
Lilly was a surprise pick for the Cup of Harmony given her struggles at Gunzlach; she repaid the faith with goals in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final. She is a tiny, speedy, poacher, specialized at racing in to score cheeky goals, but rarely having a legitimate chance of starting at striker in the BFG-heavy set-up of yore.

20. Ásvarður Bergmundursson (25)

St Astons City FC (26, 8)
A much more traditional Græntfjaller striker, Ásvarður is basically here as Plan B in case the scheme of playing smaller, faster strikers up front doesn’t work out. What he does isn’t pretty or clever but it can be mighty effective, smashing in goals with head, foot and arse with equal abandon. He’s proven a useful impact sub and can hold up the defense to allow an extra body to drift back, but if he’s starting, it’s a sign the pretty tactics have failed and route one football is back on the table.

Style modifier: -2

The team sets up as 4–4–2 with a narrow, fluid midfield, and a return to two strikers up front. It remains a team whose strongest position is center back.

RP permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Y, see note below.
Choose My Scorers From Free-Kicks/Penalties: N, use Amanda, Sara or Johanna for free-kicks, and Amanda or Justiina 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.

Note: Jason Þórhallursson is on an adventure. This is Secret-IC and your characters should not be aware of it. If you want to make an oblique reference that is OK but please check before writing your players as actually knowing where he is.

by **Mytanija** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:19 pm

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: MYTANAR SQUAD FOR COPA RUSHMORI 38

##  Pos.    Name                  Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
01  GK      Pedja Kasun           31   84/0        Ararat Severyan
02  DL      Damir Milcic          25   14/0        Tekstil Ibon
03  DC      Grigorij Savicevic    25   40/4        AC Izotz Zubia [AUD]
04  DC      Mojmir Anac           31   96/4        Olympic Thessia
05  DC      Dino Racic            25   16/1        1923 Esca
06  DR/L    Patrik Odonelec       24   35/1        CA Paulinthal [PAS]
07  MC      Alen Hrdaljko         27   62/7        CA Paulinthal [PAS]
08  MC      Tahir Fejzuli         32   96/11       Mâ Âlâmëómë [FFD]
09  ST      Jezdimir Ocokoljic    28   100/55      Energija Chernovets [STL]
10  AMC/MC  Jasno Odonelec        29   94/35       Atletik Thessia
11  ST      Damien Gannot         23   6/4         Sabrefell Athletic [NPH]
12  GK      Semir Besak           21   8/0         Mipojoseon [QUE]
13  DL      Srdan Vukovic         31   86/4        1896 Ebor  
14  DC      Kamil Jernejec        29   41/0        Chromatik [CMT]
15  DR      Slobodan Vujovic      20   0/0         Royal Rumiatzi [ASG]
16  DMC     Zijad Kurtcehajic     23   5/0         Atletik Thessia
17  MC      Vilim Kupresak        29   47/5        Olympic Thessia
18  MC      Mersudin Smajic       24   9/1         Liria Prizren
19  AML     Brajko Gavrilovic     29   56/11       1896 Ebor
20  AMC/R   Maks Shishkin         23   21/4        Maethoru SC [KOR]
21  AMR/ST  Kemal Gajic           24   34/11       FK Arsika
22  ST      Dejan Zgela           26   17/5        Damogran FC [SRS]
23  GK      Lazar Obradovic       28   8/0         Liria Prizren

PLAYER INFORMATION

ST: Jezdimir Ocokoljic, 28, Energija Chernovets [STL]
100 caps, 55 goals
Ocokoljic has had an amazing season with Energija Chernovets, scoring 30 goals to fire them to league and AOCL glory and it is just another chapter in an outstanding career for him. Everywhere he has gone he has succeeded. Two league and cup doubles at boyhood club Crvena Zvezda; becoming a cultural icon at Newrook City in Nephara; 25 goals in 29 games with Atletik Thessia to win them a league title whilst picking up the Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards for good measure. Now he's in Siovanija and Teusland and doing more of the same. An international trophy of some sort would top off an outstanding palmares, if he manages that before his career is up he could ascend into the conversation for best Mytanar footballer ever. A clinical goal scorer and technically gifted dribbler, Ocokoljic is happy to embarrass opponents who give him particularly rough treatment on the pitch with his quick feet and trickery. He's extremely adept at finding space and his off-the-ball movement makes him a nightmare to defend against. Regularly drops deep into midfield to get involved in the build-up play as a false nine.

ST: Damien Gannot, 23, Sabrefell Athletic [NPH]
6 caps, 4 goals
Damien Gannot is the son of Atletik (and Sicoutimont) legend Alex Gannot and it is to Mytanija's benefit that Damien has decided to represent them at international level because he appears to be an exceptional player. Gannot has a record of 18 goals in 12 games across two Di Bradini Cups (including 10 in 7 as he co-captained the team to a bronze medal last time out) and it would appear that he could be a long-term partner for Jezdimir Ocokoljic as the national team change to a two striker formation. Damien Gannot plays in a similar way to Ocokoljic, he's a striker who loves to drop deep into midfield and get involved in the build-up play, he's someone who has outstanding spatial awareness and his ability to create room for himself makes him a real danger to opposition defences. His scoring record for both the under-21 national team as well as Atletik (34 goals in 53 games in the Top League), demonstrate that he is a confident finisher and it is no surprise that Lev Repin has begun to involve him with the senior national side where he has started well with 4 goals in 6 appearances. An excellent season domestically has led to a move to Nepharan side Sabrefell Athletic.

ST: Dejan Zgela, 26, Damogran FC [SRS]
17 caps, 5 goals
Another false nine to round out Mytanija's three strikers in this squad perhaps shows exactly how Lev Repin wants to play during the Copa Rushmori. Zgela has had an excellent debut season with Damogran FC, finishing as a runner-up in both the Signing of the Season and Striker of the Season award categories. His goals and creative play were crucial in their qualification for the IFCF Challengers' Cup and rewarded him with a place in the Team of the Season. Fine link-up play should allow Zgela to be a great option for Repin to employ in the 3-4-1-2 formation which appears to be the preferred option for this tournament.

TEAM ROLES
Captaincy: Jasno Odonelec is the national team captain. The vice-captain is Mojmir Anac and in the absence of both Jasno Odonelec and Mojmir Anac the armband would be passed onto Pedja Kasun or Alen Hrdaljko.
Penalties: Jasno Odonelec is the designated taker during games, if he's not on the pitch the duty will fall to Alen Hrdaljko or Jezdimir Ocokoljic. In the event of a penalty shoot-out those three will be first-choice takers, with the likes of Fejzuli, Gannot, Patrik Odonelec, Grigorij Savicevic being next in the pecking order. From the substitutes the most likely to be taking them are Mersudin Smajic, Vilim Kupresak, Maks Shishkin and Dejan Zgela.
Corners: It's mostly going to be Tahir Fejzuli taking these, although sometimes it might fall to Jasno Odonelec or Kemal Gajic. Some might go short too, but having such a tall team will usually mean that the ball will be crossed in.
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 up after those two. If none of them are on the pitch 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 53), 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. World Cup 88 qualifying was similar, with Mytanija finishing 4th once again, following that up with a 3rd place in Cup of Harmony 80.

• 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 **Astograth** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:51 pm

The Astograthian National Football Team

All white away, all olive green home, all blue third

Style: +1
Formation: 4–2–2–2, see below for potential variations
Nickname: Olibondeka (The Olives)
Captain: Mogel Doyenard
Vicecaptain: Ihazintu Malkorra
Free Kick Taker: Ihazintu Malkorra
Penalty Kick Taker: Aire Epherra

No - P. - A. - Name                  - Club

      M - 44 -  Piarres Erke
     AM - 35 -  Aberri Buruchaga

Starting XI
 1 - GK - 34 - Gentza Bedigax        -  FC Felsenkirchen 1879 (STL)
 5 - LB - 27 - Marko Martel          -  Lajuno (EUR)
 2 - CB - 33 - Mogel Doyenardd ©     -  Sporting Iturributa
 3 - CB - 26 - Alarabi Labeaga       -  Mâ Âlâmëómë (FFD)
16 - RB - 31 - Ixaka Echeberz        -  AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
 8 - DM - 26 - Baraxil Muhaburu      -  Rülândéá Kôstä (FFD)
15 - DM - 30 - Domiku Bergara        -  AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
11 - LM - 24 - Eskuin Nekol          -  AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
10 - RM - 32 - Ihazintu Malkorra     -  Aries Chariots (NPH)
 7 - CF - 27 - Olentzaro Karazatorre -  KT Moreazerua (AUD)
 9 - CF - 34 - Aire Epherra          -  Rülândéá Kôstä (FFD)

Substitutes
13 - GK - 25 - Echepare Rospide      -  KT Itzalovalle (AUD)
23 - GK - 26 - Ayuko Mitsushima      -  Athletic Club Olarria
19 - LB - 24 - Urtzumu Ganzarain     -  Guerrilla Cathair (AUD)
12 - CB - 28 - Altzibar Sarrible     -  Ituraitz FC
 4 - CB - 27 - Aztore Andia          -  Royal Rumiatzi
 6 - RB - 29 - Baiona Menduburu      -  Sporting Iturributa
14 - DM - 26 - Potz Gambor           -  Canbix Muses (ZWZ)
17 - DM - 27 - Artizar Bailo         -  Athletic Club Olarria
21 - LM - 25 - Anchoka Oyhantkabal   -  Real Campo Grande (VLD)
20 - RM - 26 - Zilar Galharretborde  -  Langlois Océanic (KSK)
22 - CF - 26 - Tomofumi Ishimoda     -  Gortz United
18 - CF - 30 - Olentzaro Anseotori   -  Athletic Club Olarria

Manager –

Piarres Erke – Age 44

Astograth did poorly during World Cup 88 qualifying, with accusations flying that manager Louis Vaudrail had finally ‘lost the plot’ or that his decision to call up a woman to the national team – a first for Olibondeka – represented the downfall of society. At any rate, Vaudrail has resigned from his post following a 4th-place finish and no invitation to the Cup of Harmony. His replacement is Piarres Erke, fresh from being sacked at Athletic Club Olarria.

Who is Piarres Erke? As a player a virtual nobody, a left-back who plied his trade in the dark years without a national league and then, in his 30s, served as a bench player for Gortz United in the relaunched First Division. As a manager, hailed as a young prodigy. Aged 38, he took charge of a Gortz in crisis and guided them to one of the most impressive turnarounds yet seen in the Astograthian top flight, climbing from rock bottom to a comfortable finish in the mid-table. Next season he’d place them 8th, one of their better campaigns ever; next year, now at Athletic Club Olarria, he qualified the team for their first international competition in three decades. The next few seasons would be less fruitful as Olarria slipped down the table, with their recent 10th-place finish signalling that Erke’s days were counted.

The Futbol Astograthiko Federazioa clearly consider him a talented manager regardless and have given him the task of qualifying for World Cup 89 – but first, the Copa Rushmori. Though Erke has kept the skeleton of Vaudrail’s squad, with which he qualified Astograth to World Cup 87, some of his new call-ups have raised eyebrows and more than a few mutterings about favouritism. Three current players from Athletic Club Olarria – and one of Erke’s former defenders there, Altzibar Sarrible – have made their way on to the squad sheet. Regardless of local favourites, the squad still draws heavily from foreign leagues, with 6 players from Audioslavia, 3 from Farfadillis, and one each from 7 different nations. Two of Erke’s call-ups are also naturalised foreigners, a practice which hasn’t been seen in Astograth for close to 40 years but which at the time produced two of the finest players in national team history, Abdoulaye Bocandé and Galeano.

Erke will apparently aim to maintain a similar 4-2-2-2 formation as Vaudrail played of late, with two defensive midfielders, two wingers, and two strikers. This is done partly to take advantage of Astograth’s two prominent forwards and partly because no adequate central attacking midfielder has been found to allow for a proper 4-2-3-1. This formation under Vaudrail proved vulnerable due to the large gaps it leaves in the midfield and how much it demands from the full–backs – Erke has argued the defect was in trying to play defensively with this arrangement, when the focus should always be on getting the ball forward. If necessary, Olibondeka could shift into a conventional 4-4-2 or into a 4–2–3–1, employing Muhaburu or Ishimoda as attacking playmaker.

Assistant Manager –

Aberri Buruchaga – Age 35
Buruchaga was an old-school starting right-back for Astograth University and Iturributa United before wrapping up his career at Athletic Olarria and becoming Erke’s right-hand man. Not a tactician but certainly a loud and vigorous motivator.

Starting XI:

#1 – GK – Gentza Bedigax – Age 34 –

FC Felsenkirchen 1879 (Siovanija and Teusland) – 76 caps, 1 goal, 34 clean sheets
Once starter for Urbizania Wanderers, now playing for one of Siovanija and Teusland’s top teams, Bedigax has steadily established himself as one of the best goalkeepers ever to play for the national team. His games-per-goal-conceded ratio is the best among long-time Olibondeka keepers. Bedigax was also the first goalie to score an international goal for Astograth (in a freak accident against Electrum), and with several club honours under his belt is looking to add international glory to his career. Sports distinctive mutton chops, which along with his size have led him to be nicknamed Hartza, The Bear.

#5 – LB – Marko Martel – Age 27 –

Lajuno (Eura) – 82 caps, 2 goals
Martel is one of Astograth's most exciting players. Bursting onto the scene at just 18 years old, he was part of Sporting Ibarguren's Royal Cup–winning team, beating Urbizania Wanderers in the final despite being a second–tier side. Swiftly transferred to giants Sporting Iturributa, he was part of a league–winning squad but, frustrated at the lack of playing time, forced his move to Athletic Club Olarria, where more strong performances earned him a place on the national team and on the famous Galácticos longlist. Nothing if not ambitious, he further secured a move to the Euraleague and displaced Remondegi as starter for Olibondeka. As an established fixture of the national team, his only craving is international silverware.

#2 – CB – Mogel Doyenard (C) – Age 33 –

Sporting Iturributa – 121 caps, 7 goals
Doyenard is, by conventional wisdom, the best Astograthian defender currently playing. The key to Sporting Iturributa’s unprecedented First Division threepeat was their impenetrable defense, from which they held an iron grip on Astograthian football. Doyenard has been the core of that defense for a decade, and commands respect throughout the league. Measuring 193 cm, he's also a valuable asset in attacking corners, especially when the opposition proves hard to beat in open play. As Olibondeka’s 19th ‘centurion’ and long–serving vice–captain, he was the obvious choice to succeed Lekea as team captain.

#3 – CB – Alarabi Labeaga – Age 26 –

Mâ Âlâmëómë (Farfadillis) – 43 caps
An impetuous young talent, Labeaga came through the youth ranks of Urbizania Wanderers, rapidly making his way to the first team at age 18 and featuring in their title–winning run of 680. Vaudrail, then manager of Royal Rumiatzi, arranged their purchase of Labeaga but was unable to control the centre–back's ego and demands for a starting spot. Forcing a move abroad, he was able to land at the renowned Mâ Âlâmëómë of Farfadillis and immediately won a league title. Labeaga considers himself a god of defending, which tends to rub staff and teammates the wrong way, and his unruly friendship with Muhaburu has led to some sordid headlines. Can also act as defensive midfielder – emphasis on defensive – if necessary.

#16 – RB – Ixaka Echeberz – Age 31 –

AC Izotz Zubia (Audioslavia) – 79 caps, 1 goal
Echeberz is a solid, reliable player who can stay in defense or move forward into a more modern wing–back role. An important player for Urbizania Wanderers, his performances for the national team caught the eye of the powerful Izotz Zubia, securing him an unexpected transfer to the Audioslavian National League. Not the most exciting player, but he has heart, confidence, and experience.

#8 – DM – Baraxil Muhaburu – Age 26 –

Rülândéá Kôstä (Farfadillis) – 43 caps, 1 goal
A youth product of Garitzeta Racing Club, Muhaburu was set to break into the first team when Racing took a deep dive into the Second DIvision. Setting his sights elsewhere, Muhaburu landed in Farfadillis, signing for Rülândéá Kôstä and later marching to league glory. Despite his reputation for a poor attitude and off–pitch antics, including a fondness for drink, Vaudrail has been eager to take advantage of Muhaburu’s excellent vision, passing technique, and ability to threaten goal or take set pieces. Paired with Bergara, Muhaburu will be the main creative outlet. Although capable at defending, it is far from his specialty – a weakness opponents may exploit.

#15 – DM – Domiku Bergara – Age 30 –

AC Izotz Zubia (Audioslavia) – 50 caps, 1 goal
Hardworking Bergara was spotted as a sharp talent at a young age, and Urbizania Wanderers shelled out a big wad of cash to sign him from Iturributa United at age 21. With Wanderers, Bergara got his hands on a league title and a Royal Cup before striking out to join Audioslavia's AC Izotz Zubia, where he has enjoyed great success and earned a place on the national team. An elegant, patient player skilled in both defence and with the ball, he’ll have the pressure of being the main ball–winner in a formation that tends to leave the midfield open.

#11 – LM – Eskuin Nekol – Age 24 –

AC Izotz Zubia (Audioslavia) – 29 caps, 5 goals
Nekol is perhaps one of the most shocking comeback stories in Astograthian football. A product of Royal Association’s academy, he transferred to Sporting Iturributa while still a teenager and quickly found himself in the first team of a club that was a on a roll, winning three league titles in a row. The following season was disastrous for Sporting, dropping down to 7th, but Nekol’s career was on the rise as a clever winger that could shoot from range, catching the eye of international scouts. Then, in the cup final that could save the season, Nekol was subbed on and stupidly punched the opposition captain in extra–time; Sporting would lose on penalties to the lowly Gesterlake. This effectively ended his career at Iturributa, allowing AC Izotz Zubia to swoop in for cheap. The rest is history – a National League title and an incredible, 45–yard goal to his name, in just his first season.

#10 – RM – Ihazintu Malkorra (VC) – Age 32 –

Aries Chariots (Nephara) – 102 caps, 21 goals
Malkorra, voted three times best right winger in the First Division, was a youth product of Miners FC before signing with Royal Association and eventually cross–town rivals Sporting Iturributa, emerging as one of Astograth's best players – his dribbling is mesmerising, and can flow freely from center midfield to the back to up on attack as the situation requires. In Nephara he has shined for both Vermillion Wanderers and Aries Chariots, making the Galáctico longlist multiple times.

#7 – CF – Olentzaro Karazatorre – Age 27 –

KT Moreazerua (Audioslavia) – 58 caps, 21 goals
Karazatorre, one–time winner of the First Division's Young Player award, became known to the Astograthian public at age 20 with aplomb. He banged in 13 goals in a season for the modest Antiguoko FC as they finished in 10th place, then 15 as they climbed to 8th, then 19 goals, before signing with Ituraitz FC, Pyathora Mariners of Tikariot and finally Audioslavia’s Moreazerua. Karazatorre appears to have finally found his stride with Mozi and the national team, shining in the National League and racking up 8 goals in 17 matches during the last qualifiers.

#9 – CF – Aire Epherra – Age 34 –

Rülândéá Kôstä (Farfadillis) – 71 caps, 36 goals
A regular in the Astograthian First Divisions' top scorer charts, Epherra is a tall, burly, clinical target man skilled at spearheading counter–attacks and holding up the ball to play in his teammates, and will do all he can to solidify himself as the premier Astograthian forward. With an impressive record of 36 goals in 71 caps (baby), Epherra is already the nation’s 6th top all–time scorer. He doesn’t much like strike partnerships, but has built a begrudging respect for Karazatorre over the years.

Substitutes:

#13 – GK – Echepare Rospide – Age 25 –

KT Itzalovalle (Audioslavia) – 5 caps, 3 clean sheets
A low–profile product of Garitzeta Racing Club’s academy, Rospide was snapped up at 21 by the eagle–eyed scouts of Audioslavia’s KT Itzalovalle. They evidently saw something that local coaches did not, because Rospide, in a few short years, has taken over as starter and performed admirably in the IFCF’s top–ranked league. Made his international début at the World Cup 87 finals against none other than Nephara, after Bedigax was forced off with an injury.

#23 – GK – Ayuko Mitsushima – Age 26 –

Athletic Club Olarria – Uncapped
A native of the Hinodejin Empire and graduate of Metropolitan University, Mitsushima was a low-profile signing for Olarria, as understudy to Aurre Laurnagaray. When the starter signed for Stahlburg Rovers in Nephara, Erke promoted Mitsushima to the starting lineup and the goalkeeper responded, stringing together three solid seasons. Erke has pointedly left out Laurnagaray – and other strong goalkeepers – from this call-up, opting instead for the relatively young Mitsushima. Keeping an eye on the future, as he explains to the press.

#19 – LB/LM – Urtzumu Ganzarain – Age 24 –

Guerrilla Cathair (Audioslavia) – 11 caps
Ganzarain is, not without controversy, the first woman to be called up to the Astograthian national team – which has always been, nominally, unisex. As a left winger who came through Army United’s women’s team, Ganzarain struck off to Audioslavia’s Guerrilla Cathair rather than stay in the segregated Astograthian system. Her promotion to the National League with Guerrilla caught Vaudrail’s eye and he subsequently deployed her as left-back or rarely in midfield during the World Cup 88 qualifiers. Her performance was more than adequate, at times surpassing starter Martel, but the cultural-political implications of her selection to the team continue to stir up Astograthian social media and press.

#12 – CB – Altzibar Sarrible – Age 28 –

Ituraitz FC – Uncapped
Sarrible is a workhorse of a stopper, rushing forward to take attackers head-on before they reach the back-line. In this capacity he excelled for Erke’s Athletic Olarria before being signed by Iturributa United. In Iturributa he was not to manager Justin Vauxhall’s taste, so he packed up for Royal Ibarbe, also excelled there, and has now been signed to Ituraitz FC. His call-up to the national team has been a long time coming and fans are expectant to see what he can do, especially since he is replacing long-time Doyenard partner Ugaitz Leskerre.

#4 – CB – Aztore Andia – Age 27 –

Royal Rumiatzi – 11 caps
Royal Rumiatzi value a very specific type of centre–back: big ones. Tall, wide, impassable and immovable objects, passing skills optional. Andia ticks all of those boxes, including the optional one. His job is to sit in the middle of a deep defense and be impassable, while laying out the ball to those who know how to move it around. If this is all he’s asked to do, he can do it extremely well. Excels at man–marking big centre–forwards, so may be brought on to specifically counter one of those.

#6 – RB – Baiona Menduburu – Age 29 –

Sporting Iturributa – 10 caps
A product of Sporting Iturributa’s renowned academy, Menduburu spent his early years at the club as understudy to starter Cheru Lizarza, who at that time also started for the national team. Promoted a couple of seasons ago after Lizarza’s acrimonious departure to Ituraitz FC, Menduburu has proven himself capable if unspectacular as a right–back, rough but effective in the tackle. If asked to push further up the pitch, however, Menduburu has been known to pull off some ludicrous feats, including a goal from the halfway line in the Iturributan Derby.

#14 – DM – Potz Gambor – Age 25 –

Canbix Muses (Zwangzug) – 7 caps
Gambor was discarded by Ituraitz FC after outgrowing their U21 squad. Not one to lose hope, he took his talents abroad and found a home in Zwangzug’s Canbix Muses, where he has steadily earned a place and started to shine brightly enough to catch Louis Vaudrail’s attention. Can be deployed in defensive midfield or a bit further up as a box–to–box midfielder – whatever makes the most of his endurance, tackling ability, tight passing and knack for long shots.

#17 – DM – Artizar Bailo – Age 27 –

Athletic Club Olarria – Uncapped
Bailo is the biggest surprise on Erke’s squad. With so many central and defensive midfielders to choose from, Bailo would not be most people’s fourth or fifth or even sixth option – he does not have high-level international experience, has never played abroad, is not particularly young. In his favour though, is a dogged determination and a strong personal relationship with Erke, who believes he can make the most out of the midfielder. In addition, Bailo will be the first player from the small island region of Bakartirla to play for the national team, so there is great regional pride involved. Especially when it comes to playing in Mytanija, a hop and a skip away from Bakartirla.

#21 – LM – Anchoka Oyhantkabal – Age 25 –

Real Campo Grande (Valladares) – 8 caps
A lithe winger, fast and incisive. Delighted the Astograthian league as a youngster and made a big move to Royal Rumiatzi at 21, but never really got going there. His chance to be a regular starter was later blocked by the signing of a Nepharan player, and in his frustration Oyhantkabal forced a move to Valladares’ ambitious Real Campo Grande. His call–up responds more to a lack of other options, but he’ll be eager to prove at club and country that he’s up to the task.

#20 – RM – Zilar Galharretborde – Age 26 –

Langlois Océanic (Kelssek) – 27 caps
Galharretborde came through the youth ranks of Royal Arexa, and thanks to a wily agent and a leap of faith, he managed to land a move to Kelssek's Langlois Océanic. In his first season he impressed, earning the league's Young Player award and catching the eye of the national team in the process. He may not be the fastest or most technical player, but he is very good at stretching the field of play by building up moves from the wing, playing fluid football with his full–back and centre midfield. Galharretborde will be one to watch, partly because his style is markedly different from that of Malkorra and partly because he is coming in from a roaringly successful title-winning season with Océanic.

#22 – CF/AM – Tomofumi Ishimoda – Age 26 –

Gortz United – Uncapped
Also a native of the Hinodejin Empire, Ishimoda was originally signed by Ituraitz FC after graduating from that country’s Asakawa College. Though touted as a highly versatile attacker who could be used as a centre-forward, a false 9, a playmaker, or a winger on either flank, Ishimoda’s first few seasons were troubled by injury, lacklustre performances as a substitute, and the coaching team scratching their heads wondering how he fit into their plans. A loan spell at Bakartirla Buccaneers finally allowed him the time and space to shine, and when transferred to Gortz he completed his revelation of himself as a virtuoso. Guiding Gortz to an incredible, unprecedented title challenge and eventual runner-up finish, Ishimoda combines speed, tremendous dribbling skill, precise passing, and an acute positional awareness, allowing him to drop deep into the midfield yet always be in the box when required. Ishimoda was one of the season’s top scorers and voted third best player in the league, so the expectation surrounding him on the national team is intense.

#18 – CF – Olentzaro Anseotori – Age 30 –

Athletic Club Olarria – Uncapped
Like Sarrible, Anseotori is another Erke player whom fans have been expecting to see in the national team for some time now. Vaudrail, it is suspected, was about to do so before choosing the much younger Yokin Erdokiain, who is now out of the team while he searches for his form at Urbizania Wanderers. Anseotori has been described as a similar kind of player to Epherra – an imposing target man – though with nowhere near the size. Nevertheless, he is a lethal goalscorer with his feet and his head; his record for Olarria comes out to about 1 goal every 2 matches. He is also more comfortable than Epherra playing in a frontline of two, having successfully adapted his game to a variety of different partners at Olarria.

Team records
Year founded: 636 (pre–World Cup 55)
All–time record: 589 matches played: 276 wins, 143 draws, 170 losses
All–time goal difference: +228
Most caps: Soter Sarlange (200)
Most goals: Soter Sarlange (89)
Most clean sheets: Zernin Aira (39)
First international: Astograth 1–2 Eastfield Lodge (pre–World Cup 55)
Largest win: Astograth 10–1 Melbergia (World Cup 58 qualifying)
Worst loss: Eura 7–0 Astograth (pre–World Cup 85)
World Cup finals appearances: 7 (first at World Cup 57)
World Cup best result: 4th place, World Cup 61
Highest KPB ranking: 9th, post–World Cup 61
Tournaments won: Cup of Harmony 50, Copa Rushmori XII

RP Permissions are yes to everything that isn't career–ending. I encourage TGs for questions or collaborative RP.

by **Graintfjall** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:55 pm

TAKING THE REINS-ARSSON! STEINAUX’S DEFENSIVE STALWART TAKES OVER CAPTAINCY
But proliferation* of center midfielders leave us asking: Can-tor many cooks spoil the broth?

Hjörleifur Reynarsson has come of age and taken on the captain’s armband for the coming Copa Rushmori in Mytanija after WANTON SEX MANIAC Emeli Vilbertsdóttir** decided the pressure was too much and would rather let off some steam (geddit???) as vice-captain. Now the pressure is on big Hjörleifur to deliver in a competition the Snow Wolves have always disappointed at.

Things began so brightly with a Round of 16 qualification in Astograth at the 35th Cup of Harmony: with a Baptism of Fire and Cup of Harmony title apiece to follow, no one could have DREAMED the Snow Wolves would never get further than that Round of 16 knockout! Time and again like some bad trip conjured up by the IMMIGRANT STREET DRUGS that the new RADICAL MARXIST government want to legalize, the Cormorants kept coming back to knock out the Snow Wolves in every tournament!

SO IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM JOIN THEM!!! Hiring Igrene Cantor as manager proved a smart move as the Nepharim coach immediately led her charges to a Cup of Harmony title in Krytenia. But has she overplayed her hand with her selections for this competition.

Eschewing*** wings like Hanne Heikkisdóttir and Robin Harryson, Cantor has decided to play FOUR central midfielders!!! FOUR, IGRENE? FOUR. THAT’S INSANE.

Will her tactical gambit work??? Will Sara Kristoffersdóttir finally come good??? Will Hjörleifur lead his side past the Round of 16??? Will Nephara find a way to knock us out anyway??? Find out with ND’s exclusive coverage!!!

ND brings you the TOP stories today:

Immigrant crime misery
Page 3 stunner Katrín says “I’d never date a lad who’d support the government’s pension clawback plans!”
Business: how welfare bums may wreck government spending plans
EDITORIAL: proposal to defund royal yacht is unpatriotic
Do otters cause cancer?

* Following publication of this article and an unusually high number of reader letters asking what profiteroles had to do with football, the subeditor was fired for failing to abide by the ND style guide, which recommends language more suitable for the average reader, such as “many big lots” or just not including any words at all and instead printing an upskirt photograph of some barely legal celebrity.
** The online edition contains a link to a relevant past edition, revealing just how hurriedly this particular RP was written in comparison with the literary masterpieces that have gone before.
*** And another subeditor is fired, amid a cavalcade of reader questions about echidnas.

by **Eura** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 2:30 pm

The Euran Football Association’s Copa Rushmori 38 Squad

Manager: Skorji Oslograd (60, Eura)

As unlikely as it might have seemed not so long ago, Skorji Oslograd has been appointed the eighth permanent manager of the Euran national team in the modern era. The former Bastion, Hornchurch (season loan), FC Axel Heiburg and Revolutionaries centre forward is an icon of Euran football, starring in Eura’s World Cup 66 winning side at the height of an international career that saw him make 168 appearances for Eura, scoring 103 goals. Oslograd then went into coaching and management, where he had a low key career until taking over as manager of The Askari Union. He improved them significantly and got them playing perhaps their best ever football at the Copa Rushmori, before moving to take over the national team job for the newly formed Euran Oceania Territories, who had only recently started competing in WCC competition.

Although Oslograd was unsuccessful in achieving the dream of getting the Expats into the World Cup, even with a surprisingly talented generation of players (but little squad depth), he can claim to have transformed the Euran dominion’s fortunes for the better and claimed some memorable shock victories with the side. It nearly all came apart during World Cup 85 qualifying when the Expats went on a horrific run of form and Oslograd, plagued also by off the pitch controversies, came close to getting the sack. He was saved by a remarkable return to form during World Cup 86 qualifying and recently has had the Expats securing the best results of their history, raising his profile on the international radar once more.

The blow dealt to Euran footballing pride by failing to qualify for World Cup 87 has been severe, and has created something of an inquisition in the national game as to the causes. As part of this the EFA needed a replacement for Lee Sharp following his resignation. Although the FA approached several top tier candidates, it was felt that a truly radical departure from the normal practices of the EFA and its teams was required, leading to this shock wildcard appointment. Oslograd’s appointment has already proven hugely controversial and it is likely his tenure will be no different. Not much of that will matter if he gets the results the EFA desire, and although patience will be on offer for the overhaul that is required, failure to meet expectations could result in Oslograd’s other contradictions becoming his downfall. He is under immense pressure to prove the doubters wrong, but then again, he’s done it in the past and could do it again.

A decent start in some friendlies and at the Cup of Harmony was somewhat soured by defeat in the final to Mriin, a recurring nightmare of a defeat to Darmen long ago that followed Eura steamrolling all prior opposition in the tournament. Nevertheless, Eura's mostly faultless performance - and a tournament unusually free of antics for an initially sober minded Oslograd - relieved pressure on the new coach. Unfortunately a promising start to a home Copa Rushmori that followed was brought to a saddening end by penalty heartbreak in the quarterfinal; Eura recovered to gain good form in World Cup 88 qualifying, but stuttered toward the end, then crashed out in the group stages (though at least this time they qualified). Oslograd continues to revamp the squad, and attempt the much more difficult task of overcoming the hang ups of the past - in this tournament, its thought he will push Eura in the direction of his own orthodoxy much more strongly than he has in the past, starting with more defensive cynicism as the team plays a more defensive version of his 3-5-2.

Assistant Manager: Rhea Fianchetto (45, The Askari Union)

Oslograd’s wife and long term assistant manager from his days in charge of The Askari Union, Fianchetto is little known the public eye but has become a respected coach in her own right among those in the know. Many speculate that she may provide sense to the chaos of what has been dubbed “Skorjiball”; when Oslograd has been in a pit, Fianchetto has been there to bail him out, time and time again.

Styles and Permission

Style Modifier: +1

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

Choose my goalscorers – YES
Godmod scoring events – YES
RP injuries to my players – YES
Godmod injuries to my players – YES (But only how the injury happens, not the extent of the injury)
Hand out yellow cards to my players – YES
Hand out red cards to my players – YES
Godmod other events – YES, provided you keep events within the realms of realism, so no deaths etc.

Please note that I am not participating in or recognising any kind of pandemic themed RP at this time. You are welcome to RP a pandemic impacting your own country or national team as you wish, but please do not extend this to my team or country.

Squad

Shirt number – name – position – age – international caps – international goals - club
Stats up to date to post-WC88 qualifying friendlies

Goalkeepers

1 - Kevin Belgrave - GK - 36 – 139 caps – Directus
13 – Vance Simm - GK - 28 - 16 caps - Lajuno
30 – Clarence Webb - GK - 26 - 0 caps - Bastion

Defenders

2 – Harry Wheeler – RB – 27 – 15 caps – 2 goals – Oakstone
3 – Lucy Almwood (F) - LB - 26 – 49 caps – 5 goals - Brinemouth (Nephara)
4 – Jack Menard - CB – 24 – 65 caps – 3 goals - 1830 Cathair (Audioslavia)
5 – Dean Steele – CB – 31 – 122 caps – 5 goals - Brinemouth (Nephara)
15 – Alex Coles – CB – 26 – 30 caps – 1 goal – Oakstone
19 – Tanya Green (F) – CB – 27 – 15 caps – 0 goals – Revolutionaries
21 – Patrick Read - RB - 22 - 0 caps - 0 goals - Bombarralense (Audioslavia)
23 – Alex Ingram - LB - 28 - 16 caps - 0 goals - Spartangrad
25 – Jamie Byrd - CB - 24 - 10 caps - 0 goals - Bastion
27 – Kevin Sherwood - CB - 22 - 7 caps - 0 goals - FC Felsenkirchen 1879 (Siovanija & Teusland)

Midfielders

6 – Monica Rowland (F) - CM - 34 - 146 caps – 15 goals – Bastion
7 – Moira Woakes (F) – AM – 31 – 153 caps – 59 goals – Crisisbless (Nephara)
8 – Vincent Robshaw - CM - 31 - 78 caps - 19 goals - AFC Treason (Nephara)
11 – Bobby Malone – RW – 25 – 39 caps – 13 goals – AFC Treason (Nephara)
12 - Damion Bowman – LW – 30 – 102 caps – 39 goals – Crisisbless (Nephara)
16 – Oscar Vincent - CM - 22 - 9 caps - 1 goals - Crossroads (Chromatika)
18 – Sharon Erskine (F) – CDM – 27 – 20 caps – 0 goals – Northern Union (Brenecia)
20 – Travis Coffey - RM - 24 - 7 caps - 1 goal - Ma Alameome (Farfadillis)
22 – Adam Woodman – LW – 24 – 35 caps – 15 goals – Directus
24 - Eamon Mullins - CM - 29 - 3 caps - 0 goals - Herzegovina City FC (Banija)
28 – Clint Rogers - CAM - 30 - 32 caps - 8 goals - Spartangrad
29 – Ben West - AM - 21 - 0 caps - 0 goals - Falourr

Forwards

9 – Brian Bond - LW/ST – 34 – 158 caps – 122 goals – Oakstone
10 – Isaac Tomlinson – ST – 30 – 45 caps – 21 goals – Sabrefell Athletic (Nephara)
14 – Stewart Robson – ST – 26 – 13 caps – 5 goals – Directus
17 – Scott Walker – ST – 29 – 20 caps – 7 goals – Northern Union (Brenecia)
26 – Christine Atkinson - ST - 23 - 0 goals - 0 caps - Lajuno

Preferred starting lineup
Note: this does not take into account suspensions, injuries or any other change.

GK - 1. K Belgrave
RWB - 2. H Wheeler
RCB - 4. J Menard
CB – 15. A Coles
LCB - 5. D Steele
LWB - 3. L Almwood
RCM - 6. M Rowland
LCM - 8. V Robshaw
CAM – 7. M Woakes
RS – 10. I Tomlinson
LS - 9. B Bond

Player Roles

Squad Captain: Monica Rowland
Vice-Captain: Kevin Belgrave
Direct free kicks: Brian Bond, Lucy Almwood (Left footed), Moira Woakes (Right footed)
Indirect free kicks: Brian Bond, Lucy Almwood (Left footed), Moira Woakes (Right footed)
Right corner: Moira Woakes (Right footed), Lucy Almwood (Left footed)
Left corner: Moira Woakes (Right footed), Lucy Almwood (Left footed)
Penalties: 1. Brian Bond 2. Moira Woakes 3. Monica Rowland 4. Isaac Tomlinson 5. Vincent Robshaw

Kits

by **Mytanija** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 2:37 pm

This is your cut-off for the opening match day of Copa Rushmori 38. Let's push things forward.

Group A
East Neutralia 1–3 Tikariot
Mytanija 3–1 Kalosia (Scorinated by The Licentian Isles)

  Group A                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Mytanija                                      1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
  Tikariot                                      1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 East Neutralia                                1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
  Kalosia                                       1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0

Group B
Cabo Azure 2–3 Valladares
Oberour Ar Moro 0–2 Cassadaigua

  Group B                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Cassadaigua                                   1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Valladares                                    1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    3
3 Cabo Azure                                    1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0
4 Oberour Ar Moro                               1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group C
Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland 1–2 Gatchingerrak Union
Astograth 2–2 Nephara

  Group C                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Gatchingerrak Union                           1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
2 Astograth                                     1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
  Nephara                                       1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland      1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0

Group D
The Askari Union 2–5 Southwest Eastnorth
Norrhem 2–4 Eura

  Group D                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Southwest Eastnorth                           1   1  0  0    5   2  +3    3
2 Eura                                          1   1  0  0    4   2  +2    3
3 Norrhem                                       1   0  0  1    2   4  −2    0
4 The Askari Union                              1   0  0  1    2   5  −3    0

Group E
Savojarna 2–0 San Ortelio
Darmen 4–4 Bollonich

  Group E                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Savojarna                                     1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Bollonich                                     1   0  1  0    4   4   0    1
  Darmen                                        1   0  1  0    4   4   0    1
4 San Ortelio                                   1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group F
San Isidro Labrador 3–4 Hispinas
Yuezhou 1–0 Eastfield Lodge

  Group F                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Yuezhou                                       1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Hispinas                                      1   1  0  0    4   3  +1    3
3 Eastfield Lodge                               1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
4 San Isidro Labrador                           1   0  0  1    3   4  −1    0

Group G
Pasarga 4–0 Ancharmunn
Græntfjall 3–0 Bollonischian Maribaya

  Group G                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Pasarga                                       1   1  0  0    4   0  +4    3
2 Græntfjall                                    1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
3 Bollonischian Maribaya                        1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
4 Ancharmunn                                    1   0  0  1    0   4  −4    0

Group H
Pridnestrovia 1–1 Txakhaxi
Sargossa 4–4 Nyowani Kitara

  Group H                                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Pridnestrovia                                 1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Txakhaxi                                      1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
3 Nyowani Kitara                                1   0  1  0    4   4   0    1
  Sargossa                                      1   0  1  0    4   4   0    1

by **Cabo Azure** » Sat Jul 10, 2021 3:19 pm

Cabo Azure 2–3 Valladares
No  Pos. Name 
#1  GK   Carreira
#2  RB   Fernandes
#3  LB   Carneiro
#4  CB   Mendes (off 45')
#6  CB   Macedo (C)
#8  RM   Santos
#11 LM   Dantas
#16 CM   Ferreira
#22 CF   Botelho (off 77')
#13 LW   Silveira
#15 RW   Carriço (goal 55')

#21 CB   Fontes (on 45')
#9  CF   Montenegro (on 77') (goal 90')
Despite the result, a strong first effort by a Macaricas squad which showed greater composure than would be expected for their first competitive international. Valladares captain Brayan Borja scored early on a go-ahead, which seemed sure to set the tone for the match, but the Azurean defense came together and kept the 1-0 score until halftime. However, Valladares had a second goal disallowed for a ticky-tack offsides later in the half, leading coach Paulinho to sub Gabriel Mendes off at halftime.

Valladares scored again early in the second, which Cabo Azure was able to answer quickly with a team goal finished by Carriço. The 2-1 scoreline continued for nearly thirty minutes until Benítez found the back of the net for Valladares, seeming to put the goal out of reach. Subbed on as fresh legs, Adalberto Montenegro was able to claw one back with a powerful header off a corner kick at the death, leaving the final score 3-2.

Mendes's frustrations notwithstanding, the Macaricas' defense looked stout today, rebuffing Valladares's attackers time and again, nearly all of whom play in elite UICA leagues such as Villita. Cabo Azure failed, however, to get the ball out of their own half with any regularity, often settling for back passes and expecting someone else to do the work.

Cabo Azure: The Politics, pt 1: “Welcome to Cabo Azure”

Cabo Azure is a chain of tropical islands deep in the Rushmori Ocean, far enough from the mainland that your back gets stiff on the flight there, but not so far that they have to serve you a proper meal en route. It’s not such a bad place by most metrics; high human development, decent GDP per capita, and a laid-back culture that tolerates debauchery without promoting degeneracy.

There are technically something like thirty-seven islands, but only five or six of them have any people on them and only two of those really matter: Avo and Portela. Avo is the largest and most populous, home to the capital city of Sao Simone. Portela isn’t particularly big--it’s somewhere around the fourth- or fifth-largest island--but it hosts the royal palace. When the Knights of St. Simon first came to Cabo Azure in the twelfth century, they chose Portela to build their citadel, which was later expanded into a home for the royal family.

The palace itself isn’t much more than a big house, but it’s important to the Azureans because they fought a war to reinstate the royal family. Well, more of a bloodless coup, but you understand the point. It went like this; the last king of Cabo Azure, Reinaldo II, was wildly unpopular, reversing political and social freedoms that had been won over centuries and unilaterally limiting the power of the legislature. Eventually, in 1979, a group of social elites gathered enough political support to overthrow the King and force him into exile, before installing a puppet government that was almost as bad, beginning a period euphemistically known as “O Interregno”: the Interregnum.

The decision to reinstate the monarchy after all that might seem a little backwards, but you have to understand that the Portela Dynasty ruled Cabo Azure for something like six hundred years. It started way back in the Crusades when a knight of obscure birth named Sebastien Portela rose through the ranks to become Grand Master of the Order of St. Simon. Portela consolidated power over the other islands, conquering some with force of arms and others with diplomacy, until he’d conquered enough to crown himself the first King of Cabo Azure. The Portela dynasty began with Sebastien and wasn’t broken until O Interregno.

So when the uprising in 2012 deposed the autocrats who’d been in charge, popular opinion overwhelmingly favored reinstating the monarchy as a figurehead and symbol of the Azurean people. Interestingly enough, Reinaldo II, the king who was deposed in ‘79, never produced an heir; he delayed marriage in order to use it as a bargaining chip. Next in line for the throne was then-Princess Abigail, who was a Ph.D. candidate in political science when her brother was deposed and remained employed in academia throughout the interregnum, gaining tenure at the Maritime University in 1991. On New Year’s Day 2013, Queen Abigail was crowned and, in a planned move, immediately abdicated to her son, Manuel, naming him King Manuel.

by **Darmen** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 2:11 pm

The Terramidian
Darmen's Number One Online Magazine

Rademacher's Dream And The Struggle To Realize It

By Gabriel Arkwright

This article was published online on September 4, 2050.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Professor Ava Harvey, professor of International Relations at the University of Eau Claire about the ongoing efforts to reshape the bilateral relations between Darmen and Valladares into a more positive coexistence.

GA: Professor, thank you for speaking with me on such an important topic. Relations between Darmen and Valladares have always been strained, that’s nothing new. So why then did the relationship between the two countries suddenly become elevated to become one of the most important topics of the election campaign a little over a year ago?

AH: President Rademacher’s whole political career has been centered on one goal: getting Darmen into the Common Rushmori Community. It’s why he led his supporters out of the Movement for a New Darmen and formed the Liberal Party, it’s what he focused his campaign on in both 2045 and 2049. He’s a man with a singular vision and he won’t let anything stand between him and Darmeni membership in the CRC. He faces one problem however. Membership in the CRC requires Darmen to offer freedom of movement to nationals of the other CRC members, Valladares being one of them. And with the memories of Riotgate fresh in Valladar minds plus several other factors that could cause the Valladars to veto any attempts at Darmeni ascension to the CRC, Rademacher is being forced to pursue an improvement in relations between the two nations before he can consider applying for CRC membership.

GA: Haven’t attempts been made before to improve relations between the two nations?

AH: Oh, certainly. The Lee administration made repeated attempts to get some form of discussions between the two governments started, but Metropolis largely ignored these overtures and continued with the status quo. It was only recently, with the ousting of the Conservative government in Valladares and the election of a Labor-Liberal coalition government that Valladares even acknowledged the possibility of discussions and a potential change in bilateral relations.

GA: But there hasn’t been any discussions or negotiations yet, has there? What’s causing the delay?

AH: Well, no, there certainly haven’t been any negotiations at the upper levels of government, at least not yet. But there has been low level communication between the foreign ministries of the two nations, trying to set the stage for some form of formal negotiations. The cause for the lack of high level negotiations is a bit of a mystery; there have been rumors that many of the civil servants in the Department of Foreign Affairs have been reluctant to follow the orders of Foreign Secretary Henrik Augustine and President Rademacher. Indeed, only last week, several mid level officials in the Foreign Department resigned, without giving any reasons. But you don’t have a group of officials all resigning at the same time without there being some sort of reason, do you? So, it would certainly seem as though there is some sort of struggle in the Foreign Department between the nation’s top officials and the civil servants over Darmen’s policy towards Valladares or some other area of contention.

GA: But, civil servants are supposed to be politically neutral, aren’t they?

AH: In theory, yes. In practice, it’s just not that simple.

GA: Is that the only thing causing delays in the process? Surely, with just over two years left in his term and no guarantee of reelection, Rademacher must be under pressure to get things started soon.

AH: Oh, he undoubtedly is. But I don’t think there is any question that Rademacher has made anything other than improving Darmeni-Valladar relations his top priority. Perhaps the biggest cause for delay isn’t within the Foreign Department at all, but in Metropolis.

GA: How so?

AH: The Valladars don’t seem to have any sort of unified set of goals to achieve or a plan heading into any potential negotiations. Following their electoral loss, the Conservatives laid out their plan for a rapprochement, but they’re not the ones in power are they? Then within the past week, a draft detailing potential changes in the relationship between the two nations was leaked from the Valladar Parliament, causing a great deal of embarrassment for those who were supposed to keep it out of the public eyes. But it's not clear who is responsible for drafting that later document. Was it Valladar Prime Minister Florent Philippe, who was very clear when he was elected that he wanted to talk with the Darmeni government, or was it someone else? So, while there seems to be a willingness to talk on the part of the Valladars, they don’t appear to have figured out exactly what they want from the talks or how to go about it.

GA: Well then, if there are talks, what sort of things might the two sides hope to achieve or get from the other side?

AH: On the Darmeni side, there are two, maybe three things that the Rademacher administration wants to achieve. The first and most important, is Valladar support for Darmeni membership in the CRC, specifically some form of resolution to the situation regarding the freedom of movement requirement. Changes would need to be made at the border, but maintaining security is necessary and neither side wants to see a repeat of Riotgate. So it's a complicated issue. Their second aim would be an overall improvement in relations between the two nations. This isn’t just a question of avoiding military conflict and ending the sabre rattling that has often characterized the relationship between the two neighbors: this is a matter of establishing and maintaining cultural, economic, educational cooperation, among other areas. The Darmeni government doesn’t want to just stop being enemies, they want to establish an actual friendship with Valladares and its people so that any improvement in relations can not only be strengthened, but be made permanent.

GA: And the other goal?

AH: The last goal is more of a stretch goal; the Darmenis would only propose it if negotiations were going well and they felt there wasn’t a risk in completely derailing the process by asking for it. Darmen has made a commitment to be a nuclear-weapon free state, while Valladares maintains an arsenal of nuclear warheads. Not long ago, in fact it was one of the causes of the collapse of their Conservative government, the Valladars tested one of the largest nuclear weapons ever in the Mega Bomba, which caused a significant stir in the international community and plenty of controversy in Valladares. Darmen would never dare demand or even suggest that Valladares totally disarm themselves of nuclear weapons, but I do think it’s possible, if discussions are going well, that they could ask Valladares to make the Westlands a nuclear-free zone. Would the Valladars accept such a proposal? Who knows, probably not.

GA: And what about the Valladars, what might their goals be?

AH: First and foremost, they want a total denunciation on the part of Darmen of any claims to sovereignty over the Westlands.

GA: Hasn’t Darmen already done that?

AH: Multiple times. But Valladares wants it done once more and very publicly, to make sure to really rub it in and make sure that future Darmeni governments can’t change their minds and reassert those claims that were made in the past.

GA: What else?

AH: Close to six and a half percent of the total Darmeni population is of Valladar ethnicity. In the Southeast Region, that number is almost 70 percent. The Valladar government has a keen interest to ensure they’re treated well.

GA: But aren’t they already well protected? There are several stringent laws in place that protect the Valladar community in Darmen. And civil groups have made great strides to reduce tensions between Valladars and non-Valladars.

AH: Yes, that’s true. But you have to realize that decades of bitterness, suspicion and separation have conditioned both sides to assume the worst of each other and fail to see the situation clearly, as it really is. While both sides appear genuinely eager to see things change, that mental state isn’t going to just disappear overnight. It’ll take time.

GA: So what might that look like?

AH: I don’t think Darmen will need to pass any additional legislation. But the existing legislation might be referenced in a treaty or declaration that could follow any potential negotiations, giving that legislation additional weight. And while I don’t think Rademacher would ever dare give up Darmeni sovereignty over the Southeast Region, I could see some form of semi-autonomy being granted to the region and some sort of Valladar role, probably only as a monitor of sorts, over the region’s administration while maintaining it as part of Darmen’s sovereign territory.

GA: Just a few more questions before I let you go. If there are negotiations, will Darmen and Valladares be equals at the table, or will one side have the upper hand going into them?

AH: Oh, the Valladars will have the clear upper hand heading into any negotiations. They have nothing to lose really, they are far more comfortable with the status quo. They can propose anything they like really without much fear of repercussions. Darmen on the other hand and Rademacher in particular, has to be far more careful. If the negotiations fail, or even if they get delayed any further than they’ve currently been, past the next elections, Rademacher will be unable to achieve his dream of Darmeni membership in the CRC and his presidency will have been for naught.

GA: Does the recent announcement of the construction of a canal connecting the south Xandrian Sea with the Lesser Inland Sea, a canal that Valladares will have a hand in constructing and will greatly benefit from, affect the current status of the relationship between Darmen and Valladares?

AH: Currently? No, not really. The construction of the canal will take at least eight years, if not more. So as things stand, nothing has really changed. But, if relations between the two countries improve before the canal is complete, Darmeni ships might be among those that make the trip through the canal to deliver goods to Valladares and receive goods back in return. So, there are some future economic gains at stake for Darmen.

GA: Last question. How hopeful are you that some resolution can be reached and that Darmen and Valladares can move ahead into the future as friendly neighbors rather than old enemies?

AH: I’m cautiously optimistic. My biggest cause for concern is actually Rademacher, not the Valladars. I’m concerned his ego is going to get in the way. He isn’t just aiming to enter the CRC because he believes it’s the best thing for Darmen. He isn’t just trying to improve relations with Valladares to get into the CRC. He’s doing it in the hopes that he’ll be considered Darmen’s greatest president. He’s doing it in the hopes that he’ll not only be mentioned in the same breath as a top Rushmori leader like Eura’s Amy Yarley, but that he’ll be mentioned before her. He wants to be the greatest leader Rushmore has ever seen and I’m afraid he’ll try to accomplish that here in a situation where he is clearly not the one in the driver’s seat. Whatever happens moving forward, the credit is far more likely to go to Valladar premier Philippe. Rademacher would be much wiser to sit back, wait for the Valladar’s to make their first move and then choose how best to react. He has got to realize that he needs to put his country first, not his need to be the hero. If he can do that, then I think the future is bright. If not, who knows what will happen.

GA: Thank you Professor Harvey. Your insights have been most valuable.

AH: It’s been a pleasure.

Gabriel Arkwright is a staff writer at The Terramidian, where he covers both domestic and international politics.

by **Pasarga** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 7:28 pm

It has been a few years now that Elek Salai has been in and around the senior national team, having signed on at an early age of Ibini FC of Valanora and then performed quite well with the Young Wanderers' in the Di Bradini Cup. After being frustrated at not being made a starter in the last few tournaments, Salai was given his chance to show quality with Júlia Müller being given the tournament off in order to rest after an impressive World Cup campaign. It has been believed that Salai could be the next person in a long line of industrious and talented strikers for the Wanderers, following the line of Alexander Jager, Ingþór Auðbjörnsson, and Alexander Kárpáty. Kirk McDonagh heard the young striker's pleas for that starting opportunity and granted it to the Vanorian based striker, and Salai did not let the opportunity pass him by in the first of the three group stage games for the squad in Mytanija, putting on a show for any Pasargans in the stands and grabbing a brace in a dominating victory over Ancharmunn.

Salai got the side off right, grabbing his first goal just four minutes into the match after some clever interplay on the left wing by Yáñez and Topić, the two showing off the chemistry that they built over the past SuperLiga winning campaign at CA Paulinthal. Topić sent in a driven cross that Salai was able the shake off his marker from and send in a powerful and well placed header past the goalkeeper. Salai would turn into provider a quarter hour later when he dispossessed the Ancharmunn fullback on the left side and quickly sent a dangerous ball through the box that World Cup Qualifying hero Boriska Nagy was the first two, driving home a well struck first time shot into the lower left corner of the goal. It was Nagy's goal in the last game of the qualifiers that secured the victory and in turn the Wanderers' securing their spot in the Finals on the last day of the qualifying campaign, with the striker looking to make her own mark on the team. Márió Szölösi then showed off his brilliant set piece quality with a third goal in the first half in the forty-fourth minute, as his effort kept curling away from the keeper and into the back of the net completing a sublime first half from the team in green.

A comfortable lead after a resounding first half effort, the side seemed to pull back on the reigns a bit in the second half, not pressing as intently as they had during the first half and the Ancharmunn side looking to try and keep the scoreline respectable. Salai thought he had his second of the game in the fifty-first minute but replay showed the striker had started his run a second too early and had strayed offside before putting the ball in the back of the net. He would not be denied in the sixty-eighth minute though when once again the attack came down the left side of the field for the Wanderers, with most of the attacks having originated from that side of the field for the team. Topić fed Földessy forward who put it behind the defense and Salai pouncing onto the through ball and a one touch effort went past the keeper to the right, the second for Salai and the fourth for the Wanderers. It would be the last goal for either side as McDonagh pulled the team back a bit and had them see out the rest of the game to a very impressive four to nothing victory to open up the group.

Next up for the Wanderers is a game against Græntfjall at the Sokolovny in Esca, which looks to be a bit to a boon for their opponents with the Wanderers having to travel for the clash of the top two sides in the group. With both teams putting in very impressive results in their first group stage matches, it is clear to see why they were the favorites to make it out of the group after the draw had been announced. It is these sort of games that the Wanderers have had trouble with in the last few years, against teams that are at a high level. A victory not only puts the Wanderers in the pole position to win the group heading into the last group stage map, but it would also be a huge booster shot of confidence into the team and fanbase that this side is not the same one of the last decade and is quite capable of pulling out results even against formidable opposition.

by **Bollonischian Maribaya** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:45 pm

Maribayan National Football Team

Maribayan football was something that probably didn’t exist until a few years ago. The reason for this is that Maribaya football was basically synonymous with Bollonischian football as the culture was highly similar. The split between Maribaya and Bollonischian football is still not very clear today despite the rift being at its widest right now. A combined decision taken by the BFF and BFS has resulted in the formation of the MFA (Maribaya Football Association) which means a Bollonischian Maribaya team would be taking part in the thirty-eighth iteration of the Copa Rushmori being held in Mytanija.

Squad

Starting 11 (5-4-1)
#1 Maud Arrington (GK) (Age - 19)
#2 Vickie Swallow (RWB) (Age - 30)
#3 Chester Cole (CB) (Age - 24)
#4 Silas Herbert (CB) (Age - 22)
#5 Jilly Wheeler (CB) (Age - 19)
#6 Zane Foster (LWB) (Age - 27)
#7 Marni Godfrey (RM) (Age - 20)
#8 Brandt Boone (CM) (Age - 27)
#9 Maryann Donaldson (CM) (Age - 20)
#10 Blake Styles (LM) (Age - 24)
#11 Lenora Patterson (CF) (Age - 18)

Bench
#12 Lenora Patterson (GK) (Age - 31)
#13 Melissa Davidson (CB) (Age - 32)
#14 Reed Twist (CB) (Age - 19)
#15 Ashton Skinner (LWB/RWB) (Age - 19)
#16 Tillie Stacy (CM) (Age - 26)
#17 Silvia Lucas (LM/RM) (Age - 22)
#18 Bunny Adam (CF) (Age - 20)

Head Coach - Danna Garry (Age - 42)

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent role-plays first they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
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: N

Style Mode : -5

by **Nyowani Kitara** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:02 am

The Turning Point- Part I

A series on the political evolution of socialist Nyowani Kitara, from a relatively free and open socialist society for about 60 years, and the turning point to a much more repressive and military dominated society for the last 30 or so years, including the present day, with a political system dominated by the Akongo Family.

There have been many turning points in Nyowani Kitara history. However, this goes back approximately 30 years. This is an equivalent time period to the anti-communist revolutions in Nyowani Kitara's closely allied neighbors, Græntfjall & Tikariot, with the revolutionary fever spreading to Nyowani Kitara as well.

This part focuses on the original reaction of the Politburo of the protests in Græntfjall & Tikariot, and when they first overflowed to Nyowani Kitara.

President Tinavo Kutamba was sitting, stressed out. Four years through his lone six year term at the top, he had enjoyed his time at the top of Nyowani Kitara's complicated political system. It was a system of one party rule, via the Kitara Progressive Worker's Coalition(KPWC, aka the state communist party), but also one that tried to balance party rule in a country with such diversity, and a unique history, like Nyowani Kitara's.

But revolutionary fever was reaching North Rushmore. The allied union consisting of Græntfjall & Tikariot was starting to fall. The people were taking to the streets. And the protests were not limited to Græntfjall & Tikariot- they were starting to hit Nyowani Kitara as well. Port Viljan was seeing protests. The capitol City, Dewayo, was also seeing protests. They were growing in number, as well. Police estimates of nearly 5,000 in the capitol before the police broke them up? But they were simply going to come back in bigger and better numbers.

And that was why the Exec Committee of the Politburo was meeting. President Kutamba, who was the General Secretary of the KPWC with three of his closest advisors. General Zelotes Akongo, who was both the Minister of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission. Oskar Okland, the Deputy Chairman of the KPWC who also served as the Foreign Minister. Okland, in this multi-racial communist state, was the only white man on the Exec Committee. And, last but not least, Chazaso Dindi. He served as an Executive Appointee to the Executive Committee, and as the Chief Information Officer for the Party, which oversaw public media in the country. He was nicknamed the Propoganda Minister by foreign counterparts.

When they all got into the room, the President sat down. "We need to figure out exactly what is going on here." The President said. "Are Græntfjall & Tikariot going to fall? If they fall, we cannot fall alongside them. We need to uphold the government."

Oskar Okland then started speaking. "The international community is changing all around us. Just us and Yuezhou as true revolutarionary believers in North Rushmore will be a problem. But of course, we can't effect events in Græntfjall & Tikariot. But we need to change alongside the tides. We see how the tides are going in those countries. We need to liberalize a little bit. Reform to save the system, to save communism, to save our way of life."

"We must repress these protests!" General Akongo said. "It is the protesters that threaten our way of life. Soldiers and police are not responding adequately in our neighbors, that is their problem. But we have to concern ourselves with our own country. We must put these protests away. Respond with power. And with the protests happening abroad- a heavy hand is the only way. Get the police out there. Get the army out there. Dwarf their numbers. Make them feel it. These protests against our rule must be destroyed."

The debate went on and on. The four man Exec Committee eventually had the President, Okland, and Dindi on the reformist side of the debate, while General Akongo was on the other side. Of course, they knew how things worked- nobody would ever publicly oppose a decision of the President. But General Akongo figured that the path the President chose here was doomed for failure. Nevertheless- the President was the President, and since he had a majority of the Exec Committee on his side, he was going to launch this idea forward. The President was going to open up the political system.

When he gave his speech the next day to the full Politburo, it got the attention of the global media. "We have heard the cries of our people as they protest in Dewayo and across our country." The President said. "This is a multi-racial, class-extinguishing socialist republic. Of, by, and for the worker. When the people speak, their government responds. We have a ground breaking announcement- we will allow, on a trial basis, open elections for local governments. Specifically, for the city council here in Dewayo, our capitol."

"It is a beacon of light. We will remove the restrictions on other political parties. We will allow campaigns. And we will invite, for the first time, international observers to conduct a free and fair election here in Dewayo. On a trial period, and if that goes well, we will see what happens from there. The KPWC looks forward to campaigning for the Mayoralty in our capitol and largest city, and we look forward to a new dawn shining upon Nyowani Kitara."

The absolutely stunning news. 4 month timeline for the elections set. Legalization of other parties? Campaigning in the nation's capitol? A lot could happen in 4 months- but could this revolution survive the four month period and bring Nyowani Kitara's first free and fair elections in nearly 60 years?

by **Savojarna** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:22 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Calm, collected, and deadly: Northlights impose themselves on San Ortelio

By Jaukka Halanen

Thessia, MYT - Thessia has a special place in the heart of Savojar fans as the site of the famous 4-3 over Eura in the CR31 semifinal. However, their return to Mytanija’s most populous city did not lead them to the Novi Atletskistadion, but to the much smaller and older Stadion Yolanda Savic in the city’s Caleta neighbourhood. The opposition was San Ortelio, the third seed of the group; like in any “top two advance” group, this was the most important opponent to beat. Savojarna also showed that they were much aware of that significance, sending out a top squad centered around Maersk and Poulsen, who got picked over Rika Lundell to provide some physicality in the centre. Much writing was done over the striker question, but Nweke and Ehlers seemed to click straight away, making for a silencing of the critics after just a few minutes as the Falourr hanging striker let himself fall off to get a ball from Poulsen, side-stepped Moscati for a pass and found Nweke for a first shot landing over the goal.

San Ortelio were clear on their intent, unwilling to make the game but defensively extremely stable (only two shots in the first twenty minutes for Savojarna) and dangerous on the counter. Gianmarco del Prete almost found a gap to send off Garofalo, but Roman Forsberg just about stopped that attempt after a bit more than fifteen minutes. The Savojars, faced with this situation, were pressing high and controlling the game, although with a low level of their own threat, seemingly knowing their chances would come. Twenty-five minutes in, Voynov showed that the decision would probably come off a single action, dribbling past Alessio Rota in a swift motion, but the winger’s shot was blocked nonetheless by Pietro Mazziero, and the following corner for Savojarna did not bring the desired decision. Savojarna did strike gold a little later, however, as Skov found leisure to join the attack. The rightback exchanged a one-two with Jashkin and pulled into the space opened up as Gagliano followed Jashkin to the inside, crossing to the centre where Nweke could (sort of) win his aerial duel against Salvatore Moscati and lay the ball back to the centre, where Ehlers rushed in for a shot from twelve metres that Lanzafame had no business stopping.

With the Northlights leading at half time, the pace slowed down just a little bit as Savojarna appeared content to hold the ball in midfield, gently prodding their opposition, and otherwise restraining themselves to brutally pressing I Spada the moment they got onto the ball. Victoria Maersk, who played a splendid match, controlled Gianmarco del Prete in conjunction with a high defensive line, isolating Garofalo up front. However, that did not stop Di Masi to find a long ball to a roaming Giacomo Favaro, who cleverly utilised Skov’s overlapping tendency to find a gap. This pass was what led to San Ortelio’s best chance after an hour as Favaro found Garofalo, but closely marked by Roman Forsberg, Il Buffalo did not manage more than a rather manageable header that Pakanen saved easily. Still, it appeared to have kickstarted a desire in Savojarna to do a bit more to control the pace, and perhaps to secure their right flank as Strauss opted to sub on Milla Viipuri shortly after.

The bag was closed for Savojarna after a bit more than seventy minutes thanks to a singular action by Voynov, who took out a gassed looking Rota with his first touch and then elegantly turned past Mazziero, before striking in the near corner and standing still putting his fist on the Savojarna badge on his chest in celebration as his teammates coalesced around him. Proud, elegant, and defiant, it was a display of all that Krister Voynov is about, and the second goal for Savojarna. Strauss was clearly not in a mood to risk anything, and took off Ehlers for Lovisa Tedenby shortly thereafter, strengthening the centre in what was now effectively a 4-4-1-1 with only Poulsen and Nweke pressing, along with one winger. The change made San Ortelio look a bit more stable, but also removed the last bit of threat that I Spada head, resulting in a calm final part of the game. Kaisa Gyldenström, making her debut in tournament football, at least left a mark as she tunnelled Gagliano late in the game, but made little to nothing from the opportunity, leaving the game state at 2-0.

The victory leaves Savojarna in the lead of the group as Darmen have drawn Bollonich spectacularly in a 4-4. This means that as the Savojars move to the Novi Zavej Park in Arsika, likely the furthest from their home base near Descaa they will play at, a victory over Darmen would already secure advancement to the next round. In case of a draw between Bollonich and San Ortelio, it would even secure group victory. In the light of this opportunity, and Darmen being the second seed of the group, chances are we will see a near-unchanged squad in the next match.

Savojarna 2-0 San Ortelio (1-0)
Stadion Yolanda Savic, Thessia (MYT) - attendance: 25’000 (sold out)

Goals: 38’ Ehlers 1-0 (Nweke). 74’ Voynov 2-0 (Pedersen).
Yellow cards: 26’ Mazziero, 52’ Skov, 82’ Confalonieri (all foul).
Remarks: --

Savojarna: Pakanen - Pedersen, Zirkova, Forsberg, Skov (59’ Viipuri) - Voynov, Maersk, Poulsen, Jashkin (82’ Gyldenström) - Nweke, Ehlers (77’ Tedenby).

by **San Isidro Labrador** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:13 am

Alguien dijo que el poder político empieza al cañón de un arma; quizás no en todos lugares, pero en San Isidro Labrador, así es.

(Someone said that political power begins at the barrel of a gun; maybe not everywhere, but in San Isidro Labrador, so it is.)

Part 2: The caciquismo of the founding

The exploration of Cristóbal Colón and others for Spain in the waning years of the 15th century and the early days of the 16th century paved the way for the multicontinental Spanish Empire of the 16th-19th centuries. However, San Isidro Labrador was not one of the first areas to be claimed by Spain. It was not until the mid-16th century, at the outset of the reign of Philip II, when a small flotilla carrying soldiers, missionaries, and settlers originally intended for La Florida somehow lost its way in the midst of a great storm and blundered into Rushmore that San Isidro Labrador was founded. In fact, San Isidro Labrador was not called by that name initially. When the ships landed, they gave thanks to Saint Elmo, patron of sailors, for having preserved them from the storm and named both the island and the first settlement on the west side of the island San Erasmo. Not long after landfall (28 April), the colony was struggling to adapt farming techniques to the new environment, when legend has it that Saint Isidore the Farm Labourer (San Isidro Labrador) appeared to settlers around the island. He taught them how to farm in their new environs, and angels drove the oxen and ploughs for the crops, just as they had done for San Isidro Labrador when he was alive. In thanksgiving for this miracle, the settlers renamed the island for their patron saint. Of course, modern-day observers are skeptical of this story, preferring to credit the branch of the indigenous Rushmori Wigu people who lived on the island for having saved the settlers, but it remains an article of faith in primary schools around the country.

Regardless of exactly how the settlement was saved, the Spanish began cultivating the land and building a proper settlement. The settlers were not exactly sure where they were, but subsequent coastal voyages revealed them to be on an island. Without any real idea of how they got there, the military leadership resolved to re-provision and try to find a way back to Spain to report on their findings. Instead of sailing east to Rushmore, a succession of ships sailed west to find Spain; two expeditions over two years never returned, but the third in the third year of the colony returned having successfully made contact with Spain. It came back with a relatively sparse group of supplies, new settlers, and a few more soldiers and friars, but no large Spanish force that might have portended a large-scale conquest of the island.

In the meantime, the settlers had expanded over other parts of the island, establishing small villages and missions in addition to San Erasmo, the first major city and first capital. They had also come into contact with settlers from the area now known as Donnacona, living in the mountains of the northeast. The presence of scattered small villages, indigenous Wigu settlements, and the Donnaconans, encouraged a decentralised political system, since there were multiple sources of power on the island. Subsequent skirmishes with each of the different groups revealed that no one group could dominate the island. In the absence of a central authority, the power of large landowners who could command feudal peasant militias, the missions who could call on converted Wigus, and the nominal government based in San Erasmo that utilised what soldiers there were, became the determining factors of the political situation in San Isidro Labrador. Those who could bring the most military force to bear in their own small demesne became those who controlled resources and decision-making on the island. The authority of the Crown was tolerated, but sharply limited.

In the ensuing years, the sporadic contact between San Isidro Labrador and Spain gave it the name "La Colonia Olvidada (The Forgotten Colony)", as Spanish authority rested lightly on the island. Philip II was focused far more on Europe, and Philip III and IV inherited far too many challenges at home to deal with this lightly-regarded colony. Charles II, of course, could not effectively run the empire due to his condition, so San Isidro Labrador endured more than a century of local despotism, during which time new settlements were founded and the importance of San Erasmo faded as inland bosses with large landholdings came to decide more and more on the island. This changed with the victory of the Bourbons in the War of Spanish Succession, as news reached the island and the beleaguered viceroy left at the head of a delegation to beg the new Philip V for the restoration of order.

San Isidro Labrador 3-4 Hispinas

SIL Goalscorers: Godoy 17', Villalobos 68', Carrière 90+1'

by **San Ortelio** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:32 am

The fourth confrontation played under the banner of the Copa Rushmori in Ortelian history and still not more had been achieved than a soulless draw in a dead rubber. All other occasions had seen I Spada being pummeled by opposition in a weight class above theirs. The Mytanar climate was not particularly known for being exotic and yet, as the players returned from the chilly Thessian evening into their dressing room, small clouds of damp came off their arms which quickly filled the dressing room. If points were handed out on work rate, the Ortelians would not have gone home pointless but here they were, giving football class in front of a crowd.

Being the first of the squad to makes his way in, ‘Il Buffalo’ Garofalo loudly stomped open the door, took of his shirt and threw it to the floor, the mud stains splattering the white which had not yet been trampled by twenty-ish pair of boots. His mood was below freezing point and someone was going to have an earful of it. The victim in case, by a combination of factors, was Domenico Cappa. The young midfielder grew in stature after making a big international move and felt he had to back this up with a growing role off the pitch. Formerly a leader in the victorious Di Bradini Cup team, it was undoubted that he would one day take up that role in the national eleven as well – but the judges weren’t out yet on the timeline of that shift. With a calm and gracious gesture, Cappa lifted the shirt and placed it on the bench next to Garofalo. The fuming striker ogled him as if wondering in which orifice from Cappa he would put the shirt.

“For fuck’s sake, Dom’, stop being such a suck-up,” Garofalo muttered between his teeth.
“Manners don’t cost nothing,” the youngster calmly replied, the later words overshadowed by a large groan.

Garofalo rose and leaned forward to the central midfielder. Being over a meter ninety and with the build of a professional wrestler, Garofalo had spent enough times in dressing rooms to know that gave his words that little bit of extra weight.

“Being the cleaning lady doesn’t make you a leader, it’s not being shit on the grass.”

Most of the team had streamed in now and reactions varied – some ogled to the captain, but Del Prete had earned his ribbon on footballing skills rather than people management and quietly took off his shoes in the corner. A few, especially younger, teammates had had beef with Garofalo before and looked to step in, whilst a string of veterans had had it with the DBC generation – they walzed into the squad and could do no wrong for the press, but the results this cycle weren’t any better, even to the contrary. And then you had those such as Romeo Gozzi, who just wanted to see the world burn and shouted “ow, I wouldn’t let him say that” behind their hand. Cappa and Garofalo stood nose to nose, even if the former needed to stand on his tippytoes for that.

“We all worked our asses off to stop Ehlers and Poulsen and that f’ing annoying run-around of a Voynov, we gave everything,” Cappa spoke, trying to remain composed but there was a slight vibrato in his voice.
“I fucking put pressure for ninety minutes and got one proper pass. One! You just stood there, hiding in the defense.”

A part of Cappa wanted to defuse the situation but it was stronger than himself – he turned around but not without muttering.

“And you did nothing with that good cross, you just headed it to the goalie like a regular ‘vacca’.”

‘Vacca’. Or ‘cow’. The term used by the haters for the fairly immobile forward worked like a red drape on a (pardon the theme) bull. With one of his gigantic hands, Garofalo grabbed Cappa by the shoulder and with the other, he searched for something to smack him in the face with. Within seconds, mayhem ensued – two players tried to get in between the two rivals and did it so energetically that they entangled with one another, the fairly bulky Buglia tried to reach piece by a feeble attempt to contain Garofalo whilst Catrallo teammate Moreschini dived into Cappa. Sounds of pushing, shouting, hitting and yet, somehow, the voice from Del Prete resounded through it crystal clear – like the bell in church which silences the crowd instantaneously.

“Looks like Bollonich got a spectacular draw against Darmen,” Del Prete said it with the seriousness of a news reporter, “think they can handle a bunch of infighting whiners as well. We lost to a better team, what did you expect? All I want, all I need is a chance to get our revenge against Darmen and, well, this…” and he waved across the dressing room where the majority of the group lay in one big heap of flailing arms and ripped shirt, “… this is not getting us there. Then game three is just gonna be a dead rubber. Again.”

And with that, he calmly removed his second sock, grabbed his towel and stepped to the showers.

Copa Rushmori 38 - Everything Thread (Rushmore only)

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