CAFA Cup III: This time it's Regional -- Signup/Bid Thread

[CAFA]

Signup Post is Updated to this point. Now, it's time for a host vote -- please read the following for details.

There are four bids to host CAFA Cup III:

Ko-oren (Casaran, xkor, SQIS)
Mertagne (Groups with Foxsal, xkor, SQIS)
Savigliane (Group Draft, Legal's scorinator sheet, RADICAL)
Cocoabo Forest (Vanilla with a possible twist, xkor, NSFS)

All users with a nation currently signed up, or who entered CAFA 2 and plan to sign up for CAFA 3 are asked to cast a vote via TG listing the four host bids from most to least preferred; if there are bids you would reject outright if they were the only option remaining, you may add a preference option to reject all remaining bids. You may also choose to list fewer than four options on your ballot -- your vote will still be counted.

Note to bidders: you may vote, and your vote will be counted when you are eliminated.

Please send your vote via TG to CAFA by the deadline, which is currently Wednesday March 2, 2022 at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

To determine a winner, I will start by counting all first preferences from the votes cast; if a majority of votes cast is in favor of one bid (or the option to reject all bids) over all other possibilities, that bid will be the winner. If nobody has a majority on the first round of counting, I will check to see if any bid would lose a head-to-head with the option to reject all bids; any bids where that's the case will be eliminated. If any bid survives this, the option to reject all bids will also be eliminated (since we know it can't be an outright majority against everyone). Counting will then continue, with any votes whose first preference was eliminated reallocated to their top remaining preference; if this second (and further rounds) do not result in a majority from the ballots whose preferences have not been exhausted, the bid with the fewest votes in that round will be eliminated, and an additional round of counting will happen after those votes have been reallocated to their top remaining preference.

[Flavovespia]

Introduction

Flavovespia enter CAFA Cup 3 following a disappointing World Cup Qualifiers 90 campaign, redeemed a little bit by results at the Cup of Harmony 82. In the region of Anaia however, a 3rd place in CAFA2 means Flavovespia come into this tournament hoping that maybe they could go a little bit better this time. Despite some big names in the region, Flavovespia managed to get the better of plenty last time, and the island nation in the south of the region is coming in with dreams of another good tournament.
Flavovespia’s one hundred percent rate of Cup of Harmony qualification continues, as the streak extends to 8. The Anaian island nation, home to a little over 20’000’000 humans, will again support their side in the Cup of Harmony, as the side dream of going further than the Quarter Finals, or at the very least into the group stage. The national team is nicknamed “The Hornets”, from the, thankfully benign insects that also populate the island. Said hornets are also responsible for the etymology of the nation.

Kit

Home-Away-Third

Squad

Manager

Manager – Augusto Rinaldi Age: 57 (Savigliane)


The first non-Flavovespian to manage Flavovespia, Augusto Rinaldi has ridden out the tough start of WCQ90 to increase his job security. The success of CAFA2 brought him some time, and the tactical shift and change in starting XI helped him well. He’s generally seen as a good man manager, but has developed a good nuanced tactical approach, although he still has his favoured methods.

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Goalkeepers

1 Lucky Diamond Age: 30 Position: GK Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 26 Goals: 0
12 Aarif Muhammad Age: 28 Position: GK Club: Rockridge Phoenix [BRE] Caps: 96 Goals: 0
23 Thomas Foley Age: 26 Position: GK Club: Bavingtor Caps: 0 Goals: 0

The change in the #1 jersey suggests that, for now, Augusto Rinaldi is likely to give Lucky Diamond the chance to continue on in goal for Flavovespia as the first choice. Even if domestically he’s been a little bit shaky, and is prone to being very eccentric, he can still be a great goalkeeper on his day. He plays the sweeper keeper role very well, and seems very composed in terms of goalkeeping, even if he’s prone to drama. Aarif Muhammad at only 28 is still very capable though of regaining the starting spot, if he can just clear out his inconsistencies. And Thomas Foley, whilst uncapped, has shown real promise at Bavingtor, likened to David Meehan, and if Flavovespia do end up with a dead rubber game here, he could get a first cap.

Defenders

2 Kishan Rees Age: 27 Position: LWB Club: Binclestead Wood FC Caps: 36 Goals: 0
3 David Blythe Age: 30 Position: RWB Club: Kytheas Rivermen [TKT] Caps: 133 Goals: 0
4 Stuart Cookson Age: 26 Position: CB Club: Marthorpe City FC Caps: 36 Goals: 0
5 Tony Gardner Age: 33 Position: CB Club: Newrook City FC [NPH] Caps: 206 Goals: 6
13 David Lyons Age: 27 Position: LB Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 85 Goals: 3
14 Paul Taylor Age: 21 Position: CB Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 0 Goals: 0
15 Vivek Soni Age: 31 Position: CB Club: Garden City FC Caps: 0 Goals: 0
16 Andrew Dance Age: 24 Position: RB Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 32 Goals: 0

2 new defenders join the ranks, but first, lets look at the returning players. The wing backs in the back 4 seemed to work last time, giving a bit more to the attack with minimal sacrifice to defensive quality. It’s no surprise to see Kishan Rees and David Blythe return then, in the #2 and #3 shirts. The question on the best centre-back pairing may finally have been answered. The tall and strong Stuart Cookson finally seems to have found his feet at international level, and is beginning to seem like a long-term option at this position. Whilst Tony Gardner may not quite be the defender he once was, it seems he wants to make the last caps he can get count, finally seeming to drop the perceived selfish attitude. David Lyons and Andrew Dance remain rotation options if more defence minded full backs are needed, although the former has a bit of attacking talent. Paul Taylor and Vivek Soni also receive call ups. Paul Taylor recently started to break into the Langmere Green Rovers first team, and he showed he could quickly get up to speed with the game. Augusto Rinaldi sees potential in him, and thus he’s in this squad, and hopefully not just as a learning experience but as a member who can contribute. Vivek Soni was a rotation option at Langmere Green Rovers, ironically Paul Taylor pushed him down the pecking order. However at new club Garden City, he had a brilliant season, and despite reaching 31, deserves a chance to show he can bring domestic experience to the side. Both are typical no-nonsense centre backs, don’t expect flamboyance from them, but don’t expect them to shy out of the tough challenges.

Midfielders

6 David Clark Age: 31 Position: CDM Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 109 Goals: 14
7 Kieron Player Age: 26 Position: CDM Club: Lanar [CMT] Caps: 81 Goals: 3
8 Robert Totten Age: 30 Position: CAM Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 67 Goals: 16
11 Steven Hall Age: 35 Position: RAM Club: Loxthorpe Rovers FC Caps: 223 Goals: 91
17 Sachin Gupta Age: 27 Position: CDM Club: Garden City FC Caps: 0 Goals: 0
18 David Wassell Age: 24 Position: CDM Club: St Astons City FC Caps: 15 Goals: 0
19 Jonathan Bagshaw Age: 20 Position: RAM Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 17 Goals: 5
20 Andrew Thomas Age: 27 Position: LM Club: Marthorpe City FC Caps: 4 Goals: 0

A spread of age and experience across the midfield. Starting with Steven Hall, the captain and most capped player of the side. His brilliance for Flavovespia can't be overstated, but at 35, the whispers he may be past it are getting louder. It remains to be seen if he remains a starter, and if CAFA3 or WCQ91 could be his last tournament. If he doesn’t start, then Jonathan Bagshaw, a breakout star in WCQ90 for Flavovespia, and a prodigal talent who’s been compared to the captain, will likely replace him. Then again Bagshaw has also been deployed as a left attacking midfielder, and a central attacking midfielder at club level before. The David Clark – Kieron Player midfield combination has always seemed good on paper, but on the pitch has not always delivered. Nevertheless, it worked decently in COH82, and with the focus on having 2 midfielders sit deeper, Clark and Player slotted into their roles well. Robert Totten will be given a lot of freedom to roam forward towards the front 3, and who wouldn’t allow him that with his attacking prowess and link up play? Andrew Thomas remains in the squad as an option to play on the left of the front 3, he’s not quite got going at international level but domestically, is a real handful. David Wassell has begin to show a real usefulness as a midfield substitute, although he’s not hit the same levels as Clark or Player yet. Sachin Gupta receives his first call up. He’s got a real motor to him, always chasing down the ball, then trying to progress it quickly.

Forwards

9 Michael Cole Age: 26 Position: CF Club: Langmere Green Rovers FC Caps: 69 Goals: 21
10 Scott Coleman Age: 32 Position: CF Club: Aries Chariots [NPH] Caps: 200 Goals: 125
21 Anthony Hannigan Age: 27 Position: CF Club: Kings Lunsel FC Caps: 13 Goals: 0
22 Robin King Age: 23 Position: CF Club: Apsbrooke FC Caps: 0 Goals: 0

The first two names aren’t a big surprise here. Scott Coleman, despite a difficult WCQ90, especially as interim captain, is Flavovespia’s all time top goalscorer. However at 32, age will take a toll soon, and it won’t be long before dropping him for underperformance wouldn’t be an outrage. Michael Cole has spent time in the national setup on the left wing of the front 3. A pacey striker with a great eye for goal as well, the only criticism of him is a tendency to go for goal instead of looking for teammates, and a bit of a poor temperament. Anthony Hannigan remains in the squad, his international form is somewhat lacklustre, but domestically he’s hard to fault. Robin King (no relation to James King), gets his first call up. Very much a deceptive striker, he doesn’t look particularly quick or strong, but he can certainly catch out defenders who overlook him, even if he is prone to missing the easy chances. Nevertheless, a few good seasons at Apsbrooke, and he’s been given a chance to show his potential.

Tactics

Augusto Rinaldi has Flavovespia playing in an evolution of a 4-3-3. The centre backs sit back, with the full backs pushing forward. Coverage at the back is also provided by 2 of the midfield trio, one of which will try and act as a playmaker, with the central midfielder allowed to roam forward. The wide forwards need to be adept at shooting or passing at goal, with the centre forward playing a bit of a false 9 role. Vertical, direct football is the key, with all players needing to make quick decisions, and try and pass to any player free as soon as possible.


Schedule:
MD2 Yesopalitha (N) Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio
MD3 Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land (N) Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio
MD4 Aleirave (N) Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio
MD5 Cocoabo Forest (N) Stadio del Mare, Porto Vecchio
Ro16 Kotzellach (N) Stade Auguste Rys, L’Escarene
QF The Karodin Tetrarchy (N) Parc Océanique, Trinité

Predicted Starting XI:
MD2: Diamond, Rees-Cookson-Gardner-Blythe, Clark-Totten-Player, Cole-Coleman-Hall(c)
MD3: Diamond, Rees-Cookson-Gardner-Blythe, Clark-Totten-Player, Cole-Coleman-Hall(c)
MD4: Diamond, Rees-Cookson-Gardner-Blythe, Clark-Totten-Player, Cole-Coleman-Hall(c)
MD5: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-Soni-Gardner-Dance, Clark-Totten-Wassell, Bagshaw-Cole-Hall(c)
Ro16: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-Soni-Gardner-Dance, Clark-Totten-Wassell, Bagshaw-King-Hall(c)
QF: Aarif Muhammad, Lyons-Soni-Gardner-Dance, Clark-Totten-Wassell, Bagshaw-Cole-Hall(c)

Style Mod: 0

Code: Select all

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

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

Code: Select all

OOC Info: The year in Flavovespia is 37AU. Player ages and teams are from the start of the year, prior to the opening of the next transfer window, and canonically this is after the domestic season I’m yet to post. TG me or Discord me if you need some IC or OOC info for RP purposes.

[Huayramarca]

OOC: This is a WIP.

Football Federation of Huayramarca



Official Roster for the 3^rd CAFA

About Huayramarca: The Plurinational State of Huayramarca, also known as ”Huayramarca Mamallaqta” in Quechua and ”Huayramarca Suyu” in Aymara (literally: Windy Country), is an extraordinarily diverse nation in terms of geography that’s located in Anaia. Crossing three time zones, from the islands, reaching the coast, hiking the mountains and then sliding into the jungle, passing massive cordilleras such as the Andes, a nation with 36 million inhabitants that is composed by 9 different ethnical groups.

Huayramarca as such is a relatively new nation for the traditional standards of it, since it was constituted on 1822 (currently, we sit on 1984 according to the Inca Calendar), the main focus of building this nation was to help different ethnic groups to gather force into the region, in order to be recognized multiversally as a nation, hence, may gather some international protection in case their rights would be abused all of a sudden by an external force.

Being completely ignorant on what was happening on the neighbourhood, the Aymara, Quechua, Shuar, Guarani, Montubio, Tsáchila, Huaorani, Andoa and Candoshi ethnics decided to form the Republic with the support of neighbouring nations such as the Royal Kingdom of Québec. Migration from Québec happened in the late XIX century, mostly peoples known as ”Guayabalenses” decided to move in order to seek a stable place for their families, considering that their home soil was apparently brushed off the map by a dictator called “Gregory”. That last point forced the Huayramarcans into a stronger union in order to survive.

Until the middle XX century, Huayramarca managed to survive economically from llama, alpaca and vicuña herding, since its skins are highly valuable in neighbouring Québec due to their strong winters; also, coffee production helped Huayramarca to build some solid institutions that promoted national expansion near the neighbouring Cocoabo Forest, that place is “La Selva”, a lush but quite dangerous forest with hundreds of rivers that come from the Andes. After some years of exploration, the authorities met the first indigenous peoples of the zone, which were exploited in order to produce rubber for tires and some mysterious chickens that were produced to do even more mysterious sacrifices to a deity, which the local people and even the rest of Huayramarca wasn’t able to understand how she works, granted, it’s not even a part of the Incan Mythology which includes Inti(the Sun god) and others.

Said abuses committed against the jungle inhabitants caused a heavy political turmoil around 1950, which formed a divide in the nation that still remains until today: Serranos (highlanders), Costeños (coastals) against selváticos (jungle inhabitants); Those divides weren’t noticeable in economic terms but politically, with constant attempts of coup ‘d etat against the government. That situation caused some issues with the neighbouring Québec, who neglected to support financially any of those groups if they don’t manage to cooperate between themselves in order to provide prosperity to a heavily hunger-suffering nation back in the time.

Aymara and Quechua peoples took the power during the remaining part of the 50’s until 1969. On that period, Huayramarca suffered the effects of a severe number of “huaycos” (mudslides) caused by heavy rain storms across the entire Huayramarcan Sierra, those events killed at least 300,000 people and urged for an attempt to reincorporate Huayramarca back into normality, but, how? The main bet of the government was to aim for the tourism industry, spamming the developed nations of Anaia in order to make some tourists visit sacred places such as Illimani (a mountain that’s devoted as god for the Aymara folk), Huayna Picchu (the royal Incan palace for Quechua) and the sun-drenched coast ranging from Guayaquil to Lima (specially Montañita, the best beach par excellence in northern Anaia).

The formula was working decently, since the economy was reporting high growth numbers, but seemed to cause some lack of satisfaction on certain zones of the country, especially on the Jungle. Their inhabitants decided to support the Costeño elite in order to beat the Serrano government. 1969 election would be marked for the Huayramarcan history by the magnitude of the sabotage made against the current government, to the point of bribery or killings for their supporters, those incidents made the Costeño elite take control of government and focus even more on the Coast and Jungle, leaving aside the Sierra.

Currently, Huayramarca has a huge wealth gap between zones, the coast boasts the fact of being the economic engine of the nation despite the fact that the capital city is in the Sierra, while the Jungle is slowly developing with some cities such as Sechura, Florencia, Virú and several others boosted by oil findings and rubber production. Sierra may be in disadvantage, but recent developments in neighbouring nations may make them turn relevant once again in the nation, since lithium batteries demand is growing up and Huayramarca’s Sierra possesses one of the biggest reserves of said mineral of the entire multiverse.

Basically, Huayramarca is a nation of contrasts and never—ending conflicts that’s well into the deep borehole named “the natural resource course” a hard situation to overcome due to the lack of proper education, critical thinking and result-focused mindset on the population, that constantly seeks for shelter in entertainment industries such as soap operas, music, and now football. From power struggles between Costeño elites and Serrano social movements such as Ñucanchi Ñan, who uprose against Hugo Mina, a Costeño president, in order to defend the Aymara holy land of Mount Illimani from mining exploitation to the current political order, where Ñucanchi Ñan rules comfortably but shows some signs of rustiness, something that new leaderships will try to capitalise in this electoral year. This will be the first opportunity for Huayramarcans to participate in a truly free process and may prove vital to shift the current present of Huayramarca to a future of stability or keep it stagnated.

The focus of the mainstream agenda is over sustainable economic growth, taking care of the environment and inclusion of minorities, something that is being well received by many people in the nation. This environment has led to an increase in nationalism, since the national unity is being fostered as a State Policy; sports, especially football is being the main vehicle to promote that sense. As for now, the Huayramarcan Football Federation budget has been increased 20x in order to aim for success in short-term, also aiming to send players overseas and developing techniques to enhance the player's physical and technical shape.

The latter said efforts aren't stopping despite the meagre results obtained by the Condors during the last year, to the contrary, part of said funding have diverted in attempts to build a football pyramid across the nation and creating a strong network of academies and scouting that might help, in the near future, to recruit some fresh talent that could provide Huayramarca some weapons that might help the nation to achieve their first ever World Cup Finals appearance.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Estado Plurinacional de Huayramarca - The Plurinational State of Huayramarca.
Motto: Revolución o Muerte ¡Venceremos!
National Anthem: ¡Oh, Huayramarca! - Lyrics
Capital City: Huayramarca D.M. (Distrito Metropolitano) - Huayramarcan Metropolitan District.
Highest Point: Nevado Inti (7,920 masl)
Currency: Inti (I$ 1 = N$ 0.33)
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (main); Six other indigenous languages.

Huayramarcan Football History: As a society, Huayramarcans enjoy sports a lot, especially when politics may turn the nation into a chaos every second, they just want to run away from that horrible and desperate situation and may try luck on football.

Considering the levels of poverty on Huayramarca, many young people may give a shot for football in the chaotic Liga 1 or lower tiers, with the hopes of achieving a decent salary that may help their families to get away from poverty and huayco-prone neighbourhoods. Liga 1 has fourteen teams from different parts of the country, mostly focused on the Sierra and Costa regions since those are the most heavily populated ones. The recent decisions taken in the Government and the Huayramarcan Football Federation, where they ended a ban on transferring players to foreign teams, has filled with optimism and illusion a lot of youngsters, that now aim to be another Huayramarcan playing abroad.

Immediately after the HFF creation, the president of the Plurinational State, Hugo Mina (Costeño), thought it would be a great idea to form a fringe squad for the AOCAF and then try to make it into Baptism of Fire or World Cup Qualifiers, hence he asked for Eliezer González (head of the Huayramarcan Football Federation) to try and apply for said tournaments. He sent notes in order to sign-up for those events, but he sent them incorrectly, at AOCAF, he sent it to a grandmother living up near the Andean Organization for Coffee, Agriculture and Forests (located at Cumbayá) instead of sending it to the proper AOCAF tournament organizing committee, which turned González into laughing stock for several weeks in Huayramarca. Despite that, González managed to sign-up properly for the WC, despite he was rejected for BoF because he applied to the “Burger of Fire” and not the Baptism of Fire.

After all, the HFF managed to convince 25 players from the amateur-ish Liga 1 sides to build the National Team, whose nickname is resumed to “Kuntur” (The Condors), all those players ranged from being high school students, to chemists, bus drivers, and even people from the local tavern, whose preference is revealed on how they named their team “Real Ebriedad”, which was later supported by Cristalina, the main brewery firm from Huayramarca. Those 25 players decided to investigate some football techniques and decided to apply them at the different games they played on the inaugural Liga 1.

Nothing that would be possible without the support of Omar Caicedo, a Costeño who migrated to Québec and decided to learn some football techniques while managing Beyreuth University, where he won three national titles out of eight seasons on his span with them. Caicedo is a fan of high-pressure football, known as “gegenpressing” or “El Huayco” as Huayramarcans may call if (specially Serranos, since they might be quite shy or sometimes plain dumb that doesn’t like to attack) Anyways, Caicedo’s strategy proved right on some matches played by Huayramarca against their northern neighbour, the Royal Kingdom of Québec, beating them 5-1 at Huayramarca’s Estadio Nacional (located at 4,012 masl only?!…) and tying 2-2 at Iqaluit’s Ice Hockey Rink (that’s what the players thought at playing in a frozen city… ¡Achachay!) If you wonder what’s ¡Achachay! Well, figure out you’re on top of the mountain receiving wind and gelid weather right into you, if you did it, welcome to Huayramarcan’s sense of cold shivering!

Well, coming back to football, Caicedo’s devotion for 4-2-3-1 has been unquestionable, he always loves to boast of having a neat defence, two defending mid fielders that may aim to recover possession when needed, or even having one of them switching to creative duties in support of the team’s brain, Ian Mamani, then, two wingers feeding the sole striker up in the middle of the box. That striker may often go back and try to recover balls and make a power play from himself with support of a winger and then seek for a goal. He did demonstrate a lot during the first part of the World Cup Qualifiers, earning some mixed results during it, but it failed for a part of the second half, where the team accumulated an 11 winless game streak added that they weren't capable to snatch a win during their first eight local games. In fact, their first home win came at the 9th home game, after that, they won three out of their four last home games, earning a 8 games unbeaten streak to finish off the Qualifiers, which was a quite impressive recovery after having their morale smashed on the floor and some players even considered suicide, since they were considered to be a mediocre living fail walking through their home cities streets.

Said streak wasn’t a mere happening, it was somehow a confirmation on how the Huayramarcan National Team had turned into a squad that forged a reputation as a hardworking team, with limited chances to put some squads in troubles but capable enough to defend well and to avoid harm being done against them. The Cup of Harmony 77 was an interesting test for the team, to see if they are capable to handle out the nerves of what it implies to be struggling for a knockout spot until the last second of the last match, which is what happened to the Condors, since they tied their first three games, they had a chance to get into the last rounds but they had to face Port Ember, the top seed of their group. Huayramarca succumbed to the nerves and wasted a 2-0 lead to see how Port Ember scored five goals in quick succession.

A spectacular beginning on World Cup 86 Qualifiers helped the Condors to finish 4th in the first half of qualifiers, being two points below the second placed squad, but defeats against top dogs such as Ko-oren and Tequilo killed the desires of this national team to qualify, also, instigated by poor performances against low and other mid-ranked nations boosted that debacle. The Cup of Harmony wasn't different to the end of the World Cup Qualifiers, it was in the same shape, defeats, defeats and pressure on the squad due to the fact that they were worried on what was happening on Huayramarca, due to the death of Hugo Mina, uncertainty surged and caused the players to have a subpar performance in the tournament, despite a late win that turned to be the first ever one for Huayramarca in the Cup of Harmony.

With the latest investments made by the Huayramarcan Government to the Huayramarcan Football Federation, by multiplying tenfold their budget, the HFF has now sent the managerial staff of the Condors to other nations, in order to gather new ideas and apply those in order to build a competent side in tactical terms, with the main purpose to achieve World Cup qualification for the first time as soon as possible and provide that joy to the Huayramarcan folk. That heavy investment provided some benefits during the 87^th World Cup Qualifiers, where Huayramarca left behind the label of being an "uncomfortable rival" to take a protagonist role in their group, finishing second behind Audioslavia with a solid 40 points in 18 matches. Things in playoffs might be forgettable since the beginning, since Huayramarca didn't took advantage in the first leg despite playing home, tying with Tikariot and then being defeated heavily at the second leg (1-4), made the Condor's illusions of WC Qualifying end horribly.

Despite the downturn in the team's mindset, the team faced some struggles at the Cup of Harmony group stage. Being defeated by Mriin at the first game, defeating Garifunya 1-0 and then tying against Ibixa for the second time in the cycle sent the Condors to the Knockout phase of CoH for their first time ever, Xanneria was a hard rival for the Round of 32, Huayramarca's miracle run was about to start with a narrow 2-1 win over them; then two rock-solid performances against Saint Domingue and a well-known foe from the WCQ Group (Sargossa) with a 3-1 and 2-0 respectively, put Huayramarca among the best four sides in the Cup of Harmony. Being defeated by Mriin with a hard-fought 2-3 and then once again a 1-4 against Newmanistan were enough to confirm Huayramarca as the 4^th placed side, with desire to improve their performance in this World Cup Qualifier, hoping to achieve heights that they haven't reached ever before.

World Cup 88^th would prove to be an interesting situation for the team and fans overall, Huayramarca would have a rather forgettable first half of the qualifiers, with a 6-game winless streak that became a ballast enough to keep the team away from the Top-3 during the entire Qualifier. Despite that, with an affected morale, the team tried to struggle back in hopes of a miracle, something that didn't happened but made the team finish the cycle with a rather strong 7-game unbeaten streak that prolonged to the Cup of Harmony and through the beginning of CAFA, being then a 13-game unbeaten streak, hence, the longest period that Huayramarca has ever enjoyed without a single defeat. Despite being eliminated from CoH at Round of 32 in AET and then in CAFA Group Stage, the team has managed to recover their path with a decent ending for a cycle that seemed to be catastrophic to say the least.

Life may repeat some of their lessons if people doesn’t manage to learn from them, the Huayramarcan National Team enjoyed their best start ever in a World Cup Qualifier, nine goals for and one against in the four first matches, the team was displaying a defensive strength unknown for many fans, they continued the path by defeating Squornshelan Remnant States and Nephara in important matches. “It was too good for being real” said many fans, and Tumbra proved them right, as they grounded the Huayramarcans at the Estadio Nacional with a painful 0-3, so painful that marked a steady decline of the team for the second half, as the team got a succession of draws and defeats that sent them from the top of the table to the fifth place in a span of four matchdays.

As the team tried to recover with some wins, Squornshelan Remnant States slapped The Condors seven times and the crisis turned visible. Desperate attempts of the team to pull off a comeback seemed to work as they got a solid victory against Delaclava, and despite being defeated by Nephara, results worked for the team; but the time came and the team wasn’t able to held favourable scores against Martune and Tumbra in a direct duel that ended in a sore 1-1, as the Huayramarcans were eliminated with said score line. Someone had to pay the broken dishes, Northwestern Kalactin was that someone, Omar Caicedo used an alternative XI and shifted to a more offensive version of “El huayco”, enough to achieve the largest win of the Huayramarcan National Team, a 5-0 victory that did nothing to comfort fans and Omar Caicedo itself.

The sequels of this elimination shook hard Omar Caicedo tactical foundations, as he noticed that something was failing and that led to multiple reformations such as the Huayramarcan Football Federation lifting a ban for Huayramarcans to be transferred abroad, resulting in six players going to different leagues in order to gather more experience among the big leagues, new tactical movements and athletic development for themselves; also, there’s a possibility that “El huayco” might be reformed into a more offensive version of it, as the team failed to convert severe number of goal occasions into goals, hence, there’s a belief that the team needs a deeper attacking mindset, something that Rodolfo Zelaya, a retired Guayabalense international has injected to the team.

Chances are that this World Cup Qualifier would be his laboratory to test said idea, which resumes in pushing forward the defensive lines for 10 meters, connecting the midfielders and wingers more with a lone striker in order to accompany him in goal creating opportunities, or perhaps converting the wingers into strikers when needed. Caicedo has pressure behind and he must deliver before the Huayramarcan Football Federation says “adiós”.

Anyways, Huayramarcan football stills being distinguishable on how prone are they to do long range shots, due that they are used to play at significant heights, the lack of oxygen may make the ball travel further without applying a lot of strength during the mechanics of kicking the football, that is known as the “Andean Effect” and may cause serious troubles for visiting sides on Huayramarca, adding the main fact that breathing might be harder for those used to low altitudes.

Without further ado, the starting XI and substitutes are presented in the following tables:

Starting Eleven



Substitutes

Summary


Nota bene: Only official matches are taken into consideration for current record, caps and goals – Updated after CAFA 2.

Nickname: Los Cóndores (The Condors).
Current Record: 60-47-46 (W-D-L) 
Most Caps: Gabriel Sayritupac (151).
Most Goals: Bryan Tello (93)
Biggest Win: 5-0 (vs. Northwestern Kalactin / WC 89 Qualifiers, MD 18, @ Estadio Olímpico del Oriente, Sechura)
Most Important Matches:
Huayramarca 2-2 Nephara / WC 85, MD 4, @ Estadio Nacional de Huayramarca - Tying a top-10 ranked nation while being unranked. 
Huayramarca 3-1 Greater Lausitz / WC 85, MD 18, @ Estadio Olímpico del Oriente - First home win.
Huayramarca 3-2 Northwestern Kalactin / WC 87, MD 17, @ Estadio Olímpico del Oriente - That win secured Huayramarca a historic 2nd 
place in its WCQ Group, sending the Condors to WC Playoffs.
Biggest Defeat: 1-7 (vs. Equestria / AOCAF 61, MD 1)

Captain: Ian Mamani.
Second Captain: Bryan Tello.
Third Captain: Nicolás Allauca.
Most likely to score: Bryan Tello
Most likely to get red carded: Kevin Quispe.
Prone to get injuries: Gabriel Sayritupac.
The genius: Ian Mamani.
The motivating soul: Bryan Tello.
Goal Tune: Gol de Huayramarca ¡Carajo!

Manager: Omar Caicedo. (43) 
Assistant 1: Rubén Condori. (57) 
Assistant 2: Rodolfo Zelaya. (37) 
Physio: Lautaro Huamán. (64) 
GK Trainer: Martín Zubeldía (46) 
Doctor: Luciano Zambrano. (56) 

Team mentality: Huayramarcans, per se, are bold and quite diverse between the team due to the regional contrasts among them: You might note some surnames such as: Condori, Mamani, Quispe, Sayritupac, etc. Those are Serrano surnames. Serranos as such are quite shy people with non-serranos, between them, great footballing societies may be made due to their complete understanding of each other, they are quite homogenous on how they act and may be predictable for each other. But, for the non-expert eye, Serranos are one on their kind and could result unpredictable for them, since they love to do things at fast pace between them, without doubt one could send a 60 meters cross with complete confidence that they might find their teammate, with this, you can notice that Serranos are overconfident on themselves and somewhat dubious with Costeños and Selváticos. Other characteristic of Serranos is that they are quite easy to intimidate, being shy and short-sized doesn’t helps, but in that situation, they might opt to act even better than they do for the sake of shutting your mouth.

Costeños and Selváticos (jungle) in the other hand are confident with everybody, even if they might not receive the same treatment by their Serrano fellows. Those two groups conform the rest of the team and might do good societies on field, declining the quality of their chemistry when trying to connect with Serranos, due to the latter shy mood. Physically speaking, Costeño and Selváticos are people who boast being the tallest overall in the team, also, their mania for body preparation at gyms make them suitable to defensive duties and running on the wings since they love running crazily (they usually do that, since they are used to run away from police or a mob of angry Serranos after robbing).

Chemistry building has been somewhat complicated for this team during the five cycles they have competed together, but has been a rather successful process that consolidated with the 79^th Cup of Harmony, the 88 ^th and 89 ^th World Qup Qualifiers, as they have been together as glue through high and lows. The regional divides topic is now a thing of the past as the players have grown up significantly, they have learned that teamwork is essential to achieve success as Huayramarca desires in the multiverse of football, but there are some things that need to be polished in order to see the Condors reaching new heights.

Although they work nicely as a team, there’s a moment when they can’t do that and that moment is when they have the goal in their sights, when they have a chance to score, they try to do their best to do it by themselves, even if that means avoid passing the ball to a better placed teammate, individualities have been surging from nowhere and this issue has costed valuable results for the team. Omar Caicedo and his managerial staff has been trying to combat this, but as of now, his attempts haven’t worked at all; despite the results, he has a last hope that the pressure and requirements in foreign leagues will mould the players for good.

To finish with this part, Huayramarca is that kind of team that may be overconfident sometimes, but if you press them to their limits, they might react in unsuspected ways, be those positive or negative for their interests, you don’t know what would happen in the Serrano, Costeño or Selvático mindset. As they do on the local league, they might try to do some antics to their rivals, be it: providing beer instead of water to their rivals, or the classiest one, giving distillated “ayahuasca” (vodka-like alcohol) and pass it like water and make their rivals be drunk, taking advantage of their influence to beat the rival team. Of course, they might not abuse of this resource, Serranos might ask Inti for it.

Game Scheme: Caicedo aims to use always a 4-2-3-1 scheme that he dubs it as “El huayco” (the mudslide) due to an analogy he made of his team with such a devastating natural phenomena: “We aim to build a fast team, aiming to be unpredictable for the others while using our regional paradigms in our favour. The less known we are, the more lethal we could be and that’s why I love not having a specific plan.” That’s what Caicedo wants to use, but in reality, there are some hints to analyse what he loves to do with his teams, especially on Beyreuth University of Québec.

El Huayco is a style of play in which you look to win back the ball as soon as you lose it, and you try to win it back as high up the pitch as possible; that means you’re closing down a lot to put pressure on the player that's just won the ball back.

The idea is that the player who just won the ball will be vulnerable and won't have time to think about his first pass. You just close him down to win the ball back quickly as high up the pitch as possible, and then you initiate a counter attack. You're likely already half way there and ready to go past into space and score a goal.

You can also use this tactic to target specific weak players, if you have noticed a weakness in a certain team. Maybe central defenders or full backs aren't comfortable on the ball, and you can look to press and close down certain individuals to try and make the most out of this game pressing style.

Caicedo has done some arrangements to this style considering the fate suffered during the World Cup 88 and 89 Qualifiers, as he now has pushed off the defensive lines closer the half of the pitch, being almost close with the midfielders’ line in order to exchange passes, reinforcing creation duties in the midfield and gaining extra protection in case the team losses the ball. The wingers now have a protagonist role as they might venture more often in attacking duties, transforming their roles to be strikers when needed, so, Huayramarca could have a 4-3-3 scheme at certain moments of the match. The midfielder would have three options to supply balls, and the striker wouldn’t be alone for that moment, so if he struggles, he might collaborate with the “false strikers” and assure more precision for goal chances.

For the last purpose mentioned, Serranos are heavily important, they might be the analogue of a dog felling your fear and then attacking, they as collective love to use their different point of views and implement them as one while attacking, then fast passes and maybe a long-range shot may happen, especially if the team is playing on the highlands. If the team is playing on the coast or jungle, they might seek to control the ball and make the rival team run behind the ball for some time, in order to cause climatic exhaust on them, since coast and jungle are hot and terribly humid in this part of Anaia, so it may pose a real challenge for teams not used to play in such conditions.

To achieve Caicedo’s main goal, there are several prerequisites for successful counter pressing. The decisive factor is the overall positioning of the team and their playing style right before attempting to counter press. The players must play as close to one another as possible so that they can press together as a unit right after the ball is lost – which is a given in short passing football. At the same time, they should not stick so close to one another that they neglect to cover enough space.

Some managers use the basic rule of thumb to “occupy the fewest possible zones with individual players, but the greatest possible distance between the players within those zones so that they don’t occupy the same space” to make the positioning simple to understand; although, with a rule of thumb like this, some aspects are lost in terms of complexity.

Many teams also have problems deciding when to stop pressing, for example, when we stop pressing if we can’t win the ball back? When should we retreat? How long should you press and with how many players? This is particularly problematic because the position of the ball is always changing. Therefore, there is a theory created by Caicedo – the five second rule. Immediately after losing the ball the team should press at top speed and with maximum intensity for five seconds.

If the team hasn’t recovered the ball within five seconds and there is no chance of immediately winning it, they should fall back into their defensive formation. Depending on the team, the number of seconds may vary. It is recommended that the strategic basics of “El Huayco” be coached in order to develop a flexible, situation-specific length of time for counterpressing.

For scorination purposes, set the style modifier of Huayramarca on +4.30.

The Kits: Huayramarca’s social mindset is to aim for local consumption in the long term, hence the HFF decided to hire “eva Sportswear” to manufacture the kits for the national team. “eva” decided to take the ball out of the park with some unique designs for Huayramarca, reflecting the national identity and adding up some motivational phrases on them for mere sake of marketing. Those kits are based on the geography of this nation, from the coast, to the highlands and jungle in order to promote a sense of national unity, especially on a stage that the national team might try to do something decent in their first World Cup Qualifiers venture.

As backgrounds, you might notice some decent spots that Huayramarca has to offer, such as Uyuni's salt lake with some astrophotography in it, Huayna Picchu's monument to Inti (Sun), Lake Quilotoa (an old volcano near the city of Tulcán), Puerto Odriozola at the San Carlos Islands, the Ojos del Salado Volcano with a lavender field and then, the second flag of the Plurinational Republic, the Wiphala, a representation of the old Incaic glory of Huayramarca and banner of the Aymara and Quechua nationalities.

“eva” decided to depict elements that provide some sense of pride and national identification for Huayramarcans, no matter where are they from, those are universal icons of what Huayramarca is and its roots. Strong roots, strong legacy, and strong people forging their future with pride and hope.

Players description - Starting XI.

Nota bene: Caps considered after World Cup 89 Qualifiers - For national purposes, friendlies are never taken into consideration for official registries.

N°1 - Juan Mamani - GK - 27 yrs - Team: Rülândéá Kôstä - Height: 1.88 mts - Caps: 147 - Goals: 1

Mamani is an individual that believes he always is right, he tends to be creative when saving balls of creating some innovative ideas to take the ball forward, based so much in the fact that he is protective, spontaneous and loves to be independent in his actions. Currently, his mood is over the clouds as he was recently signed up by the Farf side of Rülândéá Kôstä, now Juan expects to have experience at the highest level possible and learn techniques that might help the Condors sometime. A curious fact is that he’s brother with the creative mid of this team, Ian Mamani. He also has scored a free kick goal against Greater Lausitz, that goal helped Huayramarca to get their first ever victory at home soil on World Cup 85^th, matchday 18^th.

N°2 - Kevin Quispe - RCB - 23 yrs - Team: Farrenton Athletic - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 146 - Goals: 5

A pretty average guy in terms of intelligence that has no life plan, hence he left studies in order to make a living with football. He is very secretive, doesn't likes even to tell his teammates what will be his next movement because he knows we will be wrong, Quispe has serious issues with anger management and may be rebellious, he is cold and ignores what the others might feel or think about him, he doesn't give a fu*k of anything. Anyways, he's flabbergasted by the fact of moving to a better football league, this time he adventures into Eura to defend Farrenton Athletic, something that he has managed to do well enough to satisfy his manager and fans.

N°4 - Carlos Vilca - LFB - 28 yrs - Team: Valnohar Rovers FC - Height: 1.78 mts - Caps: 144 - Goals: 9

Vilca exemplifies the stereotype of a Serrano, he is overly analytical and optimistic, with some patience when a player might approach to him, he might take some minutes to make a mental profile of who he will face and how to block him in its right side. Despite being coordinated and loving to be the centre of attention, he loves to be quiet and solitary with his own personal code of conduct, he might be extremely fair while robbing balls and could try to be the surprise factor, since he tends to be a box-to-box player that loves to defend and also create offensive plays when possible. Right now, he’s not in his best personal moment, as his performance declined during the last part of the World Cup Qualifier, as many fingers are pointing him as the main cause of severe goals that caused Huayramarca to falter during the World Cup Qualifier.

N°6 - Felipe Fernández - RFB - 26 yrs - Team: Vogsphere United - Height: 1.85 mts - Caps: 147 - Goals: 8

Pipe, as known by his teammates is an extremely intelligent right fool back that adapts quite quickly to any situation he might face, he loves being orderly and hates mess. When playing, he is straight-forward and might argument with rivals, referee and even his teammates, he rarely praises others and values learning from experience. Said experiences have helped him to evolve into a solid stalwart for Omar Caicedo in the Huayramarcan defence, even helping to score few but decisive goals for the Condors against top rivals; now, he has been called up Vogsphere United from the Squornshelan Remnant States to defend the team, in what surely will be a great experience where Fernández will learn incredible lessons.

N°14 - Santiago Chumacero - LCB - 27 yrs - Team: FC Atahualpa - Height: 1.81 mts - Caps: 147 - Goals: 10

Chumacero's perception of things might be out of this world, his mind might be some steps forward the others and might help to anticipate to some movements that may be done by the rival. For that purpose, he's always flexible, active and plays like he would be killed if he does a mistake, he's loyal with his team, faithful and gentle, hence he might be the motivator of the squad. Chumacero is an extremely reliable player and it would be matter of time to see him departing from the Huayramarcan Liga 1 for a better place, as his athletic capabilities are too big to stagnate in an amateur-ish league.

N°17 - Orlando Mina - CM - 24 yrs - Team: Montréal Koreana - Height: 1.95 mts - Caps: 145 - Goals: 8

One of the two defensive mid of the team, being the classical Costeño out there, Mina is the tallest and strongest player of the squad. Mina's attitude is being original and stubborn, giving you some classical Costeño vibes, consistent in his performance and devoted to God, he cares a lot about what he does, since he tries always to correct his mistakes and not suffering on them, instead, he uses them as feedback to improve his game and abilities. Mina's a great example on how one can benefit from football, as he helped his mother who was fired from his job when he joined to the Condors and turned her into a real estate tycoon by providing her some savings, adding the fact that he now will be playing for a decent side such as Montréal Koreana has boosted up his mood after having some depression due to the last WCQ outcome.

N°11 - Ian Mamani - CF - 24 yrs - Team: Workers Union - Height: 1.65 mts - Caps: 146 - Goals: 22

The youngest of the Mamani brothers in this team, along with Juan, Ian has what Juan might lack sometimes, creativity and brightness, although they play in totally different positions and roles in the team. This creative mid and captain of the team is one of the big things among this team, a fast-paced and fussy person with lots of potential, euphoria that drives him to perform as what he can do, being the best of the entire nation in his role. Large crosses are his specialty, including long-range shots when playing on the highlands. Right now, his euphoria level has increased a lot, considering he got called to play at the Workers Union of Eura, the fact of being called captain and being on the international TV screen for WCQ and weekend matches that any random Huayramarcan broadcast fills him with motivation.

N°8 - Nicolás Allauca - CF - 29 yrs - Team: Felswyr - Height: 1.80 mts - Caps: 147 - Goals: 16

Nico was a bus driver until the last three weeks prior to WC 85 Qualifiers, when he decided to enter to the amateur football world of Huayramarca, he was in luck that Caicedo watched him plat and fell in love on how he performed. Allauca is spontaneous and may not like to do training, he is a fast-moving and extremely practical (hates theories) defensive mid, that may mutate to a second creative mid with Ian Mamani and has also a decent capability to score goals while going to attack. Allauca is blunt, might hurt you with his eyes and ignores rules and this hasn’t helped him in his time in Chromatika, where he hasn’t been able to settle down and adapt, so, he seeks for a second chance in this Qualifier.

N°7 - Abraham Mendoza - LF - 25 yrs - Team: Huayramarca FC - Height: 1.63 mts - Caps: 146 - Goals: 14

Nicknamed “El Ingeniero” The smallest of the entire team, Mendoza is a mentally strong individual who loves to work hard, play hard and also be a strong leader inside the team in terms of order. A competent but realistic player who may not be spectacular while playing on the wings, but pragmatical and effective when achieving his purposes. Perhaps, on his personal life he is the best positioned of all the group, since he just graduated in Industrial Engineering at the Huayramarcan Technical University with a deserved "summa cum laude", so no matter what happens, he could get a decent job position in any Huayramarcan enterprise to optimize their processes. You might notice how Abraham's personal discipline is, and this is translated even to football, where he tries to compliment some weaknesses that he may have as his height, but he tries to compensate with some decent body-building routines. He might not be a prolific scorer for the standards of a winger, but he has at least a 35% of assists for the total of Huayramarcan goals scored during the Qualifiers, hence, somebody to take care of.

N°21 - Gabriel Sayritupac - RF - 25 yrs - Team: Bul Khungur FC - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 151 - Goals: 44

Sayri as he's known by many people in his native Tulcán (near the Québécois-Huayramarcan border) is an artistic person in all senses of his life. Usually, he makes a living by painting portraits of people visiting the Chimborazo National Forest Reserve, sometimes working on a local brewery or doing some football for fun. He doesn't stands being alone and might be that easy-going Serrano (which is weird, if we come to think it). He has some genetic problems that makes him quite prone to injuries, and when those occur, Sayri decides to get inebriated to let frustration go away. An artistical winger, lover of uncertainty and mess that makes him be either the best or cause problems to settle where he plays, such as his current turbulent moment on Tikariot where he doesn’t manage to perform as he wishes. This time, he’s seeking redemption with The Condors.

N°21 - Bryan Tello - ST - 30 yrs - Team: Metropolis Alligators - Height: 1.86 mts - Caps: 147 - Goals: 93

A decently heighted Costeño as forward is always a neat solution for your goal needs, with good pace, stride and also physic abilities Tello is what every team may need for up front. He's factual since he studied Philosophy at the University of Cumbayá, a committed and self-confident man who might be extremely traditional to his striker role, he might seek for some space in order to go front, use his strength and move towards the goal. Tello is a somewhat strong leader among the shadows of the Huayramarcan national team, an outgoing and straight-forward person that could sometimes aggressive since he's prone to be insensitive. Despite that he is the icon of the team, the striker that is at the right place and moment to push the ball against the net, something that has helped him to gain a spot, quickly, as a starter in Metropolis Alligators, boosting his confidence to the top.

Substitutes:

Nota bene: In order to have a deeper understanding of Huayramarcan players, take in consideration the following list of personalities for the substitutes. Take some time, if you wish, to watch the substitute players list posted again down here and follow the order of said list. The first player on this list, has his mindset reflected in the left of the first row, the second in the right of the first row and so on until the last one:

Useful Information and Stadia:
You might want to check some maps, as Huayramarca is quite a massive country in terms of surface and distances. Click here for a Biome Official Map and here for a Cities Official Map.

Before introducing the stadia, there’s some handy information for away fans who might visit Huayramarca. As said before, this nation has a quite complex geography and some long distances to travel for away fans, since there are four international airports: Huayramarca International Airport, located near Huayramarca Metropolitan District at the highlands; the Jorge Guerra International Airport in Lima, on the coast; the International Airport of the Archipelago on Puerto San Carlos (isles) and the Libertador Suárez International Airport of Sechura (jungle). Those airports might provide you with connections for other destinations such as Guayaquil, San Ignacio de la Frontera and Nauta if you want to travel safely. If you are a risk taker and lover of adventure, rent an AWD vehicle and go up mountains or driving through them which is a complete odyssey due to the risks caused by the Andean geography itself, or the safe-to drive-coasts or through the jungle, which can be desolated to drive in case of mechanic failure.

People in Huayramarca might be passional about football pretty much everywhere, but more hostile when you go down the mountains, driving to the coast. Down there, if people don’t attack you, weather might do due to the offensive humidity, mosquitoes and heat that may occur there. In Lima, despite being in the coast, the weather is mild and great to play football, but there might be some sandstorms due to the deserts located south of said city. Coastal teams usually play at afternoon, when humidity may suffocate those not used to deal with it.

Same happens at the jungle, but the mosquito issue multiplies thousand-fold, also as humidity caused by constant rains that pass there in their transit to the highlands. Water absorption made by trees cause severe issues with an extremely humid weather, hence jungle teams decide to play often at noon, in order to torture rival teams.

On the Sierra things get worse, since the main problem up there is respiration. For a physical activity like football, people might need some weeks to acclimatize altitude and get an efficient breathing pattern that might supply their physical effort needs. Several cities are above the 2500 masl, even the capital city, which is located at 4000 masl, it doesn’t matter at which time they decide to play, if a team isn’t acclimatized, they will even faint during the game if they don’t have with them oxygen tanks to breathe before the game or if they don’t get some treatment into a hyperbaric chamber.

Stadia are distributed in order to have an equal distribution for regions, considering that there will be twelve local games at Huayramarca, Sierra, Costa and Jungla will receive three matches each one. Each region will receive a high tier rival and then a randomized sort of two other teams in other matchdays. You might contact the Huayramarcan Football Federation (OOC: TG me or shout me at Discord!) in case of more information or solving some needs for your team and fans.

Sierra:

Estadio Nacional de Huayramarca - Capacity: 45,500 - Huayramarca Metropolitan District.

Tenants: Ministry of Culture and Sports of Huayramarca.
Built in: 1968.
Altitude: 4012 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Illimani FC, Real Ebriedad, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: Built in 1968, the Estadio Nacional is the jewel in the not so well-shaped crown of the Huayramarcan sport venues, an Olympic stadium that might be a nightmare for visiting teams due to the altitude and weather of the city, which tends to be somewhat hostile every day, even more if it's played at noon due to the sun's radiation at that altitude. Despite being an Olympic stadium, people tend to set a lot of pressure in it, especially from the neighbouring apartment blocks which tends to be crowded for the matches being held there (they might aim lasers from there, take care!).

Also, the walls near the dressing room have some curious messages as such: "Welcome to Huayramarca D.M. At 4,000 meters above sea level "is one of the first things the visiting teams will read upon entering the dressing room, perhaps to make clear the conditions to which they will be subjected throughout the game. It is still somewhat intimidating the following warning that is issued when they leave the visiting dressing room "Caution, if you have the following symptoms: Headache, vertigo, fatigue, tachycardia, nausea or vomiting, wheezing, dyspnoea or inappetence, go to the medical staff, we are at your disposal."

Will host:

• MD 5: vs Acastanha - 20:00 - Foggy, 4°C.

Estadio de la Revolución - Capacity: 40,000 - San Ignacio de la Frontera, Cajamarca.

Tenants: Ministry of Culture and Sports of Huayramarca.
Built in: 1985.
Altitude: 2325 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Audax Cajamarca.
Data: The Ministry of Culture and Sports has decided to revamp the sporting infrastructure across Huayramarca in order to promote football among young people and form, in a near future, a strong Huayramarcan National Team. In order to fulfil said promise stadia were built in significant places in Huayramarca, San Ignacio de la Frontera is one of those sometimes-forgotten outposts of the nation yet relevant for trading with its neighbouring Mertagne in the oriental side of the Highlands. Home of Audax Cajamarca, this stadium promises to offer one of the most interesting fan scenes in the nation, as people are more passionate than other places in Huayramarca, considering the heavy influence that Mertagnian football has caused in this place.

Not as high as another venues in terms of altitude, the 2,325 meters above sea level isn't a cipher that should be underestimated, to the contrary, it's still a problematic altitude for teams that aren't used to it, especially on ball shooting and breathing conditions. This stadium is the only one in Huayramarca that uses turf as ground to play, something that could cause issues with visiting teams and also Huayramarcans that might not be used to play here.

Will host:

• MD 11: vs Melbergia - 19:15, 8°C. Possible rain and fog.

Jungla:

Estadio Olímpico del Oriente - Capacity: 26,000 - Sechura.

Tenants: MuniSechura - Municipality of Sechura.
Built in: 1945.
Altitude: 560 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Sociedad Petrolera, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: One of the biggest stadia in Huayramarca, the main hub of sports in the Jungle region is located at Sechura, a city of about 300,000 inhabitants which serves as logistical hub for operations of rubber production and for explorations into the dense jungle nearby. Sociedad Petrolera is a modest Liga 1 side, but one that tends to attract almost ticket sell outs every game, since people in that region tends to be quite passionate of football in order to forget their not so good daily life. At that city, one should take care of humidity, which tends to be quite strong at times, hence teams usually play there on afternoon or night, since heat might be something difficult to stand even for locals.

Will host:

• MD 3: vs Talamia - 15:00 - Rainy, 28°C.

Estadio Provincial de Nauta - Capacity: 16,000 - Nauta.

Tenants: Autoridad Deportiva de Nauta – Nautan Sports Authority.
Built in: 1985.
Altitude: 1,725 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Sporting Nauta, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: Located in the high-elevation jungle, a biome located between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level, Nauta is considered by many as the gateway to the Huayramarcan jungle, as it is the most populated town (255,000) in a desolated strip of 1,200 km of road that connects to Sechura (the fourth largest city of Huayramarca). Anyways, part of a wave of stimuli from the Government towards Football, Nauta got awarded a new venue for their local second division team and, potentially, a home for future matches of The Condors, which will be a reality in this World Cup Qualifier. Inspired in shells found at the shores of the River Nanay (which divides the city in two), this stadium reflects the local identity of the Nautans, people dedicated mostly to fishing activities.

This might be the calmest venue of the seven that Huayramarca will provide for this World Cup Qualifier, but don’t take it for granted that will be easy; mosquitos and weather will also play its match in Huayramarca and this is not an exception.

Will host:

• MD 3: vs Talamia - 15:00 - Rainy, 28°C.

Costa:

Estadio Metropolitano del Guayas - Capacity: 62,000 - Guayaquil.

Tenants: Autoridad Guayaquileña de Deportes - Guayaquilean Sports Authority.
Built in: 1980.
Altitude: 15 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Guayaquil Wanderers, Barcelona Sporting Club, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: A kettle pot, that's the definition for the biggest stadium in all of Huayramarca. "El Metropolitano" is the most recently built stadium in the nation and will make the debut for international football in Huayramarca. Hosts two teams and the fan atmosphere in Guayaquil is perhaps one of the most intimidatory ones in the multiverse, fans throwing you stones while receiving, throwing flares, extremely noisy people all around and the incredibly hot and humid weather that dominates the city may be lethal for some teams when trying to visit. Rescuing a tie from here may be considered something great, since you survived the "Guayaco" hell. Hence that, teams often love to play at the afternoon, specially at 3:00 P.M. in order to squeeze out the rivals in exhaust.

Will host:

• MD 1: vs Valanora - 15:00 - Sunny, 35°C.

Estadio Olímpico Universitario - Capacity: 55,000 Lima.

Tenants: Universidad Nacional Mayor de Santa Cecilia.
Built in: 1955.
Altitude: 430 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Club Universitario.
Data: Imagine a venue packed of people that has just finished their daily classes, people thirsty to watch some football and leave aside, for a moment, their daily academic stress. That’s the most accurate depiction of the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a 55,000-seater venue that will host, for the first time, the Huayramarcan National Team. This is the second largest stadium of Huayramarca and it’s known for being built in a way that optimizes acoustics, so fans could be noisier than they really are during their fireworks receiving of the local team. As a way to include more communities into the sport, the HFF has considered to include this venue (and the city of Lima) for this WCQ in order to see more local identity during the matches.

Will host:

• MD 13: vs Sannyamathland - 19:00 - Clear skies, 27°C.

Isles:

Estadio Marítimo - Capacity: 22,000 – Puerto San Carlos.

Tenants: Provincial Authority of the San Carlos Archipelago.
Built in: 1985.
Altitude: 225 meters above sea level.
Local teams: Club Marítimo, Huayramarcan National Team.
Data: Located three and a half hours away from Continental Huayramarca (via airplane), Puerto San Carlos is the furthest outpost of Huayramarca, located midway between Ko-oren and Nova Calania (continent). A city known for its ecologic mindset, good coral reefs to do snorkelling and pristine beaches that turns it into the ideal vacation spot for the average Huayramarcan family. The Estadio Marítimo has been built by the National Government and the Huayramarcan FA in their “Together Forever” campaign of integrating the four main regions of the nation into the sports scene, this stadium boasts the privilege of being the first carbon-neutral venue in the Anaian region by virtue of respecting the environment and being powered by natural means of energy such as wind and sun.

Fans here might be the noisiest in Huayramarca, this because the enthusiasm it means to receive the National Team in rare occasions for them, aside from being this World Cup Qualifier the formal inaugural act of the venue. Expect a wild crowd of people, even in the nearby hills or climbing trees to see the match.

Will host:

• MD 7: vs Krytenia - 18:00 - Sunny, 28°C.

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

    Godmod scoring events: No.
    RP injuries to my players: Yes. (Contact me first, so we can agree)
    Godmod injuries to my players: Y (Contact me as well)
    Give red cards to my players: Y (Maximum of 3).
    Godmod other events: Y (Contact me first.)

    Style Modifier: +4.30

Nota Bene: Do not RP a pandemic on Huayramarcan soil nor involve any of my players in that.

[Legalese]

Starting with the obvious need-to-knows:
RP Permissions: Your permissions are my permissions -- if you’re cool with me doing X to you, I’m cool with you doing X to me; in the case of injuries, deaths, or other extreme events, I reserve the right to interpret the effect on the involved Legalites differently. Otherwise, consider everything shared here as a guideline.
Style Modifier: Even a rebooted Legalese still plays attacking football. +3, please.

Overview: Legalese is a large service-oriented community in the region of Anaia. The nation’s geography consists of the mainland area, where it sits alongside Lake Bekk with a number of better-known neighbors, as well as the Karin Islands adjacent to the mainland. A nation with a long, troubled past, it has slowly built itself back into prominence through an inward-facing focus on service and community care, resulting in a strong economy, where the benefits of a good and healthy life are shared by all Legalites.

Alas, when it comes to football, all is not well. After a dismal performance in qualifying for World Cup 90, the Legalites remain a nation on the Sea of Champions without a championship (other than one Cup of Harmony) to call their own. A reboot of the team is underway, with a new manager, new Federation head, and a completely new set of players, hoping to re-start the long climb back to the top.

The Team

Keepers:
1 Brad Marchizano, Age 25. The Basswoods native found success in his hometown, featuring for the local side. Occasionally error-prone, but otherwise does his best to keep a commanding yet calming presence.
22 Dale Rodamis, Age 19.

Defense:
2 Mason Hamby, Age 20. Hamby, the pride of Torture (a real town in the MidSouth zone), is an even-keeled wing back and accomplished crosser. He’s moved up to the “big city” of Kingsville to play for the Kingsville Knights XI, but still finds time for a little Torture in his life every now and then.
3 Bobby Ericksen, Age 18. Ericksen is a hard-nosed player, combined with the pace to track back and be the last line of defense -- assuming he hasn’t gotten himself sent off.
4 Casey Boehman, Age 32. The senior statesman for the side, and the grounding force on the pitch. He doesn’t quite have the same pace to keep up, but makes up for it with his wits and positioning.
5 Tim Jurczyk, Age 24. The Bekk-born and-raised wing back learned speed and crossing from an early age, and does his best to practice them both for the local side, as well as giving it a shot for the national team. Alas, his crossing tends to be speculative at best.
18 Scott Grizzel
19 Joel Manalo
20 David Garces
21 Ray Mashore

Midfield:
6 Luther Wemhoff, Age 22. Luther, a native of the North Coast town of Groton, can sometimes feel like the third central defender, with how far back he tends to play.
7 Dwayne Costanzo, Age 23. Dwayne, a native of Jhanna (pronounced “Shahn-nah”), was a latecomer to football, playing his first organized game after high school. However, the natural athlete had the vision and gift to develop his skills quickly, leading to a call-up for the CAFA.
8 Arthur Tremain, Age 23. Arthur, born and raised in Emberton (pronounced “"Em-bear-tonne"), is the flashiest of the middle three with the ball, but otherwise a calm, polite gent off the pitch.
15 Alex Bournes
16 Randall Cordts
17 Jude Krawitz

Forwards:
9 Jimmie Chace, Age 19. Jimmie is not allowed to make breakfast at the family home in Middle Falls, because all he does is poach the eggs. Similarly, Jimmie’s role is that of the poacher -- waiting for the opportunity to knock, and being the one to answer the bell when it does.
10 Adam Rotelli, Age 22. Rotelli, the child of a Cucinian-style restaurant family in Shappington, has found himself a spot on the national team as the forward who is actually okay playing a more defensive stand. Now, he’ll still get a shot in or two given the opportunity, but his ability to pass the ball the way his family passes the pasta puts him on the pitch.
11 Landon Wu, Age 25. They say that speed kills; that’s doubly true when it seems like you can do this all day, which this Bay City runner can do. His touch could stand to be a little lighter, however.
12 Luca Freels
13 Mike Griefe
14 Jose Havner

Manager: Arturo Aubry. The newly-appointed manager for the Legalese side, appearing to be in his forties. The media guide swears that he’s a descendant of the World Cup 22 substitute, who happens to share his ancestor’s name. Folks who faced Legalese in the previous world cup cycle might do a brief double-take, as they swear he looked about fifteen years younger when appearing as a substitute for the side. (Most Legalites would give you a quizzical look if asked -- Aubry might just frown).

Playing Style: Aubry’s System Legalese relies on scrap, maximum effort, and assumes a generous use of all three substitutes to provide as much energy as possible. When at their best, Legalities never give up on the ball, even going so far as harassing the keeper. They’re most successful when this extra pressure causes the opposition to make a mistake, but comes with the risk of offering openings that one can exploit.

Lineup (with likely Subs)


Kits

[CAFA]

Signups updated to this point.

CAFA 3 Host Vote Results

First Round A total of 13 votes were cast, including votes from each of the four bidders. Per the original post, the bidders' votes are held aside, as no bids have been eliminated. Thus, receiving five votes from the nine cast by non-bidders will result in a win.

Results:
Ko-oren 3 votes
Savigliane 3 votes
Mertagne 2 votes
Cocoabo Forest 1 vote
Reject all bids 0 votes

As nobody reached a majority, we now turn to the Approval Round. All bids were compared head-to-head against the option to reject all bids, to see if the option to reject would win out in any situation; if it does, the bids that lose to it are eliminated; if any bid would win a head-to-head with the option to reject all bids, then reject all bids will be eliminated as well.

Results:
8 out of 9 voters prefer the bid of Ko-oren over the option to reject the bid
8 out of 9 voters prefer the bid of Savigliane over the option to reject the bid
8 out of 9 voters prefer the bid of Mertagne over the option to reject the bid
8 out of 8 voters (one listed neither option) prefer the bid of Cocoabo Forest over the option to reject the bid.

So, we will have a winner as "reject all bids" is now eliminated.

Since Reject All Bids won 0 first preference votes, we resume with the First Round results. As nobody was eliminated, the results stay the same for the Second Round, so Cocoabo Forest's bid is eliminated, it having the fewest votes.

Third Round: Cocoabo Forest's vote is added to the count. One vote has exhausted all options, so nine votes remain, which means the winner will need five votes.

Results:
Savigliane 4 votes
Ko-oren 3 votes
Mertagne 2 votes

We will proceed to a fourth round of counting. Mertagne, with the fewest votes, is eliminated.

Fourth Round: Mertagne's vote is now counted, giving us ten votes. Six votes are needed for either of the remaining bids to win.

Results:
Savigliane 7 votes
Ko-oren 3 votes

With a majority of votes, I hereby declare Savigliane to be the host of CAFA III! All details on deadlines and entry are turned over to him.

[Savigliane]

Thank you all for your faith in me to host this competition; I hope to repay that with a well-hosted tournament. Commiserations to the other bidders for excellent bids that I would've been happy to see come to fruition this CAFA.

I will be closing signups Sunday, March 6 at 6:00 EST (roughly three days and twenty-one hours from the time of this post). More information about the group draft, pots, etc, will be released by that evening. We currently have twenty-four signups and will be targeting a final number of either twenty-four or twenty-eight. The format if we reach twenty-eight will be seven groups of four, with the top two and the two best third-place finishers advancing to the Round of Sixteen. The format if we remain at twenty-four will be six groups of four, with the top two and the four best third-place finishers advancing to the Round of Sixteen.

[Aleirave]

The Aleirave Football Association
Roster for CAFA Cup II

OOC: All players in blue are ethnically Klysevian, all players in red are native Aleiravan.

The island nation of Aleirave is a rather small one, with a population of barely 50 thousand, somewhere in Anaia. Where in Anaia is somewhat up to interpretation, but it's there, we know that.

The nation of Aleirave was originally founded by Fyodor Tereyev, who was a puteshestvennik (or "traveller") from Klysevia, about 350 years ago. His descendants have ruled the island ever since, enforcing a strict caste system with the 7500 or so ethnically Klysevian elite at the top and the 42,500 ethnically Aleravan natives at the bottom. The current leader, Aleksandr Tereyev, is also the current head of the Oceanic Nations Council, a collection of about a dozen or so other nations ruled by the Klysevians, mostly islands ruled by tinpot dictators just like Aleirave.

Nickname: the Seagulls
Trigram: ALR

Coach: Haulafo PAKA'ULA (M, 52)
Given the political situation in Aleirave, Coach Paka'ula was not supposed to form this team. His grand scheme when he decided to craft this team was to show that natives could be just as good at football as the Klysevians, and that the two could work together in an international competition. President Tereyev flatly denied Haulafo's request to start the team, so he did what any normal person would do and assembled the team anyway.

Formation: 3-4-1-2
Style: +4

The Roster (starting XI in bold)
Goalkeepers:

GK #1 Falena RUKIPIATO (F, 26)
GK #32 Oleg PONIEROV (M, 30)
GK #70 Tehieko FEHIFELA (F, 23)

Defenders:

LB #4 Yekaterina OLAYEVA (F, 27)
RB #5 Piheve EVATENE (M, 17)
LB #7 Serani NA'ELERU (F, 25)
CB #9 Povure KELANULAHANE (M, 34)
CB #11 Tefei'o TESUNA'E (M, 23)
RB #14 Grigori ZHENTONIOV (M, 29)

Midfielders:

LM #2 Efineha TESUNA'E (F, 23)
RCM #3 Aleksandr VRALETSKY (M, 28)
RM #8 Valeri TYONKO (M, 25)
LCM #12 Nakelia LIFEVANEKA (F, 18)
RCM #17 Lunaha FUSERAKA (F, 26)
RM #20 Petr ENOVRIEV (M, 32)
LM #21 Nusene FAVENOKU (M, 23)
LCM #49 Anna VANTEREVA (F, 32)

Forwards:

ST #10 Neraveke HO'UMINALU (F, 21)
ST #13 Fyodor VESHCHIK (M, 20)
ST #28 Terale FIASALA (M, 26)
AM #30 Valentina RESNYEVA (F, 28)
ST #35 Renasetevo NANERIKEHA (M, 21)
AM #99 Ivefela NOSELELA (F, 24)

RP Permissions
If my opponent roleplays first, they may:
Choose my starting lineup: Yes.
Choose my goalscorers: Yes.
Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP injuries to my players: Please TG me and I'll determine the severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: No.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes.
Hand out red cards to my players: No more than one per match without TGing me about it first.
Godmod other events: Please TG me first, but most likely yes.

If you wanna collaborate on a match, just TG me! I'm open to all collaboration!

Lastly, please don't use pictures in your RP and say they represent my players. Trust me, they probably don't.

OOC: Info will be updated to CAFA III within a couple of days.

[Yesopalitha]

Though Yesopalitha entered first, it is Chromatika's puppet. Also, absolutely fine to cut this as a numbers puppet.

Roster for Yesopalitha's CAFA 3 Team

Kits compliments to Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia
Nickname: The Flames
Style Modifier: -5 (Formation: 4-5-1)
Home Stadium: The Sacred Heart, Freedom's Altar (144,000)

RP Permissions Box
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP Injuries to my players: Y (I can determine severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y, two max
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

Head of State
Nirdasil Ageless The Dark Crusader

Head of Federation
Hashai'i ISBELAR Age: 251 Species: Drow

Manager
K'RETHAR Age: 50 Species: Minotaur

Starters
GK A'th'l MIK'O'SI Age: 25 Species: Orc // Strong, Brutish Shot Stopper
RB BENPHERROS Age: 252 Species: Wraith // Wiry, Marker, Smart
CB Carros SANTAI Age: 45 Species: Duregar // Physical, Tough, Daring
CB N'T'ERI Age: 133 Species: Hag // Ambient, Annoying, Freaky
LB Barrion MELFRE Age: 296 Species: Dark Elf // Corner Specialist, High Jumper, Frivolous

DM GENTHE Age: 79 Species: Skeleton // Marker, Leader, Hilarious
RM Sauri IS'AHA Age: 215 Species: Mummy // Set Piece Taker, Crosser, Sticky
CM T'LEIRA Age: 110 Species: Lich // Quick, Presser, Intelligent
CM Bizaak KELIA Age: 23 Species: Goblin // Nimble, Crafty, Fiery
LM BOLLOSOLLOMOTAI Age: 426 Species: Chaos Demon // Charismatic, Crosser, Creator

ST QHESSERRIS Age: 34 Species: Succubus // Opportunistic, Creative, Flashy

Bench
GK GE'ARI Age: 238 Species: Wraith // Mobile Keeper
GK Ceta REARI Age: 18 Species: Goblin // Young Keeper
RB Gustavius SEANTRO Age: 31 Species: Undead Knight // Tackling Machine
CB B'Z'Z'T Age: 1466 Species: Unknown Ghost // Man-to-Man Player
CB FIZETTA Age: 458 Species: Witch // Offensive Minded
LB Pazata OWALU Age: 32 Species: Ghoul // Enforcer
DM PASHANTI Age: 136 Species: Ghast // Mindless
RM Bearro GENTH Age: 48 Species: Dark Sorcerer // Shooter
CM Aera PONTELL Age: 32 Species: Shadow // Defensive
CM AMIAGABAR Age: 199 Species: Djinn // Pacer
LM MORKOT Age: 28 Species: Doppleganger // Crosser
ST CERTANI Age: ?? Species: Unknown // Finisher

[Chromatika]

All stats are as of Pre-WC90 Qualifying and may be updated soon.

Choose my Lineup: No. I will be listing the starting lineup for each match at the end of each RP. You can choose my subs, though.
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, I choose the severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, 3 max.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, 2 max. Please TG me.
Godmod other events: No

---

ROSTER FOR CAFA 3


Kits Credit: Kirola, Logo Credit: Vulpine Sportif

TEAM INFORMATION
World Ranking: 28
WC Record: 196-51-70 (wins/draws/losses), 712 scored, 416 conceded
Overall Record: 263-78-110 (wins/draws/losses), 984 scored, 633 conceded
Formation: 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1
Style Modifier: +4
Denonym: Chromatik
Nickname: The Anomalies
Venue: Capitalizt Dome, Chromia, Capital District, Chromatika (144,000) and as listed

---

Records
Italics indicate still active

Most Caps:
Keira Andisori - 182
Luuk Aart - 164
Rachel Hellion - 162
Erika Morningstar - 155
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 155
Meagan Kelly - 143
Alyss Montague - 130
Zlastica Ellen - 127
Gabriella Antonio - 125
Trenn Rien - 123
Enigma Armageddon - 122
Sandra Sybill - 122
Lucjusz Stef - 121
Henri de Aea - 116
Jazmin Dragana - 115
Aysu Damjana - 111
Carrol Liam - 110
Hermaeus Mora - 106
Player with under 100 caps not listed

Most Appearances by a Manager:
Silian Parker - 168
Richard Valens - 111
Managers with under 80 appearances not listed

Most Goals:
Keira Andisori - 137
Kaytlyn Victoriane - 92
Olimpia Vidal - 56
Gabriella Antonio - 43
Ki Niro - 33
Rowena Sierra - 33
Trenn Rien - 30
Vasily Marten Kuznetsov - 30
Beaunia Andisori - 29
Rachel Hellion - 24
Haley Hauser - 23
Alyss Montague - 23
Jazmin Dragana - 23
Miranda Gail - 22
Victorina Bird - 22
Meagan Kelly - 20
Players with under 20 goals not listed

---

MANAGEMENT STAFF

MG Sandra Sybill | Age: 43 | Height: 5 ft 11 in | Player Caps: 112 Player Goals: 16 | Debut Cycle: 90
Active from WC 74 to WC 81, Sandra Sybill had the finesse and the speed to be a part of the Anomalies to a tune of 112 caps and 16 goals while also being part of a Real Azuris squad in Cosumar that absolutely terrorized the international stage. Sybill's calling card was quickness and quality shooting with the cleverness that came with experience. Then, she stayed with Real Azuris to be a part of their coaching staff as a midfielder coach. After the dissolution of the Harlighet Ligen, many wondered what Sybill would do next. After running camps for multiple teams on many a offseason, Sybill got her certification and then made herself available for any jobs to follow. This is a huge step for her - the fact that her very first managing role is of the Anomalies - but she knows the pressure, she knows the field, and most of all, she knows what it's like to be part of the Anomalies. She didn't lead them to the World Cup, but the Cup of Harmony title isn't nothing.

AMG Rachel Hellion | Age: 42 | Height: 6 ft 6 in | Player Caps: 162 Player Goals: 24 | Debut Cycle: 90
Part of the WC squad from WC 73 through WC 81, Rachel Hellion was the set piece artist of the squad, taking almost every corner kick and free kick while being a part of the Anomalies to a tune of 162 caps and 24 goals. (The 162 caps is third all-time behind Keira Andisori and Luuk Aart). At the club level, she was part of a Lammerton squad that was once the club of the Schottic Premier League. After her playing career, Hellion tried her hand at being a physical therapist before getting her certification. She was being actively scouted by several Red League teams (Chromatik, Anomalies, Myana, to name a few) before Sandra Sybill asked her to come along for this massive undertaking.

PHY Zoe "Z" Benne | Age 41 | Debut Cycle: 80
Once a heartthrob, Zoe Benne is married to former Chromatik superstar and now White Mountain club manager Erika Morningstar. Zoe has been a constant for eleven cycles now, and has had to treat everything from sprained ankles to serious injuries after the bus sabotage last cycle. She remains a great asset.

SMC Shelby Arling | Age: 26 | Debut Cycle: 87
With new management in place, the presence of Arling as the Social Media Coordinator will be very important. All questions go through her, and she takes away any and all distractions.

GOALKEEPERS

GK Juxon FILLAR | Age: 26 | Team: Cazadores Cathair | Height: 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 41 Goals Allowed: 40 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62 CAPTAIN
Juxon Fillar is the unquestioned #1 on the team after the last few World Cups; the fact that he is only twenty-six is a boon to the Chromatik team in general. Very good at set pieces and one-on-one scenarios, he's become better in transition and also become a leader in the locker room, being third choice for Captaincy. As the oldest of all four Fillars on the roster, he's the unquestionable leader out of this position and will be for many World Cups to come. In Sandra Sybill's new system, he will need to hold down the fort without much help from time to time; thankfully, the experience he's gained as a part of a Champions' League winner in Cazadores Cathair will be of great help.

GK Kathie BEGLEY | Age: 27 | Team: Wirr Tsi | Height: 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 10 Goals Allowed: 3 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 63
Kathie Begley is the best keeper of the Chromatik Red League in the last four seasons, and a master at reading the flow of the game. She's been told that she should look at going abroad, but her love of Chromatik football in the Red League has kept her around. She has stated that this is a huge honor to continue to be included in this squad - and now she is somehow the second best keeper on this roster. To see someone play as important of a position as keeper who started and continued their career in Chromatika is absolutely inspiring, and her presence here is a testament to just how far the Red League itself has come.

GK Jacob DESCOMBES | Age: 29 | Team: Metropolis Alligators | Height: 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 6 Goals Allowed: 8 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 87
Jacob Descombes has come a long way from his days in the CCFA, earning his nickname as "Iceman" as someone who performs very well under pressure. He's expected to fill in as third choice keeper and spell the duo of Juxon and Kathie from time to time. Sporting an almost 1:1 ratio in games started to games allowed, Descombes is someone whose continued future on the squad brings much interest as a late bloomer. Now, he's the veteran of the group, but it's one that is very tight knit - and the fact that he has been through thick and thin makes him a repository of knowledge

RIGHT BACKS

RB Grayson FILLAR | Age: 21 | Team: 1830 Cathair | Height: 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 21 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 63
The long-term answer at Right Back for Chromatika; Second oldest by age but third in order of appearance to the national spotlight amongst the Fillar household, Grayson Fillar is a bullheaded, stubborn, physical right back will will outright impose his will on his opponents. Overshadowed by his younger sister, the electric Baillaire, Grayson was the one who actually chose to finish high school in Chromatika before making the move to 1830 Cathair. Though he says that he's proud of his sister (and he probably is), there is a deeply competitive streak in him that demands that he also make a name for himself atop Chromatika's slew of Fillars. On the pitch, he knows how to use his size to its utmost advantage, almost appearing larger than he is at times. He also understands the importance of momentum and tone, leading to his not being shy to commit a foul if one is needed. He still has a lot to learn, but has a bright future ahead of him, and possesses the most important thing: youth. He'll be the starter in a few cycles.

RB Dina CHAPMAN | Age: 30 | Team: FK Torpedo Pawlograd | Height: 6 ft 4 in | Caps: 25 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 61
A pacey Right Back who doesn't mind contributing to the attack by going up the field, Chapman's stock remains at an interesting precipice. On one hand, with the Chromatik game shifting more toward the Centre of the pitch, it makes sense to have defenders with ballhandling skills like Chapman; on the other, it becomes even more important than usual to know how to drop back on a dime and defend the counter. As her strength is on ball placement and knowing how to add two or three passes to the game that wouldn't have come from the backfield otherwise, she will likely be used as strategy seems fit; she does better with two Defensive Midfielders on the pitch at the same time rather than two Attacking Midfielders, for example. Now that Sybill and Hellion are in charge, and Chromatika is going all out on the attack, Chapman will be given license to kill.

CENTER BACKS

CB Henri DE AEA | Age: 30 | Team: Spartangrad | Height: 6 ft 7 in | Caps: 116 Goals Scored: 3 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 80
Henri de Aea has eclipsed a hundred caps, and shows no signs of slowing down. Remaining at large as an aerial defender and a sure tackler, there are even brighter days ahead for the central defender, who is only in the prime of his career. Now in one of Eura's big clubs in Spartangrad, de Aea's career is one that shows just what can happen if someone takes risks. In his eleventh World Cup as a member of the Anomalies, his legend as one of the best players to ever wear the checkered black and white continues to grow every time he steps onto the pitch. On this team, he's the defensive backbone who communicates with the defensive midfield to set up the Chromatik wall in front of Juxon Fillar. A master communicator and a decent tactician, de Aea is a irreplaceable piece of the squad. As Chromatika becomes more offensive, he will have to do the lion's share of the defending - and he's rearing to go.

CB Keira ANBIENT | Age: 27 | Team: Kitara Athletic Association | Height: 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 16 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 63
Keira Anbient, no relation to Keira Andisori, is described as a pure willpower player first and foremost. She is neither the biggest player on the pitch, the fastest, nor the quickest to the ball; instead, she is just always around where the action is. Having joined Kitara Athletic Association and garnering valuable experience there, Anbient has only become better and better as she gets more used to different situations. Experience will be her best teacher, and as she continues to gain the opportunities in front of her, she'll only get better. She's now in the starting pair with de Aea, and though she does have some room left to go, her patience and hard work is starting to pay off.

CB Klavida RÉGINE | Age: 23 | Team: St. Thomas | Height: 5 ft 11 in | Caps: 0 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: CAFA 1
Though short, Klavida makes up for it with having the busiest feet. Almost like a hound dog at times with how doggedly she pursues anyone that dare cross her, she has been noted to be annoying by her opponents time and time again. With Licentian perennial powerhouses St. Thomas, Régine's emergence as a possible callup has been a phenomenal story to behold. Her feet absolutely never stop moving during the game, and that endless pace results in many a tired opponent. It's time Régine got some time going against the world.

CB Moira ANSOV| Age: 26 | Team: Myana | Height: 6 ft 8 in | Caps: 0 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: CAFA 2
Ansov started her career at Brisara FC, then moved to Hanai Breakers - which was the best move of her life. Part of Masterson's defensive scheme, Ansov perfected her skills before jumping ship to join the Myana Islanders. Now, she's one of the last lines of defense ahead of Katerina Olexander, one of the better keepers in the Red League. Ansov is a classic man-to-man defender with some physicality and poise, but her calling card is that of consistency and constant aggression. If she makes it far within the Anomalies, it would be one of the craziest stories to ever come out of the nation - someone who wasn't even on the radar when she graduated from the CCFA.

LEFT BACKS

LB Ha'nei IGHV | Age: 25 | Team: Avenida Leal | Height: 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 12 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62
Ha'nei Ighv is really a midfielder moonlighting at left back with her shooting skills, but insists at playing so far back just to make things challenging. A bit of an insufferable know-it all with a good heart, she likes to pair with Cylie Nodis and create a high-pressing defensive line with the help of the central midfield. She's quite good at scoring a handful of goals every year, and can surprise everyone by the creativity in her play. Now, she's with Avenida Leal, in a league that will allow her to play so offensively. Ighv is the perfect player for Sybill & Hellion's system - and she will have many a chance to score.

LB Ipati AIMÉE | Age: 23 | Team: St. Thomas | Height: 6 ft 4 in | Caps: 1 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: CAFA 1
Ipati is more of a traditional type defender who's quite good at clearing away headers, playing man-to-man, you name it. She went unnoticed for so long before a local writer wrote a piece on her playing style about how she didn't lack much but also wasn't quite good at anything. She filled in for a season at Wirr Tsi, helping the Shock almost complete the three-peat, before being wooed by St. Thomas to play alongside Klavida Régine. Aimée is starting to prove that her CCFA career wasn't a good representation of her potential.

RIGHT WINGERS/MIDFIELDERS

RM/CM WEN Xhose | Age: 29 | Team: Yassaca | Height: 6 ft 2 in | Caps: e Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: CAFA 2
Wen Xhose (Cho-Say)'s career has been an enigma. Picked up on frees by Yassaca, Xhose has been an integral part of the Squornshelan club's dominance domestically and success internatoinally, but he was never scouted nor taken seriously by the CFF until recently. Wen is a one-touch passer and infiltrator who can go unnoticed by the defense until the time is too late, often setting up opportunities before the ball even arrives in dangerous situations. He knows how to play smart, calculated, and deadly football, and on top of it all, he doesn't mind not being the first name that falls off of anyone's lips. For a position that will be overshadowed by the opposite for years to come, these are all great qualities to have - and Wen is finally being given the accolades that he deserves.

RW Emilie KRUETZBERG | Age: 21 | Team: Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology | Height: 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 3 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 89
Recognizable due to a magnificent mane of red hair, Emilie Kruetzberg is a dynamic playmaker who burst into the scene for the Hellcats. She is a swarmer, endlessly trying to be around the ball on the attacking end to tire out the defender and take the shot. She can be a tad overaggressive at times - she led the CCFA in offside calls last two seasons - but she scores or contributes to scoring chances enough times to make up for it. Expect her to assist whomever is the Striker in the formation with constant pressure in front of the goal.

LEFT WINGERS/MIDFIELDERS

LW Vasiliy Marten KUZNETSOV | Age: 27 | Team: Herzegovina City FC | Height: 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 67 Goals Scored: 30 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 85 VICE CAPTAIN
Kuznetsov is a star who can do it all - drop back and defend, counter, cross, and shoot from range. The sky is the limit for him, and after winning the Champions' League with Kitara AA, he is in his prime and rearing to go. A humble star who knows what he is worth, Kuznetsov only has one thing left to do on his list - take the Chromatik National Team to new heights. With the complete package, he remains the focal point of the Chromatik attack, and the forefront of the new school of Chromatik football where the Left Winger and the Attacking Midfielder take point over the Strikers. Recently transferring to Banijan powerhouse Herzegovina City FC, Kuznetsov's career is at the point where the only thing left to do is to keep winning, if he can make it work.

LW Edith FILLAR | Age: 17 | Team: Shamrock Cathair | Height: 5 ft 7 in | Caps: 4 Goals Scored: 5 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 89
The youngest of the Fillars, Edith is the next coming of Megan Kelly, or the Chromatik winger who's short but can run circles around would-be defenders and take over the game due to where she is on the pitch. She may not be the quickest off the ball, but she has the relentlessness that has been present on many great Chromatik wingers. With the mindset of a drill sergeant who is definitely the strictest on herself, Edith's career is just beginning. How is she so high up this list? She has the potential to rise through the ranks like Juxon and Baillaire before her. The day where all four Fillars are starting on the pitch at the same time is coming soon. She is the most mature seventeen year old to ever take to the field, and her size is overshadowed by her heart and her passion for the game.

CENTER MIDFIELDERS

DM Kateryna ZUNIGA | Age: 29 | Team: Sabrefell Moths | Height: 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 52 Goals Scored: 2 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 85
Kateryna Zuniga is the annoying man-to-man defender that one can never shake. One of the major players that caused the system shift to a more fluid central midfield, Zuniga is more than happy to see the opportunity to start more games, sometimes even alongside Armageddon. If Armageddon wasn't on this roster, Zuniga would be the #1 starter in a heartbeat. She isn't too mad about that - it's fun to play alongside greatness, after all. Zuniga and Armageddon will have their hands full helping out the defense.

AM Haley HAUSER | Age: 27 | Team: Spartangrad | Height: 6 ft 7 in | Caps: 42 Goals Scored: 23 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62
Haley Hauser is the shoot first, ask questions later attacking midfielder, scoring more than one goal every two appearances. Now playing for a strong Euran side in Spartangrad, Hauser will actually start alongside Mora when the Chromatika go for the two Attacking MIdfielders lineup. She now has the chance to thrive and be one of the biggest scoring threats on this roster alongside VMK. Hauser is reportedly absolutely thrilled about working with Sybill and Hellion, and will be given authority to shoot from any range.

AM Baillaire FILLAR | Age: 20 | Team: 1830 Cathair | Height: 6 ft 3 in | Caps: 27 Goals Scored: 14 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62
Baillaire Fillar is the flashiest of the Fillars. She subscribes to the Hermaeus Mora/Haley Hauser school of Attacking Midfielders, marrying both styles by shooting first and asking questions later while making deep runs into opposing territory. With a creative and dramatic flair that doesn't really exist in other Chromatiks from the past, Baillaire is a playmaker through and through. With Hellion and Sybill in charge, Baillaire will become more and more integral to the Chromatik attack.

DM Kaia LARRIET-CORTES | Age: 22 | Team: La Nueva Avenida | Height: 6 ft 5 in | Caps: 26 Goals Scored: 2 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62
Kaia Larriet-Cortes is third in a line of very capable defensive midfielders behind Enigma Armageddon and Kateryna Zuniga. She grabs the attention due to her last name. Niece to the late Franscesca Larriet-Cortes, Chromatika's first Manager and martyr in the Rainbow Revolution, Kaia is an even-keeled Defensive Midfielder who is best described as a younger, female Enigma Armageddon. Both of them are imposing, both of them lead on the pitch, and both of them know how to contribute offensively when needed. Where Enigma commands attention by physical presence, hers is more subtle, being in all the right places at right times. She is often the visionary on the pitch.

DM Mare SI | Age: 26 | Team: Yassaca | Height: 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 8 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 63
Mare Si is easily the best complete center midfielder in CCFA history. She started off as a holding midfielder and then developed her shooting game to incorporate set pieces as well. The complete package, she'll play the defensive midfielder who has the capability to shoot if the opposition is caught napping. On the squad, she is known as the team's patient assassin, as her playmaking ability increases the longer the game goes. Having tasted success with Yassaca, Mare's trajetory doesn't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

AM Alissar PHOEN | Age: 24 | Team: Dynamo Sjoedrhavn | Height: 6 ft 2 in | Caps: 12 Goals Scored: 3 | Debut Cycle: CAFA 1
Alissar Phoen's stock rose like a rocket with Chromia Central College University. An ambidextrous shooter who actually prefers range to up close, his creativity and dramatic scoring ability was what led to his collegiate success and helped him land a spot in Savojarna. Many are wondering if this can be replicated in the international scene; he's done well for himself in Savojana, and with the fact that he's not quite twenty-five yet, there is still a lot to be decided in his young career.

STRIKERS

ST Alicia GAINSBOURG | Age: 30 | Team: GT Molding | Height: 6 ft 4 in | Caps: 30 Goals Scored: 15 | Debut Cycle: AOCAF 62
Alicia Gainsbourg has a good head and an even better left foot. She rose to prominence and went to Molding; it's been an interesting career in Græntfjall so far but her presence on the national team is a welcome one. She doesn't really fit the current Chromatik attacking model either, but can provide the creative spark that could be the edge that Chromatika needs to put games away against the opposition. She should be the first choice striker by the end of the Qualifiers.

ST Hank KILLIAN | Age: 22 | Team: Blackfields | Height: 6 ft 1 in | Caps: 0 Goals Scored: 0 | Debut Cycle: World Cup 90
A pure playmaker who's willing to do it all, or in some cases, too much at times. Needs to learn when to rein it in. Killian went to the Euran Oceanian Territories and made a killing for himself at Oslograd Academy, becoming one of the better strikers. Now, he's moved up to Blackfields. Killian can sometimes try to do too much, but as long as he keeps the field in front of him, he has so much potential.

---

FIRST CHOICE STARTING XI (4-2-3-1):

FILLAR, J.
FILLAR, G. - DE AEA - ANBIENT - IGHV
ZUNIGA - LARRIET-CORTES
WEN - HAUSER - KUZNETSOV
GAINSBOURG

FIRST CHOICE STARTIG XI (4-1-4-1):

FILLAR, J.
FILLAR, G. - DE AEA - ANBIENT - IGHV
ZUNIGA
WEN - HAUSER - FILLAR, B. - KUZNETSOV
VIDAL

Manager   Sandra Sybill  43 5 ft 11 in 122 Caps 16 Goals Quality Shooting and Experience
Assistant Manager Rachel Hellion 42 6 ft  6 in 162 Caps 24 Goals Set Piece Artist

Goalkeepers
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GA    Debut Cycle
01. Juxon Fillar               26   Cazadores Cathair                Audioslavia                 6 ft  1 in     41   40       AOCAF 62 CAPTAIN
12. Kathie Begley              27   Wirr Tsi                         Chromatika                  6 ft  2 in     10    3       AOCAF 63
23. Jacob Descombes            29   Metropolis Alligators            Valladares                  6 ft  3 in      6    8             87

Right Backs
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
02. Grayson Fillar             21   1830 Cathair                     Audioslavia                 6 ft  3 in     21    0       AOCAF 63
13. Dina Chapman               30   FK Torpedo Pawlograd             Savojarna                   6 ft  4 in     25    0       AOCAF 61
   
Center Backs
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
03. Henri de Aea               30   Spartangrad                      Eura                        6 ft  7 in    116    3             80         
04. Keira Anbient              27   Kitara Athletic Association      Banija                      6 ft  2 in     16    0       AOCAF 63
14. Klavida Régine             23   St. Thomas                       The Licentian Isles         5 ft 11 in      0    0        CAFA 01
15. Moira Ansov                26   Myana                            Chromatika                  6 ft  8 in      0    0        CAFA 02 

Left Backs 
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
05. Ha'nei Ighv                25   Avenida Leal                     Farfadillis                 6 ft  1 in     12    0       AOCAF 62
16. Ipati Aimée                23   St. Thomas                       The Licentian Isles         6 ft  4 in      1    0        CAFA 01     

Right Wingers/Right Midfielders
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
06. Wen Xhose                  29   Yassaca                          Squornshelan Remnant States 6 ft  2 in      3    0        CAFA 02 
17. Emilie Kruetzberg          21   Z'ai'ai Institute of Technology  Chromatika                  6 ft  3 in      3    0             89

Left Wingers/Left Midfielders
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
10. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov   27   Kitara Athletic Association      Banija                      6 ft  1 in     67   30             85 VICE CAPTAIN  
21. Edith Fillar               17   Shamrock Cathair                 Shamrock Cathair            5 ft  7 in      4    5             89

Defensive Midfielders/Attacking Midfielders 
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle 
07. Kateryna Zuniga            29   Sabrefell Moths                  Nephara                     6 ft  2 in     52    2             85
08. Haley Hauser               27   Spartangrad                      Eura                        6 ft  7 in     42   23       AOCAF 62
09. Baillaire Fillar           20   1830 Cathair                     Audioslavia                 6 ft  3 in     27   14       AOCAF 62
18. Kaia Larriet-Cortes        22   La Nueva Avenida                 Farfadillis                 6 ft  5 in     26    2       AOCAF 62
19. Mare Si                    26   Yassaca                          Squornshelan Remnant States 6 ft  1 in      8    0       AOCAF 63
20. Alissar Phoen              24   Dynamo Sjoedrhavn                Savojarna                   6 ft  2 in     12    3        CAFA 01

Strikers 
Num Name                      Age   Team                             Nation                      Height       Caps   GF    Debut Cycle
11. Alicia Gainsbourg          30   Molding                          Græntfjall                  6 ft  4 in     30   15       AOCAF 62
22. Kara Oveni                 20   Colonial Sile                    Vilita                      6 ft  5 in     15    4       AOCAF 63

[Cobrio]

Cobrio National Football Team

CFF Logo designed by ediraf

((OOC: see this factbook for an explanation of terms used here))

ABOUT
The Cobrio national football team is operated under the auspices of the Cobre Football Federation (CFF), to represent the Independent State of Cobrio in international competition.

While the team has existed in some form for around a century at this point -- it was formed during the 2220s while Cobrio sought to gain independence from Osarius, only participating in friendly tournaments and the Rabastor Unity Trophy -- it is only during the past twenty years or so, that Cobrio's national team has been officially recognised by the World Cup Committee. The team's first game after official recognition was a 3-3 draw against Osarius at Tukari Kaita National Stadium -- a newly built stadium near Camaron, the official capital of Cobrio. This stadium also serves as the home venue for the national team.

Cobrio's debut appearance in WCC competition culminated in their victory at the 68th Baptism of Fire tournament, before a mediocre World Cup qualifying campaign. In the middle of that campaign, they also took part in the Cup of Champions (note: it did not go well for them). Lacking an invite to the Cup of Harmony, and declining to enter further WCC competitions, the team have been largely inactive since, only rocking up to compete at the rebooted Rabastor Unity Trophy, and the inaugural CAFA Cup in the interim. Having missed the second edition of Anaia's regional championship -- for reasons that are unclear, though many point the finger at a Dancougaran intern working within the CFF -- they return to take part in the third edition.

((On an OOC note, it is perhaps of particular note that the nation of Cobrio has access to, and mastery of, some post-modern/future tech. Not quite interstellar travel level of future tech, but concepts like full-brain emulation and near-universal healing methodology are very much real things in 24th-century Cobrio. Basically, if it exists in Wakanda, it probably exists in Cobrio or is achievable in the next half-century.))




KITS
The Cobrio kits are provided by ediraf and designed to represent the nation's deep cultural heritage. The home kits are primarily gold, but incorporate the adinkra -- traditional Cobre symbols said to confer various qualities upon the wearer -- and the other colours of the national flag (green and black).

The away kits are designed in a similar fashion to the traditional uniform of initiates to the zabamince wadanda, in recognition of the honour of being selected. They are almost all black, which is said to represent the void one must embrace when entering battle. The adinkra also feature along the hem, to confer their power upon the wearer.

The goalkeeper kits are primarily green, to represent the land from which the team hails. Cobre culture exalts the land, as it is from the land that all nourishment comes, in some form or another. Traditional beliefs also state that Olugun, the Father of the Irunashe, created man from plant material in the beginning. As with the other kits, the adinkra also feature here, on the sleeves, as a goalkeeper's arms and hands are considered most important.



PLAYING STYLE
Under head coach Marvelous Koleoso, Cobrio have morphed from a cautious "Osarian 4-3-3" (with a dedicated defensive midfielder) to an expansive, adventurous 3-1-2-4 system (if we're nitpicking it's more like a 3-5-2, but let's not get into that debate today). This has resulted in a far more entertaining spectacle for fans, and has, as a result, seen the popularity of the sport recover to near pre-war levels.

However, struggles in the nation over the past few decades -- rebuilding the football scene after the lengthy war; political upheaval in the wake of the Tukarist movement on the far left -- have led to a limited degree of football education for the majority of players. This is slowly beginning to correct, as younger players emerge from the well-funded community facilities pushed by the many Tukarist representatives across the nation, and veterans adjust to their new roles.

This has not quite filtered down to tactical adjustment, though, and Cobre football still tends to focus more on athleticism and instinct. It must be stressed that this should not be mistaken for a lack of tactical acumen, though. The team is exceptionally well-drilled -- Lieutenant Owusu's militaristic training style is something that Koleoso shares, as do many other Cobrans, given the nation's policy of compulsory military service, which was only recently rescinded -- and while not at the elite level (yet), it is important to note that these are still professional footballers of the highest level in their country, frequently competing against Osarians (who are known for their tactical and technical exactingness).

PERSONNEL

Manager
Marvelous Koleoso
Koleoso has throughout his career, often been dismissed as having his head in the clouds, but he is, in fact, an extremely insightful manager. While the criticisms are not entirely baseless -- he does have lofty ideals for what he considers "proper Cobre football" -- he is nevertheless capable of providing his teams with the tools needed to succeed. Much like other well-regarded Cobre coaches such as Emeka Obasi, or Daniel Kunde, Koleoso's strengths lie in organisation and man-management. Some believe his system expects too much of particularly young players or those over thirty, and this would not be an entirely unfair appraisal. Koleoso knows this, though, and his squad selection largely reflects this, with most players falling between the ages of 23 and 29.

Koleoso's decision to repurpose the various, versatile wingers at his disposal into advanced pressers -- as a means to conceal their defensive shortcomings -- while shunting the team's personnel forward in general underlines the main way in which he deviates from the typical Cobre coaching mentality. Most Cobre coaches are neutral, or perhaps a little reactive by nature, tending toward a cautious offense built on a well-organised defence... Koleoso disregards that and goes for a proactive, entertaining approach above all else. "Football is entertainment first," he says. "Of course we are coming to win, but winning without the cheering of the crowd for what you do on the pitch... this is not victory, na."


Squad

NOTE: Higher squad numbers typically denote lower chances of being selected for any given match.

GOALKEEPERS

##  Name                   Pos      Age  Club                            
 1  Idowu CRUZ             G        35   [OSR] Hastmead Diamante
12  YAYA Ihemelu           G        30   [OSR] Kyoshiku Island
24  Akachi IHEMELU         G        33   [OSR] Incanto Evolution

Veteran 'keeper Idowu Cruz keeps the number one shirt, though, at this point, one suspects the lack of change in the goalkeeping department is more for appearance's sake than because there aren't equally talented options. Cruz, to his credit, has adapted well to the new system, though. Previously his distribution was probably his biggest weakness, while now, he's reasonably comfortable with the ball at his feet. His reflexes are, however, in decline, albeit not dramatically.

The two backups are roughly interchangeable at this point, but Koleoso seems to prefer Yaya over Akachi. Presumably because the former is quicker at starting counterattacks. There doesn't really appear to be any other reason, as the two are practically equal in every other department.

DEFENDERS

##  Name                   Pos      Age  Club                            
 2  Lavelle POPPENS        D   RL   29   [CBR] Armada Ohafia
 3  Dada ADEOSUN           D   RC   27   [CBR] Negus Koromanti
 4  Emeka OKORE            D   C    28   [CBR] Dynapolis United
 5  Lewis ARMSTRONG        D   C    37   [OSR] FC Barciddia
 6  Maximin DEBUCHY        D   C    27   [CBR] Jraxville FC
17  Ryan CHAMBERLAIN       D   LC   29   [OSR] Hastmead Diamante
19  Trenton CARTHY         D   C    24   [CBR] Ajamilu FC

The starting trio of Okore, Debuchy, and captain Armstrong -- likely in his last international tournament for Cobrio, considering his age -- have a fantastic working relationship and understandably, Koleoso is reluctant to split them up. He has, however, had to make adjustments to compensate for Armstrong's declining pace, by instructing the back three to sit a little deeper in the defensive phase, which could invite pressure.

Adeosun and Poppens are available as defensive options in wider areas if a system change is in order, and Adeosun also acts as a backup option in the back three if necessary (as does Chamberlain). The final defender, Carthy (yes, of *that* Carthy family), is ostensibly the backup for Lewis Armstrong, and resembles the captain as he was in Cobrio's Baptism of Fire: immensely physically gifted with a strong read of the game. Carthy might feel a little aggrieved to not be starting, but it's understandable that Koleoso does not want to break up the starting trio just yet. It's also impossible to replace Armstrong's influence and leadership at the back. For now. Young Trenton may have words about that in the coming years, however, and one gets the feeling that Koleoso is playing the long game here, preparing him for a much larger role in the future.

MIDFIELDERS

##  Name                   Pos      Age  Club                            
 8  Abimbola OLAMIDE       M   C    27   [CBR] Shanak FC
15  Jamaar WARWICK         M   C    23   [CBR] Negus Koromanti
16  Sylvain PICARD         DM  C    31   [CBR] Dynapolis United
20  Folarin AKINBOBO       M   C    30   [CBR] Dynapolis United
22  Sophia DELACOUR        M   C    31   [OSR] Hastmead Diamante
25  Iqadi MUNROE           M   C    32   [OSR] Alissar Phoenix

In another shift from previous squads, Picard (or Delacour most likely) will almost always start as a holding presence ahead of the defensive trio. This is another precaution taken by Koleoso to protect Armstrong, presumably, but again, he compensates elsewhere. Picard's distribution has greatly improved over the years and he is arguably now at the point where he could be considered a secondary playmaker for Cobrio.

Ahead of him most likely will be two of the younger players in the squad: Olamide (whose progressive ball carries are invaluable in the transition phase) and Warwick (whose boundless, youthful energy is invaluable when the opposition threatens to overrun Picard.

The absence of Jahmeen Makonnen will surprise some, as his all-round game was near par with Munroe (who retains his place, just about) but it appears to be further evidence of a shift in Koleoso's tactics. With Picard providing creation, the players in front of him simply need to shield him. Munroe and Makonnen are wasted in such a role. Akinbobo and Munroe do, however, offer a different kind of advanced midfield duo; Akinbobo's advanced pressing and Munroe's adeptness at arriving late to Cobre attacks allow Koleoso to experiment with his forward line -- like fielding two fullbacks instead of pressing with wingers -- without losing too much of his side's attacking output.

FORWARDS

##  Name                   Pos      Age  Club                            
 7  Saviour MOFOKENG       F   RLC  23   [HIN] Miishima Polytechnical
 9  Babatunde WARRINGTON   F   C    37         Unattached
10  Garnett MAKANZA        F   C    29   [AUD] Osarese Marcadia
11  Maurice DELFOUR        F   RL   32   [AQL] Bahia Rojo
14  Bande OKONYE           F   C    23   [OSR] Firewood City
18  Sylvia OLUSEGUN        F   RL   25   [OSR] Utica United
21  Omwanjula KALU         F   RL   25   [OSR] Neahri Angels
23  JeMarcus BAILEY        F   RLC  23   [AQL] Bahia Rojo

Cobrio have, in the past, been blessed with a glut of talented forwards, and pundits have speculated that this is likely because forwards can excel on their athleticism with limited tactical and technical ability. This is slowly changing though, as the best Cobre forwards age, and lose that athleticism... Leading the line will be Garnett Makanza, capably backed up by veteran Maurice Delfour, and Saviour Mokofeng, who announced herself at the inaugural CAFA Cup, has blossomed into a well-rounded forward, capable of playing across the forward line, though she has a tendency to cut inside from the right due to a heavy preference for shooting on her left.

None of the other Cobre forwards from the inaugural CAFA Cup return ... except, of course, The Baba. Initially, The Baba retired at the conclusion of the Zenith, but Koleoso convinced him to do a u-turn on that one. He is currently training with his old club Dynapolis United, but it is unclear whether he will be offered a contract. On the pitch, though he has lost a step, he somehow defied age at the most recent Rabastor Unity Trophy, turning in excellent performances when called upon. Koleoso seems to have found a way to harness Baba's frustration (as much as anything about Baba can be harnessed, of course) at not starting most games, and now sees the national team legend as something of a wildcard. A semi-reliable source of goals from the bench. In particular, Moses Lofuko will be aggrieved at not getting a return call, though he is said to be lacking match fitness after some injury troubles this past season.

Supplementing this "old guard" are four fresh talents, one of whom (Okonye) has usurped Baba's starting role alongside Makanza. His large frame serves as a useful foil to Makanza's off-the-shoulder movement, and the two have formed a surprisingly strong partnership in a short space of time. The other three typify Koleoso's love of versatility, especially in attack, as two (Olosegun and Kalu) are capable of playing either wing (with neither woman expressing a strong preference for one foot over the other, though their clubs have mostly fielded them on the right and left respectively) and the third (Bailey), much like Mokofeng, can fill any role across the forward line to a reasonable degree. In the case of Bailey, he has put in some explosive performances for Bahia, in fact, and his lethal combination of pace and dribbling may be a particularly potent weapon off the bench.

Projected Starting Lineup:


RP Permissions:
Do whatever you like, except killing people (if you have a good idea, feel free to run it by me). Mostly, I just want this to be fun
I reserve the right to use "magical spine-healing technology" (looking at you, T'Challa) on my players if you injure someone I had plans for, though.

[Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land]

it’s time for school.

roster

Name        Gdr.   Fav. Color   Fav. Class       Fav. Animal
Andrew       M     Brown        Music            Capybara
Anne         F     Blue         Art              Horse
Christine    F     Yellow       Art              Penguin
Jacqueline   F     Pink         Science          Frog
Eva          X     Gold         Social Studies   Dragon
Evan         M     White        Science          Dinosaur
Jan          X     Black        Gym              Bear
Lena         F     Yellow       Reading          Elephant
Leo          M     Orange       Math             Toucan
Mikey        M     Blue         Recess           Gryffon
Rachel       F     Green        Social Studies   Deer
Simon        M     Purple       Math             Eagle
Tla          X     Red          Gym              Lion
Val          F     Orange       Reading          Turtle
Zoe          F     Red          Social Studies   Swan

All players on Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land’s roster for CAFA Cup 3 are preschoolers.

tactics

Manager: Evan’s dad
Formation: 0–0–10
Style modifier: +5

Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land’s tactics are influenced by a combination of hypergegenpressing and total football. Or maybe it’s just that preschoolers like to all run to the ball. Who can say for sure? All we know is, we hope everyone involved has fun and makes new friends!

The coaches will attempt to substitute subbed-off players back into the match, and use much more than three substitutions. If the fourth referee actually enforces the laws of the game, however, the team will likely simply have its players change “positions” throughout the match, though aside from goalkeeper, this won’t really have much impact on what actually happens on the pitch.

The coaching staff will also ask for water breaks. Lots and lots of water breaks. And also orange slice breaks, and apple juice breaks, and fruit snack breaks, and…

kits

Evan wanted something cool from Kirola or ediraf, but uni·q was cheaper to custom-design.

rp permissions

Godmod anything and everything, as long as you keep it friendly. (That is to say, injuries shouldn’t be anything the school nurse couldn’t deal with, and deaths are strictly off limits.) If you have any ideas or questions, feel free to DM me. I’d also understand if you choose to pretend this is a team of normal professional players instead of preschoolers, but to be clear, this is a team of preschoolers, so have fun with it.

The following version of the above roster is provided in case images, colors, or other features used are inaccessible for any viewers.

it’s time for school.

roster

Welcome! Today’s agenda:

• Have fun
• Do your best
• Win CAFA Cup 3

Today’s learning objectives:

• Teamwork
• Respect

Who is at school today?

Name        Gdr   Fav. Color   Fav. Class       Fav. Animal
Andrew       M    Brown        Music            Capybara
Anne         F    Blue         Art              Horse
Christine    F    Yellow       Art              Penguin
Jacqueline   F    Pink         Science          Frog
Eva          X    Gold         Social Studies   Dragon
Evan         M    White        Science          Dinosaur
Jan          X    Black        Gym              Bear
Lena         F    Yellow       Reading          Elephant
Leo          M    Orange       Math             Toucan
Mikey        M    Blue         Recess           Gryffon
Rachel       F    Green        Social Studies   Deer
Simon        M    Purple       Math             Eagle
Tla          X    Red          Gym              Lion
Val          F    Orange       Reading          Turtle
Zoe          F    Red          Social Studies   Swan

Who is at home today?

• No one is at home today!

tactics

Manager: Evan’s dad
Formation: 0–0–10
Style modifier: +5

• None of the players know what the offside rule is. Accordingly, at least one player will usually stand next to or behind the opposing goalkeeper to receive the ball, so they can score, whether or not the team is in possession.
• Players in space (or not in a cluster) will often find themselves alone because the rest of their teammates ran towards the ball more quickly, either because they are slow, they are tired, or they don’t want to run very much.
• Both when in and out of possession, most players will cluster towards the ball, because they’re preschoolers, and that’s what they do. They want to play with the ball. That’s fun. Are you going to tell them they’re wrong?
• Some players may get bored and not want to play anymore, due to distraction or tiredness. They will eventually be substituted out when this occurs, but they may play in the grass or something for a while in the meantime.
• Players may play at most one quarter of any match in goal, to allow all players the chance to play in more active, involved positions. This rule promotes fitness and fun for everyone on the team.

Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land’s tactics are influenced by a combination of hypergegenpressing and total football. Or maybe it’s just that preschoolers like to all run to the ball. Who can say for sure? All we know is, we hope everyone involved has fun and makes new friends!

The coaches will attempt to substitute subbed-off players back into the match, and use much more than three substitutions. If the fourth referee actually enforces the laws of the game, however, the team will likely simply have its players change “positions” throughout the match, though aside from goalkeeper, this won’t really have much impact on what actually happens on the pitch.

The coaching staff will also ask for water breaks. Lots and lots of water breaks. And also orange slice breaks, and apple juice breaks, and fruit snack breaks, and…

kits

Main kit: Six stripes — bright/neon white, magenta, purple, blue, yellow, and green — encompass the shirt, with “Space Laser Dinosaur Robot Pirate Land!” text on the front. Red shorts, and white/magenta/purple/blue/yellow/green socks.
Change kit: All-yellow, with alternating rows of pink and blue polka dots on the shirt and lavender trim. “SLDRPL” text on the front of the shirt.
Third kit: Anaia purple, with Anaia green trim. Text on the front of the shirt reading “My Daddy thinks I’m CUTE!”
All kits: Kits do not have numbers. All have tags on the back, where players’ names are typically located on kits, reading: “If found please return to: (Player’s name).” Designed and manufactured by uni·q.

rp permissions

Godmod anything and everything, as long as you keep it friendly. (That is to say, injuries shouldn’t be anything the school nurse couldn’t deal with, and deaths are strictly off limits.) If you have any ideas or questions, feel free to DM me. I’d also understand if you choose to pretend this is a team of normal professional players instead of preschoolers, but to be clear, this is a team of preschoolers, so have fun with it.

[Xuois]

La Fédération Xuoisaise de Football présente
la liste des vingt-trois joueurs pour participer à la troisième Coupe de CAFA

Introduction

All Xuoisan footballers are amateurs. The team wears sky-blue shirts, white shorts, and red socks. If necessary, the team can also wear white shirts, red shorts, and white socks. The team is called les bleus-et-rouges (the Blue-and-Reds) or les civiliseurs (the Civilizers).

La liste des vingt-trois

Gardiens de but

1. Aimé LEFÈVRE (33 ans)
12. Prudence DUFOUR (32 ans)
23. Matthieu BABINEAUX (33 ans)

Défenseurs

2. Alain LÉVÊQUE (36 ans)
3. Yann LÉVESQUE (30 ans)
4. Nicolas LECLERCQ (34 ans)
13. Maxence NOYER (39 ans)
14. Léopold CLÉMENT (38 ans)
15. Guillaume GAGNON (33 ans)

Milieux de terrain

5. Jules LAVIGNE (36 ans)
6. Romain CHARBONNEAU (34 ans)
7. Ange LÉANDRE (28 ans)
8. Alphonse JEAN (34 ans)
9. Valentin CLOUTIER (31 ans)
16. Régis LANGLOIS (38 ans)
17. Gérard MOULIN (32 ans)
18. Émile BRISBOIS (32 ans)
19. Camille DENIAU (35 ans)

Attaquants

10. Apollinaire BÉRINGER (32 ans)
11. Michaël LECLERC (23 ans)
20. Maxime BLAISE (31 ans)
21. Placide ARTHUR (34 ans)
22. Denis LÉANDRE (30 ans)

Tactique

Sélectionneur

Roland MONTAGNE (47 ans)
Nathanaël COUTURE (43 ans) (assistant)

Analyse

The team uses a 3–5–2 formation. Usually, the starters are the players wearing the numbers 1–11. All the defenders in the team aside from Leclercq are right-footed, and all will be employed as centrebacks. Lavigne and Langlois are left wingbacks, while Charbonneau and Moulin are right wingbacks. Léandre, Jean, and Brisbois are defensive midfielders, while Cloutier and Deniau are box-to-box midfielders. Béringer and Blaise are support strikers, Arthur and Léandre are centre forwards, and Leclerc can be a centre forward, a support striker, or a winger, though he will be used primarily as a centre forward and pacy counterattacking threat when paired with Béringer.

The team prefers to attempt to score via the counterattack. When the team must defend, they try to leave nine or ten players behind the ball. They form a rigid structure close to their own goal resembling a 5–3–2 or even a 5–4–1 formation. Montagne knows that his opponents are very formidable, so while he hopes his team will hold its own, he knows that the team won’t dazzle. Most of the team is simply too old and cannot press with any real intensity or track back in time if beaten by a quick opponent, so a low block and focus on defense at all costs is Xuois's best hope. Still, Montagne is an excellent motivator and man-manager, so Xuois may prove harder to conquer than the advancing age or professional stature of its players may otherwise imply.

Histoire

Xuois has previously competed at CAFA Cup I in Legalese. All twenty-three players from that squad four years ago return for CAFA Cup III in Savigliane. Lévesque has taken Noyer's place in the back three, due both to Noyer's advancing years and poor discipline at the team's first tournament, and Leclerc has replaced Arthur as a starting striker as by far the youngest player in the squad, but otherwise, nine of eleven starters will retain their places for match day one in Savigliane.

Four years ago in Legalese, that team finished fifth of six teams in Group B. They first lost two-three to Pyazhnaya in both team's first-ever official competitive match. Xuois then drew two-all with Vdara, to earn the team's first-ever competitive result, before finally breaking through with a four-nil victory over Kotzellach to secure the team's first-ever win in official competition. Unfortunately, the team then played Avorago to a scoreless draw before losing three-nil to Cocoabo Forest on the group stage's final matchday, sealing a group stage exit.

Still, five points from five matches, with eight goals scored and eight conceded, was a respectable result for the team's first foray into official international competition. Indeed, despite international bans on the team's participation in the last edition of the CAFA Cup and in all WCC events, the team is still ranked thirty-fourth in Anaia. It is our hope that les civiliseurs will once again do our nation proud and, with the benefit of the experience of four years ago, do even better in Savigliane.

Politique

Xuois attempted to participate in AOCAF Cup LVII in Mriin, but was barred due to AOCAF's intolerance for Xuoisais sovereign internal affairs. Xuois departed for Anaia when it officially split from Atlantean Oceania in part to reassert its own ultimate authority over its domestic governance, and its national team debuted in CAFA Cup I in Legalese. Unfortunately, however, CAFA then reneged on its pledge to not politicize sports, barring Xuois from the previous edition of the CAFA Cup in Krytenia.

It gives us great satisfaction to return to participation at CAFA Cup III in Savigliane. However, in light of recent events, as well as the fact that Xuois continues to be barred from all World Cup Committee-sanctioned competition, we must emphasize that there is no truth to so-called allegations of "slavery" and "genocide" in Xuois. They are nothing but disgusting lies concocted by those who oppose Xuois. The Xuoisais government and its people are committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and national security, and we oppose every repulsive attempt by the enemies of Xuois to politicize the CAFA Cup or any sport or sporting event.

Pour le roi sur Terre, pour le Dieu au paradis, et pour notre Xuois : Allez les civiliseurs !

---

Autres détails

Modificateur de style

Style modifier: -4.1

Autorisation pour jouer de rôle

Your RP permissions are mine. In case you've adopted a similar Saltsteadish RP permissions policy (or are actively Saltstead), anything and everything is fair game. Please just keep in mind that Xuois is past-tech. The only exceptions to this policy, regardless of whatever your permissions say:

• Pandemics will not be recognized in Xuois.
• It is 100% okay to report on any atrocities happening in Xuois, as long as you accept there's a chance your IC sources got their facts wrong (unless we talk things over first). Regardless of whether or not your allegations are canon, however, official Xuoisais state sources will undoubtedly assure the public that your sources did, indeed, get it wrong.

Référénces

I reused my previous roster for much of my roster for this edition, and I adapted some language in my political section from terms used in a recent RL press conference.

[Savigliane]

--signups are closed; the everything thread can be found here--

[Savigliane]

Apologies for the late notice, but due to RL circumstances I may have to move the cutoff window ~30 minutes early tomorrow and cut off around 10 am pacific time. Sorry if this affects anyone’s RPing plans.

[Savigliane]

CAFA Cup III: Host Report

RPs were graded on a 0-1 scale, with bonus values of 0.1 and 0.15 available via word count. There were 66 total RPs.

The mean RP bonus given was 0.787.
The median RP bonus given was 0.75.
The 25th percentile value of RP bonus given was 0.7.
The 75th percentile value of RP bonus given was 0.9375.
11 RPs were given an RP bonus greater than or equal to 1.