World Cup 95 Roster Thread

by **Tikariot** » Mon Nov 13, 2023 7:44 pm

Football is the by far most popular sport in Tikariot and with that, both the national team and national top division are among the most watched events in the nation. The Tikariot Premier League, better known as TPL, is among the most competitive leagues in the multiverse and is known for its speed, technique and unpredictability.

While it has 110 seasons in its history, the national team only emerged onto the international scene for World Cup 85 and has managed to qualify for the World Cup proper 6 times in 9 editions, including hosting WC89. For World Cup 95, the Snowy Owls want to not only qualify for the 4th time in a row but also finally progress past the group stage for the first time since WC87.

The only title of note they have won was Copa Rushmori 42, but they are hungry for more.

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

Brian McAllister - 50

After having been assistant to now former coach Stuart Ekstrom, Brian McAllister made the move to Sargossa and enjoyed a lot more success than his former mentor, having two Copa Rushmori victories under his belt. With him, the Snowy Owls continue to utilize their flexible 4-3-3, in which the fullbacks can push forward and the wingers drop back depending on the game situatin, add unpredictability. With this formation, he also won Tikariot's first and personal third Copa Rushmori at CR42.

GOALKEEPER

GK | Conrad HURST | 29 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 13 caps | 4 clean sheets
not the tallest keeper, but is very quick and agile, compensating for the relative lack of reach

DEFENDERS

LB | Anthony WALLACE | 29 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 59 caps | 4 goals | 6 assists
marauding LB, likes to move into LWB role, sharp crosses and wicked free kicks

CB | Tanis HEMINGWAY | 20 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
Nepharan dual national, tall and quick, good tackling, excellent positioning

CB | Stian FARNSRUD | 29 | Miruan City FC | 66 caps | 1 goal | 7 assists
has speed and technical finesse, works best with tall, physical counterpart

RB | Jonathan MORRETTA | 25 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 34 caps | 0 goals | 1 assist
physically strong, decent speed, can run down the flanks but also pull inside to shoot

MIDFIELDERS

LM | Pierre SUKUNDA | 27 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 34 caps | 6 goals | 9 assists
sharp, precise shot and also great crosses and passes, big offensive threat

CM | Charles TERZAGHI | 31 | Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
has grown into a true orchestrator in midfield, great vision and passing, can really pull the game together

RM | Arfon DAVIES | 29 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 31 caps | 2 goal | 14 assists
not a flashy player, but very important for the team, great stamina and highly efficient also in offense, master giver of assists

FORWARDS

W | Morris NIGHTHORSE | 29 | Port Rhovanyon AFC | 188 caps | 116 goals | 70 assists
fast, technically strong, can score goals out of nowhere, defender nightmare

CF | Daniel SANKALIN | 22 | Fort Viljan Northern FC | 25 caps | 11 goals | 5 assists
quick, strong technique, can equally lay ball off for teammate or score himself

W | Adrian GRIMAUD | 34 | Port Tacassam FC | 107 caps | 41 goals | 25 assists
very good technique, can score from anywhere, also great eye for team mate, all-rounder

GOALKEEPERS

GK | Robert OSGOOD | 33 | Raynor City United (VAL) | 12 caps | 3 clean sheets
very tall, strong high balls, very good reflexes

GK | Siobhan HARRIS | 29 | Miruan City FC | 2 caps | 0 clean sheets
very tall, strong high balls, very good reflexes

DEFENDERS

LB | Jean-Aniel SIROIS | 34 | Forest City Athletic (QUE) | 54 caps | 4 goals | 2 assists
quick, very physical. no big offensive contribution, but efficiently shuts down opposing players

LB | Robert THORNDYKE | 21 | Viathyn Park AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
has some defensive weaknesses, but has immense offensive upside, powerful runs down the flank and sharp crosses, also can pull inside and go for goal

LB | Ildefontsa ITURRAIN | 20 | Miruan City FC| 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
Astograthian dual national, quick and agile, can compensate for potential positioning errors, strong crosses and diagonal passes

CB | Sebastian KARLSBAKK | 25 | Fort Viljan Northern FC | 21 caps | 4 goals | 3 assists
tall, good aerial abilities, can open up the game with strong diagonal passes, rocket of a shot

CB | Ásgeir STEINGRÍMSSON | 24 | 1896 Ebor | 10 caps | 1 goal | 0 assists
agile centreback with supreme tackling abilities, great speed as well

CB | Katarzyna HEANEY | 25 | Betham FC (SYL) | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
what she lacks in height, she makes up in speed and tackling abilities

CB | Connlaodh MACGOFRAIDH | 23 | Tikariot City FC | 8 caps | 2 goals | 0 assists
physically imposing but very agile, not the best technique but very fierce and fair tackler

CB | Spencer JEPSON | 33 | Lakewood United (TMB) | 17 caps | 1 goal | 2 assists
uncompromising defender that he been a mainstay in Tumbra, not much in terms of offence, but he gives plenty of defensive reassurance

CB | Walter THOMAS | 30 | FC Inter Nantwich (TMB) | 102 caps | 5 goals | 9 assists
fast, great, clean tackles, also good with ball on his foot, likes to get involved in counter attacks

RB | James WINTERSHAM | 28 | Khalgarh Valley FC | 9 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
speedy and tenacious, with a strong offensive streak, can pull inside after a run and use his left foot to score

RB | Leah ROBBINS | 26 | Lakewood City (TMB) | 31 caps | 2 goals | 1 assist
tireless worker up and down the lines, good balance between speed and technique

RB | Joel BASIALA | 23 | Oriannor Mountaineers FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
tall and elegant, faster than he looks, can also play inside and deliver crunching tackles

MIDFIELDERS

LM | Layla GROVER | 26 | Independence 1975 (EXT) | 17 caps | 1 goal | 6 assists
not great on technique, but aggressive, great tackling, known to be a hothead

LM | Graydon MUIR | 21 | Oriannor Mountaineers FC | 12 caps | 0 goals | 6 assists
very versatile, can also play in the centre, has an excellent eye for teammates and a wicked shot

LM | Sérigne AYANBADEJO | 25 | Eivora Athletic FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
Cobre dual national, graceful and fleetfooted, has a surprisingly powerful shot, great standards

CM | Samuel T. GLADSTONE | 25 | Port Tacassam FC | 2 caps | 0 goals | 1 assist
strong tactical acumen, can read the game, excellent passing, wicked shot and strong freekicks

CM | ÞORGRÍMA VIGDIS Ástþórsdóttir | 26 | Chromatik (CMT) | 40 caps | 9 goals | 9 assists
not the fastest, but has incredible stamina and knows how to get and distribute the ball, can orchestrate the offence and strong standards

CM | Michael GAFFIGAN | 31 | Eivora Athletic FC | 26 caps | 3 goals | 6 assists
has grown into a top orchestrator in midfield, great vision and passing, vicious set pieces

RM | Chiara CASTLETHWAITE | 26 | Ceramadhion Lynx FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
tenacious, great tackling, but also some sweet technique to surprise opponents, strong shot

RM | Parris LANGLEY | 32 | Tikariot City FC | 49 caps | 6 goals | 10 assists
not the fastest player, but makes up for it with great positioning and is the master of laser-precise passes

RM | Artaxerxes CAVARRON | 26 | Baraldhur AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
versatile player, great support of the main orchestrator, has a tendency to shoot a lot, with varying success

FORWARDS

W | Stuart HAMMERSLEY | 27 | Alnio (CMT) | 10 caps | 3 goals | 3 assists
quick, agile, has a great scoring touch

W | Hamish STAINTHORPE | 29 | Tikariot City FC | 54 caps | 17 goals | 9 assists
lethal in box, strong physique, also has technique. Great anticipation

CF | Mathias VERCAUTEREN | 20 | Liria Prizren (MYT) | 9 caps | 1 goal | 1 assist
fast, agile, powerful, can score from any position, has uncanny scoring instinct

W | Magdalena STRANDBERG | 22 | Fort Viljan Northern FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
quick and agile, can weave through defences, has a great eye for teammates but also can score

W | Annika NURMSALU | 26 | Miruan City FC | 41 caps | 17 goals | 17 assists
dazzling speed and great technique, can both shoot and assist with great precision

CF | Theophilas STEARAS | 26 | Pesfield Trees (SYL) | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
powerful centre forward with great pull toward goal and a never-say-die attitude

W | Grant PLASENCIA | 22 | Crimsonhawke FC | 16 caps | 2 goals | 3 assists
bullish, physical centre forward that can break tackles, has a great scorer instinct

W | Daniel MCGILLIVRAY | 24 | Viathyn Park AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
quick, agile, lacks some bulk but makes up for it with technique

W | Elia MOLYNEUX | 19 | Miruan City FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists
fast, light-footed, can play a knot into an opponent’s legs, good scoring instinct, just a bit too overeager sometimes

Dhaencunor Arena (84,000) | Tikariot City | home of Tikariot City FC
Matchday 11 vs. Reçueçn

Oceanview Stadium (63,000) | Port Rhovanyon | home of Port Rhovanyon AFC
Matchday 9 vs. Dod Rava

Paladon Park (78,000) | Avanaroch | home of Avanaroch White Wings FC
Matchday 7 vs. Naixi

Jewel of the Coast (72,000) | Carathyr | home of Carathyr Emeralds FC
Matchday 3 vs. Bostopia

Citadel of the North (40,000) | Fort Viljan | home of Fort Viljan Northern FC
Matchday 5 vs. British Covelandia

Temple of the Crow (26,000) | Bul Khungur | home of Bul Khungur Miners FC [OOC: I know, not a crow, but Midjourney has problems with birds]
Matchday 8 vs. Mytanija

Mountain Fortress (54,000) | Oriannor | home of Oriannor Mountaineers FC
Matchday 13 vs. Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom

1 Mytanija (A)
2 Dod Rava (A)
3 Bostopia (H)
4 Reçueçn (A)
5 British Covelandia (H)
6 Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom (A)
7 Naixi (H)
8 Mytanija (H)
9 Dod Rava (H)
10 Bostopia (A)
11 Reçueçn (H)
12 British Covelandia (A)
13 Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom (H)
14 Naixi (A)

+4

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

Disclaimer: All portraits and stadium images have been Midjourneyed (my graphic design abilities are nowhere near any of that).

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 12:40 am

Style Mod: Duh
(+5)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Default
Godmod scoring events: Yes/No
RP injuries to my players: Yes but I decide severity
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes/No
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes*/No (please discuss if you have exact ideas in mind)
Godmod other events: Yes/No (If I do intend to work with someone, especially someone with history of collaboration, I will reach out to them)

ok now let's move onto the actual roster...

INDEPENDENT ATHLETES FROM QUEBEC SENIOR TEAM - 2062-64 WORLD CUP 94 CYCLE

Nation Name (Trigramme): Kingdom of Quebec and Shingoryeo (QUE)
Demonyms: Quebecois/Shingoryeoite
Colours: Red, Black and Blue
Team Nickname: GRIM REAPERS
National Anthem: 'Ode to Thee, My Homeland'
Royal Anthem: 'Hymn to the Shingoryeo'

FA: Royal Quebecois Football Association (RQFA)
World Ranking: 19th
Home venue: To be announced on Pre-MD1 RP.
Nickname: The Grim Reapers
Ultras Group: The Bubonic Plague

Home and Away Kits by Uni-Q [Qusmo] & Alternate kits by Meski Sport [RedBlackiland]

NATIONAL TEAM STAFF

General Manager/Senior Team Director: Lükækš Væñøœrëñbérghüïś, Unknown age (Vdara)
Manager: Ramaz Dolnight, 48

Assistant Manager: Simon Nam, 43

A young, humble manager who have emerged out of ever-competitive SCFA Superleague, Ramaz Dolnight is a treat to watch as manager. Energetic, likeable and more than capable of bringing together a team through his positive mindset, Dolnight has quickly emerged as a name to watch among young Squornshelan managers when he brought Emerald Coast to strong, competitive league performance, and would immediately find himself enter into the spot to succeed late Ruben Condori before the Cup of Harmony 85. Given access to an expanded player pool that would allow for him to find greater flexibility than what would have been offered under his old club or Damogran, where he was once the club legend and rumoured to be favourites for the managerial vacancy, Dolnight anticipates to try a wide range of tactics and players into various formations, something that the RQFA acknowledges to have lacked with his late predecessor.

The bigger question people holds, however, is Dolnight's ability to 1) manage under pressure, 2) beat perfectly beatable sides with reliable rate, and 3) the ability to pull off higher-regarded opponents consistently so. So far two of the three have been addressed, with the Grim Reapers having done the second and the third tasks by putting together a strong qualification campaign and a respectable three-draw performance in Graintfjall, but the first part remains to be a question. It is widely considered ability to manage under the pressure has improved after a terrible Cup of Harmony 85 performance, but only time will tell if his improvements continue and do not affect 2, something that have caused great problems for his late predecessor in 92 and 93 qualification campaigns.

Coming from Haligonian where he had admirably as their interim manager en route to their 10th-place finish the past season, Simon Nam joins the national team as the assistant manager. Shy and reserved counterpart of Dolnight, Nam is brought over as a more than serviceable second-in-command to the Squornshelan.

Some Background about this Team

Shingoryeoite-Takil: Quebecois football is a weird breed of its own with emphasis on total football. Of course, this means a general mix of offensive hellfire, bleeding brand of resilience and sheer joy of physical brutality. While those Quebecois players may come from all shapes and form, but if there's one thing that they all have in common, is their love of staying violent. The footballing culture here has taught and still teaches that red cards that prevent a goal are necessary for the good in the minds of both the players and the fans, and if a player cannot handle simple contact or flops, then he's dead in the minds of most people, even their family members. Of course, whether they are skilled players of their own or not is another story, and the legendary forward corps of the seventies of the World Cup era had both skills and brawn, but it's a squad that loves to get fast, high and violent, and will not be afraid to demonstrate their flames.

Q-League and the league composition of the players: Over the years, the Q-League have seen the improved performance on the IFCF stage, as well as the solid presence of import and domestic players making an impact with their respective national teams. Still, while the league's financially strong, the traditional tendencies of major national team players going abroad to improve their career (and more importantly, stay in the national team conversation) has remained strong and persists to this day and age where the Q-League has managed to establish firm, clear stronghold among the upper echelon of domestic leagues across the Multiverse. Thus it is expected that a vast majority of any senior side (this includes EC and CAFA) to consist mostly of those who play abroad. For now, those who are staying home aren't necessarily pushovers, but they are just waiting for their time to head abroad and shine in a major club like their teammates, seniors or legends have done for ages.

Historical Performance: Two renditions of Quebec and Shingoryeo - this being the second edition - has participated in the World Cup qualifying editions of cycles 62 to 77, and from 85 to now. In almost twenty-five editions of the World Cup competitions, the Grim Reapers have qualified for 14 World Cups, including a stretch of nine straight qualifications between the World Cup 69 and 77. More recently the Grim Reapers have made the second round of the last two World Cups after requiring a dramatic, second-half turnaround to qualify for the World Cup, restoring a shade of reputation that many had worried were tarnished after horrible performances during the World Cups 89 and 90 cycles.

It is still true, however, that the team's biggest international successes go back a generation, with their strongest slate of results found in the mid-seventies of World Cup competition when they placed fourth at the World Cup 77 and made it to back-to-back quarterfinals since. While mostly forgotten in the general narrative, they have also placed third in the Cup of Harmony 81 just three cycles ago. Their relatively high-achieving performance, however, have not translated on the other levels of competition with the Grim Reapers mostly finishing on group stages or second round of the DBC, U18WC or their now-discontinued participation in the AOCAF and CAFA tournaments.

The Bubonic Plague: God, not them. The infamous ultras of the Quebecois national teams in various sports have made their names known for their love of indulgences, festivities and most importantly causing chaos and fury wherever they go. Armed with pyrotechnics, torches and of course the hand-held flares, they are famous for their fluorescent banners that are either used to intimidate visiting sides or to humiliate the Grim Reapers for poor performance. Armed with drums, vuvuzelas and musical instruments on top, the sound of the buzzing fans are often a challenge for anybody - both home and away - to play, and while the Bubonic Plague has remained mostly apolitical outside of its usual nationalistic dose, their penchant to end up on various events better that are belonged to current affairs (see: Quebec-Farfadillis second round match that has led into nationwide protests and a massive forest fire across Szoirsia).

Rivals: Who are the rivals for this Grim Reapers' team? It's a tough question, partly due to a significant gap between the two renditions of the IAQUE sides, as well as the ever-changing nature of the national teams. In the late-60s and early-70s, the biggest of their rivals have come from historically-friendly San Jose Guayabal and Cosumar, while Schottia, a small-sized nation located in the far-flung region of Tyran, would gradually take over as the primary rival to the Grim Reapers.

Of course the Schottic claim to being the Grim Reapers' biggest rivals could be challenged on the grounds that the relationship shared between the two nations have stayed mostly cordial thanks to strong relationship shared by players and coaching staff of two nations, most famously shown by the longtime mentorship of Corinne Martel-Burns by Hazel van Robben, the marriage of internationally-renowned physio Claire Hanson to Leonardo Conavacio, and not to mention Sir. Lionel Mah's decadelong tenure with the World Cup 79 champions. Unfortunately the promise of what was bound to be a close rivalry between the two did not materialise as the sponsorship scandal sunk the Quebecois Government and led into their twelve-year absence from international football. And by the time the Quebecois have made their comeback to international football under the IAQ banner, the ongoing instabilities of the Schottic football pyramid have unfortunately put a long pause to the decades of friendship that have lingered up to that point. So with their shutdown, combined with the absence of the aforementioned two nations, the Grim Reapers are back to square one without a clearcut rival to set their flames with.

What has emerged since their return, however, was a growing sense of intra-regional solidarity as the Grim Reapers, rejuvenated by the chance many have felt would never come again, have reached out and actively looked for growing partners. And while there does not appear to be clearcut rivals for the Grim Reapers yet, there is no doubt that many possibilities lie ahead in the future following key encounters with the Commonwealth of Baker Park, only one of the sides the Grim Reapers have played at least once a cycle, Chromatika, their neighbours across the Grinshem sea, Ko-oren, the other neighbour across the Salamantic Sea, and high-octane neighbours of Huayramarca. On the other side of the Blood Sea that separate the regions there also exists a couple of options with Mytanija, one of very few in the world whose fieriness can equal or even outdo the Grim Reapers; Valladares, longtime allies and friends where many legends have plied their trade at the LFV, and Cassadaigua, a major economic and political ally. It is here we wonder whose paths will cross with the Grim Reapers more often and set the fire - who's gonna be the next?

TEAM ROLES

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (secondary: 4-3-3, 4-2-4, 3-4-1-2)
Note: Please note that I will be updating before each window with a 26-player entry, and that starting XI for each match may be different than the Best-XI listed here.

GOALKEEPERS (6)

Wait, where's Sandra Middleton? The all-time Grim Reapers' goalkeeper's international retirement after a long-time tenure, one that would date back to World Cup 85, has left a gigantic hole that Ramaz Dolnight hopes to address this World Cup qualification campaign. Leading the way is Mederick Brown, the stable West Couno United goalkeeper who has performed well as a backup the previous cycle, but the options behind him are solid. Innes Sheppard by now is a highly-proven goalkeeper for ascendant Urrheddiao squad, while Devon Qalicho's a well-composed veteran for the Iron Curtain defence Zenit Attawapiskat has held for last half-decade, surviving multiple goalkeeper competitions along the way too. Under-21 team rivals Marianne Oh-Ntare and Fabien Kalulu-Flaubert round out the position with both having completed a decent start to their professional career with Litala '93 (a squad most Quebecois would remember better for their volleyball dynasty) and La Querida.

Mederick Brown - 27 -

West Couno United
Goh Yeong-Rok - 24 -

Kingston FC
Innes Sheppard - 26 -

Urrheddiao
Marianne Oh-Ntare - 20 -

Litala '93
Joh Seung-Mook - 27 -

Brattleboro FC
Fabien Kalulu-Flaubert - 21 -

La + Querida

DEFENDERS (15)

Relatively little changes from the previous cycle's team that had managed to hold powerful Banija, Tikariot and Valanora to minimal gains in the previous cycles. Still the same rule applies as in past cycles - centrebacks work in tandems with both skilled guys, usually one for coverage and other all-around defend (stoppers are harder to find and generally avoided since the days of Bastien-Luc St-Onge), while the wingbacks are actively involved in setting opponent trenches on fire.

Leftback competition continues with Joo Pil-Seung expected as starter after strong second-half and group stage last cycle, but Mariano Kang and Alain Delisle are two guys to watch there. Both Kang and Delisle, fast, highly-skilled and most importantly versatile guys, have seen extensive action on senior level and should be favourites to start over the next decade to come. There is currently an ongoing renaissance period of Quebecois centrebacks in leagues across the Multiverse, and it is shown with the level of difficulty it had taken for Dolnight to select his combination. Ultimately he went for mostly the same guys, though some changes have indeed happened - Coralie Higgins-Mah takes over from Hannah Kim as the centreback partner of Liria's Pierre-Karl Cizeron, a move that is considered to give more fluidity in moving up the ball, while promising Swangardian Kim Gook-Seong is added to the squad. Libero Sinisa Salihamidzic stays after a down year with Koreana, but there are questions across Quebecois footballing community over his capability on the four-back system, so keep an eye on that too. Rightbacks bring back the same top three guys, with Lhor's Esteban Flores joining the fold. Has Frederic Yabusele truly overtaken Pierre-Karl Miller for the starting spot? We'll find out soon.

LB Joo Pil-Seung - 29 -

Frenei Tor
LB/DM Mariano Kang - 20 -

Rulandea Kosta
LB Brian Wilson-Didh - 27 -

Santranginus
LB Alain Delisle - 22 -

Mipojoseon

CB Pierre-Karl Cizeron - 29 -

Liria
CB Coralie Higgins-Mah - 27 -

Alnio
CB Hannah Kim - 30 -

Sivolvia Capitalizt
CB/LI Sinisa Salihamidzic - 23 -

Montreal Koreana
CB Noel-Hercule McKinley - 28 -

West Couno United
CB Goh Hak-Seong - 22 -

Herzegovina City FC
CB Kim Gook-Seong - 21 -

Swangard Athletic

RB Frederic Yabusele - 23 -

Atletik
RB Pierre-Karl Miller - 28 -

RGS Athletic
RB Donovan Watson-Lukwago - 27 -

St. John's Arsenal
RB Esteban Flores - 21 -

Lhor

MIDFIELDERS (12)

Defensive midfield looks stable for at least a cycle or two with the Dyxkeson-Pyo pairing having worked out well for Dolnight and his predecessors, who have all done their best to incorporate the recent wealth of volante talent who have come out of Quebec (and also the Q-League, to note). All three, which now includes young Juan Aurelio Redondo of Faroleran stock and Koreana academy setup, are not the best on contact but make up for it with outstanding vision and crisp passes, and should be considered an underrated part of the team.

There is no denying in that recent Testiculo d'Oro winner Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett is 'Her'. Wawanolett, whose ability to dictate the tempo and score highlight goals have helped fuelling the Chromatik machine under Jannick Kontiola, has perfectly succeeded current Rulandese Revolutionary Army General Erin Kang as the leading midfielder for this Reapers' squad and deserves every bit of credit. What makes it difficult for the Reapers, however, is trying to find the right combination for Wawanolett, not because of level of talent, but because Wawanolett's the field marshal and runs on her own tempo. There are multiple options - resilient, no-prisoners-spared fighters Mathinna Bouck and Samuel McTavish is one type, all-arounded Tiger-Phoenix Camille Oh-Chainey and Alain Vadnais the other, and right, Pengsoo Brown. He may be lazy, he may love sweets, but surely he has the physique and instincts to cause trouble when activated.

As for the attacking midfield, the story continues. Jean-Christophe Babin's still the man with Sabrefell Moths, the sneaky midfielder whose efficiency and tempo have only improved further with each maturing year, and Aurelien Moussenguet hopes to follow that path when he improves. A recent polygamy scandal, combined with other matters beyond the RQFA control, have caused Dolnight to deselect the SFPLer Cesar Icardi-Rabiot for the Qualification pool, however, with now-Brantisvogan star Vegeta returning the call after his disputes with the RQFA have been resolved.

DM Joelinton Dyxkeson - 28 -

Brantisvogan
DM/CM Pyo Seung-Hye - 29 -

Avondale City
DM Juan Aurelio Redondo - 18 -

Montreal Koreana

CM Rebecca-Anne Wawanolett - 28 -

Chromatik
CM Mathinna Bouck - 30 -

Rulandea Kosta
CM Samuel McTavish - 30 -

Lakewood City
CM Camille Oh-Chainey - 25 -

CSKA Quebec
CM/DM Pengsoo Brown - 24 -

Lanar
CM Alain Vadnais - 27 -

Swangard Athletic

AM Jean-Christophe Babin - 31 -

Sabrefell Moths
AM Aurelien Moussenguet - 21 -

Urrhed FC
AM Vegeta (Kepler Marcel Gouveia de Souza) - 27 -

Brantisvogan

FORWARDS (12)

Kate Huitema-Omeasoo's retirement after being on the picture since the Grim Reapers' return campaign on the World Cup 85 brings an additional challenge to the forward corps that have otherwise stayed relatively stable with Anna Korniloff-Kouyate, a living icon for Mytanar powerhouse Atletik Tezia, explosive striker (usually prefers to play on the wing, but the current combination is considered to be more stable for both Anna and Oberon's chemistry) Oberon M'bah-Pinho, and mercurial Zinaida Woodcarver who has stated nothing but class with Nepharim giants Crisisbless.

Otherwise a lot of rotations are expected to be played out with all three positions possessing great competition consisting of guys with a wide range of experiences and skillset. Kweon, Tekaronhonte and Hong are long-known international veterans from early age with both known to be high durable, while Ruby Vanderley and Corneille-Theophile Poulin are the powerful, explosions-in-the-sky guys on the squad whose volatility's accepted considering their potential highs. Kim Chae-Young, Amina SB and Odette Tsioui are efficient technicians who have proven their worth from an early age, and whose futures remain very bright, while Billie Blue Hamisi earns a well-deserved inclusion after a stunning, 22-goal campaign with Urrheddiao after a relatively underheralded time with Jolbonopolis.

LW/ST Anna Korniloff-Kouyate - 28 -

Atletik
LW Eloise Kweon - 31 -

Sabrefell Moths
LW/RW Odette Tsioui - 22 -

Perce Town
LW/AM Otis Tekaronhonte - 27 -

Eivora Athletic FC

ST/LW Oberon M'bah-Pinho - 21 -

Tihon
ST Billie Blue Hamisi - 25 -

Urrheddiao
ST Amina Salihamidzic Beckie - 22 -

Frenei Tor
ST/RW Corneille-Theophile Poulin - 22 -

Avondale City

RW Zinaida Woodcarver - 30 -

Crisisbless
RW Kim Chae-Young - 24 -

FC Inter Nantwich
RW/ST Hong Yeong-Sahm - 29 -

Lhor
RW/LW Ruby Vanderley - 26 -

Lanar

by **Recuecn** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 1:01 am

Reçueçn Roster & National Information

National Team Information

Time in Reçueçn has been behaving strangely again. Although it seems that a long time has passed, both in and out of Reçueçn, once again the nation's hiatus from multiversal football has coincided with its players' ages almost freezing. The fact that Reçuecians don't seem to age when the country isn't involved in NSS means that their current World Cup roster has only had a couple changes from up to even seven cycles ago. And since a similar thing had happened a few cycles before that, it means that some of the players are still Baptism of Fire veterans, a situation which even they acknowledge as strange, since they're aware that that was a long time ago. In general we just avoid talking about the weirdness.

~

L'Équipe Nationale de Reçueçn de Football is still in the process of making a name for itself, but if it's known for anything, it would be for its defensive style. This is partly due to the large influence of Reçueçn FC on the team; the most popular domestic club in Reçueçn plays about as defensive a game as you can imagine. This is balanced out to some extent by the players from other teams with more attacking philosophies, but the league as a whole tends towards defense, and it shows in the national team. Furthermore, Gerauld Firaut, the team's #1 goalie, is the best player on the team by a solid margin—without a doubt, Reçueçn's first world-class player. He and his defense form the foundation for the team as a whole.

National Team Logo

The team plays in a 4-3-3 formation, but sometimes the wings drop back, almost making it a 4-5-1. In general, the team's strategy and tactics are solid. However, there is some tension between the current manager, Bonheur Relié, who would prefer a more attacking style, and the players, who in general are more comfortable on defense. Relié has never managed to make himself as popular with the team as his predecessor, Jacques Tremblay, who was the founding head coach of the team and is a footballing icon for Reçuecians. Relié's inability to build the same relationship is due only to his lack of charisma, not skill, but does make his job more difficult.

The Reçueçian National Team's mascot is the unicorn; thus another name for the team is "les licornes". The fantastical creature has been a symbol of Reçueçn for almost two millennia and is also the national animal, appearing as the supporters in the national coat of arms.

The team's kit represents the colors of the flag in a quite literal fashion. The jersey was redesigned a long time ago, replacing the first one les licornes ever wore, dating back to the 59th Baptism of Fire. Fans thought the old outfit was ugly, but the current one is now also becoming out of favor as the longer it stick around the more tired people grow of it. It was much more professional than the original, but leaves more to be desired.

Stadium
Reçueçn has only one stadium in which its national team plays, located in the capital city (also named Reçueçn). Never having been given an official title, the national stadium is usually simply referred to as just that: The National Stadium, or in the local language, French, as the Stade Nationale. Capacity: 30,000.

Coaching Staff
Bonheur Relié: Passionate and motivated, Relié had all the youthful energy you'd hope for in the assistant coach of a side whose manager was pushing three quarters of a century. Sometimes his energy was a bit much and he's had some friction with the players in the past. Now that he's head manager that will have to be resolved.

Ägidius Heissler: Used to play as a left wing for Itrino. After retiring as a player he signed for the National Team as Paraclete, taking a promotion to Assistant Manager in the wake of Tremblay's resignation. If Relié was the bad cop to Tremblay's good cop, with Tremblay gone, Heissler fills the good cop role.

All time record: 142-66-82

Starting XI

1 Gerauld Firaut goalkeeper age 30 self-controlled
The face of Reçuecian soccer. Team captain, and a pillar of support for his teammates.

2 Emanuele Cutrona sweeper age 26 Italian
Young and passionate. Cutrona's friendship with Adams often gets them in trouble.

3 Paulin Bourguignon left back age 27 counter-attacking
Pacy and forward-thinking. Loves to make big clears rather than defend more precisely.

4 Lukas Kayserling center back age 26 tall
Calm and controlled. German-speaking and has difficulty communicating with the team.

5 Oliver Spencer right back age 30 tenacious
Experienced and strategic. Resents being outshone by Reçueçn's star defense.

6 Raoul Lavigne left midfielder age 27 driven
Eager and ambitious. He plays fiercely - his imposter syndrome is a big motivator.

7 Laurent Lapix defensive midfielder age 21 brilliant
Brings spice and life to the midfield. A playmaker who, being new to the team, is shaking things up.

8 Maynard Hebron right midfielder age 31 ideological
A big fish from a small pond. A star who has stayed with a second tier side for the sake of the sport.

9 Per Tegeler left wing age 29 sharpshooter
Good at receiving the ball and trying for goal. Not good at passing.

10 Franky Adams center forward age 25 flamboyant
Reçueçn's most famous player other than Firaut. Good enough to be the center of attention (which he loves).

11 Freeman Lebo right wing age 32 stubborn
Motivated and persevering. When he actually gets along with Franky, they can work magic together.

Reserves

12 Estienne de Chefderue goalkeeper age 26 patient
Being second-string goalie for a nation whose best player is their first-string goalie is not easy.

13 Hagen Groos sweeper age 29 disciplined
Many of the defensive players are called up from Reçueçn FC's back line. Groos is the only one who doesn't start.

14 Jayson Compton left back age 27 mysterious
Not a ton to say about Compton. We don't really know what he's up to ourselves.

15 Quirino Lucian center back age 27 intimidating
Large and physical. Lucian's looming presence isn't an empty threat, he'll mess you up given the chance.

16 Barnabus Mercer right back age 31 solid
Older but steady. He's seen it all and is ready for the toughest opponents.

17 Robert Chéreau left midfielder age 26 visionary
Knows how to use the space in the midfield. Still somehow tends to drift toward the center.

18 Ansquetil de Bethencourt defensive midfielder age 26 cautious
A real thinker. A new call-up, he caught the scout's eye with his meticulously-planned passes.

19 Quentin Gouin right midfielder age 24 evanescent
Young and agile. Without the stamina to support his talent, his plays are flashy but brief.

20 Marc Schöner left wing age 28 proud
Self-assured and confident. Sometimes he bites off more than he can chew.

21 Ly Nasser center forward age 28 aggressive
Trigger-happy and risk-taking. Takes every chance he can to shoot.

22 Jean-Baptiste Brochard right wing age 32 fast
Weak on set pieces. His sheer speed is treacherous on breakaways and counterattacks.

23 Calanico Di Martino goalkeeper age 29 redundant
Will never see the pitch on a team with Firaut. His goal kicks seem to be rocket-powered.

Reçuecian History and Culture

The nation of Reçueçn was created in the first half of the XIV^th century, when Carl Blancpic, Duke of the Duchy of Reçueçn, launched a breakneck military campaign invading and annexing many of his neighbors to the east. Before this time, Reçueçn had been only a city, built on the heights overlooking the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. These heights had been settled by Carl Blancpic's distant ancestor, Ifheda Rcuecn, near the end of the II^nd century a.d., and had born his name ever since. The area at that time belonged to the Roman Empire, who had established their regional administrative center, Lugdunum, on the other side of the river.

In 197 a.d., a decisive battle was fought near Lugdunum in one of the civil wars for the throne of the empire. The victor, Septimius Severus, razed the city of Lugdunum and destroyed it, stripping from it all imperial privileges in punishment for supporting his rival. This was the end for Lugdunum, but it was the beginning for Reçueçn. Refugees flocked across the river to join the settlement, and the city of Reçueçn grew to become a smallish regional center. Rcuecn's descendants (who changed the spelling to Reçueçn) maintained control over what became the Duchy of Reçueçn for 700 years, until it was inherited by their cousins the Blancpics who reigned for another 300 years.

At the beginning of the XIV^th century, power passed into the hands of Carl Blancpic, who was a megalomaniac and partially insane . Thus he declared his duchy to be a kingdom and singled out weak neighbors who he invaded with audacity. Over an incredibly short period of time beginning in the spring of 1337, he had carved out for himself a sizable dominion.

Carl, who styled himself "Carl III of Reçueçn", was violent, unstable, and petty. He was also wildly unpopular with the populations of the various states he had conquered. Although the central power structure helped the economy of the new Kingdom of Reçueçn to some extent, it did not bring with it all the stability that might have been expected. This was mostly due to the decrees of Carl III, who, among other things, began a campaign to persecute and kill all "heretics" within his new realm. Most historians agree that this was in fact a thinly veiled purge of his political rivals. This and other policies he enacted on his whims finally drove the people into open revolt sometime around 1352.

Carl managed to hold on to power for a couple years by hiring mercenaries, but in 1254 lost two key battles and was captured by the rebels. By this time, the rebellion was led by feudal lords throughout the country who had sided with the people against their tyrant king. Carl III was executed, and the kingdom dissolved into a mess of tiny, independent feudal holdings.

No sooner had the various states that had been in the Kingdom of Reçueçn won their independence, than infighting broke out among them. The feudal lords squabbled over power and influence, trying vainly to imitate Carl's meteoric rise to power. This new violence, combined with the economic downturn associated with the rebellion and the breakup of the nation, clearly displayed how poorly things were turning out. More sensible minds came to the decision that the solution was to once more unify Reçueçn.

On November 19, 1356, therefore, The Allied States of Reçueçn came into being. The leaders of all the petty states, duchies, bishoprics, free cities, etc., came together and signed what are known as "The Treaties of the Alliance," a document just powerful enough to classify Reçueçn as a single nation by most people's definition, rather than a group of independent entities. The treaties also established a rough form of democracy, with each state represented (although typically by its aristocracy). Thus Reçueçn lays claim to being one of the oldest democracies in the world.

The treaties defined much of Reçuecian history to come. Provisions were made to establish freedom of religion, in order to avoid another scenario similar to Carl III's persecution of his opponents. The treaties also gave Reçueçn an isolationist bent. The nation had been burned before, and wouldn't soon try to meddle in external affairs, especially when its composite nature made creating a foreign policy so difficult.

Reçueçn, then, has managed to avoid many of the crises of European history. It's darkest moment came when Napoleon invaded, proclaiming himself emperor (although he allowed Reçueçn's government to continue to function under his reign). The allied states have drawn closer together, although cultural differences remain among them; they don't even all speak the same language.

Reçueçian culture has also been shaped by its location, nestled in the center of the Alps. The difficulty of travel among mountain valleys ensured the cultural diversity of the nation and preserved local customs. Although rural communities did center around agriculture—especially dairy production—many Reçuecian were forced by the lack of arable land to find other work. This led to a culture of innovation that continues today: Reçueçn is now known for its luxury products and technological exports. This has additionally led to a focus on science and education. The relatively diverse nature of Reçueçn's culture means that some areas are culturally more time-oriented while others are more task-oriented, but this fusion has given the country a uniqueness, especially in art. Reçueçn, perhaps thanks to its inland, mountainous location, or the fact that it was never a colonial power, has seen little immigration or emigration. Recently, however, the diversity of language spoken in the country has made it attractive to refugees from other areas where those languages are spoken.

Visiting Reçueçn

Reçueçn is a small nation, but it's got a lot to see. If you're visiting for World Cup qualification, you may want to extend your stay to see the sights.

Travelling to and in Reçueçn
Most travelers to Reçueçn will fly into Reçueçn city. As the capital and largest city, it will definitely have the flight connection you need. Genève, the nation's second city, will also accommodate you in this regard, but all the games will be happening in Reçueçn. If you are travelling from a nearby country, arriving by rail is also a possibility, and many more Reçuecian cities have international rail connections than have international airports.

For travel within the country, taking the train is probably the way to go. Car rentals are fairly expensive, and many cities restrict downtown access to pedestrians and public transport. When travelling through the countryside, you will find that autoroutes have high tolls, and smaller roads are typically wind annoyingly through steep mountain terrain. However, there is an extensive rail and tunnel network, and taking the train is fairly cheap between most places in the nation. Bus routes also connect most larger towns. Within cities themselves, public transport is always very high quality and usually very affordable or in some cities, even free. A few bus lines are temporarily free to travel during the tournament, in a government-led effort to promote tourism and encourage visitors to explore the country beyond just the soccer matches.

What to See
Presumably if you're reading this, the main attraction that has brought you to Reçueçn is World Cup qualification. All the games will be played just a short bus ride away from Reçueçn International Airport at the Stade National in Reçueçn's inner suburbs. But if you want to see a bit more of the nation, consider taking a ride up to a cute alpine village and hiking along a mountain ridge to appreciate the amazing views we have to offer. Or take a swim in a mountain lake and cool off in the shadow of the peaks. If you really are looking to ditch the heat, check out the ice tunnels at the Écho glaciers. Or, if you come during the winter, you can hit the slopes—our skiing's the best in the world.

If the mountains aren't for you, consider visiting our world-famous cheese museum - free samples! Or visit the Genève Cathedral if the culture you're looking for isn't bacterial. Genève, Reçueçn, Zimmerich and other cities each have a beautiful downtown historic district worth the walking tour. Check them out if your idea of a good time means wandering through medieval fortifications or strolling down cobbled alleys. If what's up your alley is shopping, then we've got that too - check out Genève's luxury district for high end jewelry, fashion, watches, and more. Exchanging your money should be no problem: the Reçuecian guilder is very stable and worth just a bit more than the NSD.

Where to Stay, What to Eat
If you are on the search for the perfect hotel for your stay in Reçueçn, worry not. Plenty of all kinds abound in and around each major city, whether you're looking for the four star experience, or just want to save a buck. If you'd rather have the personal, local touch, then we've still got you covered: a quick look online will reveal plenty of family-owned bed & breakfasts, as well as short-term rentals with people trying to make some money off the empty spare room one night or week at a time. Hostels are also very popular in Reçueçn, and are a great way to stay near the city center for a very low cost.

What'll you have for dinner? Reçueçn's food is what will make you want to come back for another visit. We love our cheeses, and our national specialty is raclette, melted cheese scraped over small potatoes, cornichons, and saucisson. Try it at a restaurant where each table is provided with its own small oven so each diner can melt their own. Another local specialty is tartiflette, essentially a casserole of potatoes, onions, and lardon (thick-cut bacon) served with a slab of, you guessed it, more melted cheese cooked right over it.

If rather than in a seat at a fine dining establishment, you find yourself in an alpine pasture hankering for a pique-nique, don't worry. Cheese is great for a basket-lunch too. Bring along a baguette and a saucisson, and you've got yourself a meal.

No meal in Reçueçn is complete without a glass of wine, and the local product is certainly worth the connoisseur's time. Reçuecian wine varies immensely depending on whether you're south, west, or north of the Alps, so try a few varieties and pick your favorite. If you need a pairing for your meal, it just so happens that every single person you meet on the street in the country is a self-proclaimed expert ready with helpful advice. Just don't stop them on their way home for dinner.

Do's and Don't's

Do say "Bonjour" to those you pass in a small town. Don't block the escalator in the metro. Do take your time to enjoy a meal or a conversation in western Reçueçn. Don't be late in eastern Reçueçn. Do greet people with a kiss on each cheek. Don't actually let your lips touch them. Do cheer loudly for your team! Don't go too crazy with the victory party. Do take a selfie with your head on the block at execution square in downtown Reçueçn. Don't miss out on your visit because you're on your phone the whole time. Do rent a bike and pedal around to see the sights. Don't be unprepared to parallel park if you've rented a car. Do make eye contact during a conversation. Don't stare at people. Do be ready to share gossip with perfect strangers. Don't expect people to open up to you right away. Do keep your hands above the table at dinner. Don't yawn during a conversation. Do offer to help your host with cleaning up. Don't ask for seconds until offered. Do speak your mind and be straightforward. Don't bank on too much personal space.

Do have the time of your life.

Essential Information

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Please (subs too)
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, nothing career-ending
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but never
Firaut or Kayserling
Godmod other events: Yes

Style Modifier: -π | Trigram: RCN

Quick Facts
Capital: Reçueçn
Official Languages: French, German, Italian
Non-official Languages: Arpitan
Demonym: Reçuecian
Population: 5,252,000 (regional censuses 1999-2011)
Area: 43,116 sq km
GDP: $340,000,000,000 (2019 Estimate)
Currency: Guilder

All photos taken by me in locations that would be in IC Reçueçn.
All logos and graphics created by me.

Starting XI
1 - GK - Gerauld Firaut
2 - SW - Emanuele Cutrona
3 - LB - Paulin Bourguignon
4 - CB - Lukas Kayserling
5 - RB - Oliver Spencer
6 - LM - Raoul Lavigne
7 - DM - Laurent Lapix
8 - RM - Maynard Hebron
9 - LW - Per Tegeler
10 - CF - Franky Adams
11 - RW - Freeman Lebo

by **Adab** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 1:25 am

Note: In the Adabian timeline, the World Cup 95 qualifiers take place from October 2046-March 2047, the World Cup proper from June-July 2047. Age is as of October 1, 2046.

The Adabian National Football Team

Demonym: Adabian (plural Adabians)
Association: Adab Football Association (AFA)

BACKGROUND
Saad Kaykali finds himself presiding over a rapidly aging staff and squad. With the exception of the 59-year-old assistant manager Rashid Abbas, the entire coaching staff is in their sixties or beyond; Kaykali himself is 72. A large part of the squad is in their thirties; Naram-Sin Samanu, at 28, is the youngest. The mounting calls for regeneration within the national team contrasted with Enlilbani Yargab and Ephraim Orlev’s repeatedly-delayed “retirement”, which has become the stuff of jokes across the country. While most observers will gladly admit that these are some of Adab’s finest-ever players, fears that younger players in the country are not being allowed a chance to shine in the national team may not be entirely unfounded.

KIT

The national team's kits, designed by Ahmad Enlil (the first President of the Football Association) in 1907, are currently manufactured by Shining Sun Company, owned by Rahman Ashurbanipal, businessman and grandson of Emperor Tizqar III.

STAFF
Manager: Saad KAYKALI - Male – born January 20, 1974 (age 72)
At the peak of his power and popularity following Adab’s recent success on the international stage, some around Saad Kaykali have nevertheless noticed that the manager appears tired and worn out at times, which is not very surprising considering everything that has happened around him. But the idea of retirement has not been floated, at least not publicly. Kaykali insists he is “more than ready and excited to help carry this team forward and achieve even greater success”.

Assistant manager: Rashid ABBAS - Male – born February 15, 1987 (age 59)
Formerly a star player in the island country of Faraby, now an associated state of Adab, Abbas now finally finds himself sole assistant manager to Saad Kaykali. He is determined to do his best in this capacity, all the while refusing to discuss rumors that he has greater aspirations. Currently also manager of the under-21 team.

General coach: Yitzhak BENNETT - Male – born September 20, 1976 (age 70)
Variously described as quiet, active, calm, and attentive, Bennett is very much respected by the players, who admire his work ethic, loyalty to the national team, and willingness to listen to them.

Goalkeeping coach: Faishal AR-RASHID - Male – born August 14, 1978 (age 68)
Regarded, much like Bennett, as a stabilizing influence in the national team and respected by staff and players alike.

Physio: Hamza RIDHA - Male – born January 15, 1983 (age 63)
A longtime friend of Kaykali. Widely respected by fellow staff and players for the understated way by which he performs his job.

PLAYERS
Note: Goal tally not yet updated from IAC 19 (will get around to it later). I may reveal the starting lineup and substitutes for the next match(es) in my RPs. Should I not RP or should my RP not contain any information regarding the starting lineup and substitutes, then feel free to decide my lineup. Also feel free to make substitutions. (As a rule of thumb, the first 11 players listed here are the usual starters, but this is not always the case.)

GK: 1 – Satchit CHANDRASEKAR – Male – born February 7, 2015 (age 31) – Colonial Sile (Vilita) – 0 goals
Chandrasekar has now firmly established himself as Adab’s best keeper and, if everything goes right, looks set to retain that status for many years to come. His calm, steady demeanor serves him well as the last line of defense against the team’s opponents.

LB: 2 – Tansu ALTUN - Female – born February 25, 2009 (age 37) - Mosul - 0 goals
Fondly called the "heart of the squad" by her teammates. Kind, polite, smiling, beautiful inside and out, she gets along easily with all the staff and players. Yet her soft exterior hides a hard, relentless, unyielding side to her, which shines through every time she is called to perform on the pitch.

CB: 3 – Shania ENMERKAR - Female – born January 20, 2008 (age 38) - Baghdad City - 3 goals (Vice Captain)
Widely seen as one of the leaders of the “female wave” in Adabian football, observers nevertheless agree that Enmerkar has earned her place in the team by merit, rather than merely by virtue of her gender. The other female players in the squad look up to her as their leader and spokeswoman, and it is she who often goes to Kaykali to communicate the women’s concerns and opinions.

CB: 15 – Sarrugi AKSHAK – Male – born May 29, 2016 (age 30) – Lonngeylin Coast (Vilita) – 0 goals
Made headlines with his unexpected transfer to the Vilitan League, although he has more than proven himself as a capable defender at the Under-18 and Under-21 World Cups. Now Yousif Issou’s international retirement has guaranteed him a place in the starting lineup and he is more than determined to impress.

RB: 5 – Sally THOMAS – Female – born October 5, 2015 (age 30) – Beirut – 0 goals
An instrumental member of the Di Bradini Cup 51 squad, Thomas’ continued good performance with Beirut in the Premier League has earned her an upgrade from the benches to the starting lineup in the national team.

LM: 6 – Emma ARTHUR - Female – born November 18, 2012 (age 33) - Tihon (Chromatika) - 13 goals
A representative of the Anglo-Adabian community, the second-youngest member of the squad. Widely seen as a young prodigy before maturing into one of Adab’s best midfielders. Estranged from her family, traumatized and haunted by what had happened to her and Alulim Sinmuballit, she picked herself up and has impressed many with her performance with Tihon in Chromatika.

CM: 7 – Alulim SINMUBALLIT - Male – born September 15, 2013 (age 33) – Mipojoseon (Quebec and Shingoryeo) - 12 goals
The erstwhile baby prodigy of the squad is now older and much-changed from those halcyon days when he and Emma Arthur were lighting up the midfield and causing controversy with their interfaith relationship off the pitch. Since then… a lot have changed, to put it lightly, but one thing is certain: Sinmuballit is determined to prove he still has a place in the national team.

RM: 19 – Amara EMMITA – Female – born January 19, 2016 (age 30) – Baghdad United – 11 goals
Easily runs circles around her opponents with her slick, graceful style of play. With Ephraim Orlev now in his forties and on the verge of retirement, Emmita has found her way to the starting lineup, providing a fresh reinforcement in the midfield to accompany the likes of Emma Arthur and Alulim Sinmuballit.

LAM/LW: 22 – Kastiliasu AKAPTAHA – Male – born March 27, 2014 (age 32) – Baghdad City – 97 goals
Already widely acclaimed as one of the finest strikers in Adabian football, Akaptaha is expected to lead the offense for many years to come, standing at the forefront the regeneration of the national team as the venerable Enlilbani Yargab enters his forties.

RAM/RW: 10 – Rebekah YISSAKAR - Female – born January 20, 2013 (age 33) - Adab United – 85 goals
Brash, funny, happy-go-lucky, all those words have been used to describe Rebekah Yissakar, but do not let her bubbly, excitable personality distract you from the fact that she is one of Adabian football’s best talents, with a deadly finishing touch that secured her a place at the front three along with the great Enlilbani Yargab and the energetic Kastiliasu Akaptaha.

CF: 11 – Enlilbani YARGAB - Male – born April 21, 1999 (age 47) - Baghdad City – 171 goals (Captain)
Now rapidly approaching his fifties – beyond which he has repeatedly claimed he would not continue playing – Yargab is no longer the threat that he once was, the older striker playing fewer minutes than in previous tournaments before being substituted for Nadje Barzani. With Akaptaha now deployed on the wing, Kaykali now increasingly rotates Yargab and Barzani, if not playing Barzani for entire matches; Yargab understands that the younger players such as Akaptaha and Barzani adapt more easily to the gegenpressing tactics. That Yargab is now slower and more stationary than he used to be is obvious. Nevertheless he still excels in short bursts, conserving his energy for the most pivotal moments of the match and ensuring he remains an important presence in what should be the final years of his career.

GK: 12 – Akurgal SHULGI – Male – born May 15, 2017 (age 29) – Damascus Steelers – 0 goals
Formidable young keeper whose adept, acrobatic defending dragged Adab to the final of the 14th Under-18 World Cup in Xanneria and Starcom.

LB: 13 – Adnan AL-TIKRITI – Male – born July 20, 2015 (age 31) – Damascus Steelers – 0 goals
Dogged defender who brought Adab to the final of the Di Bradini Cup 51. Flies under the radar publicity-wise but prefers to let his achievements on the pitch speak for themselves.

CB: 4 – George HADAD – Male – born February 14, 2005 (age 41) – Assur – 2 goals
Assur’s impressive performance in the Premier League lately has earned its loyal center-back a call-up to the national team, which just a few years ago no one – including the man himself – would have expected. But Hadad is nonetheless glad for this new experience so late into his career, even if he doesn’t see himself being played that much.

RB: 16 – Nadia AL-MALIKI – Female – born October 15, 2011 (age 34) – Baghdad United – 0 goals
Baghdad United’s surprisingly strong performance in the Premier League earned her a call-up to the national team. Al-Maliki’s composure in defense has been widely praised and regarded as an instrumental part in United’s unexpected domestic success.

LM: 17 – Said ANWAR – Male – born April 5, 2014 (age 32) – Beirut – 0 goals
A highlight of Beirut’s rise to the top of the Premier League, Said has now earned himself a call-up to the national team. While he is unlikely to displace Emma Arthur in the pecking order, his presence nevertheless provides a reliable backup should it become necessary for Arthur to be substituted or rotated.

CM: 18 – Naram-Sin SAMANU – Male – born March 29, 2018 (age 28) – Baghdad United – 3 goals
Commands a huge presence at midfield. Alulim Sinmuballit’s return has largely relegated Samanu once again to the benches, but with the staff afraid of overplaying the latter it seems that they will settle on a rotation between Sinmuballit and Samanu, allowing both players roughly equal time on the pitch.

CM: 26 - Kayla KASSAYA - Female - born April 14, 2016 (age 30) - Crossroads (Chromatika) - 0 goals
A late call-up to the national team, Kassaya has impressed with Crossroads in Chromatika's Red League, becoming an integral part of the side and more than justifying their faith in her. The national team's heavy workload has convinced Saad Kaykali and his staff that they need another midfielder and Kassaya is the obvious choice. While primarily a central midfielder, she is a versatile player who can also be deployed as a left and right midfielder, and even in a more advanced role as a winger in emergency situations.

RM: 8 – Ephraim ORLEV - Male – born April 18, 1999 (age 47) – Mosul – 9 goals
That Orlev’s supposed retirement has been constantly delayed is the subject of many a joke in Adab nowadays. But on his good days he is still one of the country’s best – and toughest, not to mention most experienced – midfielders, and his presence is highly valued in the locker room.

LAM/LW: 20 – Dasia KHOURY – Female – born September 15, 2017 (age 29) – Baghdad City – 2 goals
One of Adab’s breakout stars from the Di Bradini Cup 53, Khoury has settled into a starting role at Baghdad City, playing a key part as the great team tries to restore themselves back to the top of the Adabian football world. Her performance continues to impress, convincing Kaykali to call her up to the senior national team.

RAM/RW: 21 – Abdullah SARSUR – Male – born June 11, 2007 (age 29) – Yerushalayim – 0 goals
Yerushalayim’s rise to the upper echelons of the league has brought attention upon its right attacking midfielder/winger Abdullah Sarsur. Brave, unrelenting, and tricky at times, he will provide a reliable addition to the national team.

RAM/RW: 25 – Omar ABBAS – Male – born January 15, 2018 (age 28) – Mosul – 0 goals
Like Khoury he is one of Adab’s players from the Di Bradini Cup 53 that stood out the most, earning legions of fans with his speed and deadly accurate crosses, exuberant attitude on and off the pitch, and unstinting commitment to his profession.

LAM/LW: 9 – Hakim AL-AMIN - Male – born March 27, 2009 (age 37) - Damascus Steelers – 25 goals
With Jushur al-Kufa bowing out of the national team, his Damascus Steelers teammate Hakim al-Amin has been chosen to take his place – albeit it is usually a place on the benches. Al-Amin is one of Adabian football’s best strikers, gaining acclaim for his power, agility, finishing, and calmness under pressure. Everyone agrees he would have found a place in the starting lineup had it not been for the fact that the national team is already overfilled with younger talent at the front.

CF: 23 – Nadje BARZANI – Female – born March 14, 2017 (age 29) – Beirut – 54 goals
Barzani has made a name for herself as one of the Premier League’s best players and one of its most explosive forwards, alongside Kastiliasu Akaptaha, and is making an impact in the national team in a rotation with the seemingly ageless Enlilbani Yargab. But time waits for no one, and as Yargab rapidly approaches his forty-fifth birthday the indication seems to be that Barzani will soon have her spot to herself.

STADIUM

Adab City Stadium, the pride and joy of Adabian football, was completed in 1940. Located in the northern part of Adab City, the stadium was able to accommodate 40,000 people at the time of its opening. Renovations in 1978 made it an all-seater stadium and expanded its capacity to 55,350. Later it increased to 75,000 following upgrades in 2009-10 and then 76,500 after another upgrade in 2019. It is currently home to the Adabian national football team and Adab City FC.

TACTICS AND FORMATION
The team will use 4-3-2-1, the "Christmas tree" formation, with an emphasis on gegenpressing – immediately working to take back possession after losing the ball and launching a quick counterattack before the opponent can take the initiative. Any opposition players with the ball will find themselves swarmed and cut off quickly. The orientation towards gegenpressing has been offered as evidence of Rashid Abbas’ increasing influence as he seeks to modernize the team in his capacity as assistant manager.

Goalkeeper Satchit Chandrasekar is secure in his position as first-choice senior team keeper. Shania Enmerkar finds herself leading the defense, her limitless energy and tenacity – which she has demonstrated both on and off the pitch – making her particularly suited for this role.

At midfield, Emma Arthur finds herself paired up with Alulim Sinmuballit and Amara Emmita. Their agility and teamwork allow them increased coverage of the pitch and domination of possession, which they skillfully use to quickly transfer the ball away from the opposing team and to the attacking trio of Kastiliasu Akaptaha, Rebekah Yissakar, and the great Enlilbani Yargab. At age 47, the country’s greatest player now largely avoids ostentatious displays of acrobatics and dribbling skills which marked his younger days in favor of simple runs towards the penalty box. In a further concession to his advancing age, Yargab is now increasingly substituted or even not played at all from time to time in favor of Barzani. Yargab or Barzani will occasionally drop back to serve as a false nine, leaving a hole in the opposition defense to be exploited by the wingers and attacking midfielders.

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Choose scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Make substitutions: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No, and I won’t injure your players either
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: No, and I won’t give red cards to your players either
Godmod other events: Yes, just don't injure or kill my players or staff or prevent them from being present in the next match

Style mod: +3.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me via TG or Discord! You may find me on the NS Sports Discord server.

by **Vdara** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 2:16 am

Very Sexy Kirola Kits (Home, Away, Goalkeeper)
(ta muchly, Audio)

They said it couldn’t be done. They said that no nation could return from the beany depths. ”They’re too deep into the beans. It’s bean too long. They won’t be back.” They were wrong. From the beans, comes the means - the means to take part, the means to compete, the means to win. An injection of youth, the introduction of mixed-gender squads, and the return of some of the team’s most well-respected stalwarts has forged a new image for an old name, rekindling the old flame - that is, Vdara’s love for football. Some names you may recognise, some may slip your mind, and some will be totally different to you. What matters, though, is that Vdara are back... is what the preview was until we were absolutely goated with the sauce in the most recent Baptism of Fire, losing out only to the big bastards of Beefsteak City and eventual champions Basel-Triesen. Since then, there's been a slight squad refresh, with even more of the old guard returning, and a couple of the old(er) guards being put out to pasture. See for yourself.

Squad

POS - Player Name - Sex - No. - Club
Formation: 4-3-3

GK - Zaharias Frangoglou ♂ - 1 - Panirakleios
LB - Tryfon Vlahiades ♂ (CAPTAIN) - 2 - Valletta
CB - Stamatios Christakos ♂ - 37 - CF Daineri (AUD)
CB - Katerina Stylianou ♀ - 3 - Chaniakos
CB - Takis Pipades ♂ - 4 - Columbia City (TMB)
RB - Manousos Athanas ♂ - 5 - Ierapetra
CM - Maria Hadjipavlou ♀ - 6 - Valletta
CDM - Lambros Tantalopoulos ♂ - 7 - Limecroft Et Abyss FC (KOR)
CM - Alessia La Rosa ♀ - 8 - Panirakleios
ST - Chirstoforos Lazelis ♂ - 22 - North Laithland (NPH)
ST - Sophia Kyprianou ♀ - 10 - Asteras Chania

—————————————————————————————————————————————
Substitutes

GK - Serapheim Metrakis ♂ - 13 - AE Pergamos
LB - Andreas Mitsotakis ♂ - 99 - Panirakleios
CB - Trifonas Tolakis ♂ - 23 - Strathcona Internationals (KLS)
CB - Evdoksia Galaniade ♀ - 33 - Limassol
CM - Akakios Demotis ♂ - 48 - CF Daineri (AUD)
LW - Mathaios Makrotsis ♂ - 9 - Mipojoseon (QUE)
ST - Andrianos Petras ♂ - 70 - Vermillion Rage (NPH)
ST - Ferrero Fotellis ♂ - 69 - Royal Emberton (KRY)
RW - Giovanni Rossi ♂ - 11 - Panirakleios

Player Bios:

Information
Official Language: Vdaran
Manager: Markos Moustakakos (goalkeeper-turned-legend)
Home Stadium: VdarArena
Trigramme: VDR
Rank: 236th
Best result: 3rd in WC89 Group Stage
First International: Hapilopper 2 - 1 Vdara
Largest Win: Vdara 8 - 2 Cascadia
Largest Loss: Equestria 6 - 1 Vdara
Captain: Tryfon Vlahiades
Vice-Captain: Lambros Tantalopoulos
Oldest Player: Tryfon Vlahiades (aged 45)
Youngest Player: Andreas Mitsotakis (aged 19)
Style Modifier: +3
Cheapest Pint: €2.50, bosh. (inflation has caused the price to rise by 25%. horrific times. maybe consider tap water instead?)
Climate: Sizzling, but a bit colder than usual (it’s the mediterranean, and it’s winter!)
Presence of Darts: Widespread
Gyros Eaten This Year: 3,751,084 and counting

Bio
Where is Vdara? What is Vdara? Who are Vdara? Is it a state? It’s a state of mind, that’s for sure. Established during the times of Ancient Greek colonisation, the first Vdaran settlement was in the modern day capital city of Chania, where a valiant crew had stumbled upon after setting off from Athens, and decided to settle down. This settlement evolved into a city, and this city decided to set up its own settlements, spreading Vdaran culture and ideals across many of the Mediterranean islands, creating their own archipelago. The Vdaran archipelago would go on to change hands several times over the next few millennia, being held by the Turks, Venetians, and Greeks - to name just a few. Fast forward to the present, and now you have a gyro-eating, sports-loving nation with a people who are dedicated to following Vdaran football loudly and proudly. They’ve seen the highs, and they’ve seen the lows, and they’ll now see the present. Fiercely committed to defending their honour, every single Vdaran - from the players, to the coaches, to the ordinary man or woman chilling on their couch, shouting at their television - will be readily available to convince people that, no, Vdara are not has-beans. They’re the real deal.

Permissions
Do what you want. In fact, do your worst. Hurt my players. Send them to hell. I will bring them back. Send my players off - I have others. Suspend my entire team - we will bribe the referees. In fact, I encourage anyone to bribe referees against us - because they need the money.
(oh, and pick whoever you want to score goals. we’ve got plenty of players, so we’re bound to make some substitutions here and there.)

by **Eraman** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:38 am

Persatuan Sepakbola Eraman
Eraman Football Association

Eraman National Football Team
Trigramme: ERM
Demonym: Eramanian
Nickname: The Monkey Kings
Style Modifier: 3.17

Staffs & Tactics

Head Coach: Agung Suryanantha (Pemecutan)

Agung Suryanantha took charge of the Eraman national team before the 82nd Cup of Harmony. He is the former head coach of the Pemecutan national team. Under his guidance, Pemecutan qualified for the World Cup for the first time. He resigned from the Pemecutan national team after bad results in the 9th Melayu Archipelago Cup.

He guided Eraman to the knockout stage of the 82nd Cup of Harmony in his first competitive tournament as the head coach of Eraman national team, led Eraman to their first-ever Melayu Archipelago Cup title a few months after that but fell short of qualifying for the World Cup after finishing 4th in the 91st and the 92nd World Cup qualifiers and 3rd in the 93rd World Cup qualifiers.

Style Modifier : 3.17
Formation : 4-2-3-1

Players

Team Line Up
Starting Line Up in bold
Goalkeeper

Kilau Janggut, (29/GK) - Royal Pasirpura
Bijaya Puteh, (25/GK) - Royal Daulapura
Putra Muda, (25/GK) - Royal Puncakpura

Defender

Along Widana, (30/RB) - Royal Daulapura
Anton Mora, (35/DC) - Royal Daulapura
Mahar Mina, (35/DC) - Royal Daulapura
Uri Kesiman, (32/LB) - Anara
Tanggang Jaya, (27/RB) - Royal Pasirpura
Andik Kesum, (31/DC) - Anara
Jebat Derhaka, (28/DC) - Royal Pasirpura
Deraman Bulat, (29/LB) - Royal Pasirpura

Midfielder

Karipa Senawang, (34/MC) - Royal Daulapura
Nyoman Jelantik, (34/MC) - Soma
Nyoman Widya, (34/AM) - Mitra
Milo Kaulawi, (33/MC) - Pesjem Jematang (Pemecutan)
Kinta Biru, (35/MC) - Royal Daulapura
Bongsu Desa, (26/AM) - Royal Pasirpura

Forward

Samara Grawira, (34/RW) - Malkan
Era Hitam, (31/LW) - Royal Daulapura
Putra Daulapura Wikra Petara, (31/ST) - Royal Daulapura
Perda Nasar, (34/RW) - Royal Daulapura
Adi Putra Surya, (32/LW) - Damaisari
Bandi Neraca, (30/ST) - Siasari

Stadium (Feel free to choose where you want to play)

Daulapura Stadium
Location: Daulapura, Daula
Capacity: 40,000

Daulapura Stadium is the national stadium of Eraman and home to the richest club in the
country, Royal Daulapura. Located in the royal capital of Eraman, it is the biggest stadium
in the country. The city is the seat of the Daula Dynasty, the ruling family of Eraman. Home
to every billionaire in the country, Daulapura is the richest city in Eraman.

Arupura Stadium
Location: Arupura, Aru
Capacity: 20,000

Arupura Stadium is located in the capital city of the State of Aru, the northernmost
state in the country. It is the home of Royal Arupura. The city is the third biggest city in the
country after Anara and Daulapura and is very industry-driven, home to most of the major
manufacturing companies from Eraman. If you have a product made in Eraman, chances are
it is made in this city. However, this also makes the city face pollution problems. When
visiting, wear your mask.

Pasirpura Stadium
Location: Pasirpura, Pasir
Capacity: 15,000

Pasirpura Stadium is located in the biggest city in South Eraman. It is the home of Royal Pasirpura.
The city is the most popular tourist destination in the country, well known as a resort city as well
as the red-light city of the country. The beaches are arguably the most beautiful in the region, the
casinos are visited by high-rollers from across the globe and the brothels are state-owned. It is strictly
not suitable for family vacations. Located just across the island of Soma in Mitra and Soma, Pasirpura is
home to a very large Mitranese and Somanese diaspora.

Kits

HOME / AWAY

Sponsored by zsports, a major sports brand from Ziwana.

RP Permission

The opponent may do the following if they RP first
Choose my scorer: Y
Choose Scoring Events: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
RP Injuries to My Players: Y (No career-ending)
Yellow Card My Player: Y (maximum 3 players per match)
Red Card My Player: Y (maximum of 1 player per match)
Godmod Other Events: N

Style Modifier : 3.17

by **Sendhang** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:42 am

Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh Sendhang
All-Sendhang Football Association

Sendhang National Football Team
Trigramme: SDG
Demonym: Sendhangite
Nickname: The Rice Farmers
Style Modifier: -2

Staffs & Tactics

Head Coach: Teuku Irfan

Teuku Irfan was officially appointed as the head coach of the national team prior to the 82nd Cup of Harmony after leading Sendhang to 5 wins, a draw, and a defeat in his 7 matches as the caretaker coach in the 90th World Cup qualifiers after Teuku Syarkawi was sacked. He is a graduate of sports science from the Universiti Sendhang and this is his first job as a head coach.

Irfan started his career with KS Tapaklaboh as the assistant to Teuku Syarkawi. He was brought to the national team setup 7 years ago after Teuku Syarkawi was appointed as the national team head coach.

Assistant Head Coach: Teuku Syarkawi

Teuku Syarkawi is the former head coach of KS Tapaklaboh, the most successful club in Putrasia in the States League era before the introduction of Liga Super Sendhang. He was appointed as the first head coach of the Sendhang national team a week after PS3 was officially announced. It was an easy decision for the decision-makers in PS3 at that time as Syarkawi is a very highly-rated head coach among football enthusiasts in Sendhang, especially Putrasia.

He was sacked by PS3 from the head coach position after six consecutive winless runs in the first half of the 90th World Cup qualifiers but was later handpicked by Teuku Irfan to be the assistant head coach of the national team. He is a long-time friend of Irfan who was his assistant at KS Tapaklaboh and the national team. The two complement each other and have worked well together for years. Irfan will usually lead team training while Syarkawi spent most of his time monitoring the training from his office while analyzing data and formulating strategies.

Style Modifier : -2
Formation : 4-1-2-3 DM

Teuku Irfan is a defensive-minded counter-attacking coach. He prefers to play with a defensive midfielder to protect the back four and to start counter-attacks. This is accompanied by two quick wingers that will sit deep to help the defense when they don't have the ball and get in position to launch a counter-attack while in transition when they have just won the ball.

Irfan prefers his team to be very disciplined in defending. His team will sit deep and frustrate the opponent for 90 minutes if needed. He doesn't believe in possession football. He wants his team to be very direct and quick when attacking. As his mentor and current assistant manager said, "possession doesn't win games. Goal does. Keep it tight at the back and hit them on the break."

Players

Team Line Up
Starting Line Up in bold
Goalkeeper

Albertus Wageo, (37/GK) - KS Larantuka
Monyet Pasuryan, (34/GK) - Persejo Kratonredjo
Sonny Gunawan, (30/GK) - KS Gunung Kayasu

Defender

Teuku Hamzah, (31/RB) - KS Tapaklaboh
Teuku Muhammad Bari, (36/DC) - KS Tapaklaboh
Putra Lumipada, (36/DC) - Persejo Kratonredjo
Niko Kefalo, (34/LB) - KS Larantuka
Edo Rungao, (32/RB) - FS Waingapu
Kurniadi Pranoto, (31/DC) - KS Gunung Kayasu
Dadan Winata, (31/DC) - KS Danokota
Jahut Seletar, (32/LB) - Perseguput Gunung Putri

Midfielder

Josua Beripeda, (35/DM) - KS Larantuka
Teuku Hassan Al Qari, (38/MC) - KS Tapaklaboh
Nanang Wirajuda, (36/MC) - KS Danokota
Jorok Mendriq, (29/DM) - Sporting Arrachai (Acastanha)
Wedhus Geni, (32/MC) - KS Gunung Kayasu
Teuku Herman, (27/MC) - KS Tapaklaboh

Forward

Ramon Kalbasi, (32/RW) - KS Larantuka
Keylar Samoi, (35/LW) - KS Gunung Kayasu
Teuku Salahudin, (28/ST) - Perseman Kesiman (Pemecutan)
Temiar Kintak, (35/RW) - Perseguput Gunung Putri
Cezar Nowela, (31/LW) - KS Larantuka
Gusti Sing Nggawe, (36/ST) - Perserejo Kratonredjo

PS3 Complex & Facilities

PS3 is headquartered at PS3 Complex in Kambang, the capital city of Sendhang. The complex is located in an area of 55 hectares in the southern part of the Capital Region of Kambang.

It is equipped with the 40,000 seaters national stadium, the Federal Stadium or locally known as Stadium Persekutuan, an older 20,000 seaters stadium, the Unity Stadium or locally known as Stadium Perpaduan, an office block, an accommodation block, a gymnasium, and 3 training pitches.

When PS3 was formed, the facilities were immediately transferred to the new football governing body. The facilities were managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports before PS3 was formed.

The Federal Stadium is an all-seater multi-purpose stadium and the home ground of the Sendhang national football team. The Federal Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 making it the largest football stadium in Sendhang. All Sendhang home matches will be held at the Federal Stadium.

Kits

HOME / AWAY / GK

The kits for the Sendhang national team are sponsored by Kapak, a local sports brand based in Tapaklaboh in the state of Putrasia.

The Sendhang national team is in its traditional blue kits which represent the lake in the middle of Sendhang that united the whole country and served as a water source for its inhabitants for centuries.

The secondary kit for the national team is mainly in green color that represents the staple food and main export of the country, rice as well as the tropical rainforest that covers the country.

RP Permission

The opponent may do the following if they RP first
Choose my scorer: Y
Choose Scoring Events: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
RP Injuries to My Players: Y (No career-ending)
Yellow Card My Player: Y (maximum 3 players per match)
Red Card My Player: Y (maximum of 1 player per match)
Godmod Other Events: N

Style Modifier : -2

by **Darmen** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:45 am

National Football Team of Darmen
presented by the
Darmeni Football Association

Record (Modern-era only, since Copa Rushmori 24): 550 matches, 253 wins, 109 draws, 188 losses, 1102 GF, 948 GA, .526 Win %

Caps
 1 Hyman Campo          284
 2 Silver Abbey         267
 3 Craig Blackwood      255
 4 Víedharr Svendsen    215
 5 Riley Mac Pharlain   212
 6 Alberich Goldschmidt 204
 7 Aurelio Di Stefano   169
   Feliciano Espinosa   169
 9 Juanito Stafford     165
10 Bill St. John        164

Goals
 1 Craig Blackwood      168
 2 Felix Lucanus         80
 3 Skylar Hurst          49
 4 Víedharr Svendsen     48
 5 Kennard Hale          42
 6 Darnell Halle         39
 7 Daniel Norton         38
 8 James January         37
 9 Riley Mac Pharlain    33
10 Brian Firmin          30

Coaching Staff

Position          Name            Age
Manager           Denis Foss      48
Assistant Manager Grahame Vangson 31
Goalkeeping Coach Piers Fulton    41
Psychologist      Aron Simonson   33

55 Player Preliminary Roster

#  Pos Name                   Age Club                      Caps Goals
 1 GK  Simon Toro             34  MTK Kingsville             60   0
12 GK  Ori Poirier            33  Scott City FC              43   0
23 GK  Ildefonso Daube        27  Romanopolis United          3   0
34 GK  Beau Carver            34  Tempala United Saints       3   0
45 GK  Corina Mendoza*        25  Rogerton Valladar CF        0   0

 2 LB  Philip O'Hara          29  Olympique Chuckio          82   3
13 LB  Pablo Candelaria       34  Brham United               49   1
24 LB  Cándido Adler          26  Romanopolis United         17   1
35 LB  Kyro Perrin            22  Rogerton Whitecaps         12   0
46 LB  Ferdy Adkins           21  Tempala United Saints       3   0

 3 LCB Kerr Snyder            34  IFK Liverpool United       57   0
14 LCB Sadiq Lucas            33  Atlético Augusta           70   1
25 LCB Stefan Ryer            29  Rogerton Whitecaps         19   0
36 LCB Archie Ó Gormáin       29  Brham United                9   0
47 LCB Gruffydd Kitchen       33  Guard FC                    2   0    (67 caps, 3 goals for Esportivan Darmen)

 4 RCB Cináed Böhm            34  Scott City FC              80   0
15 RCB Ferdinand Kruse        30  MTK Kingsville             83   2
26 RCB Corentin Melsbach      26  Chuckio FC                  9   0
37 RCB Abraham Duke           28  Darmen City United         11   0
48 RCB Fulke Eriksen          29  Johnho United              31   0

 5 RB  Vinnie Ó Madaidhín     33  Aminey CS (KOR)            75   1
16 RB  Erskine Tittensor      34  Chippewa Valley United FC  54   1
27 RB  Markus Thomasson       23  Tempala United Saints      16   0
38 RB  Dixon MacFarlane       28  Atlético Augusta            6   0
49 RB  Galvão Kneib           32  Johnho United              23   0

 6 LM  Kerr Park              33  Johnho United              74   9
17 LM  Fabricio Tobias        29  Scott City FC              46   4
28 LM  Inigo Hernandez        33  Olympique Chuckio          35   5
39 LM  Britton Lum            34  Darmen City United          3   0
50 LM  Delma Russell*         21  Darmen City United          0   0

 7 CM  Lennart van der Vennen 33  MTK Kingsville             75   7
18 CM  Dwayne Loritz          22  Tempala United Saints      15   1
29 CM  Silvester Fairburn     23  Royal PFC                   5   0
40 CM  Sterling Allsopp       26  Darmen City United          5   0
51 CM  Emerson Weaver         27  Menomonie United           15   2

 8 RM  Kayden Aleshire        29  Olympique Chuckio          53   5
19 RM  Kara Falkner*          21  MTK Kingsville             14   0
30 RM  Ulric Spencer          27  Johnho United               8   0
41 RM  Keefe Ó Maoil Eoin     26  Sterling City United        8   0
52 RM  Valère Walters         31  MTK Kingsville              2   0

 9 LF  James January          27  Scott City FC              71  37
20 LF  Dorian Kinnaird        31  MTK Kingsville             54  22
31 LF  Lennox Travers         34  Sterling City United       52  14
42 LF  Idonea Santiago*       22  Rogerton Valladar CF        9   3
53 LF  Kelli Lovell*          21  Johnho United               0   0

10 CF  Marianne Lee*          26  Tanques AOE (KOR)          45  15
21 CF  Talmai Tracey          25  Tempala United Saints       2   0
32 CF  Truman Ryley           27  Scott City FC              10   1
43 CF  Bryce Ó Caiside        30  Rogerton Whitecaps         22   4
54 CF  Kaylin Hobbes*         23  Scott City FC               0   0

11 RF  Kennard Hale           33  Scott City FC             109  42
22 RF  Baltassar Boon         32  IFK Liverpool United       24   5
33 RF  Torger Woodward        22  Sportklub Palerma           6   1
44 RF  Sylvestre Emmitt       30  MTK Kingsville              6   0
55 RF  Karter Clayton         21  Johnho United               0   0

MID-QUALIFYING TRANSFERS - (Taking place between MD5 and MD6)
Delma Russell to Tempala United Saints
Valère Walters to Romanopolis United

Tactics
Formation: 4-3-3
Style Mod: +2.5
In attack, Darmen will employ one of two tactics: the first involves the team playing down the flanks while the second is a possession oriented short-range passing style that closely resembles tiki-taka. The later tactic is normally only employed against weaker opponents or when Darmen has a multi-goal lead and involves connecting many passes together to slowly advance the ball towards the opponents 18-yard box. It is not uncommon for 30+ passes to be completed in the sequence, especially against weaker opponents.

Darmen's primary tactic however is a heavy emphasis on flank play, with the wide midfielders (also referred to as flankers in Darmen) being the linchpin of Darmen's attack. Upon gaining possession, Darmen will look to distribute the ball to one of the two wide midfielders as quickly as possible. After receiving the ball, the wide midfielders will look to advance the ball as far down the flanks as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the forwards and the central midfielders will crash the box, hoping to be on the receiving end of the wide midfielder's cross. The wide midfielder (or sometimes even the fullback) on the opposite flank will linger behind waiting to collect the cross should it overshoot the box. While scoring via headers is the primary goal, a player may also look to score by volleying or half-volleying the ball if they're in open space. Should the first attempt at goal not be collected by the goalkeeper, Darmenis are more than willing to take advantage of the ensuing chaos in the box and poach a goal as well. If the wide midfielder's path forward down the flank is blocked, they are not averse to cutting inside and taking a shot on goal themselves.

Defensively, the defenders have one job... to defend. They rarely venture out of their own half, but if they do it will only be one of the fullbacks (see above). Darmen will employ zonal marking when facing the counter-attack and man marking in all other situations.

Team Roles
Captain: Kennard Hale
Vice-Captain: Cináed Böhm
Left Corner: Kerr Snyder
Right Corner: Kerr Park
Penalties: Kennard Hale
Free-kicks: Kayden Aleshire

Team Personality
The Darmeni team will never argue with the referee. Indeed, if anything needs to be brought to the attention of the referee it will be done by either the Captain or Vice-Captain in a respectful manner (or to the fourth-official by the Manager). With regards to foul/dirty play, the Darmeni team will not provoke, or retaliate against any opposition player. Darmeni's expect each team to keep to itself and deal with its own trouble makers; any opposition player who attempts to prevent a conflict by pushing or pulling a Darmeni away from the scene will be promptly told off, as that is the duty of the Darmeni Captain.

Nonetheless, Darmen will play in a relatively aggressive manner. Tackles will be conducted in a way which ensures the opponent ends up on the ground, but causing injury will be avoided as much as possible. On set pieces, Darmenis will stand their ground and will not be easily pushed around. However, they will not engage in hugging. In fact, if any opposing player tries to push past them, it is not uncommon for the Darmeni player to feign resistance before simply stepping aside and watching as the opposing player stumbles past on their way to ground. This occasionally backfires however, as the referee may mistake the incidence as having been a foul in the box.

Qualifying Venues

MD Opponent           Location        Stadium                Capacity
 1 Sarzonia           West Scott City Green Ensign Arena     47,465
 3 Semarland          Augusta         Augusta Stadium        45,000
 5 Polar Islandstates Oldtown         Northumberland Stadium 62,100
 7 Xanneria           Johnho          Stadio Rushmore        70,000
 9 Kandorith          Brham           Brham Stadium          54,000
11 Farfadillis        Scott City      National Stadium       75,000
13 Basel-Triesen      Rogerton        Kalenda Stadium        45,000

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: YES PLEASE! If you name your goal scorers, please also name mine.
Choose my scoring events: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
RP injuries to my players: YES, no more than one per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Godmod Injuries to my players: NO
Give Yellow Cards to my players: YES, no more than two per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Give Red Cards to my players: YES, no more than one per match. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Godmod other events: MAYBE. If you have anything major planned, give me a heads up.
Style Modifier: +2.5

If you need to contact me, TG's are preferred over Discord DM's.

by **Semarland** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:55 am

SEMARLAND NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM, OFFICIAL WORLD CUP 95 SQUAD

NATIONAL STADIUM - Natunolstadion, Jansberg, 86,000

Home - Goalkeeper - Away
Kits kindly manufactured by VUCTI Kits

Whilst their return was somewhat of a damp squib, with a poor performance in the Brevity Cup followed by a group stage exit in CAFA 7 (though perhaps to be expected after over ten years away from the multiveral fold), Cortell Carrasco managed to lead an albeit fairly different Semarland side to a bronze medal in the last Olympics. A good sign for the future, and given that Carrasco has named all 23 players from the aforementioned CAFA in the squad, fans are in mixed minds about the team selection for the qualifying stages. Just a handful from the Olympics made the cut despite strong performances in the Premarligaen over the last couple of years, though it's speculated Carrasco is merely giving several players a run out at World Cup qualification as Semarland still find their feet upon their return. 34 players in total are named, and should Semarland successfully qualify for the final stages, that number would be then whittled down to 23.

STAFF:
Manager: Cortell Carrasco, 64
Plucked from Sporting Saint Adrensburg by the SFA, Cortell Carrasco has been one of the league's most successful managers over the last twelve years. With just the one league title to his name, some may think he wasn't the best choice, but his long-term transformation of SSA has been truly remarkable. A talented tactical mind who happens to be a close friend of his predecessor Kadell Stevens who reportedly nominated him for the job. Expect attractive football - not as high-pace as Stevens, but still nice enough to watch with a focus on defence as much as attack, a nice balance. Oh, and he's brought his entire SSA backroom with him as well, so if someone's going to enjoy this, it's the SSA fans...

Assistant manager: Devonte Northfield, 48
SSA legend who never really got to make his mark for Semarland internationally - Devonte Northfield was quite unlucky given he was actually half-decent as a player and he had a lot of talent ahead of him. But he made his mark for his club, which led to him getting a job as coach within the youth team - and you know the story. He rose through the staffing ranks the same way he did in the playing ranks and wound up assistant manager to Carrasco after the retirement of his previous assistant Martin Etienne. Developing his tactical mind through Carrasco's mentorship, many were hoping he'd take up the reigns at SSA rather than join the rest of the backroom team, he didn't want to pass up the opportunity to represent his country in the dugout.

First team coaches: Marcos Sevenoaks, 46 and Cyrone Eastwood, 38
Two players (also SSA legends, if you notice the recurring theme) who did get to make their mark for Semarland internationally. Marcos Sevenoaks was a powerful winger with a thunderous left boot and Cyrone Eastwood was a midfielder who was one of those midfielders who did the job and made things tick without everyone else really clocking what they were doing, but being aware...if that makes sense? Anyway, they're not bad coaches - not as good as they were players, mind, but Carrasco trusts them enough to come with him to the big stage. They might not have as much tactical input as Northfield does, but we're sure they'll throw a piece of advice in or too. Their experience as regular-ish internationals, something that Carrasco and Northfield lack, will come in handy too, especially considering none of these players have pulled on the Semarland shirt before.

Goalkeeping coach: Devane Marylebone, 52
The last of the legends (God, anyone would think the SFA were raging SSA ultras or something...) and like Sevenoaks & Eastwood, a pretty decent player for club and country. Might have been too old for the league title win, he played his part as goalkeeping coach and had earned his name in SSA legacy as a player beforehand anyway. We could write loads more waffle about his abilities as a goalkeeping coach, but we won't bore you - he does his job well and will no doubt pass on his experience well.

Fitness coach: Boscoe Baywood, 61
Physio: Maxwell Eirsen, 43
Okay, we can't really call these guys "legends", they never even played professionally, let alone for Semarland. Or SSA for that matter? Unless the 5-a-side league counts. But in seriousness they're good at their job. SSA rarely struggled with injuries during Carrasco's time as manager, and that was thanks to the training regimes and medcial attention of Boscoe Baywood and Maxwell Eirsen respectively. Hopefully Semarland won't struggle with injuries like they used to way back when. We might allow ourselves to get our hopes up...

PLAYERS:
All ages & statistics correct at the beginning of the 2051/52 season
GOALKEEPERS:
#1 - GK - Matthias Baxter - Age 34 - FC Nuholm - 12 caps
#12 - GK - Russell Boakye-Yiadom - Age 21 - FC Jansberg - 10 caps
#13 - GK - Gaetano Jorgensen - Age 27 - Kangemark Sport - 3 caps
#24 - GK - Casper Winter - Age 29 - Molsbik Arkjet - Uncapped
Four goalkeepers are named, with FC Nuholm veteran Matthias Baxter granted the #1 shirt after over 15 years of consistent Premarligaen performances. Young FC Jansberg custodian Russell Boakye-Yiadom is very much hot on his heels however, with Boakye-Yiadom one of the stars of Semarland's successful Olympics campaign between the sticks. Backing them up are Kangemark Sport's beloved Gaetano Jorgensen, a true fan favourite, and a new face in Molsbik Arkjet's Casper Winter, another consistent shot stopper who has impressed especially in recent seasons for Arkjet, and will be a key member of their team in the upcoming IFCF competitions. Long term, it's likely Baxter will retire from international football at the tournament, leaving Boakye-Yiadom, Jorgensen, Winter and possibly others to battle it out for the #1 shirt. Most likely Boakye-Yiadom will end up being #1, but this will be the best opportunity Jorgensen and Winter will get to stake their claim for the shirt.

DEFENDERS:
#2 - DR - Karl Kvist - Age 25 - Krsthaven - 15 caps, 2 goals, 2 assists
#3 - DL - Andre Driscoll Glennon - Age 27 - FC Kolberg - 12 caps
#4 - DC - Gael Larsen - Age 26 - Krsthaven - 15 caps, 1 goal
#5 - DC - Shone Andrews (c) - Age 35 - Eikborg Club - 15 caps, 1 goal
#18 - DC - Kortney Delaware - Age 22 - Eikborg Club - 17 caps, 1 goal
#19 - DR - Tyrique Ritchie - Age 26 - FC Jansberg - 8 caps, 1 assist
#21 - DL - Ecuador Sorensen - Age 24 - FC Nuholm - 18 caps, 1 assist
#22 - DC - Pascal Melbourne - Age 23 - FC Nuholm - 17 caps, 1 goal
#25 - DR - Akim Hanley - Age 26 - FC Nuholm - Uncapped
#26 - DL - Edgar Kangwa - Age 23 - Eikborg Club - Uncapped
#27 - DC - Stephen Boakye-Gyan - Age 24 - FC Jansberg - 6 caps
#28 - DC - Rahim Nallo - Age 20 - Kangemark Sport - 5 caps
Captain Shone Andrews will lead the side in his final international runout, with the Eikborg Club defender already confirming his retirement from international football at the end of proceedings. Central defensive partner Gael Larsen will have the likes of Pascal Melbourne and Andrews' club teammate Kortney Delaware snapping away at his heels for a place in the heart of defence, whilst there's also FC Jansberg's Stephen Boakye-Gyan and promising Kangemark Sport defender Rahim Nallo, to consider too. In regards to full-backs, Carrasco is spoilt for choice, with Krsthaven's Karl Kvist seen as a future Semarland legend. The likes of Andre Driscoll-Glennon, Tyrique Ritchie and Edgar Kangwa all offer serious threats going forward, with Kangwa in particular an exciting addition to the squad after making the Premarligaen Team of the Season for 2050/51. Akim Hanley is another new name after impressing for FC Nuholm in recent years, whilst his teammate Ecuador Sorensen was another star of the Olympics campaign.

MIDFIELDERS:
#6 - DMC - Rameses Kristoffersen - Age 25 - Molsbik Arkjet - 13 caps, 1 goal
#7 - AMR - Kyrone Paris - Age 26 - Sporting Saint Adrensburg - 17 caps, 2 goals, 3 assists
#8 - MC - Jamal Barker (vc) - Age 26 - Krsthaven - 20 caps, 2 goals, 5 assists
#10 - AMC - Chevone Clarke - Age 24 - FC Nuholm - 16 caps, 4 goals, 8 assists
#11 - AML - D'Jean Hamilton - Age 23 - FC Jansberg - 17 caps, 3 goals, 7 assists
#14 - MC - Lyrone Eastwood - Age 28 - Sporting Saint Adrensburg - 10 caps, 1 assist
#17 - DMC - Byron Mandanda - Age 21 - FC Jansberg - 21 caps, 1 goal, 3 assists
#20 - AMC - Hakim Masters - Age 27 - Eikborg Club - 11 caps, 1 goal, 3 assists
#23 - MC - Johan Chevron - Age 26 - Krsthaven - 10 caps, 1 assist
#29 - DMC - Johannes Round - Age 26 - FC Nuholm - Uncapped
#30 - AMR - Chris Simmonds - Age 25 - FC Jansberg - Uncapped
#31 - MC - John Omrore - Age 25 - Molsbik Arkjet - 7 caps, 1 goal, 2 assists
#33 - AMC - Mikkel Matthias - Age 22 - Fransborg set Njilkaer - 8 caps, 2 goals, 2 assists
#34 - AML - Nahom Teklemariam - Age 20 - Kangemark Sport - 8 caps, 2 goals, 4 assists
Vice captain Jamal Barker could be described as the beating heart in midfield, a complete midfielder loved by the nation no matter what team they support. A threat going forward as much as he is capable protecting the defence, he offers a really solid presence on and off the pitch. Molsbik Arkjet's Rameses Kristoffersen has struggled with injury woes for some time and faces strong competition in Byron Mandanda of FC Jansberg for a starting spot in midfield alongside Barker, whilst the likes of Lyrone Eastwood, Johan Chevron and John Omrore are all useful alternatives also. Johannes Round is a new addition, with the FC Nuholm defensive midfielder an assured figure protecting the defence, whilst creatively, Carrasco has the options of either Chevone Clarke, Hakim Masters or Mikkel Matthias for the #10 role. Clarke is arguably the most talented midfielder in the squad bar Barker, and his statistics make good reading. In terms of wingers, D'Jean Hamilton and Kyrone Paris will likely start, with Hamilton the most technically gifted in the entire squad. New additions to the squad include Kangemark Sport's Nahom Teklemariam, one of the youngest in the team at just 20 years old, and FC Jansberg's Chris Simmonds, who contributed both 10+ goals and 10+ assists for the last few seasons at club level.

STRIKERS:
#9 - ST - Loick Sorensen - Age 26 - FC Jansberg - 15 caps, 8 goals, 1 assist
#15 - ST - Johan Larsen - Age 30 - Eikborg Club - 10 caps, 3 goals
#16 - ST - Gennaro Christie - Age 27 - Krsthaven - 12 caps, 5 goals
#32 - ST - Bismark Boateng - Age 25 - Molsbik Arkjet - 6 caps, 4 goals, 1 assist
Loick Sorensen and Gennaro Christie rival each other for the #9 shirt the same way they've been rivalling each other over the years for the Premarligaen Golden Boot. Sorensen has edged it in recent years, and has been the more effective option so far internationally. Both are considered "complete" strikers, who don't rely on creative support and can score goals without them, but are no doubt more effective with a good team around them. Johan Larsen is getting on and despite his good scoring form for Eikborg Club, is slowing down a bit and some may think he will elect to retire internationally to allow youngsters a chance and focus on his club career. Bismark Boateng debuted at the Olympics and wound up Semarland's top scorer, with four goals in six games an impressive record.

STYLE MOD: +2

RP Permissions Box
If my opponent RPs our match first, I give them permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes.
Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP Injuries to my players: Yes, within reason and I reserve the right to change severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: As above.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes - 2 maximum, but not to the captain or vice captain please.
Godmod other events: Depending on what it is, please give me a message beforehand just in case!

by **Naixi** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 8:57 am

The Celestial Empire of Naixi (pronounced NYE-shee) is a coastal country in Rushmore. It possesses a pleasant, warm-summer Mediterranean climate and largely flat and passable terrain. These factors led to a famous rail line being built in the country, which required the labor of many thousands of Chinese indentured servants. The railroad eventually made Naixi a hub for industry such as mining and manufacturing, but social tensions between the ruling elite and the historically underserved descendants of the rail workers - who were never more than 40 percent of the country's population - led to a brief but bloody social conflict that began about twelve years ago. The unrest began as street protests, but eventually armed conflict swept the region, particularly the east of the country. Cease fires and conditional independence treaties were signed four years ago, and almost all of the once-dominant Golden People (as the Naixese call their former superiors) have been expelled. Peace has endured so far, but militarization remains high and a policy requiring two years of compulsory military service from all citizens remains in place.

Zhong Xian Xu, a resistance leader during the independence conflict and self-declared general, very briefly became head of state when Naixi's sovereignty was initially declared. He fell ill within a week of accepting the position, however, and his hastily-planned succession plans distributed his administrative and political authority to eight children and grandchildren. Xu selected the number eight in a deliberate reference to the Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty and declared his successors to be a Celestial Council, then passed away. The Celestial Council attempts to carry on his revolutionary legacy by representing the Naixese state and the racial category of Naixese people more broadly, but it does not have any meaningful powers anymore. Those powers have been redistributed to the 953-seat Parliament of Naixi. However, in that legislative body, a recent general election has thrust the N4N-Monarchists Party into power. Their main campaign promise was to restore significant authority to the Celestial Council, and their supporters have been pleased to see that agenda being slowly implemented.

Though the WA rates the democratic structures enjoyed by Naixese citizens very highly and the general political culture of the country has traditionally been mostly liberal, the government has been growing increasingly authoritarian. General elections must occur at least once every 36 months, but a law working its way through the legislative branch may extend that to 48 or 60. Most forms of speech and art - including politically themed speech and art - are protected rights, but wide suspicion is growing among libertarian activists that they are de jure rights only. The nation's young judicial system was in the midst of building a substantive track record of striking down legislation curtailing freedom of expression, but the N4N-Monarchists have recently abolished the courts. Print and television media plays a critical role in many Naixese persons' lives - so critical in fact that it helps many form a personal sense of identity - but all of it has recently been nationalized and is under the control of the state. All of this is to say that Naixi's very conservative electorate seems to have shown a preference for parties who promise to curtail broad civil and political rights, and one such party is using its mandate as it sees fit. While citizens can say what they want and vote how they like (for now), the winds of change seem to be blowing.

Crime is quite low by international standards, but by Rushmori standards it is somewhat high. The Ministry of Law and Order, which controls the National Police and the Department of Corrections, is powerful and well-funded, but divides opinions among the populace. Some view the Ministry as protecting the Naixese national social character, while others view it - in particular the National Police - as an abusive paramilitary organization. An unarmed 15-year-old Rokikoliji boy was shot and killed by a police unit, and none of the officers involved faced prosecution. The Naixese left characterizes the incident as an atrocity (though the Naixese left is incredibly weak). Furthermore, the Ministry has attracted vociferous international criticism for its approach to national cyber security, which has recently been made intentionally laisses faire in a fruitless attempt to mollify technology firms.

These firms, which once were the driver of economic growth in Naixi, have been leaving the country in droves for the last two calendar years. This is a result of three major things. First, an unweighted lottery system granting public infrastructure contracts, second, protectionist laws designed to shelter so-called "old media" such as radio and television from the disruptions of the tech industry (followed promptly by an aggressive nationalization), and third, the mostly-unwarranted perception that the government is in bed with organized labor. No metrics measuring the economic health of the country are headed in the right direction, and recent strikes by retail and service workers have forced the passage of guaranteed workers' benefits rules and restrictions on hours of operation, cutting into the once-stupendous profits of restaurant chains and retail giants. Some recovery has occurred in the last twelve months, but this is largely due to the growth of the arms manufacturing and biomedical research industries, and not so much to the return of the tech firms.

The area that is now known as Naixi also has a long history of being used for metals mining and industrial fishing, and both industries have had negative consequences on ecology. Broadly poor agricultural practices, the prevalence of single-use plastics, lack of regulation around carbon emissions, rudimentary national waste disposal services, and an offshore oil rig accident six months ago are all factors in the nation's infamously bad environmental practices. Air and water pollution are very serious problems nationwide. Funds were recently made available for hydroelectric and solar energy, but these projects are in their infancy and are being resisted by Naixi's captains of industry.

Numerous currents of social conservatism - some nationalist and some religious - are prevalent, and the current government has shown strong sympathy with them. Immigration to Naixi is incredibly tightly restricted, divorce, body modification, and alcohol consumption have been banned, all to public applause. Biological sexual reproduction is now prohibited, as well, as the Naixese Genome Project is now formally responsible for the creation of all new Naixese infants, and the NGP rigorously controls and manipulates the genetic code of these children to meet an arbitrary national standard for "genetic purity." Small businesses, meanwhile, have broad authority to deny service to members of the LGBTQ community, and racism and xenophobia are extremely commonplace. Even public laughter has been deemed unrelated to speech (which, as mentioned above, is protected) and now requires a permit (which is somewhat-easily obtained but puts you on a government list of "non-religious persons").

The one area as yet untouched by conservative culture war is drug law, which is extremely relaxed. Cannabis is totally deregulated and decriminalized. Growing, possessing, and consuming the plant are all totally legal. Other drugs, too, are very easy to acquire. Pain medications, including opiates, can be obtained with a prescription, and not only can any doctor get you one, any person with a medical degree of any kind can get you one. Only hallucinogens require special effort to find, and that has less to do with state policy and more to do with lack of demand.

The art and culture of the country is often presented in a register consistent with these libertine attitudes around drugs, with the low brow held in higher regard than the high. Classic literature receives the same reverence as rock and hip hop music, and you can study street fashion in local universities but probably have to go abroad to study abstract art. As a consequence of all this, international observers are often quite critical of the country's cultural development. Naixese cuisine in particular is notoriously bad. Pizza is very popular in Naixi - so much so that the Pizza Delivery sector is a major driver of the nation's (lagging) GDP - however, the pies themselves are often made with cheap ingredients. Crusts are frequently paper thin and flavorless, and the tomato-heavy sauce is often overly salted and overly sweet, with not nearly enough cheese. Global food critics are unashamed to use the word "repellent" to describe it.

The capacity of the nation's armed forces expands more and more with every passing month, and the nascent arms manufacturing industry grows with it. As an abstraction, the notion of defending Naixese racial sovereignty is very popular within the polity, and the military has been able to successfully establish buy-in amongst the citizenry by pitching itself as a guardian of society. The mandatory period of military service is helpful, as well, as it leads all adult citizens to believe the armed forces are a communitarian project governed by social contract. It is not, of course - the army, navy, and air forces are as hierarchical as any military's - but the mythology of democratic governance persists nonetheless.

Somehow both an adherent to the aesthetically pleasing possession-based philosophies that have always been in the ascendancy at Chongjibo, and also an innovative free spirit, self-trained in what some would call the dark arts of defensive football, Gui Fan Ren is in many ways the country's first "systems" manager at any level. A loyal disciple of the tactically erudite elder stateswoman of Naixese football - former Shockwaves boss Xiao Cheng Li, who is now in the dugout for the Astograthian national team - Ren led the Shockwaves through the brief crisis created by Li's shocking and sudden departure at the conclusion of Season 1 and took them to impossibly new heights. He fused together the innate footballing DNA of Naixi and the philosophies of his mentor and predecessor by entrusting his goalkeeper and defenders to lock down encroaching opposition strikers while continuing the Pink and Black's tradition of dominating possession. By the end of Season 2, Ren's outfit was crowned champion of the League of the Two Sapphires, and his back line conceded just 14 times in 27 matches, or 0.52 per game.

But the question asks itself: if Ren's Chongjibo were so good, why did he leave the club after just a single year in charge? Because yet another abrupt retirement put the Naixi national team in a bind - the Blues had to appoint a new manager for the third time in a twelve month span after Run Ming Kwan's unceremonious self-withdrawal. Ren was a relatively clear choice for the post... he knew the personalities and skills of many of Naixi's best players by heart (Lu Fang Huang, Kian Zhi Yuan, and even Jen Ta Jin, thanks to the latter's single year in pink while Ren was an assistant manager). The Shockwaves were also briefly in a bit of a bind, of course, but then they persuaded Dragomir Lazic and Leontiy Korchagin to ink mega-million NSD contracts.

As for tactics, Ren has never deviated from his hybrid style of possession and defense. His Naixi are a side that looks to win the ball back and keep it at all costs - even shooting at an open goal can viewed by the Blues' boss as a philosophically unsound action. When his players possess the necessary self-belief to do it, this Naixi team is incredibly difficult to score against. Discipline, as was the case under Gan Liang, plays a major role on the training pitch and in the dressing room. The players, for example, have been stripped of their right to select their own squad number... instead, lotteries are held every time a new selection is announced. The only stipulations is that goalkeepers receive the numbers 1, 12, and 23.

Never before has Ren's strictness been so visible than now, at a time when long-time national team captain Kian Zhi Yuan has been booted from the national team. After outing himself as a mercenary in a nakedly cynical transfer to Nongmin, Yuan's performances dipped, and that was enough for Ren to remove him. The pair's history together at Chongjibo had (apparently) no deterrent effect upon the Naixi boss. As young as the Blues might be, the now ex-captain is somehow already a relic of a bygone era, when inconsistent performances and a lack of pace or work rate could be tolerated. Xiao Niao Dong, a living example of tactical adaptability and on-pitch determination, will strap on the armband instead.

This illustrates the 67-year-old Ren's unrelenting drive for perfection, well, perfectly. He shows no signs of slowing down and, for the first time in the Celestial Empire's footballing history, they seem to have sorted out the "revolving door" issue that once plagued the Blues' dugout. The FA can interfere with the affairs of the Naixi squad no longer: this is Ren's house, Ren's city, Ren's nation.

Ren's pronouns are he/him.

The national colors of Naixi are sea blue, olive green, and plum, as seen on Naixi's flag. The uniforms of the national team follow this color scheme, as one would expect. The primary shirt, shorts, and socks are all in the classic shade of sea blue, with olive green and plum trim, whereas the change strip features shirt, shorts, and socks of olive green, with sea blue and plum trim.

Two arenas will be used by the Blues: the Sha Dadao in Naixi's largest city of Qiawutian and the Huangse Migong in Naixi's capital of Chumeichang. See the blurb beneath each stadium image to find out where your team is playing when it visits Naixi.

The modern city of Qiawutian is a utopia for cosmopolitan tech types and late-night partiers who idolize a sort of cyberpunk, glossy black aesthetic, and the Sha Dadao integrates that new sensibility with the traditional color (orange) of the country's far west, where the nation's largest city resides. Walking through the stadium's turnstiles is meant to feel like walking through a web of hot orange embers glowing against the surface of a black ocean. Modern and sophisticated, the stadium can seat 40,453 spectators and is not out of place in its surroundings (the city's main commercial district). Its name translates to "Avenue of Sand" in English, so called because of its close proximity to a small patch of dunes that once rose from the grassy plain on which the part of town was built. Bohemian types are known to traipse casually around the verdant area by the stadium, which features a small park bordered by cannabinoid distilleries and art galleries. The stadium is the home venue for nearly half of all the clubs in the League of the Two Sapphires, so many players know it well.

The Sha Dadao in Qiawutian will be used on matchdays 3, 6, and 11 against British Covelandia, Mytanija, and Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom respectively.

The Huangse Migong (“Yellow Maze”) is neither yellow nor a maze. Instead, it takes its name from the old Chumeichang neighborhood in which it is located, a historic district of winding streets and massive tan brick mansions that once housed the Naixese people’s former slave masters. Now the neighborhood is a sophisticated residential area with several museums, and Naixi’s second-largest stadium rises like an awkward blue "X" jutting out of the ground next door to stately Victorian manors. The arena once was supposed to have a retractable roof - a perplexing addition given the Naixese capital’s pleasant Mediterranean climate - but the architects pulled the plug on the idea during construction, saving face a bit. Last year, a children’s maze was illustrated on the long floor of the concourse in yellow paint (a revisionist way of justifying the park’s misnomer), and the stadium is a popular field trip destination for local schools when the venue isn't in use. 40,117 fans can safely sit inside the stadium when it is at capacity (which it will be).

The Huangse Migong in Chumeichang will be used on matchdays 1, 5, 9, and 14 against Bostopia, Dod Rava, Reçueçn, and Tikariot respectively.

Note: Though Chinese naming customs almost always see the surname preceding the given name, in Naixi it has become commonplace for the given name to precede the surname. This is a result of being culturally dominated over for so many decades. Efforts are being made to revert to the traditional method, but new habits die as hard as old.

Goalkeepers

JI NING ⇨ #1 ⇨ GK ⇨ FOREST CITY ATHLETIC (QUE)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

The Q-League has mostly been a welcome home for Ning during his first three seasons in Quebec and Shingoryeo, but Lian Wei Chew's arrival has not yet delivered what this ambitious 21-year-old penalty save specialist really wants: a climb into the IFCF spots. Instead, the Trees are still stuck in mid-table, and it's no secret that it will take more than that for him to vault ahead of Huang.

DI NA DENG ⇨ #12 ⇨ GK ⇨ YINYING (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Chumeichang - Pronouns: She/Her

Pulled back into the Blues' setup before her club side Yinying were promoted back to the top flight, in some ways Ren saw Deng's resurgence coming before anyone else did. This 34-year-old has been loyal to her embattled club for years, and it seems to be paying off at last. Her skill with the ball at her feet is notable, but it's her experience and wisdom that make her priceless.

LU FANG HUANG ⇨ #23 ⇨ GK ⇨ CHONGJIBO (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

Even Chongjibo supporters have been awed by how much the emergence of this 23-year-old has forever elevated the standard of goalkeeping in Naixi. Despite his tender age, Huang is unquestionably an elite goalkeeper and is the prime reason the Shockwaves are such a domestic juggernaut. He has outstanding distribution, incredible positional sense, and mousetrap-fast reflexes.

Center Backs

GUAN CAI TSUNG ⇨ #7 ⇨ CB ⇨ CAZADORES CATHAIR (AUD) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Chumeichang - Pronouns: He/Him

A strong passer who is good in the air, this 22-year-old utility defender is highly useful for the fact that he can play anywhere along the back line. His career has really taken off with powerhouse Cazadores Cathair, though silverware has eluded him in Audioslavia. A rotten performance in the final of the 16th Challengers Cup final belies his ability, and he's quite eager to redeem himself.

LIN DO KWAN ⇨ #8 ⇨ CB ⇨ FUCHOU (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Yafei - Pronouns: She/Her

Much attention was paid when Pasargan goalkeeper Jaromír Janoušek moved to Nongmin in a swap deal before Season 5. Many seem to have forgotten about the player going the opposite direction, and they should not have. Fuchou have gotten their hands on a lovely young center back in the 21-year-old Kwan. She'll seldom play, but an injury to one of the three starters could alter that.

XIAO NIAO DONG ⇨ #13 ⇨ CB ⇨ LITALA 93 (MYT) ⇨ STARTER ⇨ C

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: She/Her

She had a terrible first year in Mytanija, but this 23-year-old's second season in 1. Prvenstvo was a fair bit better and her third was marvelous. Under new boss Josip Radonic, Dong has blossomed into a strong defender with license to help out in midfield while 93 are possession. Her aggression and concentration are great, and her ability to play as a libero makes her tactically indispensable.

JUN MING ⇨ #16 ⇨ CB ⇨ BAOMAO (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Bao - Pronouns: He/Him

Ming began his career known for his off the field antics (his trollish social media presence made him a huge hit with Baomao fans), but his Season 3 and 4 performances on the field for the Black Cats have made him a hot property. The 26-year-old is a great defender - he's strong, brave, and possesses uncanny anticipation - but it's his heading ability on set pieces that sets him apart.

YAN JUN CONG ⇨ #18 ⇨ CB ⇨ CROSSROADS (CMT)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: She/Her

Hardly the model of a modern pass-first defender, this 24-year-old was nonetheless integral to Sheshou's defense for several years on the back of her excellent mentality. Courageous, composed, and a good on-pitch communicator - as well as a surprisingly good penalty-taker - Cong has earned a call-up, but will have to capitalize on her recent move to Crossroads to stay in the Blues setup.

ZHEN BANG TAN ⇨ #22 ⇨ CB ⇨ QIJI (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

As a recent graduate of the Qiji youth academy, Tan is no stranger to passing-driven tactical schemes. His technique is basically flawless, his decision-making is very good, and he can do a job in the libero role should Xiao Niao Dong be unable to play. Elements of the Wizards' fan base remain wary of the 20-year-old's defensive skills, but his passing is so strong that they stay mostly silent.

Full Backs

KEE TIAN ⇨ #5 ⇨ LB ⇨ LAKEWOOD CITY (TMB)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

He's full of pace and a specialist in stretching play, but is also unlikely to be caught out by opposing wingers as his defensive awareness is strong. Whether or not Tian's crossing is up to snuff is a topic of debate, however, and at Lakewood City, he's struggled to break into the first team. This 23-year-old is a former starter but Hsieh's better form means his butt now warms the bench.

MA HUAN YEP ⇨ #6 ⇨ RB ⇨ QIJI (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

Ever since the 80th Baptism of Fire, Yep has been battling to win back the right back spot he's always thought of as his. After the Seasons 3 and 4 he's had for the Wizards, he's won that war at last. With heavenly passing attributes and a sharp footballing brain, this 28-year-old is renowned for his splendid weak foot, which makes him a huge problem to deal with for opposition defenders.

HAO HING HSIEH ⇨ #10 ⇨ LB ⇨ CHONGJIBO (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Wanqianganga - Pronouns: He/Him

Rowdy and unruly, Hsieh's reputation as a party animal may be a vexation to Dragomir Lazic and Gui Fan Ren, but after the Season 4 this 27-year-old had with the Shockwaves, he's made the starting left back spot his without much fuss. He's something of an old-school full back, known for his physicality and close marking, but has that next-level technique you expect from Chongjibo players.

WING NIU ⇨ #15 ⇨ RB ⇨ WENZI (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

Emerging from obscurity last season during Wenzi's surprisingly successful first year in the top tier, Niu has noteworthy pace, agility, dribbling, and stamina. He's a good backup. But Mosquitoes supporters will tell you bluntly: this 22-year-old has a famously fickle temperament, and has very little loyalty to anyone or anything. How long his appetite for national team duty lasts is yet to be seen.

Central Midfielders

FEI FENG ⇨ #4 ⇨ CM ⇨ YINYING (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: She/Her

As the daughter of a police captain, when Yinying fans sing "she's one of our own," they mean it. Their pride in the diminutive 17-year-old's marvelous Season 4 is more than merited; her sprint speed makes her a quality box-to-box midfielder and her aggression and spirit make her a natural leader despite her age. Feng has all the signs of a star in the making, though she won't play much.

MEI YING CHANG ⇨ #9 ⇨ CM ⇨ CHONGJIBO (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: She/Her

"Don't stand so close to me," this 28-year-old might as well say to opposition markers. She can't police what they decide to do, but with an electric first touch that's given her a reputation for bypassing midfield traffic in an instant, Chang is perhaps the most dangerous part of the Naixi attack. Her stamina is often called into question, but her finishing from distance is truly remarkable.

XUER NEI WEI ⇨ #14 ⇨ DM ⇨ EYRODS (CMT) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Fuzaidai - Pronouns: She/Her

Casual and good-natured, this 26-year-old from the sparse Naixese northeast would have been teaching yoga in another life, but under the tutelage of defensive mastermind Lian Wei Chew, she became a defensive midfield stalwart for Fuchou. Chew got the sack, sadly, so Wei asked to be transfer listed, and now the anchor woman has a promising career ahead of her with the Jungle Cats.

MIN JIAO ⇨ #17 ⇨ CM ⇨ SANAR (CMT)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

It's been three years since Jiao was called up to this Naixi national team, and some would say it's been too long. Since moving to Sanar from Fuchou, this 21-year-old has emerged as one of the Chromatik top flight's most promising talents. Professional and hard-working, he frequently plays a bit further up the pitch and has a dangerous long shot (making him an excellent backup for Chang).

Wingers

JEN TA JIN ⇨ #3 ⇨ LW ⇨ URRHEDDIAO (CMT) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

They grow up so fast. Jen Ta Jin used to be barely old enough to drive, palling around with people twice his age in the Naixi setup. Now a fixture for the Blues in his own right, the 21-year-old is a lethal threat on the left flank, finding pockets of space and cutting inside to create chances for himself and others. He can be streaky at times, but at his best he's absolutely Naixi's best attacker.

WAN HUA ZHU ⇨ #11 ⇨ LW ⇨ WENZI (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Bijiben - Pronouns: He/Him

The scorer of the decisive penalty that sent Wenzi up via the Promotion Playoff final, and by some distance the second tier's best player in Season 3, Zhu is a somewhat-odd but nonetheless still compelling backup option. His finishing often leaves much to be desired, but this short and skinny 27-year-old's technique and agility are worthy of praise. He can play on the left or the right wing.

CHIN CHIH YAP ⇨ #20 ⇨ RW ⇨ AIERLANREN (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: She/Her

At Aierlanren, players in every position are expected to have superlative defensive attributes. Yap may be a right-sided wide advanced playmaker, but she's still a great presser and tenacious tackler. With good agility and balance, and with remarkable decision-making and vision on the ball, this 28-year-old can create chances for the striker with her left foot and score some herself.

Strikers

HSUANG TSUNG LEONG ⇨ #2 ⇨ ST ⇨ FUCHOU (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

Su Chen Yuen has the unenviable task of rebuilding Fuchou without Jaromír Janoušek, Jen Ta Jin, or Yue Hsieh, but she's got something to build on with Leong. The 24-year-old is strong, tall, and brave, and is a natural number nine who can be tossed on as a substitute to complement Ling or Chu; the thunder to their lightning. Regrettably, his technique needs a fair bit of work, though.

CHEN LING ⇨ #19 ⇨ ST ⇨ AIERLANREN (NIX) ⇨ STARTER

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Chumeichang - Pronouns: She/Her

Ling is well past her prime, but with Ren requiring such a specific type of player as a spearhead, she's kept her place as the Blues' number nine. Still the fastest player in the squad, the 34-year-old is an eternally patient poacher, accustomed to long stretches of matches where she doesn't get a touch. It suits her; if her only touch is the one that puts in the winning goal, she's perfectly happy.

TSE PENG CHU ⇨ #21 ⇨ ST ⇨ SHESHOU (NIX)

Race: Naixese - Hometown: Qiawutian - Pronouns: He/Him

The Marksmen have been barely keeping their heads above water since Tak Hing Jin left at the end of Season 2, and narrowly avoided going down at the end of Season 4. The sole reason they're still in the top flight is this fast 24-year-old. Always ready to exploit a sloppy offside trap and race in behind, Chu is a perfect fit for Ren's tactical plans, and looked good the last time Ren called him up.

(23) Huang


(16) Ming             (13) Dong            (7) Tsung
(6) Yep                                                                         (10) Hsieh


(9) Chang              (14) Wei
(20) Yap                                                                 (3) Jin


(19) Ling

So what does this team's shape look like? On the surface, it would seem to be a straightforward wide 5-4-1. But don't judge a book by its cover. Yes, Huang will be an ordinary goalkeeper with minimal license to march ahead off his line, and Yep and Hsieh will be ordinary fullbacks, though they'll operate with a degree of permission to bomb forward while the Blues are in possession (or, in the case of Yep, even cut inside). Orthodox, too, will be the outside center halves Ming and Tsung, though it will fall within the pair's remit to play out from the back rather than get it launched to the center forward. The role played by Dong (the central defender), will be quite irregular. She'll withdraw behind Ming and Tsung while Naixi are out of possession, acting as the literal last line of defence, but in attack, she will drift forward into midfield and operate as a tempo-setter in the passing game. (Avid football tactics heads will recognize this as a libero role.) Up in midfield, a new reality has set in as the post-Kian-Zhi-Yuan era begins. Mei Ying Chang, the roaming, dribbling attacking threat, will keep her place but will be joined instead by Eyrods' Xuer Nei Wei. Wei's approach, substantially more conservative and defense-minded than Yuan's, will probably provide a better balance as Chang will now have to worry less about tracking back during a transition. Slightly ahead of the midfield duo and out by the touchlines will be the two wingers Yap and Jin. As is popular these days, they'll be inverted wingers, but the expectation will not be for them to go direct when on the ball... on the contrary, they will be called upon to look to recycle possession back to Dong, Chang, or Yuan. Circumstantially, Yap and Jin may look to zip through balls ahead for the striker, which qualifies them for the unusual descriptor of "wide advanced playmaker," but generally their job will be to play less risky balls back into midfield and recycle possession. The Blues will, therefore, have five players packed into the middle of the park while in possession. Ren has referred to this conglomerate as a "Midfield Pentagram," and with Dong at the base point, Chang and Wei using the space created by the attacking full backs to move slightly wide, and Yap and Jin pushing together in the front, it will indeed resemble an upside-down pentagram. Finally, at center forward, we come to the great Chen Ling. She's a simple and obvious fit for Ren's version of the striker... that is to say that her primary attributes are patience and pace. Her job will be to wait. Then wait some more. Then wait some more. Then (you're not gonna believe this) wait some more. When this system works, though, eventually frustrated defenders inevitably overcommit, and Ling is utterly deadly when she gets in behind. Once she has a one-on-one with a goalkeeper, it's an automatic goal.

As elegant as this tactic is, though, lots can still go wrong. Huang's talents in the fields of distribution and one-on-ones are flagrantly wasted in a system where he's told to sit back. Yep and Hsieh, as always, will need to cross the halfway line and stretch play while Naixi are on the ball, so that the "Midfield Pentagram" has space to work in, but that could leave the remaining two defenders vulnerable if possession is suddenly lost. Another potential danger could be a lack of bodies in the center of the park when Naixi are defending. Chang and Wei will have a plethora of passing options when the Blues have the ball, but when defending, Dong, Yap, and Jin will all snap back to their positions as seen on the diagram above. Versus an opponent that intentionally packs the midfield, the lonely pair of Chang and Wei might be in jeopardy, and while Wei is an excellent defender, Chang isn't known for it at all, and Wei can't do it all on her lonesome. Finally, as is the case in many defensive formations with a single striker, Ling has an awful lot to do completely on her own. Sage opposition center backs who stay back and refuse to take the bait should be able to contain her, her many years of experience notwithstanding.

Naixi's style modifier will be -5.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Please TG me first, but Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Please TG me first, but Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

OOC Note: Player portraits generated by WOMBO Dream AI art generator.

by **Dod Rava** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 9:21 am

Dod Ravian Football National Team

Head Coach: Borys Berezucki• Assistant Coach: Agata Kownacka • Trigramme: DOR • Style: +1

All-time record: 18-25-42

Formation: 4–3–3

Starting Eleven:

Complete roster:

No. Pos    Name              Age  Club

9   ST     Jurek Jurson      21   AFC Droves  (SYL)
99  ST     Arkadiusz Milka   27   MKS Rawa 
8   ST     Jakub Hajduk      22   Dynamo Szczylek - Debut

54  RM/RW  Mateusz Gala      26   Dynamo Szczylek
88  RW     Kevin Polski      24   Amica Koronki - Debut
65  LM/LW  August Wilimowski 19   Club Valentino  (CAD)
6   LM     Leon Kuczek       23   CF Nova Port - Debut

73  CM/CDM Cezary Rawski     33   MKS Rawa
82  CM     Omar Ascaso       25   Włókniarz Helów
2   CM     Aroa Baztán       23   Hajduki Pawelek 
3   CM/CDM Rayan Periz       19   Pogoń Nova Port
79  CM     Hugo Rolada       31   Włókniarz Helów

23  RB     Jorge Wójcik      25   Zima Ptakograd
47  RB     Matias Abad       20   Szczyt Bryzki
5   LB     Gaweł Hoyo        22   Włókniarz Helów
7   LB/CB  Danuta Smoleń     31   UD Rawa

81  CB     Iker Gomez        26   MKS Rawa
44  CB     Eliza Szałwia     30   Pogoń Nova Port
43  CB     Sebastian Pazdan  36   Amica Koronki (C)
50  CB     Eustachy Placko   30   Włókniarz Helów

69  GK     Maciej Torian     32   MKS Rawa 
1   GK     Nora Lérida       19   Amica Koronki
96  GK     Olaf Bolea        24   Club de Spacoi

Kits:

Home:                                                         Away:

Schedule:
British Covelandia (A)
Tikariot (H) @ Stadion 'Górski', Szczylek
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (A)
Bostopia (H) @ Arena Sportu, Rawa
Naixi (A)
Reçueçn (H) @ Stadion 'Górski', Szczylek
Mytanija (A)
British Covelandia (H) @ Arena Sportu, Rawa
Tikariot (A)
Zeta Reka and Hugeltaldom (H) @ Arena Sportu, Rawa
Bostopia (A)
Naixi (H) @ Stadion 'Górski', Szczylek
Reçueçn (A)
Mytanija (H) @ Arena Sportu, Rawa

Stadiums for this competition:
Stadion 'Górski' - Szczylek (70,000)

Arena Sportu - Rawa, home of MKS Rawa (50,000)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: It depends tg me before
Style: +1

by **Savojarna** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:22 am

Savojar Roster for WCQ 95

RP PERMISSIONS

STYLE: -2

Choose Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Scoring: N
Injure Players: Y (no longer than the rest of the tournament)
Godmod Injuries: N
Yellow Cards: Y
Red Cards: Y - not more than one
Godmod other events: N

I am open to discussing all RP permissions via TG or Discord, if you have a specific plan.

Note on ages: Ages are as of the end of WCQ. I roleplay the WCQ as taking place across two years, meaning players and coaches will age two years over its course.

TEAM

STAFF
Coach: Victoria Maersk
Age: 47 // Coach since: WCQ 92
A legend of the Savojar game, Victoria Maersk has been playing for the relatively unknown women’s team of Amazonia Valdhavn, when two things happened at the international level: The Savojar Women’s National Team won the Copa Rushmori 31 with a 23 year old Maersk playing a relevant role as a utility sub in the midfield, and Savojar pro football was fully integrated, resulting in the dissolution of her team. As a result, she was picked up on a free transfer by North Sabrefell in Nephara, the first player to move from Savojarna to the then Premiership. From then onwards, she captained the Savojar National Team at two World Cups and wore the armband for Vermillion Rage in the Zenith - and after her retirement, went into coaching training, being called up surprisingly to the Northlights now. Tactically somewhat of a wildcard, she works together with a large batch of the team that followed her when she did her coaching training in the Rotor Värstjö youth system and the Högvald national academy and is likely to employ a solid, flexible 4-4-2 relying on quick vertical play.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers

1	GK	Aleksandra VIRULAINEN   Partisan Sjoedrhavn	F	37
12	GK	Jonas HILDE     	Libertas Bergheim	M	25
20	GK	Olga VALUJEV     	CASK Thorsborg  	F	29
40	GK	Konstantin PAVARENKO	SK Cuprum Grennvik	M	32

Aleksandra Virulainen is going for what is likely her last big spin in the Northlights jersey, holding on to her spot at the top of the goalkeeper chain after a long and successful career at Partisan. She’s been challenged by CASK keeper Olga Valujev, but with the latter not managing to win her team a long-expected SFS title, she has not taken the lead in the national team either. Behind them, Jonas Hilde has made a strong case to be the nation’s number 2 after winning the SFS with Libertas Bergheim, and Konstantin Pavarenko of SK Cuprum will probably get some call-ups against minor teams.

Defence

Central Defenders
3	CB	Sven VIKARBY    	Partisan Sjoedrhavn	M	30
4	CB	Brynjar HATUN   	CASK Thorsborg  	M	30
13	CB	Artjom SOBCHUK          Lokomotive Jarnstad	M	28
18	CB	Kristian THELANDER	Libertas Bergheim	M	23
24	CB	Kenneth RÖYSVEIT	AFC Treason (NPH)	M	24
26	CB	Thea LEIFSEN    	Partisan Sjoedrhavn	F	24
34	CB	JON ARNAR Halldorsson	CASK Thorsborg  	M	27
37	CB	Hedvig RIKSDAL  	Tihon United (CMT)   	F	21

Wide Defenders
2	LB/RB	Henrik HALVORSEN	CASK Thorsborg  	M	31
5	LB	Milla VIIPURI   	AFC Corvistone (NPH)	F	34
22	LB	Tom KROGSTRUP   	Partisan Sjoedrhavn	M	23
25	RB/LB	Gudjohn MAGNUSSON	Ulsa (EUR)      	M	30
15	RB	Alvin STRID     	Lokomotive Jarnstad	M	30
32	RB	Predrag SJOVAKOVITSJ	Libertas Bergheim	M	29
35	RB	Johan LIKDAHL   	Dynamo Sjoedrhavn	M	26

A very experienced pool of fullbacks around Viipuri and Strid is joined by a young SFS A hopeful in Tom Krogstrup, who has shown spectacular performances with Partisan Sjoedrhavn. Playing as a wingback for his club, he will have a more defensive role in the national team, but still be a force on the way forward. Halvorsen and Magnusson add flexibility to the team, whereas Predrag Sjovakovitsj and Johan Likdahl join the team off a good SFS A season.
In central defence, the Northlights are led by what is probably the most Savojarsk player in the team: Kenneth Röysveit has been named best U-21 player of the SFS A in his breakout season before transferring to the Zenith, a tall, commanding player with a lot of power in defence. Alongside him, there are rotating options: Hatun is the most common option, but SFS A breakout player Kristian Thelander, CASK’s Jon Arnar and Röysveit’s former defensive partner Thea Leifsen are all good alternatives. The most outstanding among them is Thelander’s very strong heading ability, which is also an offensive threat.

Midfield

Central Midfielders
6	DM	Lars LARSSON           	AFK Savojagrad                  M 	32
8	CM	Roman SADIANOV         	Lokomotive Jarnstad     	M	25
10	CM/OM	Knud VINGEGAARD        	Partisan Sjoedrhavn     	M	27
14	CM/OM	Jelena TRETJAKOV       	Dynamo Sjoedrhavn       	F	29
16	DM	Jakub JARANSKI         	CASK Thorsborg          	M	28
27	DM	Vadim BRYZGALOV        	Admiral Storevik        	M	25
28	CM	Vladimir ORAKHIN       	Goodfeather FC (NPH)     	M	30
36	CM/DM	Anton VITOL            	Libertas Bergheim       	M	21
39	OM	Halvard AALGREN 	FK Sjoedrhavn            	M	24

Wide Midfielders
7	LM/RF	Ruslan NOVIKOV  	Starling (NPH)          	M	27
17	RF	Lauri-Pekka TEPPARAINEN	Khalgarh Valley FC (TKT)	M	26
21	LF	ARNAR HRAFNARSson	Felswyr (CMT)           	M	27
23	RM	Kaisa GYLDENSTRÖM	Sabrefell Moths (NPH)   	F	31
31	RF	Olafur ASGRIMSSON	Libertas Bergheim       	M	27
33	LM	Antonia NYGAARD 	Partisan Sjoedrhavn     	F	31
38	LM	Vilhjelm DROTTE 	Dynamo Sjoedrhavn       	M	26

In central midfield, Savojarna have a very solid group of players, most from the SFS A. Maersk eschewed a full on playmaker except the young Halvard Aalgren, instead opting for two offensive midfielders that are used to a solid system in which they are operating from a chain of four wth Vingegaard and Tretjakov. Orakhin and Sadianov are two strong ball-winning and shuttling midfielders, operating ahead of a defensive midfielder with good technique that can help building the game in person of either Jaranski or Larsson. Anton Vitol is a polyvalent player who has shown competent performances in Libertas’ championship run.
On the sides, Ruslan Novikov and Kaisa Gyldenström remain the two key actors, pulling the strings from the sides and playing precise passes and crosses to the strikers. There are some more aggressive options in the ever spectacular Lauri-Pekka Tepparainen and Arnar Hrafnars, whereas other options are more direct replacements for the first choices.

Forwards

Strikers
9	ST	Rasmus MEDBERG HANSEN	Tihon (CMT)     	M 	26
11	ST	Sven EHLERS     	Falourr (EUR)          	M	32
19	ST	Lars ALVESEN     	Stahlburg City (NPH)   	M	27
29	MS	Lasse Holtby    	CASK Thorsborg  	M	23
30	ST	Victor HEDENBERG	Savojars Vinge Virkaja	M	32

Rasmus Medberg Hansen, coming off a second SFS A topscorer title, is the most noteworthy name on this list. Following his great last season, he was signed to Chromatika’s Tihon for 15 million NSD, one of the largest transfer sums of the SFS A. He is the most physically imposing striker of the team, good at winning balls and scoring from close range. Sven Ehlers and Victor Hedenberg are strikers that prefer operating from depth, and can offer good options; Hedenberg comes off a difficult season and will most likely only play occasional games. Lasse Holtby, finally, is a polyvalent player who can also play in midfield.

ROSTER SELECTION

There will be an 23-man-roster announced for each scorination in RP’s. Please refer back to the last RP to ensure the most recent roster is used. If no roster is given for any scorination, the following can be assumed to be the call-up for the match in question (changes due to injury or suspension can occur according to RP), with starters in bold:

System: 4-1-4-1

GK: Virulainen - Hilde
LB: Viipuri - Krogstrup
CB: Röysveit, Hatun - Vikarby, Thelander
RB: Strid - Magnusson
DM: Jaranski - Larsson
CM: Tretjakov, Sadianov - Vingegaard, Orakhin
LM: Novikov - Arnar Hrafnars
RM: Gyldenström - Tepparainen
ST: Medberg Hansen - Alvesen, Ehlers

ROLES
Captain: Viipuri - Tretjakov - Hatun - Virulainen
Free Kicks (direct): Tretjakov, Medberg Hansen (close range)
Free Kicks (long): Novikov (left), Tretjakov (centre, right)
Corners: Novikov (left), Strid (right)
Penalty Kick: Medberg Hansen, Tretjakov, Alvesen, Novikov, Gyldenström, Ehlers, Strid [also progression for shooutouts]

KITS

Designed and manufactured by NDCS

VENUE

Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman, Sjoedrhavn (cap. 76'800)
The Nationalstadion Carl Gustaf Bjurman (shortly called “The Bjurman” by Sjoedrhaveners) is the largest stadium of Savojarna, located in the representative Revolutionsparken (Park of the Revolution) in the Savojar capital and largest city of Sjoedrhavn. It is not used by any club site, but serves as the home stadium of the Savojar National Team and the official stadium of the Savojarsk Cup final. Furthermore, it commonly hosts concerts, large events, and has gained international fame for being the final site of the 35th Copa Rushmori in Astograth and Savojarna, where Nephara beat the hosts. The Bjurman offers a high-quality, modern experience in a beautiful park by a canal, reachable in short time from the city centre by the Sjoedrhavn Metro, which stops minutes away from the stadium.

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:41 am

THE KYTLERIAN NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM FOR WORLD CUP 95 QUALIFYING
Manager: Andrew PATTERSON
Assistant manager: Jay JENNINGS
 # Name (SHIRT NAME)			Age  Position	Club
 1 Kuno ZEELEN				 22  GK		Bravin Rangers
 2 Conan PRUNTY				 30  LB/LWB	Roddens City
 3 George McINTYRE*			 30  CB/RB	Capitolians
 4 Shrifflu MOCKS			 20  CDM/CB	FC Alaer
 5 Álfar JVARSSON			 21  RB/RWB	Zeiven City
 6 Kevin MATHISON*			 32  CM/CDM	Cornham Town
 7 Vicente Bautista Oleandro (VINCENT)	 18  CM/CAM/LM	Real Santa Mordana
 8 Wiremu HEMI*				 30  CM/RM	Vengife Town
 9 Danny MARKUSSON*			 19  ST		Bravin Rangers			 
10 Emrys FLOYD				 25  LW/ST	Borlfield Town
11 Josip ACEBES Rodriguez		 23  LM/LW	Real Santa Mordana
12 Reggie FOSTER			 20  GK		AFC Carroll Lewiston
13 Teun DONK*				 21  CB/LB	FC Alaer
14 John FISH				 29  CB/CDM	Bay City United
15 Wecoisus GACKBANG			 25  RB/CB	FC Alaer
16 Zachary EDWARDS-HILLIER*		 19  CDM/CM	Benton Town
17 Clituleng TAKLIK			 29  CM/CAM	Capitolians
18 Marwin MIKKELSEN*			 24  RM/RW	Roddens City
19 Ellis OLDHAM				 28  CAM/ST	Bay City United
20 Cliff McDUFF*			 24  CB/RB	Aardswood United
21 Zachary ELLIS-JOHN*			 25  LB/RB	Capitolians
22 Tim DAVID				 31  RW/ST	FC Alaer
23 Jonathan MURPHY-COATES		 30  GK		FC Alaer

NOTE: Players with an asterisk* are considered the more aggressive on this team. They are more likely to pick up yellow cards, and are the only players who should pick up red cards.

Likely starting XI (4-2-3-1): Zeelen; Jvarsson, McIntyre, Donk, Prunty; Mocks, Fish; Mikkelsen, Vincent, Acebes; Markusson. There may be significant rotation in this still, and potentially a change of formation if one is seen as necessary (hints to which will likely be dropped in RP if that occurs).

Kits (all shorts and socks are the primary colour with a thin hoop in the contrasting colour at the bottom of the shorts and top of the socks)

If my opponent RPs our match first, I give them permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but tread carefully and perhaps TG/DM first.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, but mostly to the players marked.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but only to the players marked.
Godmod other events: No

Style modifier: -1.093 (or -1 if that rounding is necessary)

Background
The Kytler Peninsulae are a returning nation, best remembered for hosting the Games of the IX Olympiad (after which they collapsed into decades of isolationism). They have never made the World Cup before and they won't start now, but they've also never had this much internal coherence in their soccer programme - or as much cultural backing, with popular Prime Minister Clituleng Giisost a former manager of top Kytlerian club FC Alaer - and a promising young generation that made the Di Bradini Cup quarter-finals is now an instant foundation for the full national squad, with not only that team's manager in charge but many of those 23 players being involved, several of them likely to start from the off.

The team is all-male for now, but that's liable to change as the sport becomes more firmly gender-integrated at the top level, a result of the influence from neighbouring Græntfjall. (The majority of Kytlerian domestic sides now have at least one woman on their books, and more than of the holdouts broke that duck with an international acquisition in the current transfer window.) That's partly helped by how Kytlerian soccer players tend to be on the smaller side anyway; bigger-bodied athletes frequently end up in other sports (sometimes gridiron, sometimes baseball, very often a sport that only gets noticed at the Olympics).

Patterson typically plays a possession-based 4-2-3-1 and likes to keep to that structure when he does. He's been known to mix things up, but that is his default, and it worked at the DBC. His U21s scored exactly one goal in every game there, but that still translated to three wins out of five and a quarter-final spot.

Home matches will be played in the Zube Olympic Stadium (61,093).

by **Tumbra** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:43 am

RP Permissions

Style Mod: -3


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No.
RP injuries to my players: Yes. Maximum of 2 per match. I will decide length.
Godmod injuries to my players: No.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes. Maximum of 3. Any more must be matched.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes*. Maximum of 1. Any more must be matched.
Godmod other events: No.

Do not use pictures of RL players and claim they are my players.

COVID-19 does not exist in Tumbra.

*As a general rule, just let me know before doing something egregious. Don't know what egregious means, or unsure that what you want to do breaks 
this line? Telegram me or message me on Discord. I'm on the NSS server.

THE TUMBRAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
The Black Eagles

The Tumbran National Football Team is Tumbra's main representative in all association football competitions for national associations. Making its debut at the 87th World Cup Qualifiers, the team currently ranks 9th in the world. The team is controlled by the Tumbran Football Federation, which is also the governing body of football in Tumbra. Also known as the Black Eagles, or affectionately the Eagles, the team competes in the World Cup and its related competitions. The team also participates in the Campionato Esportiva, also sends teams to the Di Bradini Cup for Under-21s, and the Under-18 World Cup. The team have won the 51st edition of the former tournament and the 13th edition of the latter tournament; which has led to a keen emphasis on bleeding youth into the national team set-up early. With a loyal travelling contingent of supporters known as the Black Army, the Tumbran national team's support will be on display throughout this tournament, with lots of tifos and loud cheers expected throughout matches.

Coaching Staff
Pos            Staff Member          Age  Prev.Club
Manager       
Asst. Manager  Michael Campbell      39   Tavistock Athletic
Coach (Atk)    David Vowles          59   Hesham
Coach (Def)    Isla Kincorick (SCT)  41   Hesham
Coach (GK)     Callum Randolph-Watts 55   Fraser Valley FC
Head Physio    Lucy Reynolds         51   --
Physio         Richard Harris        52   --
Scout          Josh Prentice         52   Serrapince

The Roster

Goalkeepers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps      CS
1   GK      Victoria Jones       F      29      Lakewood City               37      21
12  GK      Richard Russell      M      29      Lakewood United             13       6
13  GK      Mike Hahn            M      28      Ridgewell Rovers             5       1
27  GK      Raphael Brennan      M      29      Kingsbury United             7       6

Defenders
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
2   LB      Annie Renton         F      28      Victoriaville City [CDG]    46       0
18  LB      Chris Finney         M      29      Serrapince                  41       1
28  LB      Sabine Kemp          F      30      Raven River [NPH]           41       0
45  LB      Hazel Kennedy        F      25      Couno Rangers               10       0

4   CB      Ian Ashburn          M      33      Lakewood City              161       4
5   CB      Stephen Kerr         M      29      Chromatik [CMT]            159       7
14  CB      Wendy Pritchett      F      27      Grande Mountain [CDG]       42       2
20  CB      Christine Whitfield  F      26      Myana [CMT]                 19       1
24  CB      Yvonne Lawson        F      25      St. John's Arsenal [QUE]    16       1
29  CB      Belinda Proudfoot    F      27      Lakewood United             27       1
30  CB      Michael Hutchinson   M      24      FC Inter Nantwich            1       0
39  CB      Michael Toussaint    M      31      Serrapince                   4       0

3   RB      Tracey Mercurio      F      28      Kingston FC [QUE]           64       1
19  RB      James Green          M      28      Bavingtor FC [FVA]          51       2
31  RB      James Larkin         M      27      Felswyr [CMT]               16       1
46  RB      Shim Seo-yeon        F      25      Sareña FC [CAD]              9       0

Midfielders
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                       Caps    Gls
6   CDM     Trudy Harrison       F      29      Chromatik [CMT]             165      4
15  CDM     Mark Finnemore       M      29      Couno Rangers                56      4
32  CDM     Lucas McCormick      M      28      Lakewood City                40      0
42  CDM     Serena Philips       F      27      Lakewood United               3      0
47  CDM     Hannah Harwood       F      26      Straton                       0      0

8   CM      Vincent Hicks        M      33      Couno Rangers               194     22
16  CM      Ian Robertson        M      29      Ridgewell Rovers             37      1
25  CM      Wendy Thomas         F      25      Alnio [CMT]                  13      3
33  CM      Cathal Maguire       F      27      Tor [CMT]                    19      0
34  CM      Sandra Cho           F      24      FC Inter Nantwich             0      0
43  CM      Stella Harrington    F      23      Hesham                        0      0
48  CM      Victor Leighton      M      25      Lakewood City                 4      0

10  CAM     Phil Cole            M      33      Osarese Marcadia [AUD]      183     30
23  CAM     Susan Monaghan       F      29      Sabrefell Athl. [NPH]        62     10
35  CAM     Natalie Coleman      F      27      Bikarish [PFA]               55     16
44  CAM     Susie Knight         F      26      Anomalies [CMT]              15      4

Wingers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                       Caps    Gls
7   LW      Valerie Wells        F      29      AFC Treason [NPH]           127     22
17  LW      Rebecca Haines       F      26      Mancodas Athl. [PFA]         38      5
36  LW      Erin Robertson       F      25      Couno Rangers                 9      1
40  LW      Peter Hurst          M      26      Straton                      10      1

9   RW      Lynne Crossley       F      29      Chromatik [CMT]              96     18
21  RW      Audrey Pearson       F      25      Rülândéá Kôstä [RUL]         15      2
37  RW      Julie Hardaker       F      27      Myana [CMT]                  46     12
41  RW      Felicity Woodhouse   F      26      Kingsbury United              4      0

Strikers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                       Caps    Gls
11  ST      Nick Riordan         M      30      Sabrefell Moths [NPH]       169     78
22  ST      Charlotte Henshaw    F      27      Lakewood City                58     24
26  ST      Edward Maddison      M      23      Avondale City [SYL]           0      0
38  ST      Heidi Canavan        F      27      Ridgewell Rovers              16     7

Kits, courtesy of Kirola of Audioslavia

Tactical Set-Up

Tumbra typically sets up in a 4-2-3-1, though may change to a 3-5-2 depending on the circumstance.

Home Stadium Allocation

A total of five home stadia have been allocated for Tumbran national games this cycle.

by **Drawkland** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 1:35 pm

DRAWKLAND NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM
NATION INFO
Region: Sonnel
Trigramme: DRK
Capital City: Metropolon
Largest City: Drawk City
TEAM INFO
Manager: Ellzidan (Elstrund Roots)
Assistant: Katrina Brinley (Gelia Nets)
Analytics: Paul Monday (Raikennax Charge)
S & C: Nicholas Kingston (Elite Eleven)
Formation: 3-3-4
Style Mod: +4
KICK CORPS ROSTER
Starting Lineup
=================================================================
##   Pos   Name                Age    Club [NAT]                *
 0   GK    Joetta Mullins      35     Kyrkdorf [GRF]             
 3   LB    Nicole Warren       60     Kayo Queens               *
 1   CB    Sarah Arrowsword    57     Bethelm Warriors          *
 2   RB    Rachael Bright      28     Pittsennat Reds            
 6   LM    Carly Aldenburg     30     Raikennax Charge           
 8   CM    Electra Gordon      35     FC Longview [VAL]          
 5   RM    Emily Tobin         27     Owabrok Speed              
 9   WF    Praxis Collingwood  36     Forest City Athletic [QUE] 
10   LF    Riley Fields        29     Drawk Corps                
11   CF    Shelby Rider        36     Jamesville Firehawks [CDG] 
22   RF    Cam Cross           56     Jaffro Storm              *
=================================================================
Reserve Lineup
=================================================================
##   Pos   Name                Age    Club [NAT]                *
12   GK    McKenna Reed        25     Gelia Nets                ^
23   GK    Alyssa Hull         26     Missomen Keets             
13   DF    Alexis Ford         33     Zellbon Zeppelins          
14   DF    Sandra Sala         31     Metropolon Lights          
15   DF    Carey Milton        34     AC Espene [DEL]            
18   MD    Jamie Windsor       24     Biloba University         ^
17   MD    Macy Butler         29     Bellator Riders            
 7   MD    Ellzidan            5401   Elstrund Roots            *
16   MD    Angelina Reader     32     Metropolon Lights         ^
20   FW    Kirsten Bellomo     35     Port Tacassam FC [TKT]     
19   FW    Erin Hathway        28     Drawk City Troopers        
24   FW    Cherry Octavia      24     Sadeg State University    ^
=================================================================
SQUAD NOTES
* Players marked with * are immortal.
^ Players marked with ^ are making their Corps debut.
Shootout Order: Shelby Rider, Praxis Collingwood, Cam Cross, Carly Aldenburg, Sarah Arrowsword (or Ellzidan, if she's in the lineup)
If a shootout goes past 5, it will progress from unused players, Striker to Keeper.
Take Corners: Praxis Collingwood, Cam Cross
Take Free Kicks: Riley Fields, Shelby Rider
TEAM HISTORY
At long last, the Elite Eleven have been catapulted into the sun, far far away from the Kick Corps. Now, a "real" form of the Kick Corps is back. There's bound to be some growing pains, but all of these players are elite athletes who've been plying their trade in the DLK and abroad for the past few years. Now that the national team is back to normal, they finally have a chance to don the black and red and compete for their nation. A few familiar faces, freshened by the gift of immortality, have returned. Some of this team has international experience playing in the Brevity Cup, and many others are making their international debut. Due to her familiarity with Corps play (and no small amount of "aggressive persuasion"), former Corps player/immortal warrior/co-founder of Drawkland/elf Ellzidan will serve as the manager, at least for this cycle.
Drawkian soccer, and indeed, sporting in general, is mostly offensive-minded. This is reflected in the style indicator and in the formation. Drawkian soccer has not really been exposed to outside influences, and thus may look or feel strange to those used to "normal" football. Nevertheless, the players are still good at what they do, and prize in an enduring game, moving the ball around nearly constantly and keeping energy going, aiming to tire out the opposing team. Of course, Drawkians aren't humans, but you can read about that elsewhere. Drawkian Soccer is a female-only sport. This is because Gridiron Football is all-male, and the other two major sports, Baseball and Basketball, are mixed-gender. If there's anything a Drawkian loves, it's even formats and symmetric paradigms, hence why things shook out like they did.

TEAM KITS
Beautifully Crafted by ediraf.
From Left to Right: Home, Away, Goalkeeper.
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers:              Yes
Choose Scoring Events:          Yes
Godmod Scoring Events:          Yes
RP Injuries to my Players:      Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players:  Yes
Yellow Card my Players:         Yes
Red Card my Players:            Yes
Godmod Other Events:            Yes
As far as these go, I'm fair game for anything. You should know what is and isn't drastic RP, and if you think your RP is on the drastic side, TG me first. But I'm still basically up for anything.
I'd like to request that injuries or cards don't do anything outside of the scope of a single game or maybe 2. Don't want anything tournament or cycle-ending.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 2:29 pm

THE HOLY EMPIRE WC 95 SQUAD

While the nation took a long break from WCs 8 through 24, the Holy Empire is proud to be the only active nation to have participated in WC 1.

Though it pretends not to be, the nation is equally proud to have won 5 World Cup titles; and its sole Cup of Harmony title was COMPLETELY INTENTIONAL.

The oldest team in the World Cup returns to the fray! Can they add to their tally of World Cup titles? Can they qualify this time after winning the last Cup of Harmony? Can they continue their epic battle with Audioslavia over who gets to lose the most finals? Let's find out...

This time the Holy Empire is using the advanced science of oneirology to field dream simulacra of your squad, but forced to play in the Empire's usual attacking 3-5-2 formation.

Background: Juan Tzimisces is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the World Cup; the five titles speak for themselves. But the Holy Empire Football Association board of directors might be feeling just a little itchy about the fact that - recent Cup of Harmony victory notwithstanding - the team's form has wobbled of late. Since making three World Cup finals in a row from WC88-90, and winning a record-matching fifth title in WC90, the Holy Empire has failed to qualify for two out of the last four tournaments. Because HEFA is entirely sane and rational - especially by cute little mundy standards - the solution is to force the Holy Empire to play more or less identical teams to the opposition. If the Empire can win roughly 60% of its matches despite fielding the same side as the opposition (albeit in a different formation), then clearly Tzimisces remains a brilliant manager.

In order to properly inspire the Holy Empire to victory, and because HEFA is - as noted - entirely sane, each match report will be written as a poem by WC69-winning captain Isaac, Prince Imperial, roundly considered to be the worst poet in the multiverse.

The Team:

Insert your team here - except forced to play in an attacking 3-5-2 formation and wearing Holy Empire kits.

Where there is no opposition roster, I'll make something up.

Coaches:

The team coach remains World Cup Hall of Fame legend Juan Tzimisces.

The assistant coach remains Starblaydi World Cup Hall of Fame legend Simeone Di Bradini.

Style Modifiers / formation

Frosty football is attacking football. The Holy Empire always plays a 3-5-2 formation using overlapping wingers that turns into 3-3-4 on the counterattack.

[OOC'ly, for the purposes of scorination, the team uses the maximum attacking style modifier permitted by each cup's hosts.]

Kit
The team will wear famous Imperial Gold and Red, as worn by the Holy Empire since WC1...

Home first, away second.

OOC'ly, the kits were designed by Red Blackiland, and the crest by Audioslavia - and I'm entirely grateful; I'm very happy for RB and Audio to take OOC credit. IC'ly, HEFA deny the Mundies had anything to do with it.

Stadium
The Holy Empire plays its home matches in the bejewelled, platinum-domed, and purple stone-walled Imperial Hippodrome, the oldest World Cup venue still in use, and one of the most famous - and impressive - stadiums in the multiverse.

RP instructions:
Have fun and use your imagination - but don't kill anyone, and don't try and launch attacks on the Dreamed Realm; largely because you can't.

Note that I'm working on the assumption that most teams will find it at best slightly disconcerting to be playing against themselves. If you're not IC'ly fazed by this, either TG me or RP first and I'll work with it.

Some basic Dreamed Realm RP rules:
Remember that the Dreamed Realm lies entirely outside of Ordinary Reality, and is utterly impervious to harm from what we charmingly call 'mundies'.

Some points to remember about travel to, and playing in, the Dreamed Realm:

1) We control the nature of reality in the Dreamed Realm; reality and time are malleable within the Realm. This isn't used to cheat - all normal rules of football are strenuously followed - but it does have two major side effects:
A) Any injuries to either team in Imperial home matches are immediately healed.
B) No violent or riotous behaviour by visiting fans will be tolerated, unless permission is received in advance (please file applications for violent rioting in triplicate). Any such behaviour undertaken without appropriate permission will find those responsible immediately transported back to Ordinary Reality.

2) Direct travel from ordinary physical reality to the Dreamed Realm is impossible. Some 72 hours before your away qualifier in the Empire, a team of Archregimancy [Eastern Orthodox Christian] monks will arrive in your home stadium and construct a portal to the Dreamed Realm. You may then use this to travel to the Empire at your convenience.

by **Mytanija** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 3:07 pm

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

Style modifier: −1.25

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: MYTANIJA NATIONAL POOL FOR WORLD CUP 95 QUALIFICATION

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
01  GK      Semir Besak              31   132/0       Mipojoseon (QUE)
12  GK      Janez Anzlovar           24   2/0         Ararat (on loan from Atletik)
23  GK      Robert Laure–Suprinovic  24   3/0         Lok. Cassia
34  GK      Anton Puzin              31   23/0        Bastion (EUR)

Semir Besak remains the incumbent here, a player who is likely to go on to at least compete with the all-time record for international appearances for Mytanija, as long as he can stay fit and healthy. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in football, a regular on the Testiculos longlist and he has won lots of trophies and personal accolades with Mipojoseon. Janez Anzlovar appears to be Ravnjak’s second choice goalkeeper now. Anzlovar is a slightly more modern goalkeeper than Besak, better with his feet and more aggressive in coming out of his penalty area. He has been successful in back-to-back 2-year loans at Arka and now at Ararat. Robert Laure-Suprinovic is the half-Chromatik third choice option, he’s done well in his time at Ararat’s great rivals Lok. Cassia. Finally there’s still room for Anton Puzin, formerly a back-up but he’s fallen down the pecking order a little in recent years.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
02  DL      Mumin Jesenko            21   0/0         Chromatik (CMT)
13  DL      Janko Song–Mihailovic    25   0/0         FK Arsika
24  DL      Idris Beganovic          25   7/0         1923 Esca
35  DL/C    Vuk Bajalica             31   36/2        Port Rhovanyon AFC (TKT)

One of the toughest positions for Ravnjak to pick was at left-back, with Atletik’s title-winner Miha Slomsek missing out altogether, prompting a pointed comment from his manager Edis Znidarsic to the media following the pool announcement. Mumin Jesenko has made it. He’s in his first international squad after impressing with the under-21s and there’s an expectation that he’ll go straight into the starting line-up due to his marauding style at Chromatik. Jesenko’s crossing will be a real weapon and Ravnjak has loosened his traditionally defensive game a little with the national side, something which could really free-up Jesenko to cause damage in the opposition half. Janko Song-Mihailovic gets a first call-up after being named in the 1. Prvenstvo team of the season for his efforts with FK Arsika. He’s a slightly more considered fullback, a bit more solid defensively and he’ll likely appear when Mytanija need to close games out. Idris Beganovic was the starter at the Copa Rushmori but he’s fallen down the pecking order a little after a tricky domestic campaign. He can do what Dzafer Mytnjak will sometimes do from right-back, moving into midfield if the game requires it. Vuk Bajalica is the most experienced option at the position and he comes with the added bonus of being able to play on the left-side of the three central defenders, too, providing added versatility to the squad.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
03  DC      Bosko Pestotnik          26   53/3        Mipojoseon (QUE)
04  DC      Bigger Mbala–Ekakia      33   126/11      Atletik
05  DC      Foma Koshkin             26   21/1        Myana (CMT)
14  DC      Adnan Sulejmanovic       30   61/2        Sabrefell Moths (NPH)
15  DC      Filip Mlinarevic         24   14/2        Liria
16  DC      Mahir Kapetanovic        30   29/0        Coret Hawks (NPH)
25  DC      Jakub Plecnik            24   0/0         FK Arsika
26  DC      Arseni Stamenkovski      20   0/0         Avondale City (SYL)

Lots to talk about here, but not too much to say about the starting trio, all of whom will be familiar to most people. Bosko Pestotnik will start on the left-side of the back three, big and rangy, he’s a no-nonsense defender if ever there was one. The true heir to Grigorij Savicevic, but perhaps a bit nastier. Bigger Mbala-Ekakia continues to age like a fine wine, remaining at the top of his game at the age of 33 and he will captain the national side whenever he’s on the pitch. Probably the most technically proficient defender this country has ever produced. Foma Koshkin is on the right-side of that starting three, he’s a little smaller than his colleagues, so can be targeted aerially. He does make up for this with good anticipation and reading of the game and he will also be asked to venture forward occasionally to provide an extra player in attack, particularly against stubborn opposition. Behind the three starters there are some returning faces, with Adnan Sulejmanovic and Mahir Kapetanovic both enjoying productive seasons in Nephara, the pair of 30-year-olds have almost matched one another for career moves up until this point, though Adnan has represented his country a fair amount more than Mahir. Filip Mlinarevic has been solid since breaking through at Liria Prizren and is another technically able central defender, a brilliant passer who can break the lines with his vision. There are first call-ups for Jakub Plecnik and Arseni Stamenkovski after excellent domestic seasons at FK Arsika and Avondale City respectively.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
06  DR      Dzafer Mytnjak           19   0/0         Myana (CMT)
17  DR/C    Nnamdi Lusamba           24   16/1        Wirr Tsi (CMT)
28  DR      Leontiy Korchagin        29   22/0        Chongjibo (NIX)

Dzafer Mytnjak is one of the most exciting prospects in football at the moment. A fullback who is as comfortable flying up the wing as he is going into midfield to provide support or even venturing forward to act as an auxiliary number ten if needed. He can do it all. He’s tactically clever beyond his years and Misel Ravnjak should get a lot from him during this cycle. It appears as if he will be used as a traditional fullback in this current formation, helping to provide the team’s width in possession, but expect that to change from game-to-game given Mytnjak’s flexibility. Nnamdi Lusamba might count himself unlucky to lose his place in the starting line-up, but Koshkin and Mytnjak had marginally better seasons. Lusamba will likely find his way into the side at some point, particularly given his ability to play both right-back and as a central defender. Leontiy Korchagin completes the defensive selections after another fine season with Chongjibo under the watchful eye of Dragomir Lazic, a manager who is very good friends with Misel Ravnjak.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
07  MC      Nurija Papez             25   54/4        Lakewood United (TMB)
18  MC      Gavril Atsev             32   86/23       Atletik
28  MC      Eduard Issatsenko        28   0/0         Liria
36  MC      Ante Saranja             21   0/0         Ceramadhion Lynx FC (TKT)

Nurija Papez might have become the best regista in football over the past year. His campaign with Lakewood United drove them to the league title and effectively revolutionised what Tumbrans expect from a deep-lying midfielder. Papez can control games with his passing, setting the tempo of the team whilst always maintaining a threat from deep with driving runs or more searching longer passes. He will be key to Mytanija’s fortunes. Gavril Atsev reprises the back-up regista spot, something which he has demonstrated his capability to an unbelievable level over the past two seasons under Edis Znidarsic. Few could have expected Atsev would have this career resurgence as a deep-lying midfielder, but he’s done it, and his shooting ability might allow him to add to his impressive scoring record which was mainly built higher up the pitch with the national team. There’s a first call-up for Eduard Issatsenko at the age of 28. He’s been admired for years, but at Liria he’s come into his own and provides as close as a like-for-like replacement for those ahead of him as you’re going to get. Ante Saranja is an interesting option, a little more combative than the other three and probably more likely to get on the scoresheet (Atsev would argue that point!), but he’s done well over in Tikariot and Misel Ravnjak will be glad to get him capped to prevent the Tikariotians from getting their hands on him.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
08  MC      Mirko Ovcina             28   23/4        Stahlburg City (NPH)
10  MC      Denis Ovsyannikov        24   53/29       Atletik
19  MC      Jasno Skenderovic        28   26/2        Alnio (CMT)
20  MC      Mehir Altikulac          32   5/0         Khalgarh Valley FC (TKT)
29  MC      Ajdin Mujezinovic        24   8/1         Atletik
30  MC      Ismet Zmiric             28   35/1        Aries Chariots (NPH)
37  MC      Zvonimir Vukdelija       21   0/0         Baraldhur AFC (TKT)
38  MC      Ugljesa Gicic            22   0/0         Rulandea Kosta (FFD)

This was always going to be a case of Denis Ovsyannikov and who? And so it remains, with the man known as Ovsi hardly needing an introduction at this point. We get it, he’s good at kicking ball. There’s an expectation that his partner might change from game to game, dependent on the demands of the specific opposition in question, but for now it looks like Mirko Ovcina may be preferred after an outstanding campaign with Stahlburg City. Ovcina offers real good passing and crossing, with the latter being very important given that Ravnjak is likely to want one of his midfielders providing overlapping runs so that Dzafer Mytnjak can operate more centrally at times. Jasno Skenderovic will get plenty of time on the pitch too, he’s a box-to-box midfielder who has supporters harking back to the days of Robin Hjik and Dobroslav Stojanovic with his lung-bursting runs and fierce tackling in the centre of the pitch. Mehir Altikulac has had something of a late career resurgence at Khalgarh Valley, scoring 18 goals and assisting 10 more in only 33 appearances last season. He’s been allowed to operate higher up the pitch than he has previously and Misel Ravnjak perhaps sees him as an extra source of goals from midfield, something the team has been lacking somewhat other than from Ovsyannikov. Ajdin Mujezinovic is probably the most straightforwardly creative option other than Ovsyannikov and we could see the two paired to replicate their on-pitch partnership at Atletik (perhaps with Atsev behind them too!). Ismet Zmiric is an experienced campaigner who knows this level of the game very well, whilst there are first call-ups for ‘Zvoni’ Vukdelija and ‘Ugli’ Gicic.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
31  AML     Nenad Tejic              26   34/5        Lakewood City (TMB)
39  AML/R   Tadej Roskar             23   12/2        Aries Chariots (NPH)

Nenad Tejic has been a fairly consistent performer over the years for Lakewood City, and despite their most recent disappointment he has done enough to be Misel Ravnjak’s first choice option down the left-wing, should he feel that a change of shape is required. Tadej Roskar is a versatile option who can play on either wing or due to growing up as an old-fashioned left-sided midfielder, he could probably even fill in as one of the wingbacks if needed as well. Tough luck for Luka Vujanovic, who is perhaps a victim of the move away from playing with natural wingers.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
40  AMC/MC  Jana Anusic              29   22/3        Myana (CMT)
41  AMC/MC  Muharem Hajdarpasic      24   28/5        West Couno United (TMB)

A position where neither player has yet replicated their club form with the national team. Jana Anusic has fought her way to where she is today, turning out for no less than five Red League sides before winning the title with her newest club Myana. She’s a tough player and the only woman to pull on the Hoops for Mytanija. She’d like a chance to show that she can do what she’s done for so many years at club level with the national side. Muharem Hajdarpasic is a player who used to get in the headlines as much for his off-field escapades as he did for his exploits on the pitch, but he has rather grown out of that and was even recognised as one of the finest talents in the multiverse when in contention for the Testiculo Young Player of the Year award. Ravnjak likes him, but Hajdarpasic needs to rediscover the end product which saw him drive West Couno United to an unexpected title (and no we aren’t talking about the white powder!).

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
32  AMR     Mirko Hranilovic         27   35/4        AFC Corvistone (NPH)
42  AMR/L   Deni Avdic               21   0/0         Olympic

Mirko Hranilovic feels like a mainstay of these squads at this point, a player who can always find his way back in no matter who the coach is. At 27 he’s steadily amassed 35 caps and you can rely on him to do a job if a formation with wingers is needed. Deni Avdic is a more exciting option, the 21-year-old was one of Olympic’s best players last season and the fact that he can play on either side makes him a useful option. His pace can frighten even the best defenders.

##  Pos.    Name                     Age  Caps/Goals  Club                         
09  ST      Drazen Skara             26   79/49       Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)
11  ST      Goran Papic–Papratovic   24   0/0         FK Arsika
21  ST      Aljož Sešlar             24   0/0         1923 Esca
22  ST      Stipe Mlinarevic         24   5/3         Liria
33  ST      Milica Prokopljevic      24   27/11       Atletik
43  ST      Alija Sutalo             23   8/1         Atletik
44  ST      Blaz Kovacec             19   0/0         Raven Thöni (TAX)
45  ST      Damien Gannot            33   115/40      Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)

Drazen Skara is the complete forward’s complete forward, but his form has waned a little recently. Misel Ravnjak will need him back to his best as soon as possible, as he’s the national team’s main source of goals and generally speaking if he plays well then Mytanija win matches. There is a change in his strike partner for this cycle, with FK Arsika’s Goran Papic-Papratovic fast-tracked into a starting role due to his ability to drop deeper and link-up play, something which can allow Skara to operate on the last line, nearer the goal. Everybody is positive about the way these two can play alongside one another, so it will be an interesting storyline to follow. There’s a first call-up for Mytanar-Tikariotian dual national Aljož Sešlar after he fired 22 goals in 40 games in last season. That secured him a move from Ceramadhion Lynx to 1923 Esca this summer and Sešlar will want to fight his way into the national team starting eleven to continue this upwards trajectory. He’s a tall forward with a deft touch who finds a way to get the ball in the net, however scruffy it may be. Everybody’s excited about him, too. Then come some names everyone should be more familiar with, Stipe Mlinarevic wasn’t quite as electric as the previous season in the 1. Prvenstvo this time around but he probably remains next in line due to his solid performances at the Copa Rushmori. Milica Prokopljevic had a great season domestically with 18 goals, with Alija Sutalo acting as his back-up and scoring vital goals in Atletik’s run to winning the National Cup. There’s a first call-up for youngster Blaz Kovacec, with his goal on the final day of the SteurLig season sealing an eighth title over Raven Thöni’s rivals Standard Lily. Finally, there’s one last rodeo for Damien Gannot, the son of Sicoutian striker Alex Gannot who has gone on to be a Mytanar footballing icon. A player who has changed his game so often to meet the demands of the team. He’ll go down as a player who has been well-loved by every coach which has had him around and everybody else will hope he can get a deserving send off from the national team here.

STADIUMS - please see this post for why the FSM have decided to avoid traditional locations like the Novi Atletskistadion, Stadion Prizren etc

MD1: vs Tikariot (at Stadion Yolanda Savic, Thessia; capacity: 25,000)
MD3: vs Reçueçn (at Stadion Radoslaw Famoc, Port Jarko; capacity: 15,000)
MD5: vs Zeta Reka & Hugeltaldom (at Korecky Road, Severyan; capacity: 25,000)
MD7: vs Dod Rava (at Trubichino, Vostochnaya Tochna; capacity: 7,000)
MD9: vs Bostopia (at Mejastadion, Kiznha Nepuc; capacity: 15,000)
MD11: vs British Covelandia (at Velenija, Uchenik; capacity: 20,000)
MD13: vs Naixi (at Radnika, Esca; capacity: 60,000)

NOTES:
• Misel Ravnjak (aged 66) has had a storied career as manager of Mytanar club Ararat Severyan, lifting two league titles as well as leading the team to its infamous National Cup and Rushmore Copa de Campeones double-winning campaign - considered by some to be the greatest single achievement by a Mytanar club side given the odds Ararat had to overcome to achieve such a feat. The Rauchik club had to overcome the horrors of the Mytanar Conflict, the ethnic cleansing and ghettoization of their people, deal with the long shadow of the conflict in the intervening years and Ararat acted as a constant for them - allowing them to dream once again. For many this essentially lionised Ravnjak, made him into the leader of a people, as well as a football club and his spirited, bordering on abrasive, personality allowed him to instil something of a siege mentality in his players. He always argued that he and his sides never got enough credit from the media for the manner in which they won games, arguing they played better football than the picture painted by the media (and they often did, with Copa Rushmori stars like Nephara's Lindse Kvasina and Mytanija's Omer Kuhar-Arh not renowned for their lack of inspiration or creativity) and that perhaps the media didn't want to give a provincial club the credit it deserved. Since joining the national side he has returned the team to the World Cup, but largely failed to make a dent when there or at the Copa Rushmori. World Cup 95 will be an important one for him, particularly given that some at the FSM are not overly keen on his communication style.

• Mytanija has qualified to 16 World Cups, most recently World Cup 94, the country's biggest achievement in that competition is reaching the quarter finals in World Cup 68. Mytanija has won the Copa Rushmori once (XVII), to go with two victories in the Cup of Harmony (56 and 59); and a Di Bradini Cup win (DBC40). Some of these achievements were made under the names Mytannion/the Mytanar Region, Mytanija is ICly the exact same place.

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

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

by **Tanirinthia** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 3:56 pm

Tanirinthia World Cup XCV Roster

Style Mod: +2

The Mighty Oaks

Goalkeepers	Defenders	Midfielders	Strikers
Elmer Marshall* Vanessa Burke Jacqueline Cress	Percival Manning* Alma Menzie* Raven Medina* Davy Barrett Regina Newman Nancy Fleming	Ferris Dixon* Viola Wheeler* Sophia O'Brien* Bud Barnett* Edmond Barker Roderick Woolery Jack Bell Derick Burgess	Violet Bacchus* Bridget Payne* Lark Holt* Erin Rodgers Pat Hancock Hayden Bishop Lonnie Wolfe

* - Denotes likely starter

All home games will be played at Emerald Park, St Cirith

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

by **Kandorith** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:01 pm

Kanyori Football Association:
National Football Team Roster for World Cup 95 Qualifiers

Overview

Nation Name: The Empire of Kandorith/Kanyori Yokoku
Demonym: Kandorese
Team Nickname: めかひ, Mekahi, Rising Sun/Star
First Qualifiers: World Cup 55
First Appearance: World Cup 67
Best Result: Quarter-Finals World Cup 89 | Winners CoH 77

Kit

Home

The home jersey for Kandorith exudes regality with its deep Royal Purple, a colour reminiscent of majestic traditions. The shirt is adorned with subtle and striking gold lines which gracefully run along its contours, adding a touch of elegance to the dark purple jersey. The design captures the essence of royalty and sophistication, reflecting Kandorith's pride and history.

The shorts and socks complement the shirt, featuring gold and black accents that complete the home kit. The overall design is a nod to both tradition and modernity, creating a home kit that stands as a visual representation of the nation's prestige on the football field.

Away

The away jersey for Kandorith embraces a more sleek and modern aesthetic, offering a striking contrast to the royal tones of the home kit. The primary colour is a silvery Gray, symbolizing the nation's technology and serenity. Dynamic streaks of midnight black weave across the jersey, creating a sense of movement and wind.

Subtle hints of light blue accentuate the edges, adding a touch of vibrancy. The away kit represents Kandorith's forward-thinking spirit and commitment to the future. The shorts and socks, in silver grey and midnight black, complete the ensemble, creating an away kit which stands out with a bold and contemporary style.

STAFF

Manager: Kaya Michiyu - age 40
Assistant Manager: Takeshi Kurosawa - age 38

GOALKEEPERS

#1. Shojiro Ito - Goalkeeper (GK) - Age 31 - Hiyashi Celestia (Saint Eleanor)
#13. Kaito Suzuki - Goalkeeper (GK) - Age 27 - Ginza Victory
#25. Hiroshi Tanaka - Goalkeeper (GK) - Age 31 - FC Tenkyo

DEFENDERS

#2. Hiroshi Takahashi - RB - Age 26 - Higaku Antlers
#3. Ayato Nakamura - CB - Age 24 - Imakazawa Ravens
#4. Kenji Tanaka - CB - Age 28 - Ginza Sutori
#5. Aya Fujimoto - LB - Age 25 - Urayama Diamonds
#6. Kazuki Yamamoto - RWD - Age 27 - FC Kamigawa
#12. Mai Tanaka - LWD - Age 24 - Vissel Kobayashi
#15. Yukihiro Sato - CB - Age 26 - Hayazawa Visel
#22. Natsuki Suzuki - RWD - Age 28 - Hayano Frontale

MIDFIELDERS

#8. Riku Kobayashi - Central Midfielder (CM) - Age 25 - Imakazawa Ravens
#10. Daichi Nakamura - Attacking Midfielder (CAM) - Age 27 - Ginza Victory
#11. Hikari Tanaka - Central Midfielder (CM) - Age 26 - FC Kamigawa
#16. Yusuke Sasaki - Right Midfielder (RM) - Age 24 - Ginza Sutori
#18. Miyuki Suzuki - Left Midfielder (LM) - Age 29 - Vissel Kobayashi
#20. Haruki Yamaguchi - Defensive Midfielder (CDM) - Age 25 - Higaku Antlers
#21. Kaito Aoki - Central Midfielder (CM) - Age 28 - Urayama Diamonds
#23. Yoshihiro Matsumoto - Central Midfielder (CM) - Age 32 - FC Tenkyo
#24. Kazuki Nakano - Left Midfielder (LM) - Age 26 - Hayano Frontale

FORWARDS

#7. Taichi Saito - Right Forward (RF) - Age 27 - Hayazawa Visel
#9. Ken Takahashi - Striker (ST) - Age 25 - Imakazawa Ravens
#14. Masato Tanaka - Left Forward (LF) - Age 28 - Ginza Sutori
#17. Ryuji Nakamura - Center Forward (CF) - Age 26 - FC Kamigawa
#19. Hiroshi Aoki - Left Forward (LF) - Age 29 - Vissel Kobayashi
#27. Takeshi Honda - Striker (ST) - Age 30 - Hiyashi Celestia (Saint Eleanor)

Captain: Daichi Nakamura
Penalty Taker: Kenta Takahashi, Haruki Yamaguchi, Daichi Nakamura
Corner Kick Taker: Riku Kobayashi, Daichi Nakamura
Free Kick Taker: Daichi Nakamura, Haruki Yamaguchi

Tactics

Style Modifier: +3
Formation: Adaptive 4-3-3 (Total Football)

The Kandorese national team embraces an adaptive 4-3-3 formation, epitomizing flexibility and fluidity in every facet of the game. The midfield maestros emerge as the heartbeat of the team, wielding technical finesse, precision passing, and a penchant for goal-scoring, dictating the game's ebb and flow.

The attacking triad showcases the prowess of two electric wingers, weaving through opposition defences with speed and mesmerizing dribbles. Complementing this duo is a central target luminary, a robust force in aerial duels and a beacon for the team's attacking symphony.

Defensively, the Kandorese unit stands as a disciplined fortress, emphasizing organized compactness and relentless pressing. The high defensive line becomes a strategic weapon, entrapping foes in the offside trap and perpetuating ceaseless pressure.

The team's ethos thrives on an unwavering commitment to attractive, proactive football. Possession is sacred, with quick passing sequences and positional interchanges engineered to unravel even the most resolute defences. This commitment extends to a resilient spirit, an indomitable will to persevere, and a team that does not ever accept defeat, even in the face of adversity.

In the grand tapestry of Kandorith's footballing narrative, this national team isn't merely a collection of players but a collective force, a masterpiece seamlessly blending adaptability, technical prowess, and an unyielding commitment to the beautiful game while transcending traditional football roles.

Home Stadium

The Empress Masumi National Stadium, a distinguished homage to the reigning Empress, stands as the revered sports temple for the Kandorese National Team. It is an iconic stadium that serves as a symbol of collective pride and unity, a modern marvel designed to host major international football fixtures and a diverse range of cultural events.

Empress Masumi Stadium at night

Empress Masumi Stadium holds 90,000 people during football matches. The stadium creates an electric atmosphere that adds to the excitement of the match. The stadium fills with the sound of chanting and cheering as the fans of the national team cheer for their team.

Beyond the football pitch, the stadium seamlessly transforms into a versatile venue, a trait unique to Kandorese venues of this size and volume. Adaptable and flexible, it plays host to a myriad of cultural events, from concerts to traditional markets, embodying its role as a central hub for entertainment and cultural exchange in Kandorith.

As the proud home of FC Tenkyo during domestic matches, the Empress Masumi Stadium stands as a vibrant cornerstone for the local footballing community. It is a place where Kandorith's finest players showcase their skills, drawing passionate supporters into its embrace.

In the grand narrative of Kandorith's spirit, the Empress Masumi Stadium symbolizes the nation's commitment to sports, culture, and unity. It stands tall, not just as a venue for unforgettable sporting moments but as a cherished space for shared experiences and the celebration of the nation's progressive and lively ethos.

==RP Permissions==
Choose Scorers: [Y]
Godmod Goalscoring Events: [Y]
Injure Players: [Y]
Godmod Injury Events: [Y]
Godmod Cards: [Y] (If not outrageous naturally)
Godmod Other Events: [Y] (but make sure to send a TG first)

by **Damukuni** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:08 pm

For reasons that will be discussed later, the Damukuni Football Association is not fielding the roster for this World Cup qualifying cycle. Instead, the DFLPA, the players' union, is fielding the roster.

Nation (Short) Name: Damukuni
Trigramme: DKI
Head Coach: Jemimah Lee Swagger (Atarashii-Damushuto FC)
Style Mod: +2

#   POS     NAME                    G	AGE TEAM/CLUB

1   GK      Samântha Uĉez           F   25  Marinos Lunigo
12  GK      Saitama Uchiha          M   24  Reishu Defenders
23  GK      Bob Soccer III          M   22  Ibuza Anteaters

2   LF      Red Bilikuo             M   25  Desert Province FC
3   CF      Saitaĉo Menes           M   24  AC Shinzoba
4   CF      Maja Tannen             F   26  Academicals FC
5   RF      Avishag Haber           F   22  Rosh Hashanah 16
13  LF      Jameson Danielson       M   24  Inter South Dre
14  CF      Yêsica Boon             F   23  Izaki Miracle	
15  CF      Dax Everett             M   26  Powerblade SC 
16  RF      Taylor Watt             F   25  Iruko United

6   LM      Kazuo Takashi           M   24  Powerblade SC
7   CM  (C) Carinda Jo Enright      F   23  Powerblade SC
8   CM      Cowper Gillett          M   26  Inter South Dre
9   RM      Hanako Korematsu        F   25  South Damukuni Rascals
17  LM      Kaikai Likiki           F   22  Marinos Lunigo
18  CM      Semorko Lituva          M   24  Free States FC
19  CM      Doris Falco             F   24  Namagoro FC
20  RM      Nathan Bigstreet        M   23  Blue Fire Ukita

10  ST      Steven Shuto            M   25  Digital Giants
11  ST      Fionah Omari            F   24  East Town Eagles
21  ST      Dyanna Jenkins          F   25  AC Shinzoba
22  ST      Morihei Tanaka          M   23  Powerblade SC

RP Permissions

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

by **Carpathia and Ruthenia** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:19 pm

Carpathia and Ruthenia World Cup XCV Squad
(Style Mod: +2)

Formation of the Starting XI

Staff
Manager: Lucia Kovács
Assistant Manager: Erminio Schmitt

Starting Lineup
GK: Federica Antonini (0 caps/0 goals)

DF: Giacomo Bakó (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Szevér Naldi (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Loris Kövér (0 caps/0 goals)

MF: Ödön Kárpáty (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Ottavia Lecce (c) (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Anastagio Brunetti (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Adél Alemagna (0 caps/0 goals)

FW: Clara Bassi (0 caps/0 goals)
FW: Faust Acconci^† (0 caps/0 goals)
FW: Terzo Fabbri (0 caps/0 goals)

Substitutes
GK: Marina Voltolini (0 caps/0 goals)
GK: Efisio Rapallino (0 caps/0 goals)

DF: Lazzaro Cino (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Panni Verona (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Rosalba Selmone (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Ermanno Ruzsa (0 caps/0 goals)
DF: Delia Alinari (0 caps/0 goals)

MF: Lucia Vinci (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Giannino Pugliese (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Salvatore Piccirillo (0 caps/0 goals)
MF: Franciska Büki (0 caps/0 goals)

FW: Róza Crocetti (0 caps/0 goals)
FW: Annunciate Mondo (0 caps/1 goals)
FW: Rebecca Pék (0 caps/0 goals)

^† Penalty taker

Stadiums in Carpathia and Ruthenia

Városi Stadion, Veszprém - Capacity: 82,000
Fossa dei Leoni, San Donato - Capacity: 80,000
Cavaliere Campo, San Donato - Capacity: 76,800
Stadio dei Sogni, Rivalto - Capacity: 68,700
Merse Park, Harkány - Capacity: 68,500
ZTF Aréna, Veszprém - Capacity: 62,700
Universitŕ Stadio, San Donato - Capacity: 58,100

Other Information
Fan's Temperament: Good-natured (They will not react violently to a loss and lay siege to the host's city)
Team's Temperament: Normal (Every now and again one player might get sent off, but they are going to hack/beat up the opposing team as a strategy)
Manager's Temperament: Passionate/Hot-headed (More often than usual will be sent into the stands, and will not hold back her opinion in interviews)
RP Permissions: No godmodding goals or killing my players

by **Kelssek** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:22 pm

Records and history

MAIN

CHANGE

Summary
Kelssek's tactical culture is fluid and direct, generally favouring technical and versatile players. The team boasts a high-skilled and creative midfield with a threat from some top goalscoring talent. While not weaknesses per se, goalkeeping and central defence are areas where the team is pretty average.

Jenas Maraipu GK, Kirkenes FC, b. Outineau, BL (age 27) - 7 caps | A product of the Association Ariddienne youth program. Pounces and catches balls with catlike technique.

Ryan Terlock GK, Holdenberg City [EUR], b. Wynleth, NC (age 30) - 26 caps | All-rounder who does everything well but not exceptionally so, other than using his 194cm height to good advantage; strikers have been known to complain that his arms and legs seem to go everywhere.

Megan Woodwell GK, Burnaby SC (age 24) - 0 caps | Responded impressively to being handed Burnaby's number one jersey.

Nacuémiró Buené LB/LWB, Mâ Âlâmëómë [FFD], b. records sketchy, Farfadillis (age 32) - 72 caps, 3 goals | Former Burnaby captain, Patriotes Cup winner and three-time league champion. A skill player with a great cross, defensively sound but prone to get bullied by bigger attackers.

Tegan Earrach LB, FC Capri [VAL], b. Sherwood Park, Con. (age 33) - 15 caps, 1 goal | Defensively minded but can put in a cross if she has to.

Ingrid Lambert [vice-captain] CB, Burnaby SC, b. Burnaby, Kon. (age 31) - 27 caps, 2 goals | Athletic tackler and ball-playing defender who isn't afraid to get forward.

Loisé Camserhe CB, Stahlberg City [NPH], b. Place, Farfadillis (age 30) - 20 caps | Grew up in Breton and part of Shearwater's Champions League winning team. Kelssek were anxious to call up this bulldog of a defender before Farfadillis does.

Eoin Bream CB, Revolutionaries [EUR], b. Latrobe, Etn. (age 30) - 17 caps | Commanding in the air and remarkably agile for a big guy. Reads the game well and can make a forward pass or two.

Timo Thomsen CB, Océanic Langlois (age 28) - 0 caps | Patience has paid off for this commanding aerial dueller as he established himself relatively late in his career, finally earning the captain's armband at Océanic and forcing himself on the national team radar.

Bleke Durocher CB, Kirkenes FC (age 25) - 0 caps | Was in Kelssek Championship team of the year so quite good apparently.

Phillip Lozic CB, Mliona-Lpaka [VIL], b. Stawamus, Kon. (age 34) - 96 caps | Mobile, athletic central defender with a strong aerial presence.

Curtis Holman CB/RB, Gallant Cross [BRE], b. Langley, Kon. (age 32) - 30 caps, 1 goal | A crafty operator on the flanks or a reliable ball-winner down the middle.

Eilwen Loew RB/LB, Guard FC [DAR], b. Burnaby, Kon. (age 25) - 6 caps | Speedy, high work-rate, binge-watches reality TV shows.

Tobert Usher RB, CF Outineau, b. Outineau, Bea. (age 26) - 6 caps, 1 goal | Has got a wicked cross on him and loves an underlap. Just captained Outineau to a league title.

Êsêkïl dí Völará CM, Mâ Âlâmëómë [FFD], b. NaN, Farfadillis (age 30) - 65 caps, 5 goals | A deep-lying playmaker who relentlessly recycles possession and is hard to get around with the ball on the ground.

Eamon Breault CM, Olympique Chuckio [DAR], b. Breton, HG (age 26) - 33 caps, 3 goals | A technically adept pinger of the ball into channels, Breault caught international notice on Shearwater's run to the Champions League title.

Issac Lafrenière CM/LM, Kionao Locals [TUR], b. Outineau, Beaulac (age 32) - 86 caps, 6 goals | Creative, flashy, can unlock the defence with incisive passing from deep, and drops like a rag doll if he thinks he can get a free kick.

Alejandra Younes DM/CM, Dalaris City [PFA], b. Mistgwyn, NC (age 27) - 6 caps | Dogged midfield anchor. Determined but also impulsive and easily wound-up.

Terence de Landa AM, Directus [EUR], b. Burnaby, Kon. (age 26) - 5 caps | Dynamic, gangly playmaker at his best carrying the ball forward.

Kaiden Pépin CM/AM, CF Saint-Richard, b. Saint-Richard (age 25) - 0 caps | Calming presence in the midfield.

Titan Pogbacar CM, Burnaby SC (age 19) | Physically imposing and technically impressive. Tipped as a ball-progressing wonderkid. Played in the 17th Summer Olympics.

Bryan Hartpoach LW/RW, Alnio [CMT], b. Vickery, Con. (age 33) - 70 caps, 6 goals | Quick, elusive, and technically adept. May wander into the middle sometimes. Often deployed as a wrong-footed right wing for the national team.

Julius Heer LW, Schemerdrecht SVV [KOR], b. Bramleigh, NC (age 28) - 25 caps | Full-backs HATE his technical ability and his love of nutmegging them on the byline. Has a koi fish tattoo on his left arm for some reason.

Miles Mann RW, Falourr [EUR], b. Outineau, BL (age 31) - 35 caps, 4 goals | Dynamic and determined. Big xHustle/90 numbers.

Rory Joseph RM, Burnaby SC, b. Kingstown, Kon. (age 27) - 12 caps, 2 goals | Very rapid.

Danielle Maradrogba ST, Coret Hawks [NPH], b. Outineau, BL (age 32) - 67 caps, 17 goals | Power and placement is what you get when she gets an inch of space. An exciting, highly touted talent produced from the underdog hero Association Ariddienne club.

Zoé Goh-Lemaire ST, 1923 Esca [MYT], b. Kirkenes (age 24) - 16 caps, 2 goals | Playmaking forward with great link up play and a sense for gobbling up rebounds.

Lionel an Deòir ST, Spartangrad [EUR] b. Torbay (age 22) - 11 caps, 2 goals | Exciting talent with lots of pace and an inadvisedly powerful shot.

Loïc Maçon-Petrault [captain] ST, Jaglan Royals [SRS], b. Saint-Rémy, BL (age 34) - 125 caps, 47 goals | An elusive and quick striker and noted jazz fan. A skilled forward who is able to dribble past his marker and paint the corners of the goal with the ball. Often looked to as the guy to get the team goals to dig out of any holes they've dug for themselves.

Thor Ibrahim Ahmad AM/F RC, Directus [EUR], b. Outineau, BL (age 31) - 73 caps, 24 goals | Fox in the box, or indeed outside of it with his ability to unleash a cannon from distance. A big-occasion player with a knack for scoring crucial goals.

Maelle Sarada ST, Coquitlam United, b. Riverfort, Kon. (age 24) - 0 caps | Pacey, dribbly, hard to stop when she runs at you.

Manager: Calen Reamsey | Former manager of CS Saint-Rémy, where he did well at first, and then quite badly, albeit with limited resources.

Honours: Cup of Harmony 43 champions, 2-time Ad'ihan Challenge Trophy winners
Direct free-kicks: Bryan Hartpoach, Thor Ibrahim Ahmad
Corners: Bryan Hartpoach, Nacuémiró Buené
Penalties: Loïc Maçon-Petrault

Stadiums - Rotates between three stadiums.
Exhibition Place, Kirkenes - if you RP first and are not fussed to pick, use this one
Stadium Konueira, Burnaby
Stade Intersat, Saint-Rémy (cap. 36,000)

Fan culture
Kelssek's national teams are nicknamed the Voyagers in reference to the fact that major international tournaments are practically always in a different region and many time zones away (unless Kelssek is hosting it, of course).

RP permissions
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod events: No
In general, anything that can realistically happen (even if improbable) is fair game. Stuff that violates footballing reality is not ok (usually) and may be ignored. If you're in doubt, or think your idea is funny enough, ask me.
RP injuries to my players: Yes but I will determine severity
Style mod: +1

by **Cardenao** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 5:41 pm

Cardenao National Football Team Roster
World Cup 95

Official Name: The Kingdom of Cardenao National Football Team
Official Nation Name: The Federated Republic of the Kingdom of Cardenao
Country Code: CAD
Officiating League: The MegaPower League
Officiating Body: The Cardenao Football Association
Regional Officiating Body: CAFA LigAnaia
Records:
All-Time W/D/L: 41-20-38
All-Time Goals For/Goals Against: 197/190 +7
International Rank: 44
Nickname: The Blue and Golds, La Furia Azule
Style: +2.0

Primary kit:

Alternate kit:

THE ROSTER

When RP'ing, the name of my players in [i]ITALICS are the names on their kit and the name professional commentators would primarily call out when making observations. Those in BOLD are the national team starters UNLESS otherwise stated in a preceding RP.

1- Emi Parodi
Height: 6'1 - Weight: 184lbs – Age: 26 - Registry: #48 - Team: Alameda Desperados

Coming off his best season as a professional, Emi Parodi scooped out the best goalkeeper in the league award, only letting in 49 goals as the Desperados finished second place. After a promising career as the Under21 national team starting goalkeeper, he’s been selected to fill the hole left by Ray Holland’s retirement. While Parodi might not be as tall or as world-class of an athlete like his predecessor, he’s still quite agile and holds no reservations towards throwing himself at the ball, personal safety be damned. Parodi is reliable with the ball at his feet, firing off precise passess without trying anything too fancy. Off the pitch he’s quite practical, eschewing the glitzy sports cars for a reliable, high mpg compact that’s perfect for traveling around a country boasting a small but growing number of gas stations. The same age as Iñaki Pena, Parodi will be thrilled to have won the starting position over the long anointed next great Cardenaoan goalkeeper and will be doing anything he can to secure it.

Caps: 1 - Goals Conceded: 1 - Tournaments Played: None - Personal Awards: MegaPower League Season Six Goalkeeper of the Year

12- Iñaki Peña
Height: 6'5 - Weight: 206lbs – Age: 26 - Registry: #23 - Team: Sporting Club November City

26 years old, a lifetime of being heralded as Ray Holland’s successor in goal, but when the moment actually arrives in the first matchday, Iñaki Peña will be forced to watch from the sidelines. While he was brilliant playing for his boyhood club Bananada FC, the transfer to Sporting Club November City seems to have backfired while Emi Parodi’s transfer to the Alameda Desperados has seen him star in a title challenging team, who knows what the situation would be if those transfers were swapped. Iñaki is still a solid keeper, with his height, quick reflexes, and natural goalkeeping abilities making him a well-rounded tender of sticks. When he was younger, Iñaki had some form issues with long range passing and goal kicks, but after putting in the time and effort, those have become strengths for him. It isn’t over for Iñaki, keep training hard, who knows what will happen and perhaps his best opportunity for the national team is yet to come. Still though, rough situation for him.

Caps: 9 - Goals Conceded: 11 - Tournaments Played:Baptism of Fire 78, World Cup 91/92/93/94, Cup of Harmony 83/84/85

4- Diego Valenzuela Third-Captain
Height: 6'1 - Weight: 170lbs – Age: 32 - Registry: #5 - Team: Tikariot FC

A strong defensive midfielder, Diego Valenzuela commands play from his position in the heart of midfield. With fantastic passing over all distances, Val has always dictated tempo with a calm, calculating approach to the game that would lend itself well to a battlefield, let alone a football pitch. Now a veteran player, Valenzuelas defensive positioning is better than ever and his teammates can always look to him for leadership and motivation. After doing everything he could for his childhood Juacuacanos Silver Surfers, Diego V accepted a $5.5m move to the Tikariot Premier League.

Diego Valenzeula operated as a sort of defensive-minded quarterback, shoring up the midfield and pinging out accurate long range passes and keeping things running smoothly. The vice-captain of the team from the 78th Baptism of Fire through the 92nd World Cup, he was handed the Captain's armband after Dylan Mathers voluntarily stepped down from the role heading into the 84th Cup of Harmony and has now been relegated to third-captain under new manager Ramon Lamberti

When not playing football, Diego is a hobbyist racing driver. 'Something about the combination of speed, movement, changing environment, the non-stop calculations going into all of it' are what drive him to paraphrase his own words. Interesting stuff. Val recently married his high school sweetheart Selena Marchiaza and is frequently seen touring around Cardenao with her.

Caps: 74(2)- Goals: 4 - Assists: 10 - Tournaments Played: Baptism of Fire 78, World Cup 91/92/93/94, Cup of Harmony 83/84/85

8- Haritz Larrainzar Captain
Height: 5'9 - Weight: 152lbs – Age: 30 - Registry: #8 - Team: Port Rhovanyon AFC (TKT)

A complete technical midfielder, Haritz Larranizar plays defense and offense with equal elegance to such a degree that he is the singular best Cardenaoan playing the game today. While Haritz is one of the better passers from the country, what makes him so dangerous is his shooting ability from all distances; he’s regularly one of the league’s highest shooting players and it’s all paid off with back to back titles with Port Rhovanyon, three team of the year selections, and a player of the year award. Oh and X GOALS AND Y ASSITS TO GO WITH IT TO. He is quick, with a good burst of acceleration and high top speed that gets him free in the half-spaces where he is most deadly. Haritz’s slinky off the ball skills make him a nightmare to mark as he’s always active, darting around into pockets of open space.

Rating: A – Team Relationship: A – Morale: A – Form: A
Caps: 75 (2) - Goals: 8 - Assists: 26 - Tournaments Played: Baptism of Fire 78, World Cup 91/92/93/94, Cup of Harmony 83/84/85 - Personal Awards: MegaPower League Champion (Season 1)Tikariot Premier League B Team of the Year (Season 105), Tikariot Premier League Champion (Season 106/107), Tikariot Premier League A Team of the Year (Season 106/107), Tikariot Premier League Player of the Season (Season 107)

6- Lonzo Capiatelli
Height: 5'9 - Weight: 148lbs – Age: 25 - Registry: #7 - Team: Myana (CMT)

Lonzo Capiatelli has progressed from a little-known island prospect to one of the most desired midfielders in Cardenao when he became Bananada CF’s captain at the age of 19. After two years showcasing his talent in both attack and defense, Myana of Chromatika came knocking and now Lonzo runs the midfield behind Laborious Hawk. Mr. Capiatelli is a tall, athletic box to box midfielder with effective dribbling, world class vision and a passing ability to match, he’s got the flair and pace of a winger but still puts in a sharp tackle, and can mark a player out of the game. Most importantly, Lonzo knows how to make it all work together. With his skill-set, he can play in any role across the midfield, but just letting him follow his instincts has worked out very well for his club team. He’s a natural leader, a perfectionist, and the most complete Cardenaoan midfielder.

He has had a bright start to his international career, with 13 goals and assists in 25 total appearances, with the majority of those off the bench. With Giampetro Vera retiring from the national team, the starting position is his.

Caps: 11 (14) - Goals: 5 - Assists: 8 Tournaments Played: World Cup 93/94, Cup of Harmony 85

10- Jenarío Cervahir
Height: 5'10 - Weight: 152lbs – Age: 27 - Registry: #34 - Team: Real Alegria

The elegant Jenarío Cervahir displays football in all of its beauty, with picture perfect passes, impossibly curving shots, and dribbles past defenders with trickery and flair. With his extreme agility and ability to keep close control of the ball, Jenarío easily slices through defensive lines before slipping a pass through to his teammates. He can pass it short, long, in the air, driven passes, outside of the boot, everything and he’s proven it with 48 assists in 107 MegaPower League appearances. He’s got 29 goals to go with it too, able to score from close up and far out with curving precision. Jenarío is the ultimate professional, doing everything he can to make the most out of his ability and body.

Caps: 12 (10) - Goals: 4 - Assists: 7 - Tournaments Played: World Cup 93/94, Cup of Harmony 85

14- Zoltan Keidobika
Height: 5’8 - Weight: 157lbs – Age: 31 - Registry: #25 - Team: Morannon Athletic FC (TIK)

Armed with the Cardenao’s best freekick taking boot and an incredible passing range, Zoltan Keidobika burst onto the scene in the inaugural Cardenaoan MegaPower league season. Strapped with a simple yet effective array of body feints and a signature fake pass rollover move, Zoltan Keidobika’s game is built around the mastery of simple things. He has a great passing range, pinging long balls over the top or drilling short passes to his teammate’s boot, those basic and great dribbling moves, and a total mastery over the freekick arts. Keidobika can score short ones going under the ball, medium distance curling the ball left or right around the wall, and he can score long range dipping ballistic missiles, having scored double-digit freekick goals. He’s not the best defender, both from a technical and physical perspect with his lean 5’8 frame, but the 12 goals and 20 assists he’s provided for Morannon Athletic FC in Tikariot shows his strengths.

Caps: 16 (8) - Goals: 2 - Assists: 5 - Tournaments Played: World Cup 92/93/94, Cup of Harmony 84/85

19- Arrivo DeCerci
Height: 5’7 - Weight: 150lbs – Age: 19 - Registry: N/A - Team: Escuela Nacíonal DCPF

A midfield maestro since bursting onto the scene as a 16 year old, Arrivo DeCerci is elegance personified on the pitch. With immaculate close control of the ball, incredible balance, flair filled runs and great eye for a pass, he holds the potential to surpass Haritz Larrainzar as the greatest Cardenaoan midfielder. He played a large role in La Escuela’s back to back league titles as a 16 and 17 year old, but the last two seasons have produced no hardware for one of Cardenao’s top clubs. Coming in off the bench, Arrivo DeCerci will be expected to control possession and create quality attacking opportunities.

Caps: 0 - Goals: 0 - Assists: 0 - Tournaments Played: None - Personal Awards: MegaPower League Champion (Season 3/4)

21- Sven Garrison
Height: 5’9 - Weight: 174lbs – Age: 31 - Registry: #37 - Team: Alexandria United

A fantastic defensive midfielder and possession recycling asset, Sven Garrison is the perfect shield for the defensive line. Tall and strong with a powerful build, Sven rarely pushes forward from his spot in front of the defense, and prefers to simply lay the ball off to more creative players then try to produce some magic himself. Sven Garrison is nice at hitting the long long ball, able to ping it forward exactly where he wanted it. Off the field, he’s known among his friend group for being extremely punctual, always showing up to a party or event at the precise second it begins, it’s an Eastern Cardenao thing.

Caps: 1 (1) - Goals: 0 - Assists: 0 - Tournaments Played: World Cup 94

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

Captain: Haritz Larrainzar
Vice-Captain: Juanma Saez
Third Captain: Diego Valenzuela

Kick Takers (in order of ability)
Free kicks: Zoltan Keidobiko, Harritz Larrainzar,
Right corners: Zoltan Keidobiko, Giampietro Vera
Left corners: Zoltan Keidobiko, Harritz Larrainzar
Penalties: Juanma Saez, Alberto Godwine, Diego Valenzuela, Chimo Ventura

Manager: Ramon Lamberti
43 years old

PRIMARY FORMATION AND PLAYSTYLE

The Blue and Golds are heading into the 93rd World Cup with a new manager and an old but new approach to tactics. Ramon Lamberti is sending La Furia Azule out in a traditional 4-3-3 with the players running with some new instructions. Overall the emphasis is on ‘aggressive possession’,’ quickly gaining control of the ball and using their passing ability to slice up the field.

In attack, Chímo sits narrow next to Juanma Saez for a double-barrel goal threat while Lonzo Capitatelli runs up and down the pitch in the right center-mid position to cover that flank as Salva Perez pushes up from right back to provide width. Out left, Kaison stays wide to stretch play, allowing Haritz Larrainzar to slip forward into an attacking midfield position to dictate offensive play. As usual, Diego V holds position behind to snuff out counterattacks and cover the two man line of centerbacks Sameual Alcatron and Odita. Leftback Hendrix Salvador pushes forward into the midfield as an inverted fullback while rightback Salva Perez uses his endless stamina to bomb up and down the right flank.

Roleplay Permissions

Choose my goal scorers: Yes.
Injury to my players: TG/Discord DM.
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: TG/Discord DM.
Hand out Red cards to my players: TG/Discord DM.
Godmod Other Events: TG/Discord DM.

by **Polar Islandstates** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:32 pm

The TRUE VALHALLAN FEDERATION of POLAR ISLANDSTATES, Roster for WORLD CUP 95 QUALIFIERS
Nation Name: The True Valhallan Federation of Polar Islandstates
Demonym: Valhallans (or Polarians)
Team Nickname: The Terns
Official Supporters Group: ~~Outlawed~~

KIT COLOURS:
AWAY - HOME (w/ Reverse) - KEEPER

HOME STADIUM:
Nasjonale Stadion - 67,481 (Franz Josef City)

STAFF:
Manager: Iosef Miroshnichenko, 57

Record in Charge: P 39, W 15, D 9, L 15, GF 35, GA 37, GD -2, WP 38.5%
A True Valhallan, Iosef played for the Terns way back in Copa Rushmori XXVII, albeit mostly from the bench. Never quite hit the heights that people expected from him whilst he was an international player, but has turned out to be quite the astute tactician during the long decades of closed borders. If by 'astute' you mean 'defensive'. Has been handed the reins of the national team by the recently re-branded VFA after his "streetwise and resilient" tactics secured East Franz their most recent title, and the OO have been watching him closely ever since. He's actually unaware that he's being used by the establishment as something of a scapegoat, but as nothing has yet hit the proverbial fan everyone is just cracking on. All he knows is, he's under pressure to succeed and succeed quickly.

He has a distinctly average record in charge so far, which would normally be a very positive thing for a nation just re-emerging onto the international scene. However, his growing reputation for choking and overthinking things in the big moments is beginning to be a weight around his neck. So when his side lost at home to Saint Eleanor in the last WCQ stage game with a playoff spot on the line...? Or got hammered by Cardenao with a spot in the CoH knockout stages at stake...? Or both Copa Rushmori since the return of the Terns...? Yeah. It's fine. It's no big deal; it's only our international reputation at stake.

Now, sit up straight, get your hand on your heart, and sing the national anthem. Louder! And hold still, I'm trying to stitch a bit more gold braid onto your epaulettes...

Assistant Manager: Federico Aalto, 52

A True Valhallan, Aalto's Külmsaari background means he is born from the same cradle that supported the Party in their rally against Sargossan influence and used it to gain power in the Federation. The Party will be relying on his presence to remind the players of what is at stake this campaign - i.e. the mission to prove to the Multiverse that Valhalla Stronk. Indeed, they've made sure of that by giving him secret instructions to contradict Miroshnichenko whenever they think it would pay to have the national team coach look undermined. The slightly purer or more naive VFA members however will simply be hoping that his attacking tendencies temper Miroshnichenko's conservative leanings. Clean sheets are important, sure, but scoring is fun. Now, sing up! Aut pax, aut bellum!

PLAYERS:
#1 - GK - Hans Aigner - Age 30 -

East Franz Athletic

- 26 Caps
A True Valhallan and a truly safe pair of hands. The Terns might not have covered themselves in glory since their return to international football, but without Aigner in the goalmouth, things could have been a whole lot worse. Has proved himself over and over for the Terns when he was so often the different between a one-nil win and something far less satisfying. Still young-ish for a goalkeeper, Miroshnichenko will be hoping that Aigner can be the bedrock of the Terns' defence for a few more years yet, as he was for the Spires when he was Aigner's club manager. It would take a very good player indeed to unseat him, that's for sure, although there is a young man from Jan Mayen who might fancy his chances.

#2 - WBR - Johannes Braun - Age 29 - Damogran (SRS) - 30 Caps, 2 Assists, 1 Goal
A True Valhallan, Braun's emergence as a right-back in the same mould of the legendary Moses Luc Bjerregaard can be traced back to the money that Nasjonale Hauker invested in their youth academy following their hot streak of league titles. He may have moved on to pastures new, but he's still a young lad from the East End at heart. Lightning quick, he sacrificed a promising track career to concentrate on football, and his pace more than makes up for his lack of pure tactical awareness. Was made a bit of a scapegoat for fans of both the Terns and Hauker in the past, but now he's re-found his form he's ousted Kowaleski from the starting line-up again, and has signed on the dotted line for Damogran.

#3 - WBL - Vagn Mortensen - Age 28 - Alcassar 1896 FC (TKT) - 7 Caps
A True Valhallan, Vagn Mortensen was something of a late bloomer for both club and country. In the case of the latter, that might not be his fault, but in the case of the former, it took until he was well into his twenties for him to start gathering serious appearances in a season. Eventually, he became first choice, and the Bargemen won the league. Coincidence? Seems unlikely. You don't get voted into the Team of the Season by accident. Rangy, powerful, pacy, and intelligent, Mortensen has followed some of his compatriots to Tikariot, where we're sure he'll continue improving.

#4 - DC - Aapo Miroshnichenko - Age 24 - Tikariot City FC (TKT) - 18 Caps
A True Valhallan, and yes, the manager's son. He is actually good, though. Really good. Assuming he eclipses his father and manages to live up to the expectations that many hold for him, then a very bright future awaits indeed. Was a runner-up at DBC55 and won a place in the starting line-up of the Terns as a result; a position he's clung onto ever since. There used to be a sense that 'young Aapo' wasn't quite ready to take on the Multiverse, but that's all evaporated now. One of a handful of players to have signed for clubs in Tikariot this season, Spires fans will miss his level-headedness and ability to read the game.

#5 - DC - Odbjorn Ohm - Age 23 - Crisisbless (NPH) - 35 Caps, 1 Goal
A True Valhallan, Ohm was one of the stars of the previous DBC campaign in Valanora and Banija, where he played alongside Miroshnichenko Jr. as the Chicks finished runners-up to Qasden. He had already shown enough in the Terns jersey to be deemed worthy of a lift up into the starting line-up, and having continued to impress for both club and country, sparked something of a bidding war when he suggested he'd be open to a move abroad. Accordingly, and now playing for Nepharan giants Crisisbless, Ohm takes his spot as the buzz-player of this squad. Which considering he's a centre-back, takes some doing.

#6 - DC - Onni Boes - Age 31 - FC Jansberg (SEM) - 36 Caps - Vice-Captain
A True Valhallan, Onni Boes is one of the biggest characters in the dressing room, famously being discovered halfway out to sea on a Kuril fishing vessel three days after the last time East Franz won the league title, alongside two circus acrobats, a stuffed fox, no memory of how he got there, and a crushing headache. Elaborate and flamboyant, he's more like an attacking midfielder trapped in a centre-back's body sometimes, but he makes the game fun to watch. And with Miroshnichenko Sr.'s emphasis on defence, that might be important to the viewing public back at home. The fans love him, and so will your television editors. You know the phrase "if a defender has to make a tackle then they've already made a mistake"? Yeah. Not that. Boes loves a slide tackle.

#7 - AMC - Sebastian Nylund - Age 25 - 1923 Esca (MYT) - 38 Caps, 6 Assists, 7 Goals
A True Valhallan, Nylund can operate as a number ten but does tend to drift wide, a fact that the tactics are set up to exploit. Expect to see him pop up when and where you least expect him too, and good luck trying to mark him. He was going to be the attacking fulcrum for the Diamonds for many years to come, but 1923 Esca offered him a route to Mytanijan football and he jumped at it with both hands. Their gain is our loss. He has the talent to play anywhere he wants to, and is entirely capable of playing across the front line if you wanted him to, including as second striker. Nimble, agile, full of tricks, and with the physique to ensure he can't get pushed around; this kid isn't a kid anymore but a potential superstar in the making.

#8 - DMC - Ragnar Holst - Age 28 -

SK Aasiaat Harbour

- 35 Caps, 2 Assists, 1 Goal
A True Valhallan, Ragnar Holst was only a teenager when he helped propel Aasiaat to their first Divisjon One titles, and he was the captain this time around as they lifted the title in triumph last season. He's got fierce competition from Dementieva for the starting berth at defensive midfield, but as a DivOne winning captain he seems to have the edge in Miroshnichenko's mind thus far. Smart, clever, lets his feet do the talking particularly on the edge of either box, and unflappable.

#9 - ST - Dmitry Eisenhauer - Age 31 - Tekstil Ibon (MYT) - 37 Caps, 1 Assist, 12 Goals
A True Valhallan, Eisenhauer is probably the closest the Terns have come in recent years to emulating Timo Skye. At least, in terms of ego. Unlikely to be remembered in the same breath as the great man, or even in the same breath as the next six or seven great men to have scored goals for the Terns, he is nonetheless as very capable and skilful striker who is extremely good at hitting the ball cleanly, and incredibly hard. When Eisenhauer kicks it, it stays kicked. Was snapped up by SK from Sibir at a young age, but when SK indicated they'd be dipping into the international transfer markets like theyr used to, his ego dictated he had to move. And so, to Mytanija. Knows he's got competition, and has raised his game as a result, so whilst one goal every three games might not sound impressive, in a Miroshnichenko Sr. side it isn't to be sniffed at at all.

#10 - MC - Oscar Pallasmaa - Age 28 - 1896 Ebor (MYT) - 39 Caps, 11 Assists, 3 Goals - CAPTAIN
A True Valhallan, Pallasmaa is possibly the most talented all-round midfielder the Federation has produced in a generation. Adept at holding, knowing when to press forwards, and when to let loose with one of his famous raking long range passes, it is impossible to imagine the modern Bjarnarey without him, such is the club and even the city's reliance on him as a talisman. Grew up within sight of The Barge, he is a local hero to the Bjarnese, and fast becoming a national one, too. So, it's something of a shock to see his name next to that of another club this time around. Nonetheless, we expect his star to continue to shine, and all that experience he brings back can only be a good thing for the national team. A potential all-timer, but will need a knockout stage win or two to his name to be able to claim anything like that.

#11 - AMC - Einar Heimark - Age 23 - Tikariot City FC (TKT) - 36 Caps, 6 Assists, 2 Goals
A True Valhallan, Heimark was the only member of the DBC runners-up squad to have already been a starter for the senior team at the time, so it was slightly surprising that he wasn't necessarily the stand-out star of that tournament for the Chicks back then. Nonetheless, he is an energetic and direct attacking midfielder who does need other players to do some of the legwork for him but is outstanding when given that license to perform. Operating almost as a second striker for his club side, his ability to draw defenders out of position should in theory create plenty of space for Eisenhauer to exploit. One of two players moving to Tikariot City FC, so it will be interesting to see how that influences the Terns in future.

#12 - GK - Tord Alexandersson - Age 26 -

SK Franz Josef City

- 1 Cap
A True Valhallan, Tord was selected but never used in the first Copa squad, and managed just one appearance at the most recent one. Nontheless, he made the move from FC1. Surtsey Island Gulls to SK Franz Josef City and now finds himself remaining in the national team fold and with something to prove. Didn't exactly set the league alight with his performances in Divisjon One last season, but SK plucked him from Norscelt for a reason, and he's certainly got the ability to do well for the Terns.

#13 - GK - Jori Sipp - Age 24 -

Jan Mayen Islanders

- 1 Cap
A True Valhallan, Sipp's performances at DBC55 impressed Miroshnichenko enough to earn himself a call-up into the senior squad, and he's been here ever since. Is unlikely to provide much more than depth and competition for Aigner, but is certainly destined for big things. A nimble and cat-like penalty specialist... which would be useful if qualifying had penalty shoot-outs...

#14 - AMC - Elvis Haugen - Age 23 - Qet NSC (CMT) - 8 Caps
A True Valhallan, Haugen is in the same boat as Sipp in this his string of performances at DBC55 convinced Miroshnichenko, or the selection panel at least, to take a punt on the latest all-round export from the Haapa-Mechelin Youth Academy to start setting their sights on international domination - and his performances from the bench in qualification have done nothing to harm that. Not quite as a direct as Heimark, his touch and strength in possession, alongside his short and stocky frame, means getting the ball off him can be almost impossible. A great asset for keeping the ball out of dangerous areas whilst protecting a lead - attack being the best form of defence and all that...

#15 - WBL - Jalmari Hagen - Age 22 -

SK Franz Josef City

- Uncapped
A True Valhallan, Jalmari Hagen is a surprise inclusion in the squad, and has injuries to Northbrook's Carlquist to 'thank' for this opportunity. An emerging talent, if he played for anyone else you might have said he was the kind of player who'd end up at SK anyway. He just seems to 'fit' there, so it's a a rare win for the SK acadamy that they've managed to produce a player that's perfect for them already. Fast, direct, physical, and with a deft touch, Hagen is everything a modern Valhallan wing-back should be. Think more Bjerregaard than KKV.

#16 - WBR - Rafael Kowaleski - Age 32 -

SK Aasiaat Harbour

- 21 Caps, 2 Assists, 1 Goal
A True Valhallan, there isn't much that Kowaleski can't do with a football. It seems at times like he was born with an innate knowledge of where the football and both goals were at all times. He does sometimes lose concentration and forget where he's supposed to be, or who he's supposed to be marking, but for a mostly risk-free option that you don't need to worry about, he's hard to beat in the Federation right now. This fact was borne out in practice when he was one of the star players of Aasiaat's title win last season, putting in unheralded but solid performances week after week, and making the VFA Team of the Season as a result. His reward? Losing the number two shirt from Johannes Braun. Which doesn't seem in the script but, there you go. The two are pretty evenly matched so expect both to get plenty of game-time in order to keep things fresh.

#17 - DMC - Nic Dementieva - Age 21 - Rülândéá Kôstä (FFD) - 9 Caps, 1 Assist
A True Valhallan and a real firecracker of a midfielder, Nic Dementieva is curating a growing reputation for wild hair, impassioned tackling, and a ferocious appetite for winning the ball. Fresh from captaining the Chicks to the DBC final, he's signed up for the madness of the S-PFL, so Thor only knows what kind of player Rülândéá Kôstä are going to turn him into. Should be interesting. Still has some maturing to do no doubt, but if you wanted to point him in the direction of the opposition playmaker and say, "Nic: destroy!" then you're going to see fireworks. Gives off a sort of 'psychiatric patient' aura that can be deeply unsettling for the opposition. If you genuinely thought your marker didn't care one bit about staying on the pitch or not, you do tend to temper your actions somewhat. And yet, has never been sent off.

#18 - ST - Emmanuele Niemi - Age 22 -

SK Nasjonale Hauker

- 14 Caps, 4 Goals
A True Valhallan, Emmanuele Niemi was the talk of the Federation when he lit up DBC55 with his goalscoring, almost single-handedly propelling the Chicks all the way to the semi-finals before a freak gym accident left him on the operating table. Now playing with only one thumb, he cuts an unusual figure on the field, simultaneously looking like he's both craving attention and trying to go under the radar at the same time, and he has a very distinctive run. You can't argue with goals however, and Nasjonale look like they've secured a gem here. His father is also a former Polarian u21s international, and he was born in the Fallenmark capital of Marylebone, which is sometimes a controversial topic for some of the authorities. Turns out that even they can't argue with goals however, and Niemi is pushing Eisenhauer hard for that number nine shirt.

#19 - MC - Marten Kallenberger - Age 22 -

Northbrook Diamonds FK

- Uncapped
A True Valhallan, Kallenberger seems to have edged out Leonhardt in the discussion for utility midfield option from the bench, and it's not hard to see why. Leonhardt might have had the experience, but Kallenberger has the talent. The ball seems to stick to him, he always seems to find a player with his passing, and both of those abilities are key to any Miroshnichenko side that want to be difficult to beat first and foremost. Originally touted as an attacking midfielder, he's more of a carrier than that would suggest, so is labelled as a solid middle-of-the-park option in this roster.

#20 - ST - Youssef Nijgaard - Age 21 -

FC1. Bjarnarey Flotilla

- 9 Caps, 3 Assists, 2 Goals
A True Valhallan, Nijgaard exploded into the national consciousness with some electrifying performances at the DBC with his strike partner Emmanuele Niemi. So impressive was it, in fact, that the entire nation seemed to be clamouring for his inclusion in the first World Cup squad. Another Bjarnese native, the little floating city seems to be producing a little golden generation at the moment, and this particular member of that generation is going to have a point to prove during his time with the Terns. More of a deep lying player than an out-and-out finisher, he is a dream of a strike partner to have for others - the only problem being that if Miroshnichenko wants to get the best out of him he's going to have to go two up front. A leader figure, given the chance.

#21 - MC - Gustav Kommersen - Age 29 -

SK Aasiaat Harbour

- 11 Caps, 1 Assist
A True Valhallan, Gustav has been Aasiaat's chief playmaker for three seasons now, and the Victorrinn club is being built around the midfield combination of him and Holst. The pair have been split up in the national team thanks to the strength of Pallasmaa in Kommersen's position, but Kommersen is taking it in his stride, happy instead to provide cover and competition for the Terns captain. A free kick specialist, so don't be surprised to see him thrown on in the last few minutes if Miroshnichenko decides to play for set pieces in search of a late winner or equaliser.

#22 - DC - Heino Olsen - Age 28 -

SK Franz Josef City

- 13 Caps
A True Valhallan, Olsen was in the starting line-up when the Terns made their comeback to the international scene, and was naturally disappointed to see his place lost to Ohm. Is on a mission to claim his spot back as a result, and appears to have doubled his levels of professionalism even if SK's faltering league performances have left him with questions marks attached to his name. Tall and gangly, he looks like he'd be easy to outmuscle in the box, but possesses a wiry sort of strength that has surprised many an attacker not just with his ability to hold them off, but also with the length of his legs - that seem to have just the extra inches required to beat them to the ball when it really matters. So far hasn't managed to win back that spot, but, he's working on it.

#23 - DC - Sigmunder Aalstadt - Age 29 -

FC1. Bjarnarey Flotilla

- 4 Caps
A True Valhallan and the final part of the "oh hey turns out Bjarnarey are really good at the moment, perhaps I should scout them" brigade, Aalstadt is still something of a shock call-up to the Terns. Shorter than your average Valhallan, he nonetheless has springs in his heels or something, and is very hard to beat in the air as a result. With Ohm alongside him, won the league with the Flotilla, and brings a winning mentality and a monstrous desire to win the ball with him to the Terns. Should he and Boes play at the same time ever, I'd be concerned about who that left at the back alongside them...

TACTICS: 3-4-2-1
The Polarian game was famous for being methodical in its approach, calmly assessing where the weaknesses of the opposition lay before ruthlessly attacking and exploiting them mercilessly, all whilst being technically superb and abrasive in defence. Miroshnichenko has started his reign however by making sure that this internationally naive bunch of players are, first and foremost, hard to beat. Still finding their way on this return to the international stage, they will attempt to frustrate the opposition in order to avoid humiliation rather than play any sweeping attacking football that leaves us open at the back. To be fair to Miroshnichenko Sr. though, even though he lost his nerve at several points during WC94 Qualifying and went against his own best instincts, it did nearly work first time...

The back three of Miroshnichenko Jr., Ohm, and Boes will not be taking unnecessary risks ("will they, Boes..."), and will sit back at almost all times, only really going beyond the halfway line should a corner be taken. Braun and Mortensen will often be the first line in attack when a counter-attack is sprung, rushing forwards quickly to support Nylund and Heimark in their task of supplying throughballs and chips forward for Eisenhauer - a skilled technical finisher and extremely capable physical player. The midfield of Pallasmaa and Holst will largely be tasked with protecting the defence and breaking up the attacks of the opposition, although Pallasmaa's eye for a pass means in games we dominate he will often be the metronome in the heart of the field.

Likely frustrated by this conservative approach will be assistant manager Federico Aalto, whose basis in the Külmsaari game means his base instinct is to always attack. With one coach hellbent on defending, and the other on attacking, the newly rebadged Valhallan Football Association have hired the perfect combination of talent to advertise Secretary General's 'True Valhallan' way of life to the outside multiverse for the first time in nearly three decades.

Penalty Taker: Oscar Pallasmaa/Dmitry Eisenhauer/Einar Heimark
Free Kick Taker: Einar Heimark/Sebastian Nylund/Oscar Pallasmaa
Corner Taker: Einar Heimark/Sebastian Nylund/Oscar Pallasmaa

Modification: -4

Record going into World Cup 95:

THE OPPONENT CAN
Choose my goalscorers? Yes.
Godmod scoring events? Yes.
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, and I reserve the right to change the severity in a follow-up RP.
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above.
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes.
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, but only 2 per match maximum, and never to my captain or vice-captain.
Godmod other events? I'll have a lot of my own story going on this cycle, so TG me first, please, but I'm always open to ideas.

Style modifier: -4

A quick IC note for your RPs:
The Federation is no longer the bastion of civil rights and political freedoms that you might remember. The long absence from international sport is thanks to an isolationist and paranoid military police state taking over, using whipped up fear against the Sargossans' claim to Külmsaar and Terra Scotia as both carrot and stick. Citizens are now preoccupied with achieving the title of True Valhallan, which is acquired through either military service, civil service, outstanding conduct, or as of recently, representing your national in international sport.

Quite why they've done all this is yet to be ascertained/revealed exactly, but the exercise is being externally described as a good way to advertise the new Valhalla to the outside world. In actual fact, Secretary General Orion Lund has an ulterior motive, one which was revealed to the reader and the reader only at the end of the last WCQs campaign; namely, the abolition of elections by distracting everyone with other events so they vote it through. There is no reason that your characters would know for certain what Lund has planned for Miroshnichenko or the nation in general, though you are free to speculate - particularly where the reappearance of Alexsandr van Sorensen is concerned.

As an aside, the nation has also taken a rather more bullying tone towards the rest of the Valhallan Union, with Minor Valhalla now very much pressured into living up to the definition of its geographical title, and not best pleased about it.

So, the nation is no longer closed, but Valhallan fans will not yet be permitted to travel in large numbers, and organised supporters groups are currently illegal. Expect plenty of shady support staff to follow the Terns abroad, too, despite the pending relaxation of labobur laws being an intended distraction lobbed in from the sidelines by The Party.

In short; it's Valhalla, Sven, but not as we know it...

Aut pax, aut bellum

by **Eura** » Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:52 pm

EURAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
World Cup 95 Qualifying Squad

STAFF

Manager: Glen Merson (45,

Eura)

Glen Merson watched with horror like many Eurans as another disaster unfolded when Eura failed to qualify for World Cup 93. Simultaneously, his Harkdown team were getting relegated from Gold League in their first season back for many years. But Merson’s stature was enhanced by getting them there in the first place, so the EFA thought he would be worth a punt as caretaker manager for Cup of Harmony 85 – they were blocked from making a permanent appointment while the Euran government carried out a review of the EFA during the Cup of Harmony.

In line with Merson’s preferences at club level, Eura played a rather old fashioned and very Euran 4-2-2-2 formation…and it worked. Eura recovered from a poor start to the tournament to finally win it for the first time, having lost their previous three Cup of Harmony finals, defeating Eshialand. With the government review prolonged by political factors and his appointment having been seemingly vindicated, Merson was offered a full year extension.

An implosion against Naixi early in the knock out rounds of the next Copa Rushmori put a dampener on the idea that Glen Merson was going to save Euran football from nowhere, and World Cup 94 was a reminder of how far there is to go; Eura won automatic qualification from the qualifying stage – progress! – but fell short in the group stage of the tournament proper, as their sorry luck in group draws continued.

Nevertheless, Merson remains in place after the completion of the football review, which mainly targeted the domestic league for change. He is now taking Eura into his fourth tournament in what feels like no time at all, and suddenly the pressure is on; the squad is relatively young (though in midfield a couple of veterans have returned), but not inexperienced. There’s little pressure of high expectations, but there’s lots of pressure for a performance that will raise them in future.

Lucy Almwood’s final retirement from international football has come and Adam Woodman is likely to follow after this tournament, though Jack Menard could soldier on forever at this rate. That leaves the future to the duopoly of Alex Sharp and Sophie Singh, on whom Eura have become hugely dependent, to wrest Eura from its historic slump while they are still in their prime. They may fancy their chances in an unusual Copa format that resembles a World Cup qualifying stage, right after they bagged almost a goal a game in such a campaign.

Assistant Manager: Roland Hopkins (49,

Eura)

Merson initially kept on Rose’s assistant Roland Hopkins for the duration of the Cup of Harmony but has decided to retain Hopkins for as long as he has the role. Hopkins is mainly a disciplinarian rather than much of a tactician; its Merson who runs the show.

STYLE AND PERMISSIONS

Style Modifier: +3

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

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

SQUAD
Shirt number – name (F if female) – position – age – international caps – international goals – club

Goalkeepers

1 – Tom Hammond - GK - 29 – 76 caps -

Directus

13 – John Hewitt – GK – 31 – 34 caps -

Farrenton Athletic

30 – Sam Norman – GK – 26 – 6 caps -

Spartangrad

Defenders

2 – Ana Mason (F) - RWB - 30 – 108 caps – 6 goals -

Spartangrad

3 – Molly Taylor (F) – LWB/LB – 27 – 39 caps – 2 goals -

Falourr

4 – Jack Menard (CAPTAIN) - CB – 32 – 220 caps – 10 goals -

Ulsa

5 - Quentin Phillips - CB - 29 – 79 caps – 2 goals -

Holdenberg

15 – Jack Bedford – CB – 30 – 17 caps – 0 goals -

Revolutionaries

19 – Martin Pearce - CB – 27 – 35 caps – 0 goals -

Starling (Nephara)

21 – Edwin Lafferton – RWB – 29 – 0 caps – 0 goals -

Mountainside

23 – Isaac Doherty – LB – 29 – 18 caps – 0 goals -

Revolutionaries

25 – Kevin Sherwood - CB – 30 – 141 caps – 3 goals -

1830 Cathair (Audioslavia)

27 - Trent Grant - CB - 23 - 0 caps - 0 goals -

Bastion

Midfielders

6 - Jermaine Gates - CDM/CM - 29 – 111 caps – 4 goals -

Directus

7 – Adam Woodman – LW – 32 – 149 caps – 48 goals -

Directus

8 – Oscar Vincent - CM – 30 – 139 caps – 21 goals -

Holdenberg

11 – Owen James - RW/LW – 28 – 82 caps – 26 goals -

Chromatik (Chromatika)

12 – Dean Barnes – RAM/RW – 25 – 45 caps – 10 goals -

Directus

16 – Bobby Malone – RW – 33 – 128 caps – 44 goals –

Holdenberg

18 – Ben West – AM – 29 – 48 caps – 10 goals -

Falourr

20 – Trent Roberts – LM – 29 – 17 caps – 3 goals -

Spartangrad

22 – Jim Guta – AM – 27 – 4 caps – 1 goal -

Holdenberg City

24 – Flora Brown [F] – CM – 30 – 56 caps – 3 goals -

Sabrefell Moths (Nephara)

28 - Roy Champion - CM - 23 - 3 caps - 0 goals -

Holdenberg

29 - Rachel Lambert [F] - AM - 24 - 0 caps - 0 goals -

Holdenberg

Forwards

9 – Alex Sharp - ST – 28 – 90 caps – 51 goals -

Directus

10 – Sophie Singh (F) - AM/ST - 28 – 108 caps – 48 goals -

Chromatik (Chromatika)

14 – Kate Archer (F) – ST – 29 – 33 caps – 12 goals -

Crossroads (Chromatika)

17 – Tess Miller (F) - AM/ST - 25 – 35 caps – 11 goals -

Brinemouth (Nephara)

26 – Owen Holden – ST – 25 – 23 caps – 8 goals -

Revolutionaries

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

GK - 1. T Hammond
RWB – 2. A Mason
RCB - 4. J Menard
LCB – 5. Q Phillips
LWB – 3. M Taylor
RCM - 6. J Gates
LCM - 8. O Vincent
RW - 12. D Barnes
LW – 11. O James
RS - 10. S Singh
LS – 9. A Sharp

Player Roles

Squad Captain: Jack Menard
Vice-Captain: Jermaine Gates
Direct free kicks: Sophie Singh (Right footed)
Indirect free kicks: Sophie Singh (Right footed)
Right corner: Sophie Singh (Right footed)
Left corner: Sophie Singh (Right footed)
Penalties: 1. Alex Sharp 2. Sophie Singh 3. Oscar Vincent 4. Jack Menard 5. Owen James

Stadium

Eura play their international home games at the Bastion Arena, the 110,000 capacity all-seater stadium at the heart of Eura's capital.

Kits

World Cup 95 Roster Thread

Drawkland's Kick Corps

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