World Cup 96 - Rosters Thread

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:42 am

Siovanija & Teusland National Football Squad for World Cup 96 Qualifiers

Facts

Nation Name: United Republics of Siovanija and Teusland
Short Names: Siovanija and Teusland, the United Republics
Demonyms: Siovanijan, Teus
FA: Siovanija and Teusland Football Association (STFA)
Colours: Blue and gold
Anthem: ‘High Mountain Skies’
Capital City: Borograd
Other Major Cities: St. Jakob, Stelburg, Vlaikograd, Chernovets, Felsenkirchen
Highest Domestic League: Meisterschaft
Nicknames: The Goldhorns
Style Modifier: +3

Manager - Dominik Weismann

Dominik Weismann is the man charged with taking the Goldhorns back into the World Cup qualifiers. Weismann has been a long-time manager in Siovanija & Teusland, spending plenty of years as an assistant at FC Felsenkirchen 1879 in their golden years before steering their cross-town neighbours 1884 Felsenkirchen to a solid position within the Regionalliga Nordkuste. Weismann very much grew under the tutelage of Felsenkirchen’s legendary manager Leonard Wagner, and that specific style was at the forefront of the STFA’s decision making process here. Let’s face it: the Goldhorns have not played international football regularly in nearly a decade, and it is going to be a rough road back to where we once were. That Felsenkirchen mindset of ‘never-say-die’ and a team of fighters is the best possible route, at least in the first few campaigns, of getting back to the top. You can see that influence in Weismann’s squad selection, too: some veterans from the old days, who know what it takes to qualify for a World Cup (Lojze Kokalj, Taras Maksimov), some heroes from the generation who was just coming into stardom when the isolation began, and a heavy focus on the future of this team. 19 of the players selected are age 25 or younger, while 5 of the players are new graduates from the bronze-medal winning U21s. It’s not going to be an easy campaign, but the hope is the group will learn from these experiences and grow as the nation rises again.

Weismann, in addition to his commitment to instilling a hard-working culture in the team, is strongly committed to the 4-2-3-1 formation. He likes to use full backs who push forward and join in the attack, with distribution short from the keeper and having the centre-backs play the ball out. The two central midfielders usually feature one playmaker and one in a deeper, more defensive role. Up front, the wingers are quick and encouraged to shoot the ball, while the #10 is also encouraged to get forward and shoot where possible in quite an attacking set-up.

There is one possible spanner in the works. While Weismann is well-liked by the media in Siovanija & Teusland, and respected by the players, there is a feeling that everybody knows he is not the long-term solution. The STFA have not hidden it well that the dream is to have Thorsten Kramer take over this roster one day, and he was even offered the position already, however, as he only has a few years of senior experience so far he passed on the opportunity. Der Kaiser is too much of a legend in this country to not be given this job as soon as he even hints at wanting it, and so one wonders how much long-term planning and building Weismann will actually be able to do with this uncertainty. If he can bring in the proper mentality to this team, however, and show some positive growth, he can make a name for himself as a strong manager.

40-man squad for World Cup Qualifiers

*Tracking of caps/stats will begin after this tournament

Goalkeepers

GK -- Kamil Krziz -- 31y/o -- Energija Chernovets
GK -- Per Holz -- 30y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
GK -- Koloman Bodeker -- 28y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
GK -- Julijan Koprvic -- 33y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd

There’s a solid group of goalkeepers here for the Goldhorns. Kamil Krziz is the first choice, as he was at the ARC, and is generally considered to be the best goalkeeper in the country. However, Per Holz would not agree with that title - the Felsenkirchen man has been dominant for a decade between the sticks for his club, and now with the chance to play for his country finally upon him, he’s going to take every chance he can get. Koloman Bodeker is a bit behind the others on the pecking order, if only for less experience compared to Krziz and Holz, while Julijan Koprvic is familiar with international football having played for the Goldhorns pre-isolation, and remains a solid option at Metropola.

Left Backs

LB -- Otto Metzger -- 25y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
LB -- Sobeslav Volf -- 27y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd
LB -- Elias Schwefel -- 24y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
LB -- Silvestr Dolezal -- 27y/o -- FK Pomorie

Otto Metzger, the star fullback for Felsenkirchen, gets the nod here - it was never in doubt, really, given his incredible skill and also the fact that he fits into Dominik Weismann’s tactical system perfectly. The typical Teus fullback, Metzger has an excellent cross on him and is also incredibly quick both with and without the ball. Sobeslav Volf is a bit more defensive-minded - ironic, given how he was discussed as a young player breaking into the Goldhorns team many years ago. Elias Schwefel has shown some excellent performances for FC Teussen Stelburg, and is a bit more like Metzger in his role, although just a bit slower at the moment. Silvestr Dolezal is the outside pick, but is arguably the best fullback outside the Meisterschaft after a great season for his Pomorie side.

Centre Backs

CB -- Taras Maksimov -- 34y/o -- Energija Chernovets
CB -- Paul Steinhausl -- 30y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
CB -- Frantisek Polak -- 31y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd
CB -- Sebastian Rosler -- 21y/o -- Krutenau Kickers
CB -- Arnold Apel -- 20y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
CB -- Reinhard Listner -- 30y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg

Taras Maksimov is the veteran name here, having begun his career for the Goldhorns in World Cup 85 qualifiers and becoming a legendary figure in the backline of Energija Chernovets. He’s managed to maintain his strengths despite age through both a strong leadership presence and also incredible defensive IQ, allowing him to get into the proper position. Paul Steinhausl has been the best centre back in the country for a few years now, and has been absolutely sublime for Felsenkirchen so far this season. It’s no surprise that Steinhausl, who is excellent on the ball and also strong in the tackle, will expect to start most important games. Frantisek Polak and Reinhard Listner are two veteran names who both have limited experience with the pre-isolation Goldhorns - but most importantly are leaders for their club sides, Polak in particular well-known for his ability in one-on-one duels. Sebastian Rosler has been one of the top young defenders in the country, while Arnold Apel starred for the Goldhorns in their performance at the Di Bradini Cup, where he showed leadership ability and also incredible stamina, playing all 420 minutes in the knockout stages.

Right Backs

RB -- Matyas Hayek -- 27y/o -- Olympia Borograd
RB -- Rolf Reichenbach -- 20y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
RB -- Helmut Kadelberg -- 30y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
RB -- Jiri Fiser -- 28y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd

Matyas Hayek is the main choice here, the Olympia Borograd man getting the nod, although his style isn’t quite as good a fit for Weismann’s tactics as young Rolf Reichenbach. However, Reichenbach still needs some development, a bit raw in his young age, and so will need to earn more playing time. Behind him, Helmut Kadelberg would typically be the top choice but various injuries have limited him a bit in recent months, meaning he’ll need to get fitness back first. Finally, Jiri Fiser is an excellent option who can expect to start a few games and will be hoping to raise his stock during the qualifiers.

Centre Midfield

CM -- Jesper Porsche -- 28y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
CM -- Dietrich Traeger -- 29y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
CM -- Egon von Stein -- 22y/o -- 1912 Stelburg
CM -- Josef Kosch-Kovarik -- 27y/o -- FK Arsika (MYT)
CM -- Hans Gruber -- 20y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
CM -- Damir Prekmurje -- 22y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd

This is where the true strength of the Goldhorns - and Siovanija & Teusland football in general - has always been. The skillful, technical, forward-thinking central midfielder is the most stereotypical trope of the national game, and you can find them here in spades. Porsche, von Stein and Gruber all easily fall into this category. Porsche being of course the most famous and arguably the nation’s best player at the moment, the Felsenkirchen midfielder is something of a genius on the pitch with some of the passes he is able to play. Egon von Stein is not quite as polished as Porsche, but has an incredible stamina that allows him to run seemingly endlessly. Hans Gruber, meanwhile, was dominant for the Goldhorns at the Di Bradini Cup and received media comparison to Porsche and yes, of course, Thorsten Kramer. On the other hand, players like Dietrich Traeger and Damir Prekmurje are known for their ability to lie deep and recover the ball. Traeger in particular has a good partnership with Porsche for his country and Gruber at his club, a bit of a ‘dynamic duo’ in the midfield. Big, strong Prekmurje, meanwhile, will remind the astute viewer of one-time Goldhorn Vladimir Kostov, whose role could best be described as ‘midfield bully.’ Kosch-Kovarik, meanwhile, fresh off a move to Mytanija, is almost the best of both worlds: known for his incredible playmaking ability, but also very physically strong and willing to work hard to get the ball for himself.

Centre Attacking Midfield

CAM -- Dieter Rosberg -- 27y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
CAM -- Sven Theil -- 27y/o -- Marlesee 97
CAM -- Arpad Pavlicek -- 22y/o -- Zvezda Vlaikograd
CAM -- August von Teufelsberg -- 24y/o -- Taifun Vorstock

A position that typically has been a strength for the Goldhorns is arguably at this moment the weak point. Dieter Rosberg is a star for Felsenkirchen and has been for many years, playing almost as a second striker in some cases but having the football IQ to also know when to drop a bit deeper. Sven Theil is a bit more of your classical playmaker, and then we have the new boys: Pavlicek and von Teufelsberg. Both have been quite strong for their clubs in qualifying for the Meisterschaft, however, are unproven both at the international level and over a longer body of work. Both men, then, will be hoping to grab this chance with both hands and carve out a place in the future of the national team.

Left Wing

LW -- Veljko Vadimic -- 19y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd
LW -- Jochen Koegel -- 24y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
LW -- Lojze Kokalj -- 32y/o -- Shearwater (KSK)
LW -- Zbynek Musil -- 23y/o -- Vrnovo Mesto

The biggest wonderkid in Siovanija & Teusland at the moment, Veljko Vadimic, is expected to start most games in the left wing position after a dominant performance at the Di Bradini Cup and also for his club. Vadimic famously terrorizes fullbacks back home with incredible speed and technical skill, but his end product is arguably the most valuable part of him - Vadimic is a specialist in shots from outside the box. Jochen Koegel will also get the opportunity to show his skill for the national team, with the Felsenkirchen man making his debut, while Lojze Kokalj, capped over 50 times in the pre-isolation era, serves as a link to the past and a veteran presence. Zbynek Musil had a strong year for Vrnovo Mesto, and as a result he gets a chance to wear the national team shirt.

Right Wing

RW -- Florian Krukenberg -- 31y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879
RW -- Gustaf Liechtenstein -- 30y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg
RW -- Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik -- 24y/o -- TSV Marzig
RW -- Steffen Berlin -- 19y/o -- Avidë (PAS)

The debate that the Goldhorns had over this spot years ago, pre isolation - Krukenberg or Liechtenstein - remains the same debate many years later. Both offer similar strengths, good at scoring goals, good at making crosses - but each offer little differences from the other. Krukenberg is a hard-working winger who easily seems to find chemistry with other players on the park; Liechtenstein brings incredible technical skill that allows him to beat defenders as well as great vision for his runs. Expect both to get significant playing time. The second of the Kosch-Kovarik brothers, Aleksander, remains at TSV Marzig - and while the brothers don’t play for the same club anymore, they do wear the same national team shirt. Aleks has raw pace in spades, and is absolutely dynamic down the sideline. He just needs to work on his final product. Steffen Berlin, meanwhile, was another star of the Di Bradini Cup who will have plenty of chances to wear the gold shirt for his country in the future.

Forward

CF -- Blahoslav Zak -- 28y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd
CF -- Bogdan Kubica -- 29y/o -- Zvezda Vlaikograd
CF -- Gregor Bischoffshausen -- 23y/o -- FC St. Jakob
CF -- Michael Burger -- 25y/o -- VfL Reinbronn
CF -- Denis Dezelac -- 31y/o -- FC Hondo (VAL)
CF -- Uwe Seidl -- 20y/o -- Stahl Sterzing
CF -- Patrik Hohenlowe -- 22y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg

The Goldhorns have historically had some legendary names in this position - Dinev, Kynev, Ribbeck and so on. And now a new generation seeks to make a name for themselves. Blahoslav Zak has been the best forward in the nation during the isolation period, and the Metropola poacher is looking to open his international account here. Bogdan Kubica is a big, powerful forward who doesn’t quite fit the typical archetype of a Goldhorns’ forward, but is someone Weismann can bring on to mix it up. Gregor Bischoffshausen had a break-out year for St. Jakob and seems to have an excellent ability to somehow find an opening to shoot from, even in the tightest spots. Michael Burger has been great for Reinbronn, meanwhile, shooting them all the way to the Meisterschaft this season, and is good both on the ground and in the air. Denis Dezelac is the veteran presence here, now playing for FC Hondo in Valanora, the man with many goals to his name in the pre-isolation era, as well as for former club Olympia Borograd, is hoping to be in the spotlight once again. Then it’s the young guns: Uwe Seidl, who was dominant at the Di Bradini Cup in earning a bronze medal, and Patrik Hohenlowe - the FC Teussen Stelburg forward who is perhaps a bit underrated, and will be hoping to make a name for himself here.

First-choice Starting XI

Krziz; Metzger, Maksimov, Steinhausl, Hayek; Porsche, Traeger; Vadimic, Rosberg, Krukenberg; Zak

(In most important games, however, call-ups to vary by opponent)

Set Pieces:

Free Kicks: Florian Krukenberg, Jesper Porsche
Penalties: Blahoslav Zak, Dieter Rosberg, Veljko Vadimic, Jesper Porsche, Florian Krukenberg

Captains

Captain: Taras Maksimov
Vice Captains: Jesper Porsche, Lojze Kokalj

Kits

The home kit will be gold with black lettering and a black collar. It will feature black shorts as well as gold and black socks. The away kit will be white with gold lettering and a gold collar. It will feature gold shorts as well as white and gold socks. The goalkeeper kit will be green with gold lettering and a gold collar. It will feature green shorts as well as green and gold socks.

RP Permissions

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Choose Scoring Events: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y, I determine length/severity
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out Red cards to my players: Y
Godmod Other Events: N (TG me if you want to discuss something, however)

Schedule and Host Stadia

To celebrate the return of the Goldhorns to the World Cup, the decision was taken to host the matches at various stadia across the country. Some, such as the Nationalstadion, have hosted the Goldhorns before, while for others - such as the new Stadion Razdrto in Borograd - will play host to the national team for the first time.

MD1 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Pasarga (Nationalstadion, Stelburg, 70,000)
MD2 - Independent Athletes from Quebec vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD3 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Cardenao (Stadion Vrnovo, Vrnovo, 40,000)
MD4 - Doubeia vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD5 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Vyktoria (Draistadion, St. Jakob, 60,000)
MD6 - Amenria vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD7 - Bye
MD8 - Pasarga vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD9 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Independent Athletes from Quebec (Stadion Razdrto ‘Vijolicni’, Borograd, 61,000)
MD10 - Cardenao vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD11 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Doubeia (Mollin Park, Felsenkirchen, 45,000)
MD12 - Vyktoria vs Siovanija & Teusland
MD13 - Siovanija & Teusland vs Amenria (Narodnistadion Pomorie, Pomorie, 35,000)

by **Sajnur** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:49 am

Sajnur National Football Team: World Cup 96 Qualifying

Stadiums

National Stadium

The National Stadium is the largest stadium in Sajnur, with a capacity of 102,000 people. Located in the capital city of Javoser, home to more than 12.5 million people, it is the primary arena for big sporting events in the country, hosting a semi-final and most finals of Sajnur’s FA Cup, and several finals of the Tarvolan League, tarvolan being a code of football indigenous to Sajnur and traditionally Sajnur’s biggest sport. It has also hosted the biggest of Sajnur’s concerts and the inaugurations of two Presidents.

Built in 1952 and renovated in 2015, the stadium has a retractable roof, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and affordable food and drink options to provide a comfortable experience for all fans while the stadium has been designed to allow fans to produce a raucous atmosphere befitting of large sporting events. The stadium is easily accessible by public transport, and has thousands of parking spaces for those who choose to arrive in their own vehicles.

Niurka Stadium

Home of FK Khadur, arguably Sajnur’s biggest football club, Niurka Stadium is located in the Khadur area of Ciarkhan, a bustling metropolis of 4.6 million people that serves as Laghia’s state capital. Laghia was a territory acquired by Sajnur in a war stretching from 1982 to 1996, and it is the Laghian people that popularised football in Sajnur. As a result, the province has eight of Sajnur’s 32 professional football clubs despite having only 1/8 of the country’s population, and Niurka Stadium hosts the other semi-final and some finals of Sajnur’s FA Cup.

The stadium, built in 2006, was named after Nicolae Niurka, who was a Laghian partisan that served as a general against Laghia’s pre-1982 rulers and was killed in combat in 1995, aged just 46. With a capacity of 73,000, it is the largest stadium used by a team in the Sajnuran Premier League. Like the National Stadium, it has a retractable roof, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of affordable food and drink options, with many food options being traditional to Laghia. The stadium is easily accessible by public transport, but parking space may be limited on particularly busy days.

Queen Haqla Stadium

Queen Haqla Stadium is a 60,000 seat stadium near the centre of Roskjepa, the capital of Delta state and, with 6.7 million people, the second largest in Sajnur. Home to Rivers FC, the stadium is a regular venue for intimidating displays from Rivers fans, with flares, aggressive chanting, and large banners being a common sight, especially in derbies between Rivers and cross-town rivals Stormers FC.

The stadium was built in 1960 and renovated in 2016, and has all the amenities of the National and Niurka stadiums, while being a prominent sight on the Jagaroi River. As such, along with bus and train, the stadium is also accessible by the Jagaroi River’s ferry. However, like in Ciarkhan, access by car may be difficult. Queen Haqla, for whom the stadium is named, reigned over Sajnur from 681 to her death in 727.

Siyaka Island Stadium

Siyaka Island Stadium is the largest stadium in the Asulian states, with 66,000 people able to fit within its confines. Located in the outskirts of Tawqush, a city of about 5.4 million serving as the capital of Archipelago state, the stadium is the home of FC Mazigh, the foremost football club in the Asulian states. Fans on Siyaka Island often bring instruments to matches, ranging from the arghul to large drums to even accordions, posing both as support to those they like and a distraction for those who they wish to lose.

The stadium is the newest of the four national stadiums, being built in 2017 on what was the Mujar port before it was bombed by the Sajnuran navy during a war that stretched from 1990-2003. The stadium is easily accessible by both car and public transport, and with the New Mujar port being built as part of the stadium development, coastal and island hopping ferries can also stop right outside the stadium.

Full Roster

Core players in bold

Player                  Age  G  Position       Club

Natasha Kirai           38   F  GK             Capitals Javoser
Siana Avordyn           29   F  GK             Javoser Pirates

Silja Jorse             35   F  RB/RW/LB/LW    Unattached
Nelson Baziru           34   M  RB/CB/RM       Stormers FC
Hatu Raglan             38   M  CB/RB          Canalave Dragons 
Olah Pracia             34   M  CB             FK Khadur
Kahala Murje [vc]       37   F  CB/LB          Unattached
Hela Isarghie           39   F  LB/LM          Unattached
Coco Martenko           27   F  LB/LM          Capitals Javoser

Toljo Latvala           36   F  CDM/CB         Stormers FC
Kojete Bauman           26   F  CDM/CM         Border FC
Tova Dakher             29   F  RM/RW          Javoser Pirates
Aurora Merelu           25   F  CM/CDM/CAM     Stormers FC
Tatiana Pavlov          36   F  CM/LM/LW       Ciarkhan City
Jessica Siafik [c]      41   F  CM/CAM/CF      Unattached
Tia Parci               37   F  CM/CAM/CF      Stormers FC
Cristiano Karaji        38   M  LM/LB          Marinos Metropolis 

Parjazu                 39   O  CF/RW/RM/ST    Sarim Potato FC 
Ella Ciuru              36   F  CF/LW/ST/LB    Branvon CD 
Indigo Taylor           30   F  ST/CF/RW/CAM   Ashton Olympic 
Elyudi Samiryan         29   O  ST             Rivers Roskjepa
Violet Valera           28   F  LW/CF/ST/CAM   Stormers FC
Erin Taranov            25   F  LW/LM          Anro United

Manager: Chloe Saukanen
Typical Formations: 3-4-3, 3-5-2, 4-3-3
Style Modifier: +4
Free Kicks: Siafik, Jorse, Parci
Corners: Siafik, Merelu, Jorse
Penalties: Anyone on a hattrick, otherwise whoever wins the penalty

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers:        Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y, but TG me for FIFA style bullshit
Injure Players:               Y
Godmod Injury Events:         Y, but I decide severity
Red Card Players:             Y
Yellow Card Players:          Y
Godmod other events:          TG me
=================================

Jerseys, by Brusseldorf

by **Arjunnagar** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:28 pm

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
I would prefer you choose these scorers:
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: No
Godmod other events:No
Generate stadium happenings: Yes

Style Modifier:+5
Team Name: Orunolaya(formerly known as Arjunnagar)

Coaching Staff:

Coach: Sibaji Bwisumatary
Assistant Coach: Jaxon Marshall
Manager: Shawon Boro

Roster:

Goalkeepers:

Darihun Miri (Age: 29) - Starter
Arumoy Chamlagai (Age: 25) - Reserve

Defenders:

Borjun Mushahary (Age: 28) - Starter
Dhonnomoy Jowara(Captain) (Age: 30) - Starter
Aponichai Beshoniya (Age: 22) - Starter
Kanchi Samuguria (Age: 26) - Reserve
Rishang Haloi (Age: 24) - Reserve

Midfielders:

Rimphulam Islary (Age: 29) - Starter
Biloi Syangjoli (Age: 24) - Starter
Lachit Golari (Age: 30) - Starter
Dinamoi Burua (Age: 25) - Starter
Singhur Jorphukon (Age: 24) - Reserve
Jahan Dehiru (Age: 26) - Reserve

Forwards:

Aangsuman Xaloi (Age: 27) - Starter
Pronoi Hazowary (Age: 27) - Starter
James Buragohain (Age: 34) - Starter
Trianshu Khargoriya (Age: 27) - Reserve
Surjoi Pukhuri (Age: 25) - Reserve

Formation:3-5-2

Key Players:
Darihun Miri (Goalkeeper): A stalwart presence between the posts, Miri's agility and reflexes make him a formidable last line of defense.
Dhonnomoy Jowara (Defender, Captain): Captain of the team, Jowara's leadership and defensive prowess solidify the backline, thwarting opposition attacks with his strength and tactical acumen.
Aangsuman Xaloi (Forward): Xaloi's blistering pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defenses, often capitalizing on counter-attacks with lethal precision.
Rimphulam Islary (Midfielder): Islary's creativity and vision in midfield drive the team's attacking play, orchestrating moves and providing crucial assists to unlock stubborn defenses.
James Buragohain (Forward): A seasoned striker, Buragohain's experience and goal-scoring instincts add depth to the team's offensive arsenal, often coming through in clutch moments.
Takeaways:
High-Pressing Game: The Orunolaya team excels in applying relentless pressure on opponents, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes to launch swift counter-attacks.
Dynamic Midfield: With a blend of skillful midfielders like Islary and hardworking players like Syangjoli, the team dominates the midfield battle, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
Versatile Attack: The team boasts a versatile attacking lineup, capable of scoring from various positions and adapting to different game situations, making them a formidable force to reckon with in the final third.
Solid Defense: Led by Jowara, the defense is well-organized and resolute, effectively shutting down opposition threats and providing a strong foundation for the team's aggressive style of play.
Jerseys
(Unable to post a Picture)The Orunolayan soccer jerseys are dark teal and purple

by **Natanians and Nosts** » Tue Apr 02, 2024 3:16 pm

Kits made by:K Kits

# name position height club

45	Mihai Xosé Apilescu	 	goalkeeper	36	1,90	S.C. N-City
2	Rato Ret	 	 	r. wingback	43	1,80	Notrina Lat F.C.
27	Cláudius Petre Constantinescu	centre back	27	1,78	The N. Blue Lions
28	Mikhail Ioan Ionescu	 	centre back	27	1,80	The N. Blue Lions
69	Caeso Júlio Probus	 	d. midfielder	25	1,80	T-natanicus F.C.
6	Laço Tralto	 	 	l. wingback	43	1,80	Notrina Lat F.C.
5	Rodion Mihai Wafa	 	d. midfielder	30	1,83	The N. Blue Lions
7	John Cramer	 	  	a. midfielder	26	1,97	The N. Blue Lions
8	Mihai C. Mureșan-Antonescu	a. midfielder	33	1,80	The S. Blue Lions
20	John Mihai García	 	centre-forward	24	1,87	Notrina Lat A. A.
25	Sheldon Ubuntu	 	 	centre-forward	26	1,90	The Northern Blue Lions
1	Daniel Whitcliffe	 	goalkeeper 	34	 	Dínamo N-City
38	Ion Petre Alencastre	 	centre back	27	1,79	T-natanicus F.C.
14	Marcus Caeso Domicianus	 	r. wingback	37	1,75	S.C. N-City
15	Paulus Mihai D'Orville       	centre back	30	1,90	S.C. N-City
16	Michel Carvalho	 	 	l. wingback	39	 	The Northern Blue Lions
54	Jack Kramer	 	 	a. midfielder	26	1,93	Catamulina Catarollas (Cardenao)
18	Tătareanu	 	 	d. midfielder	26	1,80	T-natanicus F.C.
19	Carolus Mihai Arriaga	 	d. midfielder	20		Ironpeak (ARC)
10	Natan Gabriel Ademélsson-Vit	   striker	23	1,79	Dínamo N-City
21	Márius C. Mureșan-Antonescu	   striker	21	1,78	The S. Blue Lions
24	Ioan Magnus Shroom	 	goalkeeper	28	2,15	F.C. Northern Light

captain's name is in blue

Starters

Stadiuns/Stadia:Stadion Nacional (home games are likely to occur here)
Stadion Tyrannosaurus natanicus
Arenă N-City
Arenă Notrina Lat

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers:Yes*
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod Injuries to my players:No
Give Yellow Cards to my players:Yes (Maximum three per match)
Give Red Cards to my players:Yes (One per match,but never the goalkeeper)
Godmod other events:No
Style Modifier:-3

*Players that have the probability of scoring(in order from more probable to least,by number):
25,(10,)20,(21,)7,8,(54,)69,5,27,28,(18,14,15,19)

EDIT:Correcting mistake

by **Banija** » Wed Apr 03, 2024 5:02 pm

Banija National Team- The Kadongo Kamu

Two-Time Defending World Cup Champions

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan(s)
Association: Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA)
Nickname: The Kadongo Kamu
Manager: Pamela Scott, 58 years old, native of the Commonwealth of Baker Park. Head Women's Coach at Northern Baker Park State University UAC National Championships in back to back seasons Manager of the Westwood Sprites Ladies, led the club to 2 Women's National League titles in her 3 seasons. Women's National Team Manager, later BPNT Manager beginning in WC83 cycle. BOF runner-up/AOCAF 58 3rd Place. Farfadills NT Manager cycles 85-88. Took the job after Banija failed to qualify for World Cup 89. Has completed 5 full cycles as the Banijan NT manager, has now won two AOCAFs and two World Cups, firmly establishing herself in the conversation as one of the greatest international managers of all time.
Senior Assistant Manager: Todd Malembe. 42 years old, Banijan native. Former Assistant manager with Capitol City FC.
Captain: Adin Wasawo
Alternate Captain: Hebron Rao
Home Kits: Green
Away Kits: White
Alternate: Orange

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss. No deaths without my permission)
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes(please state what injury they have suffered and how many games they will miss. No deaths without my permission)
Godmod other events: Yes(However, there is a hard ban on any Banijan nationals, player or fans or whoever, from catching a pandemic)
Style modifier: +3.5

Brief National Team History
The Kadongo Kamu have played in exactly 748 games, as of the start of World Cup 95. This is the 23rd World Cup cycle overall for this NT, and our 15th entry into the World Cup Finals. We have entered in 19 previous World Cup Qualification campaigns(WCQ73, WCQ74, WCQ75, WCQ76, WCQ77, WCQ79, WCQ80, WCQ82, WCQ84, WCQ85, WCQ86, WCQ87, WCQ88, WCQ89, WCQ90, WCQ91, WCQ92, WCQ93, WCQ94), and have successfully qualified for 15 out of the last 16 World Cups, famously missing World Cup 89 while we were ranked 5th in the world. We have also participated in Baptism of Fire 60, and been a participant in four different Cup of Harmonies(CoH 66, CoH 67, CoH 71, and CoH 81). In four Cups of Harmony, Banija has only once moved past the group stage, in CoH 81, and they promptly fell on penalties in the Round of 16. In their lone Baptism of Fire, they earned a lone point.

After not competing at all during the World Cup 78 Cycle due to the RBSA's bankruptcy, they re-entered the world of international football in World Cup 79 cycle. A shocking World Cup 79 Qualification campaign saw them on the brink of qualifying, but the team simply ran out of gas and lost 4 of their final 5 matches to not make it to Ceni/Drawkland. Since then, the U21 team got 3rd place at the 42nd Di Bradini Cup, and the national team advanced to the quarterfinals of AOCAF LV, AOCAF LVI, and AOCAF LVII, establishing themselves as a strong regional side, falling to the eventual champs in the latter two tournaments. They stunningly qualified for World Cup 80, after starting poorly by losing 5 of their first 9, to going unbeaten in the second half of qualifying, where they won 7 of those games. In the World Cup 80 Qualification playoffs, a 3-0 first leg victory in Montreal, Royal Kingdom of Quebec, powered the team through to their first ever appearance in the World Cup Finals, advancing to sport's pre-eminent competition 5-3 on aggregate over Mercedini. While a pair of one goal losses saw them eliminated after two games, they earned their first ever victory at the World Cup Finals in a 2-0 win over New Gazi in their final group stage game. As they hosted World Cup 81, they went directly to the tournament, and went to their first ever knockout stages, winning Group A before falling, 1-1(2-1 AET) to Turori in the Round of 16. They cruised to qualification in World Cup 82, maintaining a top two spot in their World Cup Qualification group behind Brenecia for the entirety of the World Cup 82 Qualification campaign, getting to the tournament with relative ease before bowing out in the group stages.

The World Cup 83 cycle was their strongest yet. Starting with AOCAF LVIII on home soil, co-hosted with the Commonwealth of Baker Park, the Kadongo Kamu won 6 consecutive matches to open the tournament, taking their winning streak all the way to the final. Unfortunately, they were felled, 4-2, at home to their archrivals, the Equestrian States. Co-hosting World Cup 83 as well, the Banijans made a miraclous run at the World Cup, upending 5th ranked South Covelllo on penalties, and defeating the then two-time defending world champions Vilita in the quarterfinals, before falling, 3-2, at the national stadium to Starblaydia. They added to the trophy case, however, earning a bronze medal after defeating Cassadaigua in the 3rd place playoff game.

The World Cup 84 cycle, the first with real title expectations for the Banijans, was a disappointment in the regionals, as we fell 1-0 to Ko-oren in the AOCAF Round of 16, although we advanced to the quarterfinals of World Cup 84 before dropping to Eura in extra time. The World Cup 85 cycle seems to be a promise of hope for the Banijans. Although AOCAF LX was a rough tournament for the Banijans, it was surrounded by two excellent tournament performances for the Banijans. We won the U21 World Cup(DBC 47), and are just coming off earning our first ever senior-level trophy, by winning the 8th Eagle's Cup to be admitted as a full, permanent member of the Eagle's Club right before the beginning of World Cup Qualifying. Following that, the Banijans dominated World Cup 85 Qualifying, going wire-to-wire as the first place team in their World Cup Qualifying group, as well as earning more points in World Cup Qualifying(67) than any other team did throughout the entire campaign. Those strong performances both in the Eagle's Cup and World Cup Qualifying have caused fans to put an up and down AOCAF behind them, and heighten the standard for World Cup 85. While they escaped the group stages with four points, strong wins over Vilita and Zwangzug in the knockouts put them on course for a medal, as they eventually beat allies Baker Park in the bronze medal match, after falling 3-2 to the eventual champions Free Republics in the semifinal.

After a return to the AOCAF LXI Quarterfinals, their first quarterfinal appearance in the last 3 editions of the regional championships, they fell to Chromatika on penalties. The World Cup 86 Qualification campaign went rather swimmingly- the national team went a perfect 18-0-0 in World Cup Qualifying, the first time that had happened in well over 10 cycles. The multiverse's #1 ranked squad was brimming with confidence, the two-time bronze medalists entering World Cup 86 trying to win the biggest trophy in all of sports for the first time.

Marcus Waters has always preached the following- "you've got to win at home before you can win the World Cup." It's always meant you've got to win in Atlantian Oceania before you can expect to win the World Cup. And while we've never won the AOCAFs, our group was all Atlantian Oceania sides- Ko-oren, Chromatika, and Mriin. We finished in first place with a 1-0 win over Ko-oren, a 2-2 draw against Chromatika, and a 0-0 draw against Mriin being enough to earn 5 points. Then, we faced a gauntlet of former World champions. A 1-0 win over them put us in our fourth consecutive World Cup Quarterfinal, against 5 time World champions Valanora. A thrilling 4-3 win put us in the semifinal, again facing a GSW rival- World Cup 84 winners Farfadillis. In one of the wildest World Cup semifinals ever played, Banija came out on top 7-6, with a stoppage time winner to put them in the Final against the World Cup 85 winners Nephara. It was a true game of the century- neither team had lost a competitive match since the start of World Cup Qualifying, neither losing during Qualifying or the Finals. And in that thriller, it would be the Banijans who would win, taking a lead and holding onto it, winning by 3 goals to 2 against Nephara to lift the trophy and declare themselves World Cup Champions.

The ensuing AOCAF was strong, but not as strong as they wanted it to be. After starting slowly and losing their opening two games, they finished well done the stretch of group play, and even won a pair of knockout stage games before eventually falling to the champions, Baker Park, in the Semifinals. The Banijans redeemed themselves by earning a bronze medal against Sarzonia. The team took a B squad to Eagle's Cup IX, but a strong performance there landed them a silver medal, losing in the final to Valanora. World Cup 87 did not go the way they expected, getting eliminated in the group stages for the first time since World Cup 82. But we recovered in the World Cup 88 cycle. While a quarterfinal elimination at both Eagle's Cup X and AOCAF LXIII were not great, we were unbeaten in World Cup 88 Qualifying, and reached the World Cup 88 Semifinals, eliminating the defending champions Nephara and falling to the eventual champions Turori along the way. We used that momentum of the semfiinal run to finally earn a regional title, as on our 10th try, we finally won the AOCAFs, defeating Hapilopper in the semifinals and Valanora in the Final, winning both matches via penalty kick shootouts.

That regional title meant little in World Cup Qualifying, however, as Pemecutan and Zwangzug both pipped past Banija to automatically qualify for the World Cup, and left Banija in the dust, gasping for air. That called for a reset from the RSBA, which led to Marcus Waters resigning and Pam Scott be hired. While neither the Cup of Harmony nor the AOCAFs went particularly well, Pam Scott's laser focus on qualifying for the World Cup was a success, as the team not only went to World Cup 90, but showed up in style, winning a pair of penalty shootouts, before falling to the eventual winners, The Holy Empire, on PKs, in the semifinals. They still beat Valanora in the third place match, 2-1, to earn their third overall bronze medal. To reset things for World Cup 91, Banija easily won our qualification group, but flopped on our face in the Finals- losing our last two group stage matches after opening the tournament with 3 points, and promptly falling out at the group stages.

Pam Scott changed the mood entirely following, however, as the Banijans surprised many by winning AOCAF 67, including eliminating tournament favorites, Valanora, on home soil. The team built on that, in what was one of their best cycles ever- after going unbeaten in Qualifying (17 wins and 3 draws, with no losses), they went to the World Cup with confidence. After winning their group with ease, 7 points, they made it all the way to their Second ever World Cup Final, at World Cup 92. Wins over Squidroidia and world number ones Turori followed in the knockout stages, followed by a PK shootout victory over Valanora. But in the World Cup 92 Final, they fell at the final hurdle, as Zwangzug lifted the sport's ultimate trophy. While they could not retain their regional title, losing to the host nations, Valanora, in the AOCAF 68 Final, the lessons learned were paramount. They reached the World Cup and turned on another gear, earning their second ever World Cup title after defeating Chromatika, 4-3, in the World Cup 93 Final.

After they fell in the semifinals of AOCAF 69, the question was- could Banija repeat on the world stage? And the answer, undoubtedly, was yes. In sensational fasion, the Banijans earned their third ever World Cup title in a title defense- going a combined 25-0-2(W-L-D) across Qualifying and the World Cup Finals combined to earn a championship at World Cup 94. And they maintained the form at the AOCAFs- turning down worthy challenger after worthy challenger to do something they have never done before- be regional and world champions at the same time.

Unfortunately, the chase for the threepeat died miserably- World Cup 95 was a nightmarish campaign. The Qualifying campaign barely got off the ground, and it never really went anywhere- although we qualified, it was only via a last minute decider via a playoff- not what a team looking to win a World Cup title is looking to do. And the poor form carried over when it counted most, as it resulted in a group stage knockout for Banija. They head to World Cup 96 hungry, looking for redemption after their last campaign.

Statistics(Up to date as of right before the start of World Cup 95, friendlies included. Banijan statisticians count OT and PK shootout wins and losses as wins and losses, as opposed to draws like most international statisticians):
All-Time Record: 470-191-118(W-L-D)
All-Time Winning Percentage: 60.33% (Wins over total games played)
All-Time Points Percentage: 65.38% (Wins plus 1/3rd of draws over total games played)
Current WCC Rank: #1
Current AOCAF Rank: #1
Top 15 All-Time Leading Goal Scorers: Italicized players are retired from international duty. Bold players are active players.
1. T2. Abel Wesoloski-Okafor(126 goals)
2. Ilman Jawara(110 goals)
3. Gitonga Kahara(109 goals)
4. Idai Uster(89 goals)
5. Sarafina Ikpeazu(74 goals)
6. Kausu Dione(67 goals)
7. Lolong Bokate(66 goals)
[i]8. Namakula Kawesa(59 goals)
9. Madu Okparra(57 goals)
10. Chibuzo Afolayan(54 goals)
11. Mzukisi Nzo(49 goals)
12. Gereh Kama(45 goals)
13. Kiggwe Mavuto(43 goals)
14. Toyuwa Okafor(37 goals)
15. Dembo Savaneh(36 goals)

World Cup Appearances: 15- World Cup 80, World Cup 81(co-hosts), World Cup 82, World Cup 83(co-hosts), World Cup 84, World Cup 85, World Cup 86, World Cup 87, World Cup 88, World Cup 90, World Cup 91, World Cup 92, World Cup 93, World Cup 94, World Cup 95
Times Ranked #1 in the KPB- First Stretch(5 rank updates): Pre-World Cup 86 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 86 Finals, Pre-World Cup 87 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 87 Finals
Second & Current Stretch(3 rank updates): Pre-World Cup 94 Finals, Pre-World Cup 95 Qualifying, Pre-World Cup 95 Finals

Trophy Cabinet:
Senior-Level
Champions of World Cup 94
Champions of World Cup 93
Champions of World Cup 86
Champions of Eagle's Cup VIII
Champions of AOCAF LXIV
Champions of AOCAF LXVII
Champions of AOCAF LXX
Winner of the Inaugural Afro-Caribbean Heritage Festival
2nd Place at World Cup 92
2nd Place at AOCAF LVIII
2nd Place at AOCAF LXVIII
2nd Place at Eagle's Cup IX(Winners of the tournament's Cup of Champions)
3rd Place at World Cup 83
3rd place at World Cup 85
3rd place at World Cup 90
3rd Place at AOCAF LXII
3rd Place atAOCAF LXIX
3rd place at the United Valhaven Regional Football Championships
3rd Place at the Second Afro-Carribean Heritage Festival

Youth Level
Champions of the 8th Sporting World Cup
Champions of the 47th Di Bradini Cup
3rd place at 42nd Di Bradini Cup
3rd place at the 17th RTC U18 World Cup

World Cup Hall of Famers
Adama Sowe(former RBSA Chairman, current WCC Vice President)
GItonga Kahara(all-time leading goalscorer, World Cup winning captain, all-time cap leader)
Marcus Waters(Banija's winningest manager, has led Banija to 100% of our World Cup Qualifications, and has never failed to qualify for the Finals)
Namakula Kawesa(first female star, 3rd all-time leading goalscorer at time of retirement)
Kuma Bultum(Champions League Winner, World Cup winner, most appearances on the Galacticos list for a Banijan)

Green Home Kit
White Away Kit
Orange Alternate Kit

After 11 cycles using kits from Filindostan, the RBSA has switched to our new kit providers from Dantopia, a company called Nerio! All of Nerio's football kits are created exclusively with 100% polyester sourced from ocean plastics, as part of Nerio's 'cliMATE' campaign

World Cup 96 Qualifying

Starters: 4-2-1-3.
Players who are based in a foreign league are bolded.
Players who have never participated in World Cup Qualifying before are italicized.
BSL = Banijan Soccer League, Banija's second tier. National league. S-FPL is the joint first tier soccer league for Farfadillis, Banija, and the Busoga Islands.
GK #23 Hebron Rao. Age 36. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL. Female.
LB #44 Opio Ssambwa. Age 26. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
LCB #30 Kutaaka Muteesa. Age 26. Plays for Montreal City in the Q-League.
RCB #3 Adin Wasawo. Age 32. Plays for Spartangrad in Eura. Captain.
RB #15 Daraja Kanka. Age 22. Plays for La Querida in the S-FPL.
CM #25 Oguta Achuka. Age 33. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CM #8 Aquila Hongo. Age 30. Plays for Maethoru SC in Ko-oren.
CAM #10 Sergius Atieno. Age 32. Plays for Schemerdrecht SVV in Ko-oren.
LW #7 Lavyin Son-Saka. Age 22. Plays for St. John's Arsenal in the Q-League.
ST #9 Abel Wesoloski-Okafor. Age 32. Male. Plays for Tanrısal in Pasarga.
RW/RM #11 Lolong Bokate. Age 33. Plays for Dí Maozöxê(Farfadillis) in the S-FPL.
Bench:
GK #35 Hebron Yiena. Age 34. Plays for Busukuma AC in the S-FPL. Female.
GK #39 Salathiel Kavuuma. Age 23. Plays for the Busukuma Force in the S-FPL.
LB #20 Sohna Kolley. Age 34. Female. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CB #4 Bbale Luboobi. Age 29. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
CB #5 Opio Bikya. Age 28. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL.
RB #2 Festus Hera. Age 33. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
CM #6 Yob Yeyeh Aan. Age 25. Banijan/Farf dual-national. Plays for FK Arsika in Mytanija.
CM #14 Araba Fanja.. Age 21. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL.
CAM #15 Zion Izuchukwu. Age 33. Plays for Mynda Electra in the S-FPL.
LW/RW #21 Dembo Savaneh. Age 32. Plays for Istria City FC in the S-FPL.
RW/LW #22 Odongo Kagenda. Age 25. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
ST #12 Jônn Wérséô. Age 24. Plays for Mâ Âlâmëómë in the S-FPL. Rulandea, Farfadillis. Farf/Banijan dual-national, born to Farf refugees in Busukuma.

Notes:
- Our free kicks are taken by Layvin Son-Saka. Our corner kicks are taken by the winger on whatever side the corner kick is on.
- Our penalty kicks are taken by Abel Wesoloski-Okafor.

Select Player Bios

1. ST Abel Wesoloski-Okafor

The dual-national superstar. Being born in, and growing up in, Quebec & Shingoyreo, he was expected to try and play for their NT- even though he was eligible for Banija through a birth parent. But with the striker position clogged up in Quebec, he moved to Banija to play, and got an opportunity to shine at the club level as a teenager here. He moved to the S-FPL, for a lower level team, and then moved his way into the national team. While he's now plying his trade in Pasarga, he's seized his opportunity, quickly working his way to the starting XI, and he got the #9 jersey at the age of 24- Banija's star player at the position, benefitting by the stunning lack of depth at the position behind him.

He is, far and away, the country's best striker- and has been the only truly NT worthy striker for this country for quite some time. While certainly a hard decision to choose to play for his country of origin rather than his country of birth, he has excelled since joining the Banijan national team. Out to prove himself over the years, he has done so and then some- being the first name on the team sheet for the most successful two cycle period in the history of the Kadongo Kamu. He's won a regional title and now a World Cup title, and his brace in the World Cup 93 Final, where Banija was victorious, sealed his title as a legend of the game forever. Not to mention, the dual-national got true recognition for it, winning the Testículo de Oro Award- aka being named the world player of the year for his exploits for both club and country

Clearly Banija's best ever #9, he's trying to build his legacy as Banija's best ever player- period. He's finally got competition for minutes, but he's shattering records- he became the all-time leading scorer for the green & orange at the AOCAFs, and still has a few cycles left to add to that tally. Can he do so in spectacular fashion? How many will he retire with- can he get to 130? Possibly even 150?

2. Layvin Son-Saka

The most hyped prospect, in this sport anyways, is Gitonga Kahara for Banija. Those who are old enough to remember the hype coming out of DBC 42- well, you can say that he lived up to it, having a storybook ending for his career- his last game for Banija, captaining our country to our first ever World Cup title. Son-Saka has every bit the hype- and some say even more talent. "Gitonga Kahara will always hold a special place in the hearts of Banijans- but the next great winger is here, and Son-Saka has the potential to not be equalled by anybody."

Think of the exploits he's had for St. John's Arsenal as a teenager. Scoring the title-winning goal to lead St. John's Arsenal to their first Q-League title in 28 years, he's the main man in one of the biggest leagues in club football. And now, starring for his country too. He could have a cycle ago- but Pam Scott opted to bring on her veteran, Sarafina Ikpeazu, for one last ride. Can't argue with those results. But it's his team now. He's got the #7 jersey, straight into the starting XI.

Of course, he's part of a loaded team with loaded expectations. THe pressure- spectacular. But he's proven it on the big stage- being named a starter at AOCAF 70 and immediately dominating, helping drive the team forward towards a regional title. But nothing equates to the World Cup- is the world ready for his first appearance on this biggest of stages?

3. Opio Ssambwa

The marauding left back garnered a lot of attention as part of Banija's World Cup winning squad, playing well as a starter in the World Cup Final. Just 22 years old, the talented left back has finally wrestled the permanent NT role from Sohna Kelley, and is probably the brightest player of the next generation- while also being a key contributor for the current generation. Coming up through the ranks at Kitara AA, he's off to Herzegovina City in Banija so he can experience the pressures of a title race. He's only expected to spend a lone season at Herzegovina City, as he's long desired to play in a big league abroad, and he will likely want to do that.

As a guy who's trying to go abroad for club football, he's certainly going to be having plenty of pressure every time he's pressured. However, while he's got all the physical talent, he plays with youthful, reckless abandon sometimes, leaving other defenders under pressure.

by **Kirungabi** » Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:38 pm

Kirungabi National Football Team — World Cup 96
-4 Style Mod
See bottom for RP permissions

Team members

Manager: Cyril Kamembe (age: 48)

Born in the small transit village of Impangabiyaga on Statehood Day, Kirungan team manager Cyril Kamembe started his football journey as all of Kirungabi has: playing among his peers, on the banks of the twin lakes of his namesake hometown, with bushes and twigs for goals and anything as a ball. Kamembe, an ethnic Fupi, relocated to the Fupi-majority city of Imyuzure in 1985 amid economic hardship and flaring ethnic tensions in rural areas. Playing at the local Garçons du Port athletic club from 1988, Kamembe quickly honed his skills on the pitch to become one of the club's starting midfielders in the national single-level Championnat du Kirungabi de Fut in 1992, at the age of 16. Though the ensuing civil war cut his early playing career short amid the 1995 suspension of the Championnat until 2008, Kamembe returned to football at the ripe age of 34 a year after, playing for two more years before becoming manager of the GdP squad in 2017 after a small hiatus. He oversaw Championnat titles for GdP both as player and manager, including two successful championship defenses as the latter, and was selected by the Kirungabi Itangira Guhera Sporting Commission to spearhead the revival of the Kirungabi National Football Team before the 42nd Copa Rushmori. Though the regional tournament proved a modest debut for the squad, the experience led Kamembe to successfully guide an expanded national team to a thrilling Baptism of Fire title with a lossless streak to victory. Years on from that emphatic achievement, Kamembe must prove that the team's hiatus from the Copa and the World Cup will not have taken a toll on their performance.

Assistant coach: August Abihayimana (age: 54)

Kamembe's second-hand man Abihayimana played alongside the head coach at Garçons du Port in their primes, completing the opposite midfield flank to his teammate in a near flawless partnership which netted them the 1994 Championnat title. Son of a working-class Barebare couple and born in Imyuzure, the GdP midfield star made his professional football debut three years before Kamembe, and the introduction of the fresh-faced Fupi player in 1992 unlocked a new level of performance in the local man. His star status initially had kept him from suffering the first blows of the Fupi genocide of the Barebare, but as the government of the People's Republic of Democratic Kirungabi began to lose its grip on power, the incitement of ethnic violence worsened. Abihayimana and his family successfully sought asylum in Græntfjall in 1996, and it wouldn't be until 2008, the year of the Championnat reboot, that the former #7 would return to the pitch. He shared one year on the field with his former teammate upon his return to football, before sticking beside him ever since in coaching roles at Garçons du Port.

Players

With little time (or money) to spare in preparation for World Cup 96, the FEKIFUT federation, with support from the Kirungabi Itangira Guhera Development Program and the input of First Lady Musabyimana Uburiganya, has fielded an unchanged Copa Rushmori 45 squad for Kirungabi's second-ever World Cup appearance. The 27-man team, still led by the Garçons du Port duo of Cyril Kamembe and August Abihayimana, has proven Kirungabi's strongest squad at the domestic level, scoring their first ever Copa Rushmori win against Pasarga in the final matchday of the 45th edition. Strong performances from budding stars Garnacho Siboyintore (of Quebecois, Kirungan, and Huayramarcan ancestry), David Byukusenge, and Fred Kitwana have reinvigorated the team's morale, after multiple missed tournaments in the face of economic struggles back home set their most seasoned stars back against their fighting-fit international rivals.

Pos #   Name (age)                       Place of Birth Club (City)
GK #1   Théoneste Bugasera (31)	         Imisozi	Garçons du Port (Imy)
DF #25  Jean-Luc Uzanabiryo (29)	 Mugugu	        CF Liberté (Mwa)
DF #3   Thomas Gatera (23)	         Abongereza	Macarthur City (TMB)
DF #4   Rugira Rurangwa (24)	         Mwanzibashi	Thousand Hills City (Imi)
DF #5   Patrick Mutoni (21)	         Imisozi	Haligonian (QUE)
MF #23  Didier Garnacho Siboyintore (19) Joblonopolis	Montreal Koreana (QUE)
MF #19  David Byukusenge (26)	         Gusohora	Amahoro United
MF #7   Chitundu Sindikubwabo (27)	 Kawakiyambu	L'Unione (FFD)
MF #9   (C) "Umuku" Nzafashwanimana (29) Mutembe	Royal Boys AC (Abg)
FW #29  Rungayindo Gatabazi (25)	 Ubuzima	AFC Droves (SYL)
FW #11  Munyentwali Niyonzima (25)	 Gusohora	CDSA (MYT)
		
Substitutes:		
		
GK #20  Adrien Bakungu (31)	         Kurimbuka	Amahoro United (V. Am)
GK #21  Isaac Ruzindana (27)	         Abongereza	Royal Boys AC
DF #13  Gaël Mugwaneza (28)	         Gufungura	Flambeau du Mugugu CS
DF #12  Theodore Bizimana (26)	         Imyuzure	Imisozi Ishaje
DF #14  Jean-Pierre Cyuzuzo (24)	 Gusohora	Sport Kawakiyambu
DF #22  Dominique Uwizeye (22)	         Mugugu	        Delta AS
DF #16  Jean-Isaac Twakirunga (19)	 Ubuzima	Amahoro United
MF #18  Marcus Irakunda (23)	         Imisozi	Royal Boys AC
MF #8   Mukamwezi Mukwege (17)	         Kawakiyambu	Amahoro United
MF #26  George Nyirinkindi (21)	         Butare	        CF Liberté
MF #17  Alphonse Mugiraneza (29)	 Imisozi	Garçons du Port
MF #6   Patient Habimana (23)	         Imyuzure	Clyde Park (TMB)
FW #27  Fred Kitwana (18)	         Mugugu 	Flambeau du Mugugu CS
FW #28  Cyera Umucukuzi (24)	         Butare	        Viathyn Park AFC (TKT)
FW #10  Pascal Mutabazi (22)	         Imyuzure	Garçons du Port
FW #24  Fiston Kabila (23)	         Butare	        Thousand Hills City

Kits

Stadiums

Only the stadium for the Kirungan National Team's final qualifiers match is listed

Abongereza Olympic Arena, Abongereza
Capacity: 21,500

Rebuilt in 2004 after sustaining heavy damage in the civil war, the Abongereza Olympic Arena, home to Royal Boys Athletic Club, functioned as a hidden refugee camp — or safehaven — for Barebare persecuted during the ambush of Abongereza in 1988. With its pitch swarmed by internally displaced persons and Barebare hiding from the army's grasp on the city, the leading Championnat club was forced to shutter its doors and dedicate its facilities to their newfound humanitarian purpose. Government forces viciously attacked the Arena in 1993, as the conflict and ethnic tensions flared, and the facilities were plundered for profit. Today, the football stadium of the Abongereza Olympic Arena oversees a public-use multi-sport complex, and serves as a Kirungabi Itangira Guhera focus city for budding athletes in track and field.

RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Ask first
Godmod injuries to my players: Ask first
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Ask first

Style mod: -4

TL;DR please write as much detail of our matches as you wish, but unless you wanna ask me about something keep it sensible.

by **Sargossa** » Sun Apr 07, 2024 12:01 am

World Cup 96

Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'

Head Coach

José Carlos Martínez

Some coaches meld their tactics around the players they have available to them. Some meld the players they have available around their tactics. Martínez tends to do a bit of both, creating a flexible, almost chimeric, tactical blueprint. But one that has been working well in Torreón, where he took Estrella into the global cup competitions with a fourth-place finish two years ago. He followed that up with sixth last campaign, earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Backroom Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Luciano Velázquez
Defensive Coach: Luis Sánchez
Attacking Coach: Hugo Galán
Set Pieces Coach: Manuel Semprún
Goalkeeping Coach: Dario Almirón
Fitness Coach: Alberto Ocampo
Team Doctor: Dr Carla Segura

Talent

GK: 1. Antonio Reyes (26) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Imanol Sánchez (31) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Hilario Barreda (27) – Sportivo Cordova

Antonio Reyes has established himself as the nation’s number one after a second successive domestic title and a strong showing in the Copa Rushmori. Imanol Sánchez remains an experienced backup, while Hilario Barreda receives a first international call-up after being plucked from the El Nacional bench to have a starring role in Cordova.

DR: 2. Adrian Soriano (30) – Ciudad Soluca
DC: 5. Alan Fernández (23) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 6. Nicolás Riesgo (24) – 1923 Esca (Mytanija)
DL: 3. Antonio Benito (27) – Sportivo Soluca
DRC: 12. Jorge Romero (29) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 14. Asier Recio (22) – Estrella Torreón
DLC: 19. Iván Alegre (26) – Estrella Torreón
DC: 21: Joaquín Sanz (27) – El Nacional

Nicolás Riesgo remains the first name on the teammate sheet, regardless of the change of coach. The champions look set to be well represented with academy graduate turned defensive stalwart Alan Fernández and late bloomer Jorge Romero, plucked from Dunas Del Sol a year ago, both making their first appearances in the national side. Antonio Benito has made the left sided berth his own, while Joaquín Sanz and new boy Asier Recio look set to battle it out for a position in the centre. Iván Alegre returns to the national team after a long absence.

DMC: 4. Alberto Ribas (27) – Sportivo Soluca
AMRLC: 7. Moisés Garrido (28) – Ciudad Soluca
MC: 8. Enrique González (34) – Ciudad Soluca
AMLC: 11. Dani Azuaga (30) – Dínamo Maturín
AMR: 15. Jhon Rivas (26) – Estrella Torreón
MC: 16. Juan Esteban Collazo (25) – CDSA (Mytanija)
DMC: 18. Fernando Moruga (27) – Energija-Nuklearna (Mytanija)
MC: 22. Elías Pozo (24) – Sportivo Soluca
AMLC: 24. Martín de la Cavallería (27) – Dínamo Maturín

The new coach is faced with a good problem to have, with a trove of riches in the centre of the park. Alberto Ribas is a talented addition to a group that already includes the tireless Juan Esteban Collazo, the battling Fernando Moruga and the mercurial Elías Pozo. The veteran Enrique González remains in the mix too. Jhon Rivas is another new name in the frame, after a highly impressive season for Martínez at Estrella.

FC: 9. Adrian Rodríguez (21) – Sportivo Soluca
FRLC: 10. Pablo Alarcón (32) – El Nacional
FC: 17. Lucas Recoba (28) – El Nacional
FLC: 20. Jesús Blaya (27) – Sportivo Soluca
FC: 23. Rubén López (26) – Estrella Torreón

There is a new sharpshooter in town. To say Adrian Rodríguez’s debut Liga-S was spectacular still wouldn’t entirely do it justice. Thirty-seven starts yielded thirty-seven goals as he fired Sportivo to the title. Making his mere thirty-one strikes last season in a success title defence almost underwhelming. Strong, quick, agile, fearless, he really is the total package. Nine goals behind him in the scorer’s charts sat Pablo Alarcón, whose teammate Lucas Recoba may chaff at no longer being the top dog. The big question is whether the new coach will deploy a front three, which may see Jesús Blaya, who had another excellent domestic season alongside Rodríguez, get a starting berth. Rubén López led the line for Estrella last season, well enough for his former coach to give him a chance.

Style

In Sargossa the three at the back is king, unless you’re José Carlos Martínez. He likes a back three, and tends to use a 3-4-3. But he’s no stranger in keeping a back four in his pocket if necessary. The new coach is also a proponent of his side’s soaking up pressure before hitting the opposition with lightning fast counters. Lightning fast and with a directness that borders on old-fashioned in a world where tika-taka is increasingly the vogue. Set pieces will likely play a key role too. Specialised set piece coaches are much in vogue domestically and Manuel Semprún has been poached from domestic giants Ciudad Soluca to fill the role for the national side.

The Sargossan domestic league is quite a physical league so challenges can often be described as 'uncompromising' and cards are pretty common. Gamesmanship, while not encouraged, is not entirely uncommon. But diving is considered particularly stigmatic so Sargossan players are unlikely to be found doing it.

Style Modifier = (-1.5)

Kit
Courtesy of ediraf

Venues

Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado
City: Soluca
Capacity: 108,879
Tenants: Ciudad Soluca, Sportivo Soluca

The centrepiece of a major beautification development in the capital, the stadium sits within the Parque De Los Vencedores and alongside the Corazal River. Designed by Nethertopian architect Gert Naamloos and part financed by two SuperLiga clubs, the Sargossan government and Starblaydi sportswear giants ediraf it is a truly magnificent sporting arena. The Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado, as the ediraf Arena was rechristened when the naming rights deal expired, is the epitome of a modern football stadium. Consequently, it is the national side’s most commonly used venue. Unfortunately, the glamourous surroundings are marred somewhat by the Soluca crowds’ reputation for being both fickle and moody.

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

by **Mertagne** » Tue Apr 09, 2024 12:12 pm

The Federation of Mertagnian Football Presents...

World Cup 96 Squad

Goalkeepers
No	Pos	Player			Sex	Age	Club				Style
1	GK	Rhiannon Fawn [c]	F	30	NPH  Starling		Acrobat
12	GK	Callaghan Bauldry	M	24	MRT  Papillio		Supplier
23	GK	Saif Dedec		M	22	STB  Telecontare		Commander

Defenders
No	Pos	Player			Sex	Age	Club				Style
2	LB	Karon Murell		M	28	KSK  Latrobe Athletic	Progressor
3	CB	Conwal Ibarborde	M	25	SEM  Fransborg set Njilkaer	Aggressor
4	CB	Aato Irizarri		M	25	MRT  Lehen Neorudo		Spreader
5	RB	Dominic Moko		M	22	MRT  Sallenhass Hangmen	Safety
13	LB	Lurda Duckworth		F	27	MRT  Blades de Bretsaar	Overlapper
14	CB	Gregor Charlton		M	25	EUR  Farrenton Athletic	Anchor
15	CB	Lloyd Seddon		M	29	AUD  Osarese Marcadia	Spreader
16	RB	Priamo Commons-Anteria	M	27	MRT  Kurtz Herritik		Overlapper
24	CB	Miliav Petremol		M	24	MRT  Cirque			Anchor

Midfielders
No	Pos	Player			Sex	Age	Club				Style
6	LM	Stewart Bickley		M	27	MRT  Brandistock Calanians	Box crasher
7	CM	Jordan Will		M	31	CBP  Victoria & Albert SC	Creator
8	CM	Aislin Du Moucel	F	23	FFD  La + Querida		Orchestrator
9	RM	Amy Quennell		F	26	MRT  Blades de Bretsaar	Box crasher
17	LM	Alexei Plant		M	25	CMT  FK Shakhter Z'ai'ai	Box crasher
18	CM	Graham Ellerby		M	30	AUD  Osarese Marcadia	Builder
19	CM	Chloe Fairley		F	22	MRT  New Fligsive's Memory	Distributor
20	RM	Ihintz Ackroyd		M	23	MRT  KT Floritzel		Box-to-box
25	CM	Stacy Tompkins		F	25	CDG  Winchester City		Builder

Attackers
No	Pos	Player			Sex	Age	Club				Style
10	ST	Holly Eveson		F	30	CDG  Carthage United		Unlocker
11	ST	Burro Curwood [vc]	M	27	CEN  Polaris			Outlet
21	ST	Nazer Armenadriz	M	20	MRT  Cleermont		Target
22	ST	Olaia Charlemagne	F	27	MRT  New Fligsive's Memory	Outlet
26	ST	Tevente Kings		M	30	MRT  NF Red Tri's		Roamer

Support Staff
Manager: Luka Hazaluta, 43,  Emotional, Possessive, Pacy
Media Consultant: Corentin Caudron, 36,  Concise, Brash, Stringy

Formation: 4-4-2
Style Modifier: +1. Consolidate around the midfield and choose attacks carefully.
Free Kickers: Jordan Will, Aislin Du Moucel, Nazer Armenadriz
Cornerers: Conwal Ibarborde, Aato Irizarri, Graham Ellerby
Penaltiers: Burro Curwood, Holly Eveson, Nazer Armenadriz

Overview
After a solid third place performance at the International Confederation's Trophy, Mertagne haven't had as much of an opportunity as they would have liked to flex the muscles and take on some of the multiverse's toughest teams in World Cup 96. As one of the hosts, the national football team has been given the right to choke against higher tier opponents, directly in the World Cup finals.

For those that may not know, the start of this cycle saw the departure of Ázëwyn Fëanáro, as the Starblaydi elf claimed the goal she had set for herself when joining the Green Goblins a decade prior was complete. In a way, she was correct. When Fëanáro took charge of the team, the outfit was billed as a sleeping giant needing a bit of help getting back into the annals of the international game. Mertagne, under Fëanáro's leadership, have grown from strength to strength, becoming regional heavyweights in their own right and managing to break into the World Cup Finals in WCC competition on their own merits, a feat achieved last cycle.

As a result of Fëanáro's much deserved break back to the Dreamed Realm, the position of manager was made vacant. A natural fit into this role was Kristie Ettrick, the incandescent assistant manager that, in many ways, was Ázëwyn's closest confidant on the pitch and responsible just as much for the team's upward growth as the Starblaydi was. The passionate ex-Lehen Neorudo striker and under-21 manager "Hattrick Ettrick" was a slam dunk for the job, but the movers and shakers in the FMF were pleased enough with her record to offer her a job in the upper echelons of the organisation, channelling her intense energy in driving positive change behind the scenes, and whipping the nation's youth program back into shape after a lacklustre few cycles during the Bostopian Conflict. She has also gone on to aid in much of the organisation for World Cup 96, ensuring that the finals to come go off without a hitch.

The managerial position, after much deliberation, has gone to Luka Hazaluta, formerly capped Mertagnian centre-back and stalwart of Zenith side Chatswood, in Nephara. Hazaluta, retired from professional play for a number of years, has performed a successful pivot into his managerial career, with experience further down Mertagne's domestic pyramid. His first test at the managerial helm was the ICC, and Mertagne's solid performance there has proven that the 43 year old is more than capable of filling the shoes of his predecessor.

The entrance of Hazaluta has altered the ethos of the team, as he attempts to sculpt the side into a form he's more comfortable with. This means a distinct move away from the more attacking game preferred by Ettrick and Fëanáro - Hazaluta's own experience as a centre-back means that the lens at which he looks at the game is a slightly different tint. Building on the fundamentals-focused theories of his predecessor, however, Mertagne will be turning up in a 4-4-2 that aims to get the basics perfect when in possession. A clinical game that sees few unnecessary passes, and a clear pathway for success on the pitch. Set pieces are to be a common vehicle for scoring, and mistakes made by the opponents will be capitalised on with a vicious counter-attack.

Breakdown
Rhiannon Fawn continues to take the mantle as captain, and will be shouting down the pitch at her team mates, making sure they're in position while flying around the goal-line to stop shots. Two younger upstarts in Callaghan Bauldry and Saif Dedec provide backup, with Bauldry fantastic at supplying the ball to teammates on the defensive line after an opposing attack, and Dedec able to determine the pace of play near the goal line and use his unique viewpoint to bring the defensive line into shape.

That defensive line consists of Karon Murell, Kelssek all-star, on the left. In the middle, the pairing of Conwal Ibarborde and Aato Irizarri will serve well to win the ball and quickly get it out either to the sides or to the midfield. On the right, Hazaluta has given young Dominic Moko a shot, hoping that Moko will be a solid member of the defensive third. Lurda Duckworth and Priamo Commons-Anteria provide two wing-back options if play needs to be concentrated on the wings, and both are highly capable of delivering devastating crosses into the box. Gregor Charlton of Farrenton Athletic and Miliav Petremol are solid options against more attacking sides, keeping close to the goal and working well with keepers such as Callaghan Bauldry. Lloyd Seddon fits in well for tactics involving longer passes, and is a key when linking up with the midfield.

With the midfield expanded to a line of four, the wings of the midfield are typically comprised of Stewart Bickley and Amy Quennell. Both have similar styles, and compliment the play from the defence of using the wings to get the ball up the field and into the box. The fulcrum of this squad in Hazaluta's eyes is the pairing of Aislin Du Moucel and Jordan Will. Du Moucel's success in the S-FPL has seen her work excellently as a kickstarter of deadly attacks, and it is that playmaking attitude that will see her succeed on the national side as well. Jordan Will's flair for making defence-breaking plays and clattering the ball up-field are vital for the team to unlock central attacking options. Alternatives on the wings include Ihintz Ackroyd, who works best out-of-possession as a wide player that can pick up the ball from opposing wingers, and Graham Ellerby, who excels at building the momentum to a counter-attack.

The attacking end of the pitch remains largely unchanged, with Holly Eveson often recieving Jordan Will's breakout passes, and Burro Curwood finding the goal after the fact. Nazer Armenadriz impressed in the CAFA and is more likely to be called up here - his seemingly boundless energy and knack for shot placement make him a key player of the squad. Olaia Charlemagne provides a good touch on the ball when it arrives into the box, and Tevente Kings is there to curtail the ball if it goes awry and create opportunities for teammates when not directly attacking.

Pictured, left to right: Rhiannon Fawn, Conwal Ibarborde, Dominic Moko, Graham Ellerby, Jordan Will, Holly Eveson, Luka Hazaluta, Burro Curwood, Aislin Du Moucel, Amy Quennell, Karon Murell, Aato Irizarri
characters made using makowka character maker

(Home, Third, Away)
Kits provided by Kirola Sportswear of Audioslavia.

Style Modifier: +1

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
I prefer you choose these goalscorers: Holly Eveson, Nazer Armenadriz, Jordan Will. Aislin Du Moucel will likely assist. You may of course choose anyone.
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, but no outright killing.
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Huayramarca** » Fri Apr 19, 2024 11:14 pm

OOC: Roster includes images generated by Dall-E 2 for illustrative purposes, those shouldn't be considered for grading.

Federación Huayramarquina de Fútbol

Official Roster for the 96^th World Cup

About Huayramarca:

Quick Facts

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

Huayramarcan Football History:

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

Starting Eleven

Substitutes

Summary


Nota bene: Only official matches are taken into consideration for current record, caps, and goals – Updated after CAFA 8.

Nickname: Los Cóndores (The Condors).
Current Record: 178-73-83 (W-D-L) – 334 matches played. – 752 goals scored, 555 against.
Most Caps: Gabriel Sayritupac (304).
Most Goals: Bryan Tello (252)
Biggest Win: 6-0 vs. Electrum / WC 91 Qualifiers, MD 16, @ Estadio Metropolitano del Guayas, Guayaquil
Most Important Matches:5-5 (4-3 PKs) vs. Cabo Azure / WC 93 Finals, Ro16, @Hawk's Nest, Lanar, Chromatika – Qualification to World Cup Quarterfinals.
1-0 vs. Ochre Islands @Stade sur la Bahie, Amahne (Aminey), Ko-oren – CAFA VII Final.

Biggest Defeat: 1-7 (vs. Equestria / AOCAF 61, MD 1)

Captain: Ian Mamani.
Second Captain: Bryan Tello.
Third Captain: Nicolás Allauca.
Most likely to score: Bryan Tello
Most likely to get red carded: Kevin Quispe.
Prone to get injuries: Gabriel Sayritupac.
The genius: Ian Mamani.
The motivating soul: Bryan Tello.
Goal Tune: "The Magic of a Goal" - DJ Chris, ft. Joshua Congo

Manager: Blâás Âgínsôgnó. (63) 
Assistant 1: Hazel van Robben. (53) 
Physio: David Choque (41) 
GK Trainer: Francisco Olmedo (45) 
Doctor: Cynthia Castro. (49) 
Tactical Analyst: Juan Jiménez (38) 
Data Scientist: Carlos Olmedo (30) 
Lead Data Analyst: Dayana Rubio (25)

Team mentality:

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

Costeños and Selváticos (jungle) in the other hand are confident with everybody, even if they might not receive the same treatment by their Serrano fellows. Those two groups conform the rest of the team and might do good societies on field, declining the quality of their chemistry when trying to connect with Serranos, due to the latter shy mood. Physically speaking, Costeño and Selváticos are people who boast being the tallest overall in the team.

Chemistry building has been somewhat complicated for this team during the five cycles they have competed together but has been a rather successful process that consolidated with the 79^th Cup of Harmony, the 88 ^th and 89 ^th World Qup Qualifiers, as they have been together as glue through high and lows. The regional divides topic is now outdated as the players have grown up significantly and have harnessed teamwork.

Although they work nicely as a team, there’s a moment when they can’t do that and that moment is when they have the goal in their sights, when they have a chance to score, they try to do their best to do it by themselves, even if that means avoid passing the ball to a better placed teammate, individualities have been surging from nowhere and this issue has costed valuable results for the team. This was combated successfully by Caicedo and Zelaya and Blâás Âgínsôgnó plans to continue in said route.

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

How We Play Football? Note: Open this spoiler for the formation and game style.

Player’s description - Starting XI.

Nota bene: Caps considered after CAFA 8 - For national purposes, friendlies are never taken into consideration for official registries. Player names are clickable, displaying their portraits for visual reference.

N°1 - Juan Mamani - GK - 33 yrs - Team: Rülândéá Kôstä

- Height: 1.88 mts - Caps: 320 - Goals: 2

Mamani is an individual that believes he always is right, he tends to be creative when saving balls or creating ideas to take the ball forward, based so much in the fact that he is protective, spontaneous and loves to be independent in his actions, always a dependable guy. Currently, his mood is ecstatic, as pretty much everybody in the team right now, due to the fact of having a chance for vindication, due to the last cycle, at home because of hosting the World Cup.

N°2 - Kevin Quispe - RCB - 28 yrs - Team: Farrenton Athletic

- Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 320 - Goals: 10

An average guy in terms of intelligence that has no life plan, hence he left studies to make a living with football. He is very secretive, doesn't like even to tell his teammates what his next movement will be because he knows we will be wrong, Quispe has serious issues with anger management and may be rebellious, he is cold and ignores what the others might feel or think about him, he doesn't give a fu*k of anything. Anyways, he's in his best form so far with Farrenton Athletic, being nominated as one of the top defenders of the Euran League shows how his discipline and perseverance have taken him where he stands.

N°4 - Aidar Armendáriz - LFB - 23 yrs - Team: Xanark City FC

- Height: 1.91 mts - Caps: 2 - Goals: 0

Armendáriz was the first Huayramarcan diaspora player called to the national team. Despite having a pretty decent role in Xanark City, the manager has decided to take his process of adaptation to the Condors slowly, but steady, to ensure the best result possible. A pretty tall and agile defender, with a good set of skills when it comes to positioning and tackling makes Armendáriz a pretty complete and reliable defender; one that might come handy to the renewal process for the Huayramarcan Starting XI.

N°15 – Paolo Manco - RFB - 32 yrs - Team: Pumahuasi FC

- Height: 1.73 mts - Caps: 118 - Goals: 2

Paolo Manco has been a silent substitute of the National Team for almost 8 years, although, he has been patiently waiting up for this chance, the one that has opened in front of his eyes after the departure of Omar Caicedo. The new manager has seen Manco’s ability to project himself to attack and be a box-to-box player when needed, he has a great sense of placement and knows to be at the precise place when needed. Speed is Manco’s best attribute, one that he is sure that he can apply to provide the best results for The Condors. He is happy after proving that his inclusion, into the Starting XI, proved to be vital for the current Huayramarcan sporting momentum.

N°14 - Ismael Lobatón - LCB - 21 yrs - Team: Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC

- Height: 1.81 mts - Caps: 20 - Goals: 0

Replacing Santiago Chumacero is not an easy task, but Ismael Lobatón has managed to do so by a set of strong performances at the Tikariot Premier League, and Chumacero’s horrific performance from last cycle. Lobatón is another diaspora player, one that offers the National Team more verticality when it comes to attacks, as he can go forward and help in those duties, but he can also sprint back fast and defend, the kind of player that modern football requires. Lobatón is inspired by the fact of being called up to defend Huayramarca at the World Cup, specially this one being hosted at his fatherland.

N°17 - Orlando Mina - CM - 30 yrs - Team: Montréal Koreana

- Height: 1.95 mts - Caps: 326 - Goals: 28

One of the two defensive mid fielders of the team and, for sure, one of the best in the multiverse in his position, being the classical Costeño out there, Mina is the tallest and strongest player of the squad. Mina's attitude is being original and stubborn, giving you classical Costeño vibes, consistent in his performance and devoted to God, he cares a lot about what he does, since he tries always to correct his mistakes and not suffering on them, instead, he uses them as feedback to improve his game and abilities. Mina's a notable example on how one can benefit from football, as he helped his mother who was fired from his job when he joined to the Condors and turned her into a real estate tycoon by providing her savings. His mood is extremely positive as of now by the fact of being a key player in Montréal Koreana, for being consistent between team and national duty, and for his current status as a player.

N°11 - Ian Mamani - CF - 30 yrs - Team: Workers Union

- Height: 1.65 mts - Caps: 324 - Goals: 76

The youngest of the Mamani brothers in this team, along with Juan, Ian has what Juan might lack sometimes, creativity and brightness, although they play in various positions and roles in the team. This creative mid and captain of the team is one of the grandiose things among this team, a fast-paced and fussy person with lots of potential, euphoria that drives him to perform as what he can do, being the best of the entire nation in his role. Large crosses are his specialty, including long-range shots when playing on the highlands. Right now, his performance has been stellar, mostly because he did some adjustments to his game style, turning his role into something more offensive and smarter.

N°8 - Marcelo Huanca - CF – 20 yrs - Team: Escuela Nacional DCPF

- Height: 1.62 mts - Caps: 50 - Goals: 0

Small but a strong player at the same time, Marcelo Huanca has everything to prove everybody that he is the next big thing of Huayramarcan football. A multifunctional midfielder, one that can organise the game and create dangerous chances, but also one that can defend and be a pain for rival midfielders, as he is as sticky as glue while marking rivals. His vision of the events in the field is pretty much unrivaled, being agile and fast but a bit desperate on what he tries to do, something he has to work through patience and experience.

N°7 - Abraham Mendoza - LF - 31 yrs - Team: Pyathora Mariners

- Height: 1.63 mts - Caps: 320 - Goals: 46

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

N°21 - Gabriel Sayritupac - RF - 31 yrs - Team: Perce Town

- Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 334 - Goals: 152

Sayri as he's known by many people in his native Tulcán (near the Québécois-Huayramarcan border) is an artistic person in all senses of his life. Usually, he makes a living by painting portraits of people visiting the Chimborazo National Forest Reserve, sometimes working on a local brewery, or doing football for fun. He doesn't stands being alone and might be that easy-going Serrano (which is weird, if we come to think it). He has genetic problems that makes him quite prone to injuries, and when those occur, Sayri decides to get inebriated to let frustration go away. An artistical winger, lover of uncertainty and mess that makes him be either the best or cause problems to settle where he plays. As of now, he has managed to find its way on football, winning a IFCF Champions’ League with Athletik Thessia, some championships in Mytanija and now being in Audioslavia, closer to home, but eager to win more.

N°21 - Bryan Tello - ST - 36 yrs - Team: Metropolis Alligators

- Height: 1.86 mts - Caps: 332 - Goals: 294

A decently heighted Costeño as forward is always a neat solution for your goal needs, even more if you consider that he ages like wine; that, combined with good pace, stride, and physic abilities, makes Tello is what every team may need for up front. He's factual since he studied Philosophy at the University of Cumbayá, a committed and self-confident man who might be extremely traditional to his striker role, he might seek for space to go front, use his strength and move towards the goal. Tello is a strong leader among the shadows of the Huayramarcan national team, an outgoing and straight-forward person that could sometimes aggressive since he's prone to be insensitive. Despite that he is the Legend of the team, the striker that is at the right place and moment to push the ball against the net, something that has helped him retain his position as stellar striker of Metropolis Alligators in the Valladar Liga-1.

Substitutes:

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

The Kits:

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
    Godmod scoring events: N.
    RP injuries to my players: Y - Contact me first, so we can agree.
    Godmod injuries to my players: Y - Contact me first as well.
    Give red cards to my players: Y – Max 3 per match.
    Godmod other events: Y – Contact me, so we can agree.

    Style Modifier: +5

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

by **Tumbra** » Sat Apr 20, 2024 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 5th 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. The senior national team's best performance, meanwhile, has been with a Final appearance at the 95th edition of the World Cup, but the finer details of that match will not be dwelt overly long on. 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 (role at club)
Manager        Michael Campbell      43   Tavistock Athletic (player)
Asst Manager   Michael Aitken        46   Straton (manager)
Coach (Atk)    David Vowles          62   Hesham (coach)
Coach (Atk)    James Anderson        41   Lion City (DAN, player)
Coach (Def)    Isla Kincorick (SCT)  44   Hesham (player)
Coach (Def)    Louis Paterson        40   Dartford Devils (DAN, player)
Coach (GK)     Callum Randolph-Watts 58   Fraser Valley (coach)
Coach (SetP)   Reinhard Geist (NPH)  48   Fraser Valley (player, then coach)
Coach (Fit)    Alex Kristensen       39   Apollo (DAN, player)
Hd Perf Anal   Julius Robertson      30   --
Perf Anal      Roy Fielding          28   --
Hd Physio      Lucy Reynolds         54   --
Physio         Richard Harris        55   --
Hd Scout       Josh Prentice         56   Serrapince (scout)
Scout          Leo Hooper            38   Lanar (CMT, player)
Scout          Nigel Erskine         38   Anomalies (CMT, player)
Scout          Francis Evers         38   Portland Pirates (DAN, player)
Scout          Desmond Clarke        71   Newark Argyle (manager, now freelancing because he was "bored" of being unemployed)

A somewhat disappoining Campionato Esportiva campaign was saved by a somewhat respectable third-placed finish, with Tumbra forced to lick their wounds once again as the country continues on its hunt for its fourth Campionato Esportiva title. But before that, there's even more of an impetus for revenge; World Cup qualifying is here again, and while Tumbra, now fifth in the world after a wholly-unexpected run to the Final, will be looking to get back there — and perhaps finally go one further. But that's with major turnover; notable stalwarts Phil Cole, Ian Ashburn, and Vincent Hicks are now gone, severing the last link the Black Eagles have to their first-ever World Cup qualification match; and time is running out on Tumbra's supposed golden generation of Kerr, Harrison, Wells, Crossley, Mercurio, Green, et al. Will they be able to do it? Or will the trials and tribulations of international football swallow them into the mire once more?

A qualifying cycle where Tumbra finished with the tenth best overall record was still not good enough to head to the World Cup directly; five points dropped against second seed Saint Eleanor and two against debutants Auprussia meant that they were sent to the playoffs. It did somewhat help that Tumbra's strong positioning essentially guaranteed that they would be matched up against whomever finished top in Group 20, where almost nobody seemed to want to win the group. Tumbra's opponent ended up being a surprise Legalese, who out-muscled some very well-decorated sides in Group 20; and the Legalites were beaten somewhat with ease. That there was a rank gap of nearly a hundred spots between the two probably didn't help matters.

And so back to the World Cup they go; the 96th edition will be Tumbra's eighth consecutive time reaching this stage, though manager Michael Campbell will be keen to remind his players to not take anything for granted. The manager was pretty keen on reiterating that point during the qualifiers, perhaps to the point of it being a cliché; but the team seems to have taken it (largely) to heart, with the slip-ups against Auprussia and Saint Eleanor notwithstanding.

The Manager
Michael Campbell, formerly of Straton and Tavistock Athletic, was given the job almost as a sacrificial lamb after Tumbra sacked Peter Gabriel ahead of the 95th World Cup cycle; he was always intended to be an interim while the Tumbran Football Federation waited for a highly-rated foreign manager to open up. That, or waited for the Federation to determine if the international football programme was still financially worth it after a disappointing group stage exit in the 94th World Cup. But Campbell — relentlessly referred to as an interim everywhere — pulled through; going unbeaten in the qualifiers and making a miracle run to the Final, after winning an actual coinflip to determine whether Tumbra or Brenecia progressed to the knockout stages. Though he wasn't able to win the World Cup, Campbell has been vested with considerably more resources; including an actual assistant manager (longtime friend and former Straton team-mate, and later manager, Michael Aitken), and plenty of other coaches.

In press conferences, Campbell will always play down Tumbra's chances; they are never the favourites. At most, the game will be evenly matched; he holds an almost superstitious belief that to publicly state that his team is the favourite is to court a near-instantaneous comeuppance. An adherent to the Tumbran school of defensive, counterattacking football, Campbell follows in former Tumbran national team manager Yuan Zilai's footsteps; but crucially, prefers to set-up with two midfielders in a flat three rather than deploying an attacking midfielder. He's been touted as a manager who can go far, but as implied above, Campbell always redirects praise; instead choosing to foster an underdog mentality within his team, and of himself.

The Roster

World Cup 96 -  Finals Squad
Goalkeepers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps      CS
1   GK      Victoria Jones       F      30      Lakewood City               62      36
12  GK      Richard Russell      M      30      Lakewood United             24      13
13  GK      Mike Hahn            M      29      Ridgewell Rovers            11       3

Defenders
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
2   LB      Annie Renton         F      29      Serrapince                  80       0
18  LB      Hazel Kennedy        F      26      Couno Rangers               27       0

4   CB      Stephen Kerr         M      30      Chromatik [CMT]            190       7
5   CB      Wendy Pritchett      F      28      Lakewood United             61       2
14  CB      Christine Whitfield  F      27      Myana [CMT]                 39       1
20  CB      Yvonne Lawson        F      26      St. John's Arsenal [QUE]    39       1
24  CB      Belinda Proudfoot    F      28      Lakewood United             32       1

3   RB      Tracey Mercurio      F      29      Kingston [QUE]              95       1
19  RB      James Green          M      29      Bavingtor [FVA]             73       2

Midfielders
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
6   CDM     Trudy Harrison       F      30      Chromatik [CMT]            199       4
15  CDM     Lucas McCormick      M      29      Lakewood City               65       0
23  CDM     Heather Hindmarsh    F      24      Newark Argyle                6       0

8   CM      Ian Robertson        M      30      Ridgewell Rovers            69       4
16  CM      Victor Leighton      M      26      Lakewood City               17       3
25  CM      Stella Harrington    F      24      Hesham                      12       3

10  CAM     Susan Monaghan       F      30      Lakewood City               81      14

Wingers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
7   LW      Valerie Wells        F      30      Lakewood United            161      28
17  LW      Erin Robertson       F      26      Couno Rangers               37       3

9   RW      Lynne Crossley       F      30      Chromatik [CMT]            126      26
21  RW      Audrey Pearson       F      26      Rülândéá Kôstä [RÜL]        42      12

Strikers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
11  ST      Charlotte Henshaw    F      28      Lakewood City               85      42
22  ST      Edward Maddison      M      24      Avondale City [SYL]         16      10
26  ST      Julie Hardaker       F      28      Myana [CMT]                 57      14

Changes from WC95:
Out: Ian Ashburn (ret.), Vincent Hicks (ret.), Sabine Kemp, Mark Finnemore, Natalie Coleman, Nick Riordan
In: Belinda Proudfoot, Victor Leighton, Hazel Kennedy, Heather Hindmarsh, Stella Harrington, Julie Hardaker

Somewhat important note: I will endeavour to provide boxed call-up notices in each roleplay; so do look out for those. This is intended to be a general overview of who might or who might not be in that particular cutoff's squad.

Kits, courtesy of Kirola of Audioslavia

Detailed player information

Goalkeepers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps      CS
1   GK      Victoria Jones       F      30      Lakewood City               62      36
12  GK      Richard Russell      M      30      Lakewood United             24      13
13  GK      Mike Hahn            M      29      Ridgewell Rovers            11       3

In goal, Tumbra has two goalkeepers at the peak of their powers at almost exactly the same time; but they couldn't be more different in how they got to this point. Victoria Jones is a sweeper-keeper, almost as adept with her feet as she is with her hands. She took a relatively winding career path to end up where she is now; starting her career in the lower-midfield in Brenecia, back when the Tumbran league didn't let women play with men. She endured quite a couple of relegations, and quite a couple of internal transfers; before the retirement of John Lennon opened up a spot for her at Lakewood City. Since then, she's started for Tumbra's most successful team of the modern age; and so far has won quite a few trophies with the Skylarks.

Richard Russell, on the other hand, stayed with Lakewood United throughout his development; and was almost thrown into the starting goalkeeper spot when old hand Louis Addison retired, becoming United's starting goalkeeper at the age of just 23. A more traditional goalkeeper, focusing on shot-stopping, he's now in with a legitimate shout of displacing Jones in the role, even if not in number. Evidence of this was seen when Russell was started over Jones in the last Campionato Esportiva; there are rumours that manager Michael Campbell prefers his goalkeepers to stay within the box. That he's also won two T-League Golden Gloves to Jones' one, and United have been the more successful team in recent years, bolsters his position. Surprisingly, outside of football, Jones and Russell are reportedly on very good terms.

Mike Hahn was much in contention with Serrapince's Branko Cvitkovic for the final goalkeeper spot on the plane; ultimately, Hahn having gone to the last World Cup meant he got the nod. Previously a Couno Rangers youth prospect, a well-timed switch to Ridgewell Rovers just as they were starting their ascent into the top half of the T-League table, and stellar performances in goal for them, meant that he'd been on the radar of the national team for quite some time. Hahn is also a more traditional goalkeeper; which reveals even more about Michael Campbell's goalkeeper-preferences.

Left-backs
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
2   LB      Annie Renton         F      29      Serrapince                  80       0
18  LB      Hazel Kennedy        F      26      Couno Rangers               27       0

Traditionally a problem spot for Tumbra, left-back has been a bit less of a problem for Tumbra in recent years. Starter Annie Renton is the quintessential modern wing-back; small in stature but explosive in pace (and in speech), the winger's runs down the wing will left whomever's playing up at left wing to cut inwards and focus more on the attack. She used to play in Cassadaigua; but after nearly a decade there, she decided to call it quits in the Rushmori matriarchy and come home. Now she starts for Serrapince; ironically, having displaced former national team left-back Chris Finney not once but twice now with her club move.

Hazel Kennedy has been patient. Very, very patient; especially considering she plays for Couno Rangers, who historically have had quite bad luck with their back-up wingbacks choosing to leave instead of stay. But she remained patient — as is reflected in her playstyle — and broke through at the relatively late age of 24. This is her second World Cup, so she's no stranger to this tournament; the defensively-minded fullback prefers to hang back and launch vicious tackles at marauding right wingers. Somewhat surprisingly for a football player, she leaves her shoulder-length hair untied during matches; she cites the fact that she "really fuckin' hates the feeling of hairbands" as the reason. Somewhat more surprisingly, with the lack of a clear defender serving as an "enforcer" during football games — the term taken to mean someone who generally intimidates the opposition — she's taken it upon herself to fill the role.

Centre-backs
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
4   CB      Stephen Kerr         M      30      Chromatik [CMT]            190       7
5   CB      Wendy Pritchett      F      28      Lakewood United             61       2
14  CB      Christine Whitfield  F      27      Myana [CMT]                 39       1
20  CB      Yvonne Lawson        F      26      St. John's Arsenal [QUE]    39       1
24  CB      Belinda Proudfoot    F      28      Lakewood United             32       1

How time flies. Stephen Kerr is now the oldest centreback on this team; the Straton youth product best known for being the girlfriend of national team captain Trudy Harrison has been showered with accolades throughout a long playing career, and there's a sense he's just entering his prime. Confident in action, strong in the tackle, good with his feet; Kerr is the closest thing Tumbra has to an all-rounder as a centreback, though for Tumbra he typically plays as the dirty-shorts defender; i.e. someone who goes in on the tackle. He's also the vice-captain for both club and country; and loves a good header. Which is how he's scored five of his seven national team goals.

Wendy Pritchett is another player who went down to Cassadaigua to develop; she then returned home nearly ten years later in an eye-watering eight million dollar transfer to Lakewood United. Alongside Kerr she'll be playing as the clean-shorts defender; i.e. the defender who passes rather than tackles. Renowned for her pace, Pritchett will be looked upon to start the counters from deep. She doesn't take much nonsense from anyone, and actively hates on-field theatrics if they're from the opposing side; but is composed enough to not let that get the better of her.

Christine Whitfield is another player who's had a rather long and winding career path; she was actually team-mates with Stephen Kerr for a few seasons before dropping down the Chromatik league system to get proper gametime. Now she plays for Myana, Chromatik's arch-rivals; and her play has matured in the meantime. Her strength largely comes from her ability to intercept balls, and for her strength at positioning herself vis-a-vis to the opponent. Domestically, she's one of the defenders who've been tackled past the least; and also has a very high interception success rate. Her skill in interceptions normally would not get much use in games where defensive midfielder Mark Finnemore played, but now that he's not on the plane to Mertagne, Whitfield will be expected to step in.

Yvonne Lawson made the jump to Quebec at a young age, and has come into her own there; she's been crafted into a libero since, and her versatility lets her slot in anywhere in the defence. Sweeping, on the wings, a half-back...all within the realm of possibility for her. She's talented, and she knows it; while her personality can get a bit abrasive, and she comes off as perhaps overly matey sometimes, she's one of the hearts of the squad that really glues it all together. Just don't ask her how many times she's had to undergo media training. Expect her to play when Tumbra need just that extra bit of defensive fluidity in what can sometimes be a very rigid system; she likens herself to an artist at the back of the field, sometimes. If she's not causing her goalkeeper to scream at the lack of viewlines toward the ball.

Belinda Proudfoot, Lakewood born and bred, finally makes it to a World Cup after being on the cusp of making it for so long. The United youth project spent quite a few years away from Lakewood United when she was sold to Bencoolen City, and then Clyde Park after that; originally, she was deemed to have not made the cut for United's defenders. But she credits those years away from United as having helped her development; she went, in her own words, from "someone who didn't take the game all that seriously" into "someone who realised that my livelihood was on the line." Physically impressive, Proudfoot has immense stamina; only second on the team, perhaps to a certain Trudy Harrison. Defence-wise, she's a jack-of-all-trades; but has become particularly renowned for her marking skills.

Right-backs
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
3   RB      Tracey Mercurio      F      29      Kingston [QUE]              95       1
19  RB      James Green          M      29      Bavingtor [FVA]             73       2

These two have been mainstays at right-back for quite a while now, as their cap totals of 95 and 73 will suggest. Tracey Mercurio, instantly distinguishable by her pixie cut and often-dyed hair, is known for her inverted wing-back style; but instead of heading up the wing, as Renton does, she often floats into midfield to bolster numbers there. Unlike names like Julie Hardaker or Valerie Wells, Mercurio has stayed in Quebec her entire career, and has become a mainstay there; having been tutored in the art of being a right-back by former national team rightback Mike Sheppard. Direct in playstyle and in action, Mercurio is one of the heavy hitters on the team.

James Green is an attacking wingback in the vein of Annie Renton; this allows him to complement Mercurio perfectly and allows him to come on when Tumbra really need more offensive options. Of course, the fact that he regularly gets to show his chops for Flavovespia's best football team of the modern age, Bavingtor, helps his case too; and it's partially why he's stayed on the national team for so long even with competition from names like Shim Seo-yeon and James Larkin. Soft-spoken and not keen to take the limelight, Green prizes consistency; it's rumoured that he's one of the most superstitious members of the team, and almost religiously sticks to the same pre-match routine.

Midfielders
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
6   CDM     Trudy Harrison       F      30      Chromatik [CMT]            199       4
15  CDM     Lucas McCormick      M      29      Lakewood City               65       0
23  CDM     Heather Hindmarsh    F      24      Newark Argyle                6       0

8   CM      Ian Robertson        M      30      Ridgewell Rovers            69       4
16  CM      Victor Leighton      M      26      Lakewood City               17       3
25  CM      Stella Harrington    F      24      Hesham                      12       3

10  CAM     Susan Monaghan       F      30      Lakewood City               81      14

What's there left to be said about Trudy Harrison? One of the most recognisable names on the planet, the defensive midfielder has been lauded multiple times by GS SuperSports+'s Tornados, having won the Bronze Tornado award once, and is essentially the consensus choice by most pundits for best defensive midfielder in the world (though Yuezhou's Wan Sheping would disagree). A born leader, armed with a mean tackle, and with a near endless amount of stamina, Harrison by herself can almost be a twelfth player on the pitch. Incumbent captain of the national team (and her club), she has a presence on the pitch that can be described as overwhelming; she gets into the game quite a bit emotionally, too. She's also known for her relationship with defender Stephen Kerr, and for the exceptionally little that people know about her early life; almost as if it's something she wants to keep hidden.

Lucas McCormick is another one of those players who took the road less travelled and eventually arrived at stardom; for him, it was a lengthy detour in Colbrook City, where he endeared himself to the fans almost immediately through his hard-nosed playstyle and no-nonsense attitude. He's almost sternly professional, eschewing celebrations most of the time; he's been called a "tactical maestro in the making" by his former club manager John Riedweld. On the pitch, he's a versatile midfielder who could technically play anywhere in the middle of the pitch but prefers to stay deep; where he launches attacks through long balls up front or by passing them sideways.

Heather Hindmarsh was probably the surprise inclusion on this list; many had Couno midfielder Mark Finnemore, renowned for his ability to read the game and intercept balls, which more than made up for his slightly slow speed, but Hindmarsh ended up getting the nod. A surprise break-through at Newark Argyle, and probably their first youth prospect to make it good once the team had Chromatik money pumped into them, Hindmarsh is the joint-youngest player on this team, at 24, which says something about the scale of renewal about to hit the national team. As a player, Hindmarsh has received plaudits for her versatility; in her six outings with the national team, she's played in both the single and double pivot system, which might have explained why Campbell decided to bring her instead of Finnemore.

The epitome of a late bloomer, Ian Robertson was first seen as a candidate for the midfield when he left Nantwich for Ridgewell; but his steady play and playmaking abilities have marked him out as the successor to Vincent Hicks, who put up his international boots after the last cycle. Though he does lack a bit of Hicks' directing abilities on the pitch, it's not much needed as Harrison often conducts the pace of play nowadays. Surprisingly, Robertson treats football as more of a job than as something he's passionate about; the Nantwich native has been surprisingly blase about whether he'll stay in football after he retires; and the answer, unsurprisingly, is no. He's probably the most academically-inclined player in the squad, too, having a business degree from a local university in Ridgewell; which probably indicates where his future career lies.

Victor Leighton was a surprising, and often controversial, second-choice midfielder; some have pointed out that the likes of Wendy Thomas and Cathal Maguire should have gotten shouts — the former a key part in Alnio's breakthrough into the upper echleons of Chromatik football and the latter has been an important, if underrated player, at Tor — but if Tumbra are to get started on their generational succession then Leighton probably isn't a bad place to start. A particular fan of long passes, Leighton's ability to spot the pass at City helped him leapfrog the above two and get into the national team squad after being a fringe player on it for a while. He does have an annoying tendency of going for the long pass even when an easier pass is right there; but it's his creativity that's bailed him out on several occasions.

Stella Harrington is another player who's taken the long road here; she joined the Chromatik university system after her under-18 World Cup, and returned home to Hesham afterward, saying she "didn't really like the Chromatik weather." She properly broke out at Hesham, however; proving to be a shot in the arm for a side that was aging quite rapidly, and like Vincent Hicks before her, who also began his career at Hesham, has been linked with a big move overseas. She's more comfortable playing as an eight, but is equally adept at playing as an outright attacking midfielder; her creativity and proclivity for dribbling means that she's often singled out as a target for defenders. She's gotten quite used to being hacked down, however; but her shins seem to be very strong for someone in her position.

It's perhaps a sign that the pure attacking midfielder role — once held in absolute reverence by Tumbran football fans — is fading into irrelevancy, especially under Michael Campbell only electing to bring one attacking midfielder to Mertagne; but what a midfielder she is. Susan Monaghan holds onto the starting attacking midfielder spot; the redhead from Southport completed a move home after spending her entire career overseas; time at Brenecia and Nephara, where she really came into her own, has hardened her up sufficiently. Small, but slippery and quick, she's almost difficult to catch once she goes on a run down the pitch; and her low centre of gravity means she's really difficult to tackle, too. She's the best free-kick taker on this team; and is often known for turning the tide of games if she comes on as a substitute. Expect her to do that most of the time; if Tumbra start her, it means that the Black Eagles are more confident in their ability to take charge of the game.

Left wingers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
7   LW      Valerie Wells        F      30      Lakewood United            161      28
17  LW      Erin Robertson       F      26      Couno Rangers               37       3

With a hundred and sixty-one caps, Valerie Wells has been around the block and back with the national team; behind Harrison and Kerr, she's the third-most capped player on this team, having seized the role of starting left winger with her own two hands and then never letting it go. An inside forward by trade, her signature move is cutting inside on her right foot and scoring with it; so much so that she's almost universally known for it. She has been derisively called a one-trick pony for that on the Internets, but that ignores the other aspects of her play that make her a lethal goalscorer. An AFC Treason alumni, Wells returned home to Lakewood United recently to pick up where retired Nepharan superstar Kendra Considine left off.

Erin Robertson is another member of the patients club; with how glacial change can be at the Rams sometimes, patience is a virtue to be had. She's become second choice winger for the exact same reason that George Hilton, who ended up racking up 102 caps for the national team, entered it in the first place — she drops back and into midfield, giving manager Michael Campbell more options to set up and tinker with his midfield. A very good dribbler, Robertson — unrelated to Ian — is exceptionally skillful, and has been blessed with what the streets call tekkers; domestically, she's known to pull off all kinds of fancy footwork. It remains to be seen if she'll be given the creative freedom to do so here.

Right wingers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
9   RW      Lynne Crossley       F      30      Chromatik [CMT]            126      26
21  RW      Audrey Pearson       F      26      Rülândéá Kôstä [RÜL]        42      12

Lynne Crossley made a name for herself in snowy Kelssek; before financial troubles at Strathcona forced her to move over to Chromatika, where she spent a few seasons at Crossroads before making the giant jump up to Chromatik. The right-winger is a natural team-mate for both Kerr and Harrison, versatile, being able to play both as a traditional winger and inside forward, and sporting veins of ice, Crossley will once again be a force to be reckoned with. She took a while to break out of star winger Robin Vaughn's shadow — she was reportedly extremely displeased when he returned for World Cup 93, back in the day — but is now fully recognised as a talented winger in her own right.

The jungles, deserts, and mountains of the island known as Farfadillis might not be for everyone; but that evidently didn't deter Audrey Pearson from making the jump at a young age, and heading to Rülândéá to carve a name for herself. Initially passed over for names like Duncan Silverwood and Julie Hardaker herself (and also the relative difficulty of getting people both in and out of the island known as Farfadillis), Pearson fought her way onto the team after a season in which she essentially dragged Rülândéá Kôstä to the title; and has snatched the spot of second-string right-winger ever since.

Strikers
No  Pos     Name                Sex     Age     Club                      Caps     Gls
11  ST      Charlotte Henshaw    F      28      Lakewood City               85      42
22  ST      Edward Maddison      M      24      Avondale City [SYL]         16      10
26  ST      Julie Hardaker       F      28      Myana [CMT]                 57      14

With the departure of Nick Riordan from the team in somewhat acrimonious circumstances — him and manager Michael Campbell did not see eye-to-eye regarding his place in the national team — Charlotte Henshaw has taken his place as the team's starting striker. Henshaw practically burst onto the scene almost immediately out of the academy; her pace, sprightliness and general eye for goal has marked her out as a natural successor for Riordan, and she was well on her way to eclipsing him anyway. Versatile, able to float anywhere around the attacking half of the pitch, and with a tendency to float deep to pull defenders out of position if deployed as a deep-lying forward, Henshaw will be a force to be reckoned with — and her ability to show up in big games, unlike the striker she replaces, makes her a natural fit for tournament play anyway. She is typically deployed as an advanced forward, however.

Edward Maddison is the hot new thing on the block; the former Kingsbury United striker showed a mercenary streak within him where he demanded a move overseas immediately after he broke through into the club's senior squad. He ended up at Avondale City in Sylestone, and has been tearing up the league there ever since. Outwardly brooding, but with a self-confidence limited to the truly elite, Maddison is truly out for himself first — which serves him well, as he draws defenders to him like moths to a flame — and often tries to play his own way out of trouble, which goes well about half the time but is also responsible for his injuries in the other half. Whether his reluctance to be as much a team player as the rest of the squad will lead him into trouble is unknown; for now, manager Michael Campbell prefers to treat him as a quantity that should be doled out in limited supply.

There's often an adage that second chances in Tumbran football are rare; but Julie Hardaker has forced her way back into national team contention simply through sheer consistency, both for Myana and for her unwavering patience and understanding of the game the pitch. A versatile attacker — throughout her career, she's been deployed everywhere in the attacking half — Hardaker is a Casari army knife of a player, and prefers to play as a deep-lying forward when deployed up front. She's probably the most laid-back member of the team off the pitch; but on it, she's all business.

Tactical Set-Up
Tumbra will usually set up in a 4-3-3 formation. The alternate formation, particularly when Tumbra deploys an attacking midfielder, is a 4-2-3-1. The team's general strategy is to sit back, soak up attacks, then break on the counter. Four-defender formations are seen as the gospel and orthodoxy in Tumbra; three or five-defender formations haven't really picked up steam in the country, only being resorted to in the midst of play.

In defence, Tumbran orthodoxy is to have a four-player defence; wingbacks in this system are expected to start attacks after the central defenders dispossess marauding attackers. The ideal Tumbran wingback is fast, able to pass, and float into midfield when out of possession to help regain possession; in practical terms, one wingback stays back while one floats into midfield. The central defenders are usually split into two; clean-shorts and dirty-shorts, with one focusing on distribution and the other on dispossession.

The midfield is the crux of Tumbran footballing philosophy, with the defensive midfielder being the most important position on the team. The midfield traditionally has three roles; destroyer, pacesetter and creator. Under Michael Campbell, this usually means a double pivot in midfield comprising of Harrison (a mainstay on the team) playing as the destroyer and one of the other two defensive midfielders playing alongside her; or two of Robertson, Harrington, and Leighton, who made waves at the Campionato, if a single pivot is utilised. In any case, the more advanced midfielder typically serves as the creator. On very rare occasions where Tumbra seeks to take control of the game for themselves do they play with an outright attacking midfielder; this shift away from the 4-2-3-1 has been the major innovation of the Michael Campbell era so far, and signals a declining reliance on the status of the purely attacking midfielder.

In attack, creative freedom is granted; though history has usually shined its brightest lights on goalscoring wingers. This usually privileges players who cut in on the wing to overload the box, with crosses a secondary option. Crosses may be delivered by either the wingback or the winger; the wingback is preferred. The ideal Tumbran forward is lithe and agile regardless of which side they play on; finishing ability is respected far more than individual flashes of brilliance, though unsurprisingly players with flair are remembered far better than those who aren't.

On a sliding scale between workhorses and technical finesse, Tumbrans as a whole lean towards the former, though obviously with exceptions. Gamesmanship, time-wasting and riling up the opposition are par for the course; but Tumbrans will never directly break any rules. Tumbrans are pretty naff at set-pieces; they prefer scoring from open play.

Most Likely To...

Left Corner Taker                           Erin Robertson/Valerie Wells/Victor Leighton
Right Corner Taker                          Charlotte Henshaw/Audrey Pearson/Victor Leighton
Penalties                                   Charlotte Henshaw/Trudy Harrison/Valerie Wells/Lynne Crossley/Ian Robertson
Direct FK Taker                             Susan Monaghan/Ian Robertson/Erin Robertson
Indirect FK Taker                           Susan Monaghan/Ian Robertson/Belinda Proudfoot/Tracey Mercurio
Most likely to foul/be booked               Stephen Kerr/Trudy Harrison/Edward Maddison
Most likely to shoot                        Edward Maddison/Lynne Crossley/Charlotte Henshaw
Most likely to score from close-range       Charlotte Henshaw/Audrey Pearson/Edward Maddison
Most likely to score from long-range        Valerie Wells/Ian Robertson/Lynne Crossley
Most likely to be fouled                    Valerie Wells/Edward Maddison/Susan Monaghan
Most likely to attempt the spectacular      Edward Maddison/Charlotte Henshaw

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