World Cup 99 - Roster Thread

[Qusmo]

Qusmo returns to Qualifying after embarrassing home World Cup

Qusmo’s national team is ranked forty-eighth in the Multiverse, a record height since it returned to international football after the Reforms. Notably, the World Cup has recently expanded to forty-eight teams, & Qusmo is the third seed in its group, which will send three teams to the World Cup. &, most of all, Qusmo should be basking in the glow of the previous cycle, which was not only the first World Cup which Qusmo had played in since the fateful World Cup 83, but the first ever to be hosted on its shores. Why, then, does Qusma football seem to be in freefall?

The eyes of the entire Multiverse fell on Qusmo at World Cup 98, but its national team comprehensively failed to rise to the occasion, exiting the group stage after having won just a single point. It continued a pattern in major tournaments since Qusma football returned to the international stage: one Cup of Harmony quarterfinal run & five group stage exits, with five wins, five draws, & sixteen losses in total. In Qusmo’s past five major tournaments, the team has recorded only three wins, two draws, & fifteen losses, for a seventy-five percent loss rate.

Legendary Qusma manager Tlanx-Nulzk Hal, who had been named Galacticos Manager of the Season once for their work on the international stage with a Qusma club & once more for their work with a national team, was unceremoniously sacked after being in charge of their home national team for two cycles. Vulav-Wanar Tla, who had just taken Pacitalia mid-tournament & led it to seven consecutive knockout victories to win CAFA Cup 9 as an unranked team, was sacked after one after returning to Qusmo.

Now, the job falls to Intov-Helek Duk. Although widely reported as the first former Qusma national team player to become the team’s manager, the former left back only made three friendly appearances, never making any competition roster. This, then, will be the skipper’s first experience of the gauntlet of World Cup Qualifying. Intov-Helek will also be confronted with a very different Qusma team, & Qusma sporting public, than they had been accustomed to during their playing days with Werzin. Since returning to the international stage, there seems to be a pattern: Qusmo does fine during World Cup Qualifying, fails to qualify, & then absolutely implodes during tournaments.

Among Qusmi’y, Qusmo is not widely expected to make a return to the Multiverse’s grandest stage of football. Shockingly for a nation which had been so enthralled by stunning ascents through the WCC & UICA ranks so long ago, Qusmi’y now largely expect to be disappointed by their national team. & worst of all, Qusma fans have been subjected to so many disappointments already over the past few cycles that they seem not even to care all that much anymore.

It’s said that the opposite of love is not hatred, but apathy. Qusmo has fallen out of love with their national team. Can Intov-Helek make Qusmo fall in love again?

Can anyone?

It’s a new dawn for Qusma football. It’s a new dawn for Qusmo. Glory to Qusmo, glory to Qusmi’y.

Personnel

N°   Ps     Name                     Pronouns   Age     Club                                2-Nat   Notes
 1   GK     ALFAN-DYNOM Jan          they/them   21     Trosoc (QUS)                                
12   GK     XELEZ-LENPI Fox          they/them   19     Atlov (QUS)                                 
25   GK     KEPEX-CHENG Yan           she/they   27     Beian Bats (YZH)                     YZH    
 3   LCB    KYNDA-LENPI Faz          they/them   21     Atlov (QUS)                                 
14   LCB    VRALX-LUCEX Mal          they/them   21     Trosoc (QUS)                                
 4   RCB    WYZAL-ULUTU Tla          they/them   25     Atlov (QUS)                                 
13   RCB    GAVAZ-AJARK Tez          they/them   31     Yassaca FC (SRS)                     SRS    
11   LB     DYNOM-WANAT Ban          they/them   33     Knetyohai City FC (CMT)                     
15   LB     VULAV-PRANT Yem          they/them   24     KFX Halazem (SRS)                           
16   RB     IRTIX-PILTA Kal          they/them   20     Tekstil Ibon (MYT)                   MYT    
17   RB     LYNUL-SEVET Pul          they/them   30     Occidental Olympic (EXT)                    
 2   DM     BELAJ-TRENJ Marko          he/him    23     La + Querida (FFD)                   SRS    
 5   DM     Alinafe FORZU             she/her    28     Mansanduni Union (BIY)               BIY    
 6   CM     Chifuniro LENPI           she/her    27     Mansanduni Union (BIY)               BIY    
 8   CM     TRENJ-WULAT Fox          they/them   21     Qastyr (QUS)                                
23   CM     Fen KEPEX-POTTS            he/him    22     West Couno United (TMB)              TMB    Previously played for the Tumbra U18 national team
 7   AM     HELEK-PERTZ Zev          they/them   34     Megabrantid SC (SRS)                 SRS    AM/ST
19   AM     MULPO-KYNDA Uka          they/them   20     Atletik Thessia (MYT)                MYT    
20   LM     NALET-KRESP Saf          they/them   25     Poldanz (QUS)                               
22   LW     BELAJ-RILAN Dar          they/them   27     Latrobe Athletic (KSK)               SRS    LM/LW
 9   RW     CULAK-ZELEZ Guv          they/them   25     Millsburgh Revolutionaries (TMB)     SRS    ST/LW/RW
21   RW     PILTA-OXOLT Can          they/them   35     Emerald Coast Raiders FC (TKT)              RW/ST
10   ST     SEVET-MATEZ Fox          they/them   33     Brantisvogan FC (SRS)                SRS    
18   ST     Kal DYNOM                they/he     27     Shepperton Ravens (TMB)              TMB    
24   ST     Walinase HYNYM-FORZU      she/her    26     Mansanduni Union (BIY)               BIY    

Role        Name                  Pronouns   Age     Notes
Manager     INTOV-HELEK Duk       they/them   52     Former manager at West Couno United (TMB); former assistant at Brantisvogan FC (SRS); former left back at KFX Pretarljz (QUS), KF Werzin (QUS), and Qusmo national team

Tactics

Intov-Helek will nominate the following players to start Qusmo’s opening match of the qualifying campaign against Archalit. The team’s starting XI is subject to change throughout the course of Qusmo’s World Cup Qualifying campaign.

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|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|¯¯|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|¯¯|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|
|                       |  ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯  |                       |
|                       |_______________|                       |
|                                                               |
|                          Sevet-Matez                          |
|                                                               |
|                                                               |
|  Belaj-Rilan             Helek-Pertz             Culak-Zelez  |
|------------------Kepex-Potts--O-------------------------------|
|                                     Forzu                     |
|                                                               |
|  Dynom-Wanat                                     Lynul-Sevet  |
|                  Kynda-Lenpi     Wyzal-Ulutu                  |
|                                                               |
|                       |¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|                       |
|                       |  Kepex-Cheng  |                       |
|_______________________|__|_________|__|_______________________|
|,                            |___|                            ,|

Intov-Helek favors attacking play already, & their available talent are heavily skewed towards the forward & midfield areas. Qusma matches, then, may be entertaining for neutrals. The gaffer will name two players to their opening-match starting XI whom they’re very familiar with from their time in club management. Veteran striker Sevet-Matez leads the line after first working with Intov-Helek during their time as assistant manager of Brantisvogan FC in Squornshellous. Meanwhile, young centre midfielder Fen Kepex-Potts has an opportunity to continue the tradition of Qusma talent at the position, after Intov-Helek previously served as their club manager at West Couno United in Tumbra.

The team’s talent, & particularly its depth, does not inspire much confidence defensively. Kepex-Cheng Yan seems legitimately international-calibre, but she is the only goalkeeper on the roster who plays club football outside Qusmo, & only one centre back on the roster plays abroad, as well. Kynda-Lenpi Faz & Wyzal-Ulutu Tla will take their centre back partnership from Atlov to the Qusma national team as starters on the first matchday of Qualifying, while teammate Xelez-Lenpi Fox has also made the squad as a goalkeeper, after the team’s success as champions of Qusmo & of the Federation of the Single Sun. Meanwhile, Alinafe Forzu, Chifuniro Lenpi, & Walinase Hynym-Forzu have each made the team after their treble-winning campaigns with Mansanduni Union, having won the Biyambi Football League, Ubifa Cup, & CMFA Champions League, becoming the first team from the Mandalanusan Archipelago to win a regional treble.

The players leading Qusmo’s attack are all tried & true, but they are starting to age, as well. Helek-Pertz Zev & Sevet-Matez have both been key parts of championships in the Squornshelan Superleague, but they are both on the wrong side of thirty. Belaj-Rilan Dar & Culak-Zelez Guv are massive dangers from the wing areas who are in the primes of their careers, but if they don’t track back defensively, they’ll leave the thirty-something fullbacks behind them completely exposed.

Intov-Helek will hope that title-winning experience, preexisting chemistry, & lethal finishing from their front four will finally be the formula to propel Qusmo to success — but will a good attack be enough?

Kits

The official kit supplier of the Qusma national team is the Starblaydian-based enterprise ediraf. Though many expected Fuzpon Qusma to select uni·q to win the new Qusma national team contract, the federation has opted to equip the team in the same kit in which they competed in World Cups 82 and 83, as a link to Qusma footballing heritage.

Culture

Gender: All people of full Qusma descent are nonbinary and androgynous and use they/them pronouns. Male or female Qusmi’y generally are children of multinational heritage.
Names: For those with traditional Qusma names, family names are followed by given names.
Nomenclature: Qusmo refers to the country of Qusmo itself, Qusma is an adjective for something that is from or of Qusmo, a Qusmi is a person who is Qusma, Qusmi’y are a group of more than one Qusmi, Qusmi Bez is the title of the leader of Qusmo, & Qusmu is the native language of most Qusmi’y.

Competitive record

Qusmo debuted in World Cup 80 Qualifying & qualified for World Cups 82 and 83, but it had not played any more recent fixtures until the ninety-sixth World Cup cycle, & it failed to qualify for that edition of the tournament. Qusmo had advanced out of the group stage in each of the first six tournaments it had played in, but it was eliminated in the group stage of World Cup 83 & Copas Rushmori XLV & XLVI, with a quarterfinals run in Cup of Harmony 88 representing Qusmo’s only trip past the knockout rounds of a tournament since the Reforms.

Situational Records            M    W    D    L        P/M    W%    GF   GA    GD
All-Time Record              211   95   35   81       1.52   45%   327  290   +37
Competitive Matches          155   75   25   55       1.61   48%   247  201   +46
WCC Competitions             125   68   19   38       1.78   54%   223  159   +64
World Cup Qualifying          94   54   13   27       1.86   57%   179  118   +61
Post-Reform (All Fixtures)    79   29   10   40       1.23   37%   137  137     0

Stadium

All World Cup 99 Qualifying matches hosted in Qusmo will be staged at Mastad Qusma, Qusmo’s national stadium. Located in Qanz, the nation’s capital, Mastad Qusma has a capacity of 80 000 people & has previously hosted the finals of several domestic cups, UICA Youth Cup 24, UICA Series B Champions’ Cup 68, CRF Copa de Campeones 45, & CRF Copa Rushmori XXXII, as well as matches up to & including a semifinal of World Cup 98.

Technical details

Permissions: Anything short of godmodding, death, or permanent injury; feel free to DM me to ask or talk about anything
Starting XI: May be posted at the end of each RP for the subsequent matchday; otherwise, use best judgment
Style modifier: +3

[Francobalkan Peninsula]

Nickname: The Irredentists
Home stadium: Stadio del Patto Spezzato (46,800)
Home kit: Deep red, with dark diagonal slashes
Away kit: Pale grey, with silver trim
Goalie kit: Acid yellow, with plum purple trim
Style modifier: 0

Manager: Manager: Giuseppe-Marie Petroni (55)

Goalkeepers

1. Claudio Bregović (33) AS Calzanese
12. Gelmar Caramatti (22) US Redentora
23. Fiorenzo Giorgi (36) RC Barletta

Defenders

2. Ettore Blagò (27) Olympique Sud-Transdanube
3. Matteo Andrić-Péan (25) US Redentora
4. Amir Valenzi (30) Partizan-Cannes
5. Danica Ré (34) FC Monfalcone
14. Giuri Francesco Costanzo (30) Union Radoviča
15. Tommaso Levasseur (25) Standard Lutetia
18. Davide Benassoni (29) Dinamo Vercellino
20. Nicola Zlatich (28) Legia Novi Trsat
22. Luciano Trajchi (26) Olympique Sud-Transdanube

Midfielders

6. Selimo Ivanetti (29) Dinamo Vercellino
7. Luca-Marco Di Vittorio (24) CFK Thalassia
8. Maëlco Bajrami (26) Dinamo Vercellino
10. Emilia Vranici (28) AC Autonomija
13. Giuri Francesco Costanzo (30) Union Radoviča
16. Farid-Cosimo Petrocci (24) Libertas Neos
17. Ivana Bugliani (23) Libertas Neos
19. Altin Doucouré (21) CD Rezistència
24. Moussa Ben Messaoud (22) Libertas Neos

Forwards

9. Leone Bastiani (31) Union Radoviča
11. Adriano Coletti (27) Libertas Neos
21. Noémie Stramacchia (25) SV Santa Veneranda
25. Ottaviano Covacevi (24) AS Médiapartizan
26. Ismaël Prcić (27) Clube de la Frontière

I am very sorry to my opponents for the threadbare roster and almost certain total lack of RP. By way of compensation, you have my permission to RP anything you like in terms of on field action (scoring, discipline, godmoding). Please do not kill anyone, too badly.

[Zirahuen]

Zirahuén World Cup 99 Qualifying Squad

The Iréchikwa of Zirahuén submits the following roster for the empire's firstsecond foray into international football, after a devastating loss in the Baptism of Fire final to emerging rivals the Osnari Federation.

With little in the way of a football culture — and much of the population preferring the traditional game of Uárukua Ch'anakua, or pelota purépecha — the national team is young and relatively inexperienced, mostly sourced from local recreational leagues and universities in a country with no formal football league system. Manager Hiquingaje Valiente, himself a favorite of the ruling Uacúsecha dynasty, faces the tough task of marshalling his attack-happy, defense-be-damned squad against a set of opponents with a much greater command of the norms, nay, even the rules of international football.

Squad List

No	Pos	Player				Sex	Age
1	GK	Ynzinguato de Aranza		M	20
12	GK	Tzintzun Cutacúa		F	21
23	GK	Nil Flores de Zirahuen		M	24
2	LB	Xaratanga de la Libertad	F	18
3	CB	(VC) Ana Anaeaxi		F	24
4	CB	Ariadna Xaxi-de la Victoria	F	23
5	RB	(C) Zinzuni Puruata		M	25
13	LB	Ekiwah Huitziméngari		M	21
14	CB	Juan  Cananqua			M	19
15	CB	Álvaro Andácuare		M	22
16	RB	Atari Querenda			M	20
6	LM	Tangaxoan Cuiniharángari	M	22
7	CM	Caracomaco			M	22
8	CM	Amira Nispu-Vela		F	21
9	RM	Xoán Tzurequi			M	22
17	LM	Cara Chzipagua			F	24
18	CM	Eréndira García Feijóo		F	17
19	CM	Cuitzeo de la Cruz		M	24
20	RM	Tiago Tariacaherio		M	19
10	ST	Kai Foa-Chaxa			M	22
11	ST	Matoxeo Quini-Timax		M	22
21	ST	Luca Tareca			M	17
22	ST	Marco Quiris			M	18

Starting XI

Home Stadium
National University of Zirahuen Stadium (capacity: 5,000)
It's literally a field with some bleachers around it, with few creature comforts. National authorities won't be offended if no opposing fans make the trek into the middle of nowhere.

Roleplay Permissions & Style
Style: +5
If my opponent roleplays first, they may:
Choose my starting lineup: Yes (though names bolded above start by default)
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes (though please discuss via TG first)

[West Barack and East Obama]

Style Mod: -5

West Barack and East Obama National Football Team

A Brief History of Obaman Football

Football as a sport is prohibited in West Barack and East Obama, along with other team sports such as cricket, rugby and paintball. This is because the prevalence of team sports has a strong correlation to organised crime, violence and political dissidents, so all attempts at forming groups are prohibited. However, West Barack and East Obama has established an official national football team to help promote Obaman values on the international stage.

The West Barack and East Obama National Football Team are finally World Cup powerhouses by all definitions of the term, having qualified for the World Cup knockouts in the previous edition (nevermind that it was assisted by the expansion of the cup to 48 teams and ended in a first round elimination to TJUN-ia). Now, West Barack and East Obama are a #1 seed in qualification for the first time in their history, where they will be hoping to avoid defeats against Elmyia and Indusse to qualify for a fourth straight World Cup.

The Coaching Team

Head Coach: Buck Obamafinakis
Assistant Coach: Tuck Obamafinakis
Goalkeeping Coach: Chuck Obamafinakis

The Obamafinakis brothers are legendary throughout Southeast Obama. Known for their law firm 'Obamafinakis, Obamafinakis & Obamafinakis', these triplets are known for their expert litigation skills and have reduced countless death penalty sentences to paltry life imprisonment with hard labour and without parole sentences. Now, they're putting their persuasive skills and tactical knowledge to the real test by continuing their role as the coaching staff of the West Barack and East Obama national team for the World Cup. Rumours that they were forced to take the job so that the government can distract them away from practicing law to better suppress dissidents are still false.

The Players

The players of the football team have been selected based on a variety of factors. The team that has been selected is the one that will maximise winning in competitions whilst minimising the possibility of bonds and teamwork being formed.

Goalkeeper: Dwayne Obama, 39

Captain Dwayne Obama is a fighter pilot for the Glorious Obama Air Forces. Known as 'Dwayne, Destroyer of Planes', Obama has taken down more enemy aircraft and blown up more secessionist state hospitals than can be counted. His reflexes and quick thinking helps him to get out of sticky situations, and his incredible muscles from intensive training means he can stop a powerful ball with just his pinky. The perfect goalkeeper candidate.

Left Centre Back: Nossu Obamadamus, 26

Following the retirement of long-time captain and multi-sport legend Trent Vobama, newcomer Nossu Obamadamus had some big shoes to fill. But that's just what he does, as the New Barack City cobbler is one of the best shoe-repairers in the world. Having a scarily intricate knowledge of feet and foot sizes, Obamadamus has legendary football IQ which allows him to predict where opponents will run to or land, allowing him to intercept balls in team and time tackles perfectly. He's also agreed to collaborate with Fred Olibama on the kit and shoes duty with his expertise in diamond-encrusted spikes. Who said defending can't be flashy?

Centre Back: Barack Denovitz, 32

A feared mob enforcer in downtown New Barack City, the Obamafinakis brothers convinced the Obaman courts to let Denovitz out for the competition, and if he succeeds could earn 10 years off his 150 year sentence (with hard labour). The definition of a hard man, he doesn't tackle, he just scares them away. Suspended on all of his debuts and he'd do it all over again.

Right Centre Back: Bark Obamallama, 34

Door-to-door llama salesman Bark Obamallama has really thick skin. You'll need it to if your day was spent dodging llama spit and verbal abuse from disinterested buyers. Described as being devoid of any emotions, Obamallama will have no second thoughts about ending that opponent's career with a devastating (but legal) slide tackle.

Left Wide Midfielder: Jenny Barracki, 30

Being a professional sprinter, Jenny Barracki is the fastest woman alive. In West Barack and East Obama. She can outrun most of her opponents down the wing, delivering crosses to waiting strikers. Also, she's great at fielding in cricket. Is there anything this girlboss can't do?

Left Central Midfielder: Harvey Chobamya, 31

Harvey Chobamya is not your average gym bro. He spends all of his days and nights on the treadmill at Anytime Obama in New Barack City, as well as doing all of the leg and feet exercises. The strongest lower body in the whole of the nation, he can send balls out of the stadium with just a slight tap. Leg day skips this guy.

Central Midfielder: Wolfgang Obamadeus-Mozart, 27

Better known by his pseudonym "DJ Momo" of the rap duo "Momo and the Obamasaurus", Obamadeus-Mozart has very unpredictable movement patterns to match his crazy beats. He can bamboozle, flabbergast and dumbfound any of his opponents to get the ball from one end of the pitch to the other. His rythmnic playing is also pretty nice to watch.

Right Central Midfielder: Charles Obama, 31 (captain)

Royal Butler to The One and Only Barack Horatio Obama, Charles Obama is also a very skilled footballer. A holding midfielder, there's no room for nonsense when this guy's on the pitch. His commanding presence and knack for providing service to his fellow players will come into handy. The captain of the team following the retirement of Trent Vobama, the venerable Obama will now have the challenge of leading his ragtag group of misfits to glory.

Right Wide Midfielder: Brett Pogama, 33

Brett Pogama has a lot of sports experience, participating in one of the most popular sports in the country (since team sports were banned) in greyhound racing. He plays the role of the rabbit, where he has to run as fast as he can to escape a pack of vicious greyhounds. Most of the time he gets out with only a flesh wound or two, showcasing his excellence for evading opponents to bring a ball into the box.

Left Centre Forward: Lily Chobamya, 22

Sister to Harvey Chobamya, Lily is good at free kicks and penalties. Inbetween her courses at Frederick Obamatown National Health University, she practices her set pieces, which aren't technically illegal as there's only one player playing. She can't do much else, but if you foul someone, say bye bye to your fragile lead.

Right Centre Forward: Fred Olibama, 34

Fred Olibama is one powerful forward. He is a cobbler by day, but in his spare time makes some of the best sports shoes known to man. Being both the striker and the kit guy for the team, his experience in bring in the shoes of a footballer will definitely be a big help to the team.

Reserves

1. GK: Walter Oblmao
2. GK: Reagan Jean-Page
3. CB: Bogdan Obammus
4. CB: Yeray Obáma
5. CB: Obama Baker
6. LM: Juan Bama
7. CM: Jimbo Obimba
8. CM: Benjamin Barracks
9. CM: Pal Gore
10. RM: Jean-Marie Ouibama
11. ST: Lasse Sobama
12. ST: Andrew Vobama

Set Piece Takers

Penalties:

1. L. Chobamya
2. H. Chobamya
3. Olibama
4. Obamadeus-Mozart

Left Free Kicks:

1. L. Chobamya
2. H. Chobamya
3. Olibama
4. Barracki

Right Free Kicks:

1. L. Chobamya
2. H. Chobamya
3. Obamadeus-Mozart
4. C. Obama

Left Corners:

1. L. Chobamya
2. H. Chobamya
3. Barracki
4. Obamadamus

Right Corners:

1. L. Chobamya
2. H. Chobamya
3. Obamadeus-Mozart
4. C. Obama

Other Stuff

Nickname: Obamen, The Obama Carers

Stadiums:

Fort Obama Supermax, Obamafalls, East Obama

With a seating capacity of 500, Fort Obama Supermax is currently the largest football stadium in the nation. Converted from a parcel of marsh (mixed in with sewage from the nearby Fort Obama Supermax prison), the stadium is surrounded by ten metre high reinforced concrete walls with barbed wire. Snipers at the towers surrounding the prison will also have additional duties to ensure that no one else gets any funny ideas and tries to break the team sports rule. Of course, this great sense of security will be great for travelling fans, and politicians who will be the only Obamen allowed to attend the matches there. The changing rooms are highly secure with locker doors recycled from scrapped cell doors from the prison, so players' valuables are untouchable.

The Pentagram Underworld, Jakartington WB, West Barack

With a seating capacity of just 100, the Pentagram Underworld may seem small but it is a technological marvel. Built underneath the military HQ of West Barack and East Obama, The Pentagram, the Underworld is highly secure as only those with special clearance will be allowed anywhere near the building. The entire stadium is air conditioned, and the artificial pitch is just sublime. Large lamps illuminate the place so that players and attendees can see what's going on, and there's also a selection of fast food stands from inside the Pentagram in case anyone gets peckish. Of course, travelling fans will need to be vetted and examined for a minimum of 48 days before being declared secure enough to enter. They will also be given a special serum to help them forget everything except the match after it takes place, so be sure to account for these in your plans if you want to attend a match!

Kit:

RP Permissions: inform me before anything particularly ridiculous otherwise do what you like

Style Mod: -5

[Sargossa]

World Cup 99


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 worked well in Torreón, where earned plenty of plaudits as his Estrella consistently punched above their weight and earned a place in the global cup competitions to boot.

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 (30) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Imanol Sánchez (35) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Hilario Barreda (31) – 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 (34) – Ciudad Soluca
DC: 5. Alan Fernández (27) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 6. Lautaro Monzón (23) – Alianza Jucaro
DL: 3. Antonio Benito (31) – Sportivo Soluca
DRC: 12. Jorge Romero (33) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 14. Asier Recio (26) – Estrella Torreón
DLC: 19. Iván Alegre (30) – Estrella Torreón
DC: 21: Joaquín Sanz (31) – El Nacional

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 (31) – Sportivo Soluca
AMRLC: 7. Moisés Garrido (32) – Ciudad Soluca
MC: 8. Enrique González (37) – Ciudad Soluca
AMLC: 11. Dani Azuaga (34) – Dínamo Maturín
AMR: 15. Jhon Rivas (30) – Estrella Torreón
MC: 16. Jandro Paz (22) – Alianza Jucaro
DMC: 18. Fernando Soler (21) – Estrella Torreón
MC: 22. Elías Pozo (28) – Sportivo Soluca
AMLC: 24. Martín de la Cavallería (31) – Dínamo Maturín

The new coach is faced with a good problem to have, with a trove of riches in the centre of the park. Jandro Paz is a talented addition to a group that already includes the tireless Juan Dani Azuaga, the battling Alberto Ribas 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 (25) – Sportivo Soluca
FRLC: 10. Pablo Alarcón (35) – El Nacional
FC: 17. Lucas Recoba (32) – El Nacional
FLC: 20. Jesús Blaya (31) – Sportivo Soluca
FC: 23. Rubén López (30) – 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





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.

[Sel Appa]

Sel Appa National Football Team
"The Turtles — Les Tortues"
Allez! Allez! Les Tortues! Donnez-nous beaucoup de buts!

Style Mod: -1
Form: 4-4-2 or 4-3-3

FFSA President:
Gérard Duceppe - Recently elected president of the Football Federation of Sel Appa, Duceppe an accomplished businessman who owned Côte Athlétique for years before joining the FFSA Board. His stern nature was felt needed at the Association helm.

Coach:
Marek Löwy - After an unsuccessful start to the World Cup 98 Qualifiers, Löwy was able to turn it around and win a couple matches, restoring hope and preserving his job. He was an unorthodox pick of a former player for Anila City FC, selected from outside Sel Appa. Löwy prefers a defensive style, but is known to get more aggressive when that fails to produce results.

GOALKEEPERS
(1) Bobby Boyd - Starting keeper {Reddingham Rovers}
(27) Sam Sabesić - Backup (debut)
(3) Ian Rash - Third {Nemnen Turtles}

DEFENSE
(4) Danny Lagrotte - Sturdy defender, Lagrotte doesnt quit. {Fleuves FC}
(5) Johnny Montana - Heavy duty defenseman, who rarely lets a ball past him.
(6) Kal Muosa - Natives Province and star player domestically, Muosa is a brutal defender. {Natives FC} (Captain)
(7) Tobias Hart - A bit gun shy, but reliable and loyal.
(8) Sam Valencia - An all around defender known for his sweet demeanor off the pitch.
(9) Tyler White - The erratic White is a hard worker in play. {Royal Fizroe}
(24) Brian Roberts - A trusty defenseman {Nemnen Turtles} (debut)

MIDFIELD
(11) Jesse David - Doesnt mess around and does what needs to be done.
(12) Finnley Bernard - Tough nature, who gets plays going and will turn around a difficult play without a second thought.
(13) Myron Barnes - Commonly seen with Rivers on and off the pitch, the two work together well in moving the ball up to the forwards. {Anila City FC}
(14) Elmo Rivers - Friend of Barnes, coordinating easily to get the ball where it needs to go. {Anila City FC}
(16) Stéphane du Bois - Reliable at times, but known for being distracted during important plays, du Bois can snipe some goals when least expected. {Royal Fizroe}
(17) Andy Ayak - Despite mental health struggles, Ayak plays well and moves things forward or helps protect the defense when needed. {St Elmos Fire}
(25) Archie Lamb - A solid midfielder, albeit a bit slow (debut)

STRIKERS
(18) Lucien Barthélemy - Pairs well with de la Rue, the two have played together since childhood and have a fantastic chemistry to score set pieces. {Serpents}
(19) Henni de la Rue - Never without sandbox buddy Barthélemy, the duo are thought to be twins and function as a contiguous unit on the pitch. {Serpents}
(20) Gary Tyson - Tyson is known off the pitch as a party animal and claims about his nights with numerous women, his play is sturdy but laid back.
(21) Dmitri Ram - Aggressive and unpredictable, Ram is not a striker any defender want to face. {Eniarku Dynamo}
(22) Kris Welck - Hardworking and reliable, Welck is injury-prone, leaving him to alternating plays. {Nemnen Turtles}
(23) Allan Reddy - Supportive forward who has an independent streak, but never fails his team.
(26) Johnny Dong - Southern Sel Appan fast on foot and a good with a blast (debut)

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: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: No, but ask.
Godmod other events: Yes/No
Generate stadium happenings: Yes, if realistic

Schmeck Travel Guide - Sel Appa (incomplete)

VENUES
Turtle Stadium
Location: Nemnenait
Capacity: 128000
The National Stadium of Sel Appa and home to the Nemnen Turtles, this massive venue is world class and modern. Rebuilt from the ground up in the 2000s, it remains fresh to fans from all over. Amenities are replete with numerous food, shopping, and other entertainment options for all budgets. Transit is a cinch with the metro directly underground, providing a seamless journey from any direction. Nemnenait itself is a massive capital city blending cultures from Sel Appa and abroad. Visitors will find endless things to do in between matches.
Matchday 1 vs. The Martian Independent Republic
Matchday 8 vs Audioslavia

Stade d'Or
Location: Les Fleuves
Capacity: 66000
Nestled between two rivers, the aptly named city of Les Fleuves hosts the top French team: Fleuves FC. While less populous, French cities in Sel Appa are no less than their counterparts. Known for fantastic architecture, culture, and of course, cuisine, visitors will get a classic French experience. While English is understood by pretty much everyone, French is predominant. Whereas other Francophones are said to be rude, Sel Appan francophones welcome any effort in their tongue. The stadium itself features French favorites from crepes to poutine, and some of the more unique aspects of football culture in Sel Appa, namely the wildly designed hats. The city itself is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach, and one will enjoy the many riverwalks.
Matchday 2 vs. Carpathia and Ruthenia
Matchday 14 vs. Kandorith

Grand Archduke Kirby I Stadium
Location: Anila City
Capacity: 80000
The namesake of Sel Appas beloved late monarch, who was mysteriously assassinated in 2005, Anila City FC plays here. Located in the second largest city, it certainly stacks up well to their rivals in the capital. One will find everything they need here and more. With a metro station across the street, and numerous other options, getting in and out is no problem. Anila is more distinctly Anglo than the multicultural capital, but still showcases a variety of cultures and diversions.
Matchday 6 vs. Crpostran
Matchday 18 vs. Kanzlia

Royal Field
Location: Fizroe
Capacity: 72000
Football doesnt get more serious than at Royal Field, home to Royal Fizroe, the beloved team of unrepentant monarchists. While Anila City got the name, Fizroe has the spirit of the late Grand Archduke. With a gorgeous view of Fizroe Bay, this is where the annual Turtle Classic between the top two Premier League teams is held. Despite their plucky nature, the home side rarely makes it, with a longtime rivalry between Nemnen Turtles and Anila City FC the most common matchup. To get to this stadium, visitors will have to hop on a plane or take a ferry, most likely from the two major cities. Transit on island is a bit more limited, with buses serving the bulk. Despite the forward-thinking efforts of Grand Archduke Kirby I, he focused development on the mainland. The stadium itself doesnt come up short, but is known for being a bit higher class. Be warned, republican sentiments are not taken kindly here
Matchday 4 vs. Mertagne
Matchday 16 vs. Legendenex

NativeZone
Location: Natives Province
Capacity: 32000
The illustrious NativeZone is home to Natives FC, one of the fiercest teams in the nation. While small, it is a unique experience to see the football culture that calls a home here. Designed in the earthly natural style, the stadium is a beauty. The tropical heat may scare some off, but will be a nice respite for others. Food in the stadium is on the healthier and interesting side, with fruits and local delicacies and treats everywhere. Transit to the venue consists of a train followed by a connecting bus. There is no metro and infrastructure otherwise is less developed. Between matches, there are many food and music options, as well as markets selling local crafts, and numerous nature tours.
Matchday 12 vs. Henrik P

[Farfadillis]

The Freisan Farf Freitball Francitian hereby presents the Farf roster for the 99^th Edition of the World Cup
Plurinational Entity Name: The Outlandish Lands of Farfadillis
Demonym: Farf (plural Farves)
Team Nickname: La Vherderoja
Honours: World Cup 84 and AOCAF Cups 43, 48 and 57 Winners

KITS
Provided by Mons


ABOUT FARFADILLIS
potentially outdated map for reference

A nation is usually defined as “a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.” A country is usually defined as “a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory.” As such, contrary to popular misconception, Farfadillis is neither a country nor a nation. The reasons are twofold: first, to what extent governments exist in Farfadillis in the current day is a matter of fierce scholarly debate, and second, there are various ethnicities in Farfadillis that appear to have diverged culturally centuries ago, although it is impossible to know for sure because historical records are very hard to come by in Farfadillis.

So, having clarified what Farfadillis is not, it would be perhaps helpful to give information on what it is. Again, academics haven't ironed out the details and reached a consensus, but it is generally agreed that somewhere between eight and fifteen ethnostates, depending on who's counting and how, coexist in Farfadillis, with the most cited figure being ten nowadays. We will henceforth assume that this last figure is, indeed, correct. As such, Farfadillis could be considered a “Plurinational Entity” in the literal sense that, whatever it is, it is definitely an entity, and it certainly has more than one nation in it. For simplicity, when we say Farf we will mean any ethnicity from the island of Farfadillis.

Although members of any given Farf ethnicity would spit on you for even implying they are similar to any other given Farf ethnicity, the reality is that all but one Farf ethnicity share a lot of cultural common ground. In fact, their cultural common ground is particularly distinctive and makes it hard for Farf refugees to set each other apart in other countries, where their differences between this common ground and the local culture tend to be far starker. This cultural common ground includes, but is not limited to: a general disregard for authority and order (in any sense of the word), a seemingly unhealthy obsession with fire (although some of it is down to fire being a very important part of the various Farf religions), recklessness (risk-taking behavior, if you want to be more charitable), and a very inconvenient ability for distraction and destruction.

The various Farf ethnicities do differ considerably, however, and this is reflected in the neverending political friction between the existing ethnostates, with a horrible war having recently ended. This is despite the fact that, ironically, Farves display omniglottery: the ability to learn any language to a native level with minimal exposition. They are not psychics, so can't just know what words mean without having heard them, but they can visit another country and speak like a native within a month if they want to. Most older Farves speak their local language, as well as Ferdullaelan, because in the past Farfadillis was a country, and Ferdullaele, as the capital, was a cultural hegemon. Farves who live on the border between two given ethnostates generally speak both languages, in many cases having picked up the other language passively and unintentionally. This heavily facilitates migration between ethnostates, as neighboring ethnicities are generally not too different-looking, and as such a Farf from any given ethnicity could cross a border and pretend to have always been a member of the other side's ethnicity. This has the interesting consequence of making the borders between ethnostates cultural melting pots, mish-mashing the cultures of both ethnicities far more than outside Farfadillis.

Regarding the ten (or so) ethnostates we have been referring to, here we present brief descriptions of those generally agreed to be “the” ten ethnostates, in alphabetical order:

Farolera is a very populous country, and was the most economically powerful until recently losing a genocidal war of conquest. Their capacity for self-sustenance during the anarchy years was far greater than their traditional competition, the Ferdullaelans, and Banijan foreign aid helped them pull even more ahead, but they ended up biting off more than they could chew. Their territory is filled with lush forests and fertile farmland, which is actually an important part of the Faroleran identity. After Karinthians, Farolerans are generally considered to be the least Farf of the big Farf ethnicities, but they nonetheless display all of the aforementioned cultural common ground to a very noticeable degree. Farolerans speak Faroleran, which to many foreigners sounds almost exactly like “Spanish”.

Ferdullaele is the ethnostate with the most fertile land, which historically gave them an enormous headstart. However, their population was the one that failed the most to adapt to the total collapse of society eighteen years ago, and as such the ethnostate is, forgive us for making things even more complicated, not strictly an ethnostate: order (in the loosest sense), hasn't quite returned to Ferdullaele, even now, three decades after the collapse of Farfadillis the nation; it has instead devolved into various subcommunities exercising what would best be described as anarcho-capitalism and they, of course, hate each other too.

Fröndt is a very mountainous region, and most urban centers are in those mountains. The weather is extremely dry and cold, and the fauna is unforgiving. The Fröndti are typically more hard-working and level-headed than other Farves—or so they like to believe—and think of themselves as the reasonable, neutral people of the island. The rest of the island disagrees, as do most scholars. They've had trouble with the extremely harsh winters and the flying jellyfish lately, but they're a resilient bunch, so they've adapted to the times.

Induja lies at the center of Farfadillis. All of the beautiful Farf biomes clash in Induja, which makes it the most naturally beautiful of the ethnostates. By driving less than two hundred kilometers, you can go from jungle to desert to plains to mountains. Due to this, Indujans are actually quite secluded, despite bordering a whopping six other ethnicities. Indujans are traditionally... well, forgotten. To most Farves, they're just that place you have to go through to reach other places, though this attitude towards them has been relenting in recent years. As a nation, it has recently experienced repeated economic crashes because they were overtaken by a cryptocurrency cult, and being the center of the most unforgiving warfront in the recent war has not helped matters. A chunk of it has even become a new nation with zero resistance.

Karinthia is a recently-discovered tribe of about thirty thousand people who live in the Szoirsian desert. Some scientists believe they'd flown under the radar for millennia, somehow. They seem to speak a language with no similarities with any other Farf language. The Farves that have come into contact with them have found them very bizarre, for the most part because they seemed to pay attention to detail and have a commendable work ethic, coupled with a fleshed-out concept of respect and hierarchy. One thing about them is shared with all other ethnicities, however: they venerate fire.

Kruviš is the most populated ethnostate, though only by a slight margin and only if you're willing to trust a Farf census from twenty-five years ago. This nation is mostly one huge jungle, but closer to the coast the jungle gives way to civilization... to a degree. The fauna here is perhaps the most dangerous you'll find on the island, which is really saying something. Wasps that explode (like bombs) when stinging, spider-snakes, frogs whose poison literally sends you to hell, etc. The Kruviši are even more fiercely nationalistic than the other ethnicities but tend to direct their xenophobia more towards non-Farves than the other Farves, and are generally just not involved in petty border squabbles because the humongous jungle doesn't let them.

Rülândéá is historically the poorest and most abused of the nations; it's safe to say the Rulandese have never had it good. Rampant crime, extreme pollution, terrible quality of life, genocide(s) and a very long etc. The region weathered the days of anarchy much better than most other places by virtue of already being used to misery. Nowadays, the region is controlled by the Rulandese Revolutionary Army, and a fairly idiosyncratic version of libertarian socialism is currently in place, but it is very hard to get information from Rülândéá due to how hazardous it is to get there in the first place. They're the most well-known Farf ethnicity by far because they produce better footballers than the rest of the island combined, to the point that some of the best players in the Multiverse come from this relatively small, run-down nation. Their language is also notorious for having too many diacritics. Farves from the other ethnicities feel very insulted when it is insinuated that they, too, speak languages with an orthography filled to the brim with diacritics.

Szoirsia is essentially one huge desert with small oases of civilization. Szoirsians are used to the extreme heat and dehydration that comes with their surroundings. They resort to violence first and foremost to solve problems, perhaps even more so than the Rulandese. Szoirsians speak one of the most distinct languages of the island: Szoirsian. As a language, it seems to very transparently be a creole between two ancestral languages that no longer exist, which in turn—along with what little archaeological evidence can be found—makes the scholarly consensus be that there used to be two distinct ethnic groups in Szoirsia that, somehow, fused into one.

Tanazza is rather uninhabited, being almost exactly fifty percent jungle, fifty percent desert in terms of surface area. The inhabited parts generally lie at the edge of both biomes. Tanazzans have a notoriously hard time getting out of Tanazza because there are no roads out. The collapse of supply chains during the anarchy years hit the Tanazzans particularly hard as a result, and they are still reeling from it. They are, nonetheless, very resilient and, supposedly, very good-humored.

Lithico™ is a new corporate-state that is quickly turning into another ethnostate (but doesn't, technically, fit the definition yet). They are a corporation focused on selling the Lithium that the bats authochtonous to their territory shit. Their territory used to be part of Induja, but it was mostly bought off or peacefully integrated throughout the war against Farolera. Unlike other Farf nations, they do not yet have any tensions with other Farf ethnicities, Farolera excluded.

As a general rule, it is very hard to travel to Farfadillis. Things have gotten better recently, as some working airports have been constructed in Farolera by the Banijan and Euran relief efforts. However, travel within the country is still notoriously hazardous unless you're willing to spend a lot of money bribing the locals. Do not travel by boat if you can afford to: krakens abound on the Farf coast.

STAFF

MANAGER: Yuan Zilai - Age 72
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Tuskoles Yagaras - Age 44
CHIEF SCOUT: Zhonong Zhojo Sidike — Age 36
TEAM MEDIC: Xa Turo Kij — Age 66
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER: Wuya Ya Johan - Age 27

STARTERS

#1 — — Živko Grujić — aGKa — Age 23 — La + Querida
As is evident from just looking at any team picture, Živko towers above all others in this team. Literally. He's very tall. His positioning is, thankfully, almost perfect, because his bodyframe doesn't exactly lend itself to acrobatic saves. He knows how to make his big body count, though, and he's very good at dispatching crosses. To get past him, you'll likely want to make sure your shots are well-placed, since he does cover a lot of... area.

#6 — — Abelardo Couce — aLBa — Age 20 — La Nueva Avenida
Abelardo plays like he's been cursed with the inability to improvise—the equivalent of a deadly sin for a Farf. Every one of his movements looks premeditated. Each and ever pass is predictable but perfectly weighted. He doesn't make runs you wouldn't expect him to, but he makes every good run you would expect him to. He'd rather keep the ball and pass it around than go for a probable wayward cross, and very rarely gets caught out. He plays, put another way, boring, efficient football. Due to his playstyle, his blinding pace might surprise you, at least if you're not familiar enough with Farves.

#7 — — Alexon Sirujano — aCBa — Age 22 — Ausharmuj Marusi
Alexon justifies his surname: it means surgeon. He's not tall, fast, or aggressive, but he can see the game clearly and extirpate danger with surgical precision. Rarely caught out of poisition and rarely seen diving recklessly into tackls; conseguiently rarely sent off. He's just not one for the cameras. On the ball, he's calm and technically good enough, plus he won't shy away from vertical passing, since he can execute. In the air, he's unassumingly effective. His jumping reach is great, as is his anticipation. Quite often catches considerably taller opponents off guard.

#2 — — Ügüs Hâx — aCBa — Age 21 — Hondo FC
A properly Rulandese center-back, Ügüs plays on constant edge. His split-second decisions are aggressive, risky, and very unpredictable. He'll dive into tackles that might very well have been the midfield's job, push forward with the ball instead of clearing it from the small box... you get the idea. Thing is, despite the hair-splitting mistakes, there's just no denying his sheer quality. Those moments in which he does what nobody else would think to do, they can define games.

#4 — — Éspéráns rue Cazade — aRBa — Age 24 — René Skaé
Ah, well, she, indeed, turned out to not be as good as her father. To be fair, it was an absurdly tall ask. However, despite being a right-back, she's not quite not her father. Éspéráns is a relentless right-back with astounding pace and a very well honed attacking instincts. Like every other Farf full-back in history, you might argue. Yes, but she's very much added a Faragó rue Cazade-like spin to her game (maybe she simply inherited it?): she times interceptions and tackles mid-sprint with astonishing precision, and very much has a striker's instinct when bombing forward, which can make her very difficult to defend against. To top it off, her long shots are very good. It's as if Faragó had been born a woman, a right-back, and measurably but not insultingly less talented.

#8 — — Míkêl Lôçô — aCMa — Age 18 — La + Querida
At just eighteen, Míkêl is already a central piece of the national team's tactical scheme. A central midfielder with, basically, no weaknesses to speak of. He defends well, he dictates the pace of the game, his first touch is immaculate... he breaks lines with astonishing composure. Farfadillis has not seen a center midfielder in this mold since Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí. Míkêl looks set to be somehow much better. He is, again, eighteen. For Farfadillis, after Wínrôuge, rue Cazade, Robineau and Êns, there may soon be Lôçô.

#5 — — Lêyêló Jáánsêlà — aTKa — Age 32 — Rülândéá Kôstä
A generational player, hands down. He's very intelligent (off the pitch too, much to everyone's surprise!), physically-imposing and completely tireless. He just... covers absurd ground, and his goalscoring record is very good given the amount of defensive duties placed on him. He can burst forward when he senses vulnerability, and when he does chances are the opposing team's in trouble. He's perhaps the player to turn to if you want to blast a team's build-up into smithereens. His instincts for scoring from the edge of the box and surprising aerial prowess are just bonuses.

#11 — — José Baliñas — aOMa — Age 22 — La + Querida
An attacking midfielder stripped of magic. He won't go for stepovers or nutmegs and he won't chip the keeper just to show off. But that's precisely what makes him brilliant: at La + Querida, they drilled efficiency into his core. It's the guiding principle through which he plays. He won't pass unless he ought to. Won't dribble unless he ought to. Won't shoot unless he ought to. But when he ought to, his heart doesn't skip a beat. Especially when it comes to striking: he can hit it with either foot, and the rockets he unleashes are what pushed Yuan Zilai to include him in the starting eleven.

#10 — — Jôs Sürréo — aLWa — Age 34 — Dí Maozöxê
A pretty sharp decline, Jôs', if you consider what his peak was. Still, the fact he's declined doesn't mean he's not still good enough to start. He can still dribble in tight spaces and pick out very good passes. Most crucially for his place in the starting eleven, over a decade playing together has turned him into, pretty much, the one and only player who genuinely has chemistry up front with the ball-hog that is Dénes Robineau. Do expect him to make way for Trigueros, though, if youthful fervor and hellacious pace is needed.

#3 — — Qehu Daj Zhdihi — aRWa — Age 22 — Raynor City United
Attack-wise: the winger equivalent of a scimitar. Qehu's agile and unreadable: he can stop dead or explode past two with no apparent rhyme or reason. What makes him rise above most other wingers, however, is his distinct crossing style: his crosses are venomous, almost to a fault. For the most part, he goes for low, fast, and cruel. The kind of cross that's tailor-made to be badly deflected or cleared. He sports tremendous relentlessness and work rate, to boot.

#9 — — Dénes Robineau — aSTa — Age 33 — Chromatik
All of the years that have passed since he burst into the scene have turned Dénes into a bit less of a diva. Thank fuck. His killer instinct, however? It's arguably sharper than it's ever been. For a while now he's been inevitablility made Szoirsian. He can't quite blow past defenders anymore, at least not with the same ease, but he can still catch any defense off guard with his positioning and game sense. As always, the ball gets to him and there's a good chance it winds up in the net somehow. He's still dominant in the air, still very strong and still cold-blooded in front of goal. More than ever, in fact. This will likely be his last World Cup as the team's superstar, and he'll really be looking to make it count.

SUBSTITUTES

#12 — — Régulo Bambino — aGKa — Age 26 — La Nueva Avenida
As is pretty evident to followers of Farf football, Régulo is looking at an illustrious international career spent in almost its entirety as a backup. It's not that Grujić is much better, but he's older, better goalkeepers will likely pop up over the year, Siloxtihuk is also likely to surpass him, and he also just doesn't have the necessary drive to snatch a starting spot. He's steady and unremarkable. Good hands, average reflexes. If all goes well, he'll one day be a cool trivia night question.

#23 — — Siloxtihuk Iwaszkiewicz — aGKa — Age 23 — René Skaé
Abundantly aggressive, fearless, and annoyingly often way off his line. Siloxtihuk plays like he's a sweeper. He sometimes... forgets the 'keeper' part of sweeper keeper. Mistakes happen, but so do jaw-dropping saves. The gap between him and the other keepers is not large. It comes down to reliability. If he can be a little more consistent, the starting spot might very well be his soon. Squornshelan by birth, by the way. That's the reason for the strange, almost unspellable surname.

#14 — — Mâát Süná — aLBa — Age 24 — Dí Maozöxê
A very strong tackler who, you will be very surprised to find out, is not shy about charging forward. Mâát can things reasonably tidy at the back, but that's not really why he's been called up. He's a really good crosser. His passing is okay, but for whatever reason it's his crossing that's just a complete outleir. If the team needs to force a result, chances are he will be brought on.

#15 — — Tôsgo Türrângel — aCBa — Age 33 — Megabrantid SC
A massive fucking unit. Tôsgo's no longer a starter cause age comes for us all, but he remains very literally the most intimidating option off the bench. Too fast for someone this tall. Just a terrifying freak of nature. Very no no-nonsense as a defender. On the ball, he's... fine. Functional, let's say. Functional enough to defend a lead and not be a liability in possession. He's also an aerial menace, so he might be brought on in times of desperation.

#16 — — Eloriján Mopiraja — aCBa — Age 31 — 1923 Esca
All things considered, Eloriján realistically starts for this team if Mytanar football hadn't gone belly-up. He helps bring calm, clarity, and structure to the back line... to a degree, of course. This is Farfadilis. He isn't exactly physical, but his defensive positioning is hard to match. He's got a few mean long passes in his repertoire, too, which he can break out at a moment's notice. Expect him to be brought on if a starter is out of form or injured, or if a particularly solid defender is needed at fullback, where he can also operate at full capacity nowadays.

#17 — — Severino Gaesatae — aCBa — Age 24 — La Nueva Avenida
A swiss knife of sorts. Severino's a center-back by trade, but he can slot into defensive midfield without much friction. Relentless and very disciplined, far more than his messy Farfer teammates, probably because he was born and raised outside Farfadillis (Squornshelan again!). He doesn't overcommit because he's, simply put, not flashy. He's rather the type of player who quietly shuts things down and maybe keeps the ball being passed around. He can also play fullback if the situation calls for it.

#18 — — Dêmêtêr Podtêgândé — aRBa — Age 23 — Dí Maozöxê
As far as technique goes, Dêmêtêr is one of the most gifted players on the squad, which is high praise even when Farfadillis is looking weak. Unfortunately, he smokes like a chimney, drinks like a chimney that drinks a lot, and trains like a chimney that drinks a lot and trains half-assedly. When he's switched on, he'll look like he wouldn't be out of place in an all-time Farf eleven. When he's not, he's a pretty massive liability. There's surprisingly little middle ground. He'll bedazzle and disappoint in roughly equal measure, sometimes in the same half. Very much a break-out-in-case-of-emergency type of player.

#19 — — Lajos Danzas — aDMa — Age 27 — René Skaé
An aggressive, no, scrap that, the most aggressive player on the squad. This is a defensive midfielder who doesn't hold back, even if he should and even if he must. Lajos closes space fast, tackles with lethal force, and is constantly looking to jolt the match into life with as vertical a pass as possible. His sense of timing is excellent, all things considered: he's often just good enough to justify the risks he takes. He plays like he believes midfield should be a war zone, so don't be surprised if he's the most used substitute, or even ends up starting, if the team makes a deep run.

#20 — — Ludovic Buonöhieus — aCMa — Age 30 — René Skaé
A technically sound, intelligent central midfielder who does everything well. A serviceable option, no doubt, and he would be an okay starter in a world in which Míkêl Lôçô didn't exist. Ludovic can keep the ball moving along and make smart decisions under pressure, which is most of what you want from a center midfielder, so long as you're team's on possession. His main weakness is physical: he's not quick, strong, or particularly good at covering ground. He should not be on the pitch if verticality is what Farfadillis wants or needs.

#21 — — Nerianeknoé Ócandefé — aTKa — Age 22 — Ausharmuj Marusi
Apparently, publicly holding some of the most repulsive political opinions one can hold in Farfadillis won't stop you from getting called up if you look like the heir apparent to Lêyêló Jáánsêlà. More refined in possession than the Rulandese (he would insist this has ethnic implications) but not as mindblowingly hard-working (he would insist this hasn't ethnic implications). Still, he's a natural takilante with all that that implies: he will be very disruptive to teams building up from the back, and a surprising goal threat at key junctures.

#22 — — Fulzhohu We Xi — aOMa — Age 22 — Mâ Âlâmëómë
A curious case, Fulzhohu. A more creative playmaker than Baliñas by most measures: more daring, more imaginative, more polished. Alas, also less tidy, less efficient, less consistent and, most crucially, much less of a goal threat. He's not developed as was initially expected, whereas Baliñas was a no-namer until two years ago. Football comes at you fast.

#13 — — Donato Trigueros — aLWa — Age 19 — La Nueva Avenida
All raw pace and instinct, and as remarkably dense as they come. Seriously, he's very stupid. He can't (and won't) follow instructions. It's better that way. Extraordinary ball control and a knack for creating just enough separation for a good shot make him exhausting for any rightback unlucky enough to be tasked with marking him. It's only a matter of time before he replaces Sürréo in the starting eleven, if it doesn't happen during this cycle. This is a player that would be getting touted as generational in Farfadillis if Míkêl Lôçô didn't exist.

#24 — — Valën Pídí — aRWa — Age 27 — 1896 Ebor
Alongside Mopiraja, one of the biggest victims of Mytanar football's fall from grace. Valën is a one-on-one specialist, probably direct and technically proficient wingers Farfadillis has produced in decades (which means a lot). His role now is to come off the bench and terrorize any leftbacks that are deemed to be weak links. Could earn back his starting spot with some luck, but it's a tough battle when Qehu's five years younger.

#25 — — Heliodoro Bochas — aSTa — Age 26 — Mar Sara FC
A late bloomer who earned his spot the hard way. Heliodoro never looked like a future international, but consistent goalscoring in Valanora will change anyone's fortune. An optimista del gol, he's always on the look-out for rebounds and half-chances. His pace helps him find space, but he's not of much use outside the box. Bring chaos to him and he'll deliver, however. Unlikely to ever be brought on for a healthy Robineau, but might still join him in attack if goals are desperately needed.

#26 — — Edmün Léloj — aSTa — Age 23 — Mâ Âlâmëómë
A very technically gifted striker who flies like a butterfly and, unfortunately, stings like one too. Edmün excels at linking up play, attacking space, and posing a massive aerial threat. He does not, by contrast, excel at actually putting the ball in the net with his feet. Not a superstar, but very clearly not just depth either: he's been going from strength to strength for years now, and he'd very much be starting by now if Robineau had slowed down at all.

FORMATION AND TACTICS



STYLE MODIFIER: +5

HOME STADIUM


La Fantás — 70,000 seats — located in Ferdullaele, Ferdullaele — inaugurated during cycle 65

The colossal stadium is situated in the ex-capital of what used to be the country of Farfadillis, Ferdullaele. It used to have a whopping hundred thousand seats, but ever since the whole anarchy situation, the northeastern stand has been inexplicably on fire, so that's one-fourth of the seats gone, plus those too close to the fire to be considered safe by Farf standards. And yes, those exist. Nobody can quite explain how the stand has managed to continue burning for about eighteen years. Pagan religions are common in Farfadillis, and they mostly venerate fire, so if you ask around you'll likely get some magical explanations. We are not saying the God of Fire is raining its wrath upon Ferdullaele, but we are saying that stand should've stopped burning long ago. Or, at least, the fire should've propagated to the other stands. We are also saying that if La Fantás were a map of Farfadillis, it would be Ferdullaele that is burning, being the most northeastern ethnostate. Again, speculation, but worth pointing out. We've gone on a tangent now. Anyway, huge stadium, fire, don't get burned, don't involve yourself with the surrounding ethnic tension or almost total breakdown of civil society.

ROLEPLAY PERMISSIONS

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

Godmod scoring events: Yes.
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I decide severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me first.
Give red cards to my players: Yes.
Godmod other events: TG me first.

Style Modifier: +5

[Vaishnavaria]

VAISHNAVARIAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y but in the Plausible realm of soccer
RP injuries to my players: Y but only 2 players at a time and Max is 3 game injuries TG me the players so I know
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y but only 2 players
Godmod other events: Y but TG me for them

VAISHNAVARIAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM

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NATION INFO
Region: Concord
Trigramme: VAI
Capital City: Vikramndayu
Largest City: Jozan

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TEAM INFO
Manager: Ravi Gahand
Stadium: Ring of Fire
Assistant: Nikhil Vorkovoch
Analytics: Harshit Das
Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Fressenlan
Formation: 3-4-3
Style Mod: +1.5

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Vaishnavaria Tigers Roster

Formation: 3-4-3 (Attacking)  
Starters:

Forwards:  
1. Nahari Jain | Forward | #10 | 27 Years Old | 5'11" | 195 lbs  
2. Nathaniel Grant | Forward | #11 | 30 Years Old | 6'2" | 189 lbs  
3. Abhi Nartar | Forward | #4 | 23 Years Old | 6'4" | 175 lbs  

Midfielders:  
4. Alecsander Komich | Wing Midfielder | #1 | 28 Years Old | 6'0" | 170 lbs  
5. Don Ososton | Central Midfielder | #99| 22 Years Old | 6'7" | 198 lbs  
6. Nik Rosario | Central Midfielder | #66 | 29 Years Old | 6'3" | 178 lbs  
7. Zakaraya Kar  | Wing Midfielder | #19 | 27 Years Old | 6'0" | 175 lbs  

Defenders:  
8. Kapil Nartar | Center Back | #2 | 31 Years Old | 6'7" | 197 lbs  
9. Hastan Raystone | Center Back | #16 | 24 Years Old | 6'1" | 184 lbs  
10. Kyle Russo | Center Back | #50 | 29 Years Old | 6'0" | 185 lbs  

Goalkeeper:  
11. Giovanni Marcilo | Goalkeeper | #5 | 21 Years Old | 6'2" | 171 lbs  

Reserves:

Forwards:  
12. Nikolai Petrenko | Forward | #20 | 24 Years Old | 6'0" | 182 lbs  

Midfielders:  
13. Ethan Ward | Midfielder | #15 | 25 Years Old | 5'11" | 180 lbs  
14. Manan Joshi | Midfielder | #17 | 26 Years Old | 6'1" | 185 lbs  
15. Chase Whitmore | Midfielder | #16 | 23 Years Old | 6'0" | 178 lbs  

Defenders:  
16. Dmitri Vlasenko | Defender | #18 | 27 Years Old | 6'0" | 190 lbs  
17. Andre Carter | Defender | #22 | 25 Years Old | 6'2" | 195 lbs  

Goalkeeper:  
18. Ajay Malhotra | Goalkeeper | #13 | 24 Years Old | 6'3" | 210 lbs

Strikers: Nahari Jain,Nathaniel Grant and Abhi Nartar
Nahari Jain is known for his incredibly agility,precise finishing and ability to go Aerial and make headers easily due to his 6'2 strong stature and his big vertical. He is also a great dribbler, great at controlling the ball and not doing anything fancy. He has an incredible first touch setting himself up for big plays. He can play any position and with any tactics. Nathaniel Grant is a great source of goals setting himself up in the right position to score goals. He is also an incredible passer and plays incredibly well under pressure. He shakes off defenders easily and has strong power as well as an accurate leg. He is often found near the last defender and can receive and control any pass. The only problem is that his dribbling needs some work as well as his headers. Abhi Nartar is a tough level headed athletic beast brother to Kapil and is the long huge striker that every team needs having good controlling dribbling skills and the ability to muscle his way in and he has a powerful shot




Wingers: Alecsander Komich and Zakaraya Kar

The Wingers are both midfielders and Wingers. Alecsander Komich has the soul and skill of a soccer player. Nobody in the world can match his dribbling skills and moves as well as his incredible speed. He shakes off defenders easily and can shoot from anywhere under any pressure. He slips past defenders easily and can almost 100 percent make close shots and open shots. People compare him with Di Bradini and some even say he is better. On defense he is very aggressive paring well with Nik Rosario,Fred Belfast and Nahari Jain to form an Iron front at the Midfield. He can steal easily and doesn't fall for fakes. he has the cleanest slide tackle in all of Vaishnavaria. Zakaraya Kar is a elite winger picked up from Louisenai FC. He is incredibly fast with great dribbling skills and FREAKY fakes. He can make goals from anywhere and is great at finding passes to advance up field. Problem is under an aggressive defender his skills weaken and he can be too fancy or try to force a pass or a shot. Kar and Komich dominated on offense in the wins and losses of offense but often struggle to rally the whole offense and Kar can be a bit of a hot head at times




Center Midfielders: Don Ososton and Nik Rosario.

You know an Anjan Kloss player made a pretty good quote after being crushed by Vaishnavaria in an LCFL warm up game. "They say Half of earth is water. The Rest is covered by the Vaishnavarian Midfielders". Nik Rosario is an incredible defender and a great passer Although he is not a source of goals. Nik Rosario works with winger Zakaraya Kar and Alecsander Komich to advance up the field quickly. He sets up passes to create big plays and he can find a gap anywhere. He is also a great and aggressive dribbler working his way into open space well. And in the Midfield he makes the opponent fight to get past him. After Fred Belfast's retirement after a mediocre last year the young superstar Don Ososton from rural Na Valley has been given his opportunity. Ososton is an extreme physcial specimen incredibly strong even though he is below 200 pounds and his towering height at 6 foot 7 gives him an immediate advantage. He is one of the fastest men in Vaishnavaria as well clocking high at an insane 22 MPH average over the course of 6 months of monitoring. His speed,strength and height led him to break the records of most goals ever scored in a single season which was set right before the coalition war in 2005 by the biggest one season wonder ever Kal Unstar. Ososton hopes to make an immediate impact after a poor midfield performance in the COH and World Cup 98



Defenders: Kapil Nartar,Hastan Raystone and Kyle Russo

Kapil Nartar is one of the best defenders in Concord making scoring for opponents in LCFL impossible. In Vaishnavaria’s dominating win over Cerantium in LCFL Kapil Nartar and the defenders stopped every single attack that slipped past the midfield. Vaishnavarian defenders are one of the most feared and dangerous units in the world. Vaishnavarian defenders played well in multiple games in the World Cup 98 although falling short of the Qualifiers due to a tough time to World Cup Giants Pasarga and outliers Adab







Goalkeeper: Giovanni Marcilo

Giovanni Marcilo built a name for himself in the Tya Cup the state soccer tournament of Vaishnavaria. He came on as a sub and stole the job from the Cancardo state goalie and caught the eye of Scouts. He was again a sub to Star Vaishnavarian goalie Samson Muliger but Muliger went down with an injury before BOF 84 giving Marcilo a chance to shine and he did. He stopped countless goals and stopped many attacks even stopping game winning and stopping a couple game tying and game winning shots. It was decided that Marcilo would play for W98 and Muliger would sit as a reserve. After the decision to bench Mulinger completely after WC 97 Marcilo played well in the 98th world cup making countless saves and plays to keep the Tigers in the game but could not hold off the onslaught of experienced and legendary offenses that the defense kept letting by.

[Yuugria]

YUUGRIA WARRIORS NATIONAL HOLY FOOTBALL TEAM

Yuugrian football has been popular since foreign colonists entered Yuugria and introduced the sport to the natives. After the 3rd revolution when the Vaishnavarians finally left and the Holy land was finally established (This is how most or our sports are introduced). The Inad took a liking too the sport and funded academies and awareness campaigns and soon it became a popular as cricket. However after the many insurrections and dictatorships football popularity fell into new lows at the start of the 2000s as well as multiple wars with Vaishnavaria. But after entering there first LCFL competition popularity has skyrocketed and today Football is the second most popular sport in Yuugria behind cricket. The Inad and the Minister of sport has personally selected the roster to represent the Holy Empire. The BOF 85 campaign was disappointing for the Warriors as they failed to make it to the semi finals after drawing Dremotia. In World Cup 98 the Warriors fought for every game but a bad losing streak near the end totaled their chances for qualification in a wak group

Preferred Tactic: 5-3-2
Style Modifier: -3.5
Center Fielders/Strikers: Sallersto Bafio and Sammya Shag

Sammya Shag and Sallersto Bafio are like the Assan-Smith rivalry playing for 2 rival clubs who just duked it out in the semi finals with Shag getting the upper hand for Shalls FC and Bafio losing on the side of Jabal av-himaka. Shag has incredible shooting and is a brilliant dribbler but his passing is ok. Bafio is a passing threat and generates so many chances for Shalls by brilliant touch, speedy dribbling and amazing finishing. His Football IQ is off the roofs as he knows exactly when to take his shots


Center Midfielders: Hasna Offani, Arhal Vituri, Molhammen Vi

Hasna Offani plays for Yitub, Vituri for Hannabod and Molhammen Vi for Dar Ibbad Capital FC. Offani and Vituri are the aggressive, full pace strong and powerful midfielders that are brutes making aggressive tackles and always fighting for the ball violently. Offani has a tendency to foul as does Vituri but the technical one is Molhammen Vi as his slides are brilliantly calculated and he can read the defender brilliantly and he has some aggression of his own


Wing Backs: Zakar Usanao, Faf An Hari

These are some of the fastest most electric Wingers that Yuugria has to offer. Faf An Hari is one of the best players in Yuugrian football as his club has one 3 times in the last 4 years just Beating Shalls FC in the final 4 months ago. He is extremely fast,great dribbler,calculated passer, hard defender and a powerful and accurate shooter breaking records all across Yuugria in his years playing for the Holy Football Premier,Va'shannah trophy and the Afandan Invational all major football tournaments in Yuugrian football. Zakar Usanao is a pure pace and pure dribbler who has some struggles shooting but has improved vastly with his club An-Samal FC and this season he was tied for 3rd in goals in the HFP last season


Centre Backs/Defenders: Vikar Kinner, Ishari Pal, Bansa Baffalli

One of the most feared defensive units in Concord these guys can hit injuring so many damn players that its not even fair as these guys can injure technically with calculated but effective tackles designed to hurt the legs without fouling. They get steals hard and fast and read passes and shots like a book and cover the goal immediately when the other team is on a strong attack.

RP PERMISSIONS
If my opponent roleplays first, they may:
Choose my starting lineup: Y
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y but TG me
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y but only 3
Godmod other events: N

[Huayramarca]

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 99^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:

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

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

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

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

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

Well, coming back to football, Caicedo’s devotion for 4-2-3-1 has been unquestionable, he always loved to boast of having a neat defence, two defending mid fielders that may aim to recover possession when needed, or even having one of them switching to creative duties in support of the team’s brain, Ian Mamani, then, two wingers feeding the sole striker up in the middle of the box. He did demonstrate a lot during the first part of the World Cup Qualifiers, earning some mixed results during it, but it failed for a part of the second half, where the team accumulated an 11 winless game streak added that they weren't capable to snatch a win during their first eight local games. In fact, their first home win came at the 9th home game, after that, they won three out of their four last home games, earning an 8 games unbeaten streak to finish off the Qualifiers, which was a quite impressive recovery after suffering a significant streak of defeats. A similar pattern occurred for World Cup 86^th too.

With investments made by the Huayramarcan Government to the Huayramarcan Football Federation, by multiplying tenfold their budget, the HFF has now sent the managerial staff of the Condors to other nations, to gather new ideas and apply those to build a competent side in tactical terms, with the main purpose to achieve World Cup qualification for the first time as soon as possible and provide that joy to the Huayramarcan folk. That heavy investment provided benefits during the 87^th World Cup Qualifiers, where Huayramarca left behind the label of being an "uncomfortable rival" to take a protagonist role in their group, finishing second behind Audioslavia with a solid 40 points in 18 matches. Things in playoffs might be forgettable as Huayramarca drew at home (1-1) and was thrashed (1-4) in Tikariot.

Despite the downturn in the team's mindset, the team faced struggles at the Cup of Harmony group stage. Being defeated by Mriin at the first game, defeating Garifunya 1-0 and then tying against Ibixa for the second time in the cycle sent the Condors to the Knockout phase of CoH for their first time ever, Xanneria was a hard rival for the Round of 32, Huayramarca's miracle run was about to start with a narrow 2-1 win over them; then two rock-solid performances against Saint Domingue and a well-known foe from the WCQ Group (Sargossa) with a 3-1 and 2-0 respectively, put Huayramarca among the best four sides in the Cup of Harmony. Being defeated by Mriin with a hard-fought 2-3 and then once again a 1-4 against Newmanistan were enough to confirm Huayramarca as the 4^th placed side.

World Cup 88^th would prove to be an interesting situation for the team and fans overall, Huayramarca would have a rather forgettable first half of the qualifiers, with a 6-game winless streak that became a ballast enough to keep the team away from the Top-3 during the entire Qualifier. The team tried to revert the situation with strong performances that, pitifully, weren’t enough to qualify the team for the World Cup. A strong CoH and a decent CAFA helped to compensate.

Life may repeat some of their lessons if people doesn’t manage to learn from them, the Huayramarcan National Team enjoyed their best start ever in a World Cup Qualifier, nine goals for and one against in the four first matches, the team was displaying a defensive strength unknown for many fans, they continued the path by defeating Squornshelan Remnant States and Nephara in important matches. “It was too good for being real” said many fans, and Tumbra proved them right, as they grounded the Huayramarcans at the Estadio Nacional with a painful 0-3, so painful that marked a steady decline of the team for the second half, as the team got a succession of draws and defeats that sent them from the top of the table to the fifth place in a span of four matchdays. From that crisis, it is noteworthy the fact that Omar Caicedo used an alternative XI for the remainder of the cycle and shifted to a more offensive version of “El huayco,” that would prove to be effective for Cycle 90.

With Caicedo’s tenure in a limbo, he decided to take a game-changing decision after hiring Rodolfo Zelaya as an assistant coach; Zelaya’s a former footballer with significant decorations such as Champions Cup with two teams and reaching the World Cup Final twice. Despite being defeated at home by Valanora in the opener, a string of four clean sheets in the next five games would be decisive to consolidate Huayramarca as a contender in her group, then a quick succession of decisive results against Krytenia at home (3-2) and Valanora on the road (2-2) paved the way to keep the team fighting for the first place until the last matchday. Despite defeating Krytenia 1-0 on the road, the Vanorians won their last match and that meant that Huayramarca went to the playoffs, despite possessing the seventh best record of the qualifiers.

Facing Omerica in the playoffs was a tough affair, as they managed to salvage a horrid game when visiting the rivals, a 1-2 that proved to be oxygen for the second leg of the playoffs at Puerto San Carlos. An early goal from the Legend itself, Bryan Tello, and a strong defensive performance from The Condors forced the penalty kicks. The Huayramarcans and Omericans were scoring perfectly fine until the fifth round, where Juan Mamani decided to be the hero and saved the kick, sending Huayramarca to its first World Cup Finals.

El Huayco was now stronger than ever, and the World Cup highlighted it with statement results against Græntfjall (4-3 in debut) and the hosts, Vilita (1-0), despite being defeated by Pemecutan(3-4) and helped the team to reach the Round of 16. The hurdle in the knockouts proved to be the same as the Qualifiers, Valanora appeared for the third time in the cycle and demonstrated their experience with a sound 4-2 victory over The Condors, who did a great debut in the Multiversal Stage.

Said streak continued for the WC 91 Qualifier, one where despite having a bumpy start, Huayramarca managed to recompose things and propel themselves to the pack of nations fighting for automatic qualification, one featuring Sarzonia, Cassadaigua and Electrum. After being defeated by Electrum and Cassadaigua in a row, Huayramarca began an astonishing 15 game unbeaten run where they only conceded 15 goals and scored 48, including five straight clean sheets, even in critical matches where the Condors showed a magnificent performance. Revenge was sweet, defeating the Dagans at home, trouncing Electrum with a resounding 6-0 at Guayaquil (a NT record) and then a 2-0 win against Sarzonia propelled the Huayramarcan side to the top of their qualifier group. A draw against Magnecia complicated things as Sarzonia had a game in hand, Huayramarca had to keep the winning streak and they managed to do so, securing their automatic qualification against Ancherion in a dramatic fashion.

Back in the Group Stage of the World Cup, the Condors were trying to replicate the success achieved last year in the World Cup, not an easy task as they would face Farfadillis, Pasarga and Delaclava. Being defeated twice by narrow 3-2 scores, Huayramarca had to bid farewell to their hopes of replication, still, they had to avoid going with a zero on points, something they managed to do as they defeated Delaclava with a 4-3. Despite the outcome, the Condors were able to make a comeback in the cycle with a decent participation in CAFA 4, winning three matches and barely qualifying for the knockout stages; then, they defeated Legalese in a marathonic penalty kicks session and were edged out by the hosts, Ko-oren, with a 1-2 in extra time. Almost the same can be said about World Cup Cycle 92, where Huayramarca had a great qualifying campaign, recovering a slight disadvantage at mid qualifiers by defeating Pasarga and qualify for the third time. A horrible World Cup performance, added by a sound defeat vs Aleirave at CAFA 5 Quarterfinals, led to the end of the Caicedo cycle.

Now, with the experienced Blâás Âgínsôgnó in the bench, with the support of Hazel van Robben, Huayramarca refreshed its football idea in this World Cup Qualifier, adding some interesting players of the rather successful Di Bradini Cup 54 team, players that are aiming to rejuvenate the team and be a bid for an overall quality level increase. The fan expectation was high and the national team didn’t disappoint, as they took no prisoners through most of the qualifier, managing to keep a seventeen-match unbeaten streak, including decisive victories against Farfadillis, Sargossa, Pyazhnaya and Kimi-Suomi.

Despite the streak, turbulence came across as Bubiyan and Warbah got a surprising victory, then despite a quick recovery vs Sudilia, a cold bucket of water came at La Fantás as Farfadillis avenged the defeat in the first half of the qualifiers with a strong 5-2 win against the Condors. Doubts came, the National Team was shaking, but recovery was swift as they got to the play-offs and silenced any doubts by defeating Sylestone convincingly, the best was about to come.

In a Group featuring Valanora and Vilita, both being five-time World Cup Champions, Huayramarca came victorious and performed the best football in a long time, as they cruised the Group Stage to get an immaculate 3-0-0 shape. Cabo Azure was the rival in Round of 16, after coming back three times during the match and a ten-goal thriller (5-5), Huayramarca was able to force penalties and sealed a decisive berth to Quarterfinals. As of now, Huayramarcans are convinced that they can work hard and get convincing results with a matter of patience and dedication, and they will strive to continue in that path.

Things in World Cup 94 were starting to be as great as in 93, as people expected that Huayramarca could've been able to repeat or improve the past participation in the World Cup. A calm first half, where the Condors were able to secure points from Ko-oren and Jeruselem, saw how things got complicated after being defeated at home by Île de Richelieu and away by Sannyamathland, going down from first place to third in the leaderboard of the Group 2 of said qualifier. The team considered that as a wake-up call in a fashion we have never seen from the Huayramarcan National Team, 34 goals for in 7 games, never scoring less than four goals, including routing Jeruselem 5-2, and what was a defence with only nine goals against in 17 matches, coming from Naixi, being demolished with a 4-0, enough to secure straight qualification... About the World Cup proper, well, Huayramarcans will not talk about it, nobody fancies to talk about a 0-0-3 record I guess? A record they tried hard to wash off at CAFA with some struggles, as they finished second in the group with a 6-3-2 record. The team was aware of the barrier that the knockouts usually were for the Condors, but this time, they decided to soar by eliminating Cardenao and Ko-oren in Quarterfinals and Semifinals in agonic fashion, sending them for their first final ever against the Ochre Islands... With glory at stake, the experience of Bryan Tello was crucial to carry the team to a place they never expected to be, as he scored two goals in the semifinals and the championship goal in the 1-0 victory against the Ochres in the final, immortalising his name even more, and showing up to the world that there is still a lot of Bryan Tello left despite him being now 37 years old.

Let’s better not talk anything about cycle 95, that doesn’t exist in our books, shall we? Well, coming back to actual talk, Huayramarca has gone on a spree of naturalising players from its diaspora in order to have a stronger and younger national team, as some of the best players there are near retirement age. The plan, be able to fight for World Cup honour once again, and with the extra motivation of having the World Cup organisation at home soil, making the mood of the team soar to levels unknown before, as they are eager to make people feel proud of the team once again.

And now, after glory has been achieved in a regional scale, Huayramarcan football is still being distinguishable on how prone are they to do long range shots, due that they are used to play at significant heights, the lack of oxygen may make the ball travel further without applying a lot of strength during the mechanics of kicking the football, that is known as the “Andean Effect” and may cause serious troubles for visiting sides on Huayramarca, a tactic they try to improve as they continue to strive higher in World Cup Football.

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 9.

Nickname: Los Cóndores (The Condors).
Current Record: 185-76-86 (W-D-L) – 347 matches played. – 775 goals scored, 570 against.
Most Caps: Gabriel Sayritupac (347).
Most Goals: Bryan Tello (298)
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
Victory Song: "Heartbeat"

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.

At simple glance, things doesn't seem that had changed a lot after Omar Caicedo left the national team, and so his ideals for the future prospects. Huayramarca has decided to brand her own style of football embracing offensiveness, courage and grit under the label of fulbo total, in an attempt to take Huayramarca back to her roots of football, just making some enhancements that will make this system competitive enough to be a competitive force.

Fulbo is a common mispelling for fútbol in the Huayramarcan dialect of Spanish, also refered as the way that people grow in the streets, neighbourhoods and all places of Huayramarca use to play the sport. In the traditional sense, Huayramarcan football tends to be physical, both in strength, and intensity that is required to perform in an OK level. From the random dusty pitches in the highlands to the state-of-the-art premises that some stadiums boast across the nation, players are asked to never give up, to give everything they can in order to achieve victory; to the point of exploit loopholes in the football rules for their advantage.

Centrebacks are used to be relatively strong, as they will also try to outpace their rivals in physical strength, displaying rudeness and being prone to perform some harsh tackling when needed; there's no fear to get carded, it's a matter of avoiding the rival to score against their team. People in the villages often use an idiom to refer to what they accept as a good centreback "Either the ball or the player, but not both." Another main treat of them is that they tend to provoke or annoy rivals by trash-talking, trying to disconnect them from the match and make their own duties easier. Often, they will play near the midfield in order to force the rest of the team to press the rivals, limiting the playing area to the rival's half.

Sidebacks are one of the most important links of the team, as they don't restrict themselves to defend, they can often liberate pressure from the centrebacks by pushing the ball forward, be it through individuality or large crosses to the midfielder or the wingers. They use to have a nice speed and great spamina, enough to perform box-to-box routines frequently; they also link up with wingers when attacking through the sides, often engaging in a quick pass succession that leads to crossing the ball to the forward or a second-striker awaiting outside the area. Speed is useful for them, as they must be able to retreat and guarantee defensive numeric superiority when the rival tries to do a counter attack.

Midfielders: Although there are two clear roles here, being the destroyer and the playmaker, it can also be said that the role is pretty much indistinctive from who does it, as every one in this zone of the pitch is required to switch roles according to the scenario they might be facing at any moment; that's why this position is the most flexible under the big scheme of things in fulbo. As the name say, the destroyer is in charge to destroy any linking from the midfielders to the attackers when the Condors are protecting themselves from a counter, or avoid connections between defenders and the midfielders while the team is attacking, they can either tackle with clinical finesse or just aim to the rival's ankle, it all depends on how good they consider their rival, the better they are, the harsher will the destroyers act against those players.

The playmakers, in the other hand, can either be completely egocentrical or collaborative, that will depend of the very own personal treats of whoever takes the role in a very specific circumstance. Âgínsôgnó has given freedoms to the players in order to attack freely going in solos if they see a chance through, deliver the ball to a player that might be able to continue the idea of attacking or, simply, hold the ball until an opening appears or switching to destroyer and letting another player to find a gap that they might not notice.

Attackers: Tradition mandates two wingers and a spearhead, a forward that cautiously awaits a pass to slot it home. The wingers are instructed to serve the attacker or go through the defence and force a chance for themselves to score, similar to the defenders but not with the leeway to change sides, no, only instructions to provide enough tools for their decision-making process and promote more diverse ideas rather than focusing in a way to break through brute force. Âgínsôgnó also asks the attackers to bethe first line of defence of the National Team when the rivals commence a play, always through pincer plays or support from the creative midfielder; sometimes, the attackers can drop some metres to help in ball recovery efforts, then to start an attack with the help of the creative attacker.

The new Huayramarcan National Team, under the ideals of Âgínsôgnó, tries to makre sure that the ball can be held in the half of the rival team, as much as possible under Huayramarcan control, trying to create chances to break through the defence and score, or simply move the ball and cause fatigue on their rival as they try to chase the ball in vain. This style requires a lot of concentration from the players, stamina and need to collaborate and decide in a short time span, as dynamism is the name of the game, to never run out of ideas and outsmart the rival, that's the Huayramarcan 4-2-1-3.

Player’s description - Starting XI.

Nota bene: Caps considered after CAFA 9 - 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 - 34 yrs - Team: Rülândéá Kôstä - Height: 1.88 mts - Caps: 328 - 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 - 29 yrs - Team: Farrenton Athletic - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 328 - 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 - 24 yrs - Team: Xanark City FC - Height: 1.91 mts - Caps: 10 - 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 - 33 yrs - Team: Pumahuasi FC - Height: 1.73 mts - Caps: 126 - 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 - 22 yrs - Team: Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC - Height: 1.81 mts - Caps: 28 - Goals: 2

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 - 31 yrs - Team: Montréal Koreana - Height: 1.95 mts - Caps: 334 - Goals: 30

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 - 31 yrs - Team: Workers Union - Height: 1.65 mts - Caps: 332 - Goals: 80

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 – 21 yrs - Team: Escuela Nacional DCPF - Height: 1.62 mts - Caps: 58 - 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 - 32 yrs - Team: Pyathora Mariners - Height: 1.63 mts - Caps: 328 - Goals: 52

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 - 32 yrs - Team: Perce Town - Height: 1.75 mts - Caps: 342 - Goals: 156

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 - 37 yrs - Team: Metropolis Alligators - Height: 1.86 mts - Caps: 340 - Goals: 299

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:

Nerio is a Dantopian athletic apparel company. They manufacture a wide variety of sporting goods, including football kits. All of Nerio's football kits are created exclusively with 100% polyester sourced from ocean plastics, as part of Nerio's 'cliMATE' campaign. Something that makes a great bond between the aspirations of Huayramarca, as a society, when it comes to coexisting with the environment and promoting good practices when it comes to taking care of it.

Useful Information and Stadia:

You might want to check some maps, as Huayramarca is quite a massive country in terms of surface and distances. Click here for a Biome Official Map and here for a Cities Official Map. Those are still valid, although they don’t feature yet the Southern Expansion Zone, which can be found in the following map

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

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

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

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

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.

[Brusseldorf]

At a media conference delivered this morning, manager Hakeem al-Araibi announced the squad he will be taking to the 99th World Cup Qualifiers:

No.    Name                    Pos.         Club                
12     Gimenza Azoulay         GK        Atlas United        
2     Boronia                 RB        Casablanca City    
3     Gabriel Lellouche       LB        Oahu FC            
4     Ricard Sciolan          CB        Real Marrakesh     
5     Andrea Zidane           CB        Meknes al Morocco  
6     Sarah Pickett           CDM       Salé United        
 7     Michael Hernández       CAM       Behotzadt Casablanca
8     Vindark Al Maghribī     CDM       Sahara Compétitif  
 9     Teddy Wolfenden (CAP)   ST        Atlas United        
23     Marcev Steyr            ST        Casablanca City     
20     Aktha Akiveal           CAM       Bahias Serenadamiata
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
 1     Antony Providence       GK        Tangier Lions       
13     Dom Harrak              LWB       Tangier Lions       
14     Phil Lataste            RM        Salé United         
15     Leila Abidi             CB        Fez FC              
16     Dieter Van den Berg     CDM       Siem Reapers        
17     Amina Khelifi           LW        Oahu FC             
10     Santa Dominguez         ST        Real Marrakesh      
 19     Yasmine Benamar         CDM       FK Kragujevac 1928   
11     Giroud Sidi             CAM       Casablanca City     
21     Harry Koehl             CM        Club de Fútbol Rabat
22     Sven Prote              CB        Club de Algiers     
18     Lukas De Wit            GK        FC Stockholm        


Managing Staff
Hakeem al-Araibi  Team Manager    
      Fatima El-Khouri  Assistant Team Manager
Marc Verstraeten  Head Coach      
             Ahmed Benali  Assistant Coach (Offense)
         Jan Vandenbroeck  Assistant Coach (Defense)
Mustafa Al-Mansouri  Technical Director 
Franz Müller  Head Scout  
Youssef El-Mansour  Fitness Coach     
  Hugo Vandenberg  Goalkeeping Coach
          Amina Abidi  Team Physiotherapist 
  Sofie Van Damme  Team Psychologist
      Nadia Fassi  Team Nutritionist
            Ali Ibrahim  Media Relations Manager
     Sophie Leclercq  Team Liaison Officer
               Hassan Belhadj  Youth Development Coordinator
 Matthias Wouters  Equipment Manager
  Karim Ben Youssef  Performance Analyst
    Isabella De Jong  Language Interpreter

Home Stadium
The Fennec Stadia is the largest stadium in Australialia, with a monstrous capacity of 93,000 spectators.
As the premier footballing facility in Brusseldorf, Fennec Stadia is the de facto national stadium and serves as a frequent venue for Brusseldorf's national team. During international tournaments such as this one, the stadium hosts all home matches. Throughout the remainder of the calendar year, Casablanca City is lucky enough to call this stadium home, though usually only the lower tier is filled with spectators.

I Give My Opponent Permission To:

Choose My Goalscorers:        Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y
Injure Players:               Y
Godmod Injury Events:         Y
Red Card Players:             Y
Yellow Card Players:          Y
Godmod Other Events:          Y
Style Modifier               +4

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Siovanija & Teusland National Football Team

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: Superklasse
Nicknames: The Goldhorns
Style Modifier: +3

Manager - Dominik Weismann

When introducing Dominik Weismann for ARC IV, we noted that it’s not everyday you get to lead your country into a regional championship that will be hosted at home. Weismann was only the second Siovanija & Teusland manager to ever do so - now, he becomes the first to lead the nation into a home World Cup.

That’s right - the Goldhorns will play all 3 group stage matches, and any knockout round matches barring a sensational run to the Final in Banija, on home territory. It’s the first time the nation has ever hosted the World Cup, and you can feel the excitement everywhere as each of the 12 host cities gets ready to do their part in hosting. But after all of the festivals and parties, special train schedules and heightened airport security, 25 men wearing the gold shirt still have to go out and put on a performance for the home fans - is that pressure?

“It’s pressure, yes. But good pressure,” said Weismann at the squad selection press conference. “We’re still building this team up, we’re not coming in with the expectation many teams have of ‘win or bust.’ I think we all saw at the ARC what a huge boost having our own supporters behind us can give, and we need that positive energy in every game, because every match is going to be more difficult than the last,” said the manager. He refers, of course, to the home ARC championship hosted just last summer - where the Goldhorns defied expectations with an excellent run to the semifinals, falling only to eventual runners-up Valanora in extra time. ‘Good pressure’ is something of a motto for the team already - Einar Hackl, Hans Gruber and Xorge Le Meji all mentioned it in pre-match press conferences.

Weismann will have his hands full with decisions to be made with this squad - the Goldhorns are at a key moment now. Many of the players who led this team right out of the gate after isolation - Jesper Porsche, Paul Steinhausl to name just a few - are now getting to an age where they are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, and Steinhausl has even announced that World Cup 99 will be his final tournament for the national team. Meanwhile, the incredible young stars from the golden generation of youth development that reached two podium places in back to back years at the Di Bradini Cup are beginning to burst through and demand to take over their starting places. Weismann certainly has some big decisions ahead of him, both for this home tournament and for the next few years, when it comes to squad selection. Everyone is hoping to have some magical moments at this home World Cup, both to sign off for the last generation and inspire hope for the next.

Weismann, in addition to his commitment to instilling a hard-working culture in the team, is strongly committed to the 4-3-3 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.

25 man squad for World Cup 99

Goalkeepers

GK -- Sepp Kranz -- #1 -- 25y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 10 caps, 2 clean sheets
GK -- Per Holz -- #22 -- 35y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879 -- 19 caps, 2 clean sheets
GK -- Koloman Bodeker -- #23 -- 34y/o -- Raynor City United (VAL) -- 8 caps, 1 clean sheet

Having earned the #1 shirt at the ARC last year, there was not a chance Sepp Kranz would give it up after the legendary domestic season he had: leading Teussen to a league + regional double, and doing so with one of the greatest goalkeeping performances we’ve seen with 8 clean sheets in a row to end the season. He became the first keeper to ever win the Golden Ball in the modern era, and there’s no doubt he is going to be the man under the bar for many, many years to come. Per Holz and Koloman Bodeker are both very solid keepers as well, both looking good every time they suit up for the national team and could be great options if Kranz needs a rest or is hurt.

Fullbacks

LB -- Elias Schwefel -- #3 -- 30y/o -- Ibini FC (VAL) -- 25 caps
LB -- Leon Wimmer -- #13 -- 23y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 12 caps
RB -- Rolf Reichenbach -- #2 -- 25y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 28 caps
RB -- Dejan Mesko -- #12 -- 22y/o -- Energija Chernovets -- 13 caps

No real change here from the fullbacks that donned the national shirt at World Cup 98 and also ARC IV - Schwefel and Wimmer on the left, Reichenbach and Mesko on the right. Elias Schwefel has been excellent since his move to Ibini FC and is a key part of the Goldhorns’ buildup. Despite hitting the big three-oh, he’s still very quick going forward and his crosses are key to the way this team plays. Backing him up is the man who replaced him at FC Teussen Stelburg - Leon Wimmer, who is a very similar player to Schwefel. It’s only natural, with both men having Hochzoll DNA, and Wimmer comes into this tournament off a domestic title and regional triumph. On the right side, Rolf Reichenbach gets the #2 shirt, the attack-minded Teussen fullback is known especially for his blistering pace and was a key part of the Hui La victory for Teussen. Dejan Mesko, who was one of the break-out stars of World Cup 98, also returns to the squad here. The young Chernovets fullback plays a more balanced game and is often called into tighter, low-scoring contests.

Centre backs

CB -- Paul Steinhausl -- #4 -- 35y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879 -- 38 caps, 1 goal
CB -- Arnold Apel -- #5 -- 25y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879 -- 22 caps, 1 goal
CB -- Erwin Sanner -- #14 -- 25y/o -- Soldarian FC (VAL) -- 9 caps
CB -- Silvio Rodl -- #24 -- 29y/o -- TSV Marzig -- 22 caps, 1 goal

The long-time vice captain and rock of the team’s backline, this is it for Paul Steinhausl: when the Goldhorns’ World Cup adventure ends, so will his international career. “It was a tough decision, but I couldn’t think of a better way to end this story than on home grass,” said the 35 year old. He said he felt ‘at least 2’ more years left in him at the club level, but that it was time for the young generation to take over at this level. That young generation starts right beside him, where fellow Felsenkirchen defender Arnold Apel continues to be a force for the national team. He’s a physical defender who is also strong on the ball, and will be expected to fill Steinhausl’s role as leader after his retirement. Erwin Sanner, who had an excellent debut season in Valanora as his Soldarian side finished 2nd, will be looking to claim his place in the starting XI even earlier than expected during this tournament, while reliable Silvio Rodl remains another option that Dominik Weismann can call on at this position.

Midfielders

CM -- Hans Gruber -- #6 -- 25y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 11 caps, 3 goals
CM -- Mats Winter -- #8 -- 22y/o -- TSV Marzig -- 17 caps, 1 goal
CM -- Jesper Porsche -- #16 -- 33y/o -- FC Felsenkirchen 1879 -- 35 caps, 8 goals
CM -- Damir Prekmurje -- #18 -- 27y/o -- FK Metropola Borograd -- 23 caps
CM -- Santutxo Kramer -- #25 -- 20y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 2 caps
CAM -- Xôrgé Lé Méjî -- #10 -- 24y/o -- 1912 Stelburg -- 26 caps, 20 goals
CAM -- Silvestr Pavlicek -- #20 -- 22y/o -- Wirr Tsi (CMT) -- Uncapped

Here in the midfield is where the biggest changes to the squad will be found. The first big news: it looks like Dominik Weismann has chosen for a complete overhaul in the #6 and 8 roles: Hans Gruber and Mats Winter will be starting. It’s really no surprise Gruber has gotten here: his game has been consistently compared to Jesper Porsche, and ever since Thorsten Kramer became his manager he has elevated it to incredible heights. With great vision and passing ability, Gruber has turned in another career year with FC Teussen Stelburg this season. He finished runner-up to Sepp Kranz in the Golden Ball vote, and helped lead the club to a famous league title and regional championship - he has quite the resume at age 25, and it’s clear Dominik Weismann feels the time has come to trust him in the biggest matches of all. Next to him will be young Mats Winter from TSV Marzig. The defensive midfielder isn’t quite a bruiser like Damir Prekmurje, but tends to usually have the most difficult marking assignments in a game and come away dropping a masterclass performance. ‘Welcome to the Mats Winter penitentiary’ is a common refrain on TSV Marzig supporters’ social media, and he’s also known for his ability to drop into the backline and function almost as a third centre back in some cases. Winter has always seemed to deal with pressure very well, too, and it makes him an ideal candidate to get the start in this World Cup. Slotting into the #10 position in the 4-3-3 is a man who is well on his way to becoming a legend - Xorge Le Meji. The 1912 Stelburg midfielder can look forward to playing in front of his home fans at this tournament, and is coming off an excellent performance this season for 1912 Stelburg as he finished 2nd in the league goal scoring charts. He’s written some of the Goldhorns’ finest international moments, too, and was a key part in the ARC IV semifinal run. Le Meji plays in a different style to anybody this country has ever had in his position, coming close to a position defined in his home country as a ‘takilante,’ and with a seemingly endless energy to make threatening runs. Le Meji has become a key offensive force for this team and his chemistry with forward Einar Hackl is a devastating combo.

That means that, relegated to the bench for the first time in his international career is Jesper Porsche. The captain of the national team, Porsche noted that “The game is constantly changing, and I’ll be ready when called upon” at the announcement that he would not receive his traditional #6 shirt for this campaign. At age 33, Porsche still does so many things well - particularly his passing ability. He’s a great natural leader, too, and many in the squad will look up to him for advice. However, Dominik Weismann is obviously looking to inject some youth into the team for this campaign and see what results it will bring him. Damir Prekmurje, the bruising FK Metropola Borograd midfielder, joins him on the bench. A pure destroyer, Prekmurje is a physical specimen who is also a bit underrated in terms of his ability on the ball. Prekmurje will be a good option in certain moments to replace Mats Winter. Santutxo Kramer is here again, the young midfielder showed that the hype is real with his performances both at ARC IV last year and for FC Teussen Stelburg in the club’s excellent campaign this year - he is likely the future of this midfield and many will be hoping he gets the chance to show it here. Backing up Xorge Le Meji will not be usual suspect Dieter Rosberg, but a bit of a left-field choice: Silvestr Pavlicek. The one-time Chernovets midfielder who now turns out for Wirr Tsi in Chromatik, Pavlicek had an excellent first season in the Rainbow League and showed some attacking prowess. This is an interesting opportunity for Pavlicek: the country is lucky to have Le Meji at the moment, because the depth in the more traditional advanced playmaker #10 role is quite weaker than at most other positions. Pavlicek has a real chance to assert himself, then, in his debut tournament.

Wingers

LW -- Dusan Korlikov -- #7 -- 23y/o -- Montreal Koreana (QUE) -- 14 caps, 6 goals
LW -- Josef Weber -- #17 -- 22y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 4 caps, 2 goals
RW -- Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik -- #11 -- 29y/o -- TSV Marzig -- 25 caps, 13 goals
RW -- Reto Zschokke -- #21 -- 26y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 13 caps, 6 goals

The biggest shock of all in the squad selection, most certainly, came at the left wing position. Dusan Korlikov was the obvious choice - the dynamic winger dragged his Zvezda Vlaikograd side from a predicted midtable finish to their first-ever league qualification for IFCF football. Speedy and with a great shot, Korlikov then became the most expensive post-isolation transfer of a Siovanija & Teusland international with his T10 million move to Montreal Koreana in Quebec - he’s set to become an international star. Behind him, the debate all year was whether it would be Veljko Vadimic or Josef Weber. Vadimic, the FK Metropola Borograd star, has been on this national team for many years now - but he misses out this time. It was impossible to deny Josef Weber: another incredible season for Teussen heading into this tournament, and one of the finest players in the world on his day. Weber now gets the chance to build on his international career so far on the highest stage of all.

On the right side, things are a bit more straightforward. Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik remains the top choice for Dominik Weismann, the winger always seeming to elevate his game when wearing the national team jersey. While he’s never quite reached his peak of the WC97 campaign, he’s always a threat around the opposing team’s penalty area and his physicality makes him incredibly hard to defend. Reto Zschokke, meanwhile, is a star of FC Teussen Stelburg in another incredible season - scoring 16 goals from the right wing and remaining one of the league’s best players. Speedy, clinical, and riding high on confidence, Zschokke will be looking to do some damage in the ‘other’ gold shirt.

Forwards

CF -- Einar Hackl -- #9 -- 22y/o -- TSV Marzig -- 35 caps, 33 goals
CF -- Wolf Wind -- #18 -- 25y/o -- Raynor City United (VAL) -- 3 caps, 2 goals
CF -- Uwe Seidl -- #19 -- 26y/o -- FC Teussen Stelburg -- 4 caps, 4 goals

What Einar Hackl has achieved at his young age is remarkable: the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup for his country, a national title with TSV Marzig, and status as the face of the national team at the moment, all before his 23rd birthday. He’s got a long way to go to become the nation’s top scorer ever (Michael Ribbeck managed 95 career goals) but you don’t doubt that it’s possible, given his age and success so far. A poacher with a knack for getting into space, he can score from almost any chance you give him. The TSV Marzig forward is one of the best in his position in the world today. A breakout performance at a home World Cup will only further catapult him into the spotlight as the most famous player in the country today. Wolf Wind’s incredible rise to stardom continues as well as he is named to the squad for the World Cup Final. Having transferred to Raynor City United from FC Kaiserhaven in a bit of a surprise move, and after a few months of adjustment, took Valanora by storm: winning the Golden Boot and Player of the Year honours en route to the title with RCU. Then, he did it again his second season: another Golden Boot, and Player of the Year honours. Wind is bound to become a star in the national team uniform, and many expect him to do so here at the World Cup. Uwe Seidl gets the third spot here, having just come off a career year with Teussen - as so many players who wear the black and gold shirt did in this historic season. Seidl is in a bit of an unfortunate position: he’s probably one of the best forwards to come out of Siovanija & Teusland in recent years, which is saying a lot - he just has 2 of the greatest forwards in the world blocking his way.

First-choice Starting XI
Kranz; Schwefel, Steinhausl, Apel, Reichenbach; Gruber, Winter, Le Meji; Korlikov, A. Kosch-Kovarik, Hackl

Set Pieces:

Free Kicks: Dusan Korlikov, Xorge Le Meji
Penalties: Einar Hackl, Dusan Korlikov, Xorge Le Meji, Aleksander Kosch-Kovarik, Hans Gruber

Captains

Captain: Jesper Porsche
Vice Captains: Paul Steinhausl, Dusan Korlikov

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)

[Squornshelan Remnant States]

Squornshelan Remnant States Black-and-Reds Roster
World Cup 98

RP Permissions
Choose my scorers: Y
Choose my scoring events: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod Injuries to my players: Y
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Y
Give Red Cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y
An ye harm none, do as ye will.
Style Modifier: +5

Things you should know about the SRS:

Once upon a time, there was the Imperium of Squornshelous, a militaristic, totalitarian state which took great pride in its football team. Squornshelous entered every World Cup from the 5th edition to the 41st, successfully qualifying all but once, and winning the 31st edition of the tournament. After World Cup 41, however, a civil war erupted which ended with the nation divided in to the democratic Confederacy of Squornshelan Remnant States, and the shrunken but still dangerous Imperium holding onto its island heartland. Both nations disappeared from the international stage for the next 40 World Cup Cycles. The SRS returned to international football for Cycle 81, and was joined by the Imperium during Cycle 84. During Cycle 88, another revolt in the Imperium destabilized the government so much that the nation essentially collapsed, and its constituencies applied for membership in the Confederacy. It was also around this time that Squornshelous/SRS arrived in Atlantian Oceania, having previously competed as an Independent.

Despite being eliminated in the Round of Sixteen last time out, expectations are still high for the Black-and-Reds as two-time defending Arrosian champions who are also only two cycles removed from their World Cup triumph. The lineup that will attempt reclaim that ultimate trophy and cement their status as a dynasty still consists mainly of the team that won World Cup 97. Having definitively proven their capability on the international stage, the bar has been raised for this roster to put up results again while they still have the chance, especially with the prospect of doing so on home ground. The pressure is very much on for the multiverse's third-ranked side.

Trigram: SRS
Manager: Dudu Madeiros
Formation: 3-4-3
Captain: Sevet-Ibilx Kai
Vice Captain: Hamida Van
Trophy Case: World Cup 31 & 97, AOCAF Cup 69, ARC 1, 3, & 4, International Champions Cup 2
Long Form Name: The Confederacy of Squornshelan Remnant States
Short Form Names: Squornshelan Confederacy, The Confederacy, Squornshelous, the SRS
Demonyms: Confederate (political); Squornshelan (cultural, not always PC)
Ethnicites in the Confederacy include Squornshelan, Molvanian, Brantid, Algolian, Sivolvian, and Han. If you are curious about a particular player's ethnicity you can send me a TG or message me on discord
Team Nickname: Black-and-Reds (never Red-and-Blacks)
Team Colors: Confederate Red (#EE0000) and Black (#000000)

Goalkeepers:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
31 Radoslav Bláha     34   He/Him    Myana
32 Petyr Sotelo       33   He/Him    Chalesm FC
 1 Ronan Pharlain     24   He/Him    Chromatik

Right Backs:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
 2 Aile Tutku         26  She/Her    Istria City FC
60 Adnan Hobeika      25   He/Him    Sivolvia Capitalizt AC

Left Backs:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
23 Piia Drenel        31  She/Her    Algolia AC
 3 Sonja Shiben       27  She/Her    Lhor

Center Backs:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
24 Hamida Van         31  She/Her    Algolia AC
 5 Valtteri Tirel     30   He/Him    FC Felsenkirchen 1879
30 Eibhlin O'Corra    26  She/Her    Damogran FC

Midfielders:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
19 Sevet-Ibilx Kai    33 They/Them   Brantisvogan FC
26 Maram Tatsinan     28  She/Her    Strathcona Internationals
18 Zahida Thakkar     24  She/Her    Myana
 6 Nur Amjol          30   He/Him    Sivolvia Capitalizt AC
38 Sadia Arenz        26  She/Her    Jaglan Royals
66 Ukko Saigir        32   He/Him    Haligonian

Right Wings:

#  Player             Age    Pro.    Club
36 Inder Starovoitov   26   He/Him    Damogran FC
55 Tiiu Aaltonen       34  She/Her    Club ESF
 7 Esti Madathil       21  She/Her    Algolia AC

Left Wings:

#  Player             Age    Pro.    Club
27 Øystein Shakhnovich 31   He/Him    Sivolvia Capitalizt AC
17 Soile Raynott       28  She/Her    Megabrantid
15 Tarbi Ksudach       29   He/Him    Brantisvogan FC

Forwards:

#  Player            Age    Pro.    Club
14 Estina McGill      31  She/Her    Inverhaven City
10 Rasha Sargsa       34  She/Her    Sivolvia Capitalizt AC
29 Rhiannon Aodhan    26  She/Her    Anomalies

Anticipated First Team:

[Banija]

Banija National Team- The Kadongo Kamu

Three-Time World Cup Champions

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan(s)
Association: Royal Banijan Soccer Association(RBSA)
Nickname: The Kadongo Kamu
Manager: Mikhail Trischuk(South Newlandia). 53 years old. Just hired.
Senior Assistant Manager: Todd Malembe. 42 years old, Banijan native. Former Assistant manager with Capitol City FC.
Captain: Layvin Son-Saka
Alternate Captain: Opio Ssambwa

Green Home Kit
White Away Kit
Orange Alternate Kit

The RBSA uses 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

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

Brief National Team History
The Kadongo Kamu have played in exactly 871 games, as of the start of World Cup 99. It is the 27th all-time World Cup cycle for Banija. We have entered in Qualifying for 22 separate campaigns (WCQ73-77, WCQ79-80, WCQ82, and WCQ84-98), hosted two other World Cups (81 and 83), and will host the tournament for the third time here at World Cup 99. 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. But that was not a one-off- it started a downturn for the Banijans. A disappointing result at the inauguaral ARC, followed by failing to qualify for World Cup 96, has put a lot of pressure on this team for the last ARCs. The old guard had their last chance and disapppointed- and ergo, there was a top to bottom cleaning of the house. 12 players from the last roster retired, as well as the manager- and so, with George Wangolo taking the reigns as NT manager, it is a new era for the Kadongo Kamu.

The first Banijan manager in 24 cycles to get the full-time job, he had a successful first cycle. There were plenty of questions, as he turned over half the roster and Banija barely whimpered in World Cup 96. But while starting a little rocky, Banija were firing on all cylinders by around the halfway mark- qualifying directly for the World Cup, and ensuring an emphatic win over the Pot 1 side as well. The actual Finals were a stunning success- Banija not only winning their group with 7 points, but advancing past both the Round of 32 and Round of 16, before falling eventually in the Quarterfinals to Tumbra. The run was life-giving, as there is hope that, in the near-term future, this is a squad that can compete for the biggest trophies.

Unfortunately, Wangolo did not built upon this, getting smoked out of the regional tournament, ARC 3- Banija's first ever elimination in the group stages from a regional tournament. Stunning- they had advanced to the KO stages of the regional tournament 19 straight times(United Valhaven once, AOCAFs 16 times out 16, and ARC 1 and 2). A real shocker- they won their first game 4-1, and then lost three in succession to be dumped out of the tournament in the Squornshelan Confederacy. A real shock- what should have been a feel good moment has quickly turned the mood around the NT sour. The RBSA expressed their confidence in Wangolo, but it went from bad to worse- despite a dominating Qualifying campaign, going 12-1-1, the team had their worst ever World Cup Finals performance, earning just 1 point across three games, despite being in Pot 1 and being ranked 8th in the world.

What did that mean? Wangolo was fired, and now, there's a new man in charge. He had a solid regional tournament, taking Banija to third place at the ARC in Siovanija & Teusland. Can Trischuk build on that and restore this program to its former glory at a home World Cup?

Statistics(Up to date as of right after the beginning of World Cup 99, 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: 514-218-139(W-L-D)
All-Time Winning Percentage: 59.01% (Wins over total games played)
All-Time Points Percentage: 64.33% (Wins plus 1/3rd of draws over total games played)
Current WCC Rank: #20
Current ARC Rank: #11
Top 25 All-Time Leading Goal Scorers: Italicized players are retired from international duty. Bold players are active players. These are updated as of the beginning of World Cup 99.
1. Abel Wesoloski-Okafor(138 goals)
2. Ilman Jawara(110 goals)
3. Gitonga Kahara(109 goals)
4. Idai Uster(89 goals)
5. Sarafina Ikpeazu(74 goals)
6. Lolong Bokate(69 goals)
7. Kausu Dione(67 goals)
8. Jônn Wérséô(63 goals)
9. Namakula Kawesa(59 goals)
T10. Layvin Son-Saka(57 goals)
T10. Madu Okparra(57 goals)
12. Chibuzo Afolayan(54 goals)
T13. Odongo Kagenda(49 goals)
T13. Mzukisi Nzo(49 goals)
15. Gereh Kama(45 goals)
16. Kiggwe Mavuto(43 goals)
T17. Toyuwa Okafor(37 goals)
T17. Dembo Savaneh(37 goals)
T19. Assefa Yitebarke(35 goals)
T19. Nwabudike Ugonna(35 goals)
21. Sergius Atieno(32 goals)
T22. Kamara Touré(27 goals)
T22. Isaac Georgiadis(27 goals)
T24. Kizza Okafor(26 goals)
T25. Aquila Hongo(26 goals)

World Cup Appearances: 17- 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, World Cup 97, and World Cup 98
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 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 AOCAF LXX (The Final AOCAF)
Champions of AOCAF LXVII
Champions of AOCAF LXIV
Champions of Eagle's Cup VIII
Winner of the Inaugural Afro-Caribbean Heritage Festival
2nd Place at World Cup 92
2nd Place at AOCAF LXVIII
2nd Place at AOCAF LVIII
2nd Place at Eagle's Cup IX(Winners of the tournament's Cup of Champions)
3rd place at World Cup 90
3rd place at World Cup 85
3rd Place at World Cup 83
3rd place at ARC 4
3rd Place at AOCAF LXIX
3rd Place at AOCAF LXII
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 Magazine U18 World Cup
Champions of the 47th Di Bradini Cup (U21 World 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)

List of National Team managers
1. Kizza Kabila(Banija). Manager for Baptism of Fire 60 and the World Cup 73 Qualification Campaign. Overall record of 0-14-1(W-L-D).

Kizza Kabila is the only Banijan to have ever managed the national team. Hired for Banija's first foray onto the international scene in this sport, his reign was universally derided as a disaster. Managing 15 games, he drew his first game in the Baptism of Fire, and not only lost the next two, he then lost ever single match in the 12 game World Cup Qualification campaign for World Cup 73, with the side only scoring 5 goals across the entire campaign. Unceremoniously fired after becoming one of few managers to go through an entire World Cup Qualification campaign without earning a single point, he, alongside the entire board of the RBSA, resigned after the last game. He was disgraced in the sport after the campaign, and, to this point, has never returned to top-level soccer.

2.Jan Cassallerus(San Llera): Hired before the start of the World Cup 74 Qualification Campaign, managed through the World Cup 77 Qualification Campaign. Overall Record of 27-32-16(W-L-D).

Banija put its eyes abroad, searching for a foreign manager before the World Cup 74 Qualification campaign, and found Jan Cassallerus. He is Banija's longest ever serving manager, being at the helm for four entire World Cup cycles, and being at the helm for 75 total games, a kind of longevity unheard of in the modern game, especially managing the national team. He started winning a game at the Coupe D'Esquarium, in what was known as the group of death. He was largely celebrated for bringing the team into relevancy. The expectations were through the floor, following Kizza Kabila, but he brought the team to Cup of Harmony 66 and Cup of Harmony 67, as well as advancing in Olympic Qualifying and getting third place at the United Valhaven Regional Football Championships. He was forced into retirement after the World Cup 77 Qualification campaign, when the RBSA declared bankruptcy, and could not participate in the World Cup 78 Qualification Campaign due to their inability to compensate players and staff.

3. Randolf Cherry(Drawkland): Hired before the start of the World Cup 79 Qualification Campaign. Overall Record of 20-24-2(W-L-D)

Randolf Cherry, after the RBSA got its act together, was hired- controversially- as the manager of the national team. Not that his own hire was controversial, it was applauded across the sports spectrum here at home. He was given a 3 cycle contract, and everyone knew what the goal was- to make the World Cup Finals at least once over the course of the contract. They understood that it would take time to climb the rankings, and they were willing to give him the leash. However, he came in a very awkward situation. Adama Sowe, the Chairman of the RBSA, allegedly first offered the job to Sarah Owens, out of the Equestrian States. Of course, it is illegal in Banija for women to coach men's professional teams, and that caused controversy. And yet, here he was- the manager of the national team.

His own home country of Drawkland is, of course, very progressive in that area, where the sport is dominated by the ladies. Regardless, he had an excellent start to his reign as a manger, and was initially extremely popular. He won his first game, in a special Eagles Club match, against Aggrey-Fynn Land. He lost his first few qualifiers, but he went on a dear through the middle of qualifying, which included a 7 game winning streak on home soil. Big wins against then 4th ranked Chromatika at home and then 32nd ranked Eshan, put them in the conversation of World Cup Qualification, though they were simply not strong enough.

The Cup of Harmony was considered a disaster, finishing in dead last in their group. The competition maybe simply isn't for the Banijans, eh? But they were strong throughout the offseason, making a surprising quarterfinal run in AOCAF LV and bringing high hopes to the squad going into World Cup 80 Qualification. Hopes were through the roof for the national team, maybe even bordering unrealistic. They struggled, and the campaign got worse as the pressure built, as the squad lost their final four qualifiers of the first half of qualifying. With the campaign seemingly in free-fall, he was fired, as the RBSA said they wanted time to conduct "an open, thorough, search."

4. Marcus Waters(Equestrian States): Hired after the 1st half of World Cup 80 Qualifying, fired at the end of World Cup 89 Qualifying. Overall record of 257-81-50(W-L-D). All-time winning percentage of 66.24%. All-time points percentage of 70.53%.

Marcus Waters was the national team's assistant manager with Randolf Cherry above him, and the manager of the youth national teams. He first gained notoriety in Banija after successfully leading the U21 team to a 3rd place finish at the 42nd Di Bradini Cup. With his abilities clear, it made sense to move onto him as the interim manager as they searched for a permanent manager ahead of the second half of World Cup Qualifying. However, he was able to complete a stunning turnaround of this team. His first game in charge, he changed nearly the entire backline, and had a massive upset, away to Qasden, by a score of 3-2. A 3-0 victory over Razenthuria in the other mid-qualifying friendly got high hopes for him.

Marcus Waters went out with an intent to keep his team focused, despite everything going on at home. He has proven adept at navigating the political minefield that is this job, especially with his own country of origin essentially at war with Banija. He didn't lose a single game in the second half of qualifying, winning 7 games to get to the playoffs, including when the team was forced to play home games in Montreal due to ongoing violence within Banija. He was widely applauded for getting the team ready to play in Montreal, and winning 1-0 against Turori, the group's top seeded squad, and a 3-0 win in Montreal in the Qualification playoffs. While the RBSA interviewed four other candidates, his successful push through the World Cup Qualification playoffs and into Banija's first-ever World Cup Finals essentially clinched the job for him, as he put pen to paper to take the interim tag off of his title ahead of the 80th World Cup Finals.

Since then, of course, he has done a lot to garner the confidence of the higher-ups, and of the fans. Falling to the eventual champions in the quarterfinals of both AOCAF LVI and AOCAF LVII was widely seen as a positive. As well as, of course, a surprising Fourth Place finish in the Cup of Champions Six, highlighted by a surprising point earned in their matchup against Nephara, while also pushing through to the Round of 16 of World Cup 81, pleasing the home fans. A different sort of pressure faces him this campaign, however.

For the first time in his reign, you could say that Banija had a disappointing tournament, failing to advance in World Cup 82 beyond the group stages. It might be harsh to say that- on paper, advancing from a group with both Pasarga and Farfadillis is a tall order if your team is not Pasarga or Farfadillis. They responded well, however, winning six consecutive games at AOCAF LVIII, and knocking off major nations including Cosumar and Mriin at the tournament, before being felled in the final, in their own capitol of Busukuma, to Equestria. Following up with a World Cup on home soil, they continued that momentum forward from AOCAF LVIII, as the Banijans took on the role of giantslayers on home soil. They beat the 5th ranked South Covello side, and the then two-time defending world champions Vilita, before eventually falling to Starblaydia in the semifinals, though they still earned a bronze medal. Although momentum was blunted after a tough 1-0 defeat to Ko-oren that secured an early exit from AOCAF LIX, they followed that up with their second straight appearance in the World Cup Quarterfinals, where they fell to Eura in extra time.

The last two cycles he really got the team to rise above themselves. The last two World Cup Qualification cycles, Banija has finished as the best team in World Cup Qualifying by points earned. And he has the silverware to match- a bronze medal earned in World Cup 85, followed by a gold medal in World Cup 86. Having risen from basically nowhere in Equestria to household name status in Banija, he has truly made a name for himself as one of the world's premier international managers. While World Cup 87 was disappointing, he quickly ensured that was a one-off, rather than a sign of things to come. He brought Banija to their fourth World Cup semifinal in their past six tournaments at World Cup 88, and followed that up with winning the country's first ever regional title.

But he is now a victim of his own success. An Eagle's Cup champion, the AO champion, and a World Cup champion, he drastically raised the bar for the Kadongo Kamu. But Banija winning 9 of their last 10 Qualifiers could not overcome their disastrous, and therefore, we did not qualify for the World Cup Finals. The RBSA had no other choice but to let the legend and Hall of Famer walk, as the time has come around for the national team to change their head man for the first time since World Cup 80.

5. Pamela Scott(Commonwealth of Baker Park): Hired after World Cup 89 Qualifying, right before Cup of Harmony 81. Retired after ARC 2, following World Cup 96. Overall Record of 174-46-58(W-L-D). Winning percentage: 62.59%. Points percentage: 69.54%

Scott is widely regarded as one of the brightest tactical minds in the sport, and her record speaks for itself. Replaced Trevor Richmond as BP National Team Manager after the side qualified for the WC in their first three attemps, then followed Ichi Tuzzio as boss of the WC 85 Champions, overhauling the roster and bringing a bit of defensive awareness to the legendary Farf attacking style. Has an eye for young talent and not afraid to give them a chance. The above is why she was hired- leverage her experience to bring stabilization to a national team that is currently reeling.

While the Cup of Harmony and the AOCAFs both resulted in disappointing exits at the Round of 16, and the Eagle's Cup went disastrously(not scoring for 5 consecutive matches), Pam Scott is still upbeat about the direction of the national team. "With this cycle, everything is about World Cup Qualification." She told reporters. "Those tournaments, while they did not go well, were about finding the right squad, building to this moment. Banija wants to compete on all fronts, of course- but we cannot do that if we are not qualifying for the World Cup. These tournaments, while not great on the field, have allowed me to experiment all sorts of lineups, and expose different players to elite competition at the international stage. How they deal with things like pressure. You're going to see much different results when the team takes the field for World Cup 90 Qualifying."

But her first World Cup in charge was an unmitigated success. Beating both Audioslavia and Eura was a stunner, as Banija won the group of death with a game to go. Not resting on their laurels, they downed two AO rivals, SRS and Baker Park, in back-to-back games in route to the semifinals, and eventually, a bronze medal. With that success, Pam Scott declared that the national team is "back to competing on all fronts". While the last World Cup's group stage embarassment was a disappointment, she more than made up for it by bringing home her first major international trophy- the AOCAFs.

Last cycle, after reaching the AOCAF Final and falling to Valanora, she was able to take the lessons learned from that and bring Banija to our second ever World Cup title- and her first. She's now, after a long journey from Baker Park, to Farfadillis, and now Banija, has reached the sports pinnacle. But what's more impressive than getting to the top, is staying at the top. She led Banija to an unbeaten Qualifying campaign(dropping just 2 points from 20 Qualifiers), and followed that up with a second World Cup win- this time, in emphatic fashion, with a bunch of high-drama, one goal wins throughout World Cup 94 leading up to a convincing 4-1 victory over Valanora in the World Cup 94 Final. With what may be the final AOCAF trophy in hand, Her reputation in Banija is firmly established with all sorts of silverware- certainly the greatest Banijan manager ever.

Ultimately, like most NT managers, she could not succeed forever. There was a firm downturn after the success of WC92-94 cycles, as a group stage elimination in WC95 was a sign of dark things to come- a pair of first KO round eliminations at the ARC, sandwiching a failed qualification campaign for WC96, led to her downfall. While it was rough at the end, she has surely firmly established herself as the greatest ever in this country.

6. George Wangolo. Hired after ARC 2, fired after World Cup 98. Overall Record of 27-12-6(W-L-D). Winning percentage: 60.00%. Points percentage: 64.44%

1. The Equestrian States. All time Banijan record against opponent- 2-7-2(W-L-T). (Record not up to date)

The Equestrian States are easily Banija's biggest rival, and by a country mile. It has all the makings of a good international sporting rivalry- plenty of matches played, history of competitive matches, geopolitical rivalry, player familiarity, and, of course, geographical proximity- all those boxes are checked. They've played each other 5 times, and Banija has come out on the losing end each and every time, most recently a 4-0 clobbering at the hands of the Equestrian States during Banija's final friendly before this qualification tournament began.

Three times have they played in competitive competition, and three times Banija has fallen. The Equestrian States eliminated Banija from Cup of Harmony 71 in group play, while also defeating the Banijans in both the opening match of World Cup 80, and the final group stage match of AOCAF LVI, though the Banijans still advanced to the quarterfinals of that tournament. The familiarity of players between each other is strong. Banija's present and most successfull all-time manager, Marcus Waters, is Equestrian. A number of players in each country play in leagues in the other. Famous Equestrian NT players like Aaron Aiza, Rosie Tyler, and Josef Lawrenz, ply their trade in the Banijan Soccer League, with Aiza particularly growing to superstar status while winning league titles at Herzegovina City FC.

Banija's first ever major final in this sport, at the senior level, was against none other than Equestria at the national stadium, with the winner to be crowned champions of AOCAF LVIII Final. In front of a decidedly pro-Banijan crowd, it was the Equestrians who dashed Banijan dreams of glory on their home turf as they picked up their first ever major international silverware, with a 4-2 victory. That victory has made the Banijans just that much hungrier to defeat their bitter rivals, and though the history is lopsided in favor of Equestria, that has just fueled the fire on this side of the matchup. The two sides co-hosted World Cup 83 together, and almost had a rematch of their AOCAF LVIII Final in the World Cup Final, though Banija could not fulfill its end of the bargain as they fell to a stronger Starblaydia side in the semifinals. Equestria, of course went on to win the World Cup, and the next AOCAF to boot, establish a fully fledged dynasty. The Banijans, in pre WOrld Cup 84 Qualification friendlies, got their first ever result against the Equestrians, a 0-0 draw in Everfree.

Equestria and Banija were in the same group at AOCAF LXII, with the opening match of the tournament being a repeat of the AOCAF LVIII Final. Banija, we thought, rising high and champions. But Equestria came to rain on the parade. They won on Matchday 1, by a score of 2-1 in Busukuma, and we could only manage a return draw. Our fiercest rivals, and yet, we've still never managed to have beaten them, in a competitive or a friendly match. That search for the elusive win against Equestria continues.

Banija landed their first ever win over Equestria in the Round of 16 at AOCAF LXVI. Years of angst were excised by this national team, as [url=https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=39501593#p39501593they crushed the Equestrians, 3-0[/url], in a match that may have finally begun to turn this rivalry towards team Banija. With the two teams paired in this cycle here at World Cup Qualifying, Banija will look to ensure that beating their rival was not a fluke- but turn that into a habit.

2. Farfadillis. All time Banijan record against opponent- 3-5-0(W-L-T) (Record not up to date)

What makes a good international rivalry? You need a mixture of history and luck. Luck, to have played in plenty of high stakes matches against each other on the biggest stages- World Cups, AOCAFs, and the like. But you also need nearness. What makes these two know each other so well? We've played in twice as many competitive matches against Chromatika as we have against Farfadillis.

Well, let's go with the political intrigue. Of course, there's geography- Farfadillis is the closest nation to Banija that does not share a land border with Banija. Their former capitol, is on the northern tip of their island, which is just south of Busukuma, the Banijan capitol city. So of course, there's that familiarity. And when the Farfadillis national government fell apart and they fell into some sort of a controlled chaos, many refugees fled Farfadillis for the stability of Banija. Busukuma became the natural landing place. There are no official numbers, but there an estimated 100,000 or so Farf refugees across the country, but with over half of them, around 60,000, residing in Busukuma.

So there's that familiarity on an intimate level, especially in Banija, and especially in Banija's capitol. Especially in the capitol, it's always a huge deal when these two meet. And besides that? Well, of course, we [url=https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=37273196#p37273196]dropped a few nuclear warheads[/url] on Farfadillis, where Banija's nuclear weapons got both hacked and stolen by operatives. While, surprisingly, it didn't cause as much damage as one would expect, 5 nuclear weapons are still quite a bit to get hit by. Farf citizens weren't exactly appreciative, and that is fresh in everybody's mind.

Lastly, look at the integration of our footballing systems. We have a combined league. With the combination of our top flights in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, Banijan footballing fans and Farf footballing fans interact every single week. Sometimes peacefully, sometimes violently, always loud and passionately. For two seperate nations(plus Busoga), they have a very integrated league system. And that, of course, will mean that the rivalry is played out every week. Banijan teams v. Farf teams. Farf teams got the better of their Banijan opponents, by and large, throughout the inaugural season, but there is still plenty left to say on the subject.

This is Banija's clear #2 rival, ahead of anybody else, besides Equestria. And as the S-FPL continues, this rivalry will continue to be competitive for years to come. Not to mention, the two have played a pair of thrilling World Cup Finals matches against each other- Farfadillis being victorious in World Cup 81, and then being victorious again in World Cup 84, where they went on to win that World Cup. What'd be more fun than another Finals matchup between these two juggernauts, right?

3. Chromatika. All time Banijan record against opponent- 8-3-2(W-L-T) (Record not up to date)

This is, admittedly, not the first nation you think of when you think of Banija's rivals. But There is a long-time history between these two nations. These two have more shared history than Banija and any other opponent, at least in competitive matches. Banija and Chromatika have faced off a grand total of 9 times competitively- all in the modern era of Banijan soccer, which is WCQ79-present. It was that first campaign back, after the RBSA bankruptcy, where it was established.

Banija had one of their biggest ever all-time wins in that Qualifying campaign, our first ever win over a top 5 opponent, when we beat then #4 Chromatika 2-1 in Jinja City. It's a night that has gone down in Banijan history. Looking back, many see it as Banija's first true launch towards where we are now- from a consistent middle of the pack nation in Qualifying, who couldn't do anything in the Cup of Harmony, to demanding a seat at the table by being an elite squad.

And we've played plenty of times since, as well. AOCAF LXI- we beat them in the group stages, only to fall to them in the Quarterfinals, on penalty kicks. We each got clean sheet victories over the other team at Eagle's Cup VIII, a tournament that we ended up winning. And we played them twice in World Cup Qualifying for 86, beating them twice en route to a perfect 18-0-0 Qualifying record. We played them again at the Finals, and we battled out a 2-2 draw.

They're a tough opponent, and considering the frequency of our matches in recent years, meeting up in the Finals would not be that unexpected. We know each other well, have played with plenty of stakes on the line. And, of course, there's those cultural and political connections that make the greatest international rivalries- a Banijan delegation, led by present Banijan Ambassador to Chromatika and former Banijan Minister of Justice, Xolile Lubabalo, helped shepherd Chromatika's transition to democracy. It's friendly, but there's plenty of history to make it interesting.

Of course, to make things even more interesting, these two met on the grandest stage of them all- the World Cup 93 Final. While Banija triumphed in a close-fought match (and a stunning come from behind second half victory), it has really moved Chromatika probably close to the top of Banija's rivals list, especially with S&T no longer participating in these tournaments and the Equestrian States no longer reaching the high levels they once had in the past.

Honorable Mentions
Nations mentioned here are considered key rivals, but there is not enough competitive match history to really define it as a rivalry. Nations are not listed in order.
- Siovanija & Teusland(Geographic proximity, cultural + political ties)
- Valanora(geographic proximity, recent KO stage battles at the AOCAFs and the WC, including meeting in the WC94 Final)
- Royal Kingdom of Quebec(general history and close political/cultural ties- Banija is a former colony of Quebec and they have been close ever since)
- Sarzonia(General sporting rivalry, history with 3 AOCAF matches against each other, 2 World Cup Qualifying matches, and a World Cup Finals match)
- Baker Park(cultural plus political ties)

World Cup 99 Roster

Starters: 4-2-1-3.
Players who are based in a foreign league are bolded.
Players who are making their NT debuts during the pre-WC99 friendly tour 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 #1 Biran Jarju. Age 30. Plays for FC Capri in the Elven Premiership in Valanora.
LB #2 Opio Ssambwa. Age 34. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
LCB #5 Kanyago Rouse-Jurun. Age 17. Plays for Montreal Koreana in the Q-League.
RCB #3 Ensa Janneh. Age 30. Plays for Hondo FC in the Elven Premiership in Valanora.
RB #15 Daraja Kanka. Age 28. Plays for La Querida in the S-FPL.
CM #6 Yob Yeyeh Aan. Age 30. Banijan/Farf dual-national. Plays for FK Arsika in Mytanija.
CM #14 Araba Fanja. Age 28. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
CAM #10 Yob Banda. Age 28. Plays for Busukuma AC in the S-FPL.
LW #7 Lavyin Son-Saka. Age 28. Plays for St. John's Arsenal in the Q-League. Captain.
ST #9 Cyrile Resnais-Mahama. Age 22. Plays for Tihon in the Red League.
RW/RM #11 Odongo Kagenda. Age 31. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
Bench:
GK #35 Kasozi Ssempewo. Age 27. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
GK #39 Salathiel Kavuuma. Age 29. Plays for the Busukuma Force in the S-FPL.
LB #20 Kabiru Suso. Age 29. Plays for Mar Sara FC in the Elven Premiership in Valanora.
RCB #4 Opio Anjait. Age 30. Plays for Busukuma AC in the S-FPL.
LCB #30 Kutaaka Muteesa. Age 33. Plays for St. John's Arsenal in the Q-League.
RB #31 Kristina Lobondo. Age 24. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
CM #8 Sherif Kinteh. Age 22. Plays for SC Rinaldi in the Elven Premiership in Valanora.
CM #25 Musoke Owole. Age 19. Plays for Herzegovina City FC in the S-FPL.
CAM #15 Zaharija Zdjelar-Siwangeh. Age 25. Plays for Jinja City FC in the S-FPL. Formerly capped by the Farf NT, eligible for a U21 one-time switch.
LW/RW #21 Muhangi Wentibwa. Age 24. Plays for 1912 Stelburg in the Regionalliga Stelburg, and the Meisterschaft, in Siovanija & Teusland.
RW/LW #22 Banta Kairaba. Age 22. Plays for Rolalas FC in the Elven Premiership in Valanora.
ST #12 Jônn Wérséô. Age 30. Plays for Mâ Âlâmëómë in the S-FPL. Rulandea, Farfadillis. Farf/Banijan dual-national, born to Farf refugees in Busukuma.

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

Select Player Bios

1. 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 probably should have a WC title and been on the WC94 team- but Pam Scott opted to bring on her veteran, Sarafina Ikpeazu, for one last ride. Can't argue with those results, of course. But it's his team now. He got onto the team, got the #7 jersey and the starting job right away, and even has a regional title to show for it, being a key starter on Banija's AOCAF 70 winning team- the final AOCAF.

Of course, while he has been a bright spot, the team has gone quite far downhill since then. Widely recognized as the team's best player, he's been given the armband as the captain for the Kadongo Kamu not only this time around, but for the long-term, at just 24 years old. He's gladly taken on that responsibility, and despite there being senior players ahead of him, he will wear the armband for a decade+. He strong believes that he will compete for the biggest possible trophies for Banija, and that their brightest days are ahead- as opposed to behind. He's now been through the ups and downs- the joys of a shockingly surprising run to the quarterfinals of World Cup 97, and the lows of a brutal, and equally shocking, group stage elimination at ARC 3- followed by an embarrassing group stage elimination at World Cup 98, where he didn't even score a goal.

Has there ever been more pressure on a Banijan athlete than there is on Son-Saka now? Mega-talented, he was critical in starting the turnaround of the NT, leading them to a solid third place finish at ARC IV. And with no World Cup Qualifying, everything will be judged on a massive home World Cup. Can he deliver under pressure on home soil?

2. 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. When he was 22 years old, the talented left back wrestled the permanent NT role from Sohna Kelley, and is one of the brightest players of the current generation. Coming up through the ranks at Kitara AA, he went to Herzegovina City in Banija and largely kept his performances up for the country's biggest club. Originally trying to stay there for a season, he has liked the place, and inked a long-term contract to spend the majority of his prime years in Banija's oldest city.

Due to his extensive experience with the NT, he's the vice-captain- and, of course, a crucial player on the team. He's been an important contributor for the NT's greatest moments, and he is here trying to bring the team back to its heights. He is known for his relentless positivity, and his strong belief that Banija will get back to the top of the sport. However, following back to back group stage eliminations in major tournaments, he lost his place in the starting XI for the most recent regional tournament. But, despite that, he put his head down, worked hard during friendlies and last club season, and for now, has his spot back during the World Cup Finals. Considering his age(34), and the fact that it's on home soil, it's likely his last tourney for the NT- can he bring them back to the very top of the international game?

3. Cyrile Resnais-Mahama

Resnais-Mahama is the tip of the spear for the new generation of Banijan players. The RBSA has long had a heavy reliance on the Elven Premiership and Q-League to find NTers- the former with an extensive youth scouting system in the country, and the latter having a huge amount of Banijan/Quebecois dual-nationals in their ranks. AWO, and Layvin Son-Saka- is Resnais-Mahama the next in a long line of Banijan/Quebecois dual-nationals who ball out for team Banija?

He's been an absolute stud in the Q-League for a while- 30 goals in 3 straight seasons. And now, has gotten his payday, securing an 8 figure move to Tihon just days before the beginning of the World Cup. Making his competitive debut for the NT, the expectations are skyhigh- can Resnais-Mahama bring that sort of form to the Kadongo Kamu? If so, his jersey is bound to fly off the shelves- but if not? Well, the only thing that could realistically mean is an early exit from this home World Cup for the national team...

4. Kanyago Rouse-Jurrin (Mostly written by Quebec!)

Kanyago Rouse-Juruni's a street-smart behemoth, both literally and on background. Son of five from Maurice Nkrumah Juruni, a Banijan statistics student from Bolgatanga, Aksum, and Kimberley Rouse, a Songakian boxing gym owner, he grew up tough with his three brothers and a sister in east end of Songak. While her mother was a City fan, and her father CSKA, Kanyago quickly joined Mtl. Koreana academy at age 6 to avoid trouble on the streets due to his god-given height.

So far that has worked as the 6'9, 250 lb behemoth has transitioned into an all-arounded CB. Called up to senior club at age 15, Kanyago's Q-League performance, widely considered by many as 'defensively Yamal', would see him net TOTY award at age 17, and subsequently a spot with the Kadongo Kamu.

The massive, towering CB has play that has basically demanded his inclusion not only on the NT- but directly into the starting XI. He will be the youngest player to ever start a World Cup match for Banija, and he might be the best defensive prospect the country has ever seen. There's a lot of pressure when you make your NT debut at the World Cup, but he's got a ridiculous amount of self-confidence to ensure that no moment will be too big for him.

Outside of play, he is a flashy individual with his lineup of red, pink and lilac suits, sneakers and ties. But he, being a father of two, is also dependable individual. Kanyago has started to really his early signs of money and maturity by attending business school classes at his mother's alma mater at Songak Metropolitan.

World Cup Group Stage Schedule
Matchday 1: Kanzlia v. Banija @ The Stadium of the Restoration(cap. 101,835) in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Matchday 2: Banija v. Ko-oren @ The Istria Olympic Stadium(cap. 80,000) in Istria, Moravica
Matchday 3: Reçueçn v. Banija @ Albert III Memorial Stadium(cap. 48,000) in Dodoma, Bunyoro