Di Bradini Cup 18 RP/Rosters/Scores Thread

[Newmanistan]

In Newmanistanian time, two years has passed since the last Di Bradini Cup. Our timeline considers all sports tournamnets in its progression. For us, the year is 2104.

OFFICIAL NEWMANISTAN DI BRADINI CUP 18 ROSTER

Head Coach: Steve Tremblay
Age: 48
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Bio: Steve likes offensive, attack minded football, but knows how to do it cautiously and not jeopardize the defense. He’s a likeable person, and players work hard for him. He also coaches the senior team.

Assistant Coach: Tony Allen
Age: 40
Club Team: Hampton Bulldogs
Bio: Preaches a defensive style at home, and does a great job getting the most out of the players he puts on the pitch.

Assistant Coach: Robert Palmer
Age: 45
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: Replaced Chris Merrill in Dover City, Palmer preaches a style of high work ethic and overall gritty and physical play.

**** STARTING LINEUP ****

Name: Jorgen Andersson
Position: GK
Age: 19
Jersey #: 1
Club Team: Daytopia Racers
Bio: Good young prospect who will be starting for the first time at this level after being a part of the last roster. He is built very well, so forwards may want to think twice about getting close to him (if he plays). Relies on positioning a little more then agility.

Name: Chris Dayten (*** TEAM CAPTAIN ***)
Position: LB
Age: 20
Jersey #: 3
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Bio: You don’t get signed by the Capitals as a 14-year old unless you are something special, and Chris has shown to be just that. After two seasons of playing for their “B”-League affiliate, Dayten got full-time duty in the NPL and impressed, winning the Rookie Defender of the Year award. Off the pitch, he is immune to distraction and concentrates solely on making himself better. Very impressive during WC54 when the Rockets qualified, and amazingly still eligible for DBC 18.


Name: Richard Hayslett
Position: LCB
Age: 18
Jersey #: 6
Club Team: Brighton Bulls
Bio: A player who continues to gradually progress as he ages, he gets his first opportunity to start here. He has all the tools, though sometimes is maturity is questioned.

Name: Brett Richmond
Position: RCB
Age: 21
Jersey #: 4
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Bio: A defensive defender who will rarely have his name in the paper, but does all the things you want on the field. Brett started in the last Di Bradini Cup as well and also was a part of the WC55 qualifying roster.

Name: Todd Smith
Position: RB
Age: 20
Jersey #: 5
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: They are still playing great defense out there in Centralia, and Smith is next in line to be one of their superstar defenders. He does everything well, but some say he can be outmuscled. Maybe he can, but he’s young. Got regular playing time off the bench in DBC 17.

Name: Mark Brady
Position: LM
Age: 19
Jersey #: 16
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Good playmaker along the wins and moderately physical. Though he does have a good shot that you’ll need to respect, he is best setting up others from the wing.

Name: James Burgan
Position: CAM
Age: 20
Jersey #: 8
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Bio: Agile play-maker. Does what you want someone in this spot on the field to do. He has a great shot, and he is very aware of his surroundings Also started in DBC 17.

Name: Anthony Bonacci
Position: CDM
Age: 19
Jersey #: 18
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Bio: Excels in a defensive role and putting pressure on the other team’s defense when they try to get the ball out of their end. Anticipates the plays and passes that come with that very well.

Name: Joseph Cullen
Position: RM
Age: 18
Jersey #: 17
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: A defensive minded player who idolized the great Brett Prescott, and wears his former jersey number. For the unaware, this means he is an agitator. Very physical, but all within the boundaries of the rules; though when the referee isn’t looking he’ll sneak in a cheap shot in an effort to get you carded for the retaliation. He’s got a powerful shot and will be used often on free kicks also.


Name: Edward Robertson
Position: LS
Age: 20
Jersey #: 9
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Bio: Speedy and agile, Robertson is the biggest goal scoring threat on the team. After scoring a goal, instead of celebrating, he will drop to one knee and say a prayer. He dedicates all of his goals to his brother, who is autistic, and donates 10,000 gold coins for every goal he scores to charities for autism.

Name: Kevin Boyle
Position: RS
Age: 20
Jersey #: 19
Club Team: South Tier Seagulls
Bio: Boyle is a great friend of Robertson’s off the pitch and often joins in with his charitable functions since they play for geographically close club teams, and matched Robertson’s donation at the end of the season. Kevin is also speedy and agile, and just as dangerous. He just won’t pray as much.

**** SUBS ****

Name: Kris Sanford
Position: GK
Age: 20
Jersey #: 21
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Positionally sound and capable of starting if need be.

Name: Brian Derrick
Position: CB
Age: 16
Jersey #: 2
Club Team: Chesterfield- “C” League (on loan from Dover City Mountaineers)
Bio: It’s not his time yet, but he possesses so much skill, he’s called to the team again. This time as a sub instead of a reserve.

Name: Scott Harrington
Position: CB
Age: 17
Jersey #: 22
Club Team: Fairfield City Admirals
Bio: A defensive defender, Scott is making his international debut.

Name: William McDevitt
Position: MID
Age: 17
Jersey #: 13
Club Team: South Charlotte Condors
Bio: Very smart player, he too is here mainly for the experience. First choice for a midfielder when a defensive player is preferred.

Name: Austin Mitchell
Position: MID
Age: 16
Jersey #: 24
Bio: Also making his international debut, Mitchell’s got a great shot and in the future will probbaly see a lot of time on free kicks and delivering the corners. For now, he’s a sub that will be called on when offense is needed.

Name: Justin Cooney
Position: ST
Age: 20
Jersey #: 12
Club Team: Thumbria Bay Sharks
Bio:Not quite as speedy as the starting forwards, which is why he will come off the bench, but his shot is just as dangerous.

Name: Michael Parrish
Position: ST
Age: 19
Jersey #: 15
Club Team: Olympia Gladiators
Bio: One hope he will only grow a bit. Speedy and skillful, his short size means he will lose out for headers and such pretty much all the time. He is heavily inspired though, by all of the successful elves that have played in international football. He is not an elf, but sometimes his teammates will joke that he is.

**** RESERVES ****

Name: Darrell Patterson
Position: GK
Age: 16
Jersey #: 30
Club Team: West Penthoria Marlins
Bio: Though he figures to just be making sure players leaving the pitch have a fresh towel, expect to be seeing more of him in the future. His agility is amazing, which is something a little different from the traditional Rockets keeper at this level that relies on positioning.

Name: Pierre Bergeron
Position: CB
Age: 15
Jersey: #27
Club Team: Strausser (“B” League)
Bio: Speedy defender, and some think he may be better off playing in the middle one day. His defensive instincts are outstanding though, and he’s been a little stubborn to try playing anywhere other then the back end.

Name: Stephen Burdick
Position: CB/MID
Age: 16
Jersey# : 28
Club Team: Olympia Town (“B” League)
Bio: Defensive minded with a good shot. Sometimes prone to fouls of laziness.

Name: Michael Zanoski
Position: MID/ST
Jersey #: 33
Age: 14
Club Team: Lincoln (“B” League)
Bio: He’s got a great shot, but he’ll need to work on his consistency if he’s going to see time on the senior team. Fortunately, he is still young.

Name: Shawn Franklin
Position: ST
Age: 16
Jersey #: 25
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Bio: Possesses all the talent you want. He’s just young. You’ll see more of him in the future. Courtney Keisler’s ex-boyfriend if you were following our WC54 RP’s. Admittedly very annoyed to still be a reserve at the Di Bradini level.

Further RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but only say they are hurt, I will determine severity.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, no more then one more then you give yourself.
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, no more then one more then you give yourself.
Godmod other events: No

There are to be no REAL-WORLD pictures posted to any of your RP's which would have a Newmanistanian player also in the picture, in any capacity. Additionally, if we are at home, there are to be no stadium shots in any way in the background. I will publicly call you out in the discussion thread if you do. This is my biggest pet peeve on NS Sports.

[Newmanistan]

Steve Tremblay sat in his office, looking over some game tapes from the Cup of Harmony as he attempted to evaluate the performance of various players for their future on the senior team. It was a routine day, all things considered, and when this was done he would go over some NPL tape concerning his Loudon Leopards. From there he got a call.

“Steve, it’s Jeremy, what’s up?” On the other line was Jeremy McAllister, Sr, the former legend who now acts as the commissioner for the Newmanistanian Premier League. After exchanging a greeting, J-Mac got into the purpose of his phone call. “Steve, I need the Di Bradini rosters formally submitted to my office by 5pm this evening.”

Tremblay acknowledged that and said he would, and after some small talk, the two hung up. It was the coach in him, telling McAllister that there would be no problem in getting those rosters to him, but really he had hardly thought about it. He began to wonder why he accepted this position in the first place and how so many other Newmanistanian coaches managed to handle coaching the senior team, their club team, and the junior team. Perhaps maybe he should step down from the U-21 team. He enjoyed it so much, and it was the success in Di Bradini 16 that he managed that persuaded McAllister to give him the senior team job in the first place. Traditionally, Newmanistan has been successful in this tournament, and in the Brian Carson-coached era, they were virtually unstoppable. Maybe that’s why McAllister doesn’t think twice about keeping him in this role. It worked for Brian Carson and it should be working for him, as well. Turning off the game tape, he looked at the Cup of Harmony roster and the former Di Bradini 17 roster and was a little relieved that he could carry over a lot of the same people. Unbelievably, even Chris Dayten was still eligible. That made matters so much easier, because Dayten could easily be given the captain’s armband. With most of the roster filled in, he looked at some NPL top prospects lists and filled in the blanks and the roster was complete, faxed to McAllister’s office by noon. He called his secretary to figure out a travel schedule for him and all seemed well, for the moment.

Around 3pm, he got another phone call. This time from Chris Dayten, the 20-year old defender who started in World Cups 54 and 55 and would still have been eligible for his third Di Bradini Cup.

“Coach,” Dayten began. “Can we talk about this Di Bradini thing?”

“Yes, Chris?”

“Well, uh, I mean it would have been nice if you asked me if I wanted to.”

Tremblay was taken aback somewhat by that. “The Di Bradini Cup is an honor, and I have you as the captain. Surely that’s exciting, what wouldn’t you want?”

“Coach, I know the Di Bradini Cup is an awesome tournament. But you know, Katie (his fiancee) and I wanted to spend some quality time together after the Cup of Harmony. We hardly get a chance for that anymore and I’m sorry I don’t know what there is for me to accomplish from being in another Di Bradini Cup. I respect it and it would be cool to win, but the tournament is for younger people. Others should be there, not me.”

Trembley thought for a second. “Yes but Chris you have never been the captain (emphasizing that word) before. There is so much you can offer the young players. You started at this level when you were young and they can learn so much from you. It could be a wonderful stepping stone in your career and I really think you would enjoy it.”

Dayten thought for a moment, “Captain of who? Boyle? Robertson? Richmond? The guys I would be playing with all have quality experience themselves. What can I teach them, they are great players. It would be cool to be the captain, but I just think that I would rather spend some quality time with Katie. So much of our relationship has been on the road lately especially with the super-long qualifying session, and then the NPL season. The Di Bradini Cup just does not excite me, coach, when I think about the other things.”

Trembley sighed, “Chris, just please think about it a little longer. Maybe talk about it with Katie. If you decide you still don’t want to play we can tell the media you had a bout of food poisoning or something that would keep you from making the trip but I would really like to have you there. I want Newmanistan to be great in the Di Bradini Cup the way that we used to be. I look at the veteran roster were are sending and I think we have a real great chance to do something special in Starblaydia this year.”

Rolling his eyes on the phone, Dayten said he would think about it and they ended their conversation. For Trembley, it was tough because he really felt the same way that Chris did. Couldn’t he take a break? He has a wife and kids too. But he was here, doing this because he thought he should. Chris Dayten would come around, he felt.

Back at his Pocono City home, Chris broke the news to his fiancee, Katie, who was a little disappointed. She thought she would finally have time to spend with Chris before their wedding, and she wanted to plan out all the details with him before the qualifying period for the next World Cup began, and in the NPL off-season. Katie also did not understand the purpose of Chris playing in the Di Bradini team given his ample senior team experience at this point. Katie even acknowledged it to Chris, saying much of what he had said to the coach about him not having anything else to prove.

“Chris, remember your image,” Katie said, “The Empire views you as being one of the best character players on the team. You are looked up to by many, I don’t think you should just say that you don’t want to play because the media will kill you much the way they killed your sister in the tabloids in World Cup 54 (reference to that competition’s RP-theme, don’t worry about it if you can’t recall it as its not important to this). Maybe getting coach to say you got sick isn’t a bad idea but maybe we can just go. Together.”

“Yes, sweetie, but it won’t be a vacation. As a captain, I’ll have to always be there.”

“Well, we can see what we can do about that.”

[Kernansquillec]

DI BRADINI CUP CAMPAIGN READY TO KICK OFF

The fans have started arriving in Starblaydia for the 18th Di Bradini Cup to support the Green and Whites. This is the Green Stalions 2nd Di Bradini Cup, and after reaching the quarter-finals last time out they are expecting to go a bit further this time.

The Under 21's manager Chappell Robert gave a press interview yesterday after a 2 hour public training in Starblaydia:
"We know how to play football. We have seen how Kimmo, Kai and Xarles played in the Baptism of Fire for the senior team. They will find they have a bit more space and time at these championships, especialy in the group stages, so I expect them to take full advantidge of it. The rest of the team already have the experiance of the last Bradini Cup, where they got into the quarters to lose very cruelly on penalties.
This year the team are up for it. We have the U21 from World Cup winners Dorian and Sonya in our group who will pose a significant chalange to us. But we won't have a single easy game in this tournament, we must treat each game like the final and give 120%.
As for our opening game against Stachland will be tought. They're a physical side and quite a few of our players have played quite a bit of football recently, but I am confident the lads will perform and give a solid performance."

The Kers kick off their Di Bradini Cup campaign against the U21 of Stachland tomorrow evening in their Group F clash. Currant betting odds in Kernansquillec, curtosy of Bet366 put a Kernansquillec win at 1-3, a draw at 2-5 and a defeat at 3-7. So it looks OK for the Kers but what will happen?

In other news the Kernansquillecan Football Association (KERFA) has presented the new home kit for the Green & Whites. The new kit, made by MytaStar Sportswear, will be worn by the U21's at the Di Bradini Cup for the first time.

The Daily Kernansquillecan will of course be back tommorow with an in depth analyist of the game, exclusive content and interviews from everyone who's anyone at the Di Bradini Cup.

[Dorian and Sonya]

The DBC Proving Ground

It has been some time since the Sylvanaes Queendom has participated in the DBC, and the girls have never seemed to do terribly well at the event. Yet somehow the Little Unicorns are predicted to do very well it seems. Some have even predicted us to win a very tough Group F which includes Stachland, Kernansquillec, and Matting. This time around those predictions might just be correct.

After winning the World Cup title in that tournament’s 53rd edition, The Unicorns have bowed out in the round of 16 the past two cups. This has led to many fans at home to call for massive changes to a roster that has seen very little change since our return in WC50. With an overabundance of quality young forwards and midfielders the DBC looks to be a place where they can be evaluated internationally.

Now just who should we be keeping an eye on?

Forwards.

Royal Princess Alura Sabre, who could be playing in this tournament, if she so chose, will likely join the starting 11 for WC 56. That means that there are two starting spots and two reserve spots to be had, although J’hys Ickaeth will likely keep one of those.

Mineryniel Felésthir. Many were surprised when she was not called up alongside Sabre as most seem to think she shows more promise. Fast and creative with the ball she should be one of the top players in the entire tournament.

Vanwen Felenddren. Perhaps the most technical player to ever wear the Pink & Purple. Vanwen has the ability to break down defenders and find the net.

Janwen Undomiel. Reckless and free-spirited on and off the pitch, Janwen has a nose for the net. Her goal scoring ability make it far worth any other problems that come along for the ride.

Silmara Toratanta. No lack of depth up front. Silmara has a shot to make the main squad from a reserve position. If she can find consistency to go with her blazing speed, she will become a world class option.

Midfield.

With Wend Rayghaest being the only sure player to keep her spot, there are three starting jobs and two reserves that can be filled.

Amarana & Merdëmiel Aldatauré. These twins may be the best bet to make the Mystical Unicorns squad. It is rare to find players who know what the other will do before they do it. But thus is the way with twins.

Silwen Isilidilinmae. An all-around player who can defend as well as score. The midfield is a brilliant fit for her exceptional skills.

The first match will be against Matting. There we will get to see just how good the girls are.

[Cassadaigua]

TEAM CASSADAIGUA- DI BRADINI CUP 18

Coach: Meaghan Bateman
Formation: 4-4-2
Style Mod: +1.5

Starters in Green
Subs in Blue
Reserves in Red

The retired kit #’s: 1, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17; though retired to honor players from our senior team are also not worn by the Di Bradini Team.

Goalkeepers:
#99- Erika Payton (19)
#21- Roseanne Grady (18)
#20- Samantha Deane (15)

Defenders:
#2- Katrina Murphy (21)- Reserve in DBC 17
#5- Sydney Lieberman (21)- Reserve in DBC 17
#4- Julie McCarthy (19)
#3- Sarah Mathis (18)
#6- Taylor Desantis (17)
#22- Cynthia Falco (16)
#23- Lucy Clayborne (16)
#24- Victoria Goodman (15)

Midfielders:
#8- Alexa Bechard (21)- Sub in DBC 17. TEAM CAPTAIN
#10- Kacie Collins (20)- Reserve in DBC 17
#9- Tara Moreau (19)-Reserve in DBC 17
#18- Maddie Emerton (19)
#25- Rebecca Carlson (18)
#27- Hollie Blair (17)
#28- Diana Engstrom (18)
#29- Aubrie Cusato (16)

Forwards:
#16- Zoey Holcomb (21)- Sub in DBC 17
#12- Jessica Behnke (20)- Sub in DBC 17
#19- Brianna Sadler (17)
#26- Trista Rodgers (16)
#33- Kristen Marchant (15)

RP Permissions:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
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
Godmod other events: No

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

“I can’t believe how placid he’s become.”

“All you have to do is give him a ball and it’ll keep him busy for hours.”

“Is he picking up any English?”

“He can say ball and he’ll point at it, other than that he’s still growling and grunting.”

“So you really think you can teach a boy raised by wolves to play professional football?”

“He has untapped potential. Nurture it and we could be looking at one of the greatest footballers of the modern era.”

“You’re sure?”

-----

“You’d be wrong to assume the age of adventure was behind us. With infinite space above us, the deepest, darkest sea and the untold blackness of the many unexplored caves, adventurers, explorers and men of science still have plenty to discover.” Professor Cumberland pointed to the projector screen as the slide changed to a bird’s eye view picture of a dense jungle.

“This is an area of vastly unexplored jungle on the Pocoan island of Modesto. I am under the belief that this area would contain items of archaeological significance. The exploration of this area would not be cheap, hence why I have approached you gentlemen. I am looking to secure an investment of..”

Before Professor Cumberland could relay a figure he was interrupted by a large man frantically waving his arms and shouting “hang on, hang on.” The small enclave that had gathered for the presentation spun in their chairs to face him. “You are under the belief that this area may be of archaeological significance? Sorry doc but I can’t be throwing money at speculation.”

Professor Cumberland nodded as he clicked to the next slide. It zoomed in on an area of the jungle.

“If you look closely you will see a stone building just there.” Professor Cumberland squinted as he got closer to the projector screen to point at an indistinguishable dot. The room was silent as they all stared at a greyish shape.

Professor Cumberland clicked again and the next slide was a closer view of the building. “These images have been taken with a satellite and have uncovered previously hidden ancient settlements.” He clicked again and the next slide showed the outline of several stone buildings. “This exploration would be the first into the depth of the jungle to investigate this settlement.”

“So how much are you looking for?”

“Gentlemen, I am looking for around £10,000.”

“£10,000?”

Cumberland took a deep intake of air. “This money will cover everything, from supplies to the vaccinations for the trip.”

[Stachland]

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events Y (within reason)

*An asterisk denotes a professional club.
Bolding denotes starting players.

FORMATION: 4-4-2 Diamond

MODIFIER: +2.8

COACH
Theodore Czacki49 years oldChevronia Stars*
As the current Stachlandic National Series champion, first national team coach, and the most successful active coach in Stachland, Theodore Czacki is one of the foremost celebrities in the nation.

GOALKEEPERS
Franklin Malachy18 years oldChevronia Central College
Franklin Malachy is an up and coming sensation in the Central Ten Conference, carrying his Chevronia Central Grey Penguins to a conference title and a fourth place finish in the Stachland Collegiate Athletic Association Class-A national tournament. He has appeared in one match for the national team, as a substitute for star goalkeeper Navering Pounchtal.

Isaac Cortier18 years oldEverett East College
Younger brother of skilled goalkeeper Brian Cortier, who plays for the Wolseley Mastodons in Stachland’s top professional league, the National Series, Isaac led his Everett East College Mouse-staches to an Eastern Sun Conference championship his freshman year. Though the team was eliminated in the Round of 32 in the national tournament, their improvement from five to seventeen wins across two years shows them to be one of the fastest-improving teams in the nation.

DEFENDERS
Carter Monnedayle20 years oldBrunside University
Carter Monnedayle was a walk-on addition to the Brunside Predators team his freshman year, having never played the sport before. Now, with three years of experience under his belt, Carter is considered among the nation’s best, and has recently made an agreement with the Chevronia Capitals to play for that professional club following his collegiate career.

Mason Breckenridge18 years old Sasnak University
Over three years, the DiKalbe East High School club allowed only twenty-two goals, by far the least in the nation. A pair of defenders, one being Mason Breckenridge, were credited with this tremendous feat. Mason has been recruited by Sasnak University to revive their ailing program, which was once considered among the nation’s best.

Jon Silver18 years oldViscare College
The second half of the DiKalbe East defense team, Jon Silver, was already famous as the son of esteemed player and coach Oliver Silver. Now, with a solid high school career behind him, Jon is interested in earning a reputation of his own at Viscare College, a school with a rich history of success in athletics.

Juget Panpar20 years oldMujar State College
Perhaps the greatest player in the history of his university, Juget Panpar has been nationally known since the age of fifteen, when he won a multiple-sport competition for adolescents sponsored by the National Magazine for Athletics. He was seriously considered for the Stachlandic team in the World Cup 55 cycle, but ultimately was dropped.

Chimpek Cholan19 years oldStophellis University
Though the Stophellis University Skylarks are a mediocre team, having last made the Stachland Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament four years ago, Chimpek Cholan is considered one of the nation’s better defenders. He is also a versatile player, who can be switched to the midfield if the need arises.

Arthur Bowie18 years oldSasnak State University
The Sasnak State University football team managed to make a fabulous run in last year’s SCAA tournament, despite being ranked only fiftieth in the nation. They made it all the way to the quarterfinals, and this surprising success allowed them to gain several top recruiting prospects, including Chevensky High School phenom Arthur Bowie.

MIDFIELDERS
Jun Streat19 years oldWolseley Technical University
The Wolseley Tech Hornets are the undisputed masters of the Stachland Collegiate Athletics Association Class-B, winning four of the last five national championships and nine in the past twenty years. Though Jun is a recent addition to their lineup, he has proven himself to be among the greatest players the team has ever fielded.

Jamar Simmons21 years oldFuller University
As a sophomore, Jamar Simmons put together a remarkable season, leading the team in assists and helping the Fuller Red Atoms advance all the way to the national tournament's Round of Eight. Though he was injured for almost his entire junior year, Jamar has returned to form this season, and is more than prepared for international play.

Jerce Wolszan17 years oldVerown High School
Jerce Wolszan was added to the team so that he may gain valuable experience in international competition. Though he has just graduated from Verown High School, a prestigious institution located within the capital city of Chevronia, Jerce has been invited to attend the National Football Academy in Errinundera, an offer which he has accepted.

Perte Chellar20 years oldMonarch's Village University
Perte Chellar is the most accomplished player in the history of his school, Monarch's Village University. Though the Hound Dogs have not won any titles, the perennial cellar-dwellers have had three winning seasons in a row, at one point coming within a single game of a Capital Ten Conference Title. Perte is not committed to any professional team, though he is currently hearing offers from several.

Morian Beaurant20 years oldChevronia Capitals*
Following a successful two years of collegiate football, Morian Beaurant was drafted by the Chevronia Capitals last year, and joined their starting lineup five games into the season. He has performed well, earning four goals and seven assists, and seems to be one of the better younger players in the National Series.
Gary Apollino18 years oldBrecker High School
Behind Verown High School, Brecker is generally considered to have the best high school football squad in the country, winning their conference sixteen years in a row and garnering the number one ranking in the nation twice during that run. Gary Apollino led the team as its captain for three years, including two undefeated seasons. His father Michael coaches the team at East Chevronia University, where Gary plans to attend.

John Waterson18 years oldPogon University
John was a star in multiple sports during high school, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. Upon arriving at Pogon University, he decided to concentrate on developing his skills as a midfielder with the college’s football team, and has proven himself to be very capable and a valuable addition.

FORWARDS
Lyle Verdak20 years oldAlossie Mountain State University
While Nevaring Pounchtal is considered the greatest player on the team, Lyle Verdak has played a critical role in Alossie Mountain State's recent successes. He is their second all-time leading goalscorer, and is fourth all-time in assists. With both strength and speed, Lyle has performed admirably for match after match.

Lucas Poldon19 years oldGurchar Mariners*
Lucas Poldon had his beginnings at Morthage High School, where he virtually singlehandedly led his high school to a state championship and a ranking of third in the nation. He was drafted by the Gurchar Mariners once he had completed his senior year, and passed up offers from several universities to become a professional. Now with two years of professional experience, Lucas is a critical piece in the Mariners’ success.

Drutan Metis20 years oldLipachi College
With sheer determination, Drutan Metis has found a way into the highest echelons of the Stachland sports world. Though his Lipachi Bobcats have not finished above the .500 mark in their seven years of existence, Drutan is a truly exceptional player who has laid the foundation for a solid dynasty yet to be born.

James Talbot19 years oldHunter University
Despite being part of the SCAA Class-A, Hunter University has often been considered something of a second-tier establishment by many collegiate football analysts. James Talbot, the university’s all-time leader in single-season assists and goals, is working to change that, and led the team to the Round of 16 in last season’s national tournament.

[Polar Islandstates]

Team Name: The Federation of Polar Islandstates U-21s
Country Shorthand Names: Polar, The Federation, The FPI
Citizens of The FPI are: Polarians
Team Nickname: The Chicks
Official Supporters Group: The Twitchers (as in, birdwatchers)

KIT COLOURS: - courtesy of Barrengeka Kits, Astograth:

"Hello, and good afternoon to all across the nation as we take a look at the team sheet for the first Di Bradini Cup entered by the Polar Islandstates U-21s. Earlier this morning, a week later than expected, Gregorz van der Riise released the list of his 23 chosen players. The delay came after the defection of FC Cape St Paul youngsters Ingvar Sigurhelguson and Gunnar Mackenzie to the Bleak Rock national team following its independence last month, both of whom were widely expected to seal a spot in the team. Naturally, we wish both players every success with their new national team, and hope to see them gracing us with their presence in the Federation League again next season.

The downside of this delay is of course that these players will have precious little time playing together before the start of the tournament. However, if anyone can whip this group of snotty-nosed kids into shape, its van der Riise. With a keen attacking brain, we can expect his team to be full of energy and intent, even if perhaps the continuing goalkeeping situation in the nation will draw some concerned faces amongst officials.

But before we look at the opponents in our group, and the expected tactics, an introduction to the players chosen.

GK
#1 - GK - Henning Aalbhorg - Age 20 - RSK Longyearbyen Town
#12 - GK - Jan Rasmus - Age 19 - FC Axel Heiburg
#13 - GK - Ole Smolensk - Age 18 - Red Star Severny
With Aalbhorg likely to be the starter, all three goalies in the first squad are yet to play a full 90 minutes of first team action for their clubs so far, and it would be safe to say that all are untested on the big stage. This position is likely to prove the biggest headache for van der Riise and pundits alike, and it wouldn't be a surprise to us at FPIBC to see each keeper get a run out in the group stage.

DEF
#2 - DR - Thor Lossler - Age 19 - SK Franz Josef City
#3 - DC - Sander Ljungberg - Age 21 - Jan Mayen Islanders - VICE-CAPTAIN
#4 - DC - Kirri Antonsen - Age 21 - SK Yuzhny Albion
#5 - DL - Luka Baalsen - Age 17 - East Franz Athletic
#19 - DR - Zacharias Juul - Age 17 - Koppen Rig Force
#21 - DL - Edvar Folke - Age 16 - Islay Town Mechanical
#22 - DC - Mikkel Hangeland - Age 19 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#23 - DC - Torre Urfstadt - Age 17 - FC Torshavn
Vice-captain Sander Ljungberg is the obvious talent in a field of defenders that represents some of the finest talents that our nation has recently produced. Antonsen, Lossler, Baalsen, Urfstadt and Juul have all made more than a handful of appearances for their club's first teams and will look to impress a watching Sol Kirkkegaard in this tournament. Handups were also handed to the more untested Hangeland, and the prodigious talent of the supremely athletic Edvar Folke, whose size belies his youth. Ljungberg has caps for the senior team, and will look to bring that experience into play here.

MID
#6 - MC - Jorgen Hauge - Age 21 - Cross SC (Zarbli) - CAPTAIN
#7 - RAM - Jon Kjaer - Age 19 - SK Franz Josef City
#8 - MC - Artur Rochemback - Age 20 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#11 - LAM - Ole Berghaus - Age 18 - Resolute Storm 1913 FC
#14 - AMC - Alexsandr van Sorensen - Age 18 - CR Submiria (Cafundéu)
#15 - MC - Jorgen-Franz Bru - Age 17 - FC Torshavn
#16 - AMC - Marcel Sanderskye - Age 21 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#20 - DMC - Iulian Finnibaturinn - Age 17 - FC1. Surtsey Island Gulls
With three senior caps to his name, Captain Jorgen Hauge will look to lead his side to glory in the Di Bradini Cup. As a hugely athletic defensive midfielder, Hauge will run all day, give 100% for his team, absolutely despises losing, and will set up his midfield to both defend and excel at attacking the opposition. Partnering him in midfield will likely be Artur Rochemback, with Bru and Finnibaturinn looking to make appearances from the bench and prove their developing talent. Attacking midfielder Sanderskye is well established at his team and will raise some eyebrows at having his place in the starting lineup filled by Alexsandr van Sorensen, usually a striker. van Sorensen, who has recently moved to Cafundulese club CR Submiria and is one of two players plying their trade abroad, has recently shown what he can do from a supporting striker role, and van der Riise is clearly looking to exploit his deadly pace, finishing, and creativity here. The boy is the undisputed star of this show, has excelled countless times for the senior side, and can turn a game in an instant.

ATT
#9 - ST - Tomas Aer - Age 19 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#10 - ST - Mikkel Birkeland - Age 20 - Koppen Rig Force
#17 - ST - Yannis Pettersen - Age 20 - FC Axel Heiburg
#18 - ST - Wilhelm Topp - Age 16 - Islay Town Mechanical
Tomas Aer is the only out and out striker in the chosen side, and is the only starting striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation set up by van der Riise. Birkeland and Pettersen are both able to play either deeper or out wide in what will be a flexible front line of attack, with Pettersen's hard tackling forming as the first line of defence on many an occasion. 16-year-old Topp is the second remarkably young member of the squad from Islay Town, and could well shine if given the chance to show off his bewitching ball control skills. Aer gets the nod to start though, adding his height and imposing presence to an impressive contingent from Jan Mayen Islanders.


Starting formation: 4-2-3-1
--------------------- Aalbhorg ---------------------
- Lossler -- Ljungberg - Antonsen -- Baalsen -
--------------- Hauge --- Rochemback -----------
---- Kjaer ----- van Sorensen ----- Berghaus ----
------------------------ Aer ------------------------

Modifier: +3

The opponent can...
Choose my goalscorers? Yes
Godmod scoring events? Yes
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, and I reserve the right to change the severity in a follow-up RP
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, but only 1 per match
Godmod other events? TG me first, but I'm always open to ideas
OOC: Currently I am involved in three tournaments, the U-21 DBC, the Brotherhood Cup, and the Copa Rushmori. Obviously, IC, I couldn't sustain this level of parallel competitions, so I am ignoring the timeline and making good use of fluid time. Therefore, ICly, and regardless of my progress in any of the competitions, I am treating the Brotherhood Cup and the DBC as running parallel to each other, as squad warmups for the Copa Rushmori, which I'll RP as after the first two competitions. As such, player stats will not appear other than within each tournament independent of the others. Just something for you to consider when RPing against me. Ta.

[Osarius]

((OOC: Style modifier is +1.5, please. RP permissions are pretty much anything goes... just no killing or severely injuring people without checking first, please. Otherwise, just have fun.))

#01 - GK - Shaun Robinson - 19 years old (Cymrwell FC)
#02 - LB - Amanda Jenkins - 17 years old (Greeningham City)
#03 - RB - Nathan Brooke - 21 years old (Utica United)
#04 - CM - Maryann Walsh - 20 years old (Wellmont United)
#05 - CB - Michael Harris - 20 years old (Utica United)
#06 - CM - Jayson Dhanda - 21 years old (Utica United)
#07 - RM - Hamzah Ibrahim - 20 years old (Hastmead Diamante)
#08 - ST - Tia Lombardi - 19 years old (Bowsston United)
#09 - ST - Romario Roberts - 21 years old (Greeningham City)
#10 - AM - Alessandro di Corradi - 19 years old (Firewood City)
#11 - CF - Michael Cassetti - 21 years old (Burningham City)
#12 - GK - Jayden Andrews - 20 years old (Greeningham City)
#13 - GK - Iñigo Ambrosio - 17 years old (Grasshoppers Turic)
#14 - ST - Maria di Corradi - 20 years old (Firewood City)
#15 - CB - Emilio Vidal - 18 years old (Real Jraxville)
#16 - CB - Claudio Monte - 17 years old (Burningham City)
#17 - CB - Micah Robinson - 19 years old (Trelagstad FC)
#18 - LM - Carmelo Reyes - 20 years old (Bowsston United)
#19 - RM - Brett Hendricks - 17 years old (Grasshoppers Turic)
#20 - DM - Arron N'Daw - 17 years old (Hastmead Diamante)
#21 - CM - Elena Orlova - 19 years old (Trelagstad FC)
#22 - CM - Serenity Lewis - 16 years old (Firewood City)
#23 - RB - Habib Kouli - 17 years old (Hastmead Diamante)

Starting Line-Up
[ 4-2-3-1 ]

S. Robinson
Jenkins, M. Robinson, Harris, Brooke
Walsh, Dhanda (c)
Reyes, A. di Corradi, Ibrahim
Roberts

Osarius U21 National Squad for Di Bradini Cup 18

Alain Montblanc returns with the Flying Sparks for yet another crack at the premier competition for under 21s in the multiverse. With large parts of his previous squad - which managed a respectable fourth place last time around - now beyond the upper age limit, his task has been tricky. The highly-regarded tactician was expected to continue with his cautious attacking mentality, but looking at his squad, it seems as though he is taking a leaf out of Benedict di Corradi's book, and focusing a little more on offensive qualities this time around.




Goalkeepers

#01 - Shaun Robinson - 19 years old (Cymrwell FC)
#12 - Jayden Andrews - 20 years old (Greeningham City)
#13 - Iñigo Ambrosio - 17 years old (Grasshoppers Turic)

Cormega: I like these selections, especially Ambrosio, who has been brilliant in the Academy League for Turic this season. Robinson looked good working with Corradini at Cymrwell a couple years ago, and although he never really threatened to dislodge Marco, he will have learned a lot. A little surprised Andrews isn't number one, though. He will have been learning from Christopher Sullivan for the past five years, and Sullivan is a former Firebirds 'keeper.

Holcombe: I think Robinson gets the nod because he's played more senior games than Andrews, which makes sense in some ways. There isn't much between them in terms of actual ability. Ambrosio is one for the future, not quite ready just yet, but will be a great player for the Flying Sparks in the future. His inclusion is likely a way to get him acclimatised to tournament football.

B (Cormega) - lots of potential and overall just solid choices. Not as strong as previous goalkeeping corps for the Flying Sparks, though.
C+ (Holcombe) - Too many questions for me, but none of these selections are poor choices by any stretch.

Defenders

#02 - LB - Amanda Jenkins - 17 years old (Greeningham City)
#03 - RB - Nathan Brooke - 21 years old (Utica United)
#05 - CB - Michael Harris - 20 years old (Utica United)
#15 - CB - Emilio Vidal - 18 years old (Real Jraxville)
#16 - CB - Claudio Monte - 17 years old (Burningham City)
#17 - CB - Micah Robinson - 19 years old (Trelagstad FC)
#23 - RB - Habib Kouli - 17 years old (Hastmead Diamante)

Cormega: The starting back four of Jenkins, Harris, Robinson and Brooke is solid. Harris starts at Utica, and had a great season, while Brooke made his breakthrough. Jenkins is touted as the next Georgina Carsley, while Robinson is looking stronger and stronger every minute he plays for Trelagstad. Kouli is a great backup, capable of playing either side of a back four also. Monte is a product of Burningham City's highly rated academy, which seems to churn out a fair amount of good defenders, and is looking like making a breakthrough next season. Vidal is the surprise choice here, as he doesn't appear to be nearing a breakthrough for Jraxville yet. However, I've seen him in the Academy League and he looks strong.

Holcombe: Defensively, Osarian sides have struggled for years, and this one is going to be no exception. Jenkins is solid, as is Harris. But I have a lot of questions regarding the others. A general lack of experience could be critical for this team. Harris is a strong presence, though, and experienced. He might be able to elevate the rest of the defence, but thats a big ask.

B+ (Cormega) - Maybe a little optimistic, but this is still under 21 level. I've seen the quality of these players at Academy level, and they were all among the best in their positions. I'm confident they can all step up and really put themselves forward as solid prospects.
C- (Holcombe) - I don't think the defence is particularly weak, especially with the influence of Harris in there. However, I do think this will be the biggest problem area for the Flying Sparks. As a nation we've made some great progress with youth players, but since Elissa Barca-Carthy left her position at the national academy, I haven't seen many solid defenders emerge.

Midfielders

#04 - CM - Maryann Walsh - 20 years old (Wellmont United)
#06 - CM - Jayson Dhanda - 21 years old (Utica United)
#07 - RM - Hamzah Ibrahim - 20 years old (Hastmead Diamante)
#10 - AM - Alessandro di Corradi - 19 years old (Firewood City)
#18 - LM - Carmelo Reyes - 20 years old (Bowsston United)
#19 - RM - Brett Hendricks - 17 years old (Grasshoppers Turic)
#20 - DM - Arron N'Daw - 17 years old (Hastmead Diamante)
#21 - CM - Elena Orlova - 19 years old (Trelagstad FC)
#22 - CM - Serenity Lewis - 16 years old (Firewood City)

Cormega: This is where we get serious. We're looking at an incredible starting midfield. Reyes has been solid for Bowsston United, and laid on a lot of Lombardi's goals last season. Ibrahim on the right is a great prospect, often appearing as an impact player for Hastmead and recently earning a call-up to the senior Osarius squad. The middle three are Walsh and Dhanda - both of whom have established themselves at senior level for their clubs - and Alessandro di Corradi, the son of national team coach and legend, Benedict di Corradi. While he is yet to break into the Firewood City first team, we have to bear in mind we're looking at the best team in the country. The fact he hasn't been sent out on loan and has appeared extensively in Corradini Cup ties should be an indicator of how highly Hamel regards him. Of the backups, N'Daw is the most proven talent, with Lewis the questionable one. I have seen very little of her, but I'm led to believe she is a commanding presence - despite her youth and slight build - and has a great understanding with di Corradi.

Holcombe: Predictably, all eyes are going to be on the likes of Alessandro di Corradi and Serenity Lewis. It's hard to look past them when they have such well-known parents. However, its the surrounding players who are going to be the most important. Every player in the midfield is a great prospect for Osarian football. Hamzah Ibrahim is one of the most technically gifted youngsters I have ever seen, Carmelo Reyes is a great crosser of the ball, Maryann Walsh is criminally underrated, and Arron N'Daw is an outstanding "destroyer" type. On top of that, Jayson Dhanda has proven his ability to lead, to handle pressure, and command a midfield. As captain of the Flying Sparks, he will be tasked with the difficult job of keeping the team in order. As the team is made up almost entirely of new call-ups, some chemistry issues could arise. Dhanda will be needed to bridge any gaps, but he is more than capable.

A- (Cormega) - I have very few questions regarding this midfield. It's generally a pretty solid set of players. As long as Dhanda is on the pitch, I don't foresee any trouble.
A+ (Holcombe) - I don't think even the lack of chemistry which might manifest itself at times can stop this midfield from taking control against most teams. Good players find ways to make it work, regardless.

Forwards

#08 - Tia Lombardi - 19 years old (Bowsston United)
#09 - Romario Roberts - 21 years old (Greeningham City)
#11 - Michael Cassetti - 21 years old (Burningham City)
#14 - Maria di Corradi - 20 years old (Firewood City)

Cormega: As a nation who traditionally produce great forwards, its probably no surprise that Montblanc has managed to round up four great young attackers from within Osarius. Every single one of them is a proven goalscorer, each bringing a different aspect or skillset to the attack. Roberts is a great target man, Lombardi is a pace-merchant, Cassetti is a creator and di Corradi is a poacher. That's all four types of forward the team could possibly need, and although Roberts will start most games alone, I wouldn't be surprised to see all four feature heavily, as Montblanc will need to change things up to break down stronger defences.

Holcombe: I'm a huge fan of Roberts, who I think was brilliant when he made his debut a few years ago. He's still not a regular at Greeningham, but look at who he competes - and trains - with. Any young player working with that kind of quality on a regular basis is just waiting for a chance to play regularly, and show the world what they can do. Lombardi is the golden girl of Bowsston for a reason, she scores goals. Crucial ones usually. Cassetti and di Corradi are similar to Roberts, except they have football in their genes too. Arguably they could be better footballers than Roberts, but they lack his athleticism, which is why I think he is a more complete forward.

A+ (Cormega) - I think I said it all already. We're looking at technically gifted, athletic players covering all four forward archetypes. There isn't a more complete forward line Montblanc could have selected.
A+ (Holcombe) - If there is a nation in this tournament with four better forwards, I'll be surprised. Even accounting for domestic bias, I just can't see it.



The general consensus appears to be that Montblanc is suffering from a lack of proper development of youth within Osarius in regard to defensive positions. Statistics appear to support the idea, when we take a look at the ages and nationalities of starting defenders in the King's League last season. Approximately 25% of all regular starting defenders were non-Osarians, while approximately only 10% of them were under the age of 23. Comparing this to the frequent emergence of young forwards and attacking players in Osarius, as well as the excess depth in the forward six positions available to Benedict di Corradi, we can see that the OFA's elite academies, and caps on non-Osarian players are not having enough of an impact on the development of young defenders.

When we ask specifically why defenders are not produced often in Osarius, the answer is obvious. We, as a nation, are not culturally pre-disposed to defending. Montblanc's two finalist teams were significantly more defensively solid than any recent senior national team, and Elissa Barca-Carthy's women's team won Olympic gold based on a strong defensive base. Yet somehow, this pattern has not transferred to club level, effectively leading to a regression at under 21 and youth level. If we are to progress beyond the apparent "glass ceiling" in the global rankings, we need to be producing more solid defensive players. Looking at some of the more successful nations in modern football, they tend to be more defensive than the Firebirds.

Unfortunately, this pattern is unlikely to change while the King's League brings in such immense amounts of TV revenue and fans continue to crave gung-ho attacking play. That said, winning "the Osarian way" would be far preferable to any other way. Even if just to prove everyone else wrong.

[Bears Armed]

Bears Armed
("The Junior Bear-Belles")

As far as BA is concerned this tournament is taking place (IC) in 2056AD, and the qualifiers for WC52 will start in 2057.


National football organisation: ‘Bears Armed Association for Soccer’ (= ‘BAAS’).
(Chairbear: Harroya ‘of the Rovers’ o Redwood [Chairbear of Merlchester Rovers S.C.; previously Captain of the Bear-Belles for some years…])
National anthem: ‘Peace’.


All of the players are actual Ursines (i.e. anthropomorpic, bipedal Bears), except those whom I actually specify as being members of other ‘peoples’ instead. The Harr'aynau people are physically human (more-or-less, anyway, although inclined towards heavy builds & hairiness), but spiritually & culturally Ursine instead.


Manager & Chief Coach: Karra Caroline Thunder
(female Human from Clan Gunnar, daughter of ‘Arri Thunder’ [who was the Belles’ first manager], played as a Midfielder in DBC13; graduated from National University [Council Groves] with a BSc in Sports Science, and has since added an MBA to that, was hired as an Apprentice Manager shortly before ‘Oxen Cup 14’ and then promoted eight years ago; ran the team in DBC15 due to the unexpected absence of her official superiors, and was appointed national Youth Manager a year later; age = 38, hair = fair, right-footed, tends to be serious most of the time but can still rrreally party when she decides to let her hair down although she’s less likely to do that now than when she was younger…)

Deputy Manager (Admin): Urradarra o SwanWater
(female Ursine, from Clan GreenWoods; formerly Deputy Manager of the Heroes’ Park Harlequins, and more recently a staff member at BAMAS [as it then was], originally appointed to this job for ‘Oxen Cup 14’; age = 47, fur = medium-brown & quite long [but fashionably so…], left-pawed).


Doctor: Mitzi von und zu Steiffen
(female Ursine, from Clan Kettar-Surra; age = officially 55 but ‘rejuvenated’ twelve years ago, left-pawed, fur = light brown.)

Physio: Gerrthra o Barrdenn

(female Ursine, from Clan GreenWoods; age = officially 54 but ‘rejuvenated’ twelve years ago, left-pawed, fur = dark brown.)

Routemaster: Lieutenant-Colonel Harron o Harrha
(male Ursine, from Clan BerryGlades and the Confederal Army’s General Staff Corps; age = officially 52 but ‘rejuvenated’ twelve years ago, left-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown & cut quite short: just appointed to the job, which involves handling all of the squad’s travelling arrangements.)

Security Chief: Urrthra MoonShadow
(female Ursine, Silver-of-Night Clan; she is a ‘shabear’...); doubles as the team’s ‘One Plus Seven’ chaplain.

Caterers:


“Mascot #1”: ‘The Wise Grorrfinn’
(male ‘TrueBear’; age = undisclosed [but considering some of his appearances in old stories apparently somewhere over 1’500, at least...], ambidextrous, fur = medium-brown); recently revealed to be his Reality’s counterpart of the [‘Tolkienian’] elf Glorfindel…

“Mascot #2”: Sarra Elizabeth Thunder
(female Human, from Clan Gunnar; age = 7¼, right-footed, hair = blonde, cute and lively… She is the daughter of the team’s manager, Karra Thunder, but her father’s identity is not yet public knowledge.) She will usually, at her own insistence, be wearing a child-sized version of the team’s kit…



Roster


(#1) Errdhra o Erruur _ Clan = Errurr Erruur; Home team = PassPort Athletic, category & usual position = Goalkeeper, experience = 6 years; age = 20 years, left-pawed, fur = medium-brown. (This is her international debut.)

(#14) Charrhthra o Barrdenn _ Clan = Greenwoods; Home team = Barrdenn Barbariennes, category & usual position = Goalkeeper, experience = 7 years; age = 19 years, left-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown. (This is her international debut.)


(#2) Urrsa o Barrdenn _ Clan = GreenWoods; Home team = Barrdenn Barbariennes, category = Defender, usual position = Left Back, experience = 7 years; age = 19 years, left-pawed, fur = dark brown. (She made her international debut in DBC17, and graduated from the Junior League to the National League in the second season after that: She is the only member of the Bears’ DBC17 team to be making a return for this tournament.) She is this team’s Deputy Captain.

(#3) Summarra SilverBear _ Clan = SilverBear; Home team = NorthPort Aprentices (Junior League), category = Defender, usual position = Right Back, experience = 4 years; age = 17 years, right-pawed, fur = silvery-grey. (This is her international debut.)

(#15) Irrie o Herrin _ Clan = Urrset (Northern); Home team = NorthGate Nomads, category = Defender, usual position = Left Back, experience = 3 years; age = 16 years, left-pawed, fur = russet. (This is her international debut.)


(#4) Arrna o Vorros _ Clan = GreenWoods; Home team = River City, category & usual position = Lynchpin, experience = 5 years; age = 20 years, left-pawed, fur = reddish-brown. (This is her international debut.) She is the team’s Captain.

(#17) Arristee Irumbarra-SouthWoods _ Clan = Irrumbarra; Home team = GreyFurrers’ Academy for She-Cubs, category & usual position = Lynchpin, experience = 3 years; age = 17 years, ambidextrous, fur = medium-brown. (This is her international debut.)

(#31) Heidi hwon Behrenarhr _ Clan = High Peaks; Home team = National University Tigers, category & usual position = Lynchpin, experience = 3 years; age = 20 years, right-pawed, fur = medium-brown & fairly long; her first language is a ‘High German’ dialect. (This is her international debut.)


(#5) Karramarrsar Tharrarra _ Clan = Ostbora; Home team = OstPort Dynamo, category = Midfielder, usual position = Right Half, experience = 3 years; age = 16 years, right-pawed, fur = light brown; first cousin of # 12, with whom she works well. (This is her international debut.)

(#6) Hirrdhra o TrueHeart _ Clan = BerryGlades; Home team = Merlchester Babes [Junior League], category = Midfielder, usual position = Left Half, experience = 6 years; age = 16 years, left-pawed, fur = medium-brown with [natural] ‘strawberry’ highlights; seems to have a knack for anticipating opponents’ actions; also in training as a Dream Interpreter. (This is her international debut as a player, but some of you may remember her as a spectator from WC54...)

(#20) Urrthra o GoodSword _ Clan = Sun; Home team = Sun Valley Sunbeams [Junior League][/]i, category = Midfielder, usual position = Right Half, experience = 2 years; age = 14 years, right-pawed, fur = blonde; very good eyesight and reflexes, a verrry promising youngster. [i](This is her international debut.)

(#21) Herra Harrhlach _ Clan = March, Harr’aynau humanoid; Home team = Mighty Marchers, category = Midfielder, usual position = Left Half, experience = 2 years; age = 16 years, left-footed, hair = russet; good enough that she’s already a professional player — albeit not in one of the country’s very best teams — at her current age. (This is her international debut.)


(#7) Rowan Finch_ Clan = Redwood (Long Valley); Home team = Mighty Redwoods (Reserves), category = Forward, usual position = Left Forward (‘Inside Left’), experience = 4 years; age = 17 years, left-pawed, fur = light brown; she is a great-granddaughter of the famous lawyer Arctikhus Finch. (This is her international debut.)

(#10) Urrsa A’Bearh _ Clan = Redwood (Long Valley); Home team = Mighty Redwoods (Reserves), category = Forward, usual position = Centre Forward, experience = 4 years; age = 17 years, left-pawed, fur = medium brown. (This is her international debut.)

(#11) Marra Crombeyand _ Clan = Redwood (Long Valley); Home team = Mighty Redwoods (Reserves), category = Forward, usual position = Right Forward (‘Inside Right’), experience = 4 years; age = 17 years, right-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown. (This is her international debut.)

(#23) Imbrhra/Umbrhra _ Clan = Chargh’hrarr; Home team = Wildfair Warriors, category = Forward, usual position = any Forward, experience = 4 years; age = 14 years, left-pawed/right-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown & rather long; already over 7’ tall (despite her youth) and broad in proportion, but certainly not slow or clumsy; actually a pair of identical twins who count as a single person for legal purposes and who often act as though they share a single mind, the two halves of this player will normally stay close together on the pitch and might keep passing the ball back-&-forth. (This is her/their international debut.)

(#24) Marranna o TrustyHand _ Clan = Sun; Home team = Sun Valley Sunbeams [Junior League],category = Forward, usual position = Left Forward (‘Inside Left’), experience = 4 years; age = 16 years, left -pawed, fur = dark blonde; heavier in build than is usual for her clan. (This is her international debut.)

(#25) Hilghah Harghonrn’s-dotter_ Clan = Thuleann; Home team = AmmFahr Adventuresses, category = Forward, usual position =Centre Forward, experience = 4 years; age = 16 years, left-pawed, fur = white; she is of ‘Polar Bear’ ancestry, and quite large even for an Ursine, for her age . (This is her international debut.)

(#32) Ruth Silberstein _ Clan = Exodus [‘Free Sept’], Ursomorph (i.e. a Human who is noticeably Bear-like in form, rather than an anthropomorphic Bear like most of her team-mates, even though a typical foreigner probably wouldn’t be able to see any difference…); Home team = Heroes’ Park Harlequins, category = Forward, usual position = Right Forward (‘Inside Right’), experience =4 years; age = 20 years, right-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown; like all other Ursomorphs, as far as is known, she is a member of this nation’s small Jewish community… and she is the first member of that group to represent the country internationally in any sporting activity. (This is her international debut.)


(#12) Karramarrsar Thyrrinthra _ Clan = Ostbora; Home team = OstPort Dynamo, category = Winger, usual position = Right Winger (‘Outside Right’), experience = 3 years; age = 16 years, right-pawed, fur = light brown; first cousin of # 5, with whom she works well. (This is her international debut.)

(#13) Hirra Swiftly _ Clan = Verra-Vokkssur [Free Sept], Verra-Vokkssur (= anthropomorphic Fox); Home team = Wildfair Warriors, category = Winger, usual position = Left Winger (‘Outside Left’), experience = 5 years; age = 20 years, left-pawed, fur = scarlet; 5’ tall, and quite lightly built but not as weak as some people might expect because of that, she is generally more nimble than any of her team-mates, and probably in comparison to a lot of other teams’ [Human] players too. (This is her international debut.)

(#26) Beorra Hrrima WestWalker _ Clan = WildWoods, Harr’aynau humanoid; Home team = LakePort Lion-Cubs [Junior League], category = Winger, usual position = Right Winger (‘Outside Right’), experience = 4 years; age = 17 years, right-footed, hair = chestnut. (This is her international debut.)



Players not yet identified: #30 (3rd Goalkeeper), #16 (spare Right Back), #27 (spare Left Winger).


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Usual starters = #1-7, 10-13;
Usual substitutes = #14, #15, #17, #20, #23, #25, #26.


(#7, 10 & 11 are sometimes referred to as ‘The Terrible Three’, which was originally because of a particular incident that took place earlier in their careers…)


Style Modifier: Offensive, modifier = +4 ("A good offence is the best defence"...)
Their usual formation will include a front row of at least 5 (normally arranged as 3 strikers & 2 wingers), with 2 midfielders, 2 backs, and either a ‘Defensive Centre’ (whose starting position would be at the midpoint of an imaginary cross drawn between those other four non-forwards’ positions) or a third midfielder depending on the Manager’s decision before each match.

Usual starters = #1-7, 10-13;
Usual substitutes = #14 or #30 (alternately), #16, #17, #20, #23, #24, #26.


___________________________________________________________


Opponents may _

Choose my goalscorers: Y (but the Forwards, and then the Wingers, are probably likeliest to fill this role...)
Godmod Scoring Events: Y (For example, remember the geese who’ve been invading my main team’s games? I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of those were to turn up here as well…)
RP injuries to my players / Godmod injuries to my players / Hand out Yellow cards to my players / Hand out Red cards to my players: Y to all, at least to start with, but remember what I've written here and keep it in limits accordingly... Any serious offences by my players would probably result in injuries to your players, and causing any serious injuries to my players would probably require such obviously-deliberate attacks that your players would get yellow or even red cards as a result too. Don’t kill anybody, or inflict injuries that would be serious enough to end careers, without checking with me & getting my approval (which is unlikely to be granted…) first.

Godmod Other Events: Y, I suppose, at least as long as you do so in an AMUSING way... but please remember that Ursines are fully sapient beings, as much as Humans are, not instinct-driven animals. Oh, and of course female Ursines are not sexually interested in Humans (of either sex), and it's very unlikely that female Harr'ayanau would be either. Please don't have them run amok or outright revert to animality, without checking by TG first, don't make assumptions about their views on politics or religion, and don't do anything that would make more than one of them incapable of playing in their next game...

______________________________________________________

Kit: This incarnation of the country’s U21 team wears the same [latest] set of designs that ‘ediraf’ produced for the “main” team _ See "here" for details.
Bears Armed has traditionally used base-8 arithmetic, for several reasons, and this has affected the set of numbers used for this team’s players: Also, the number “22” has deliberately been left unassigned out of respect for its first [& only] wearer who died a heroine’s death during the year immediately following WC444…


NOTES

Ursines may tend to be a bit less agile & slower to accelerate than humans on average, but this team's members were carefully selected so the gap between them & their opponents in this respect should be narrower than some people might expect. They do tend to have slightly poorer eyesight than humans, on the whole (although the members of both Clan Gunnar and the Sun Clan are generally an exception to this rule, and the eyesight of the latter group is actually often at better-than-human levels instead), so long-distance passes & shots at goal will tend to be rarer behaviour for them than they are for human teams... but their typical size & strength mean that when they're running with the ball it will probably take a very brave human -- as well as a very skilled one -- to tackle them successfully, which should balance that factor pretty well. They don’t jump very well, but then they’re generally rather taller than most Human players [of comparable age] to start with.
They're physically robust, of course, which means that they're much less likely than humans to suffer injuries in falls or collisions. The females of this species are more even-tempered than the males, and the team's members will try to stay on their best behaviour not only in order to do well in this contest but also to impress upon the watching humans that Ursines aren't just "dumb beasts". They will not 'dive', or feign injury in other ways, because suggesting that they could be harmed so easily goes strongly against the grain.
Cold weather should pose no problem to them, even if there's snow or ice on the pitch, but tropical heat might prove awkward...

Unless our hosts at the match in question object, this team's members (including the designated substitutes for the match in question) will perform a [fairly short] ritual that's called the 'harrdiharr' on the pitch just before play begins... This is a traditional war-dance, meant to over-awe opponents, that has come to be a customary prelude for team games as well (similar to the [RL] New Zealanders' 'haka'...). : )
And, as has now been seen during various tournaments, some of our fans like to take drums — and possibly cow-horns, or other "musical instruments", too — along to the matches...


And this time, it is possible that their travelling supporters might include not only some of the Invisible Wabbits but also a mob of girls (and ‘old girls’) from Holy Terrnian’s School as well as a lot of those enjoyed attending DBC17 sufficiently to favour the idea of repeating the experience.
Oh dear! You, and the Starblaydian police, have been warned…

*(cue loud ‘party’ tunes segueing into ominous music)*

[Cafundeu]

CCFM RELEASES ANOTHER LIST OF PLAYERS TO PLAY ANOTHER U-21 COMPETITION

Style: Offensive

Here is the list of 23 players (number-name [age, team, rating]):

Use the BOLDED names of my players, but not in all capitals, when RPing

Goalkeepers:

1- ROBÉRIO de Castro (21, Central United, B)
12- ALCIRANDIR Bueno Souza (21, Galáxia, B)
22- CONRADO Santiago (18, SC Lasft, C)

Full-Backs:

2- EDSON Ramalho (20, Dunboor FC, A)
6- VALDIR Maciel Peixoto (20, Petardos S/A, B)
14- Gustavo Vadine Cruz "GUGA" (18, Clube Comercial, C)
16- Renato Diamante "RENATINHO" (21, Porto Lacruz, C)

Defenders:

3- FERNANDO Klabin (19, Petardos S/A, B)
4- MACEDO Juvenal (21, Ranca Toco, A)
13- ULISSES Fonseca Plamonte (20, América, B)
21- DANIEL Divan (18, Atlético Jutense, C)

Defensive Midfielders:

5- PEDRO OCTÁVIO Alameda Fassner (19, Cafundó do Juta, B)
11- ANDRÉ Campinas (21, Grêmio Lux, A)
15- RAÚL Mendes MARQUES (19, Eldorado, C)
20- Leonardo Passos FIERRAZ (20, Universitário, C)

Offensive Midfielders:

7- Aécio Braga FUNEZ (19, Grêmio Lux, A)
8- WILSON Borges PACHECO (20, Cafundó do Juta, A)
17- Paulo Bocchi "PAULINHO" (21, Varzeano, B)
19- VILMAR Campos Neves (19, União Trabalhadora, C)

Attackers:

9- Ademir Ouvidor PALHARES (21, Galáxia, A)
10- BRÁULIO Sampaio Augustini (17, América, A)
18- Timóteo de Vasconcelos "LOCO" (18, Ranca Toco, B)
23- Luiz Aparecido Motta "LUIZÃO" (21, Grêmio Lux, B)

Coach: Waldenyr Caldas

Formation (offensive 4-2-2-2):

------------------------------Robério------------------------------
-----Edson-----------Fernando---------Macedo------------Valdir-----
---------------P.Octávio-----------------------André---------------
----------Funez----------------------------------W.Pacheco---------
----------------------Palhares-------Bráulio-----------------------

Kits:

(home)
(away)
(third)

[Socialist States Owen]

FSSO youngsters prepare for Di Bradini Cup

It seems to all be about the legendary Di Bradini at the moment.

With FSSO international striker having recentley spent his last weeks with FC Mildrid training with the legendary Starblaydi striker, it seems the golden oldie and his legacy have become highlighted in the FSSO recentley. Now, the FSSO Under 21's side are taking part in the Di Bradini Cup, a special tournament for the development of youth teams around the world and promoting the game to new generations. The FSSO team look well set to take part, with a full squad ready to go - and several members of the team are already breaking in to the senior team ranks. Simon Xavier has been paticularly impressive, scoring four goals in his seven full international caps. Kieron Kane has also been succesful and has one goal for the senior team. Kane's pace, skill on the ball and crossing ability make him a hot prospect for the FSSO.

Xavier has his qualities too - he is a clinical finisher who can pick up the pace himself, and seems to be growing into a paticularly good set piece taker as well. John Buckson is 21 now and will leave the Under 21's at the end of the tournament when he turns 22, but he has shown the ability to lead from midfield and control the play, and hopefully he will combine well with Xavier and Kane like Aduna has combined with Sharp and Needle at a senior level. Of course, there are other players who deserve some recognition - Simon Neeson, the goalkeeper, is a potential number 1 jersey occupant for the senior team in future, and other team memebers such as Chad Parsons deserve honourable mentions.

This tournament will be paticularly important because with a summer clear out of the senior team selection boards expected, the Under-21's have a chance to prove themselves as replacements.

[Mytannion]

написана для людей, написанный людей
Napisana dlya lyudyeĭ , Napisannyĭ lyudyeĭ.
Written for the People, by the People.

'The Next Generation step onto the international stage for the first time.'

by Jasno Yurkic

As the start of the 18th Di Bradini Cup (or the 39th under-21 World Cup), comes ever closer - the future stars of the Mytanar national side get even edgier over their first appearance on the international stage. For many, it could just be a cameo - a small-part in history, where there name will never be remembered and possibly never-mentioned, but they will be able to tell their grandchildren, 'I was there.' However, for some of them, this will be the gateway to bigger things and star-studded careers and big-money contracts in some of the biggest football leagues in the world.

We can possibly call the Mytanar Takillega one of them 'biggest football leagues' seen as it has broke into the top-20 ranked UICA leagues this past season and Atletik Thessia has won the regional championship - the Rushmore Copa de Campeones. Especially so as we have 25 foreign players spread over 12 teams (well 11, seen as one of the teams does not have any foreigners at all), but could this boost in ranking and reputation, be to the detriment of our own local talent? That is certainly the question that needs to be asked of this under-21 squad, especially as we don't seem to have produced any decent goalkeepers and only one or two defenders of any note.

We have of course, produced our usual harvest of good midfielders and three great strikers - one of which has already made a significant contribution to the senior national team (Lijenost Klinicki, who has already made 34 appearances for the national side and scored 10 goals - one of the major parts of the Mytanar qualification to WC55). Our problem in the future may well lie in not having enough good goalkeepers or defenders to rely on if our forwards and midfielders don't create and score enough up front. If truth be told, Frank Trier really is not a good enough goalkeeper at this level and unless he really proves himself - this will probably be his only ever international tournament. This is also the case with Tyko, Thomson and Michaels and so, means we really are not placing enough trust in our young players to play in the Takillega regularly - or perhaps we're just focussing on bringing through good midfielders and strikers too much? Who knows, the future will only tell us the answers.

Slaven Tasevic certainly seems to be focussing on attack in this squad, playing a 4-3-3 formation with seven players who can play in the 'forward' or 'striker' position included in the 23-man squad and plenty of attacking flair included in the midfield, he seems to rely on the mantra of 'we score more' - hopefully this will showcase the nicer side of Mytanar football, the goals, the creativity and the brilliant play - rather than the ugly face painted on the international scene of hooliganism, violence and destruction.

Anyway, we're in a group with five-times World Cup champions, Starblaydia - who will probably have produced some good talent - although we can't tell as we haven't been authorised to view their roster, which is the same story with North Chicanan and Darmen - but, we could easily qualify through this group as the number one team, even getting nine points from the group with a bit of luck - but two wins and a point against Starblaydia will certainly be the goal for Slaven Tasevic and his (men? Nope, doesn't seem quite correct in this case) kids, it currently looks like they certainly have good hopes of achieving this.

[Polar Islandstates]

Staring uncomfortably down into his pint, Jorgen Hauge sat in silence as his team-mates enjoyed the pre-tournament atmosphere. Loudly. With vigour. For some of them, rather drunkenly. These were exactly the kind of situations that he hated. Social times, where he was expected to be the charismatic leader of the team. Well, tough. Jorgen was a leader on the pitch, rarely off it. He ducked almost instinctively as yet another screwed up napkin flew above him from the hand of Zacahrias Juul, aimed at Ole Berghaus. Raucous laughter followed. Jorgen just caught his manager's eye and raised his eyebrow.

This freedom of foreign bars was great in a way, allowing the players a sense of anonymity that they wouldn't get at home. On the other hand, it wasn't that great. Sipping his pint slowly, Jorgen sneered down at it. It was okay, but it wasn't anything like the Grog back home. Now there was a beer that would put hair on your chest. Even at his young age, Jorgen liked to think of himself as something of a connoisseur. And yet still, with national caps in the bag, an impressed press following lauding his every action in a Polar Islandstates shirt, and the captain's armband sitting on his bedside table at the hotel just itching to be used next week, Jorgen felt unfulfilled.

He leant back in his chair and surveyed the situation. Pettersen had just launched a soaked beermat at Aalbhorg to laughter from the group. He was happy for the guys to be relaxing before the hard slog of training began, and yet he resented them their happiness. Couldn't they just shut up? Just, shut up and leave him alone. Aer, Kjaer, and van der Riise seemed to be the only other ones there with any sense of decorum about them. A splash of beer caught Jorgen on the shoulder, and he brushed it off irritably. Why wasn't he happy? What was wrong? Why couldn't he relax? What was missing in his life?

He had the chances. He had opportunity most would give their right arm for. He had money. He had a bright future. He had friends and he had family. But there was something he didn't have. He didn't know what. But he knew it wasn't there. Surrendering himself to the grey clouds forming above his head, he downed his pint and excused himself to visit the bathroom.

One day he'd figure it out. But for now, he had to focus on the group stage. Three teams. Three tough teams. He had to get a grip. Had to pull himself together. Pushing open the door to the stall he was interrupted from his train of motivational thought and temporarily blinded by a flash and a click infront of him. Dazed, he staggered back as a press photographer ran past him and out into the bar.

"What the hell?!"

Paps! Paps, here! Hauge looked around, trying to gather his senses. A picture of him in a toilet? What use could the tabloids possibly get out of that? Everybody needs to go sometime, surely this is just a picture of-

With a sinking feeling, Hauge saw the white stains on the toilet seat in front of him. A razor blade, peppered with powder, lay on the floor next to the bowl.

"Uh-oh."

This was bad. Potentially, very bad.

[Starblaydia]

Matchday One

Group A
Starblaydia 3-0 Darmen
North Chicanan 1-2 Mytannion

Group B
Sargossa 2-0 San Havana
Ocel0t 1-2 Cyborg Holland

Group C
Astograth 1-1 Valladares
FSSO 1-0 Mangolana

Group D
Delaclava 1-3 Polar Islandstates
Cafundeu 2-2 Erathore

Group E
Swartaz 1-0 Okunion
Albundania 1-2 Newmanistan

Group F
Stachland 2-2 Kernansquillec
Dorian and Sonya 3-0 Matting

Group G
Queer Poco el Mono Ara 3-0 Civil Citizenry
Wadomia 2-4 Osarius

Group H
Michael VII 0-0 Saugeais
Cassadaigua 2-1 Bears Armed

[Saugeais]

Saugeais Sports Briefs
Under-21 team draws opening match

There were no expections at the beginning of the season for the Foxes, our under-21 football team, but manager Harrison Pinchot definitely drew some ire with his remarks that "We could take on the best of them." Well how can our squad take on the best of them with a measly 0-0 draw against Michael VII, a nation while slowly on the rise, has little presence in the footballing world. The Foxes looked weak and sluggish, but still somehow managed to prevent the opponent's from scoring thanks to stellar keeping from star-on-the-rise, Gene Slater. "I just kept focused whenever the ball got near the box, and did my best to protect the net. I did my job and I'm proud of it." Pinchot after the match stated that his strikers need to find better openings for their shots. "Most attacking opportunities were lost when Ruslan or Eichel or Tomé overshot each other, leading to throw-ins or goal kicks. It was really frustrating throughout the entire match. Hopefully, I will get them to practice that before the next match, as I know we are going to need it."

The Foxes kept the ball for 57% of the match, presumably because the aforementioned long passes went squirrely too many times and ended up with the other team; they could have easily held it for 70% of the time, maybe have scored a goal or two. Speaking of goal attempts, the Foxes shot 16 times at the net, compared to Michael VII's 10, but only 4 shots were on target, so Pinchot needs to address that issue with the team as well: make your shots count!

The foxes will face Cassadaigua in the next group match. While a major power in the big boy league (the World Cup), there hasn't been much of a presence for the Pinks in the lower levels. one would assume all their strength comes from training the youth in these types of matches to bolster their presence once they get called up. Only time will tell, and hopefully the Foxes will stand up to the challenge.

[Darmen]

Darmens U-21 fails miserably!
The Darmen U-21 National Team(0-0-1), lost 3-0 to host Starblaydia. THe game went horrible for the Darmen team, who are inexperienced, young(duh!), and relativley untalented. The team will play north Chicanan(0-0-1) next.

Darmen National Under 21 Team Depth Chart

Formation:3-5-2
Goalkeepers
1. Kimi Seisman(21)

Defenders
2. Johan Garza(21)
3. Kevin Santos(20)
4. Nick Dempsie(19)

Midfielders
5. Gene Turko(21)
6. Rob Guteirez(20)
7. Francisco Lyons the XXIst(21)
8. Alvaro Geruard(19)
9. Andrew Tome(18)

Forward
10. Roberto Gregio(21)
11. Sergio Amborsio(20)

Substitutes
DEF
12. Sami Sanderrson(20)
MID
13. Henrick Aikmar(19)
FOR
14. Sergio Autitore(21)
GK
15. Perido Mazari(18)

Coaching Staff
Manager-William von Kriesler(33)
Asst. Manager-Mark der Sleter(45)

[Wadomia]

Wadomia Loses Opening Match in Di Brandi Cup

by Herald Henderson

Contributing Writer

On June 6th, Wadomia lost their first game against Osarius in the first round of the Di Brandi Cup. The final score was Osarius - 4 and Wadomia - 2. The tournament is currently being held in the country of Starblaydia.

"We had a great first half, but we couldn't pull it off in the second half," says Head Coach Ronnie Woodson.

Wadomia was tied with Osarius at the beginning of the second half, but Osarius scored two goals to win the game. Paul Woodie scored the first goal, and Paul Cates scored the second goal. Wadomia will be playing Matchday Two against Civil Citizenry, who have also lost their first game.

Good Luck Wadomia!

[Ocel0t]

The air was filled with intimidating rumbling before the game. The Dutch cyborgs were... revving their engines you might say. Jalani Makalakalane licked his fur nervously. Your first ever international appearance, and it has to be against giant cyborgs?

The whistle blew, and Raül passed it to Fico, only for him to be hacked down as a hulking mass of metal and Dutch flesh advanced, waving its tentacles madly and destroying the turf behind it. Raül went in for a tentative tackle, but it was futile as he too was swallowed up. The cyborg passed to another of its teammates as Jee-Song advanced, but it kept going forward anyway, and the midfielder was consumed by the Dutch horror.

Ocel0t had no chance as the cyborgs tossed the ball back and forth with their many tentacles, and slowly the team shrank. Kalambay and Denilson were trapped behind the solid wall of cyborgs as they went forward, and it was only a matter of time before the opposing keeper took care of them. Resistance was hopeless, and the brave players who tried to stop the advance were absorbed into the wall of Dutch machinery, screaming as the tentacles dragged them under. Jalani heard a scream over the sound of machinery- it was Kalambay, undoubtedly taken down by the cyborg keeper. A minute later he heard Denilson.

Jalani was in a storm of tentacles, his quick reflexes the only thing saving him from being grabbed and taken to his doom. He saw Ortega screaming with fear as a tentacle caught his foot, and Jalani rushed over to help his fellow defender. He dug his teeth into Ortega's shirt and planted his paws in the ground, but the cyborg's superior strength won out, and he was forced to let go. He was helpless to save Sérgio Pinto as the Dutch monsters rolled over him, and he realized that he was the only one left. One of the cyborgs threw the soccer ball which it was holding into the net, but Jalani didn't care about the game anymore. He backed up slowly into the goal as the cyborgs closed in on him, and he prepared himself for his doom.

Cyborg Holland 2-1 Ocel0t

Scorers:

65' Van Couvenhaven
77' Meitzer
83' Medo

[North Chicanan]

Chicanan Daily Rabbler
What is This U21 You Talk About

Young Hoops At Play
U21s Lose Opener in Starblaydia

Haiden Street, St. John's

The Di Bradini Cup opened play with North Chicanan making their debut, sending 18 younger players (with 15 of them under 20) off to Starblaydia for their first taste of international competition. The team marks the debut of U21/Olympic coach Bradley Jones, formerly with St. John's Blues. Jones made new strides by bringing three females along with 15 boys, sending the first mixed side in Chicanada/North Chicanan history.

History wasn't as kind, as the Young Hoops debuted with a 2-1 loss to Mytannion in Group A last night. The side opened the scoring in the 17th from forward Erin Andrews, giving the girls a bit more pride than the boys. However, the score was knotted up in the 35th minute while Mytannion took the lead for good in the 75th minute. Jones was clearly displeased with the collapse of his young charges but said this was a perfect warmup for play, saying he figured this game should free up any jitters of being on the big stage for the first time. He said a lot during his press conference, the first by any major coach linked with the FA since they became embroilled in scandal over the Damien O'Neill ouster. Jones spoke nothing about the issue, rather focusing on his players and how preparations were handled in St. John's for the team. He said he would have brought his son, Phoenix, along for the tourney but thought at 14 he was still too green with the reserve side at Blues to travel.

National U21 Team
Coach: Bradley Jones
Assistants: Evan Jones (Blues), Quinten Addiven (South Amsterdam)

Formation: 4-4-2

GK: Gary Nephetts (18, Borussia Victoria)
DF: Mary Jones (20, Hearts LFC)
DF: Adam Long (17, Kodiak Reserve FC)
DF: Ashley James (16, Astur City)
DF: Anna Diablani (17, South Holland LFC)
MF: Xavi Knowles (17, South Holland)
MF: Florian Olrean (19, Kayserispor Reserve)
MF: Finn Gneion (20, College of the Sea)
MF: Sami Weshore (20, Neuchantel)
FW: Adam Zaillien (19, Augustine College)
FW: Erin Andrews (19, St. Helena LFC)

Reserves:
GK: Doug Lassier (17, Cardinal)
DF: Satar Damiel (19, Orange)
DF: Ash Xallie (15, Douala)
MF: Joshua Osera (18, Bishop FC)
MF: Danny Vacaile (16, Capital Reserves FC)
FW: Caleb Long (16, Capital District HS)

The team prepares now to play Darmen, who lost to the hosts in Day One. Day Three will see the side play off with Starblaydia with any chance of advancing at play.

Notes: The team will play in Orange Tribute Hoops kit made for the Olympic team and is expected to be used at least once by the National Team during WC56 qualifying. The Kit had alternating Orange and White bands with white shorts and white socks featuring three orange stars at the top. The National Crest for the FA features on the left shoulder with a crimson ribbon surrounding the crest.

[Erathore]

Villa Brace Helps Our Young Boys Tie Reigning U-21 World Champions Cafundéu 2-2

---

The La Furia Azul Giovane had a wonderful match against reigning U-21 World Champions Cafundéu and managed to eek out a tie. We'll start off by looking at the lineup for Erathore.

---Bennedetto---

---Piqué---Ramos---Carvalho---Del Naran---

---Diadora---

---Alonso------Gianluigi

---Nao---

---Villa---Cesc

Several players earning their first caps here and all of them deserved it. Bennedetto stood tall in the posts, blocking many a good shot. Some of these kids had real rockets but Bennedetto would as be just in the right place to make a good save. We already know how good he is professionally and for the senior team so not much to say there.

Out of the starting defensive 4, 3 of them were playing in their first international match. And they did a good job. Carvalho got the shaft because he was going up against Palhares, who was older, faster, and more experienced then Carvalho and managed to put one in the net.

Piqué did exceptionally, clearing several aerial threats and blocking a few certain goals by throwing himself in front of them. He did get burned once in a speed competition between him and Wilson Pacheco that resulted in a goal.

Ramos did a terrific job, perhaps looking to impress his new club in Swartaz, Volerander FC. Well he impressed us. Keeping pace with forwards then bringing them down hard, it was great to see. Later on in the match as we took a more offensive stance due to use being down 2-0 with 30 minutes left to play, Sergio got some good shots off and threatened to bag a goal.

Now for Vanni Del Naran. The young man has been part of the U-21 team and the National team for the past two rounds and is doing pretty good. He did a pretty good job in the match against Cafundéu. He didn't see much action though as the majority of attacks went to Piqué's side. When they did come his way, Naran was quick to stop the attacking, tackling accurately and passing the ball up field.

Diadora played strong, doing a fine job of protecting the back 4. He shifted up field a few times and got some crosses in, but was never really part of the offense. Which would make sense considering he is a defensive midfielder but you never know these days. He made several good interceptions and tackles to stop Cafundéu's attack.

Next up is Marcello Alonso. What a wonderful game. Out of the two goals scored by Erathore, he provided exactly 2 assists. Throughout the game we saw wonderful passing from him that resulted in him completing 142 out of 150 matches or a 94% completion rate. He predicted runs before they happened, split defenders by naught more then a centimeter, and was generally a wonderful midfielder.

Onto Lorenzo Gianluigi. Nothing really outstanding from him. Some good passes, good shots, good tackles, but nothing worth mentioning.

Isidoro Nao. What a magnificent game for the youngster. We saw several creative moves from him to get into open space and take a shot on goal. He got close a few times too, with one of his shots bouncing off the left sidebar, up onto the crossbar, then bouncing out back into play. He bamboozled Cafundéu defenders on several occasions by using speed, fancy moves, and rebounding the ball off himself to progress down the field. By rebounding the ball off his self, we mean kicking the ball at his back leg and then hitting it forward. Stuff like that. Wonderful game, wonderful debut.

Ricardo Villa. We predict that Ricardo Villa will be one of the greatest in Erathore in a few years. During this game, La Bambino Dorato beat defenders all the time, using speed and skill to get by them. He netted his first international goal in the 67th minute, when Alonso passed him the ball at the 18. Immediately Edson and Fernando were on him, with Macedo waiting a few yards back to pounce on a lose ball. Villa dribbled up to Edson, then pushed the ball with his right foot towards Fernando. Fernando shot his leg out to poke the ball away, but Villa used his right foot again to push the ball to the left, getting by both Edson and Fernando. Macedo came charging in at him and Villa hit the ball to around 12 yards out. The keeper, Robério, started to come out and either him or Macedo seemed to have a darn good chance at shutting Villa down. However Ricardo pushed the ball out a little further and was headed from left to right until he hit the penalty spot. He gave the ball one last tiny push, then planted his left foot for the strike. He slid out but managed to make contact with his right foot. The ball screamed towards the goal, hit the right sidebar, and bounced in for the goal. That was his specialty. Using the bars to ricochet the ball in. In the 74th minute, he found net once again. Cesc got the ball to Alonso around the 18. Alonso then passed it to Villa who was dead center of the net standing on the 18. He stabilized the ball, then hit it beautifully with his instep. The ball curled around Valdir and kept curling. Looked like it was going out but bent back towards goal. Despite Robério's best efforts, he couldn't reach the ball and it hit the upper-right corner for the equalizer. Another brilliant goal from Erathore's future star.

Then Cesc Celestino. Good shots by him, but nothing particularly awe inspiring. His best shot at fame during this match would probably have to be his assist to the assister for Ricardo Villa's second goal.

All in all a good match. In conclusion, we gave the man of the match to Ricardo Villa. No game ball to be given out as we don't know who Cafundéu picks as their MotM but whatever. We'll make him the unofficial game ball winner. Maybe the team here will pitch in a few bucks and we'll buy him one. Anyhow, the same squad will go against Delaclava.

Toodles.

[Cassadaigua]

Lexi’s Space

Hello readers from Starblaydia, I’m Alexa Bechard and I am proud to be the captain for the Di Bradini 18 Team. As we know, Starblaydia is one of the most successful nations in the World Cup circuit and Simeone Di Bradini is a legend of this nation, and that’s where this tournament gets its name. Cassadaigua has made many trips to this tournament in the past, though we haven’t necessarily blogged the team performances in the way we have in other venues. The first question of us is what do we wish to accomplish here? For our country, we haven’t had any super moments at this level, but we haven’t been terrible either. So when we say that the Di Bradini Cup has been an extreme success for our country some people will wonder what the hell we are talking about!! Our purpose here is to develop talent and young players. I am still one of them, myself. We have been successful because if you look at the list of retired kit numbers, all of those players had their career start in one of these things. When I read reports from Saugeais that say things like “While a major power in the big boy league (the World Cup), there hasn't been much of a presence for the Pinks in the lower levels,” my first reaction is to get upset. It’s not like we are always getting eliminated in the group stages. But the Saugeais press is correct: comparatively speaking, we don’t scare or intimidate anyone here.

Can we change this? Past teams have been labeled as immature; that they were too busy texting, spending time on Spacebook, or flirting with the boys. Coach Bateman has instructed me to have a firmer role as a disciplinarian and my first task was to tell Taylor DeSantis that I felt she was on Spacebook way too much given that it seemed as though she was changing her status every 15 minutes when I looked at her wall. I was just doing what was asked of me, and I subsequently got removed from her friends list. That sucked but the mission must go on. I looked on Kristen Marchant’s Spacebook page and saw a new video was uploaded entitled “Starbladeia hotel sneak out!!” (I apologize to Starblaydis reading this for her misspelling of the name of your country). Having learned my lesson from being removed from Taylor’s friends list, I simply told coach and Kristen has been moved to a top floor room now. It’s been tough for me, as you can see, but we got a good result last night against the Bears. Hopefully, there’s more to come like that and less “sneak outs!!”

[Dorian and Sonya]

Matting No Match for Unicorns

As Queen Sonya and Manager Maelwen Maridilyon prepare for a probable shakeup in the Mystical Unicorns roster (the first significant changes since WC51), the players under evaluation dominated their opening DBC match versus Matting 3-0. Finally some real fire from a Sylvanae squad.

Matting would take the opening kick and push the ball quickly up the pitch to take a blistering shot on goal which keeper Verisiel Talésdar only managed to turn away with her fingertips and a lucky bounce from the crossbar. A brilliant beginning for matting - and yet their only highlight.

The Little Unicorns settled in and began what would be a total domination of the central pitch as they controlled the ball for a massive 64% of the match. The Aldatauré twins proved why they are so highly touted as they always seemed to find themselves near the ball, and almost always came away clean with it. Merdëmiel would begin the offensive fireworks with a long play forward that set up Mineryniel Felésthir with just one defender to beat. Two quick cross-steps followed by a nifty overhead lob to herself sent the defender spinning away confused and the shot to the right corner of the net beat the diving keeper’s diving effort. The Unicorns had the 1-0 lead at the 15 minute mark.

It would be the 39th minute when the Unicorns struck again. This time it was Silwen Isilidilinmae who sent a brilliant curling cross right onto the left foot of Vanwen Felenddren who had nothing but space between her and the keeper. Unfortunately the resulting shot was inches wide and if not for the keeper attempting a badly judged save, would have resulted in nothing. But as it was the Unicorns were rewarded with a corner they would make the most of. Amarana Aldatauré played in the long cross to the far side of the net where Lamethaucath Kevayaeil took the ball easily off her chest and let her right knee squeeze it just between the reeling keeper and the post. The score was now 2-0.

It would not be until the 78th minute when the Unicorns struck again. Reserves Faelanna Aeradilindal and Silmara Toratanta would provide the fireworks as Aeradilindal came away with a clean steal and pushed quickly forward. Toratanta was streaking in front of the net (some would later argue the fact that she was offside) and the quick pass was headed cleanly into the upper left corner of the net to make the final score 3-0.

Following the match, Maridilyon had nothing but praise for the U21 squad. They were brilliant today. Every player showed exactly why they were selected to this squad. I saw 8 or 9 players who are more than capable of finding homes on the Mystical Unicorn squad and a manager who I would love to have on my staff. We will have to see how things progress to know for sure, but I am very pleased by the effort and outcome today.

Next up is a match with Kernansquillec who struggled to a 2-2 draw with Stachland today. They will be a tough opponent and we will have to be at the top of our game to beat them. If we win, we will have qualified for the knockout rounds with a match to spare. Only time will tell.

[Delaclava]

Do whatever you want with my players. Have fun!

GK Clark Aggard
DF Kevin Song
DF Ryan Woods
DF Sabastan Cabanal
DF Tom Masters
MF Michael Ivanisevic
MF Chris Rhodes
MF Ludovic Vesailevic
MF Ivan Hussein
MF Carlos Robles
FW Duilio Gattuso

GK Guermo Sanchez
DF James McDonald
DF Matt Foley
MF Ryan Kralzeig
MF Kyle Nordstrum
FW Per Toscano
FW Peter Domench

[Cafundeu]

THE NEWS SOURCE
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New generation expected to keep up with dominance

The arrival of a new edition of the Di Bradini Cup is always a time for uncertainty. This is because, unlike in the World Cup, the renewal of players in the U-21 squad is guaranteed. And it is usually the key players of the squad the ones who have to leave, pursuing dreams of reaching better teams in both domestic and international levels. So, every time the team has to find new players to rely on, and new ways to achieve the positive results, having to adapt the old successful strategies to new styles. It is a very difficult job, and that is why there has never been a true powerhouse which has been able to keep its squad strong during all the history of the Di Bradini Cup. We have Candelaria And Marquez with three titles, but they are not with us anymore, and the three nations with two titles have enjoyed only brief periods of domination: Sorthern Northland in its two titles, Valanora at the beginning of the competition's history, and Cafundéu in recent times. Now the thoughts of the supporters are directed to one thing: will Cafundéu be able to keep strong and continue to be the dominant force in U-21 football, after reaching the last three finals? The answer can be only known after the matches end, and this is what makes such a competition so exciting. As much as you can see a squad as favourites for the trophy, you can never be sure that they really have this quality.

For this edition of the competition the doubt over the true talent of the young Monopolists is truly justified. This is because a new generation of players arrives now, completely different from the victorious last one. There is practically nothing that remains the old and triumphant team, as the players are now over the age limit and have to find their space in the main National Team, with some already managing it. So we give goodbye to players like Mário Gomes, Raimundo Nonato, Gabriel, Rodrigo, Régis, Tião, Zezinho, Conchis... and especially the two main players of that squad: Camacho and Rael. The second one, by the way, is probably the biggest young talent Cafundéu has ever seen, with all this popularity coming especially from his performance in the three Di Bradini Cups he participated. Without his goals and his magical moves, the Monopolists lose a lot of strength. But what about the arrivals? Now that comes the question. Can one of the players reaching the U-21 squad now be able to repeat the good performances of Camacho and Rael? Some are surrounded by expectations, especially the attackers Bráulio and Loco, seen as possible substitutes for Rael. While others already play for their domestic clubs, such as Ulisses, Edson or all the three Grêmio Lux players. So, the general idea is that Cafundéu keeps having a strong squad, with players managing to play for some of the best clubs in the world and others seen as products of great youth academies. But it will take some time for the Cafundelense supporters to begin trusting Bráulio when he was used at seeing Rael, or to firmly believe that Funez is able to do the same things that Camacho did.

The first test of the Cafundelense squad was the match versus Erathore, and two things could be discovered from that game. First, that the current Cafundéu team involved in the Di Bradini Cup really has some potential, and that the two top names are really Bráulio and Funez. But, on the other hand, the team is not really mature yet: there is some lack of team chemistry, and some players are still getting used to their functions on the field, having to adapt themselves to the team's strategy. Worse than this, the game showed that the Monopolists clearly suffer from lack of concentration during the later stages of the game. Cafundéu had a good start, with Bráulio scoring at the 10th minute thanks to a beautiful pass made by Wilson Pacheco, who caught Ramos by surprise and allowed the Cafundelense striker to defeat him in the run and shoot a placed shot to the goal. Still in the first half, but in the 36th minute, Funez scored thanks to a free kick, helped by a deflection made by Alonso. Not really his fault, so the goal was credited to Funez instead of being considered an own goal. All was good, and Cafundéu was playing well, showing that the team could continue its winning ways. But in the second half they got too relaxed, probably believing that the win was guaranteed. This gave some space for Erathore to find the goals while taking a more offensive stance. Villa made a beautiful individual move, managing to enter the Cafundelense area to score the goal. The same Villa scored the second goal later in the 74th minute, this time with an excellent placed shot, surprising Robério. Waldenyr Caldas even tried to get the three points back by adding Loco as a third striker, but this didn't work. Cafundéu drew a match that was close to be a win, and the recovery will have to be done next game.