Copa Rushmori VI - Everything Thread

[Princess Beatrice Isle]

GOALKEEPERS
Owen Powell
Max Hoëdic
Ian Matthews

DEFENDERS:
Pierrick Le Guen
Emyr Dafis
Winoc Quéré
Aled Powell
Yanick Olliver
Judoc Pichon
Mark Santander
Gwilherm Rodriguez

MIDFIELDERS:
Alexandre Dalomax
Emrys Hywel-Jones
Brady McNamee
Baines Wilstead
Erwan Seznec
Ralph Tanguay
Loïc Goff
Antonio Du Maurier

FORWARD:
Cian Howells
Paol Robillard
Per Colton
Florent-Roparzh Le Tallec

RP Permissions: Do whatever you want.
Style modifier: +5

[Southern Cynocephali]

Information for Squad
travelling to the Whirl Islands
for Copa Rushmori VI

If you have received this, you must be part of the squad heading to the Whirl Islands for Copa Rushmori VI. Congratulations on your selection! The FCF has asked me to put together a quick sheet to make sure those players who weren't listening at the briefings (I'm looking at you Mercier) had something to refer to, or at least read before they hop on the plane for the flight across Rushmore. I wish you all luck for the tournament ahead and am sure each and every one of you will do the nation proud. - N. Ramolino.

Behave Yourselves
Again, a reminder to all members of the squad that we are representatives of our nation when we are overseas. Respect the locals and carry yourselves in a manner that demands respect in return. Remember the total alcohol ban in place for all members of the squad during the tournament. After the unfortunate incidents at the Baptism of Fire, I ask any players who wish to leave the team hotel at night are to ensure they are in the company of one of the accompanying security personnel. This is for your own safety and to ensure the misfortune which befell Sal Lazzara is not repeated.

Narissa
Like the girl by the same name I once knew at high school, our host city for the group stage, put simply, is going to be hot. It's going to be so hot in fact that, you will be pleased to hear, we will not be carrying over the tactical preparations of the Cup of Harmony. To try and recreate the cold atmosphere of northern Kagdazka in the northern most city of the Whirl Islands is nigh on impossible. We will use this tournament to try and sort out our recent warm weather woes, which are quite strange given the naturally warm conditions of our nation. Given the heavy playing load you have all been under recently, we will use the tournament simply as an opportunity to rectify this unusual phenomenon as we lead up to the next World Cup campaign.

York Stadium
The stadium for our group matches is a world away from some of the large stadiums we have been playing in recently. Don't let this fool you into thinking you have returned to the SCCPL Division One; as despite the modest facilities the quality of the play will be world class. The open nature of the stadium will mean there will be nowhere to hide in the hot Narissan sunshine for fans or players alike.

Opponents
Our group sees us face opponents who we have yet to meet on the pitch, and the matches have the potential to provide an interesting challenge against our fellow Rushmori nations. I am not expecting the team to set this tournament on fire, and after our recent successes we can expect our opponents to prepare diligently for our games. We will not be able to catch our opponents off guard as we have done recently, who we can not expect to go into the matches with any complacency against us any longer.

Southern Cynocephali vs Khabarovsk Krai

Carmadin vs. Southern Cynocephali

Southern Cynocephali vs. Nieuwe Sleeswijk

The Vaillancour coached team from Khabarovsk Krai will play in a 4-2-2-2 formation. The 'magic rectangle' will clog the midfield and we could need to broaden our play to get around them down the flanks. Work their left/right backs mercilessly so they are too tired to push forward and give them width in attack. If we are struggling, we will most likely drop one of the front men to pick up another man (and more width) in midfield and move to a 4-1-4-1.

Information on the team from Carmadin is hard to come by, so we may have to make it up depending on what we see on the day. Slow and steady, we will build patiently and feel out what our opponents are doing.

Don't even try to ask me to pronounce the name of our final group opponents, Nieuwe Sleeswijk. The Kooikerhondjes, as they are known, will primarily play a 4-1-2-1-2; a formation the older members of the squad may recall that we experimented with briefly during the early days of our team. Another formation lacking in width, this could prove either a bane or boon as we take on opponents who also play a similar game to us through the center of the park. Almost a carbon copy of our formation this will be a good opportunity to iron out the kinks in our game ahead of the next World Cup qualifying.

Final thoughts from your manager
Above all, enjoy yourselves. Stay hydrated. Given the grinding schedule of late I am worried you could be suffering the effects of too much football, so we will take it easy. The whole squad will be used, and players outside the first eleven will have plenty of chances on the pitch to push for future selection. Let the Cynoceph* underdog bark loudly again!

* OOC: My newly found demonym is 'Cynoceph' as opposed to the previously used 'Cynocephalian'. Please use the same term if need be.

[Astograth]

(Please note The Rumiatzi Sentinel is notoriously biased and unreliable. Reader discretion advised.)

In Defence Of Powell Pieran

Since Powell Pieran, manager of the Astograthian national team, announced he would be going to the Copa Rushmori with a 'B' team to give untested players a chance, a lot of undeserved hate has been leveled at him from all spectrums of society. In our role as an upstanding, decent news source, we at The Rumiatzi Sentinel feel it is our moral duty to stand up for him.

It is comprehensible to us that to less enlightened minds the composition of the national team isn't as clear-cut as it is for us and, of course, Mr. Pieran. Because that is what this is all about; the Copa Rushmori is merely a run-out to check on the less-than-stellar lads who play at home and abroad to see if they might, perhaps, make it on the subs bench for the qualifiers. And, apparently, this is the main point of contention. Is the Copa Rushmori a worthwhile international competition? The answer is obvious. No. No it is not. And it is wise of Pieran to realize this and not back down. Now, why is the Copa Rushmori not worthwhile? Many reasons, dear reader, and for the benefit of the weak-minded who would doubt Mr. Pieran we have prepared a list.

1) It is always won by nations that are not Astograth, immediately robbing it of any kind of prestige.
2) No Copa Rushmori winner has ever won a World Cup, before or after. Awful precedent.
3) For some reason we sell less papers when the national team plays. So the quicker we're out, the better.
4) Have you looked at our opponents? Princess Béatrice Island, seriously? We can't even find them on the map.
5) Poor hosting infrastructure. 10,000-seater stadiums? Please.
6) Foreigners smell.

There. That's more than enough. "But doesn't most of this apply to the World Cup too?" we hear you saying in what is surely a shrill voice. And you're right, it does. Good on you! But being the Copa Rushmori champions simply means we're the best of Rushmore, which we are, at any rate. The only thing that matters to the entire international community is the World Cup, though, which makes it worth winning if only to confirm what any half-decent football fan already knows. And no, it isn't that our keepers can drop trophies better than Sorthern Northland's.

[Sargossa]

Copa Rushmori VI


The Sargossa Corsairs

Kit
Courtesy of ediraf




Coach

Francisco Martinez
Former national team boss of his native Starblaydia, renowned throughout Rushmore following his great successes as player and coach in Nethertopia. More so after leading the Corsairs to Copa Rushmori triumph. Will take control of the Geese for their clash with AO's finest.

Staff

Jésus Vazquez, Mario Quiñónez & Ernesto Fariás
A triumvirate of former internationals appointed to assist the new boss. Vazquez is a former midfield star currently on the coaching staff at Clube Comercial in Cafundéu. Fariás rattled in 65 goals for the national side, this is his first coaching appointment. Quiñónez is occasional Under-21 Boss.


Talent
Style Modifier = +1
Formation 4-2-3-1.



GK: 1. José Antonio Leiva (25) - Alianza Jucaro
Big, imposing shot stopper who played a key part in his club side keeping the SuperLiga's meanest defence last season.

DR: 2. Toni Siqueira (20) - Ciudad Soluca
Gallivanting right sided fallback with pace to burn and technique that comes from being half Cafundelense.
DRC: 5. Víctor Monzón (33) - Ciudad Soluca
A rare survivor from the last Sargossa squad. Then he was a fresh faced young defender. Now 'Big Vic' is the experienced leader of the squad and the obvious choice for captain.
DLC: 6. Javi Aguilar (27) - Royal Vosaroni Antenelli (Erathore)
Centreback with the silky ball skills of a Pocoan masseuse. Has plenty of pace which could be crucial when partnered with the aging Monzón.
DL: 3. Mariano Mansilla (24) - Sporting San Marquez
The boy from the barrios has made good and become a popular figure with the San Marquez faithful.

MC: 4. Lucas Cáceres (26) - El Nacional
There's nothing too showy about Lucas. He's happy to shield the back four all day long. Some might label him a one trick pony. El Nacional label him as vital.
MC: 8. Luís Ángel Landín (25) - Alianza Jucaro
Neat and tidy midfield player who's played a key part in Alianza's Copa Sargossa win last season. Looking forward to showing off his skills to the wider range in the next Unity League.

AMR: 7. Andrés Guerrón (22) - Ciudad Soluca
Right sided winger with pace that could put Olympic medallists to shame. If his delivery was as good he'd be world class.
AMC: 10. Matías Montiel (19) - Ciudad Soluca
Scored 42 goals last season. Forty. Two. Admittedly they were in some noddy regional league but that didn't stop giants Ciudad snapping him up. Impressed at the last DBC.
AML: 11. Alejandro Echeverría (20) - Ciudad Soluca
This boy's a bit special and we're not talking in the crash helmet and crayons sense. Stick him anywhere in the attacking third and he can make something happen. Ciudad reportedly spent silly money to bring him in from Daroca Marinos.

FC: 9. Celso Esquivel (23) - Royal Vosaroni Antenelli (Erathore)
A penalty area predator who led the goalscoring charts last year despite turning out for the modest Marinos. Recently left the Estadio Bolero to try his feet in Erathore.


GK: 13. Raúl Navas (31) - Dunas Del Sol
DRC: 12. Miguel Bonilla (31) - El Nacional
DC: 22. Bruno Trejo (20) - Deportivo Cordova
DLC: 17. Raúl Salas (26) - Dínamo Maturín
D/ML: 19. Rubén Rochina (19) - El Nacional
MC: 15. Rubén Barrios (24) - Porto Alegro Azul
MRC: 16. Iván Albacar (30) - Alianza Jucaro
AMR: 20. Sergio Tejera (20) - Dínamo Maturín
AMLC: 14. Rubén Cuéllar (25) - Ciudad Soluca
FC: 18. Héctor Riera (27) - Ciudad Soluca
FC: 21. Iván Marcano (19) - Porto Alegro Azul


Permissions
If my opponent RP's first they can:
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod Scoring Events Yes
RP injuries to my players Yes (within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players Yes
Godmod Other Events Yes: Just no killing, maiming, burning or excessive petting

[Princess Beatrice Isle]

A Letter to the Editor of the Rumiatzi Sentinel

Dear the Rumiatzi Sentinel,



Check this out! It's a map of our two countries with a line between them. We may be little. We may be naff at football. We may have a GDP of about NS$1,000,000, but damnit we exist and we are near you! If you were this unaware of your surroundings when driving a car you would have hit and killed hundreds of people. And I'm sure your paper would report it as "Area Ne'er-do-well Murders Masses". Or maybe you'd be so oblivious to it you wouldn't even publish it. I'm surprised you even have the ability to publish newspapers, considering how many intricacies go into the printing press process. I work for PBI's largest (but not only, HA HA!) newspaper, and I can assure you we hold ourselves to much higher standards than you could ever imagine.

SIGNED,
Franck Gouraeg

[Mytannion]

MYTANNION - Copa Rushmori 6 Squad.

'Just can't seem to get enough of Hoops!'

Please remember when RPing that in Mytannion, the year is 1994 - and that the players are very determined and fiery, you go in hard on them though and win the ball fairly, they'll be fine with it. If you foul them and then don't acknowledge it, they'll get up and punch you. Quite simple really. So when RPing, you can include that. Also, remember that Mytanar fans are hooligans - at whatever level of football. They chant very, very loud and often cause trouble. They light-up flares often too. If you want to include that, go ahead and be my guest. Oh and we're also used to snow and ice too, as that is our own climate so if it is very hot, we could be in trouble, whereas colder conditions don't faze our players.

Details go like this: Number, Name, Position, Age, Club Team, Caps/Goals.

First XI.
1. Demy de Zooijt (GK), 22, East Franz Athletic (Polar Islandstates), 0/0.
A new, young goalkeeper who is really being thrown in at the deep-end in international football. He is expected to be the number one 'keeper for the national side, after his exceptional club form for Polarian Divisjon One champions, East Franz Athletic - he got a lot of clean sheets last season and was at the helm of the tightest defence in the Polarian league last season. He has top-class reflexes and his positioning is brilliant too, he is prone to flap at crosses a bit, even still - but this should improve as he continues to get more experience at the highest level of football. He hasn't made an appearance for the senior national team and so - this really will be a baptism of fire for him as he comes up against some of the nation's biggest rivals.

2. Adrian Njulae (LB), 26, Cosmopolitan Albionpool (Cotdelapoms), 82/1.
He has won one Mytanar Takillega and one Trophie del Nakional in his career - as well as earning an M(C)15 million move to one of the most successful Cotdelapomais teams. Njulae is a quick, attacking fullback who times his tackling well. His marking is decent but he isn't the best in the air and that has left him in a bit of trouble from time-to-time. He gets down the wing well however, and often whips balls in which are converted into goals. He takes free-kicks when they are from positions on the left, where the ball can be crossed in from. This as well as being one of the most-capped Mytanar players ever, mean that he is surely on the path to being a Mytanar footballing legend.

3. Speic Fyfat (CB), 29, Atletico Jutense (Cafundeu), 82/2.
A strong, strong centre-back. He's great in the air and times his tackles to precision. He has good anticipation too and seems to know where the ball will be a few seconds before it gets there, so his top class positioning and marking make him an asset to any team. He currently plays for Atletico Jutense in Cafundeu which shows the quality the player has. He possibly lacks a bit of pace but that apparently doesn't matter to national team coach, Theo Wekkler. Fyfat has been capped 68 times and has scored 2 goals, both of his goals being headers of course. He is a quiet player, who tries to stay away from the media spotlight and enjoy his privacy - although as he is in the national side; this probably doesn't happen as much as he likes. He is coming into the peak of his career and so should be a massively important player from now on.

4. Swen Kislasson (CB), 26, Olympique du Fontvielle (Valladares), 83/3.
The 26-year old helped his club side to the win of the King's Shield a few years back (one of the only trophies the club has even won) and is probably the best fullback that Mytannion has ever produced - he now has moved into the middle and partners Fyfat as a centre-back, he is strong and times his challenges well - he isn't amazing in the air, but his pace and tackling make up for this. As a fullback he stays back and helps the defence and commands the team well. He is quick, and his long-range shooting is extraordinary - he is famed for blasting in 30+ yard free-kicks. He is extremely intelligent and can read the game before things have happened. He is strong and a good tackler meaning he is a near-perfect fullback. He could probably get forward better, but that isn't really his game. He is also the vice-captain of the national side.

5. Sebastian Reindorf (RB), 25, Bravia Motors (Swartaz), 9/0.
He is a quick fullback, and gets down the wing brilliantly. He is a very offensive fullback and is known for gut-busting runs down the wing. He pops up with the occasional goal because of this and gets a lot of assists. His tackling isn't the best, but he marks up well and is good in the air - which isn't all that normal for a fullback. He has moved to Bravia Motors recently and has done very well for them since he has moved. He is a good fullback, but he may need to improve a bit more on his defensive skills, his tackling should be improved - and perhaps his positioning on set-pieces and other things like that too.

6. Niek van der Smeejin (DM), 23, Hastmead Diamante CFC (Osarius), 20/2.
Niek van der Smeejin is only 23 and yet is already a huge part of the national side. He is touted as a future national team captain and this is mainly because of his never-say-die attitude. He will not admit defeat and chases everything, even if it looks like it is a lost cause. He is a tough tackler, and is clever when he is on the ball - sprinting quickly and looking for good passes. He is a good crosser of the ball too and regularly runs out wide to dink a ball in, and can take good free-kicks. He has helped Hastmead Diamante to consecutive international competition spot finishes in recent years - he has 20 caps and 2 goals for the national side. He really is a quality player and is one of the cleanest players out there, on and off the field - he tackles hard, but tackles well - and off the field he stays out of trouble and is generally a great guy.

8. Filip Bosc (CM), 24, Jan Mayen Islanders (Polar Islandstates), 21/6.
Filip is a creative midfielder, who tends to play as a defensive midfielder. Theo Wekkler has picked him as a central midfielder. He plays deep and waits for the ball - he then spreads the play brilliantly. He is quite strong defensively too, he can break-up the play. He signed for Jan Mayen Islanders a few seasons ago, who play in Polar Islandstates - and was expected to help them to a title as one of their best players - he completed his goals and helped them lift the trophy twice in the past few seasons and also won the Foreign Player of the Season award for his efforts. He is a great passer, and has very accurate shooting too - which has led to Theo Wekkler playing him in a more advanced role to the one he was used at Thessia '23 and he is given more licence to roam than he is at Jan Mayen.

7. Robin Hjik (CM), 24, Atletik Thessia, 86/21.
Probably the most important member of the national side by quite a bit. He is a complete midfielder and probably the best Mytanar player ever. He has played 86 games for Mytannion and has scored 21 goals. He has won 9 trophies even at his young age - he has been in the Mytanar public spotlight for around 8 years. At Atletik Thessia he has won 4 Mytanar Takillegas, one Rushmore Copa de Campeones and 4 Trophie del Nakionals. He has played 220 games for his club side, which is the record for most games played and has also scored 87 goals. He is really, really quick - he has bags of pace. He is a strong player, and uses this well - holding players of the ball, he tackles well too - he is very tough. He could probably run all day, as his stamina reserves are seemingly endless. He has pin-point passing and can really spray the ball over long-range. He also has a very powerful shot and often takes free-kicks because of this. He is a good mix of hard-work and graft and creativity and finesse. He is extremely influential both in football and outside of football, and is the national team captain. He is the hero to millions of Mytanars and will surely be the best Mytanar footballer ever, even when players come after him.

10. Benoit Visoisse (LW), 22, Eldorado (Cafundeu), 20/1.
He is an extremely versatile player and is very useful because of this. He is creative too, and therefore assists in a whole lot of goals. In his first couple of seasons in the Mytanar Takillega - before moving to Eldorado in Cafundeu - pundits ran out of superlatives to describe this player's talents. He pushed his old club side, Parr City to their first ever trophy - the Trophie del Nakional and was their player of the season in the 1991/1992 season - before Eldorado paid M(C)28 million for his services. His dribbling skills and excellent crossing means he sets-up a lot of goals for strikers in the middle. He takes corners for the national side. His pace is a huge weapon down the wing and his shots are very accurate meaning he can often chip in with a goal of his own from midfield. He is the creator of a whole lot of goals though, and is the one who takes corners for the national side.

9. Salum Merec (ST), 24, Iturributa United (Astograth), 0/0.
A real surprise call-up by the national side manager, Theo Wekkler - Merec has never really stood out before, but now he has come into the picture after Miroslav Filo has retired from international football and we don't really have a youthful striker who can lead the line on his own up at the front. Merec has had a few good seasons in the Astograthian league however, and has scored plenty of goals - mainly through is lethal combination of strength, speed and clinical finishing. His few good seasons at Urbizania Wanderers rewarded him with a move to one of the top clubs in Astograth, Iturributa United. His goalscoring needs to transfer to the international level though, or Wekkler will look like he has made a terrible mistake. His interplay with his fellow players could be improved, but at least he has the time to do that - as he'll be given a few more years until real pressure is put on him - but he sure will have to show his quality.

11. Dimitry Alixysev (RW), 25, SC Lasft (Cafundeu), 20/4.
A real goalscoring midfielder, he gets off the wing, drives towards goal and has good finishing and rarely ever when inside the box. He is a real versatile midfielder, as he is able to play on both wings and in defensive, central and attacking midfield - he is a good player to have just because of how many positions he plays - but he also has the quality to be brilliant wherever he plays, he has a whole lot of stamina - and his passing and crossing, are pure quality - he really does contribute to any team that he is in brilliantly - which is evidently true by the fact he plays in the toughest league in the world, in a top, top team. His finishing is decent enough and he shoots well from long-range too. He is a powerful player, being very strong - tall, and a tough tackler. He's good both going forward and defending, but his role in this team is mainly just to be an attacking winger, who uses his pin-point crossing to assist the attackers with their goalscoring.

Substitutes
12. Arni Scuda (GK), 20, Litala '93, 0/0.
A tall, solid goalkeeper - he relies a whole lot on his expert positioning - and is a goalkeeper, who despite being young - seems to have experience way beyond his years after being the goalkeeper for Litala '93, who have won the last two Mytanar Takillega titles - proving the quality he has - after conceding the least amount of goals in the past few seasons and keeping a lot of clean sheets in recent seasons. He relies a lot on his anticipation when making saves and so if he makes the wrong decision he could let one in as his reflexes are okay, but nowhere near the best they could be - even so, he is still a good goalkeeper.

13. Leven Koc (LB/CB), 23, Hastmead Diamante CFC (Osarius), 23/0.
He is slightly undersized as a defender and he lacks a bit of strength. He has added a whole lot more muscle and bulk in recent seasons, onto the very slight figure that was so known on the Thessia '23 pitch in the past. He is now more well known on the pitch of Hastmead Diamante in Osarius, with national side team mate Niek van der Smeejin, so them two certainly have a good on-pitch relationship. His pace and desire to win games are the two things which have helped him to become such an important player in both the national team set-up (he is a brilliant player to have on the bench) and to his club side.

14. Hannes Urz (CB/RB), 24, Atletik Thessia, 17/0.
He used to play at right-back for Atletik Thessia but he is naturally a centre-back and that is where Theo Wekkler has chosen to position him. Urz is a new-breed of centre-back, he isn't strong, a good tackler and good in the air. He is all of them, and more. He can go forward and create play, he is quick and has very good finishing - which is a sign as to why he has six goals this season in eighteen appearances at club level from right-back. He plays as if he were 34 not 24 and commands a sense of respect on the pitch off both his team mates and the opposition's players which really is truly majestic and shows the true qualities of leadership and could really be a future national team captain.

15. Mirko Tasecchi (DM/CM), 21, Atletik Thessia, 3/1.
He is the future. When Hjik and Bosc are gone, he'll be the one leading this team forward. He's only three years younger, but he's the sort of player any team would love to have - whatever age they are. He doesn't run himself into the ground, he's too clever for that - he personifies creativity, he's the one who slips through the through balls, the one who does the lovely little chip over the defence, the one who whips in a great cross or does a little jink through a defence. He doesn't expend energy needlessly, his passing is virtually laser-guided, he doesn't need to charge through defences - he can make a chance out of nothing. He has changed his game a lot recently, as he used to be the sort of player who would chase every ball - but he has realised he has the quality to not need to do that, he can time runs, do quick dribbles, whatever - he doesn't need to use his energy chasing lost causes. This doesn't mean he is a lazy player, defensively he is a terrier - compared to when attacking he is simply an artist, he works hard to win the ball back and tackles well. He pops up with goals too, as his long-range shooting is quality.

16. Tomas Sivoli (CM/AM), 22, SK Franz Josef City (Polar Islandstates), 0/0.
He is enjoying an excellent season in the Polarian Divisjon One, getting a whole lot of assists - showing the sort of player he is, perfectly. He has great quality in his passing, and is another player who can truly create a goal out of nothing through his dribbling skill and his prowess of reading the game - which he does really well, he can tell which way the defence is shifting and where his team mates are making the runs too. His crossing is good too, and he can be the one taking the free-kicks when needed too. He doesn't get as many goals as he should, although he did in the seasons he played in the Mytanar Takillega. He's a great guy to have on the bench, with the quality has.

17. Imre Ulsson (RW/ST), 27, Sparta Albionpool (Cotdelapoms), 21/7.
He has come a long, long way since the partying, dyed hair and trouble caused in the early years of his career. This is proved with his importance to his club side Sparta (the full name is Sparta Albionpool), and his amazing goalscoring record for the national side. 7 goals in 21 games, a 1 goal every 3 games record - that is simply amazing and proves his brilliant quality. His finishing is truly his greatest quality, but he is also a big, powerful striker who can hold up the ball and also beat the defenders for pace, too. An ideal striker to bring on late in the game when a goal is what is needed. His finishing wasn't always his best stat, but he has improved it greatly recently. His interplay is also class and he can bring other players into the game with a little flick or a quick pass, he could well be the starting striker, but because of how good his crossing is too - he's great to bring on as a goalscoring winger.

18. Laze v Tuhinju (ST), 23, Decraa United, 31/5.
When he was a youngster, he was one of our first choice attackers - despite his youth. He played an integral role in our first couple of World Cups as one of the attackers who brought his team mates into the game with his towering presence and his great turn of pace, which is hugely surprising - and normally takes opposition defences by surprise too - and is what gets him his huge haul of goals each season, he has matured a lot recently and scored 20 goals in 22 games last season and has 96 goals in 116 games for his club side. He truly is a great striker, he is brilliant in the air - and has clinical finishing. It really is a shame we don't play more than one attacker as he'd slot into the system of the national team brilliantly. He could certainly add to his current tally of 5 goals in 31 games for the national team.

Reserves.
19. Rudi Holzman (GK), 25, 1896 Ebor, 34/0.
Well, he was the goalkeeper for the national team in the last World Cup. He is also the most-highest capped under-21 player ever. He's tall, has really quick reactions and makes some great saves. He has been prone to some flaps however when the ball is crossed into his area and he sometimes doesn't claim it as he should. He is an all-around nice guy though and is normally one of the ones that gets the atmosphere going inside the dressing room and is probably one of the 'fun' members in the team and has been known to play pranks on his fellow team-members.

20. Ole Gyulla (CB), 29, East Franz Athletic (Polar Islandstates), 0/0.
A tall, powerful defender. He really is one of your old-fashioned centre-backs, gets the ball out of the danger area with minimal fuss and he does it quickly. He is extremely strong and a striker would be foolish to try and beat him in the air as he uses his huge frame to maximum effect - climbing high and heading away well, before tumbling back to earth with a thud. He's a tough tackler, and is in no way scared of making a challenge. He is known for making the occasional bad challenge - sliding in hard, but that is just a big part of his game really. He is a top defender though, and in the peak of his career.

21. Fergus McKindell (DM/CM), 17, Real Minanda (Queer Poco el Mono Ara), 0/0.
He's 17?! Yeah. He's also quality. He hasn't even made an appearance for the under-21 squad before being thrown into this team. He is a huge talent and is playing for the team with the quickest ride up through the Pocoan leagues ever (we think!), a team we play - so hopefully he will know some of the players he is playing against and will be able to advise his national team team mates on how to beat the Pocoan side - especially he has played alongside and against some of their top players. We've played them so much recently it is unbelievable, though. McKindell's passing is great even at his young age, he is also a powerful player, with plenty of energy and strength. Two of his greatest qualities. He is slightly undersized, but he uses his strength to hold off opponents. He lacks a bit of speed, but that could still improve, he's only young. He's a tough tackler and possesses a fiery temper, but that is just one downside to what will be a top, top footballer.

22. Dmitri Lja (LW/ST), 27, Jan Mayen Islanders (Polar Islandstates), 7/3.
He has a lot of flair and is very creative, single-handedly dribbling his way through defences regularly. His finishing is brilliant and once he is through on goal, he usually scores. He has pace too and if a ball is played in over-the-top, he usually gets on the end of it. This success rewarded him with a M(C)24 million move to Jan Mayen Islanders in Polar Islandstates where he teamed up with Filip Bosc, his national side team-mate a few seasons ago - since then, he has helped Jan Mayen to a few titles. He is an important player in their system and an excellent reserve player to have in our side.

23. Radoslaw Famoc (ST), 29, Eldorado (Cafundeu), 74/30.
Well, he is quite simply a legend of Mytanar football. He is the highest international goalscorer for the national side. He's getting on a bit now in Mytanar terms, 29 is old for an attacker in Mytannion, they've normally peaked by then. He is still a top finisher and has a bit of pace, but he doesn't have the stamina that he did in the past and he now has even more of a penchant to get disinterested in the game and go off into his own world, but hopefully he can produce a few moments of magic like he did in the past - but that would only be as a reserve player who comes on from the bench.

---

Manager: Theo Wekkler, 59. He is the former manager of Atletik Thessia who are the most successful club in the history of Mytanar football. He resigned last season and now concentrates fully on the national side.

Assistant Manager: Uri Sacer, 52. The assistant manager is the one who does the scouting of players as Wekkler is managing his club side during the week. He also takes the majority of training sessions and is renowned for his no-nonsense approach - he makes the players work hard.

Attacking Coach: Lijenost Burton, 49. The famed amateur league striker, he scored 367 goals in 545 appearances in the Amateur League which was the top league before the introduction of the Mytanar Takillega (which is now the top-flight of Mytanar football). Is known to be quite lenient on his players, and focusses on keeping them fit for big games.

Midfield Coach: Danny Richardson, 65. He used to be coach of 1923 Esca, when they were the dominant force in the Amateur League. He was a midfielder when he played. He is known to wander off and drink copious amounts of alcohol rather than coach the players and leaves them to train themselves.

Defensive Coach: Alex Salmond, 60. He uses statistics to coach the defenders, working on the areas where the stats say they've been bad. He is usually visible on the sideline during games with a computer and a television screen - replaying pivotal moments to relay to the coach where mistakes have been made.

Goalkeeper Coach: Mirko Schettler, 45. The former goalkeeper for Miago City - when he was at the height of his career Miago were a force. He is fun and is known for strange training regimes that tend to work. 'Method in the madness' is the line he regularly gives reporters.

Fitness Coach: Lavdrim Yukov, 67. The former doctor, has some mad, mad methods - including repeatedly dropping buckets of freezing water over players heads and making them eat fried lizards to keep fitness. The players refuse, he simply says they won't win. This hasn't been proved either way yet.

Physio: Yohann Estev, 43. Possibly the most normal member of the team management, he does what is needed and does it by the book. If a player is unfit, he will advise the Manager not to pick him. A pretty standard physio, he isn't a miracle-worker.

---

[Polar Islandstates]

*ding*

With a lurch and a shudder, the lift came to a halt, and the doors pulled slowly open. Patrick Ackermann-Finn unfolded his tall frame from the lift and trudged down the corridor, sweating madly. Swiping his keycard, he opened the door and shut it firmly behind him, leaning against it for support as he turned the air conditioning well up with the remote. Yes, 14°C, that was more like it. It was too hot here, too damned hot. The hotel was nice as close to their training pitch on the outskirts of Terranova at least, that was something. And it had an en suite, always good. As team captain for the tournament, Patrick had had first choice of rooms, and with 12 twin rooms between 23 players, he had dictated that he was going to have a room of his own. Drawing the blinds, he began to undress ready for the shower, which he had started running with the dial all the way over to the blue. Old habits die hard, and even though many in the Federation had come to appreciate that hot water didn't make you a wuss after all, Patrick still enjoyed the cold showers he had taken ever since he was a kid up in Northbrook and during his time at the Haapa-Mechelin.

Grabbing a towel from besides his bed, he opened the door to the en suite and padded in, when...

"Hello, Patrick."

"ARGH!"

Timo Skye stepped out from behind the heated towel rail, and spoke clearly and calmly into the empty bathroom. Patrick meanwhile, startled, had stumbled backwards and landed on the floor, only a convenient flick of the towel protecting his modesty.

"Surprised to see me?" Timo asked, eyebrows raised.

"You're damn right I'm surprised to see you!" Patrick spluttered, gathering his wits about him and standing up again, towel hastily wrapped around him, "What the hell are you doing here? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Well, I'm just here to see the team of course, I mean, it's a Terns competition squad, it wouldn't feel right without me, I'm Timo Skye!"

"Well yes, Timo, but you've not been selected by Sol. You're thirty years old now, and Sol has to plan for the future, so, a team without the older players."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, I know all that. But, I'm Timo-"

"-Skye, yes, I'm aware of that mate I've played with you enough times on this team. What's your point?"

"Well, I need to make sure the team is going to do okay without me, I mean, I've scored 60 goals for my country, I need to know you're all psyched up and raring to go."

"Well, I was."

"Was?"

"Until I was startled in my own bathroom by a guy I thought was thousands of miles north of here! Wait, why were you in my bathroom?"

"Well I had to come and see you didn't I?"

"Yes, yes, but, why the bathroom?"

"What?"

"Why specifically the place where I tend to be naked in? I mean, presumably you'd already got into the hotel, and then my room... somehow... what then made you choose the bathroom? You even waited until I had come in, turned on the shower, come back out, then get undressed and come in again? I mean, you're-"

"-Timo Skye?"

"...yes okay. Whatever." Defeated, Patrick let his shoulders slump, and walked out, letting Timo follow. "So what was it you wanted to tell me about? A pep talk, was it?"

"Yes. Well. What it was, is, I'm top scorer, and I'm not playing this time. I've brought this up with Sol and, well, that didn't go well. In fact, let's not talk about that meeting. It ended... badly. Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that you're going to do well! I mean, lone striker, captain, I've never been captain."

"Timo, it'll be fine. Timo."

"I mean, I'm Timo Skye and I know that regardless of what the coach says, I'll be needed to-"

"Timo, Timo, it's okay Timo, listen-"

"-and I mean I've been scoring for fun for Metropolis Alligators-"

"Timo. Timo."

"-need to be quite sure where the knob is when you-"

"Timo. Timo?"

"-can get very messy very quickly unless the tie is-"

"Timo."

"-dancing round in circles, works every time, trust me-"

"Timo?"

"-quaffing tabasco sauce in large quantities if you're not careful-"

"Timo!"

"-death or serious injury may occur if-"

"TIMO!"

"-but the important thing is to just have fun! Okay?"

"...yeah. Whatever. Are we done? Good." Starting to usher Timo out of the door, Patrick clutched his towel tighter around his waist. "Can you go now? I'd quite like to shower in peace."

"Sure, sure, I mean, just so I know that I've done my best to help the team without actually playing."

"Yes. Absolutely. Very helpful, mate, very helpful. Are you done?" Opening the door, Patrick gave his former strike partner a gentle shove out of the door, just as a passing chambermaid attempted to get past with a trolley-load of washing.

"Cool, yeah," Timo answered, turning to face Patrick again, "I'm sorry I surprised you by coming into your bathroom unannounced mate, now, where are the young ones, and how can I see them? Will they be showering now?"

Wide eyed, Patrick looked at the passing maid, whose eyes were also opened wide at the sight of Patrick in his towel expelling this man from his room. Forcing a laugh, he attempted to cover the situation.

"Ha, ha, he doesn't know what he's saying, miss. Honestly."

"I saw nothing, mister" stammered the maid, turning and hurrying away.

"Hm," said Timo, "I wonder what's wrong with her. Anyway, gotta go mate, I'm Timo Skye!"

"No he isn't!" yelled Patrick after the maid as Timo walked off in the opposite direction, "He's just some guy! As am I! We're just guys! Nobody famous! On man..."

Closing the door once more, Patrick breathed a sigh of relief. At least that was over. He even found the energy to smirk to himself as he stepped into the shower and heard muffled voices from down the corridor...

"Timo?"

"Hi guys, just a few pointers..."

[Bleak Rock]

Shaan Magerin paced his office. It was just a little room, nothing more than a large closet, really. But in it he had managed to pack a computer, his whiteboard, three seats, and a desk. Littering the floor were sheets of paper, hastily scribbled notes lying upon all of them, the most important ones pinned up on the board with arrows and circles plastered all over them. A single bare lightbulb swung gently in the breeze caused by his movement, and an air conditioner hummed in the corner of the room. A small and basic room then, but the staff at Municipal Stadium weren't really in the business of renting out office space to managers, so to have anything at all was very accommodating. Tracking his pacing were his two assistants, Oddur and Finnur.

"Okay," said Shaan, "so the facilities are okay. Nothing particularly special, but about the same as you lot have in Mið-Sal, so they'll be okay. Now, you lot are finding it hot, yeah?"

"Just a bit, Shaan."

"Shame that, we'll have to work around that in training somehow. Anyway, we're all agreed on the lineup?"

"Yes, Shaan."

"Good, good, now, the opposition. Who is first up? Saugeais?"

"Er, yes Shaan. They'll likely be playing a 3-4-3. In particular we'll need to watch Olsen. He's scored something like 4 goals in 4 matches against the Terns, and we don't want to open up an account like that."

"No, no, certainly not. Now, they're not exactly tropical either, so they should be in the same boat as us heat-wise. I mean, I'm okay, but you lot look like you're suffering a bit." Pausing, Shaan took the time to nudge an empty plastic cup around the floor with his toe a little. Lost in thought he winced, then punted the cup straight through the legs of the chair Oddur was sitting on. "Got it."

"Boss?"

"Same kind of basic starting formation, but we'll tell Sigurhelgason to push up further. He's fast and can run down flanks. It'll be a 3-3-2-1-1 of sorts. Ragnarrsson and Eygenroy can win the ball and loop it up, Sigurhelgason can chase the ball, trap it, run down either flank, and cross it in for Rosenmeyer. Only two players ever need end up down the pitch. Perfect counter-attacking football. Walk in the park."

"And Olsen?"

"Tommisen and Broberg can double up on him if need be. Not many beat those two either on the ground or in the air. We could nick a result, no problem. We'll have the winger-backs out there stopping the wingers, that leaves two in their midfield for our four to deal with. Easy."

Oddur and Finnur looked at each other. They'd seen the Terns get torn apart four times by the Saugeais national team, and they weren't convinced.

"Then it's what, Ocel0t? They play with wingers. We may need to shake things up a bit there. They look a bit spaced out from what I've seen though, so if you pack our players tightly together, then pass short passes around one player at a time, we'll plough through them like a juggernaut."

"Erm, I'm not sure about that one, Shaan, I mean-"

"You're not? Well, I'm the boss here. I was asked to be manager, and you weren't. I've won things, and you haven't. I'm here because I'm better than you at choosing the team and telling them what to do. Ok?"

"Ok."

"Right. Then for Sarrbia we'll play with Mackenzie instead of Rosenmeyer. He's faster, we'll pack the midfield, one long ball through, bang. Bang, bang bang bang, bang." Sitting down, Shaan folded his hands behind his head and leant back on the chair, "This is easy this, returning to management. I don't know what I was so worried about."

Oddur and Finnur said nothing, but looked at each other. What had they let themselves in for?

[Whirl Islands]

Attention Rushmoris: This is your first evil RP cutoff.

---

And here are your results:

Group A results to come later.

Group B:

Civil Citizenry 0-2 Swartaz
Lonaga 0-2 Albundania

Team                   P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Albundania          1 1 0 0  2  0  +2  3
 2 Swartaz             1 1 0 0  2  0  +2  3
 3 Civil Citizenry     1 0 0 1  0  2  -2  0
 4 Lonaga              1 0 0 1  0  2  -2  0

Group C:

Pasarga 0-0 Kazzoria
Ansernia Islands 1-0 Logria

Team                    P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Ansernia Islands     1 1 0 0  1  0  +1  3
 2 Pasarga              1 0 1 0  0  0  +0  1
 3 Kazzoria             1 0 1 0  0  0  +0  1
 4 Logria               1 0 0 1  0  1  -1  0

Group D:

Cotdelapoms 6-3 Mytannion
Erathore 1-2 Queer Poco el Mono Ara

Team                          P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Cotdelapoms                1 1 0 0  6  3  +3  3
 2 Queer Poco el Mono Ara     1 1 0 0  2  1  +1  3
 3 Erathore                   1 0 0 1  1  2  -1  0
 4 Mytannion                  1 0 0 1  3  6  -3  0

Group E:

Saugeais 0-1 Bleak Rock
Ocel0t 2-1 Sarrbia

Team              P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Ocel0t         1 1 0 0  2  1  +1  3
 2 Bleak Rock     1 1 0 0  1  0  +1  3
 3 Sarrbia        1 0 0 1  1  2  -1  0
 4 Saugeais       1 0 0 1  0  1  -1  0

Group F:

The Kytler Peninsulae 0-1 The Kiaser Colonies
Polar Islandstates 1-1 Camwood

Team                         P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 The Kiaser Colonies       1 1 0 0  1  0  +1  3
 2 Polar Islandstates        1 0 1 0  1  1  +0  1
 3 Camwood                   1 0 1 0  1  1  +0  1
 4 The Kytler Peninsulae     1 0 0 1  0  1  -1  0

Group G:

Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 4-1 The Hidden Paw
Palacios and Rodallega 0-2 Seleucius

Team                          P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk     1 1 0 0  4  1  +3  3
 2 Seleucius                  1 1 0 0  2  0  +2  3
 3 Palacios and Rodallega     1 0 0 1  0  2  -2  0
 4 The Hidden Paw             1 0 0 1  1  4  -3  0

Group H:

Southern Cynocephali 1-1 Khabarovsk Krai
Nieuwe Sleeswijk 4-1 Carmadin

Team                        P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Nieuwe Sleeswijk         1 1 0 0  4  1  +3  3
 2 Southern Cynocephali     1 0 1 0  1  1  +0  1
 3 Khabarovsk Krai          1 0 1 0  1  1  +0  1
 4 Carmadin                 1 0 0 1  1  4  -3  0

Group I:

Sargossa 3-1 Mangolana
Carasatoga 2-1 Chenkorya

Team              P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Sargossa       1 1 0 0  3  1  +2  3
 2 Carasatoga     1 1 0 0  2  1  +1  3
 3 Chenkorya      1 0 0 1  1  2  -1  0
 4 Mangolana      1 0 0 1  1  3  -2  0

[Civil Citizenry]

A bit late, here is the cutoff for Group A.

Group A:

Whirl Islands 4-0 Princess Béatrice Island
Astograth 0-0 West Zirconia

-- Team                       P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Whirl Islands                1 1 0 0  4  0  +4  3
 2 Astograth                    1 0 1 0  0  0  +0  1
 3 West Zirconia                1 0 1 0  0  0  +0  1
 4 Princess Béatrice Island     1 0 0 1  0  4  -4  0

[Ocel0t]

Fluffy in Wonderland
Part 1

Fluffy Guarcouff awoke in the middle of a grassy field with a small pounding sensation in his head. He didn’t feel good. The aromas of all the little white flowers and catnip plants helped the gears in his head to slowly start turning again. Where was he? He was distracted by a fat white rabbit wearing… a vest? He didn’t know. His head hurt and he was hungry, so he crouched down and stalked closer, but he was clumsy, and the rabbit heard his approach and spun around.
“Oh dear! A cat!” it exclaimed, and bounded away through the grass. What? Rabbits were stupid. They didn’t talk. Fluffy cursed himself for thinking so much like a human, and let his hunting instincts take over as he ran in pursuit of the talking rabbit. He caught up to him quickly, as the rabbit was slow and fat. Knocking him aside with a powerful paw swipe, Fluffy took his time and circled his cowering prey. “Please! Be Reasonable!” The rabbit was desperate, but he had a glimmer of hope in his eye. Faster than Fluffy thought possible the rabbit darted towards a small hole 20 feet away. Fluffy sprinted after, but the rabbit was already there- it was going in, and all he could see was his tail. Fluffy desperately leaped after it, down the hole, and he was falling…falling…falling…splash.
Fluffy landed on his feet, but that was of little use as he coughed and gasped in an ocean of salty water. As much as he hated to do it, Fluffy could swim, and he started to paddle towards a noise he heard, like a sobbing sound. In the distance, could see a familiar figure- the fat white rabbit, struggling to stay afloat on a small top hat. Where he had found the hat was a mystery to Fluffy, but right now he didn’t care. Fluffy was there in a matter of moments, his rage fueling him, and after a swift strike with his claws the rabbit was dead, coloring the water with his blood.
Fluffy found a bank on the edge of the water to rest on, and he enjoyed his fresh, if salty kill. His stomach satisfied, he looked around, and realized he was in a room. It was flooded up about halfway, and along the walls there were doors of all sizes. On the opposite bank there were the most curious things. A tiny girl, talking with a group of small, rather tasty-looking animals had not taken notice of him yet, and he slipped in the water again and swam over. At the sight of the giant cat emerging from the water all the small animals ran. Fluffy was disappointed, but too tired to chase after them. He shook all the water off of his pelt and made his way over to the small girl.
“Why did you scare them all away? We were going to have a caucus race!” she exclaimed, though she seemed more fascinated by his large stature than angry.
“I did not mean to scare them. I would have eaten them, though, so I am not surprised. What is your name?”
The girl gasped. “I didn’t know you could talk! I’m Alice, and my cat doesn’t talk. I’m sorry I flooded the room, I just kept growing and shrinking, and it was terribly distressful.”
“Your cat?” Fluffy didn’t know how she could own a cat. “Like a slave?”
“Oh, no! She’s my pet!”
“Pet?” All he knew about pets was that they were usually stupid dogs or small animals for eating that humans, for some reason, kept in their houses.
“Yes, she belongs to my family, but she can’t talk like you. What’s your name?”
“I’m Fluffy.” He thought about her pet, a cat that couldn’t talk. That must be a very dumb cat, or an infant. “We should get out of this place. Do you have a key to any of these doors?”
“I do! The only problem is that I’m too small to use it. It’s over there.” Alice pointed to a gold key on the edge of the bank and Fluffy went over to pick it up in his teeth.
“Which door?”
“You see that door over there?” she said, and pointed to a small door on the other bank.
“We’ll have to swim. Are you big enough? It’s long way for you.”
“Um, no, I can’t. Could you take me please?”
“Get on my back.” Alice climbed on his back, and he paddled over to the door on the opposite bank. Fluffy managed to get the door open with his teeth, as his claws were wet and the lock was stubborn, and they stepped into a beautiful garden. In the distance there was a house, and running towards them shouting was a lizard. A rather tasty-looking one too, Fluffy thought.

To be continued…

---

Ocel0t 2-1 Sarrbia

Scorers:

Fico ‘25
Bilaydinetov ‘39
Zamill '58

[The Kiaser Colonies]

The tournament later-comers, The Kiaser Colonies have made a wonderful start to their first ever copa rushmori. The opening match for The Kiaser Colonies was against The Kytler Peninsulae. Manager Maku Yamek did not hesitate to play his full strength side for the opening game which surprised many people since they were in due need of a break. The team has been busy in the last while, jumping from the world cup, to the cup of harmony, to the olympics (where their fatigue really showed in their poor performances) and now to the regional Copa Rushmori. It was widely believed the string of high end tournaments would leave The Kiaser Colonies in a slow lumbering state that would cost them the groups. But to many peoples surprise they came out fighting and were like a team that had all the energy in the world. Greg Jackson leading the side with many blistering runs and threatening shots. Cameron Upson also did some attacking work for The Kytler Peninsulae but Daniel Beale did not find himself under any considerable strain. Kris Joyce on the other hand, was being pushed to the limits by Lamont, Jackson, May and later substitute Conner Tobin. Joyce was playing well and was defying The Kiaser Colonies a goal at all possible chances. Time was passing and the crowd was loosing interest. Brian May almost put The Kiaser Colonies a goal up in the 43rd minute after running onto a through ball from Tobin and went 1-on-1 with Joyce. May popped it past Joyce and it looked like a certain goal but Chappell slid in to knock the ball away from the line and save Joyces clean sheet for the time being. In the second half The Kiaser Colonies found the net when May won a penalty 12 minutes into the half. Another good ball in and he was alone with the Kytler keeper. Joyce went down for the ball and was sliding, May saw the opportunity and tapped the ball out of the way to let Joyce catch his leg inside the box. The referee wasted no time giving the penalty to the joy of The Kiaser Colonies travelling crowd. Rather harshly, considering it wasn't really his fault, Joyce received a yellow card for the trip. Lamont was cool and collected and scored the penalty to give The Kiaser Colonies the lead. The Kytler Peninsulae began to fight back but Beale held strong and caught everything that came his way. Wanting to save key players from injury and fatigue, Maku Yamek made several defensive changes to hold onto the win. After the changes none of the opponents team could find a way through the defence and began to shoot from further out but were no close to finding an equaliser. The Kiaser Colonies pulled out the win and took the lead at the top of Group F thanks to a 1-1 draw between Polar Islandstates and Camwood.

Match Facts

17 __ The Kiaser Colonies, Wallaby

33 --><-- The Kiaser Colonies, A. Jones for Tobin

52 __ The Kytler Peninsulae, Joyce

52 Penalty The Kiaser Colonies

52 GOAL The Kiaser Colonies, Lamont

74 --><-- The Kiaser Colonies, Wallaby, Dorian, Sanuli for Kelly, Jordan, Sherridan

[Swartaz]

Swartaz roster Copa Rushmori VI

Goalkeeper
1. Karl JAMESSON (Sub) (Vaastrada FC) Age: 21

Karl has quickly broken into the Vaastrada first team despite his tender age with some great displays of brilliant acrobatical goalkeeping. Certainly one to watch if you want exitement, but his ability to stick on his line when needed to has been called into question

23. Vanger HANDORLINK (Starter) (Volerander FC) Age: 36

Vanger is Swartaz's mainstray in the goal, with unrivalled consistency in shot stopping. When he came into the team aged 19 and stole Byron Jansuur's place, his main asset was his speed off the line, and he still demonstrates this skill to this day. At 36, he isn't the youngest, but he's got at least another two world cup cycles in him.

99. Jamas GORGSEN (Res) Unattached Age: 36

Jamas has had a very unlucky time in the Swartaz squad. The spot in the first team he thought he was to inherit was stolen by Handorlink. Dumped out of Tyrrin with the dissolution of the league, he joined Sopensentrall FC, but his contract was terminated at the end of last season and you have to wonder how long he thinks he has left at the top level.

Defence
2. Henrik OTTO (Starter) (Eldorado) (Cafundeu) Age: 33

Henrik is the perfect right back in Swartaz's attacking system. He gets up and down the right wing all day effortlessly, with breathtaking speed and stamina, and a handy knack of scoring goals from outside the area just at the right time. Playing in Cafundeu has also helped is all round game, especially defensively, and he is now able to hold his own down the wing against the worlds best.

5. Fredrik GAISBAN (Starter) (Montréal) (Cotdelapoms) Age: 25

Fredrik burst onto the international scene a few years ago in place of struggling now retired Kristan Alvar and has never looked back. Capable of some massive tackles, creator of many a counter attack with his long balls, and his ability on the ball, he has been described as the playmaker stuck in defence, but defence is his calling.

4. Hugo LUKAS (Starter) (Rigdemont Town) (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) Age: 31

Hugo's style of play is similar to Fredrik's, but he has two distinct advantages. One, he is faster, capable of staying with the fastest of strikers. And two, his height (6"6) enables him to clear balls that Gaisban simply cannot get to. At 29 he is at his peak and should be very impressive in this tournament.


27. Janek PIDULSKI (Sub) (IFK Goteborg) Age: 24

Janek's versitility has allowed him to become more of a fixture in the Swartaz squad in recent years. He doesn't particually excel in any area, but he is the perfect player to bring in anywhere in the defence, or even midfield, if injuries hit.

29. Olof GÅSSENT (Sub) (Groubeschwellei FC) Age: 19

Olof is a bit of an unknown quantity in the centre of the defence. However a regular berth in the Groubeschwellei FC first team has allowed him to show flashes of the talent needed to succeed on the international stage.

12. Henrik LITREMMEN (res) (Vaastrada FC) Age: 20

Henrik, son of inspirational ex-captain Jans, has been thrown straight from the U-21 team into this world cup cycle. Swartaz's stand out player in the 17th Di Brandini cup, he has a lot of expectation on is shoulders coming up in the next few years, but he should be able to confidently handle it with his undoubted ability.

30. Vaarger JASMEIKAEIL (res) (AFC Tranzversa) Age: 29

Not really much to say about Vaarger, an average at best full back for international standards, but he does his job well at AFC and is ready to be called upon when needed.

Midfield

11. Karl JASIN (Starter) (A.F.F) (Cafundeu) Age: 25

Karl was the definitive 'wonderkid' of World Cup 52 with abundant energy and creativity down the right side and has carried on his amazing play throughout his career thus far. The only non-Swartazian born on the team, he is still as passionate about the team as any. A regular at Cafundeu club A.F.F, he has shown his promise in the domestic scene too.

6. Johan HESSE (Starter) (Tout-Puissant Outremont) (Cotdelapoms) CAPTAIN Age: 31

The monster of the centre midfield is Johan Hesse, capable of dispossesing even the cockiest and cleverist playmakers. Couple that with his top class passing ability and vision, you have the perfect holding midfileder. He also writes a very successful blog about his on and off field endevours.

8. Marko KRIVAC (Starter) (Jan Mayen Islanders) (Polar Islandstates) Age: 27

his brilliant energetic and skillful playmaking in the attacking midfielder role make Marko a joy to watch, and he is adored by players and fans alike. He's also capable of scoring from long range and in his element with the ball at his feet just outside the opposision box, he is arguably the reason Swartaz won the Cup of Harmony a few years back.

17. Josef GUNNARSSON (Sub) (Olympic Thessia) (Mytannion) Age: 20

Josef has taken the Mytannion domestic scene by storm this season with his brilliant and eccentric attacking play and love of fan pleasing. He'll be a real hidden weapon in the team having snatched a well deservered starting place, and will be looking to make a great impact in his first Copa Rushmori.

16. Adolph KANNESBOURG (Sub) (Juvillian Martinax) (Erathore) Age: 24

At 24 Adolph is now too old for the U-21 team, but that is not a problem as he has shown over the last two years at Jaarguzmuz that he is easily capable of performing on the international stage and well. However, if he is to continue his career problem free, he must make sure he is not inticed into anything to 'exotic' by team-mates or friends ever again, lest it blow up in his face as badly as it did last time again. His move to Erathi team Juvillian Martinax has also helped to push him into the international spotlight


27. Alex FREJ (Sub) (Celtic) (Cotdelapoms) Age: 36

Frej had finally burst into the first team after many a World Cup quitely making the odd substitute appearance, and maybe scoring the odd goal. At 36 he needs to make up for lost time quickly and get some goals and assists under his belt. However, with the rise of Josef Gunnarsson, he may be forced to call it a day sooner rather than later.

37. Mikael JOHANNES (Res) (Vaastrada FC) Age: 21

Mikael is another creative master, who excels with the ball at his feet, but is let down by a lack of speed or strength, both of which are essential at this level.

25. Yngve SXER (Res) (Volerander FC) Age: 32

A career wrecked by injury is the story here, but is capable of mesmerising displays of football on his day.

Strikers

10. Benidikt KLUM (Starter) (Volerander FC) Age: 29

Benidikt is Mr. Reliable up front, with speed, strengh and goalscoring ability all combining to make the perfect target man. Not as extravagnt or exiting as Dasra, he is undoubtedly more consistent and when on form is unstoppable, for club and country, the striker spearheading the exiting Volerander FC front line .

9. Olec DASRA (Starter) (FKM) (Kagdazka and Pazhujebu) Age: 22

Olec must be one of the greatest but least consistent strikers in world football. With the whole of Swartaz on his shoulders, he carries the Dasra name well on the pitch, with all the confidence and ability of his late father. When on form, he just cannot be stopped. He can score from just about anywhere, and in a variety of different fashions. Off form however, he is hotheaded, agitated and generally needs to have a bit of a cool off to get him back to his world beating talent.

20. Wilhelm Berghoff (Sub) (East Franz Athletic) (Polar Islandstates) Age: 24

Wilhelm was promoted to the squad after Kimi Linissön's untimely death halfway through WC 55 qualifying. He had a brilliant season last year up front at AFC Tranzversa with Janni Milverki, and he was rewarded with a move to big Polar Islandstates club East Franz Athletic.

39. Konstantin BRITA (Res) (Cosmopolitan) (Cotdelapoms) Age: 36

Well he's finally back in the Swartaz squad. The most controversial player in Swartaz has been dropped and re-instated too many times to count. Sordid affairs, bust up's with managers, and on and off pitch fights with team mates mean he is now the panto villian instead of the much loved wonderkid he was 10 years ago. Kenny has brought him back as he is the best player in this squad on his day. The question on everyone's lips is if those days will ever return. Likely to call it a day after this tournament.


(This is the team starting the first game(the players labelled 'Starter', however there will be a lot of squad rotation in this tournament, so I will post the next match's starting team in my previous matchday's rp.)

RP, keep it realistic please

Modifier +4

Kits:

Home:

Away:

Stadium:
Mikael Dasra Memorial Stadium

[Kazzoria]

Pasarga 0-0 Kazzoria

Osiris: I don't get it.

Isis: You don't get what luv?

Osiris: What the relationship between us lot is.

Isis: Who?

Osiris: The five gods.

Isis: I've got to admit it's kinda confusing.

Set: Yeah. Am I like... your evil brother or your evil son?

Osiris: Yeah, it varies. And what about me and Isis. Are you like... my sister or my wife? Or both. Ew, that's gross.

Isis: i know, we are screwed up.

Osiris: And what about you Horus.

Horus: Fwwwarck, Cwwin Swack!

Set: Is he an eagle or on crack?

Isis: I don't think he is. But is he my son or me brother?

Set: Is my brother, my nephew or my uncle?

Horus: I'm not sure...

Ma'at: Where do I come in?

Thoth: And me?

Osiris: I don't know... And what about Bastet?

Bastet: Meow?

Osiris: oh yes, your the cat.

Isis: We need to sort out our family tree.

Osiris: We should.

[Nieuwe Sleeswijk]

Nieuwe Antwerp Dagblad - Online English Edition

Sports > Football > Internationals > Copa Rushmori

Nieuwe Sleeswijk Romps to Victory in First International

The national team put in a fantastic performance today in their first game since coming out of international isolation in the sporting world. Whilst trade has gone on (often unbeknownst to others - they thought we were from Nethertopia don't you know?) for decades, we kept our sports behind closed doors, but not any more, we have moved out of the wilderness and into the glory of the Copa Rushmori, and Carmadin really didn't see us coming today. The Kooky Hounds did just what they are supposed to, hound their opponents in defence, and knock 'em to bits going forward.

It was always going to be interesting to see how the team performed as a unit, of course, preparations for our grand opening have been going on for months, with the coaching team given time (and "international breaks") to formulate a team, gather a group of players together and set a team style. It worked. Factionalism was always going to be a factor - everything is on these sorts of things when you have such distinct groups acting separately and together. So far nobody has run off in a tizz or a huff or even throw a tantrum after being substituted. The first game is out of the way and it hasn't all collapsed horribly! This reported had faith in the team all the time, but even yours optimist here is surprised that nothing apparently untoward occurred even in the hours after the match, the nation seemed to celebrate as a whole too (well, just about - ignore those annoying commentators trying to stir up nonsense).

So, now we've built up a hefty bulk of words and such talking about football without getting to the football (sorry!), we'll get to that match thing. 4-1 it was, indeed, Four to the Kooikerhondjes and one to those other folks. Now, I don't know who exactly that team is, I've never seen them play before in internationals (not that I watch many other than the big games) and I don't know who plays for them but they lost, which is the important thing! So, den Uyl started as predicted from the pre-Copa friendlies which I managed to go to see (closed friendlies between the new national team and various league teams). Things went bloody terribly for the first 15 minutes of this match though, this Carmadin team had what seemed like a very strict defensive line, coupled with a sturdy midfield, they completely closed down the chances for our front men, blocked and getting rid of everything our wingers and the impressive looking Röntgen threw at them. At the other end, the defence looked shaky and slightly disorganised in facing up to the challenge of the guys up-front for Carmadin. In the 13th minute disaster struck, with Dok and Wltigu both leaving a ball to each other, the Carmadin number nine run through and looped the ball over the onrushing and soon to be furious Manu Kafi. 1-0 down and without a hope, seemingly of much coming of it. Over, some thought? "New National Team A Disgrace" I saw the headline being, racked with disappointment. But old Wouter and his team had their plans. The ineffective Toco was taken off - having suffered a slight knock, the claim of it being "precautionary" might be just about valid. In his place, Põlt was thrown on. The more experienced performer was apparently in a deeper role, helping to link the midfield up and causing issues for the opposition defence immediately.

Põlt begin by flicking a Röntgen ball only for Wroda to smash wide. At least it was a chance. The new flexibility and movement caused problems again and again for Carmadin, as the new boy on the pitch began to bring the wide players into the game, with Wroda narrowly missing a great chance to tap home from a Hjejle cross. True to name, the team was really starting to sniff out opportunities - we were hunting for Carmadins goal, and it was only a matter of time before we found it and brought it home for dinner. The chefs were able to start their preparations in the 35th minute as Põlt knocked the ball back for Röntgen, who slid the ball perfectly to Armin Gaerthé running in from the edge of the area. The winger took one touch before deliciously curling the ball into the bottom corner. Pre-heat the oven boys, we're bringing back some birds for a roasting!

The goal gave the team hope, and the full backs started to get into the flow of the game, Carmadin increasingly on the back foot were lucky to make it to half-time on equal ground. The second half started as the first had ended, Carmadin struggling to cope with the now flexible and dynamic Hunting Dogs who began to really flow in attack. Gaerthé went from scorer to provider for the second, dragging back the ball to the edge of the box for Röntgen to smash home, with the score 2-1, the Hunting Dogs smelled blood.

As the Carmadin goal continued to be peppered with shots - movements looked to be happening on the bench - the team were too defensive. den Uyl is not known for sitting back. He had four defenders on the pitch, a message to send to his team and the other - and let's face it, the way it was going, four defenders was just wasteful. Young Dok found himself coming off for an even younger Matthijs Tinné to bolster the forward threat, allowing Põlt to push up higher, with immediate pay-off, Tinné getting it wide after some nice midfield work allowing Hjejle to put in a low cross for Kebáh Põlt to knock across the keeper and bulging the net. 3-1 and it was easy. In the 69th minute Wroda had a goal ruled out on a tight offside decision, before having what appeared to be a clear penalty turned down. After another batch of peppered shots on the Carmadin goal, Gaerthé got his second after a mazy run and a clever one-two with Tinné allowed him to drive into the area. Ball smashed home, great finish, good night Carmadin. And it was good night, I've got enough nonsense up here for now, I think. A few more chances as the game slowed towards the end. A fantastic result and this commentator looks forward to the next game against Khabarovsk Krai (given their draw with Southern Cynocephali, it's hard to judge what to expect). Good night little doggies and good hunting!

[The Kytler Peninsulae]

In a frustrating match, The Kytler Peninsulae were defeated 1-0 by The Kiaser Colonies, a nation better known for their rugby prowess, but one that also possesses rather more experience with the round ball than the Kytlerians.

The Kytlerians were outplayed for much of the first half, but an excellent performance from FC Alaer goalkeeper Kris Joyce kept the Colonial attack - led by the speedy striker Greg Jackson - at bay throughout the first half. Even the use of an early substitute - young wide man Adam Jones replaced by the even younger Connor Tobin, in a move that appeared to be due to a minor injury - did little to disrupt the team, Tobin rapidly creating chances upon taking the field. At the other end, most Kytlerian play was going through Cameron Upson, who was isolated up front, although a speculative long-range shot on the half-hour nearly caught Daniel Beale off guard; it was his only nervous moment in the half. Just before half-time, a goal-line clearance from Tim Chappell spared the Kytlerians after Brian May beat Shaun Duggan for pace and pulled Joyce out of position.

In the end, the decisive goal was a penalty, May winning it after again outrunning Duggan, this time drawing contact from the onrushing Joyce as he pushed the ball around him. Ricky Lamont converted from the spot, and the remainder of the match saw the Kytlerians reduced to long-range shots.

Analysts suggested that the Kytlerians looked nervous, with their inexperience showing; others, however, noted the absence through injury for this tournament of Arcadiusz Abramovicz, the FC Alaer attacking midfielder, who was seen as a major potential goal threat. "He would have offered more to this team, if only from the bench," noted the report in the Zube Daily Times. Meanwhile, the Bay City Herald preferred to criticise the defensive efforts of Armin Hassani, the only non-white player in the starting eleven.

[Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk]

Match Summary
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 4, The Hidden Paw 1

Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk Goals: Ellefson 7', 45'; Crutcher 63', Brown 88'
The Hidden Paw Goals: The Hidden Paw Forward 76'

Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk Cards: Tate Y 22'
The Hidden Paw Cards: The Hidden Paw Defender R 76'

Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk Substitutions: Fox (Crutcher) 79', Grieger (Jo. Church) 86', Je. Church (Ellefson) 88'
The Hidden Paw Substitutions: None

Weather: 78º F, Sunny

Reactions to the Stadium
"I liked it, it was a good size. The fans were well-behaved, no teddy bears this time. They did a really good job with the renovations."-Carty Lakan

"The new field surface was a little slick, but it was good for my style of game. The ball moved well, and it wasn't sloped at all. I heard from fans that the seats were nice, and we got to tour the VIP Boxes and Press Boxes before the game and those looked state-of-the-art."-Jonathan Ellefson

[Whirl Islands]

Copa Rushmori in Blue and Red

After a terrible intro with an annoying theme song and terrible special effects, the camera shows the two hosts for this show, who happen to be none other than Freddy Simmonds, #1 fan of Navel Sharks (the most popular and successful football team in the whole nation) and Rafael Álvarez, fan of Navel FC, the second-best team in the nation. Both hosts direct a furious glance at each other, with today's show being recorded at the outskirts of Portomar Field, some minutes after Whirl Islands' 4-0 rout of Princess Béatrice Island in their first Copa Rushmori VI match.

Rafael: Hello everyone, and welcome to this first broadcast of Copa Rushmori in Red and Blue, with me, Rafael Álvarez, as your host and someone else making nuisance here.

Freddy: First, isn't this show supposed to be called Copa Rushmori in Blue and Red? Second, I'm Freddy Simmonds, your other (and main) host, and third, I think the nuisance here is called Rafael Álvarez and wears an ugly red shirt of the Team That Shall Never Be Named.

Rafael: It's called Navel FC, the same team that had the nerve to lend you Portomar Field while you were looking where to play. And, you the main host? When they asked me to host this show, they told me I was going to be the only host!

Freddy: Oh, what a coincidence! They told me the same when they contacted me!

Rafael: Will you leave if I give you 1 million bucks?

Freddy: No way. I won't ask you the same question because I'm smarter than you and I know you'd say the same I said.

Rafael: I just hope this doesn't last long...

Freddy: What did you say?

Rafael: Nothing. Anyways, let's go to the main topic: tonight, Whirl Islands won 4 goals to nil their first Copa Rushmori match. The rival: la Isla de la Princesa Meretriz.

Freddy: Ooh...weren't they called "Princess Béatrice Island"? Or do they have a lot of prostitutes? No, wait...something better: prostitute princesses!

Rafael: Meh, it's obvious that none of those "meretrices" played today against us. And I hate to say it, but Nicholls was fantastic today, scoring a hat-trick. But Dan Halverson, who by the way, is Navel FC's newest player, also scored a goal, and he was as awesome as Nicholls was tonight.

Freddy: For the first (and I hope, last) time ever, we agree on something. However, comparing Halverson to Nicholls? Please...

Rafael: But at least, the team played well, unlike those previous World Cup qualifiers. Production staff: guys, if someone doesn't agree with me, please punch him.

Freddy: The fact we totally steamrolled a naff team like PBI doesn't mean we're the Rushmori Valanora.

Rafael: I did NOT say that! Anyways, our match was better than the first one between Astograth and West Zirconia.

Freddy: Goths versus cheap imitations of diamonds. Nothing good was to be expected.

While our two hosts are arguing in front of the camera, a group of street music performs a song in French with a guitar. However, our hosts get fed up of the song as it is repeated again and again...

Freddy: When will they stop singing that stupid song? My ears are bleeding and my head aching!

Rafael: I don't care. In fact, seeing your ears bleed and your head ache is fun.

Freddy: Ugh...I'm sick of this... *to the musicians* Il y aura une chance...for you to SHUT UP!?

The musicians stop performing and move to another place

Freddy: Oh well...everything is calm now. Did you watch the tennis match in Moncton?

Rafael: Tennis match? You forget two things: First: I hate tennis. It's a sport for meh people. And second: I've heard the Moncton Open isn't till March, you fool!

Freddy: I was referring to the Cotdelapoms-Mytannion match, idiot.

Rafael: Oh yeah, those boring Cotties won 6-3, right? Maybe they should go into tennis, instead. It's a perfect sport for them, they would win ALL their games!

Freddy: Poor Moncton if Mytannion had won and those hooligans had been allowed entry.

Rafael: Yeah, fortunately the most meh team won the set. Ha ha ha.

Freddy: Well, what do we have next? Oh yeah, the cheap jewelry team!

Rafael: Are you talking about West Zirconia?

Freddy: Noooo....I'm talking about your neighbor's amateur team. And I'll have to return to that horrible stadium I have next to me.

Rafael: Horrible and it was kind enough to host your pathetic team for almost TEN seasons.

Freddy: Pathetic and all, they have steamrolled all teams in this pathetic league lots and lots of times.

Rafael: Really? Then go look for another league where to play if you think this one is too pathetic for you.

Freddy: Why should we go? We always enjoy making you cry.

Rafael: Oh...[censorship beep] off.

Freddy: And here we finish this first episode of Copa Rushmori in Blue and Red, don't forget to tune in us after Whirl Islands' next match against West Zirconia, with all the good things, the bad things, and the ugly things of this Copa Rushmori edition! See you all next time!

Rafael: You just finished it before time in order to get your payment...

Freddy: Ugh...get a life.

[Civil Citizenry]

Civil Citizenry National Team
Roster

Ramsey Parris (Head Coach ~ #00 ~ 50 years old)
Parris is on the hot seat after a more than disappointing Cup of Harmony campaign - he was unable to guide the team to the playoffs, despite being the home team for every game. He considers the Copa Rushmori to hold great importance, so this tournament will determine if he can keep his job. A full A team has been selected for the sixth Copa Rushmori, with a new influx of youngsters to bolster a previously-elderly defense. If he cannot improve on the Citiz' results during the last Copa Rushmori (an appearance in the round of sixteen), consider the head coach position open.

Yardleigh-Heath Lander (Goalkeeper ~ #12 ~ 29 years old ~ North Woodlands)
Gerard Royce (Left Defender ~ #13 ~ 26 years old ~ Dominion/Cotdelapoms)
Burkett Barclay (Center Defender ~ #15 ~ 28 years old ~ Athens Town)
Pall Knox (Right Defender ~ #16 ~ 32 years old ~ Bondage Safe)
Remy Yates (Left Midfielder ~ #06 ~ 29 years old ~ East Kent Professional)
Oswald Hastings (Center Midfielder ~ #19 ~ 28 years old ~ Team Lannymore)
Taylor Renton (Center Midfielder ~ #08 ~ 27 years old ~ Eldorado/Cafundéu) *VICE-CAPTAIN*
Roxbury Welton (Right Midfielder ~ #09 ~ 28 years old ~ FC Cape St. Paul/Polar Islandstates)
Powell Kingston (Left Forward ~ #23 ~ 27 years old ~ Spionar Rangers/Mytannion)
Ingram Ackleigh (Center Forward ~ #10 ~ 24 years old ~ Athens Town) *CAPTAIN*
Clevon Drago (Right Forward ~ #11 ~ 28 years old ~ Revolutionaries/FSSO)

Tucker Patton (Left Defender ~ #02 ~ 23 years old ~ Eastern Chase)
Burkett Wainwright (Center Defender ~ #04 ~ 26 years old ~ Baker Fief)
Guildford Brigham-Hamilton (Right Defender ~ #05 ~ 29 years old ~ Chastings Heights)
Marsdon Vance (Left Midfielder ~ #17 ~ 24 years old ~ Hill Lane)
Dalton Bradshaw-Laughton (Center Midfielder ~ #07 ~ 28 years old ~ Resolute Storm 1913 FC/Polar Islandstates)
Landor Goldwin (Right Midfielder ~ #03 ~ 22 years old ~ Fox Zero)
Rawdon Waldo (Left Forward ~ #14 ~ 23 years old ~ Bondage Safe)
Jackson Cedric (Center Forward ~ #18 ~ 23 years old ~ Fox Zero)
Albert Wentworth (Right Forward ~ #20 ~ 28 years old ~ Team Lannymore)

Information
National Demonym
Citiz
Team Nickname
Citiz
Skill Modifier
-2
Formation
4-4-2
Starters
------------------------ Lander ------------------------
--------- Royce ------ Barclay ------ Knox ---------
---- Yates --- Hastings --- Renton --- Welton ----
--------- Kingston --- Ackleigh --- Drago ---------
RP Limits
None. Choose my goalscorers, injure my players – anything that’s not supernatural or unreal. Please do not use real life pictures to represent my players or stadia.
Kits


Schedule
MD1: Civil Citizenry vs. Swartaz
[Lagoon Road (10,750), Lagoon Town, Whirl Islands]
MD2: Civil Citizenry vs. Albundania
[Lagoon Road (10,750), Lagoon Town, Whirl Islands]
MD3: Civil Citizenry vs. Lonaga
[Lagoon Road (10,750), Lagoon Town, Whirl Islands]

[Civil Citizenry]

Whirl Islands has been a Rushmori fixture for as long as the average Citiz can remember. At least, geographically. Ignoring the huge Swartazian/Mytanar/Platinian land mass, the Islanders are located directly northwest from Civil Citizenry; Navel Island City is a popular tourist destination spot for the Citiz. But their involvement in regional or international sports has been minimal - so it was a surprise that they beat out Mytannion, Saugeais, and Mangolana, all of which being more traditional choices. Still, there has been widespread interest in Rushmore's premier football championship heading to southwest Rushmore, and the Citiz Football Administration (CFA) extended its support for the Whirl Islands Football Association (WIFA).

Then the WIFA made public the stadiums to be used for the competition, and controversy arose. The ten stadia that will be used for the group stage feature seating ranging from 10,000 to 23,000, numbers that millions of people across the continent have objected to. "Rushmore is crazy for football. How could the WIFA limit Rushmore to just a few thousand seats for every game?" questioned Maxwell Symington, a spokesperson for the CFA. "I know there are more than ten thousand Citiz who would pay top dollar for seats at a Civil Citizenry-Albundania or Civil Citizenry-Swartaz game."

Civil Citizenry will play its group stage matches at Lagoon Road, located in Lagoon Town, a city on the southern coast of Victoria Island. The stadium can fit just 10,750 fans, and that's on the small side. Still other stadiums could only hit a five-digit capacity with special arrangements to attach entire sections of seats. "It's almost unfathomable to consider only fifteen thousand people can see Cotdelapoms versus Mytannion," said Kent Brock, vice-president of sports-related information at Citiz ProAnalytics. "Islanders seem to be worried about which stadium their home team will be playing at, but that field will still be twice as big as most of the other places." One should note that Portomar Field, which will play host to all three of Whirl Islands' early-round games, is the only stadium in use that will even approach the size of arenas prepared for the last Copa Rushmori, held in Pays de Horreur and Palacios and Rodallega.

According to Symington, the CFA isn't quite sure how to allocate tickets for the national team's games. "There's been extreme demand for the Albundania and Swartaz games. Even as prices have gone up, there's still been strong demand. We've been trying to offer tickets for the Lonaga game as a sort of conciliatory offer, but lots of people are biting there, too. Whirl Islands is a popular tourist spot, and I'm sure people would like to get to Victoria Island any way they can."

Those who have not been as outraged about stadia size have questioned the Islanders' immigration policy regarding Mytanar "hooligans." It is very well-known that Mytannion is a hotbed for crime, especially by a particularly rebellious youth; but for a nation that has the laxest immigration laws one can imagine, Civil Citizenry has not reacted too well to Whirl Islands' announcement that no Mytanar with criminal problems will be allowed entry into the country. "They're scared," Brock put in. "First big tournament, you know, lots of pressure. What it tells me is that should there be some sort of violent outbreak, the WIFA doesn't have the strongest security backups in place to handle a situation as efficiently as a Copa Rushmori host nation should.

"You have to be silly to believe there won't be any confrontations between fans during this tournament," he added. "There are humongous rivalries that exist throughout Rushmore, and of course people are going to get drunk and may not be in possession of their common sense."

Despite the early difficulties, the sixth edition should shape up to be one of the most exciting. By consensus, the toughest group is Group D, featuring Queer Poco el Mono Ara, Cotdelapoms, Mytannion, and Erathore. Expectations are high for the Polarians, who should roll over the untested Kytlerians as well as The Kiaser Colonies and Camwood. None of the teams in Civil Citizenry's group have had much success in Rushmori tournaments; however, the competition will be nye-unto-impossible for the Citiz to qualify for the playoffs. Albundania is one of the multiverse's top ten football nations, and Swartaz is solidly in the top thirty. Both teams are having their struggles: neither reached the most recent World Cup proper, and while the former was not even invited to the Cup of Harmony in Civil Citizenry and Astograth, the latter did not respond to its invitation and were not entered.

It's a tall task for the Citiz to succeed at Lagoon Road, but a deep run is all that will save Ramsey Parris's job. The Citiz' early exit in the Cup of Harmony and its unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaign has lowered the head coach's job security. He will lead the youngest squad in team history, with an invigorated defense and an explosive attack. Still, it will take more than just talent to overcome heavily-favored groupmates (minus Lonaga).

[Southern Cynocephali]

---

Indican Morning Herald

---

Lucky draw after uninspired display

The Copa Rushmori campaign for Les Cynos started with a rather lacklustre display against Khabarovsk Krai. The often dull match finished tied at one all, a result both managers cannot complain about. The heat of the Narissan sunshine can probably account for what was at times largely lethargic play, as well as the general unwillingness of both teams to push forward up the field. The match was certainly not an advertisement for how exciting this sport can be.

The match started without a bang, as both sides eased into the match. Les Cynos had the better start but were unable to connect on the final ball. A long range shot from Cleo Barrasa flew well above the bar, and a shot from Bugay at the edge of the box skewed away off the edge of his foot, crossing the goal line closer to the corner post than the goal. A break on the counter for Khabarovsk Krai looked promising but Abdennour van der Moolen was closed down and jockeyed into touch by Greynold and the opportunity nullified.

The next counter was not so effectively dealt with by Les Cynos; as Abdennour van der Moolen took the ball again and was pushed out wide by the defence. The rest of the defenders coming through did not pick up the men in the box, and what should have been a simple cross for the defence to deal with found an unmarked Renso van der Linde who volleyed the ball home.

The goal did not do any wonders for the confidence who so recently finished third in the Cup of Harmony. Looking an entirely different team from their recent good form, Les Cynos were lucky not to concede another goal before half time. Quick distribution on the counter attack again found Les Cynos wanting, and a curling shot from Eppo Snepvangers was rewarded with a corner. As the ball came in from the corner post, Kluka was outjumped by Abdennour van der Moolen who headed the ball towards goal. Only the quick reflexes of Yuill saved the Cynoceph keeper, who fell on the ball and dragged it into his body before the attackers could pounce. The attackers from Khabarovsk Krai went up in unison claiming the ball crossed the line, but the referee waved play on after glancing over at the unmoving linesman.

The break seemed to have little effect on Les Cynos, who came out in the second half much as they had finished the first. The break also seemed to affect the momentum that Khabarovsk Krai had been building at the end of that period. For most of the second half the play was limited to the middle third, with both keepers seeing little action. Even the substitution of Yong Schweiss did not have its usual effect of bringing life to the midfield who all seemed to be longing for a break in their recently hectic schedule.

The substitution of Léon Lafontaine for Gauvain Mercier in the seventy-second minute seemed like one by a manager who had resigned himself to the loss. Representing his nation in the senior team for the first time, Lafontaine came on with the same energy he displayed at the Di Bradini Cup. His enthusiasm proved invaluable as the defence began to struggle to contain the young striker after a long match in the pervading heat.

A through ball from Cleo Barrasa found the substitute striker, who after beating Niko van Dijkhuizen pushed his shot just wide of the post. Nevertheless, the keeper Saville Deblois still stretched to push the ball wide, giving Les Cynos a corner unnecessarily. Zezima, who played the whole match and was a constant threat on the left, swung the ball into the box, and Lafontaine rose at the near post making contact with his head to flick the ball on. Deblois tried to come off the goal line to punch the ball clear but was unable to reach it. The ball found Neville Kluka, the tall defender who had pushed up for the corner, demonstrated his aerial ability by sending the ball towards goal. The efforts of Luca van Eekeren at the post were in vain as the ball flew over the right defender's head and into the goal.

Despite there still being just under ten minutes left in the match, both teams played as if they had done enough for the day and were looking forward to a post match shower. A few ambitious shots from range rounded out the match but neither goalkeeper was ultimately tested again during the match.

In the other Group H match, Nieuwe Sleeswijk easily accounted for Carmadin, winning by four goals to one. In what was an impressive display for their first international match, the Kooikerhondjes responded well after going a goal down early, ending the match in complete control. In order for Les Cynos to win the group they will have to hope this form was a one off and not a demonstration of the Kooikerhondjes performances to come. Les Cynos will be looking to push past the mysterious Carmadin in similar fashion in order to avoid a playoff spot or missing the next stage entirely.

[Astograth]

(Please note The Rumiatzi Sentinel is notoriously biased and unreliable. Reader discretion advised.)

Astograth 0 - West Zirconia 0
Pieran Robbed Of Win In Thrilling Match

In what was no doubt the most exciting encounter of the ongoing Copa Rushmori, the Astograthian offence completely overpowered the West Zirconian national team, except when it didn't, and came away with a scoreless draw that was a faithful reflection of only the majority of the match. At least two penalties in favour of Olibondeka were ignored by the referee, and a number of other dubious decisions that benefited the West Zirconians are now, regrettably, the main talking point.

Right from the start, Nanklares and Zornoza made life difficult for the opposition's goalie, keeping him on his toes and not firing once. To keep him guessing, you see; make him nervous. A new, bold plan from Pieran that seemed to be working until the first incident of note. Nanklares was dribbling past the defence, in the box, and was about to fire when he was brutally hammered down. The referee, however, mistakenly believed the striker would do something as innoble as diving and didn't just not concede the penalty but booked Nanklares! The foul was clear and no, at The Rumiatzi Sentinel we refuse to look at the replay that supposedly shows he dived. It disgusts us that someone would suggest an honest Astograthian would dive for a penalty.

This would repeat itself just before half-time, when the keeper quite clearly tripped Dicharry just inside the box. Professional foul! Red card! Penalty! No, the ref simply waved play on. So what if Dicharry took several further strides before falling down and clutching his ankle? Who hasn't had that happen to them? Astograth should've been 2-0 up by end of the first 45, and 'scum' was perhaps the most polite adjective thrown around at The Rumiatzi Sentinel headquarters.

In the second half it was the defenders' turn to shine, expertly repelling the West Zirconian forwards, except when they didn't. In which case, they expertly looked on as Larretape saved. Indeed, the Royal Rumiatzi goalkeeper proved he deserves to be a starter on the 'A' team, ahead of Zernin Aira, and not just because Aira played for the terrorist, separatist, anarchist organization known as Sporting Iturributa before moving to the adequately regal Royal Vosaroni Antenelli of Erathore.

In short, the match was high-end, thrilling stuff as opposed to the awfully boring pace of the Whirl Islands - Prince Berbatriz Island game or the meaningless, desensitizing goalfest that was Cotdelapoms - Mytannion. So there, sector-of-the-Whirl-Islands-media-we-are-legally-prohibited from-mentioning-by-name. And in response to a certain excessively rude letter to the editor from a Berbatrizian reader, which you can find prominently featured in the Letters to the Editor section, we are perfectly aware of where you are on our map. You are, however, what they call an "Acceptable Target for Ridicule". Turns out the joke's on you! Ha! Ha!

Ha.

[Nieuwe Sleeswijk]

On Nieuwe Sleeswijk Culture - Part 1

Nieuwe Sleeswijk is a federal nation, with each state having a large amount of control over their internal affairs. However, the general culture is one of open trade and the ability of people to travel freely between the states of the nation. The states do strongly correspond with ethnic divisions in the nation, with most people (more notably the ethnic rushmori - or Mori - groups) having strong familial ties to the state of their birth (or that of their family) and generally they will return to their home state for retirement.

Most people would refer to there being two main ethnic groups in Nieuwe Sleeswijk, the Dutch and the Mori, but this is misleading. The Dutch, making up something like 60% of the population usually find their homes in the three states of Nieuwe Sleeswijk (by far the most populous state in the nation), Rusmorland and the low population swampland of Oost state. There are another group of Europeans in the nation which are often overlooked - these are the Old Danes. They are people of Danish background who were discovered living in the eastern part of the nation by early Dutch settlers. The small number around the city of Våre have their own court system and practices, although they have adopted some parts of the Mori traditions in their practices. Nobody quite knows when these Danes arrived, but records suggest that they have been in the region since at least 1000 A.D.

The next ethnic group is of course the Mori (or the local ethnic Rushmoris), of course, to call these all Mori too often would probably cause offence to a large number of the 35% of the nations people. There are five main groups of Mori in Nieuwe Sleeswijk (and possibly others outside yet to reveal themselves), the largest and most prosperous are the Middle Mori otherwise known as the Tokai, these form the basis of Totk, Ter-tao and Matai-ala states, as well as the historical force in much of Nieuwe Sleeswijk. The Tokai have a reputation of being warlike, something they have taken into the commercial world in recent decades, with self-reliance and ability under-pressure being highly regarded in popular culture. The next largest is the Gogi Mori, the main "rival" to the Tokai with Awrgu being the main competitor to the Tokai's great city of Toltk in virtually every realm of commercial and cultural endeavours. The Gogi Mori cover the area of Gwru-gea and Eki-vai states, as well as historically controlling Rusmorland. The next largest group is the Water or Gu Mori, these inhabit the populous fishing and trading state of Oogu-gu in the south, the Gu Mori are typically seen as less violent and more compassionate than their northern compatriots, but they are second to none when it comes to hunting on the water.

The fourth group are the East or Gai Mori, these people tended to form lower population groups around the eastern swamps, covering non-Danish Våre-gagaia, Gëa and historically Oost states (although a notable number still inhabit the swamps of Oost). The most important thing to these groups culturally is the hunting of waterfowl. The swamps provide little in food except for geese, ducks and other such life which provides nutritious food for the Gai. With the arrival of hunting dogs like the Kooikerhondjes with the Dutch settlers, it has become more of a national culture, more notable in the east and south, but has become so important that the Dutch hunting dogs are the national animal.

The final group of Mori are the most notable of all, even through the smallest in number (just). The Marguza or Margmori cover the area of Marg state and are the main followers of an ancient cult of the Goddess of love, war and luck - Marguz. Marguz's favour is said to be bought by offering sacrifice of waterfowl or other birds, bringing bird hunting into a religious context. In western city communities of Marguza in the 1950s and 60s it became increasingly hard to follow their beliefs (as most waterfowl they could find were already dead and handily packaged ready to cook), a Dutch businessman in Zijpersluis took the opportunity to sell them rubber chickens from his run-down joke shop and thus travelling Marguza are often found to have rubber chickens on their person, ready to "sacrifice" if required to their deity.

Really shoddy map showing cultural divisions.

[Cotdelapoms]

Mytannion Shown Proper Place; Hunt Hat Trick!

Let's be honest, unless our Apples reach the semi finals or finals, interest in the Copa Rushmori here in Cotdelapoms just peaked. Any time we have a chance to remind Mytannion they are inferior to us in sport is a big deal, and they were left well reminded after day one of Copa Rushmori. The Mytanars were represented in the stands with a tamer than usual fanbase, owing to the harsh actions Ayacucho has taken against hooliganism. The match seemed like a Cotdelapoms' home match considering the location and the high percentage of the crowd's support for the Apples, and they responded in turn by defeating Mytannion 6-3 thanks to a huge hat trick from Montréal striker James Hunt.

Cotdelapoms were in charge of this match from the first whistle, scoring early and often, creating little tension considering the two clubs. The Hoops got a little aggressive near the end of the match, with a total of ten yellow cards handed out in this match (six for Mytannion, four for Cotdelapoms), but miraculously, no reds were handed out. Pascal-Luc Brillant was very lucky to avoid an ejection after a skirmish with Speic Fyfat, with both parties getting into a shoving match. Of course, Brillant was just responding to the typical thuggish behaviour of Fyfat, who might be trying to make himself a thorn in the side of the Apples in order to further the feud.

With the win, the Apples go into the match with QPeMA top of the group and hopeful for advancement into the second round. The Pocoans were impressive in their 2-1 win over Erathore. It'll be much harder for the Apples to get up for this one than it was for the Apples to prepare themselves for the Mytanars, which is really just a matter of national identity. It's pretty easy to want to beat Mytannion, just look at them!

[Swartaz]

The first game of a new manager's reign is never an easy one. He's new to the team, so he's mainly going on the basis that the team his predecessor left him is good enough to produce results good enough to raise his profile before he has the chance to stamp his own authority on the team. The new man at the helm, Gabriel Vizcarra, conformed to this today against Civil Citizenry, sticking out the exact team that started the 3-0 loss to Churchma at the end of World Cup 56 qualifying.

Having missed out on making the trip down to either Astograth or Civil Citizenry due to a short period of internal turmoil flooding the Swartazian football federation, we were on one hand raring to go and play some football as a team again, but on the other hand slightly rusty at this level of football. Gabriel told us to go out and try and nab an early goal, and for the first ten minutes we kept pumping the ball menacingly into the Civil Citizenry box, but to no avail, as Dasra and Klum failed to turn any of their early enthusiasm into anything useful score wise. However, the defence seemed to come into their own at the other end of the half, when Civil Citizenry started attacking at a canter, and if it wasn't for the heroics of (now injured) defender Fredrik Gaisban, they would have gone in at the break three goals to the good.

The new 'gaffer told us he was going to be employing a bit of squad rotation in this tournament, so he made all 3 regulation subs at half time, with Henrik Litremmen replacing the injured Gaisban, Kannesbourg on for Jasin, and Berghoff on for Klum. But out of the three, Berghoff was definitely the most effective, playing several great balls through to Dasra from his deep lying position, before he decided to go it alone after my lofted pass. He deftly flicked it over his head past one defender, took it round another, leaving him flat on his arse, put the ball through the sweepers legs before finishing with an expertly tailored curler into the top right had corner, raising everyone in the ground out their seats in applause. The cockey smile on the young guy's face told you all you needed to know about that goal, and it's goalscorer. Reinvigorated, we went in search of a second, but again to no avail, as Civil Citizenry packed men into their box and denied us at every turn.

I wont be playing the next game, and neither will a good few other established players, as the new manager attempts to get a feel for every player and how good they are before he heads into the 57th World Cup, armed with knowledge of every player in the squad's on field capabilities, along with what he has noticed in training. I would like to wish Dasra all the luck in the world in his first appearance as captain, at the tender age of 22. The iconic number 9 shirt back with an armband round it's sleeve eh? Best of luck to all the young lads playing tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be discussing another win coupled with a positive display when I next sit down to type out this blog.