Copa Rushmori XLVII - Everything Thread

by **Pasarga** » Thu Oct 31, 2024 11:07 am

Pasarga
Presents
Copa Rushmori XLVII

Groups

Group A
36. Olastor
24. Pasarga
27. Pridnestrovia
UR. Kordavia
15. The Kytler Peninsulae

Group B
28. Norrhem
UR. Three Golden Kingdoms
38. Qusmo
9. Gnejs
5. Zenic

Group C
4. Sargossa
32. Eastfield Lodge
18. Captina Island
UR. Northwest Pavola Republic
10. Oberour Ar Moro

Group D
8. Mytanija
17. Astograth
UR. Hispinas
31. Polar Islandstates
3. Elmyia

Group E
16. Kirungabi
22. Valladares
47. Frjálshöfn
1. Yuezhou
UR - Igratia

Group F
UR. Tero al Disco
2. Tikariot
19. Gatchingerrak Union
UR. Kalosia
13. Darmen

Schedule
Oct 31: Draw
Nov 1: Bye
Nov 2. Bye
Nov 3. MD1
Nov 4. Bye
Nov 5. MD2
Nov 6. Bye
Nov 7. MD3
Nov 8. Bye
Nov 9. MD4
Nov 10. Bye
Nov 11. MD5
Nov 12: Bye
Nov 13: Ro16
Nov 14. Bye
Nov 15. QFs
Nov 16. Bye
Nov 17. SFs
Nov 18: 3PPo
Nov 19. Final

Scorination will occur between 1 and 3 pm eastern (New York City) time, unless otherwise stated.

Fixtures
MD1: 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4, 1 Bye
MD2: 5 vs 3, 1 vs 2, 4 Bye
MD3: 3 vs 1, 4 vs 5, 2 Bye
MD4: 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, 5 Bye
MD5: 4 vs 2, 5 vs 1, 3 Bye
Ro16: Seeded Draw
QFs: R1vR2, R3vR4, R5vR6, R7vR8
SFs: Q1vQ2, Q3vQ4
3PPo: LS1vLS2
Final: WS1vWS2

by **Pasarga** » Thu Oct 31, 2024 11:08 am

Background
Pasarga was formed by the refugees of the fallen Persian empire following the invasion of Huns. They traveled for several months before they came upon a pair of uninhabited islands in the northwest of what they would later found out to be the region of Rushmore. Wishing to cast aside their failures, the citizens abandoned the majority of their Persian culture, including a hard line adaption of European names, though they retained their old religious practice of Zoroastrianism.

Following their settlement, the citizens decided to call themselves Pasargans after a fashion of those that they encountered on their sojourn calling them the Pariis. It was a tribute to what they had endured but also the promise of what could be rebuilt again. Rather than returning to a warlike people, they turned towards a cultural and spiritual way of life, keeping themselves mostly isolated from the outside world, apart from participation in the events like the World Cup.

Even as the years have passed, Pasarga still stays mostly an isolationist and peaceful pair of nations, relying notably upon the regional alliance of Eura and Polar Islandstates. They have turned to trade and sport as a way of measuring success, branching out of their shell if ever so slightly. The rural regions of the nation still strongly are mistrustful of foreigners and believe that little good can come them, with cities a necessary evil to conduct business.

Map of Pasarga

Weather
Pasarga enjoys a relatively mild and jungle-esque climate throughout the majority of the islands. Notable exceptions are Troubalose and Lunas which both are a few degrees cooler on average than the rest of the nation due to the northern peninsula positions against the cold waters of the Alban Strait. During summer, the majority of the nation averages a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, though with humidity averaging around sixty to eighty percent depending upon how close to the mountains and coast you are.

Transportation
While cars are not banned, it is preferred that the citizenry use the various forms of mass transit provided by the government to do their inner city travel. Light rail (including trolleys/cable cars), subways, as well as a bus system provide routes and stops to get to most locations within any of the major cities. Torgos, Targas, Paulinthal, Stein-los, Lunas, and Stilinkeep are all home to international airports for those wishing to fly into the country while most major cities have a smaller airport for domestic travel within the dual islands. Torgos, Lunas, and Paulinthal also are the three major ports of Pasarga and are well adjusted for any influx of passengers that route.

Stadiums
First match listed in a group takes place in the first listed stadium on each matchday.

Group A
Stade de Torgos (Torgos) - 90,000

The crown jewel of Pasargan footballing stadium, it is both the national stadium and the stadium of the club side Galatica. It was built to be a monument to the prowess that the Pasargan people can achieve whenever they put their minds to it and show the rest of the footballing community that they belong. Located in the heart of the capital, it is easy to reach from anywhere within the city and the noise created inside the stadium has been known to shake surrounding buildings whenever the Wanderers are playing.

Telathron (Targas) 72,000

One of the three stadiums being used that has retractable roofs, Telathron is located in the former footballing capital of the nation. Telathron was built as a supposed rival to Stade de Torgos to compete as the national stadium, but the arena feel to the stadium made it lose out. Despite that, it is still a modern stadium that offers the capability to keep the temperatures during the games at a comfortable seventy-five degrees whenever the roof is closed.

Group B
Kilmonarch (Stein-los) - 72,000

Stein-los welcomes any and all travelers to its borders with open arms. Long since believed to be the footballing capital of the nation, usurping the title from both Torgos and Targas, the chance to host the World Cup has the Stein-losians ecstatic. Kilmonarch, the best of which Stein-los has to offer, is a stadium built just a short twenty or so years before with all the latest amenities meant to attract UICA final bids that never really formulated. All the same, this football crazy city is ready to put on a show for all those who are sent to play matches in their jewel.

Albrecht Road (Stein-los) 57,000

Being the home of Stein-los Turkish, the sister club of once famous Albrecht Turkish, Albrecht Road was named after the sister club and designed with Canderlarian architecture in mind. The locale is supplied with food and art from the nation to the northwest, to give even more homage to the once great club for with the stadium is named.

Group C
Stilinkeep Stadium (Stilinkeep) 64,000

The second of the retractable roof stadiums, it offers the same services that Telathron does but in the comforts of Peynol's most diverse city. Filled with immigrants from all over the known world, Stilinkeep is a diverse and culturally rich city. Museums and art galleries dot its downtown sector as well as a rustic feel to the city with many of the original buildings built of brick still standing despite more modern facilities and sectors popping up around the city. It is truly a melting pot of different ideas and cultures that have found a balance between the old and the new, much the same as their stadium shows.

Stadium of the Moon (Lunas) - 84,000

Lunas is the de facto capital on Peynol, the largest city on the second island, as well as the one with the most wealth. It suffers from dreadfully cool temperatures compared to the rest of the nation due to its location out on the peninsula. This has hardened the citizens who live in Lunas, who call themselves the "Kings of the Strait", with the Alban Strait to their north. There is also a great devotion to the moon in Lunas, as the largest of the stadium suggests, with crescents found in various art forms across the city. There is a very spiritual feel in Lunas and football itself is something of a ritual, with the walk from the "Stalking Dragon", the largest pub, to the stadium every weekend there is a match. Visitors are encouraged to partake in these rituals or at least be respectful of them.

Group D
Taltron Park (Torgos) - 66,000

Home to perhaps the most successful of the three capital clubs in Baskita FC, Taltron is the stadium usually forgotten in the capital. It is neither as big nor as fancy as Stade de Torgos, but located within a city park itself, it offers a serene surrounding and tranquil environment. Even the games inside the stadium are less rowdy than the rest of the city and nation.

Silverthal (Torgos) 60,000

Not nearly as impressive on first glance as the Stade de Torgos, nonetheless Silverthal is itself quite a magnificent stadium in the nation's capital. Home to Fetherdron United, the stadium is unfortunately constantly bouncing back and forth between the first and second tier of Pasargan football as the Eagles are something of the yo-yo club. Located more in the inner city of the capital, it is surrounded by both residential areas as well as numerous examples of Pasargan culture for visitors to enjoy before or after a match.

Group E
Stein-los Stadium (Stein-los) 59,000

Despite being home to the least popular of the three major clubs from Stein-los, Stein-los stadium is the oldest stadium to be used. Despite its age, it still is one of the treasures in the nation, with its seats draped in the green of Club Stein-los and the Smoking Brickhouse pub that is attached to the stadium's north end, making it a must see destination to all football purists and tourists visiting Pasarga.

San Daros (Paulinthal) - 64,000

Home to the famous, or infamous depending upon where you're from, CA Paulinthal. San Daros is a stadium that intimidates it opposition, with the away locker room purposely being built to only 400 square feet in order to unnerve the opposing team before the match even begins. Being a port city, Paulinthal is home to a large immigrant city, but in particularly a very large hispanic population. As such, it is not uncommon to hear a variety of accents of Spanish and even Portuguese being spoken while walking the streets, as well as other vestiges of hispanic culture like taquerias and mariachi bands.

Group F
Stadium of the Sun (Belja) 56,000

The second largest stadium in Peynol, the Stadium of the Sun is home to FC Belja in the southern tip on Peynol's central region. Belja has a very humid climate that many traveling players find difficult to play in, while it provides the sort of year round comfortable temperatures that make it a popular winter retreat for those looking to escape the cold season. While not as rich as Lunas, nor as historical significant as Stilinkeep, Belja still stands as a testament to how far Pasarga has come with its diverse array of food selections and the calm demeanor that so often comes by the sea.

Crescent Park (Lunas) 50,000

From one of the oldest stadiums, to one of the more recent one, Crescent Park is located near the waterfront in Lunas and home to Peynol-Lunas. The stadium has many modern amenities, including a retractable roof that was installed for use with the city being somewhat infamous for its peculiar weather that includes strong storms coming in from the north. For fans of modern comfort while watching a game, this is the place to be.

by **Igratia** » Thu Oct 31, 2024 11:45 am

Copa Rushmori XLVII

Igratia National Football Team

STAFF
Head Coach: Eleiran Bonshoms (Oberour Ar Moro), age 52
Assistant Coach: Brian Arkwright, age 46

STARTING 11
GK 13 Joe Lund, age 32
DF 7 Jack Vale, age 29 Captain
DF 25 Todd Black, age 25
DF 19 Calvin Harrison, age 33
DF 24 Ray Chaney Jr., age 29
MF 6 Noah Foreman, age 26
MF 18 Jeff Pierce, age 29
MF 9 Scott Sutton, age 31 Vice-Captain
MF 15 Leigh Carroll, age 27
FW 5 Stetson Winsett, age 26
FW 22 Johnny Perrow, age 27

RESERVES
GK 1 Matt Dowdle, age 34
GK 21 Levi Black, age 21
DF 2 Edgar Crain, age 30
DF 16 Aiden James Roberts, age 27
DF 10 Keane Langwell, age 28
DF 3 Dallas Tomlin, age 22
DF 8 Glen Sleight, age 34
MF 12 Joey Wilcox, age 21
MF 23 Aaron Shackleford, age 23
MF 4 Darrell Loach, age 35
MF 20 Chad Bradford, age 30
MF 14 Quin Inscoe, age 29
FW 11 Garrett "Whirlwind" Womack, age 25
FW 17 Thad Clines, age 31
FW 26 Chris Rose, age 18

Formation: 4-4-2, 0 Style Modifier

RP Permissions
If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

by **Gnejs** » Thu Oct 31, 2024 12:29 pm

WCQ squad

Formation:
4-3-3

Style Modifier:
+3

Nickname:
The Dandelions/The Quiet Dignity

Uniforms (Supplied by Siru) - Home/Away

There are bad vibes in the Prosaic Union world of football. At least in the Prosaic Union Football Federation (PUFF). There’s discord amongst the troops (which is what bureaucrats often like to refer to themselves as) regarding the future of national team head coach, Enda Clentin of the Delte valley. Whereas some stand firm in their belief that Clentin is destined to usher in greatness, others have wavered and proclaim all this talk about manifest destiny utter papperlapapp. There’s polarization in the office. It’s civil war. Or maybe a cold war. A tepid feud at the very least. Will it go as far as murder? Probably most definitely not. But the tension is still pretty unbearable.

As for the team? Let’s not complicate things and just state that they continue to sport their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with a relatively high defensive line combined with high pressing by the forwards (known as the Stoic Press). Expectations ahead of the Copa are modest.

Team Roster (domestic team and age):
GK: #1 Aristocles Svendsen (IFK Segeltorp, 26)
GK: #27 Theodor Snöstorm (Storängens IF, 23)
RD: #2 Daniel Jones (IFK Hagen, 33)
RD: #3 Frank Frallis (IFK Segeltorp, 24)
RD: #4 Johannes Runarsson (Allmänna Gränd IF, 25)
CD: #5 Karl-Johan Kärv (Vasakamraterna, 30)
CD: #6 Hibiskus Andersson (FC Städeli, 27)
CD: #7 Lennart Horndal (Allmänna Gränd IF, 31)
CD: #28 Valdemar Unge (IFK Segeltorp, 19)
LD: #8 Carl-Johan Hansson (Lokomotiv Esaias, 29)
LD: #9 August Bjørneboe (Fort Viljan Northern FC, 32)
LD: #10 Carl Benedictsen (Fort Viljan Northern FC, 29)
M: #11 Niels-Petter Skog (Allmänna Gränd IF, 27)
M: #12 Nicomachus Hansson (Sportiv Club de Nasional Eolorent, 27)
M: #13 Didrik Nes (Kejm BK, 33)
M: #14 Cratylus Hansen (Fort Viljan Northern FC, 33)
M: #15 Edward Drange (Briskeby BK, 33)
M: #16 Samuel Falkmar** (Port Rhovanyon AFC, 31)
M: #17 Sigurd Åboo (Vasakamraterna, 34)
M: #18 Lukas Fager (Rodion F.C, 28)
M: #19 Rasmus Lamm (Vasakamraterna, 26)
M: #30 Örjan Skog (Storängens IF, 21)
M: #31 Menexenus Johansson (IFK Nordstiernan, 24)
F: #20 Thrasymachos Andersson (Lokomotiv Esaias, 25)
F: #21 Cornelis Ceder (Fort Viljan Northern FC, 36)
F: #22 Georg Bardo (Banque Sept-Nat (BSN), 31)
F: #23 Nikolaj Fjällstrand (Lokomotiv Esaias, 25)
F: #24 Nicho Tistel (Lokomotiv Esaias, 24)
F: #25 Mikkel Bukt (Benson Foxes, 26)
F: #26 Karl Sol (Lokomotiv Esaias, 27)
F: #29 Torkel Mack (IFK Hagen, 28)

** Samuel Falkmar has dual Gnejs/Tikariot citizenship and has elected to represent the Prosaic Union.

Coach:
Enda Clentin (Delte)
Assistant Coach:
Timotej Hansson (PUG)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Y
Give yellow cards to my players: Y
Give red cards to my players: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y.
Style mod: +3

About the Prosaic Union

The Prosaic Union of Gnejs – commonly abbreviated PUG, colloquially called 'The Union', often nicknamed 'The Rock' – is a country located in the far north-east of Rushmore. A constant source of bewilderment for many, the name Gnejs comes from the native word for the type of metamorphic rock called gneiss in English and German. The root of the word is believed to derive from the High German gneist, meaning roughly 'spark', the link being that the rock glitters. Gneiss is a common rock type across the territory making up the modern-day nation and has historically been a readily used building material component.

A vast and sparsely populated land, The Union covers about 1 220 000 square kilometers and has a population of just under 14 million. It is divided into four big regions – Berg (north), Birka (east), Ängby (west) and Vika (south) – which in turn are divided into counties and municipalities. The Interior comprises an immense area of more or less untouched wilderness at the heart of the country's inland and covers parts of all four regions. The capital city is called Port Kejm and is located on the coast in the region of Birka.

People in general are quiet and reserved. While idle small talk without purpose amongst strangers might be considered appropriate and expected in some places, in The Union it is usually frowned upon and considered bothersome. The native tongue is called 'Gnejsian' (native: gnejsiska) and has a long and rich history. There's an abundance of regional dialects, some so distinct from others that many have suggested they really constitute different – albeit strongly related – languages. It is common to divide the many dialects into three different 'families', north-eastern (OOC: Norwegian), western (OOC: Swedish) and southron (OOC: Danish). Children learn English (known in The Union as 'the common tongue') from the age of five, and the population at large is generally considered to be fluent.

by **Yue Zhou** » Thu Oct 31, 2024 7:24 pm

THE UNITED REPUBLICS OF YUEZHOU
COPA RUSHMORI 47 ROSTER
月州联合共和国 - 国际足球队

It's a new era for the Dragons, as Elaine Ashdown leaves after nine years in charge of the national team. While Ashdown brought the Dragons to unprecedented heights, achieving third place in the Copa Rushmori and Yuezhou's first-ever quarterfinals berth in the World Cup, the YFA felt Yuezhou were stagnating under her watch and opted to move on. Up next is legendary Mytanar manager Lev Repin, last seen bringing Chromatika within ninety minutes of the World Cup. He'll have a tough task in front of him - building a winning team without talismanic midfielder Pan Xilei, who has retired, and star striker Leona Tsang, who is missing the Copa with injury. But it would still be unwise to count out Rushmore's #1 team, even in a transitional phase.

Badge and kits designed by Txakhaxi's Tahuatxi Storefront.

Home, Away, and GK kits designed by Tahautxi. See the video reveal here.

FAST FACTS

Nickname: The Dragons
Manager: Lev Repin (MYT)
Captain: Zhao Deliang
Vice Captains: Kara Mingsdottír Zhang, Huang Han
Penalty Takers: Kara Mingsdottír Zhang -> Jia Luka Siski -> Songwei Milosevic -> Zheng Hong -> Dong Yichun
Formation: 3-4-1-2
First-choice Starting Lineup: ZHAO Deliang (Atletik); Esekíel Zeminsson YAO (Ararat), ZHAO Fan (West Couno), DENG Daiyu (Newark Argyle); HUANG Han (Istria City), ZHAXI Jianzan (Serrapince), DONG Yichun (Kirkenes), Songwei MILOSEVIC (Eikborg Club); Kara Mingsdottír ZHANG (Liria); ZHENG Hong (West Couno United), JIA Luka Siski (Algolia)
Surnames: Generally written before given names except for certain dual nationals; e.g. Wan Sheping's surname is "Wan" and his given name is "Sheping". The Chinese characters are also listed for starters' names.
Style Modifier: +2.25

RP Permissions:
Preferred Goalscorers: None preferred, feel free to consult the below guide for help
Godmod scoring events: TG/DM before doing so
RP injuries to my players: Yes (I determine severity)
Godmod injuries to my players: TG/DM before doing so
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, TG/DM if more than one
Godmod other events: TG/DM before doing so
Other: If you plan to RP the match extensively, please mention by players by name (as opposed to “the Yue striker…” or similar). Please consult me before using images meant to represent my players.

MOST LIKELY TO...
Score a Goal - Jia Luka Siski, Zheng Hong, Kara Mingsdottír Zhang
Score from Distance - Kara Mingsdottír Zhang, Songwei Milosevic, Jia Luka Siski
Assist a Goal - Kara Mingsdottír Zhang, Huang Han, Zheng Hong
Score off a Header - Esekíel Zeminsson Yao, Jia Luka Siski, Zhaxi Jianzan
Win a Free Kick/Penalty - Kara Mingsdottír Zhang, Zheng Hong, Songwei Milosevic
Get Sent Off - Zhaxi Jianzan, Sha Jian, Esekíel Zeminsson Yao
Get a Yellow Card - Zhaxi Jianzan, Deng Daiyu, Esekíel Zeminsson Yao
Come Through in the Clutch - Kara Mingsdottír Zhang, Songwei Milosevic, Jia Luka Siski

thanks to Mytanija for providing this information.

3-4-1-2 – IN POSSESSION
In possession the 3-5-2 becomes almost a 3-2-5 with the wing-backs pushing high up the pitch to operate in what would almost be traditional winger positions. They are tasked with staying wide to provide the midfielders with options out on the flank, this should also keep the opposition players stretched across the pitch in their defensive shape which would open up spaces in more central areas. The two strikers will rotate in dropping in between the opposition defence and midfield whilst the left-sided central midfielder will look to push into spaces that are vacated by opposition defenders. This is done in this way because the striker who drops deep may drag an opposition defender into a midfield area and leave space for the left-sided central midfielder to run into. The central midfielders will be tasked with recycling possession and trying to pick passes from the middle of the pitch, they will also make late runs into the penalty area to try and pick up any loose balls around the edge of the box. The three central defenders will push high up to the halfway line to squeeze the pitch and keep opposition forwards far away from the goal in case of a loss of possession. Defenders that are comfortable in possession will be allowed freedom to dribble forward if the opposition stand-off them as this could make it easier to progress the ball and could commit opposition defenders which would create space for other players.

3-5-2 – OUT OF POSSESSION
If the ball is lost, both wing-backs will work hard to immediately get back into defensive positions, almost forming a back five with the three central defenders. Both strikers will work hard to press opposition players, willing to give away fouls to prevent the opposition from counter-attacking at speed. Whoever plays as the left-sided central midfielder midfielder may join in with this pressing but against strong opposition they may also drop deep to form a midfield three with the other pair of central midfielders to try and stiffen up the centre of the pitch. Towards the halfway line both the central midfielders will press and try to push the opponent into wider areas with the aim being to either trap them on the sideline or to encourage an aimless pass from the wide position into the middle of the pitch where there are more Mytanar players. If the opposition manage to counter quickly then the wide central defenders will look to engage any players breaking down the sides of the pitch whilst the man in the middle of the three will shift across to cover them. The central midfielders will also tend to drop very quickly leaving only the attacking midfielder and strikers higher up the pitch.

COACHING STAFF

Manager: Lev REPIN, 67 (MYT)
The YFA moves from one legend of the game to another: Repin, after 177 caps with Mytanija as a fullback during his playing career, has become one of the multiverse's best-known managers. After returning his home country to the World Cup, he then moved to Chromatika, where he took the Anomalies to the World Cup Final. Both incredibly passionate and tactically innovative, Repin will hope to bring a third national team to success as he takes over the Dragons on a two-cycle contract.

Assistant Manager: CHEN Haixuan, 52
The up-and-coming Chen Haixuan earned the job after managing Beian Rovers from lower midtable to the heady heights of...also lower midtable. He's at least a likeable guy who should help communicate Repin's vision and keep things friendly in the dressing room, and will serve as a valuable bridge between the Ashdown and Repin administrations.

Assistant Manager: YUAN Mingrong, 38
A legendary center-back for Ararat and the Yue national team, Yuan now makes his coaching debut with the national team he captained for several cycles. He'll be expected to focus on the defense and the locker-room, although unnamed sources have suggested he's also being groomed to be the next Dragons manager.

Goalkeeping Coach: Ursula GAVARIS, 45 (NPH)
Yue National Team Goalkeeping Coaches have been very in-demand lately, with Lu Qiang headed to the Red League and Ming Xilang off to Quebec. The Dragons will hope that the Zenith veteran who last kept goal for Alliance Barossia won't follow in their footsteps too quickly.

GOALKEEPERS

#01 - GK - ZHAO Deliang (赵德亮) - 33 - Atletik Thessia (MYT)
A goalkeeping phenom who won a historic Golden Ball (both in terms of position and age) en route to Jiangdong's first league title in years before becoming even more successful abroad. A cool, confident, and physically imposing general on the pitch, albeit a bit traditionalist in playstyle.

#12 - GK - Elaine XU (f) - 28 - Newark Argyle (TMB)
Known for her distribution as well as her heroics outside of the penalty box, Xu's family escaped to Tumbra at the outbreak of the Yue Civil War, but the young, flashy goalkeeper is now back. She was expected to present a long-term challenge to Zhao Deliang's starting spot, but Zhao's ascension into a higher level, combined with the emergence of a number of other young goalkeepers, have thrown her future with the national team into question despite steady success at the club level.

#79 - GK - Timofei TRISCHUK-HUANG - 25 - Avondale Beach (SYL)
The son of former South Newlandian NT captain Mikhail Trischuk, Trischuk-Huang is a lanky, athletic shot-stopper with flashes of passing talent. Calling him up early ensured the Newlandians wouldn't get him for the Campionato, but he's now a solid starter in Sylestone and a genuine threat to take one of the spots on the World Cup Proper roster.

CENTER-BACKS

#05 - CB - Esekíel Zeminsson YAO (姚真君) - 28 - Ararat Severyan (MYT)
While he's not quite a BFG, Esekíel Yao is still quite physically imposing, and compensates for average speed with strong defensive instincts, good short-range passing, and the ability to perform under pressure. Does have a prospenity to foul in dangerous areas and overrate his own passing instincts, but one can hope that'll go away in time. Idolized Yuan Mingrong growing up, and was given Yuan's #5 after playing by his side for two seasons at Ararat.

#36 - CB - ZHAO Fan (f) (赵範) - 26 - West Couno United (TMB)
Excellent on-ball skills for a defender, with her passing especially solid, but can be overly rash to tackle. Still, despite her aggression, she's rapidly grown into a key piece for the surprise Tumbran champions, and she's quickly grown into an integral part of the Yue defense.

#15 - RCB - DENG Daiyu (f) (邓黛玉) - 32 - Newark Argyle (TMB)
A physical, aggressive defender who's also weirdly good at line-breaking passes. Captained Jiangdong Tycoons before their relegation, earning a transfer to a much higher-quality league in the process. Now, she's matured into an excellent defender, albeit one that will never make the headlines if things go smoothly.

#35 - CB - SHA Jian - 31 - Knetyohai City FC (CMT)
A physically imposing, hard-tackling center-back with enough on-ball skill to get by. Also somewhat hotheaded, with a tendency to pick up lots of cards.

#27 - CB - JI Wenwei - 24 - Olympia Borograd (STL)
A young but surprisingly polished center-back who anchored Royals' title-winning defense before heading abroad, Ji has well-honed defensive instincts and positioning - but there are concerns that he's a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect who lacks the athleticism needed to become a world-class defender.

#44 - RCB/RB - Jason Yuanjunsson REN - 24 - CF Outineau (KSK)
A sturdy, hard-working right-back known for his tactical fouls. Theoretically has the ball skills and tools to be useful on the attack, but hasn't quite put them together. Has taken the number 44, the first Yueren to ever do so on the national team, after his initial request to take #4 was flatly denied by the YFA.

FULLBACKS

#14 - LB/LWB - HUANG Han (黃翰) - 30 - Istria City FC (BNJ)
An energetic, pacy wingback who thrived as a crosser in Olympic Nangang's three-at-the-back system, before excelling both as a winger and as a fullback in the proving grounds of Kelssek, where he earned consideration for Young Player of the Year with Torbay Thunder. Now in the S-FPL and reinstated as a starter, the only remaining questions around his game are whether or not he actually wants to be a defender.

#13 - RB/RWB - Songwei MILOSEVIC (米松伟) - 25 - Eikborg Club (SEM)
Born to Mytanar steelworker parents in Beian, Milosevic is industrious off the field but made waves with a high-flying, attack-minded take on the rightback position. While still raw, his incredible endurance and strong ball skills could make him a great modern fullback. A strong performance during the previous qualifiers has led to a torch-passing moment, as he takes over for the legendary Dong Xiaowang at starting right-back.

#02 - LB - Gía Ansdottír LIN (f) - 24 - Tekstil (MYT)
A very athletic, talented young fullback, but one with much stronger defensive than attacking instincts. Her leadership and sense of positioning could make her future club captain material, but she'll need to cut down on fouls and develop a crossing game to reach her full potential. Has been through a lot in her young career, from double-relegation as a teenager in Ko-oren to blatant sexism in the Kytler Peninsulae, but enjoyed a breakout campaign last season in Mytanija.

#38 - RB/RW - LI Xiangyu - 28 - Nangang Royals
A pacy fullback whose penchant for pushing forwards with the ball helped add a new dimension to Royals' title-winning attack. Somewhat weaker defensively, but will present a nice change of pace from the more methodical Yuanjunsson Ren.

#19 - CAM/CM/RB - Maximillian WEN - 24 - Miruan City FC (TKT)
A swiss-army-knife of a player that has quickly endeared himself to his team's fans and Elaine Ashdown alike. Wen's biggest strengths are his versatility and tenacity. But he's far from a high-motor, low-skill player, having shown advanced playmaking talents for his age in Tikariot.

HOLDING MIDFIELDERS

#29 - CDM/CM - ZHAXI Jianzan (f) (扎喜坚赞) - 29 - Serrapince (TMB)
A hard-nosed defensive midfielder who will do anything on the field to win - and who has the athletic ability and field vision, if not a full suite of on-ball tools yet, to make it happen. Not related to Zhaxi Nanlei.

#17 - CM - DONG Yichun (f) (董依纯) - 24 - Kirkenes (KSK)
A metronomic presence in midfield despite her young age, with some flashes of creativity. Has quietly become one of the best Yue midfielders in the world after a surprisingly good season with Kirkenes, with an inability to be pressed that the Dragons sorely need from their midfield options. Now makes her breakthrough to the starting lineup under Repin.

#28 - CM - GUAN Teying - 25 - Millsburgh Revolutionaries (TMB)
A smooth, metronomic presence in the center of the pitch, Guan's next developmental step will be to hone his defensive instincts - something he's already made great strides at in Nephara before heading to Millsburgh.

#80 - CM - Brynjólfur Zhenyasson ZHANG - 26 - Crossroads (CMT)
Born and raised in Græntfjall, but the son of Yuezhou NT midfielder Zhang Zhenya, it was anyone's guess who Zhang was going to declare for. Just like Kara Mingsdottír Zhang (no relation), though, he opted for the side with a paucity of talented young midfielders. After returning to Yuezhou at his father's urging and surprising everyone by becoming the linchpin of Royals' attack at a young age, he headed to the Red League to further prove himself. A dynamic 8/10 hybrid who moves quickly with and without the ball, and who offers relentless energy on the defensive end. Dropped out of the NT midway through World Cup 96 due to the stress of the situation in Græntfjall, but seems to be back to full strength.

#25 - CDM/CB - Rutger ZHOU - 25 - Southfell United (NPH)
The dual national was a bit of a left-field pick from Ashdown: he's a center-back in the Nepharan second tier who'll be playing out of position for a country whose language he barely speaks. But he showed grit, athleticism, and enough on-ball ability to look like a midfielder if you squint in the World Cup, so Repin's actually kept him around as a tactical curveball.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

#08 - CM/CAM - Kara Mingsdottír ZHANG (f) (张白兰) - 29 - Liria Prizren (MYT)
The YFA spent a lot of time and effort convincing Karolíná Mingsdottír to declare for Yuezhou's national team instead of Græntfjall's, but it's become apparent that the young midfielder was worth the trouble. A well-rounded midfield prospect whose speed and technique makes her devastating on the counterattack, and who has a propensity for scoring wondergoals. Has seriously come into her own at Liria, becoming one of Rushmore's most promising young talents at attacking midfield.

#11 - RW - LU Qiuying (f) - 23 - Yassaca FC (SRS)
Pacy and surprisingly skilled on the ball; at her best when cutting inside to shoot. Provides a nice tactical contrast that may actually better fit the team's style, but the team understandably has concerns that one good season, no matter how good the league is, might not be enough to translate to the international level.

#31 - CAM/SS - YAO Liwei - 24 - Olympique Isbècque (CNR)
An excellent runner on counterattacks and a dynamic and willing passer, somewhat in the Tao Beiliang mold. Similarly to Tao, doesn't do much on defense, and was moved progressively upfield by his coaches after starting his career as a #8.

STRIKERS

#09 - ST - JIA Luka Siski - 23 - Algolia (SRS)
Since arriving in Beian, the Lit™ striker has taken the Yue league by storm, scoring fifty-nine goals in seventy-three matches in the past two seasons. While most comfortable pouncing on loose balls or latching onto through-balls near the goal, Jia has both the skill and athleticism needed to round out his game. The next few years will be critical for the young striker's development - he's already secured a move abroad to Algolia, but will his national team career find the same trajectory?

#32 - ST/RW - ZHENG Hong (f) (郑虹) - 28 - West Couno United (TMB)
A hardworking and athletic attacker, Zheng still lacks a bit of finesse and can look quite awkward at times. Still, she always seems to get the ball where she wants it to be, and she's actually quite the composed finisher if you look at the xG.

#33 - ST - Sienna LI (f) - 26 - Rolalas FC (VAL)
A Nepharan dual national, Li grew up idolizing Liu Huiying and definitely adopted some of the ex-Corvistone star's game to her own. Stronger, less agile, and more of a traditional nine than Liu, but still likes to drop deep and distribute when the opportunity presents itself.

#31 - SS/LW - ZHU Tianming - 28 - Beian Bats
A versatile attacker most at home in a false-nine role, Zhu's physicality lets him hold up the ball before using his surprisingly good passing chops to distribute to teammates. He's not blazing fast, but he's quick and shifty enough to also play an inside-forward role on the wings, popping up when you least expect it to latch onto a cross or head home from close range.

by **Zenic** » Fri Nov 01, 2024 4:35 pm

The Empire of Zenic National Futbol Team

Nickname: The Survivors
Formation: 3-5-2
Style Modifier: +2

Federation President: Luke Killian (59 years old)
Minister of Sports: Alaia Dimi (58 years old)
Deputy Minister of Sports: Heung Soo-min (51 years old)
Manager: Geraldo Zys (45 years old)
Asst. Manager: Mara Tapi (35 years old)
GK coach: Toms Elwin (38 years old)
Doctor: Dr. Dina Mihail (64 years old)

Kit (Provided by Barrengeka)

Starting XI:
GK - Saúl Mosley (#1, 30 years old, Gehrenna FC

)
RCB - Thuan Byford (#4, 30 years old, First FC of Avanaroch

)
CB - Kian Hodge (#3, 28 years old, FC1. Bjarnarey Flotilla

)
LCB - Burley Trac (#2, 30 years old, East Franz Athletic

)
RWB - Undeio Dettmann (#7, 26 years old, North Star Grimsey

)
RCM - Nelson Seamons (#6, 27 years old, Kyethas Rivermen FC

)
CM - Faulkner Dejulio (#8, 27 years old, Real Anasb

)
LCM - Hank Devor (#5, 26 years old, Avondale Beach

)
LWB - Nakazawa Shuji (#11, 25 years old, Heart of Saguenay

)
RF - Giuseppe Allegri Gentile (#9, 28 years old, Passerine

)
LF - Cecil Maruscak (#10, 29 years old, Capitol Athletic

)

Bench:
GK - Landon Hope (#12, 24 years old, Hawthorne United

)
CB - Floryan Dubravko (#15, 25 years old, Northbrook Diamonds FK

)
CB - Ohara Satoshi (#14, 28 years old, Emberton Hibernians

)
CB - Gopal Pekko (#13, 24 years old, Olympique Yvesmont

)
RWB - Maximon Nance (#18, 26 years old, Melville Celtic

)
CM - Abdullah Vasil (#17, 27 years old, KF Qastyr

)
CM - Wanyonyi Lawal (#19, 26 years old, Gimnasia y Bala

)
CM - Lew Anton (#16, 30 years old, Gimnasia y Bala

)
LWB - Altwidus Aeneas (#22, 26 years old, Torbay Thunder

)
RF - Sumida Nori (#20, 28 years old, Omnio

)
LF - Pilypas Aldhard (#21, 25 years old, Moncloa

)

Kick Takers:
Left corner - Undeio Dettmann
Right corner - Nakazawa Shuji
Free Kick - Faulkner Dejulio
Penalty - Giuseppe Allegri Gentile

Tactics:
Manager Geraldo Rys and his assistants Mara Tapi and Toms Elwin have decided to implement a slightly aggressive 3-5-2 formation during their tenure as Zenic's national team staff. This formation is intended to maximize the wingbacks' strengths without neutralizing the rest of the team's impact. The young wingbacks' stamina allows them to go forward and cautiously assist in attack to create goal-scoring chances while still being able to get back and provide numbers to stop opposition scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Center-backs, Central Midfielders and Forwards create a solid pillar through the heart of the pitch that is intended to both be an alternative route to goal scoring and a multi layered obstruction to the opponents.

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

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

Home Stadium:
Philosophia Colosseum
Location: Manacus
Capacity: 106,255

Notes:
Expectations continue to grow higher and higher for this version of the Survivors as they come off of a second trip to the knockout stages of the World Cup, this time losing to third place Tikariot in the newly introduced Round of 32. Now, they hope to buck the recently growing trend of eliminations in the early knockout stages of tournaments and get back to the Copa Rushmori final, with the focus on starting with the 47th Copa Rushmori. It isn’t a make or break situation but the FZF certainly hope fortune turns back into the Empire’s favor sooner rather than later.

by **Pasarga** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 10:05 am

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Pasarga Roster
Nickname: Wanderers
Most Caps: Mór Császár (196)
Most Goals: Ingþór Auðbjörnsson (124)

Kits

Home Away Third
Modifier: +1

Manager: Ingþór Auðbjörnsson, age 54
Assistant: Jürgen Eisenhower, age 52

Goalkeepers
GK: Maja Topić, age 30, Brantisvogan

(F)
GK: Olivér Szatmári, age 33, Sardin United
GK: Kardos Szûcs, age 26, Club Stein-los

Thor has brought in accountability to the team and that takes the shape in taking players who are in form rather than just being a big name playing at a big club. That leaves Maja Topić surprisingly grabbing the number one shirt, though it is not without merit as her reflexes helped take Brantisvogan up to the top of the table and conceding less than a goal a game on average. She's developed into a real special talent, now it is her time to prove that she can do it with the national team as well as she does it at the club level. Olivér Szatmári might feel a bit aggrieved, having been relatively consistent for Sardin for years, but you can't discount the title credentials and looking forward, Maja is a few years younger and can prove more than a single cycle solution. That being said, he's a top tier domestic keeper and will be quite ready to fill in should he need be called upon. Kardos Szûcs gets the last call up for the keepers after a decent season with Club Stein-los but that the former U21 player being called upon does show that the pool looks shallow, a concern Thor had addressed in his initial press conference for all position. While good, it will be concerning if Kardos sees any time here in the Finals.

Defenders
LB: Slava Jakšić, age 30, Megabrantid

(F)
LB: Kati Máté, age 31, Jaglan Royals

(F)
CB: Margo Szôts, age 28, Syneca

(F)
CB: Irena Horvat, age 30, Avidë (F)
CB: Kamil Schneider, age 25, Sardin United
CB: Zétény Szatmári, age 26, Burnaby SC

CB: Ramih Juwain Nazari, age 24, Stein-los Turkish
RB: Remi van Blijderveen, age 30, Sardin United (F)
RB: Mislav Ivančić, age 30, Alnio

With lots of movement in the past two transfer windows, there has also been a shuffle in the backline, with Thor clearly respecting the league in Squornshelous, as three players from the defense playing there and five players overall. Slava Jakšić wins the duel on the left side with a better showing during the season with Megabrantid and concerns that Kati Máté has been slowing down over the last season. Both are good fullbacks who are more offensive minded, which is a big difference compared to the rightbacks who are far more defensive minded, of which Remi van Blijderveen's sustained defensive prowess with Sardin earns them the starting nod. The centerback selection is a diverse group but Szôts leadership and Horvat's raw talent sees them as the starting pair. After that, there is a trio of players in their mid 20s that does offer some promise that the future at least on the defensive end will not be as dour as some of the rest of the pool looks like. Zétény Szatmári's move to Kelssek and Burnaby could be a huge nmove as the player goes from Cassadaigua to the big leagues, where if they flourish they could be starting come the next cycle.

Midfielders

RW: Sumaiya Zakiyyah Aswad, age 30, Stein-los Turkish (F)
RW: Kat Földessi, age 31, CA Paulinthal (F)
A/MC: Zágon Schmid, age 26, Tanrısal
MC: Moore Lafontaine, age 32, Stein-los Turkish
A/MCLR: Sebestyen Sallay, age 30, Club Stein-los
MC: Mátyás Vass, age 26, Northbrook Diamonds FK

A/MC: Danica Jukić, age 30, Hellinic Rouge (F)
LW: Asztrik Biró, age 30, Mâ Âlâmëómë

LW: Mara Gyenis, age 30, Tanrısal (F)

The midfield has ever been the strength of Wanderers sides and yet despite the talent the previous team had, Thor has shaken things up here as well, dropping Földessi from her spot on the right and inserting Aswad from Turkish after their remarkable SuperLiga winning season. Offering a bit more balance than that of her CAP counterpart. On the left is another one of those near nailed on spots regardless of tactic or manager, as Asztrik Biró has been a real revelation and their brilliance at having broken into the Mâ Âlâmëómë first team as a teenager has definitely see them hit their full potential into a superstar now in their prime a near decade later. Dangerous as both a supplier as well as cutting in and finishing off attacking movements himself, he will be a real problem for any opposing players set to try to mark him. In the middle there is will be a shake up with Ilona Kárpáty having retired, so Tani's Schmid gets the call and having come up in their system he should be well accustomed to a play maker role in a more offensive system, while Moore Lafontaine looks to be his partner in a more support role and screening for the midfield. Off the bench there is Sebestyen Sallay, whose versatility in the midfield makes him quite the weapon to have, able to play nearly anywhere in the middle or slightly further forward with ease and will likely be the first man off the bench when Thor looks to change things up.

Strikers

AMLC/ST: Bogdan Laszlo, age 25, Algolia

ST: Nawar Taqwaa Bazzi, age 32, Stein-los Turkish
ST: Járngrímur Náttúlfsson

, age 26, CA Paulinthal
LW/ST: Katinka Fazakas, age 22, East Franz Athletic

(F)
ST: Szalyk Mezey, age 25, Paulinthal FC

There is no mistake, the Wanderers huge collection of attacking talent has come and gone and in response to that, Thor has kept faith with Bazzi despite them starting to get a bit long in the tooth, as well as the form the striker has had in the past few seasons including the last one where they were part of the SuperLiga winning effort with their goal contributions. Bogdan Laszlo's move from in the pool to a starting strike, whose preferred position is playing on the left or in behind the strikers. Their talent has been on display at the youth level and then with the first teams of Shamrock Cathair in Audioslava as well as the two seasons prior with Algolia following their transfer. It might be that this young lad is the answer to the questions of the future of the Wanderers attack, though for now he looks to be a depth option for the team either in attack or in a more withdrawn position. Katinka Fazakas had what seemed like a breakout year in Polar Islandstates with fifteen goals but is another in a long line of Pasargans who prefer to play on the wing instead of up front despite goal scoring talent. Járngrímur's paperwork for his nationality switch came in right before the Finals with Graintfjall having quit entering, and he will be the first player off the bench should the team need a change in the attack, having had two amazing seasons up front with CAP.

Tactics

Thor comes into the side and looks to merely right the ship rather than rock the boat like Orengo had when the Banijan took over, looking to build upon the stability that Mueller seemed to bring during their interim charge of the team. Thor maintains a four four two look but one where one of the midfielders often drops into a holding or screening position in front of the defense and allows the playmaker the luxury of moving forward with the more attack oriented players out on the wings. To make sure there is good link up, Thor is asking one of the strikers to play a bit more off of the other, which should allow both pressure on the opposing defense but also the potential for link up play with the midfield, so that the entire play of the team can be more fluid and less rigid than the previous systems employed seemed to dictate.

Captain: Moore Lafontaine
Corner Taker: Asztrik Biró
Set Pieces: Zágon Schmid
Penalties: Nawar Taqwaa Bazzi

by **Three Golden Kingdoms** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 10:10 am

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Three Golden Kingdoms Roster
Nickname: Imperial Guard

Home Away

Modifier: +2

Imperial Names are written in the Eastern Naming System.

Manager: Tian Jiang, age 49
Assistant: Deng An, age 47
Physio: Xu Jiahao, age 46

Starters
GK: Xun Jiahao, age 28
LB: Chen Lan, age 31
CB: Liao Xiaosi, age 27
CB: Du Wu, age 29
RB: Quan Guanting, age 32
DMC: Lian Bao, age 31
LW: Qian Zhi, age 28
RW: Bai Jing, age 31
ST: Zheng Lei, age 34
ST: Xu Zihao, age 27
ST: Chang Hui, age 29

Reserves
GK: Gao Li, age 31
GK: Tao Xiuying, age 36
LB: Liang Hai, age 29
CB: Hou Xia, age 36
CB: Ding Rong, age 37
RB: Xing Xieren, age 39
DMC: Gong Jing, age 37
LW: Han Qiang, age 35
RW: Yin Yazhu, age 29
A/MC: Li Yi, age 31
ST: Yan Shui, age 37
ST: Zi Jun, age 34

by **Oberour Ar Moro** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 10:32 am

Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
National Football Team

Copa Rushmori XLVII Roster

Basic Information
Nation: Dominion of Oberour Ar Moro
Denonym: Oberours
Team Nickname: Dragoons
Association: Ministry of Culture Football Management Committee (FMC)
Trigramme: OAM

Style Modifier: +5

Staff
Manager: John Antheaume, age 54
Assistant Manager: Elar Denis, age 54
Assistant Manager: Peterne Lichet, age 40

Players
Starters in Bold

Goalkeepers

1 Brivel des Aloz, age 27
12 Likael Qualandreeur, age 30
24 Paul-Vincent Aunión, age 21

Left Back

2 Samuel la Renarde, age 23
14 Mathurin aus Escroëles, age 26

Right Back

3 Loys Roty, age 27
15 Berin le Passeeur, age 23

Sweepers

10 Salomon de Chaalons, age 24
11 Andre Decastilhon, age 27
22 Jacques-Maurice Destelan de Saint-Joseph, age 24
23 Thélo Billart, age 22
33 Michel Sau-de-Cries, age 27

Left Midfielder

5 Mathurin-Nicolas de Gounesse, age 25
17 Riwan Marois, age 25

Right Midfielder

6 Jean-Pierre de Braieres, age 30
18 Celestin Mersenne, age 21

Center Midfielder

4 Peire de Baingneus, age 30
16 Jozef 't Veld, age 20
27 Olîer l’Avugle, age 23

Left Wing

7 Aloire des Cartes, age 22
19 Perresson Eschaudeeur, age 28

Right Wing

8 Blaise Leboeuf, age 28
20 Aogust du Lac, age 23

Striker

9 Daniel Demisserriche, age 23
21 Hélaury Roulhenau, age 26
32 Geoffroy-Baptiste Retourné, age 24

Formation

First-Choice, Second-Choice, and Goalkeeper Kits

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose my scoring events: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my players: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand
Give Yellow Cards to my players: Yes
Give Red Cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes, but please TG or message me on Discord beforehand

Style Modifier: +5

by **Tikariot** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 6:27 pm

Football is the by far most popular sport in Tikariot. The Tikariot Premier League is the highest tier of the Tikariotian football pyramid and is one of the most competitive leagues in the multiverse.
With nine World Cup participations, including third place at World Cup 97, Tikariot is part of the rising Rushmorean sub-region of Pavola. After a whole slew of first knock-out-stage exits, Copa Rushmori 42 turned into what the whole nation hopes to be the turning point in their fates when they beat their neighbours and rivals of Græntfjall in the final for their first victory in a big tournament.

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

Brian McAllister - 52

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

GOALKEEPER

GK | Christian MCFARLIN | 22 | Kyethas Rivermen FC | 0 caps | 0 clean sheets

DEFENDERS

LB | Spyridou VLAHELLIS | 19 | Viathyn Park AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

CB | Tanis HEMINGWAY | 23 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 13 caps | 2 goals | 2 assists

CB | Keegan FOSTER | 23 | Miruan City FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

RB | Eutímio SEQUEIRA | 24 | Avanaroch White Wings FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

MIDFIELDERS

LM | Ástmundur SKÆSSON | 24 | Port Tacassam FC | 3 caps | 0 goals | 1 assist

CM | Korbinian TARFUSSER | 24 | Oriannor Mountaineers FC | 4 caps | 2 goals | 2 assists

RM | Markus SIVERTSTRAND | 24 | Tikariot City FC | 4 caps | 1 goal | 1 assist

FORWARDS

W | Cassandra CRESSWELL | 24 | Crimsonhawke FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

CF | JÁRNBRÁ SOL Vígmundsdóttir | 24 | Eivora Athletic FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

W | Elia MOLYNEUX | 22 | Miruan City FC | 19 caps | 9 goals | 9 assists

GOALKEEPERS

GK | Clinton EKAMBI | 23 | Port Rhovanyon AFC | 0 caps | 0 clean sheets

GK | PETRÚN PERLA Jóannsdóttir | 24 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 0 caps | 0 clean sheets

DEFENDERS

LB | Eero-Severi AURVINEN | 23 | Crimsonhawke FC | 8 caps | 1 goal | 1 assist

CB | Gianpietro PAGANINI | 23 | Baraldhur AFC | 12 caps | 1 goal | 1 assist

CB | Emerson CROMWELL | 24 | Viathyn Park AFC | 4 caps | 0 goals | 1 assist

RB | Miral PUTINČANIN | 22 | Eivora Athletic FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

MIDFIELDERS

LM | Skarphéðinn SÆVARSSON | 21 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

CM | Andarra BELFRAGE | 19 | Port Rhovanyon AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

RM | Liisa VIRTANEN-HÄMÄLÄINEN | 19 | Viathyn Park AFC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

FORWARDS

W | Johannes SVEDIN | 24 | Vantanoch FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

CF | Hjördis GRANATH | 19 | Carathyr Emeralds FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

W | Callum DWYER | 24 | Port Tacassam FC | 0 caps | 0 goals | 0 assists

+4

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

by **Zenic** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 10:03 pm

"I did not think the squad would be headed back to Pasarga for an important tournament so soon."

"Benefits of cohosting a tournament instead of doing it all yourself: you can bounce back and host a smaller scale major tournament relatively sooner than before," Sports minister Dimi replied to FZF president Killian. After a somewhat successful World Cup participation in their home region of Rushmore, the Survivors were now headed back to Pasarga for the one and only Copa Rushmori. "Looks like we'll be sequestered in Stein-los this time around instead of Paulinthal. Still shocked that the schedule worked out to have us never leave Paulinthal unless we made it past 4 games played."

The sports minister nodded in agreement before her phone buzzed, causing her to check the updates that had come through. "Interesting." Killian looked at her with intrigue and a tinge of fear. "Something big on the horizon?" Dimi nodded. "Barring any major changes, the World Cup of Hockey will be a split region affair: half of it in Arrosia, the other half in Esportiva." Killian paused before responding. "Interesting, indeed. Maybe that's the kind of shakeup Per can use to win our first ice hockey championship."

"The potential is there. Just as the potential is there for a second Copa Rushmori title?," Dimi asked probingly. Killian rubbed his right temple before opening a file on his desk. "Out of the six groups assembled for the 47th Copa, only three of them have two nations in the top ten of the regional rankings. Of course, we are in one of them with ourselves and Gnejs in the top ten. Then, we've got a top 30 team in Norrhem, a top 40 team in Qusmo, and a newcomer in the Three Golden Kingdoms. With a focused approach, top two in Group B should be a MINIMUM. Anything less is an abject failure. After that, I'm not sure since they're doing a seeded draw for the knockout rounds so who we face is anybody's guess. This squad still has at least two more cycles in them so another title is still possible but the clock is ticking on this core."

"Speaking on ticking clocks, how goes the domestic project? I see the costs have gone down and you're not distributing stadium rebuilding grants, which I assume means most of the stadiums are done?" Killian's disposition changed from one of worry to one of hope. "You would be correct. The remaining stadiums are being built or repaired using private investment so no more subsidies from the Empire. The funds can be allocated to other things as needed. The arduous journey is almost over. I can FEEL it."

"Good," spoked Dimi. "The sooner we can get that up and running, the brighter the future of Zenician Futbol will shine."

by **Captina Island** » Sat Nov 02, 2024 10:22 pm

The Captina Company Football Agency

The Captina Company Football Agency (TCCFA) controls all levels of football in the nation, issuing licenses to groups wishing to form teams. The Captina Company Super League consists of 14 teams playing every opponent once between April & June then following a 2 month break, play every opponent again between September & November.

STYLE: +1.28
Tactics: 4-3-3
Nickname: Rosso e Oro (Red & Gold) is the official designation, 'Peahens' was adapted for the Women's team that played in the Jenna Raven Cup 3 and later in Tea Cup 2.
All Time Record: 52 wins, 65 defeats, 29 draws [146 matches] (men only: 11-22-8, women only: 12-11-2, mixed gender: 29-32-18)
Copa Rushmori record: 7 appearances, 7 wins, 18 defeats, 7 draws (was 0-7-0 in first two editions)

Manager-- Jonas Yarborough (40-41-19 all matches, women: 11-9-1, mixed gender: 29-32-18)
Assistant--Rueben Fiorentino,
Coaches—Pietro Sacchetti, Calvin Redfern

GK	
Giovanni Rizzolini	GK	22	Port Genoa Calcio
Alfonso Parmander	GK	23	Flint AC	

DEF
Alfonso Vastano	        L/CB	29	Punto Nord AC
Tonio Harold Owenby	LB/RB	29	Brandstadter Clarksburg  captain
Marco Santangelo	CB	23	Club RON
Davide Zaccardo	        RB	23	AC Geneva City
Enrico	De Rosa	        LB	23	IMA Port Genoa
Benny Pesciano	        CB	24	TBG Big Flint			
Severance Romero	R/CB	24	Clarksburg FC		

MID
Charleston DiCanio	W/RM	27	TBG Big Flint
Barnabas Morningstar	DM/W	26	SEC Fairmont
Clarence Bonneville	R/CM	23	Port Genoa Calcio
Tommaso Livermore	RW	22	Fairmont City SC
Emilio Rizzuto		L/CM	28	Brandstadter Clarksburg
Vincenzo Capaldi	R/CM	22	Calcio Captina
Tobias Coleman	        LW	23	AC Geneva City	
Wilmington Blackwood    CM	24	Club RON

FWD
Guiseppi Overstreet	ST	26	Fairmont City SC
Giorgio Fontana	        ST	28	IMA Port Genoa
Sylvester Martinelli	CM	22	CNO North Point
Ciro Hammersmith	CF	22	SEC Fairmont
Oliphant Santoro	CM	23	TCC Geneva

Jonas Yarborough has pulled the trigger on Captina's biggest rebuild since their first World Cup Qualifying attempt back in the 92 cycle. The new wave of the Rosso e Oro will be on display in the Copa Rushmori much as it was for the women in the Jenna Raven Cup. If there is way to weave together a midfield combo made up of the players from the three Fairmont clubs (Morningstar, Livermore and Blackwood) and the two Geneva sides (Coleman and Capaldi) the eternal problem of lack of scoring may be a thing of the past.

Permissions
_________________________________________________________________________________
In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...

Choose my goalscorers: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, but those that would be for just the duration of the match (TG in advance would be appreciated as well)
Godmod injuries to my players: See Above
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: YES, but again, a heads up in advance is appreciated, as I would do for you.
Godmod other events: TG what you have in mind, I'm easy to come to an understanding with

by **Pasarga** » Sun Nov 03, 2024 10:57 am

It is only a month since the World Cup Final took place in Torgos as Valanora was defeated by Squornshelous in penalties. The locals did come out and attend all the matches that took place within the nation as it hosted the World Cup, but there was a sadness that all were trying to hide which was that the beloved Wanderers were on the wrong end of a pair of upsets in the group stage and failed to advance despite the expanded competition and knockout stages for at least that edition of the tournament. There had been a huge belief that the draw had been somewhat kind to the Wanderers and it was one where they had a better chance than not to advance, particularly after the team won its first game in such confident fashion. Yet a mixture of bad luck and the worrying amount of inconsistency from the team allowed them to falter after such a promising start and not find their way out of the group, finishing fourth at the end of it all despite that wondrous start to the tournament for the team. It is a heavy blow for the federation and in particular Thor as the manager of the team, who had been looking to use the boost of a home World Cup to shift the narrative of the national team.

Instead the manager is left with more questions than answers heading into the regional championship, a regional championship that has been brought the dual islands on somewhat short notice. With the infrastructure all still in place from the cohosting of the tournament along with Eastfield Lodge, the nation is more than well equipped to host the tournament, although the federation will admit in private that it had not originally been their plan to host back to back tournaments. The sudden hosting does present a new opportunity for Thor and the Wanderers to make the most of the passionate fans that stand behind them through thick and thin here in the dual islands. The team will once more get to use the comforts of being at home to their advantage and will be wanting to utilize it more than they did a month ago during the World Cup, where the team failed to make the most of that fan support. With a mostly unchanged squad from the one that took to the pitch during the Finals, it is also one last chance for the players to make a good impression upon the manager before he looks to start organizing the pool of players for the qualifying process of the next World Cup.

Bogdan Laszlo looks to be the focal point of the attack for the team and the Audioslav born player has seen his stock grow in recent years as well the idea of those players born of Pasargan parentage outside the dual islands. He is a player that breaks the mold in a few different ways and it is perhaps a bit unfair to place so much hope on the player, but such has been his growth over the years, first with Shamrock Cathair in Audioslavia and into his time with Algolia in Squornshelous and the national team when given the opportunity. A player who can play numerous different roles in the attack, he is a luxury for any manager but both he and the managers have to find a way to get the best out of and best utilize his immense skill set. Players like Asztrik Biró will provide the service towards him, but the young man is going to be counted upon to put home the opportunities that he gets. The defense needs to show a huge amount of improvement as they were too readily beaten in the Finals, which comes a huge surprise given the wealth of individual talent that it has. Focusing more on shoring up the defense would give the team the best chance to actually have a good tournament.

The group has been relatively kind to the team, yet Olastor and Pridnestrovia are both going to be quite difficult outs even if the Wanderers will be considered favorites for both of those games. It starts off with a difficult match though, as the highest ranked team in the group in The Kytler Peninsulae will be the team's first opponent and the team who is the odds on favorite to win the group. The Wanderers have to feel somewhat confident of finishing second or third to get out of the group, as most of the third placed teams will be advancing to the knockouts with the six groups of five teams format. With the unranked team of Kordavia rounding out the group, the team has to feel like advancement to the knockout rounds has to be a real possibility for the team. The team can show a real sign of intention with getting a result against the fifteen ranked Kytler side, but even if the team does do as expected and falls victim to the group's highest ranked team, getting results against the rest of the teams that they are expected to should be enough to see them through. Getting out of the group and having a good showing here in a home Copa would be the sort of tonic to wash out the bitterness of the early exit at the Finals and look to get Thor's project with the national team program back on track.

by **Pasarga** » Sun Nov 03, 2024 11:53 am

Matchday 1

Group A
Pasarga 1–0 The Kytler Peninsulae
Pridnestrovia 1–2 Kordavia

Group B
Three Golden Kingdoms 0–0 Zenic
Qusmo 1–2 Gnejs

Group C
Eastfield Lodge 1–1 Oberour Ar Moro
Captina Island 5–3 Northwest Pavola Republic

Group D
Astograth 0–0 Elmyia
Hispinas 0–0 Polar Islandstates

Group E
Valladares 1–0 Igratia
Frjálshöfn 2–3 Yuezhou

Group F
Tikariot 3–2 Darmen
Gatchingerrak Union 4–0 Kalosia

by **Kordavia** » Sun Nov 03, 2024 7:50 pm

Please ignore my domestic thread for now. I need to catch up and retcon, and so club details may change.

Primary formation: 4–4–2
Secondary formation: 4–3–3
Style modifier: -3
Strengths: Defensive solidity, midfield balance, strong team chemistry, physical toughness, versatility.
Weaknesses: Limited depth, lack of star power, no experience at international level, finishing consistency, lack of diversity.

Kits: Nordica Strikewear

Obviously these are AI generated and thus not perfect; please excuse the glitches and consider them impressions of what our kit really is.

Roster
The capitalised name is the one that appears on the shirt and by which they should generally be referred.

Goalkeepers

1. Erik THURWALD – 30
12. Heiko LOTHBROTT – 29
20. Willem FRAUST – 25

Defenders

2. Leonhardt WEIẞFELD – 28
3. Gunnar HOLSTRØM – 25
5. Nikola DRAGONAVIĆ – 31
6. Aleksandr FJORDSEN – 26
13. Jakob HALVORSEN – 24
17. IVAR Lindholm – 22
19. Karl VISEMARK – 26

Midfielders

4. Benedikt GRÜNWALD – 29
7. Alrik ROVENSTEIN – 26
8. Dariusz ZOLVANIC – 24
11. Marek STOYLOV – 25
15. RASMUS Lindholm – 26
18. Josef DREXLER – 30
21. Janik VEITSEN – 26
23. Borys RADOSLAV – 27

Strikers

9. Ragnar VOSS – 28
10. Timo FALKENHORST – 27
14. Torgeir BRUNSTAD – 25
16. Friedrich EISENWALD – 23
22. Yannick BRAUER – 22

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Give my players yellow cards: Y
Give my players red cards: Y (1 per game)
Give injuries to my players: Y (not tournament-ending)
Godmod scoring/injury/other events: N

by **Trans-Dniesters** » Sun Nov 03, 2024 11:24 pm

THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED SOCIALIST STATES OF PRIDNESTROVIA
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL TEAM

The Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia is a lot of things, but one thing it is not is tolerant of failure. Basil Santa Cruz was brought in to be the manager of the Pridnestrovian national football team in order to win the Copa Rushmori, and while he came very close in his first two attempts, everything else after that has been nothing but failure. The Pridnestrovian Football Union had had enough of this tomfoolery and decided to sack Santa Cruz and replace him with a manager who actually follows the classic Pridnestrovian footballing ethos of "defense wins."

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: The Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia
Demonym: Pridnestrovian
Team colors: Green and red
Style modifier: -3.00 (beautiful attacking football didn't work out so now it's time to go back to the tried and tested method of defensive and counterattacking football)
Formation: 3-5-2
Head coach: Oleksii Cheryshev (46 y/o, Pridnestrovia)

STARTERS
GK: Nurmagomed Magomedovich DRAGUNOV 36 y/o, Masyafspor

RCB: Andrey Dmitriyevich SHCHEDROV 30 y/o, Rotor Dnistrosh

CB: Lavrentiy Rostislavovich YEVSEYEV 30 y/o, Vay Deg Eels A.F.C.

(Copper Cuprum), captain

LCB: Mykyta Valeriyovych STASIUK 27 y/o, FK Mamai Ihorivtsi

(Estorvipa and Estorpiva)

RWB: Genadi Todorov RAICHEV 28 y/o, CSKA Tiraspol

RCM: Dragomir Yanev MUNDEV 26 y/o, Dinamo Bender

CM: Leonid Lvovich ZHELTONOV 26 y/o, Admiral Novorossiysk

LCM: Colin Reinhold GROBSTEINER 25 y/o, Dinamo Bender

LWB: Vasily Yuriyevich LITOVCHENKO 27 y/o, Atletico Bed Deg

(Copper Cuprum)

CF: Andrey Timofeyevich YUSUPOV 29 y/o, South Ons Deg Rabbitohs A.F.C.

(Copper Cuprum)

CF: Foma Filippovich ZYUGANOV 31 y/o, Rotor Dnistrosh

, vice-captain

RESERVES
GK: Daniil Vladimirovich VARVARIN 23 y/o, Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk

GK: Pyotr Maksimovich SENNIKOV 24 y/o, Rotor Dnistrosh

DEF: Konstantin Vitalyevich SUTULIN 25 y/o, Rotor Dnistrosh

DEF: Gennady Yegorovich OSMININ 24 y/o, South Ons Deg Rabbitohs A.F.C.

(Copper Cuprum)

DEF: Konstantin Konstantinovich SHIVALOV 25 y/o, FK Spartak Rybolovlev

(Estorvipa and Estorpiva)

DEF: Nikolay Maksimovich MURAVYOV 26 y/o, Dynamo Ja

(Abanhfleft)

MID: Rustem Svyatoslavovich EYBOZHENKO 27 y/o, Esteghlal Omidinabad

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

MID: Artem Volodymyrovych NAZARENKO 23 y/o, CSKA Tiraspol

MID: Denis Stanislavovich MIROKHIN 24 y/o, SC Batgeyt-1

(Estorvipa and Estorpiva)

MID: Aleksey Dmitriyevich MEKHANTYEV 32 y/o, CSKA Tiraspol

FW: Vasyl Yehorovych TSURKAN 24 y/o, Gryphons Nubalochi

(Sultanate of Oontaz)

FW: Aleksandr Alekseyevich VERUSHCHIK 29 y/o, FK Spartak Rybolovlev

(Estorvipa and Estorpiva)

STARTING LINEUP (Massively Outdated)

KITS (by Adidulas)

IMPORTANT STATISTICS
Win-loss record: 57-20-57 (penalty shootouts are counted as draws regardless of final result)
First international match: VS Aynard (W 6-0)
First win: VS Aynard (6-0)
First loss: VS Fratton (0-1)
Biggest win: VS Nurkama (9-0)
Biggest loss: VS Pasarga (2-6)

SCHEDULE
WIP

HOME STADIUM (NEW ARMY STADIUM, TIRASPOL)

New Army Stadium in Tiraspol is the home stadium of CSKA Tiraspol and can comfortably seat over 80,000 spectators following a three-year capacity expansion project.

RP PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (but I decide the severity and length)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes (maximum of 5 per game)
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (only 1 per 2 games)
Godmod other events: Yes (TG me first before posting anything)

Style modifier: -3.00 (Negative three point zero zero)

by **Northwest Pavola Republic** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 9:37 am

Northwest Pavola Republic National Team

STARTERS

GK Dan Smith - 28 (Thorpesville United)
DF Victor Yount - 34 (Runyon)
DF Marcus Schultze -22 (Runyon)
DF Colby Yoder - 19 (University of Penn Mountain)
DF Franklin Fowler - 24 (Thorpesville Maroons)
DM Peter Anderson - 25 (Alexander Town)
DM Bryant Hastings - 38 (Unaffiliated)
OM Thomas Yount - 29 (Morovia Town)
OM Marvin Gates - 27 (Gateway)
CAM Elmer Smith - 22 (Thorpseville United)
ST Arnold Yoder - 30 (Cloudtop Miners FC)

RESERVES

GK Bernie Harrison - 34 (Cloudtop Miners FC)
GK Ralph Johnson - 30 (Gateway)
DF Harry Ueker - 31 (Germania FC)
DF Carl Hills - 24 (Cloudtop Miners FC)
DF Rodney Reuss - 30 (Morovia Town)
MF Alexander Pyle - 25 (Steel Union)
MF Josiah Yoder - 24 (Thorpesville Maroons)
MF Andrew Cuthbert - 31 (Albright & Alvernia FC)
ST Paul Smith - 28 (Steel Union)
ST Jebidiah Yoder Jr - 24 (Albright & Alvernia FC)

Nickname: The Keystoners
Formation: 4-4-3
Style Modifier: +3.25

PM me if you want to do something funny/injury related in your RP

by **Darmen** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 10:36 am

National Football Team of Darmen
presented by the
Darmeni Football Association

Record (Modern-era only, since Copa Rushmori 24): 608 matches, 280 wins, 116 draws, 212 losses, 1230 GF, 1069 GA, .524 Win %

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

Goals
 1 Craig Blackwood      168
 2 Felix Lucanus         80
 3 James January         61
 4 Skylar Hurst          49
 5 Víedharr Svendsen     48
 6 Kennard Hale          46
 7 Darnell Halle         42
 8 Daniel Norton         38
 9 Marianne Lee          36
   Riley Mac Pharlain    33

Coaching Staff

Position          Name               Age
Manager           Riley Mac Pharlain 47
Assistant Manager Abraham Akers      50
Goalkeeping Coach Hyman Campo        46
Fitness Coach     Robert Odell       38
Psychologist      Emmanuel Everett   58

26 Player Roster

#  Pos Name                Age Club                      Caps Goals
 1 GK  Ildefonso Daube     32  Romanopolis United         25   0
 2 LB  Philip O'Hara       34  Olympique Chuckio         128   3
 3 LCB Amias Shelby        27  Royal PFC                  26   3
 4 RCB Corentin Melsbach   32  Scott City FC              35   1
 5 RB  Markus Thomasson    29  Tempala United Saints      54   2
 6 LM  Fabricio Tobias     35  Scott City FC              87   9
 7 CM  Dwayne Loritz       28  Tempala United Saints      57   8
 8 RM  Kara Falkner*       27  MTK Kingsville             47   1
 9 LF  James January       33  Scott City FC             117  61
10 CF  Marianne Lee*       32  Tanques AOE (KOR)          91  36
11 RF  Torger Woodward     28  Scott City FC              47  15

12 GK  Morris Mathews      27  Scott City FC               3   0
13 LB  Ferdy Adkins        27  Scott City FC              12   0
14 LCB Cally Meadows*      28  MTK Kingsville              5   0
15 RCB Comgán MacGowan     28  Romanopolis United          7   0
16 RB  Natanael Suárez     27  Rogerton Valladar CF       12   0
17 LM  Delma Russell*      27  Tempala United Saints      20   2
18 CM  Silvester Fairburn  28  Royal PFC                  27   0
19 RM  Keefe Ó Maoil Eoin  32  Scott City FC              18   1
20 LF  Idonea Santiago*    28  Rogerton Valladar CF       26   9
21 CF  Kaylin Hobbes*      29  Scott City FC              14   2
22 RF  Karter Clayton      27  Johnho United              15   3

23 GK  Corina Mendoza*     30  Rogerton Valladar CF        0   0
24 LB  Kyro Perrin         28  Rogerton Whitecaps         19   0
25 LM  Faron Chandler      30  MTK Kingsville              4   1
26 LF  Kelli Lovell*       27  Johnho United               8   1

* Female Players

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

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

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

Team Roles
Captain: Philip O'Hara
Vice-Captain: James January
Left Corner: Fabricio Tobias
Right Corner: Kara Falkner
Penalties: James January
Free-kicks: Dwayne Loritz

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

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

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

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

by **Tikariot** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 6:35 pm

The Copa Rushmori XLVII is currently underway in Pasarga and one of the players in the Snowy Owls' squad is one of Tikariot's brightest and most hopeful talents that many are touting to be the next Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir, which are big shoes to fill.

When the name Andarra Belfrage comes up in Tikariotian football circles, you can't escape this feeling of excitement and hope. At just 19, this talented central midfielder has already carved out a reputation that some players take entire careers to build. Dubbed "The Silver Phantom" for her striking appearance and electrifying playstyle, Belfrage is seen by many as one of the brightest prospects in Tikariot, with fans and experts alike comparing her to Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir, one of the nation’s greatest football exports, who now plies her trade with Chromatik in Chromatika.

But how did this rising star from Port Rhovanyon capture a whole nation's attention so quickly? And what is it about her game that sets her apart?

Early Beginnings: A Family and a City Rooted in Football
Born and raised in the Tikariotian capital Port Rhovanyon, a city synonymous with football history and pride, Andarra Belfrage grew up surrounded by the sport. Her family lived just blocks away from Oceanview Stadium, home to Port Rhovanyon AFC, one of Tikariot’s most storied clubs and a breeding ground for young talent. Like many kids in her neighbourhood, Andarra’s early memories are of the roar of Port Rho fans and the sight of the iconic white jerseys with the dark blue image of the kraken.

For Andarra, football was never a distant dream; it was part of everyday life. Her father Andrew, a former semi-professional player with the Rhovannyr Renegades FC, recognized her potential early on and encouraged her to play and practice her skills both in the family home's backyard and local parks. By the time she was seven, she was already playing competitively with local youth teams, showing a knack for reading the game beyond her years. “She’s always had this intensity, this focus,” her father recalls. “Even when she was young, you could see that she didn’t just want to play; she wanted to master the game.”

Andarra wasn’t alone in her love for football. Her younger sister, Socorra, looked up to her, often tagging along to practices and games. Today, Socorra is following in her sister’s footsteps, climbing through the ranks of Port Rhovanyon AFC’s academy. It’s a testament to the influence Andarra has had, not only on her family but on young players across Tikariot.

Rising Through the Ranks: The Journey with Port Rhovanyon AFC
At 13, Andarra was accepted into the Port Rhovanyon AFC Academy, a turning point in her budding career. The academy is known for its rigorous training programs and high expectations, producing players with the technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience to thrive at the highest levels. Andarra was a natural fit, quickly rising through the youth ranks as a versatile midfielder who could control the pace of the game with a rare mix of finesse and tenacity.

Her coaches were particularly impressed with her adaptability. Initially trained as a central midfielder, Andarra soon showed the ability to shift seamlessly to the right flank when needed. This versatility allowed her to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game and made her a valuable asset on the field. “She’s one of those players who make everyone around them better,” said one of her youth coaches. “She reads the game exceptionally well, and her technical ability is matched by a work ethic that’s simply inspiring.”

In her final season with the academy, Andarra played a crucial role in leading the U-18 team to a national championship. Her performance caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, who were eager to see how she would transition to the senior level.

A Trial by Fire: Loaned to First FC of Avanaroch
Andarra’s big break came when she was loaned out to First FC of Avanaroch for season 113. While some may have viewed it as a risky move, given Avanaroch’s predicted relegation battle in only their second season in the Tikariot Premier League, Andarra saw it as an opportunity to prove herself. The team was fighting to avoid relegation, and the pressure was immense. But rather than buckle under the weight, Andarra thrived, showing a maturity and composure beyond her years.

One of the season’s highlights was her instrumental role in Avanaroch’s remarkable Cup of Tikariot campaign. Despite a challenging league season that ultimately ended in relegation to the Tikariot Second League, Avanaroch’s journey to the cup final was nothing short of sensational. Andarra was a constant presence in midfield, orchestrating play with a combination of vision, quick decision-making, and an almost preternatural calm under pressure. She even managed to score a crucial goal in the semifinals, cementing her reputation as a game-changer.

In the final against fourth-division Chevilloy Beach FC, Andarra’s composure and leadership were on full display. Although she was one of the youngest players on the pitch, her teammates looked to her for direction. By the end of the match, Avanaroch had secured a historic victory, lifting the Cup of Tikariot against all odds. While the team would still face relegation, the cup win was a testament to their resilience—and to Andarra’s incredible impact.

The Next Þorgríma Vigdis? Living Up to a Legacy
Following her sensational season with Avanaroch, Andarra returned to Port Rhovanyon with a wave of expectations. Her performances had drawn inevitable comparisons to Þorgríma Vigdis Ástþórsdóttir, a Tikariotian icon renowned for her time in Chromatika’s elite league. Although the parallels are flattering, Andarra remains focused on carving out her own path.

“I’ve always admired Þorgríma’s game and what she represents for Tikariotian football,” Andarra said in a recent interview. “But I don’t want to be the next anyone—I want to be the first Andarra Belfrage.” It’s this balance of confidence and humility that has endeared her to fans across Tikariot. She’s aware of the weight of expectations but views it as motivation rather than a burden.

Style of Play: Speed, Poise, and Technique
Known as The Silver Phantom, Andarra’s style of play is a unique blend of speed, poise, and technique. Her silver hair, often flowing behind her as she moves up the pitch, has become an iconic sight, symbolizing her ability to slip through defenses and evade opponents like a ghost. She’s a player who can control the tempo of the game, dictating play with her precise passing and astute positioning. But she’s also fearless, willing to take on defenders with quick bursts of speed or darting runs down the right flank.

Andarra’s technical skill is matched by a tactical intelligence that belies her age. She knows when to press, when to sit back, and when to make that killer pass. Her ability to read the game and anticipate her opponents’ moves makes her a nightmare for the opposition. She’s already shown that she can carry a team, stepping up in critical moments and taking on leadership responsibilities on the field.

The Future of Tikariotian Football
As she gears up for her first full season with Port Rhovanyon’s senior team, Andarra Belfrage stands on the brink of a career that promises to be nothing short of remarkable. Her call-up into the squad for the Copa Rushmori is seen as a mark of confidence to see what she can do on the international stage.

For now, though, Andarra remains focused on her growth, both as a player and as a person. She continues to train with intensity, pushing herself to improve every aspect of her game. And with her sister Socorra following close behind, the Belfrage name may soon become a fixture in Tikariotian football for years to come.

In the end, only time will tell if Andarra Belfrage will be able to fulfil the grand hopes put into her, but, as the saying goes, the world is her oyster. Fans are eager to see where her journey will take her, and one thing is certain: the story of The Silver Phantom has only just begun.

by **Zenic** » Mon Nov 04, 2024 11:13 pm

"Home" team's locker room, moments before the 2nd matchday of Copa 47

As the exterior doors open and the coaching staff for Zenic pour in, a hush falls over the players. The staff settled into any available spot and waited on Geraldo Zys to start the pregame speech. After the 0-0 draw against the Three Golden Kingdoms on the first matchday, Zys had left the locker room early without giving a postgame speech. He followed that up with the least amount of words possible during the subsequent training sessions leading up to now, the matchup against Norrhem. What would happen during this meeting was anyone's guess.

"I'm disappointed in you all." The words stung. "I understand you have exciting careers abroad, families and friends to attend to, fans who adore you, money like many haven't seen in ages. So, when you come up and play for your nation, you might be a bit tired or a bit weary of ruining all of that by picking up an injury while on duty. I understand," Zys stated, looking around the locker room to see everyone's reaction. "I also understand that some of you are still bothered by the World Cup result. Losing a close one like that hurts, especially against a fellow member of your region. And now playing not that far away from where that happened can lead to some uneasy feelings."

"But we need to FOCUS! Being a citizen of the Empire is a right, being a member for the Survivors is a PRIVILEGE! You've all fought hard to get onto this squad, don't throw it all away so easily. Fight for it! Prove to the rest of Rushmore that you're still a force to be reckoned with. Prove that 45 was NOT a fluke, that it was just a beginning." Lowered heads and slumped shoulders turned into nods of approval and bodies perking up. "I know I see the fire still burning in each of you. I can SEE it. But it's contained, visible but not as strong. LET. IT. OUT. Let it blaze with a glory. Let it run wild over your competition and scorch a path straight to where you want it to go."

The locker room began to utter phrases of agreement with the manager. "But where that path goes, only you can decide. I can try to direct you but ultimately, it must be the squad who decides how far we journey. Tonight, you show me a blueprint of just where you want to see this part of the journey finish. Let's go out there and see what you've got." The room clapped at the passionate speech, with a few hollers of excitement ringing out. Everyone who was ready headed out to warm up while the few stragglers finished the essentials before joining them.

Zys could only hope he had done enough to get the team back on the right path. After all, the future of the squad truly lied with the players: only they could determine if this iteration of the Survivors could surpass heights even the founders of Empire never imagined.

by **Sargossa** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 6:07 am

Copa Rushmori XLVII

Sargossa - 'The Corsairs'

Head Coach

José Carlos Martínez

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

Backroom Staff

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

Talent

GK: 1. Antonio Reyes (28) – Sportivo Soluca
GK: 13. Imanol Sánchez (33) – Alianza Jucaro
GK: 25. Hilario Barreda (29) – Sportivo Cordova

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

DR: 2. Adrian Soriano (32) – Ciudad Soluca
DC: 5. Alan Fernández (25) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 6. Nicolás Riesgo (26) – 1923 Esca (Mytanija)
DL: 3. Antonio Benito (29) – Sportivo Soluca
DRC: 12. Jorge Romero (31) – Sportivo Soluca
DC: 14. Asier Recio (24) – Estrella Torreón
DLC: 19. Iván Alegre (28) – Estrella Torreón
DC: 21: Joaquín Sanz (29) – El Nacional

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

DMC: 4. Alberto Ribas (29) – Sportivo Soluca
AMRLC: 7. Moisés Garrido (30) – Ciudad Soluca
MC: 8. Enrique González (35) – Ciudad Soluca
AMLC: 11. Dani Azuaga (32) – Dínamo Maturín
AMR: 15. Jhon Rivas (28) – Estrella Torreón
MC: 16. Juan Esteban Collazo (27) – CDSA (Mytanija)
DMC: 18. Fernando Moruga (29) – Energija-Nuklearna (Mytanija)
MC: 22. Elías Pozo (26) – Sportivo Soluca
AMLC: 24. Martín de la Cavallería (29) – Dínamo Maturín

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

FC: 9. Adrian Rodríguez (23) – Sportivo Soluca
FRLC: 10. Pablo Alarcón (34) – El Nacional
FC: 17. Lucas Recoba (30) – El Nacional
FLC: 20. Jesús Blaya (29) – Sportivo Soluca
FC: 23. Rubén López (28) – Estrella Torreón

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

Style

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

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

Style Modifier = (-1.5)

Kit
Courtesy of ediraf

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

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 9:17 am

This doubles as a pre-MD2 RP and a belated roster post with an arc that makes the two kind of inseparable. Pasarga should use this post as the Kytlerian roster link, and split regular RP and roster bonuses as seen fit.

The election campaign has officially begun, and in classic Kytlerian fashion, it's begun with an RPD culture war attack.

A Varnian separatist group has claimed responsibility for a "successful sabotage operation of the decadent substance abusers that call themselves the Kytlerian soccer team" after the 23-player squad list for the Copa Rushmori was prevented from reaching tournament organisers in Pasarga before the tournament-opening match against the hosts, who duly secured a 1-0 win. The statement from EVAID (Ethical Varnians Against International Doping) said that they successfully sabotaged internal communications within SO-KP through a DDoS attack, causing an inability to arrange the usual supply of RPDs from the Margaret Institute that Kytlerian teams typically secure ahead of international competition as well as breaking communication links with Copa Rushmori officials.

The squad list was only apparent when the team sheets were announced for the tournament-opening affair:

KYTLERIAN NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM vs PASARGA, COPA RUSHMORI XLVII
Manager: Andrew PATTERSON
Assistant manager: Jay JENNINGS
Kit: all white with "Margaret green" trim

STARTING XI (4-2-3-1)
1  Kuno ZEELEN			GK, Bravin Rangers (KYP)
21 Borgþór DAÐASON		RB, Capitolians (KYP)
3  Wecoisus GACKBANG		RB/CB, FC Alaer (KYP)
4  Shrifflu MOCKS		CB/CDM, FC Alaer (KYP)
2  Teun DONK			CB/LB, FC Alaer (KYP)
6  Zachary EDWARDS-HILLIER	CDM/CM, Galatica (PAS)
13 PARK Si-Woo			LWB/CDM/CM, Capitolians (KYP)
17 Joke FELTKAMP		RW/ST, Eyrods (CMT)
7  VICENTE Bautista Oleandro	CAM/LM, Miposojeon (QUE)
10 Joanne WALGRAVE		LW/ST, Evenfar FC (PAS)
9  Danny MARKUSSON		ST, Bravin Rangers (KYP)

SUBSTITUTES
12 Jonas JVARSSON		GK, Zeiven City (KYP)
23 Jonathan MURPHY-COATES	GK, FC Alaer (KYP)

5  Álfar JVARSSON		RB/RWB, Zeiven City (KYP)
8  Dings MOCKS			CAM/RW/ST, Bay City United (KYP)
11 Josip ACEBES Rodriguez	LW/RW, Real Santa Mordana (KYP)
14 Ceedast BASPAALT		CDM/CM, Bay City United (KYP)
15 Xavier LaMOTTA		CDM/CB/LB, AFC Edencliff (KYP)
16 Pétur INGÓLFSSON		ST/LW, Bay City United (KYP)
18 Marwin MIKKELSEN		RW/RM, Roddens City (KYP)
19 Rick FLASH			RW/CAM/ST, AFC Edencliff (KYP)
20 Oliver VANDOME		CB/RB, Ranford & Willsbrook (KYP)
22 Agnes ODDKELLSDÓTTIR		LW, AFC Edencliff (KYP)

And therein came the shocker. Borgþór Daðason - officially eligible as a Kytlerian player as his home nation of Græntfjall is no longer a thing that exists - was starting. And the prospect of him starting - or at least being in the squad - was seen by the ultra-nationalists within EVAID as a particular affront, a sign that "this so-called Kytlerian team really isn't one, it is a fake construct leeching off the carcass of our fallen neighbours that Varnians sacrificed so much to protect from disaster during the energy crisis, and to no reward." The Varnian separatist movement has seen some flux of late, with the Varn National Party having split into two over its federal abstentionism - the "original" VNP abandoning that policy and the new True Varnians capturing multiple defectors over this issue - and that split has also played out over these sabotage groups, the more moderate new VNP leader Jason Parker saying they are "counterproductive" and True Varnian leader Karen Sharpe arguing that they have "legitimate grievances and speak for many of us." Alice Mulholland-Pearce, who became the Workers' Party leader and Prime Minister after the forced resignation of Clituleng Giisost, has called the True Varnians "terrorism apologists" - and secured support on this, at least, from the centre-right opposition National Unity Party (NUP), still stung from the rejection of their former flagship isolation policy. But the far-right Faith and Freedom Party (FFP), who have kept their pro-isolation stance and peeled off VNP voters in Varn - have called the accusations "wildly excessive." Opinion polling suggests that a plurality of Varnians oppose "sabotage actions against Kytlerian national sporting teams," although a significant minority said they were unsure; elsewhere in the country, large majorities oppose such sabotage, including a small majority of FFP voters.

Whatever the public opinion, EVAID are true believers, and their threat is not over. Their statement of responsibility ended with one line: "We will never, ever allow assimiliation without permission go unpunished. Our work continues."

So does that of Andrew Patterson and his curtailed charges. Olastor are next. They've also not got a known player list publicly available, suggesting the problems may have been at the Pasargan end, although it is known that sabotage operations on an international scale are very commonly successful against lower-profile nations. Margaret Institute researchers have attributed this to "deliberately complex administrative procedures in order to ensure player safety in a high-RPD-use environment," but admit that this explanation is "potentially tenuous" and that it does not explain why most tournaments, the Di Bradini Cup an exception, allow teams to enter the competition in the first place without surmounting this barrier.

by **Qusmo** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:43 am

Qusmo hopes new manager is the secret to tournament success

After a long absence, Qusmo has returned to the world of international football. Under the stewardship of two-time former Galactico Manager of the Season Tlanx-Nulzk Hal, the Quxruxy reestablished themselves as a credible team which could present even the toughest opponents genuine challenges on their day. However, they could not earn results with the kind of consistency the team needed, especially in major tournaments. Qusmo did not qualify for the World Cup under their watch & advanced to the knockout rounds at one Cup of Harmony & no Copas Rushmori, despite appearing at two editions of each tournament. In fact, outside Cup of Harmony 88, Tlanx-Nulzk presided over one win, one draw, & eleven losses in major tournaments. Fuzpon Qusma felt it had no choice but to go a different way.

Fortunately, the federation had a multitude of managerial options. Of its three reported candidates, one had won a CAFA Cup, another had won both a CAFA Cup & a Campionato Esportiva, & the third had won a Champions League. In the end, Fuzpon Qusma landed on Vulav-Wanar Tla, a veteran manager who had been working as the manager of Pacitalia’s national team. Having been criticized at times as a club manager for being stultifyingly conservative & tactically unimaginative, it seemed they were best suited to the unique nature of international football. That seemed to be proved correct, as Vulav-Wanar took over Pacitalia mid-tournament before going on an absolutely remarkable tournament run, winning seven consecutive elimination matches in the double-elimination knockout stage, including consecutive five-one & three-nil wins in the finals series, to win CAFA Cup 9.

Vulav-Wanar’s resume represents everything Tlanx-Nulzk failed to deliver in their time in the Qusma dugout. Vulav-Wanar’s teams are famously defensively-minded & compact. They have yet to lose any major tournament fixture, except one which was decided by a hug-off. & they won a major regional tournament as recently as just last cycle, despite inheriting an unranked guest team mid-tournament due to an emergency. Qusmo may not yet be aiming for the regional trophy, but they will expect much better things from Vulav-Wanar than what Tlanx-Nulzk was able to produce.

Vulav-Wanar has already begun to make their mark, shifting Qusmo’s play style, changing players’ positions, & handing national team debuts to ten players in pre-tournament friendlies, including four U21 players. In those friendlies, Vulav-Wanar’s team defeated Schottia but lost to the Kytler Peninsulae, Tikariot, & Yuezhou. Still, friendlies don’t matter. Tournaments do. & with the domestic league that Tlanx-Nulzk had so publicly lobbied for for so long finally about to start play, Vulav-Wanar will soon have an even broader player pool to work with, as well. The question is: how much farther than Tlanx-Nulzk can Vulav-Wanar take Qusmo?

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

Personnel

N°   Ps     Name                  Pronouns   Age     Club                               Caps  Gls     AEF   Notes
 1   GK     OXOLT-ULUTU Nev       they/them   33     Wilmington City (MYR)                 5    0           
12   GK     FORZU-LUCEX Yem       they/them   34     Red Star Severny (PIS)                1    0           
25   GK     KEPEX-CHENG Yan        she/they   25     Beian Bats (YZH)                     19    0     YZH   
 3   CB     NIRLO-ZYLYZ Bel       they/them   34     Midtown AC (CBP)                     24    0           
 4   CB     OLORZ-NEXEV Zev       they/them   29     Emerald Coast AC (SRS)               10    0     SRS   
13   CB     GAVAZ-AJARK Tez       they/them   29     Yassaca FC (SRS)                     22    0     SRS   
14   CB     Ida SEVET-STOKES       she/her    35     AFC Corvistone (NPH)                 34    2     NPH   CB/LB/DM; records do not include 14 previous caps for Nephara
 8   LB     VULAV-PRANT Yem       they/them   22     KFX Halazem (SRS)                     1    0           
15   LB     XELEZ-MATEZ Wek       they/them   23     Olympia Arkintoofle (SRS)            25    1     SRS   
16   RB     SEVET-AJARK Tez       they/them   25     AFC Edencliff (KYP)                   9    0           
17   RB     LYNUL-SEVET Pul       they/them   28     Occidental Olympic (EXT)             31    0           
 2   DM     BELAJ-TRENJ Marko       he/him    21     La + Querida (FFD)                   24    2     SRS   
 5   DM     INTOV-GELAN Nun       they/them   33     Ituraitz Victory (ASG)               38    1           DM/CB
 6   CM     JERAT-FORZU Mal       they/them   33     Sivolvia Capitalizt (SRS)            40    8     SRS   
18   CM     KYNDA-TYLYR Ezi       they/them   24     Sporting Jaglan (SRS)                 6    1     SRS   
23   CM     Fen KEPEX-POTTS         he/him    20     West Couno United (TMB)               1    0     TMB   Played with Tumbra U-18 NT in HansAir Under-18 World Championship 22
19   AM     ILINX-WINAD Bel       they/them   31     KF Atlov (QUS)                       23    5           CM/AM/RM/LM/RW/LW
20   LW     PERTZ-FROLT Abe       they/them   33     Novaya Sibir Reds (PIS)               2    0           LB/LW
22   LW     BELAJ-RILAN Dar       they/them   25     Latrobe Athletic (KSK)               48   15     SRS   LM/LW
 9   RW     CULAK-ZELEZ Guv       they/them   23     Millsburgh Revolutionaries (TMB)     27    9     SRS   ST/LW/RW
21   RM     SEVET-ZORNO Faz       they/them   26     KFX Halazem (SRS)                     6    1           
 7   ST     HELEK-PERTZ Zev       they/them   32     Megabrantid SC (SRS)                 49   19     SRS   AM/ST
10   ST     SEVET-MATEZ Fox       they/them   31     Brantisvogan FC (SRS)                37   17     SRS   
11   ST     BELAJ-BLONZ Tez       they/them   33     Wansan Noksaekjeonsa (QUE)            3    0           
24   ST     XILIT-OXOLT Mal       they/them   33     Fraser Valley (TMB)                  25   10     TMB   

Role        Name                  Pronouns   Age     Notes
Manager     VULAV-WANAR Tla       they/them   75     Former manager of KF Niom (QUS), Fraser Valley (TMB), SC Montfort (TLI), & Pacitalia; CAFA Cup 9 champion with Pacitalia

Cap & goal figures are accurate as of the beginning of Copa Rushmori XLVII

Tactics

Vulav-Wanar will nominate the following players to start Qusmo’s opening match of the tournament against Gnejs. The team’s starting XI is subject to change throughout the course of Qusmo’s Copa Rushmori campaign, & confirmed lineups will be posted for each matchday.
|’                            |¯¯¯|                            ’|
|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|¯¯|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|¯¯|¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|
|                       |  ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯  |                       |
|                       |_______________|                       |
|                                                               |
|                  Helek-Pertz     Sevet-Matez                  |
|                                                               |
|                                                               |
|  Belaj-Rilan                                     Culak-Zelez  |
|------------------Kynda-Tylyr--O--Jerat-Forzu------------------|
|                                                               |
|                                                               |
|  Xelez-Matez                                     Sevet-Ajark  |
|                  Sevet-Stokes    Gavaz-Ajark                  |
|                                                               |
|                       |¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯|                       |
|                       |  Kepex-Cheng  |                       |
|_______________________|__|_________|__|_______________________|
|,                            |___|                            ,|
Vulav-Wanar’s teams play in a safe, defensive-minded 4-4-2 shape. It may be a bit basic or boring, but there’s just not enough time to drill complicated tactical instructions in international breaks, especially ahead of a manager’s first tournament. Still, given the manager’s sterling resume — featuring more tournament trophies than match losses in competitive national team fixtures — it’s hard to argue with.

The matchday one lineup, at least, is much younger than Qusma teams of Tlanx-Nulzk’s vintage, with a median age of 25 & only four players in their thirties. It’s also just as diverse, with ten starters also eligible for other national teams: a stunning eight Squornshelan Qusmi’y, including the entire midfield, both strikers, & half the back line; a player who was not only eligible for Nephara, but received fourteen caps for the Cormorants before ever being called up by Qusmo; & the rare tri-national player, as goalkeeper Kepex-Cheng Yan not only has Yue heritage but lived both in Yuezhou & Nyowani Kitara as a refugee.

Only one player on the twenty-five-player tournament roster, & none in the starting XI against Gnejs, are based in Qusmo’s new League of the Single Sun, but Vulav-Wanar has promised to give more opportunities to domestic-based talent once the Copa Rushmori is over & the league has concluded its inaugural season.

Kits

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

Culture

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

Competitive record

Qusmo made its Copa Rushmori debut in the thirtieth edition of the tournament & managed to advance to the knockout stage in all three Copas it entered before the national team’s hiatus as a result of the Reforms, including the quarterfinals on two occasions. However, it has struggled in the competition since, having recorded one point in five matches in Copa Rushmori XLV & then no points in three matches in Copa Rushmori XLVI. Qusmo’s struggles against Rushmori opposition, & particularly in the Copa Rushmori, are well-documented, but Fuzpon Qusma surely hopes that the hire of Vulav-Wanar can turn things around.

Given the depth of Qusmo’s failures at this tournament, particularly under Tlanx-Nulzk, it might take a miracle. But if anyone is a regional tournament miracle worker, it might be a manager who won a major regional trophy just last cycle with an unranked nation which wasn’t even part of the region in question, having overseen a seven-match knockout stage winning streak, despite having taken over the team midtournament. Time will only tell how well Vulav-Wanar can replicate their prior successes while in charge of their own homeland’s national team.
Situational Records            M    W    D    L        P/M    W%    GF   GA    GD
All-Time Record              185   88   30   67       1.59   48%   298  256   +42
Competitive Matches          143   73   23   47       1.69   51%   238  183   +55
v. Rushmori Opponents         43   11    8   24       0.95   26%    50   75   -25
Copas Rushmori                21    5    5   11       0.95   24%    18   30   -12
Post-Reform (All Fixtures)    53   22    5   26       1.34   42%   108  103    +5

Technical details

Permissions: Anything short of godmodding, death, or permanent injury; feel free to DM me to ask or talk about anything
Starting XI: Will be posted at the end of each RP for the subsequent matchday
Style modifier: -2

by **Pasarga** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:28 am

It was the match that was circled by the fans of the Wanderers when the groups had been drawn, that opening match against the Kytler Peninsulae. It was the sole game in their group of fixtures where the side was set to be considered the underdog in, given their opposition was the highest ranked team in the group and by some margin. The two sides had very different form entering into the competition, as the disappointment of the Wanderers group stage exit well documented at this point, even if it is only a month later. It was going to be the biggest test for the Wanderers and the match where the team was going to rely as much on the home support pushing them on as much as the talent of the players and the tactics of the manager. If the team could get a result here, then if they merely got the results that were expected of them in the rest of the group, even if there was still a pair of challenging matches among the other three, then advancement to the knockout stages was very well a real possibility for the host team.

Honestly it was a cagey match, as it looked like neither team wanted to be the first to make a mistake and give the opposition the scoring opportunity that could turn the tide of the game. The Wanderers' midfield was doing what they could to try and control the possession but it was proving quite difficult to try and break through the slightly sunk in defensive shell that their opponents were playing in. It would be a misstep by Shrifflu Mocks, who misjudged a floated cross in from the left hand side that would give Laszlo the opening he needed, rising high to head in the cross from Biro and beating Zeelen in net in the sixty-fourth minute. It brought life back into the crowd and made the Kytler team have to be a bit more adventurous in the move forward, now needing to find a goal to at least get back on level terms. Margo Szôts however was marshaling the defense quite well, showing some of that club form from Syneca that got her the starting position in the first place, and the backline would not be broken through on the night no matter what the opposition through at them. After the disaster of the team's defense at the Finals, it was refreshing to see the team be so well coordinated on the defense and secure the points for the team.

The team passed its toughest test with finding a way to break through the Kytler hurdle to start the group, a well earned victory to be sure. However the test now is not to see the team fall back into the bad habits and the inconsistency that has been the hallmark of the team of the past few decades, allowing teams that are on paper worse than them to take away points from the team. It was what caused the team to fall out of the group stage last month and has hampered them greatly in the last several Copa Rushmoris, hence why the team's regional ranking has fallen off a cliff in the last decade. We have seen on the first matchday that some of these unheralded sides have found a way to nab results against some of the more elite competition in the tournament and the team need be guarded against the same pitfalls. Laszlo needs a bit more touches and some better service than what was present in the first match, so that the end of these games are not as nervy as the first game felt, even if the defense was giving a stellar performance. There is room now to hope that things might turn good but you have to still work hard to see that hope rewarded and make the bit of luck that can turn things your way.

by **Qusmo** » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:32 am

Traveling Qusmo
Welcome to Qanz
Objectivity disclosure: TRAVELING QUSMO is produced & funded by Wow! Qusmo, which is the official tourism authority of Qusmo & an agency of the government of the State of Qusmo

Hi there, my name’s Culak-Zylyz Fox, & I’m a proud Qusmi welcoming you to Qusmo & to TRAVELING QUSMO, a show about this wonderful place & the amazing people who make it what it is. Here, we’ll learn about places from every corner of our great country, including dynamic cities, stunning landscapes, & — who knows — perhaps even your next vacation destination. So, please, sit back & prepare to be wowed by Qusmo.

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Vulav-Wanar believed in their starting XI at the outset of the tournament, & a narrow loss to a regional power hasn’t changed that. Qusmo will make no changes to its lineup for its matchday two fixture against Three Golden Kingdoms. The manager recognizes Gnejs was a very difficult opening fixture, & two-one isn’t that bad of a result. Still, that does likely mean Qusmo is playing for third place in Group B. Not only does that mean that the team’s remaining matches against Three Golden Kingdoms & Norrhem are absolutely vital, but the Quxruxy will have to be at their best in every fixture to place well enough in the table of third-placed teams from across the tournament to fulfill the mandate Fuzpon Qusma set out for their new manager: return Qusmo to the Copa Rushmori knockout rounds for the first time since it was a home tournament fifteen editions ago.

Copa Rushmori XLVII - Everything Thread

Copa Rushmori XLVII - Everything Thread

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