#5 Representing Your Nation

[RashfordU]

CPT #4

It was a surreal feeling. Mikko thought that the moment would never come, but here he was, lined up alongside his fellow countryman ready to do battle. Even though they currently play for a regional team, East Africa, it still felt very much like it was only Zambians that day. The team, made largely of the core group of Zambians, was quite young. They had played together in junior ranks, often coming from villages nearby or at least getting to compete against each other in regional competitions. But here they were a few years later competing against the world's best.

What was special for Mikko, was getting to play alongside his brother. One that he only recently found out about during his time in the Simulation Soccer League. His Father, Mikko Sr. had apparently fathered two boys without letting it slip that he had named them similarly. Mikko Rashford II, the Striker, did what his father never could do, and that was consistently score, whereas his brother, Mikko Rashford III was a phenomenal facilitator, who also had a penchant for scoring the occasional goal as well.

While the team would not be a major factor in the tournament, falling against some of the other powerhouses that are found in the World Cup, the team did at least show some promise. They are hoping with a little more development time, a few seasons from now they will hopefully be able to put up a much greatest test to their competition. Only time will tell if that is true, and it appears that the region has been growing at the highest level. With talent starting to pop up from other nearby nations, which should help reduce the burden that Zambia has felt to produce talent in the region. No matter what happens, Mikko is ready and excited

APPROVED - so, this Mikko's son would be Mikko II II?

[sköldpaddor]

CPT #4

Freja has played for Sweden in some capacity since she was pretty young, though it was usually at lower levels. The first time she got to play for her country on the big stage was a big moment for her. Her older brother Lias played on the Swedish national team in the IIHF for several years, and getting to follow in those footsteps in her own sport was a pretty big deal for her. Her moms (and Lias, whose schedule allowed him some time off to come and see her play) were in the stands, cheering her on, and it felt like a really big deal to her. She was anxious leading up to it - when you play with one team most of the time, and have a set of teammates you're used to playing with, it can be a little weird to play with a different squad, and the nerves from that compiled with the pressure of representing her country definitely had her a little anxious to start. But she managed to calm those nerves and remind herself that at the end of the day, it was just another match, in a sport that she's been playing her entire life, and even though her brain was anxious, her body knew the lay of the land and knew what to do. 

Do I have any idea how this game turned out? No, I do not. I cannot remember any of the results from our last international shindig, because the last few months have been an absolute blur. But trust me when I say that Freja certainly remembers it, and she was allowed to keep her first national team jersey, which is now framed and displayed on the wall of her parent's sandwich shop at home in Visby, next to one of Lias's Tre Kronor hockey jerseys, where their moms proudly point out their children's accomplishments to any unsuspecting tourist who will listen.

Approved

[donut]

CPT #4

When Julian Rubio looks back on his first call-up to the Pyrenees Union national team, it still feels like something out of a movie. One minute, he was just that young kid from Andorra, sitting on his couch watching these legends on TV, and the next he was walking out onto the pitch, his name being chanted by the fans, standing shoulder to shoulder with players he had only ever dreamed of playing alongside. 

That year’s World Simulated Football Classic was supposed to be a quick exit. No one expected the Pyrenees Union to make it past the group stage. But something happened. Rubio found his rhythm. He found himself leading the team's strike force, linking up with his União São Paulo teammate Chef Gagne, whose passes seemed like a gift from the heavens. The chemistry they’d built at the club carried straight into the tournament, and suddenly the kid from Andorra was holding his own against the best in the world. Together, they tore through opposing defenses, surprising everyone. Rubio still remembers the roar of the crowd when he scored the winner against Eurasia in the quarterfinals, a sound that hit his chest like a knockout punch. Then came the semifinal, a heartbreaking loss to Benelux, the eventual champions. During that match, every single mistake felt like a blow, every second dragging longer than the last, and when the final whistle blew, it felt like all their efforts had come to nought. As most of the team headed back to the locker room, Rubio stayed on the pitch, lying on the grass, picturing what he could have done differently and how he had failed. The ache of coming so close is something that has never fully healed. 

Now, with another tournament on the horizon, everything feels different. Rubio is no longer the newcomer. He’s a leader now. The fans expect more from him, and he expects more from himself. Just being there isn’t enough anymore. He wants to lead. He wants to win. He carries the hopes of Andorra and the memory of a team that almost made history. And this time, he’s ready.

Approved

[piza]

CPT 4

Nikolai at a younger age didn't yet know whether he would represent Sweden or Pakistan on the global level. He believed that choosing one nation to represent would let down the other parent. When Nikolai starting gaining attention around the U17 level, his father, who represented Pakistan at the youth level, told him that declaring himself for the Swedish national team could give him more offers and opportunities from around Europe. That proved to be true, when after confirming his Swedish nationality, he would get picked up in the SSL Academies and drafted onto the Seoul Mythic squad, and eventually lifting himself to becoming a Catalunya player. 

Nikolai would watch highlights of the legends of Sweden when he was a young baller playing in the streets of Stockholm. He loved to watch Nils Liedholm, who most notably played for AC Milan for around 12 years, making 380 appearances for the club. In his time in Italy, although he was a midfielder, he scooped up 82 goals and only 8 assists, helping Nikolai break through the stereotype of midfielders shouldn't be leading the charts in goals. Nils Liedholm helped Nikolai become the midfielder he is today and is still trying to achieve: a difference maker in the form of goals. Nikolai's father knew this dream, and seeing Nikolai open up the letter sent by the Swedish Football Association and reading out that he had been invited to a training camp with all of the best Swedish players helped him feel better about letting Nikolai represent Sweden instead of Pakistan. As for Nikolai- being able to represent the nation and play on the same team as players he grew up idolizing was all he ever wanted, and now his dream had come true. And just thinking about the players he would be able to greet and play with or against... the two most exciting ones being Isak and Kulusevski, as well as being able to link up with Lindelof. Those names were way bigger than Ahmed. But Nikolai made it his mission to outshine those players at this upcoming camp, to make people find out the name he had taken from his father and wear it with pride.

Approved - nice family tale.

[CROney3]

CPT4


Viva la Mexico! When the phone call came in to Benecio's phone, he recognized the number was from his hometown, but wasn't sure who would be calling him. Despite the usual action of declining an unknown number, his gut told him to pick this one up. And he's sure glad he did! The call was coming from the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, where they wanted to inform Benecio that he was getting selected to the Mexican national team for the World Cup! The best part about this, is the 2026 World Cup will be played partly in Mexico, so he'll get to play in front of his home fans, which is the most exciting part to Benecio. Getting to play in Estadio Azteca was always a dream of his, and so not only does he get to fulfill a childhood goal of his, but it'll be on the biggest stage he'll ever have played in.

He is already dreaming of walking down the tunnel in his green, white, and red kit, representing his home country in the World Cup. The call couldn't have come at a better time, as it feels like he is at the top of his game as his current team (Uniao Sao Paulo) are a force to be reckoned with, partly due to his presence in net. Being able to play against some of the world's best competition, and not just playing against, but dominating against, means he's ready to show the entire world how good he can be. Who knows, maybe Benecio can even get hoist the FIFA World Cup Trophy in front of his family and friends! There would be no better feeling in the world if he got to celebrate a World Cup victory with his teammates.

Time to train for 2026! Mexico will not regret calling up Benecio to the national team!

Approved

[Jiggy]

CPT #4

It has been George Shaheen’s dream – ever since he was a wee lad kicking a ball down dirt paths from his father’s fruit stand all the way to school – to one day represent the proud nation of Lebanon in international competition.

Having accomplished what he has to date, Shaheen does not feel nerves very often when it comes to playing football. He has seen a lot, been through a lot, chased some dreams, achieved most of them. He has been a part of championship clubs at every level – including the highest professional level. He’s faced the best. He’s held his own. He’s been a member of teams who have beaten the best.

But having just been called up to Lebanon’s national team, this feels different. This comes with nerves. Sweaty palms. Lumpy throat. Hard to swallow. Sometimes hard to breathe.

It isn’t the pressure of winning. Expectations about Lebanon’s prospects on the international stage are realistic. It’s the pressure of representing. Of showing the world the pride of this nation. Of turning a few heads in its direction. Of giving people something positive to think about when they see the red, white and green banner with the eternal cedar tree flying proudly in the center.

Life in Lebanon has not been easy for quite some time. Once a premiere Mediterranean destination, it has been racked by fractious politics, lagging economics, war, and disasters. Sports for most outside the bigger cities is a distant after thought, ranking far down the list of priorities and well behind the basics of financial security, food security, and – well – personal security.

Shaheen feels the pressure of bringing sports back to the mind of many who are disheartened. Who have had it rough. Who could use something to look forward to, something to cheer for, something to lift them from the toils of the every day.

That is what’s on his mind as he pulls up his shin guards and laces his cleats for the first time while donning the uniform of Lebanon’s international team. He is following in the footsteps of personal heroes. But he is doing so with the notion that he needs to be more. He needs to do more. He needs to be a beacon for his fellow countrymen. Someone who can let them know that no matter what, it’s still OK to be proud to be Lebanese.

And so he will leave everything he has on the pitch. He will play with pride. He will play with class. He will play with dignity. He will play to win. And though wins on the scoreboard likely will be few, he hopes wins across hearts at home will be many.

Approved- this is why we play.

[norththegreatestshowman]

CT4 

It began with a live TV announcement from Leipzig Airport one evening in late May. Coach North McLean listed the players selected for the upcoming WSFC. Every second seemed to last hours for the Hohenhahn family.

"Florian Gaisberg, Eric Beerman, Jürgen Müller..."

Thomas knew he had a chance of being selected thanks to the withdrawals of strikers Alexander Selich and Dawid Polser, both of whom had been out of form during the season, unlike him. However, there was one final obstacle to his selection.

"Gerd Klose..."

Gerd Klose, Hollywood FC's striker. He single-handedly represented the biggest obstacle in Thomas's career, both with the national team and his club. He is an extremely versatile player, capable of scoring in any way possible and possessing the very German professionalism that coaches love. The "German Giant," surrounded by his entire family in the family living room, felt his heart sink when he heard that name. Central Europe had until then exclusively played with a single striker.

He gritted his teeth. A great deal of frustration grew within him. He would be 26 at the next World Cup. It was far too late for his liking. His longtime rival, Julian Rubio, had just been called up as his team's sole striker and would therefore be able to shine without him.

Thomas stared at an empty green flower vase on the mantelpiece. He was beginning to lose awareness of his surroundings. Everything was white noise and blurred movements. He had failed. Failed... Failed... Failed... The word echoed in his head like a thousand needles piercing him.

Suddenly, movement. A touch. Contacts. His family members had thrown themselves at him in joyful jubilation. He was confused, surprised, he didn't understand.
When his perception of the world returned to normal, he saw his portrait on the screen, large, wearing the black and white jersey.

"Thomas Hohenhahn..."

The cry he let out as he lifted his two parents and his little sister to his feet was a mixture of rage and pride. He was going to be able to prove to the world that he was a great player. Oh joy, when you hold us...

(357 WORDS)

Approved - it do be like that sometimes

[ulaire]

CPT 4

The email went unnoticed first. Until Tre saw it - official Azzurri crest, sandwiched between a spam offer to sponsor a Turkish crypto-themed nightclub and a notice from a Catalan PR agency still waiting on his final Vinyes del Petó ad appearance.

Subject: Convocazione Nazionale - Tre Quartista

Tre froze. Exhaled loudly. Took a screenshot. Then immediately texted it to his dad, his agent, and his ex from Pavia, who used to say Tre would never gonna make it.

For the first time, Italy called him up. The boy who used to dribble the ball between vineyard rows, he striker turned creative midfielder who was still finding his stride on flailing Catalunya side. Mostly known for silky technique and questionable life choices.

And now? A member of Squadra Azzurra.

The national reaction was mixed to say the best. Some pundits mocked his “zero assist rookie season” while others praised his “spatial intelligence” and “nose for the goal.” Tabloids going through his dating history. Meme accounts turned serious, photoshopping him into vintage photos with Totti and Baggio like he was the missing link. He turned off comments on his own Instagram page.

He arrived at Coverciano in style - sunglasses, linen shirt, and loafers with no socks - looking more straight from Amalfi yacht than national team prospect. In his most coveted new possession - Ferrari Roma Spyder in custom Azzurro Savoia color, with subtle tricolore pinstripe outlining the body curves. Bonucci (visiting as an ambassador) reportedly muttered, “Who’s this influencer?”

In training, he was all nerves. His first pass - a no-look flick - went straight into striker's back. Laughter. Then he tried again: this time, a disguised through ball that went out. Sarcastic applause. Tre was mortified. Then he got barked by coach for not going back on defense. It definitely would be harder than he expected. Strict regime of national team training camp didn't help.

Tre didn’t start in the friendly against Austria, but came on in the 67th minute. His native position - striker, not playmaker. His first touch: a cushioned layoff. His second: a clever chip that led to a half-chance. And in the 89th minute, a filthy outside-foot tap in from tight angle that had the crowd going. 2-1 final score, Italy win.

Back in Milan, his grandfather opened a dusty bottle of their family’s 1988 Barbera. “Can't believe that it's the boy who couldn't tell Montepulciano from vinegar,” he said, tearing up.

Approved - grading 3 or 4 of Tre's tasks, I feel like I've grown up with his family. Nice eye for detail.

[Ben]

CPT 4

Ben Nelson’s off-season has only gotten more exciting with the news that he has been called up to the New Zealand national team. Nelson came through the Wellington Phoenix academy before beginning his professional career in the SSL, playing for Seoul Mythic, CF Catalunya, and most recently completing a transfer to União São Paulo. As a youth player Nelson represented New Zealand at the under 17 OFC championship, winning the competition, and had been named in the reserve squad for the under 23 team who competed at the Olympics, although he did not play a game.
The call up could not have come at a more meaningful time with the team already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The last time New Zealand featured at a football World Cup was in 2010 in South Africa, where they were the only undefeated side in the tournament. That squad became part of New Zealand football history with draws against Italy, Slovakia, and Paraguay, even though they did not progress to the knockout stage. As a boy in Christchurch, Ben remembers waking up early to watch those games, and now more than a decade later he has earned the chance to follow in their footsteps.
Nelson spoke about the emotions of his selection. “It feels unreal,” he said. “The 2010 team showed everyone in New Zealand that we can compete on the world stage. They inspired me as a young footballer.”
For Nelson, the opportunity to train and play alongside some of New Zealand’s best is just as exciting. He will share the pitch with established internationals such as Chris Wood, who remains the focal point of the All Whites attack and one of the country’s most successful exports to the Premier League. He will also link up with players from European leagues who bring different experiences and styles into the squad, including Liberato Cacace, Ben Old, and Tyler Bindon.

Approved

[Amidships]

CPT 4

Alex Calderon's international career has been a bit of a roller coaster. He was never good enough to really catch the eye of his home country, the United States. However, while playing for the Victoria Falls academy, he caught the eye of the East African team. Calderon loved his time in Africa so much that he uprooted his life and decided to move to the continent permanently deciding to settle in Zambia. After he was drafted to the Hollywood and Cape Town organizations, he felt even better about the decision. He would play for the largest team near his new home for some time until he was good enough to return to his birthplace and play under the bright lights in Hollywood. The people and the culture of southeast Africa were exactly that missing piece that Calderon was looking for. He loved the area so much, he put down roots by investing in local businesses and non-profits. He played in the Season 18 WSFC for East Africa in three matches earning a draw and two losses. He finished with an average over 6.8 match rating, while not incredible, was not the worst for a brand new player just out of the academy. Calderon was thrilled to get the opportunity at all, and despite the outcome was happy to have found his new home. He has several more seasons ahead of him before the next international tournament and he intends to make the most of the time he has to get more integrated with the team and improve on his own individual abilities. He wants to do his best to help his teammates bring glory and some hardware to his new home. Alex has been in Africa long enough now that he fully expects his performance to improve significantly for the next tournament. He hopes to prove to his new, welcoming nation that he was worth all the paperwork and effort they put in to make it possible for him to transfer.

331 words

Approved