Daehanjeiguk National Football Team
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| |
| Association | Imperial Football Association |
|---|---|
| Confederation | |
| Head Coach |  Lii Chong-Sun
|
| Assistant Coach(es) |  Yang Gong-Wan
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| Captain | Jeong Ji-Hun
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| Most caps | Kim Dae-Eui (## goals)
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| Top scorer | Kim Dae-Eui (## goals)
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| Home stadium | Shinhan Jangan Imperial Stadium |
| WCC code | HAN |
| KPB Rank | 12 |
| Highest KPB Rank | 2 (WC47) [1] |
| Lowest KPB Rank | UNR-79 (WC36) |
 
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| First International | |
Daehanjeiguk (4-2) Sorthern Northland  Estadio Azul Flores Stadium, Qazox (OC2 MD1) | |
| Best Result | |
Daehanjeiguk (9-0) Burchadinger  Olympiastadion, Berlin (WC50Q MD14) | |
| Worst Result | |
 Oliverry (5-0) Daehanjeiguk  Le Complexe National de Soccer, Marshalliston, Oliverry (WC37 MD3) | |
| World Cup | |
| Appearances | 12 (First in WC39) |
| Best Result | Finalist (WC46) |
The Imperial Han Football Team (zh. 大韓帝國蹴球國家代隊表; kr. 대한제국축구국가대표) is the national Football Team of Daehanjeiguk, and is affiliated with the Imperial Football Association. Colloquially known as the "Imperial team", the Han are among the more successful teams competing in international football tournaments, particularly in the World Cup. The team made its debut international performance in the Oxen Cup 2, where the team finished sixth. The team then competed in the Baptism of Fire 23 tournament, which preceded World Cup 36 Qualification; the Team proceeded to have among the best records in the tournament and won the tournament, beating Endmile in the final match. Their history in World Cup Qualification has been less storied, with a near qualification opportunity in WC38 lost in the final match. Nonetheless, the Han qualified for the first time in WC39 Qualification and have since then reached the World Cup, qualifying 5 times (WC41 was hosted on home soil, and thus the Imperial Team automatically qualified). The Han have been less successful in other tournaments, failing to win the Cup of Harmony and only winning the Oriental Football Cup in its final edition. Since then, the team has focused much of its attention on winning the World Cup, preferring a more conservative style of management.
The Imperial Team play an unusual offensive style, with a 3-4-1-2 formation ever since the start of the program. Although the team has yet to win the World Cup, many Han players are prized around the world for their tactical finesse in foreign leagues, notably in Cafundéu and Candelaria And Marquez. As the team gains experience internationally, Han players are found more and more in demand by foreign teams. The Imperial Team is also renowned for its fans, who are extremely passionate. Unfortunately, at times in the past, the fans have been a negative influence on the team, as riots and random acts of hooliganism are prominently displayed. Nonetheless, the fans tend to be extremely vocal and display pride for their team in various placard performances; during home matches, these placard displays tend to be another highlight in the stadium, besides the on-going football match.
Contents |
History
The Beginning (WC36-W38)
Although people in the Han Empire had been playing football since its modern introduction by foreign sailors following the Muja War, the isolation period during the subsequent years left the state of football at the whims of local regulations. Nonetheless, a popular amateur national competition continued to exist until the end of seclusion by the Emperor Gwangmu. As the Han registered to participate in their first international tournament, the Imperial Squad employed the most popular "amateurs" to participate on the team. The team made a modest showing at the Oxen Cup 2, but surprised nearly everyone at home when they managed to overcome the odds and became the 23rd BoF Champion. With heightened awareness, the Han fans followed the Imperial Team around in World Cup Qualification, stunning a number of the higher ranked teams in the process. Despite first-time heroics, the Han fell short of the requirements to qualify for the World Cup, and were resigned to try their luck in the Cup of Harmony. Despite progressing from the group, the Han failed to pass the Quarterfinals and thus were left waiting for the next WCQ season. Following the WC season, a number of the amateurs were immediately seized by foreign clubs, destined almost to become the highlight of Han football. Moreover, the IFA founded a new professional league to allow players to gain experience domestically.
The IFA also began a domestic Han-oriented Oriental Football Cup, inviting the best of ethnic Han teams to compete in the Han Empire. Despite hosting the tournament, the Han managed to lose the tournament against Ariddian Arctic Islands; in subsequent editions, the success of the Imperial Team varied, but almost invariably, the Han could not win the tournament. Proceeding into the WC37 season, the Han ventured to Qazox to compete in the Oxen Cup 3. After finishing third, WC37 Qualification for the Han started poorly and ended poorly, finishing on a losing record; the subsequent Cup of Harmony performance was not much better, with the team finishing in the Second Round. It seemed that the team was headed for another set of disappointments in World Cup 38, but after a few matches, the Han were holding strong in third position just at the half-way of qualification. Needing a better result than Geisenfried, the Han managed a 1-1 draw on the final date of qualification, failing thus to qualify on goal difference. In the Cup of Harmony, the Han managed to proceed through the tournament without losing a match, and failed to progress to the semifinals of the tournament (as the best ranked non-qualifying team in the competition).
WC39-WC43
The Han entered WC39 with high hopes to qualify for its first time. With little success in either the Cup of Harmony or any other non-affiliated cup, the Imperial Team placed all of its focus upon qualifying for WC39. Led by manager Cha Beomgeun, the team managed to slip into 3rd position in their group and qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Despite arriving in the cup as a lowly-ranked team, the Han managed to defy the odds and won Group B above Bazalonia, Wentland, and Tynelia (defeating Tynelia on the last matchday). A Second Round appearance was the last match for Cha Beomgeun, as he soon resigned after losing to Ad'ihan.
With WC40 coming so quickly, the IFA appointed Cafundelense Ioshido Toki to manage the team. Leading the team through qualification without a loss on the very last day, Ioshido Toki took the talents that Cha Beomgeun had crafted and made the team a very efficient squad. Unfortunately, the team met its first lost under the new manager in the final day WC40 Qualifying in Casari, during which a Mujeongbu terrorist plot destroyed the stadium in which the match was being played and thousands of local and Han fans were killed; three players on the squad were also killed in the incident. Perhaps as a result of the terror attacks, the Han football team failed to make any impact in the next World Cup, going out with a single point in three matches.
As the IFA was co-hosting World Cup 41 with the Ad'ihani Football Federation, the Imperial Squad did not participate in qualifying and instead prefered to relax and practice for the oncoming tournament. Despite the rest, the Han again failed to improve, falling out with just 1 point in three matches. Desperate for a better result in the World Cup, the Imperial Squad entered WC42Q with the hopes of reaching the Second Round once again. After qualifying behind Kura-Pelland and just ahead of Ad'ihan, the Han made their first undefeated Group Stage appearance, defeating Bazalonia and Wentland and drawing Sorthern Northland for 7 points. Reaching the Second Round for the first time in three cups, the Han managed to defeat the Holy Empire and proceeded to the Quarterfinals, where they subsequently fell to the eventual champions Valanora. After qualifying comfortably once again for World Cup 43, the Han again qualified on top of their group and proceeded to the Second Round, where they played a goalless draw against Tynelia. The subsequent PK shoot-out favored the Tynelian side, bringing the WC43 campaign to a close.
WC44-WC46
Having already terminated the OFC tournament, the Imperial Squad was wholly devoted to qualifying and winning the World Cup now. Drawn into a group with Valanora, qualification seemed a bit difficult, and after a few initial hurdles from the returning Sarzonian national team, the Han managed a 2-0 win over the Vanorian side that helped the Han to qualify for the World Cup on top of their Group, despite a later 5-1 drubbing at the hands of the same Vanorian squad. In the World Cup, the Han played through difficult competition from Capitalizt SLANI, Sorthern Northland, and Septentrionia, and despite earning just 5 points from the Group, the Han still progressed on top and proceeded for another R16 encounter against Ad'ihan. The Han proved to be the better team on that encounter and advanced to meet Valaonora (for only the third time in the WC44 Season). The ensuing match was decided on penalty kicks, which again favored Valanora, sending the Imperial Squad back home anticipating WC45 Qualification again.
WC45 Qualification started very poorly, with an opening 2-2 draw against Greal, and a later loss against Cassadaigua. However, the Han managed to end their tour in Group 2 with the second best record in WC45 Qualification (along with Sorthern Northland and the Holy Empire) and qualified for the World Cup with a win in every other match. Spotted in Group D with the Holy Empire, Bears Armed, and Jeruselem, the Han managed comfortable wins over the Bears and the Princesses, but fell out in the last match against the Holy Empire to fall out into 2nd place, the first time ever (all other occurrences were 1st and 3rd). Coming out of the Group Stage, the Han played against Sorthern Northland for the third time in the past 4 World Cups, failing to pass the test with a 2-2 draw that went to penalties; as with every other World Cup penalty shoot-out, the Han failed to impress at the spot. With Ioshido Toki's performance starting to draw more criticism, the IFA voted under extreme pressure to allow the man one more year at the helm of the team's management. But it was made expressly clear that nothing less than a World Cup title would be satisfactory.
WC46 saw the Imperial Squad slotted into Group 12. It was during the Qualification Round that manager Ioshido Toki announced his resignation following this World Cup, with the hope that he could leave the World Cup with something special. Despite losing on the final matchday to Quintessence of Dust, the Han qualified for the World Cup on top, just ahead of Jeru FC, who finished second. It was certainly deja-vu as the Han were slotted into Group A of the World Cup, facing Jeru FC on the first matchday. It was a comfortable 4-2 win, although the subsequent 3-4 loss to hosts Ad'ihan put Han progression in doubt. On the final day, the Han managed a comfortable 2-0 win over Newmanistan - World Cup debutants after many long years of attempting the like (and in the pockets of Han International Conglomerate Samseong) - while the hosts managed a draw with Jeru FC, meaning the Han would progress to the Second Round, against The Archregimancy. In a series of "firsts" for the Han Team, they dispatched the Archregimancy on PKs, then defeated Valanora in the quarterfinal match, to seal progression to the Semifinals. In the Semifinals, they faced against a competent Holy Empire squad and defeated them on a slender 1-0 margin, to head for the World Cup Final match - the final match fittingly for Ioshido Toki. In what is considered by many to be the most thrilling Cup Final in years, the Han came out second-best in a 4-5 match against Dancougar. Despite the loss, the Han had much to celebrate from their experience, and certainly losing the Cup Final was a better departure for Ioshido Toki than losing out on PKs against Valanora.
WC47-current
The Han were drawn for qualification into Group 6, facing Taeshan for only the third time in the qualifying stage. The Han went into the tournament, ranked 3rd in the world, and they started impressively, winning 8 straight matches, before drawing away against Taeshan. The Han nonetheless finished qualification with an impressive 13-1-0 record - the first undefeated qualifying attempt in their history. After losing out to Starblaydia in the R16, the history of the Imperial Squad was put into jeopardy as the Han Empire was thrust into a regional crisis, culminating in the Gyeimyo Calamity. While most foreign playing NFT members were spared from the brutalities of war, many domestic players were left either dead or too scarred to play once more. As a result, the Imperial Squad skipped participation in World Cup 48 and likewise suffered a huge blow when trying to recruit a team to play in World Cup 49.
Nonetheless, in spite of such a horrible turn-out, the team managed very well to progress on top of Group 11 over top-ranked Kosovoe under Kim Byeong-Ji's stewardship. After a brief scuffle in the IFA, during the World Cup proper, the IFA experienced a change at the top, with Kim Byeong-Ji taking over as Chairman, while Lii Chong-Sun resumed his managerial activities for the Imperial Squad. Nonetheless, with all eyes fixed upon an early exit, the Han stunned Group D, winning over the likes of Akbarabad and Jeruselem. A re-match with Starblaydia in the R16 showed that this Han team was worth contention. And despite yet another fixture against the Vanorians in the Quarterfinals, the Han held their own to a 5-3 loss, which was perhaps the most entertaining match in terms of goals fielded as well as innovative fan cheers. Coming out of World Cup 49, the Han were once again among the top teams and their honor perhaps restored.
World Cup 50 Qualification saw the Han undertake a very long qualification tournament, with a total of 22 matchdays and 20 matches. Despite the adversity faced from such opponents as Qazox and West Zirconia, the Han managed to command an early lead on points to finish the campaign in 2nd place behind Qazox. It was during this qualification campaign that the Han also ran out 9-0 winners over Burchadinger for their record winning margin ever. Despite a strong finish in qualification, a poor performance in the Group Stage saw the Han fall out to minnows Schiavonia and the Babbage Islands while drawing out a measly draw against Krytenia. While the Han had failed to progress to the Second Round, the IFA decided to continue Lii Chong-Sun's tenure, with the hopes that the relatively young and inexperienced squad could develop better rapport with one another in the off-season.
World Cup 51 Qualification similarly experienced a long qualification, although the number of matches were reduced to 18, with 150 qualification participants. Drawn into Group 14 with fellow BoF23 mates Ad'ihan and Kura-Pelland, the Han made a strong start rounding out the first half of qualification with 25 points, leading Ad'ihan after a 4-2 win in Gyeongju by 5 points. They finished just as comfortably, recording a 17-1-0 undefeated record. This record was promptly and shockingly smashed as the Han fell to a MD1 loss against Group opponents West Zirconia. It proved sufficient to eliminate the Han, despite winning against Jeruselem 4-1 and drawing Cassadaigua 1-1.
Popular Culture
In popular culture within the Han Empire, the Imperial Squad is held in extremely high esteem with the majority of citizens and denizens of the Han Empire. Nearly every match is a full house event in the Han Empire, even against the weaker teams. Because of the strong local support for the team, the Imperial Squad boasts one of the best home records in the World, having currently won every single home match since WC43 Matchday 5 1, and having not lost at home since World Cup 41. If following World Cup Qualification, the last home loss was on World Cup 39 Matchday 8 2.
The red-clad supporters are called by many names, as varied as the people that fill their ranks. Although the majority of fans are natural Han citizens, some expatriate communities are also known to support the Han in overseas adventures, especially when the Imperial Squad comes around to play in their country. The fans will often chant cheers for the entire duration of the match and create vivid and lively placard displays that rival the match in the stadium as the main attraction. Unfortunately, some Han matches are occasioned by tragedy as the atmosphere becomes too impassioned, leading to riots and violent displays. In most cases, the IFA and accompanying Han Supporters Association will reject the use of violence by its members for any reason, preferring the rule of law to be the final decider in any circumstance; however, the thrill of most matches will leave fans with little recourse to choose sensibly. The Han fans are indeed well-known for their excessive displays as well, leading to some precautions by foreign countries against the arrival of Han fans in their cities. Some of these precautions are developed as preventive measures against terrorist attacks, particularly against the Mujeongbu - the anarcho-terrorist organization that has frequently used football events to hide their operations and perpetrate their most devious acts. The greatest act thus far has been the attack on the Casari stadium during World Cup 40, in the last day of qualification during several thousand fans, including three Han players and several hundred Han citizens, were killed or injured link required.
Nonetheless, the Imperial Squad and its supporting fans are often a highlight wherever they travel, and despite the negative press that they may occasionally receive, every country knows to respect them and understand the cultural significance of the intense support that they receive. In recent years, the Han supporters have turned into several traveling factions, especially in the wake of World Cup 49 and the latest Valanora-Daehanjeiguk Quarterfinal tie. The groups have since specialized their own cheers for certain traveling occasions and continue the great tradition of providing great support for the Imperial Squad wherever and whenever they play.
Team Record
- Main article: Daehanjeiguk National Football Team History
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | # | # | # | ## | ## | ## | blah |
World Cup
- Main article: World Cup
World Cup Qualification
| WC Edition | Year(s)# | Result | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 36 | 4707 | 5th of 8 (NQ) | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 16 | 5 | |
| World Cup 37 | 4708 | 6th of 8 (NQ) | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 28 | –7 | |
| World Cup 38 | 4709 | 4th of 8 (NQ) | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 29 | 2 | Did not qualify on GD with Geisenfried |
| World Cup 39 | 4711 | 3rd of 8 (Q) | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 25 | 21 | 4 | Qualified over Ulzaxid |
| World Cup 40 | 4712 | 2nd of 6 (Q) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 24 | 8 | 16 | Qualified in play-off against Jeru FC (8-3 aggregate) |
| World Cup 41 | 4713 | Qualified automatically as hosts | ||||||||
| World Cup 42 | 4714 | 2nd of 7 (Q) | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 27 | 10 | 17 | |
| World Cup 43 | 4715 | 2nd of 8 (Q) | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 37 | 15 | 22 | |
| World Cup 44 | 4716 | 1st of 8 (Q) | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 33 | 10 | 23 | |
| World Cup 45 | 4717 | 1st of 8 (Q) | 14 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 38 | 8 | 30 | |
| World Cup 46 | 4718 | 1st of 6 (Q) | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 29 | 9 | 20 | |
| World Cup 47 | 4719 | 1st of 8 (Q) | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 5 | 45 | |
| World Cup 48 | 4720 | Did Not Enter | ||||||||
| World Cup 49 | 4722 | 1st of 9 (Q) | 16 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 38 | 20 | 18 | |
| World Cup 50 | 4723 | 2nd of 11 (Q) | 20 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 61 | 23 | 38 | |
| World Cup 51 | 4725 | 1st of 10 (Q) | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 56 | 16 | 40 | |
| Total | — | — | 198 | 136 | 29 | 33 | 491 | 218 | 273 | |
# - year tournament started
World Cup Finals
| WC Edition | Year(s)# | Result | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 39 | 4711 | R16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 8 | -1 | Won Group B |
| World Cup 40 | 4712 | Group | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 3rd Group D |
| World Cup 41 | 4713 | Group | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | Qualified as hosts / 3rd Group A because Sel Appa CTE |
| World Cup 42 | 4714 | QTF | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 1 | Won Group B |
| World Cup 43 | 4715 | R16 | 4 | 2 | 1* | 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Won Group B / Lost to Tynelia in R16 by PK |
| World Cup 44 | 4716 | QTF | 5 | 2 | 3* | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | Won Group C / Lost to Valanora in QTF by PK |
| World Cup 45 | 4717 | R16 | 4 | 2 | 1* | 1 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 2nd Group D / Lost to Sorthern Northland in R16 by PK |
| World Cup 46 | 4718 | FIN | 7 | 4 | 1* | 2 | 18 | 15 | 3 | 2nd Group A / Won over The Archregimancy in R16 by PK |
| World Cup 47 | 4719 | R16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 2nd Group F |
| World Cup 48 | 4720 | Did Not Enter | ||||||||
| World Cup 49 | 4722 | QTF | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 2nd Group D |
| World Cup 50 | 4724 | Group | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4th Group A |
| World Cup 51 | 4725 | Group | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3rd Group C |
| Total | — | — | 50 | 21 | 11 | 18 | 85 | 82 | 3 | |
* Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
** Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.
# - year tournament started
Other Cups
3rd place - Oxen Cup 3
Champions - Oriental Football Cup 7
Current Squad
Key Individuals
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Cha Beom-Geun - Former Manager of the Imperial Squad (WC36-WC39)
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Ioshido Toki - Former Manager of the Imperial Squad (WC40-WC46)
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Lii Chong-sun - Manager of the Imperial Squad (WC47, WC49-)
- Kim Byeong-ji - Former Manager of the Imperial Squad (WC49)
| Preceded by: Kuosio (BoF 22) |
BoF Champions BoF 23 (WC36) |
Succeeded by: Prux (BoF24) |
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