Difference between revisions of "Juan Tzimisces"
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From his first appearance as a 20 year old in the very first world cup in [[Ariddia]], through to his final appearance in his mid-thirties, Tzimisces' flair and skill would alternately baffle and delight his opponents. Unfortunately, his sheer unpredictability would also frequently baffle his own supporters. | From his first appearance as a 20 year old in the very first world cup in [[Ariddia]], through to his final appearance in his mid-thirties, Tzimisces' flair and skill would alternately baffle and delight his opponents. Unfortunately, his sheer unpredictability would also frequently baffle his own supporters. | ||
| − | Perhaps the best-known example of Tzimisces | + | Perhaps the best-known example of the Tzimisces temper was 'the great sulk' in the Imperial Cup Final of 967 A.F., between Alasdairopolis City (the national 'glamour club') and Philadelphia (the Chaco's only premiership team). In that infamous game, he scored a first half hat-trick for City of extraordinary verve and skill in the space of only five minutes, only to decide, ten minutes into the second half, that the referee was unfairly penalising his fellow native Chacans on the opposing squad. Tzimisces promptly tried to concede a penalty against his own team, punched the referee when he refused to award the penalty, and then stormed off the field vowing never to play top flight football again. |
He was 18 years old at the time. That he reneged on his vow was typical Tzimisces. That it took an official Imperial pardon for his lifetime ban to be overturned (likewise with his subsequent four lifetime bans) doubly so. | He was 18 years old at the time. That he reneged on his vow was typical Tzimisces. That it took an official Imperial pardon for his lifetime ban to be overturned (likewise with his subsequent four lifetime bans) doubly so. | ||
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In truth, Alasdair I Frosticus were always World Cup underachievers - even when hosting [[World Cup 2]] - something for which Tzimisces must take considerable blame. While no one disputes that he gave his all to the Imperial team's cause, many of his teammates were said to have feared his fiery temper as much as they feared the opposition, and some of the more frustrating losses the team suffered over the years can probably be put down to the squad's internal problems. As a result, Alasdair I Frosticus failed to reach the tournament's top three in their four campaigns, and only made it out of the first round twice. | In truth, Alasdair I Frosticus were always World Cup underachievers - even when hosting [[World Cup 2]] - something for which Tzimisces must take considerable blame. While no one disputes that he gave his all to the Imperial team's cause, many of his teammates were said to have feared his fiery temper as much as they feared the opposition, and some of the more frustrating losses the team suffered over the years can probably be put down to the squad's internal problems. As a result, Alasdair I Frosticus failed to reach the tournament's top three in their four campaigns, and only made it out of the first round twice. | ||
| − | But for all his faults, those who saw Tzimisces play in his prime will never forget the sight of the Holy Empire's greatest - and most infamous - player surging through the centre of midfield, before launching one of his trademark unstoppable thunderbolts towards the | + | But for all his faults, those who saw Tzimisces play in his prime will never forget the sight of the Holy Empire's greatest - and most infamous - player surging through the centre of midfield, before launching one of his trademark unstoppable thunderbolts towards the cowering opposing keeper. |
[[Category:Sports characters]] | [[Category:Sports characters]] | ||
[[Category:World Cup Hall of Fame]] | [[Category:World Cup Hall of Fame]] | ||
Revision as of 20:17, 3 August 2005
Juan Tzimisces was the legendary midfield general and captain of Alasdair I Frosticus in the first four editions of the Nationstates World Cup, and the only Chaco-born citizen of the Empire ever to captain the national side.
From his first appearance as a 20 year old in the very first world cup in Ariddia, through to his final appearance in his mid-thirties, Tzimisces' flair and skill would alternately baffle and delight his opponents. Unfortunately, his sheer unpredictability would also frequently baffle his own supporters.
Perhaps the best-known example of the Tzimisces temper was 'the great sulk' in the Imperial Cup Final of 967 A.F., between Alasdairopolis City (the national 'glamour club') and Philadelphia (the Chaco's only premiership team). In that infamous game, he scored a first half hat-trick for City of extraordinary verve and skill in the space of only five minutes, only to decide, ten minutes into the second half, that the referee was unfairly penalising his fellow native Chacans on the opposing squad. Tzimisces promptly tried to concede a penalty against his own team, punched the referee when he refused to award the penalty, and then stormed off the field vowing never to play top flight football again.
He was 18 years old at the time. That he reneged on his vow was typical Tzimisces. That it took an official Imperial pardon for his lifetime ban to be overturned (likewise with his subsequent four lifetime bans) doubly so.
In truth, Alasdair I Frosticus were always World Cup underachievers - even when hosting World Cup 2 - something for which Tzimisces must take considerable blame. While no one disputes that he gave his all to the Imperial team's cause, many of his teammates were said to have feared his fiery temper as much as they feared the opposition, and some of the more frustrating losses the team suffered over the years can probably be put down to the squad's internal problems. As a result, Alasdair I Frosticus failed to reach the tournament's top three in their four campaigns, and only made it out of the first round twice.
But for all his faults, those who saw Tzimisces play in his prime will never forget the sight of the Holy Empire's greatest - and most infamous - player surging through the centre of midfield, before launching one of his trademark unstoppable thunderbolts towards the cowering opposing keeper.
