Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Database Download If you give this challenge a go yourself, feel free to update occasionally in this thread! A History According to some theories, Basques may be the least assimilated remnant of the Paleolithic inhabitants of Western Europe (specifically those of the Franco-Cantabrian region) to the Indo-European migrations. Basque tribes were mentioned by Roman writers Strabo and Pliny, including the Vascones, the Aquitani and others. There is some evidence to show that they already spoke Basque in that time (see Aquitanian language)[vague]. All other tribes in the Iberian Peninsula had been linguistically and culturally assimilated by Roman culture and language to a great extent by the end of the Roman period. In the Early Middle Ages, the territory between the Ebro and Garonne rivers, known as Vasconia, was for very short periods partially under the control of the Dukes of Vasconia. After the Moorish invasions and the Frankish expansion under Charlemagne, the territory was again fragmented and eventually the Kingdom of Pamplona arose as the main state in the area in the 9th century. This state, later known as Navarre, was partially annexed to the Kingdom of Castile in the 11th and 12th century and 1512-21. The remainder of Navarre was united to France. The three western provinces (Araba, Biscay, Gipuzkoa) had already joined through voluntary agreements the kingdom of Castile and helped to integrate Navarre into Castile. Nevertheless the Basque provinces enjoyed a great deal of self-government until the French Revolution in the North, and until after the Carlist Wars in the South. Influenced by European Romantic nationalism, Basque nationalism appeared by the end of the 19th century. Since then, a section of the Basque society has been struggling to achieve independence as a sovereign nation-state. What Have I Done? The nation of Pays Basque has been made playable, with a reputation of 8000, and a starting FIFA points tally of 0. It will be up to the AI to control the side, and take them forward as one of the European footballing superpowers. With non-capped Basque/Spanish superstars such as Manuel Almunia and Francisco Javier Yeste, immediate success of the nation is down to the quality of coaching. Youngsters coming up from the big Basque clubs, notably Osasuna, Alaves, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao will surely begin to challenge for first team spots soon enough. In addition to the Spanish-Basque clubs, Franco-Basque side Aviron Bayonnais, notable for producing arguably the best footballer the North of Basque Country has ever seen, Didier Deschamps, have been inducted into the Spanish Second Division B. They will look to move up the Spanish league system if they can, and eventually start challenging to be the best Basque footballing club. What's Up First For Pays Basque? A friendly match against their arch-rivals, Spain. It will be held at San Mames, Bilbao, which will serve as the national stadium for the near-future. This will be a chance for several Basque footballers to show their big brother Spain why they should have been called up for La Furia Roja. I'll keep you updated with this, and everything else Basque that happens in the footballing world. This will include focussing on the Basque clubs, the top Basque players and staff, and of course, the nation themselves, as they strive to make a name for themselves, and potentially even win an international title of their own. Of course, Spain are yet to win the World Cup, so could their little neighbours actually beat them to it? Only time will tell... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 PAYS BASQUE 0 - 4 SPAIN Xavi (7), Joaquin (22), Villa (52), Iniesta (81) It was a baptism of fire for the boys from North. Spain were simply too strong, and although only just edged them on chances - 13 to 9 - were much more clinical in their finishing. It was no weakened side for the Spanish, who called for their best and most talented players to make sure they weren't humiliated by the Basque. Inaki Munoz, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, was Basque's best performer, but even he was unable to prevent the Spanish, in their first official visit to Pays Basque, coming away with a strong result. Friendlies have been arranged for next year, with Mexico and Israel set to visit Bilbao, while Pays Basque take trips to Germany and the Czech Republic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wegason Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Very interesting, I will follow with interest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatski Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Very interesting, I will follow with interest Moi aussi Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocknrollpear Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I like the look of this. I remember looking at Bilbao and they only have basque players and in some of the Football manager series (not sure if this rule still applies) they couldnt sign non basque. They had some great players though. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 CZECH REPUBLIC 2 - 0 PAYS BASQUE Baros (10), Fenin (65) PAYS BASQUE 1 - 2 ISRAEL Aduriz (10) | Sahar (24), Benayoun (59) GERMANY 3 - 0 PAYS BASQUE Seufert (17, 39, 60) Pays Basque are still yet to record their first victory. The first goal game in a home match against Israel that they really did not deserve to lose. European footballing powers Czech Republic and Germany were simply too good for them however. Coming Soon: A round up of the top 25 Basque footballers. A round up of the top 10 Basque youngsters. A round up of the Basque clubs in the top 3 tiers of Spanish football. And of course, the rest of the big news from around the globe. And in reply to Rocknrollpear, yes, Athletic Bilbao are still limited to Basque nationality players. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 interesting stuff, doubt they'll ever be as good as Spain, but they could still become a relatively big player in International football over time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1234566778 Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Great idea, KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wegason Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Are they entered into European Championship or World Cup Qualifying? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManuCelt Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Aren't Barcelona a Basque club too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wegason Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Aren't Barcelona a Basque club too? No, they're Catalan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Strangely, they're in a WC Qualifying Group, but without any fixtures. I expect the system will sort itself out and they'll be entered into the European Championship Quals. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lower Leagues Rule Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I believe new nations in Europe cause Montenegro to be pushed aside in the current round, but don't play any games. Please don't quote me on it. Looking forward to just watching this with interest to see what happens, call it research for my old world project in 2010 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 TOP 25 BASQUE PLAYERS BY CA Name Chosen Nation CA PA Mikel Arteta Spain 165 168 Xabi Alonso Spain 165 168 Raul Garcia Spain 164 173 Cesar Azpilicueta Spain 158 167 Javi Martinez Spain 155 164 Fernando Amorebieta Spain 154 158 Manuel Almunia Spain 152 160 Gorka Iroizoz Spain 148 158 Fernando Llorente Spain 148 156 Joseba Llorente Pays Basque 148 155 Andoni Iraola Spain 148 150 Artiz Aduriz Pays Basque 147 155 Xabi Prieto Spain 145 167 Stephane Ruffier France 145 160 Miguel Flano Spain 145 155 Ustaritz Pays Basque 145 155 Inigo Diaz de Cerio Spain 142 150 Mikel Gonzalez Spain 141 155 Javier Garrido Spain 140 148 Inaki Goitia Pays Basque 140 148 Matthieu Valverde France 140 148 David Lopez Pays Basque 140 143 Mikel Aranburu Spain 139 154 Mikel Balenziaga Spain 139 148 Asier Riesgo Spain 139 147 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 I believe new nations in Europe cause Montenegro to be pushed aside in the current round, but don't play any games. Please don't quote me on it.Looking forward to just watching this with interest to see what happens, call it research for my old world project in 2010 Yeah I think you're right there. Pays Basque are in their place in the Italy/Bulgaria etc group, but their fixtures have been deleted. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeLikeFM Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Yeah I think you're right there.Pays Basque are in their place in the Italy/Bulgaria etc group, but their fixtures have been deleted. Irelands group great idea and will be following this closely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 TOP 10 BASQUE YOUNG PLAYERS BY PA Name Age Chosen Nation CA PA Mikel Platas 17 Spain 83 182 Mikel Aizpurua 16 Spain 79 177 Imanol Castresana 17 Spain 72 176 Ibai Gorrotxategi 17 Spain 93 168 Cesar Azpilicueta 19 Spain 158 167 Miguel Garai 17 Spain 65 165 Ion Eraso 17 Spain 78 165 Javi Martinez 20 Spain 155 164 Ander 19 Spain 121 163 Javier Pascual 17 Spain 63 160 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lower Leagues Rule Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Why would they choose spain? Idiots. Interestingly is this going to ruin the nation because all their best players can choose Spain...? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Yeah that was always going to be an issue. Probably the biggest hurdle for the Basque to clear if they are to ever come close to matching Spain. Luckily most of these players haven't been declared for Spain yet, so can still play for Basque if they are called up quickly enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lower Leagues Rule Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 well thats good then, hopefully Basque can just get in early Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 BASQUE CLUB ROUND UP 2009 ALAVES - LIGA adelante A strong start to the season saw Alaves in with a shout of promotion. However, the season soon began trailing off as expected, and the side finished in a more unremarkable position of 13th. However, this was two places higher than predicted, and leaves plenty of room for improvment. ATHLETIC BILBAO - LIGA BBVA Despite starting poorly, Athletic picked up and soon looked as though they were going to secure top flight football again next season. However, by April things were quickly going down hill, and thanks to two late goals from Sevilla, Athletic were dropped into the relegation zone for the first time in the season. It was the last game. They were relegated, and would have to pick themselves up and hope to bounce straight back. AVIRON BAYONNAIS - Second Division B1 The Franco-Basque entrants to the Spainish league had a cracking first season. Expected to finish near the bottom, they were fighting for promotion all season, and were unlucky to slip to seventh in the end. They also had a great season in the Copa del Rey, reaching the fourth round before defeat by Valencia. No other club below the top two divisions were able to out-do the men in light blue. BARAKALDO CF - Second Division B1 An average season in the Spanish Second Division B saw the boys in black and yellow finish in their predicted midtable position - 12th. The star of the season was pacey striker Carlos Alonso, formerly of Salamanca, who scored 17 goals in 35 games for Fabriles. C. AT. OSASUNA - LIGA BBVA Osasuna finished 15th - less than expected but still satisfactory. They would have to improve next season however, especially since they are now Basque's biggest hope for glory following Athletic's relegation. REAL SOCIEDAD - LIGA adelante The big boys of the division, Sociedad did what was expected of them, and finished second behind Zaragoza, thus earning promotion. With the relegation of Athletic, Sociedad have ensured that Pays Basque still have two representatives in the Spanish top division. REAL UNION - Second Division B1 The side from Irun had a fantastic season. Predicted to come fifth in the league, they actually ran away with it, and became champions. Due to Spain's odd promotion system, they haven't actually earned LIGA adelante status yet, although they are in a strong position to do so. SD EIBAR - LIGA adelante Eibar were predicted to finish 18th, and so did well in finishing 16th and avoiding relegation. Their star man was on-loan striker Mikel Arruabarrena, who managed to play all season with a 1:2 goal scoring ratio. SESTAO RIVER CLUB - Second Division B1 Just like their Basque counterparts and arch rivals Barakaldo, Sestao performed just as was expected, finishing eleventh in the league, and hoping to build on that for next season. Their top performer was 25 year old striker Igarki Arrondo, who was just outdone by Alonso of Barakaldo, scoring 16 goals in 37 games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saxonaitor Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 This is interesting!! Will be following with interest!!! KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 TOP 25 BASQUE PLAYERS BY CA Pos Name Chosen Nation CA PA Change 1 Mikel Arteta Spain 166 168 0 2 Xabi Alonso Spain 166 168 0 3 Raul Garcia Spain 166 173 0 4 Cesar Azpilicueta Spain 165 167 0 5 Javi Martinez Spain 159 164 0 6 Fernando Amorebieta Spain 157 158 0 7 Xabi Prieto Spain 156 167 +6 8 Fernando Llorente Spain 153 156 +1 9 Manuel Almunia Spain 152 160 -1 10 Mikel Gonzalez Spain 151 155 +8 11 Joseba Llorente Pays Basque 150 155 -1 12 Stephane Ruffier France 150 160 +2 13 Andoni Iraola Spain 149 150 -2 14 Artiz Aduriz Pays Basque 147 155 -2 15 Miguel Flano Spain 146 155 0 16 Inigo Diaz de Cerio Pays Basque 145 150 +1 17 Gorka Iroizoz Spain 142 158 -9 18 Mikel Aranburu Spain 142 154 +5 19 Gorka Elustondo Spain 141 148 new 20 Ignacio Monreal Spain 141 150 new 21 David Lopez Pays Basque 140 143 +1 22 Inaki Goitia Pays Basque 140 148 -2 23 Javier Garrido Spain 140 148 -4 24 Xabier Castillo Spain 139 148 new 25 Markel Susaeta Spain 139 156 new Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 TOP 10 BASQUE YOUNG PLAYERS BY PA Pos Name Age Chosen Nation CA PA 1 Mikel Platas 18 Spain 88(+5) 182 2 Eduardo Del Rio 16 Spain 73 180 3 David Saenz 16 Spain 83 178 4 Mikel Aizpurua 17 Spain 86(+7) 177 5 Imanol Castresana 18 Spain 79(+7) 176 6 Jon Murillo 16 Spain 124 175 7 Iosu Alkorta 17 Spain 75 173 8 Roberto Esparza 17 Spain 102 173 9 Alvaro Aguirre 17 Spain 81 172 10 Ibai Gorrotxategi 18 Spain 108(+15) 168 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroblues Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 How is the database upload going? Will follow this thread with interest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 PAYS BASQUE 0 - 3 CHILE Villanueva (49), Fernandez (69), Hernandez (79) PAYS BASQUE 0 - 2 SCOTLAND Fleck (58), Ferguson (79) Basque Country were again outplayed in both games. They just can't seem to find any rhythm, and I'm sure manager Jose Luis Pascal (CA 85) is one of the main reasons. Thankfully for Pays Basque, the 71 year old will be retiring next summer. An odd thing - the 2012 European Championships Qualifying Groups have been drawn, and the Basque have not been allocated a place. Any ideas why not? World Cup 2010 Group Stage Losers Croatia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Honduras, Sweden, South Korea, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Iran, Australia, Ghana, USA, Paraguay, Russia & Japan. Second Round Italy 1-1p Czech Republic Uruguay 0-2 Brazil Holland 3-1 Ivory Coast Spain 3-0 Senegal Mexico 2-2p Germany Argentina 3-0 South Africa France 2-0 Chile Portugal 1-3 England Quarter Final Czech Republic 2-3e Spain Brazil 0-1 Holland Germany 2-0 England Argentina 3-1 France Semi Final Spain e1-0 Argentina Holland 4-3 Germany Third Place Playoff Argentina 4-2 Germany Final Spain 2-2p Holland So, Holland secure their first ever major international title, and with Spain's loss, Pays Basque's chance to beat their rivals to the World Cup is still alive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funbags Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 did you make them a fifa nation? >_> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 did you make them a fifa nation? >_> Yeah I did! I'm not sure why they haven't been included in the draw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
canvey!! Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Well, Montenegro weren't included in some draw or other (Euro 2008 IIRC) after they gained independance. So maybe it's like that. Good idea by the way, will be following . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 Well, Montenegro weren't included in some draw or other (Euro 2008 IIRC) after they gained independance. So maybe it's like that.Good idea by the way, will be following . I'm hoping so! It'd be a bummer if they were invalid for international competition. And for those interested, the database for this game has been uploaded, and can be found in the opening post. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 BASQUE CLUB ROUND UP 2010 ALAVES - LIGA adelante Alaves improved on last season's showing, but only just. They finished one place higher, in twelfth, making them the fourth most successful Basque club this season. ATHLETIC BILBAO - LIGA adelante Athletic were surefire favourites to overwhelm the division after their shock relegation. They duly obliged, earning 94 points and finishing top by a good distance from Murcia. They will again be playing top flight football next season. AVIRON BAYONNAIS - Second Division B2 The Franco-Basque side did not have a fantastic season, and unlike last season, they finished just as was predicted, in fifteenth. They have work to do to improve, but with almost the whole of what North Basque Country had to offer in footballing terms, it is very plausible that they end up doing well. BARAKALDO CF - Second Division B1 A solid season for Barakaldo saw them finish in ninth position, three places higher than they managed last season. The general trend of Basque clubs this season was improvement, certainly higher up the league system, and Barakaldo adhered to that. They will hope that they can move on upwards again next season. C. AT. OSASUNA - LIGA BBVA Osasuna had a decent season, breaking into the top half of the table to finish ninth. Calling on the quality of players like Azpilicueta and Juanfran, Osasuna can stake a decent claim to being the best Basque club around at this moment in time. REAL SOCIEDAD - LIGA BBVA After a season long struggle against relegation, Real Sociedad's quality shone through, and they stayed up, showing that they really did deserve to be in the top division. Following Osasuna's strong campaign, and Athletic's promotion, Pays Basque will once again have three representatives in the LIGA BBVA. REAL UNION - LIGA adelante After two games, recently promoted Real were top, having scored 7 goals in two fantastic wins. Fast forward thirty five though, and they were in the relegation zone with one left. They lost, and suffered a relegation straight back down to the third tier. Still, a good season's experience in LIGA adelante, and fans of the club are hoping they'll be up there again before too long. SD EIBAR - LIGA adelante Eibar survived by the skin of their teeth this season, finishing just three points clear of relegation. If they had not won on the final day (interestingly beating and relegating Real Union), and other results had gone against them, they would have been relegated. However, they live to fight another day! SESTAO RIVER CLUB - Second Division B1 A terrible season for Sestao saw them suffer a shock relegation. They were never really in it all campaign, and relegation seemed a real possibility, if not probability. They will have to fight against a whole load of other Basque sides in the Tercera Division 4 next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroblues Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks for the upload Dave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 AUSTRALIA 2 - 0 PAYS BASQUE Cahill (4), Djite (88) Another defeat for the Basque. Half as many chances as their opponents, and the result for Australia was never really in doubt. The boys from North Spain haven't arranged any easier fixtures for the following season however, with vists to rivals Spain and Ukraine, and home matches with England and Ecuador. Only another half year till their frankly useless manager retires, however. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 PAYS BASQUE 2 - 2 ENGLAND de Cerio (36), Velez (55) | Rooney (11), Ferdinand (53) At long last, a positive result for Pays Basque! San Mames enjoyed a terrific game of football, in which the underdogs and hosts from Basque held off a slightly superior England, ranked third in the world. Basque's creditable result lifts them up in the World Rankings, from a measly 208th to a slightly more respectable 181st. It can only get better from here, right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 UKRAINE 2 - 1 PAYS BASQUE Milevskyi (pen 43), Gladkyi (47) | de Cerio (pen 5) PAYS BASQUE 0 - 2 ECUADOR Caicedo (8, 19) SPAIN 1 - 1 PAYS BASQUE Cazorla (25) | Velez (83) The Basque are improving... Despite dominating away to Ukraine, Pays Basque were unable to come away with a positive result. It was back to square one after the Ecuador game, where the players just didn't look up to the challenge. However, the final game of the summer was away to World Cup runners up and arch rivals Spain. And what a result in Madrid! The Basque even had the tenacity to dominate their big brothers on their home stage! With the result, crappy manager Pascal has retired on a high. Hopefully someone with some quality will now fill his boots, and really take the little nation forwards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCIAG Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Isn't ribery Basque? He certainly was in previous games... And isn't there a high profile Argentine Basque? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 Isn't ribery Basque? He certainly was in previous games...And isn't there a high profile Argentine Basque? No, Ribery is not Basque, at least not on FM09. He was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, in Northern France. And no Argentine/Basque players I'm afraid. There's a Bosnian, Greek and Equatorial Guinean Basque though. The new manager of Pays Basque national side is Ibai Extaniz, who, with a PA of 150 looks as though he's going to be a lot better than Pascal was. Hopefully some success is on the cards for the little nation? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 TOP 25 BASQUE PLAYERS BY CA Pos Name Chosen Nation CA PA Change 1 Raul Garcia Spain 168 173 +2 2 Xabi Alonso Spain 166 168 0 3 Mikel Arteta Spain 166 168 -2 4 Cesar Azpilicueta Spain 165 167 0 5 Javi Martinez Spain 160 164 0 6 Xabi Prieto Spain 159 167 +1 7 Fernando Amorebieta Spain 157 158 -1 8 Fernando Llorente Spain 154 156 0 9 Mikel Gonzalez Spain 153 155 +1 10 Manuel Almunia Spain 152 160 -1 11 Stephane Ruffier France 150 160 +1 12 Joseba Llorente Pays Basque 149 155 -1 13 Andoni Iraola Spain 149 150 0 14 Gorka Iroizoz Spain 148 158 +3 15 Artiz Aduriz Pays Basque 148 155 -1 16 Inigo Diaz de Cerio Pays Basque 146 150 0 17 Miguel Flano Spain 146 155 -2 18 Mikel San Jose Spain 145 152 new 19 Mikel Aranburu Spain 144 154 -1 20 Ander Spain 144 163 new 21 Gorka Elustondo Spain 142 148 -2 22 Imanol Agirretxe Spain 142 158 new 23 David Lopez Pays Basque 141 143 -2 24 Ustaritz Pays Basque 141 155 new 25 Daniel Aranzubia Spain 141 150 new Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 TOP 10 BASQUE YOUNG PLAYERS BY PA Pos Name Age Chosen Nation CA PA 1 Benat Ziganda 16 Spain 109 192 2 Mikel Platas 19 Spain 106(+18) 182 3 Eduardo Del Rio 17 Spain 76(+3) 180 4 David Saenz 17 Spain 87(+4) 178 5 Mikel Aizpurua 19 Spain 92(+5) 177 6 Unai Iribarren 16 Spain 99 177 7 Imanol Castresana 19 Spain 85(+6) 176 8 Jon Murillo 17 Spain 131(+7) 175 9 Iosu Alkorta 18 Pays Basque 79(+4) 173 10 Roberto Esparza 18 Spain 111(+9) 173 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ihsaan Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Iosu Alkorta looks useful... Keep up the good work, by the way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AB-forever Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Do you attend all the Pays Basque matches? Because I think international friendlies aren't in played full detail unless you attend them. Great experiment though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 Iosu Alkorta looks useful...Keep up the good work, by the way. Yeah he does, especially since he's now declared for Pays Basque. A few decent seasons and he could turn into a top performer. I'm just hoping the Basque are able to poach players such as Platas, who not only has great potential, but he's improving rapidly. Do you attend all the Pays Basque matches? Because I think international friendlies aren't in played full detail unless you attend them. Great experiment though I haven't been, no. In fact, the only two I attended were the draws against England and Spain, so maybe I should go to more!? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 BASQUE CLUB ROUND UP 2011 A poor showing in LIGA BBVA saw both ATHLETIC BILBAO and C. AT. OSASUNA relegated after equally disappointing seasons. The other Basque side in the division, REAL SOCIEDAD finished safe by ten points, but will be the only team from the region in the Spanish top flight next season. In LIGA adelante, things got no better. Both ALAVES and SD EIBAR suffered relegation. BARAKALDO CF had a better time of it - the boys in black and yellow finishing sixth in the Spanish Second Division B1. In the Second Division B2, AVIRON BAYONNAIS finished in a safe position again, and third placed REAL UNION were unlucky not to be promoted via the playoffs. A disastrous season for Pays Basque domestically, with the tiniest silver lining on the cloud being that SESTAO RIVER CLUB have been promoted again, taking the number of Basque clubs in the top 3 Spanish divisions back up to 9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Isn't Daniel Aquino basque? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
canvey!! Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I haven't been, no. In fact, the only two I attended were the draws against England and Spain, so maybe I should go to more!? You can probably increase the detail level without having to attend the matches. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 No he is not. However, he is half Argentine - maybe he was the player SCIAG was thinking of? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 PAYS BASQUE 0 - 2 FRANCE Gourcuff (49), Diarra (61) PAYS BASQUE 3 - 1 SLOVENIA de Cerio (18), Gonzalez (45+3), Ilic (og 75) | Novakovic (68) PAYS BASQUE 1 - 3 BRAZIL Gurpegi (45+1) | Robinho (23), Vagner Love (43, 45+3) And there is the first win! Slovenia were well and truly beaten by a team with much more class and technical ability. Rivals France and Brazil are still too strong for the Basque, but with a couple more players such as youngster Eduardo del Rio confirming themselves to Pays Basque ahead of Spain, the future is looking bright. In other big news, the Basque have a tough WC Qualifying draw. They are joined by Croatia, Romania, Norway, Cyprus and Georgia. The first placed team qualifies automatically, while the second placed side (as long as they are in the top 8 of 9 second placed teams) qualifies for the playoffs, where they must win a two legged game against another second placed side in order to qualify for Brazil 2014. Pays Basque start away to Croatia, home to Norway and away to Romania - the trickiest possible opening to their first international tournament qualification campaign. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 TOP 25 BASQUE PLAYERS BY CA Pos Name Chosen Nation CA PA Change 1 Raul Garcia Spain* 170 173 0 2 Mikel Arteta Spain* 166 168 +1 3 Cesar Azpilicueta Spain* 166 167 +1 4 Xabi Alonso Spain* 166 168 -2 5 Javi Martinez Spain* 163 164 0 6 Xabi Prieto Spain* 160 167 0 7 Fernando Amorebieta Spain* 157 158 0 8 Ander Spain* 155 163 +12 9 Fernando Llorente Spain* 154 156 -1 10 Mikel Gonzalez Pays Basque* 153 155 -1 11 Stephane Ruffier France* 151 160 0 12 Imanol Agirretxe Spain 150 158 +12 13 Gorka Iroizoz Pays Basque* 149 158 0 14 Andoni Iraola Spain* 149 150 -1 15 Mikel San Jose Spain* 149 152 +3 16 Manuel Almunia Pays Basque* 148 160 -6 17 Inigo Diaz de Cerio Pays Basque* 148 150 -1 18 Artiz Aduriz Pays Basque* 147 155 -3 19 Joseba Llorente Pays Basque* 145 155 -7 20 Gorka Elustondo Spain* 144 148 +1 21 Miguel Flano Pays Basque* 144 155 -4 22 Jon Murillo Spain 144 175 new 23 Mikel Aranburu Spain* 143 154 -2 24 Markel Susaeta Spain 142 156 new 25 Daniel Aranzubia Spain* 141 150 0 Players with an * beside their chosen nation means they are tied to that nation - either by having been declared, or having recieved a full international cap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave. Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 TOP 10 BASQUE YOUNG PLAYERS BY PA Pos Name Age Chosen Nation CA PA 1 Benat Ziganda 17 Spain* 123(+14) 192 2 Mikel Platas 20 Spain 120(+14) 182 3 Eduardo Del Rio 18 Pays Basque* 80(+4) 180 4 David Saenz 18 Spain 92(+5) 178 5 Mikel Aizpurua 20 Spain 100(+8) 177 6 Unai Iribarren 17 Spain* 112(+13) 177 7 Imanol Castresana 20 Spain 92(+7) 176 8 Jon Murillo 18 Spain 144(+13) 175 9 Domingo Telletxea 16 Spain* 81 174 10 Iosu Alkorta 19 Pays Basque 84(+5) 173 Players with an * beside their chosen nation means they are tied to that nation - either by having been declared, or having recived a full international cap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I see that Manuel Almunia wont be playing for England then! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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