[FM 17] If You’re Not First, You’re Last Redux – Redemption For The “Nearly Men” Of Europe

[ManUtd1]

No.  West Ham defend resolutely, and we are reduced to poor chances from distance.  The dream is over.  West Ham claim their 7th Champions League title.  We controlled the match, created numerous chances...the difference being a controversial penalty and Westerberg's blunder.

 

Edited December 27, 2017 by ManUtd1
Fixing # of CL titles won by West Ham. 7. Wow.

[ManUtd1]

You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don’t help.

KV Oostende / Turkey

2078/79 Season Review

Gutted.  That's the only word for it.

We are, without question, the dominant force in Belgian football.  A side to be feared.  A side that but for 2 moments of madness could be European Champions right now.

As it stands, 32 year-old Iban Calvo has asked for a transfer to Spain, to see out his career with his family.  Our current fans' POTY, who scored 27 goals this year, with 19 assists.  The fulcrum of our attack.  Yes, he's 32 and on $140k/week, but I'd love to keep him.  He deserves the courtesy of a farewell on good terms, though.  Stivaletta will replace him in the 1st XI.

The good news is that we are -- for the most part -- a very young squad.  Next year, we should be among the favorites.  And Carlos Andre will be coming back from his broken leg.

 The Turks are in similar shape -- a strong squad, gearing up for the Nations League semifinals and the heart of our Euros qualifying campaign this Fall, including 2 matches with the Spaniards.

Goals for 2079/80: Win the Jupiler Pro League.  Make a run in the Champions League knockout rounds.  Qualify for the Euros.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

JPL Fixtures|JPL Championship Group Fixtures|Croky Cup Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures

Champions League Review

This is well-documented above.  The thinnest of margins kept us from completing the challenge here at Oostende.  By the same token, Zulte went on a huge run, reaching the semifinals only to fall to West Ham.  This year should do wonders for Belgium's coefficient.

 

Challenge Overview

Edited December 27, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

A strong showing in the Nations League.  The home field advantage was everything against Belgium, as they rarely looked capable of overcoming the din of the Konya Arena. 

We drew the lucky straw again, and will welcome Ze Germans to Anatolia for the final...much to the dismay and disbelief of other nations, who mock our progress from also-rans to genuine contenders.

The first-half stalemate was marked by brilliant goalkeeping, with the impasse being broken by a quick brace from Rennes forward Dominik Kaltenbach.  Kilic hit back with a brace of his own, and the match was on.

When Kaltenbach hit his 3rd in the 96th, the big question became...could Kilic match him?  But before a full chance materialized, Kaltenbach had his 4th.  Things got truly out of hand when Kilic did, in fact, grab his 3rd in the 109th minute.

11 minutes, plus stoppage time.  While the neutral would love nothing more than a 4th from the Oostende man, the Turkish fans would settle for a goal from anyone...and they've gone looking for it.

Forthmann denies Kilic in the 113th, yet again.  So close.

The match is over in the 121st when, on a rare foray forward for the Germans, Bolukbasi is called for a push...penalty.  A horrible way to end what has been an epic battle.  One for the ages.

We've done ourselves proud, and the home crowd sing us off the pitch like champions.

This was but a Mickey Mouse Cup.  The Euros are in one year.  We'll see you in Sweden, Dominik.

 

  

 

[ManUtd1]

 

These coefficients are nuts.  For 80/81, Belgium are 1.5 points away from sitting 3rd.  And the 74/75 numbers for Italy, France and Spain all exceed Belgium's numbers.  

This could get interesting...

[ManUtd1]

Decent World Cup qualifying draw

 

The Czechs are a tough 4th seed, but we shouldn't struggle with this Group.  England, Croatia and Sweden is a tough one.

[ManUtd1]

So, I've spent the last 6-8 months nursing you back to health, supporting you, and putting you right back into the XI, and this is how you repay me?  You **** off to England at the first opportunity?!

We made it to the Champions League final last year.  Without you.  You'll regret leaving when we win it this year.  Without you.

 

(He's mad because I rejected an offer from Inter.)

[BoxToBox]

One year at West Ham and he'll want right back out, no doubt.

[ManUtd1]

3 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

One year at West Ham and he'll want right back out, no doubt.

I don't know...Russell Brand has made some rather unsavory promises to him on social media.

[BoxToBox]

Has Russel Brand ever done anything that isn't unsavoury?

 

[ManUtd1]

3 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Has Russel Brand ever done anything that isn't unsavoury?

 

There's a Katy Perry joke in here, somewhere...

[ManUtd1]

The more you think about things, the weirder they seem. Take milk for example. Why do we drink COW milk? Who was the guy who first looked at a cow and said. “I think I’ll drink whatever comes out of these things when I squeeze ’em!"

KV Oostende / Turkey

September 2079 Mini-Update

Another year.  The only sure thing is that change is coming.  With Calvo gone, Stivaletta had big shoes to fill...I think that 5 goals to start the season will do just fine, thank you very much.  Easily our best player thus far.

There is an air about the stadium...a promise.  We fell just short last year, and this is the year to make good on our ability.  No excuses.  The departure of Carlos Andre was a blow, no doubt, but we did it without him last year.  We'll do it again this year.  Back in our own ground on the coast.

We've drawn Malmo for the Champions League groups, which led me to reconnect with my father's right-hand man, Ludwig.  He's coming to town for Matchday 1, and we're going to spend some time together.  His days are numbered, and I have so many questions.  Questions that very few people could answer with any real insight or understanding.

Turkey remain on pace -- although we followed our 3-nil win over Slovenia with a horrid result in Mallorca.  We played better than the scoreline reflects, not that it matters.  There's no justifying a 4-0 loss, and I didn't even try.  But, as I said, we're on pace.  There's absolutely no reason we shouldn't qualify, and going through as 1st or 2nd really is of no consequence, so long as we get to Sweden next summer.

And, at the end of the day, Mallorca wasn't the worst place to get away to for a few moments of peace and quiet.  I even stopped in at the legendary Battered Ram nightclub...where my father's Club Brugge side famously celebrated their 2050 Champions League title, having decided to return to Bruges (from Berlin) by boat.

Yes, the nostalgia is strong.  But I have to ask...it's my contrarian nature...can I really be nostalgic about something I never experienced?  About the father I never actually met, much less knew?

The lads tell me I have too much time to myself, to think.  That I need to meet someone.  I think they're likely on to something, not that I'll admit it.  My contrarian nature, you see...

I think I'll get a dog.  On the whole, I tend to like dogs more than people, anyways.

 

[noikeee]

14 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

So, I've spent the last 6-8 months nursing you back to health, supporting you, and putting you right back into the XI, and this is how you repay me?  You **** off to England at the first opportunity?!

We made it to the Champions League final last year.  Without you.  You'll regret leaving when we win it this year.  Without you.

What an ungrateful mercenary. Bet he says he was a childhood supporter of every club he joins. "Back in the days we used to watch Oostende matches in Brazil, I had a huge Oostende poster in the wall".

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

12 minutes ago, noikeee said:

What an ungrateful mercenary. Bet he says he was a childhood supporter of every club he joins. "Back in the days we used to watch Oostende matches in Brazil, I had a huge Oostende poster in the wall".

“It's always been my dream to play for Ost- ... Oot- ... this fine Belgian club.”

[ManUtd1]

3 hours ago, noikeee said:

What an ungrateful mercenary. Bet he says he was a childhood supporter of every club he joins. "Back in the days we used to watch Oostende matches in Brazil, I had a huge Oostende poster in the wall".

3 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

“It's always been my dream to play for Ost- ... Oot- ... this fine Belgian club.”

Can't wait to meet West Ham in the Champions League...

 

[ManUtd1]

Its no use! Everybody gets good enemies except me!

KV Oostende / Turkey

October 2079 Mini-Update

This has been our best start to a campaign since my arrival.  Sure, this is only my 3rd year.  But we're looking good.

Who needs a Brazilian, when you've got a Turk, eh?

Ludwig is looking well for his age.  The body may be failing him, but his mind is still sharp as a tack.  I've convinced him to stay on over the coming year, to travel with us occasionally in an unofficial capacity.  He's a kindred spirit.  He didn't even mind when we thumped to **** out of his beloved Malmo.  "Just the natural order of things, son," he said in the immediate aftermath when I approached him expecting some measure of constructive criticism for the way we smashed a few past them in the latter stages.  "Your father wouldn't have let up, either."

Even went out and got me that dog.  Named him Hobbes.  He's a good boy.  The best boy.  A rescue, who just wants someone to be his buddy through thick and thin.  Let's go exploring.

 

[ManUtd1]

People pay more attention to you when they think you’re up to something.

KV Oostende / Turkey

November 2079 Mini-Update

We're still rampant domestically.  With Turkey, we missed an opportunity to get some measure of revenge against Spain.  While we scored the only goal against them in qualifying, it was only after former Valencia (now West Ham) lad Juan Manuel Diez had given them the lead.  Frustrating?  Yes.  But it was a better showing.  We're through to Sweden 2080, through the Second Place table.

 

   

[ManUtd1]

People pay more attention to you when they think you’re up to something.

KV Oostende / Turkey

December 2079 Mini-Update

With the Euros around the corner, fixture congestion is a real problem.  The holidays have been spent running from one match to the next and, as a result, we finally lost.  To Eupen, of all sides.  It was the 2nd XI, but nevertheless inexcusable.

The trip to Malmo was bittersweet.  Seeing what my father helped build, back before he was a household name...the start of his journey.  That was inspiring.  Yet Ludwig has told me countless times that one of my father's few regrets was not returning to Malmo later in his career, to complete the circle.

We've drawn Ajax in the Champions League.  Very favorable, and a short journey.

Closer to home -- and far more important -- the last few months with Ludwig have been a blessing.  I've learned more about my father and my roots than I thought ever possible, and have become closer to Ludwig than I ever expected, a stand-in father figure, if you will.  Better late than never.

He passed in his sleep late on Christmas Eve.  Content with a life well-lived, a life spent side-by-side with his best friend -- the friend he has mourned and missed every day for more than 20 years, the father I never knew.

Ludwig left me with one piece of advice -- cease the wandering life of a football manager before age catches up to me.  Build a true home.  Ground yourself in a place.  Surround yourself with friends, family and loved ones.  For they're the ones who will remain when the polish comes off the trophies and the accolades fade to distant, happy memories.

Looking at myself and my life, I see the wisdom in his words.  Hobbes is the closest thing I have to a true friend, these days.  Even Stalin has fallen by the wayside more and more over the years, all the more so following his retirement last year.

But, more than that...I know in my heart that I've never had a true home.  Certainly not during my adult life.  Nowhere to return to.  Each stop on the journey has been simply that -- a stopping point.  A temporary respite before the next move.  In my more melancholy moments I know that will have to eventually change.  But not today.

 

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

#Hammardropped for the final time. 

[Rikulec]

Rest in peace, legend.

[Adonalsium]

Oh wow. Poor Ludwig. Does Telleus still have it in him? What's keeping him going? 

[ManUtd1]

1 hour ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

#Hammardropped for the final time. 

49 minutes ago, Rikulec said:

Rest in peace, legend.

20 minutes ago, Adonalsium said:

Oh wow. Poor Ludwig. Does Telleus still have it in him? What's keeping him going? 

Ludwig's time has sadly come and gone.  While Sonic Death Penguin will live on in the annals of rock n' roll, it is still an open question as to whether his fatherly advice to Gunnar will take hold.

As far as Hakan goes, you'll have to read and find out. 

[Adonalsium]

3 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

Ludwig's time has sadly come and gone.  While Sonic Death Penguin will live on in the annals of rock n' roll, it is still an open question as to whether his fatherly advice to Gunnar will take hold.

As far as Hakan goes, you'll have to read and find out. 

Don't you RAFO me you... 

Edited December 29, 2017 by Adonalsium

[ManUtd1]

22 minutes ago, Adonalsium said:

Don't you RAFO me you... 

Too late!  

[ManUtd1]

I like maxims that don't encourage behavior modification.

KV Oostende / Turkey

March 2080 Mini-Update

We knew at the time that Ajax was a favorable draw.  In the end, we steamrolled them and are off to the quarterfinals.  Sadly, there will be no revenge against West Ham this year, as Valencia eliminated them on away goals.

Domestically, we're on track for another domestic treble, 17 points clear of Antwerp.  But our true focus is on Europe.

Ludwig's advice has weighed heavily on me, as I've taken moments here and there to take stock of where I am.  Hobbes is the best friend I could ask for...it's all belly rubs, treats and long walks.  Some of the best moments each day are with him, regardless of what else is going on.  I realize the inherent truth in what Ludwig was trying to impart, but that competitive spirit burning within me is my own worst enemy...in addition to being the spark that has driven my career to these heights.

But there's no time for that.  The neutrals' greatest wish has come to pass.  We've drawn Gustav's Dijon in the next round.  There's work to be done.

Grab your passport, Hobbes.  We're going to France.

 

Edited December 30, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Why isn’t my life like a situation comedy? Why don’t I have a bunch of friends with nothing better to do but drop by and instigate wacky adventures?

KV Oostende / Turkey

April 2080 Mini-Update

The result was never in doubt.  I could see it in Gustav's eyes before kickoff in the first leg.  The fear.  The doubt.

And we took them apart comprehensively.  Even back in France, we knew we had one and a half feet in the semifinals.

As it stood, the press were already calling it the Year of Gunnar, with 5 of my sides in the quarterfinals.  Who knows what madness will ensue now that all 4 semifinalists are "my" clubs.

We all knew what the draw would show, before Jamie Vardy's arthritic hand pulled the ball out of the hopper.

Rennes.  We're going back to France, Hobbes.  Better pack the lucky rocketship underpants.

 

[ManUtd1]

When Stivaletta buried one in the 85th, the away support nearly lost their minds, with a bastardized version of Stone Temple Pilots echoing in the stadium, the home support aghast.

 

Oosteeenddde...smelling like a rose that Gunnar gave me on my birthday death bed...

Oosteeenddde...smelling like a rose that Gunnar gave me cause we're fookin' champions...

Edited December 31, 2017 by ManUtd1

[Adonalsium]

I wonder if Telleus is already mad as balls, considering that he thinks (and narrates his story) as if he's living in an age with 2016/2017 technology. If this is us just seeing football through his goggles, could it be... could it be that the greatest hipster the footballing world has ever seen is actually just a raving old man who thinks it's 1945?

Edited December 31, 2017 by Adonalsium

[ManUtd1]

Why isn’t my life like a situation comedy? Why don’t I have a bunch of friends with nothing better to do but drop by and instigate wacky adventures?

KV Oostende / Turkey

May 2080 Mini-Update

Once again, we went to France.  Once again, we conquered a hot-headed foe whose eyes betrayed their insecurity.

This year most certainly has that feeling around it.  It is our year.  We will not be denied.

Stivaletta in France.  Aidir at home.  A close match, but a strong performance.  Honestly, it's hard to be mad these days...Rennes have sold so many of my squad that I hardly recognize them, with only 3 holdovers starting each match.  Quite the difference from the likes of Valencia and Leverkusen who used what I built as a foundation...the bitterness is strong in Brittany, it seems.

We will face Leverkusen in the final, a rematch of last year's semifinal where we smashed them 7-1 in the 2nd leg.  They'll be looking for revenge and look well up to the task.

But first we have to refocus on the domestic table...5 matches to play, an 8-point lead.

 

Edited December 31, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

June 2079/80 Champions League Final; Principality Stadium, Cardiff

One year on from having just fallen short against West Ham, we're back.  90 minutes away from either glory or falling just short again...in what would be the club's 3rd time in 5 years.

But this is not 2076, when De Kustboys fell to my Rennes side.  Or 2079, when we could have claimed it all.  This is the best Oostende side I've seen, facing a Leverkusen that we know all too well.  They want revenge for last year's humiliation in the semifinals.  We both want glory.

We will start in Cafetero Aguardiente, with the fullbacks told to not look for overlaps and a slightly deeper line.  Leverkusen are in their 4231, a full 8 of their XI remaining from my Champions League winning side.

A cagey match...neither side truly getting a clean look on goal until after the hour mark, when we had to replace Stivaletta who came up limping from a tackle.  In the end, we struck on the counter through Vargas in the 72nd.  Ze Germans had no choice but to launch forward, and we looked likely to score another at any given moment, with counterattack after counterattack being launched.  Osvaldo sealed it in the 84th, and Kilic should have had a third just moments later.

2-0.  Champions.  De Kustboys have done it.

 

 

        

  

[ManUtd1]

It's only work if somebody makes you do it.

KV Oostende / Turkey

2079/80 Season Review

After falling just short last year, reaching the final again had to be the goal.  We had quite the gauntlet to run, with Dijon and Rennes in the knockout rounds, followed by Leverkusen in the final.

20 years a manager at this point, 20 years well-spent by my book.

The celebrations last well into the night and, for once, I do not tender my resignation immediately.  A brief reprieve only, no change of heart.  A matter of hours, nothing more.

I'm still leaving.  But Ludwig's final words of advice have stuck with me.  I'm not yet ready to settle down.

Hobbes and I are off to Turkey to finalize preparations for the Euros.  Heading to Sweden for several weeks will be a welcome homecoming, of sorts, but my eyes will very much be on the next stage of the journey.  No offers are on the table, but I'm on the lookout for the "right" one.

Goals for 2080/81: Make a run at the Euros.  Not jump at the first club opportunity to come along.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

JPL Fixtures|JPL Championship Group Fixtures|Croky Cup Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures

Champions League Review

This is well-documented above.  A solid run to bring a close to one of my favorite chapters of this career.  A club I will absolutely come back to in future saves.

I'm excited to see Belgium's coefficient later in the month...

 

Challenge Overview

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

32 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

June 2079/80 Champions League Final; Principality Stadium, Cardiff

One year on from having just fallen short against West Ham, we're back.  90 minutes away from either glory or falling just short again...in what would be the club's 3rd time in 5 years.

But this is not 2076, when De Kustboys fell to my Rennes side.  Or 2079, when we could have claimed it all.  This is the best Oostende side I've seen, facing a Leverkusen that we know all too well.  They want revenge for last year's humiliation in the semifinals.  We both want glory.

We will start in Cafetero Aguardiente, with the fullbacks told to not look for overlaps and a slightly deeper line.  Leverkusen are in their 4231, a full 8 of their XI remaining from my Champions League winning side.

A cagey match...neither side truly getting a clean look on goal until after the hour mark, when we had to replace Stivaletta who came up limping from a tackle.  In the end, we struck on the counter through Vargas in the 72nd.  Ze Germans had no choice but to launch forward, and we looked likely to score another at any given moment, with counterattack after counterattack being launched.  Osvaldo sealed it in the 84th, and Kilic should have had a third just moments later.

2-0.  Champions.  De Kustboys have done it.

 

 

        

  

Congratulations. 

How many eligible teams left now? 

Anyway, now that I know you've won it, I'm off to invest in some more “Oostende did it again” memes.

[ManUtd1]

And...we're off.

 

7 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Congratulations. 

How many eligible teams left now? 

Anyway, now that I know you've won it, I'm off to invest in some more “Oostende did it again” memes.

There are 8 sides left.

Of them, I'd rank my interest as follows:

1. Panathinaikos.  I'm dying to get there after more than 60 years across the Continent.  This job hasn't been opening up very open, but the last decade they've had a string of disappointing managers so it is possible.
2. Atletico, Sampdoria.  The former would be less of a challenge, but they'd both be decent fun.  Tottenham and RB Leipzig are possible, but I would want them to be quick stops along the journey.
3. It's too early to go to Zulte, but I really want to get there after their Argentinian owner named their stadium after himself...Guevara Stadium.  Viva La Revolucion!!!
4. I have no interest in going to Nice right now, and if I'm going back to Belgium any time soon it won't be to Genk (much prefer Zulte).

Edited December 31, 2017 by ManUtd1

[Rikulec]

[ManUtd1]

Thanks, @Fer Fuchs Ake and @Rikulec!!!

[oriole01]

Another brilliant CL victory, you faced some of the best sides in the game on the way to that title and bossed them all.

Can't wait to see where Gunnar heads next. Panathinaikos and Sampdoria would be my personal favorites on the list.

[ManUtd1]

24 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

Another brilliant CL victory, you faced some of the best sides in the game on the way to that title and bossed them all.

Can't wait to see where Gunnar heads next. Panathinaikos and Sampdoria would be my personal favorites on the list.

Thanks, man!  The big problem with Sampdoria would be that it is a nightmare for the Turkish national team due to my desire to sign/develop young prospects and Italian rules re non-EU signings.

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080

European Championships Preview and Squad Overview

The Turks are coming along nicely.  Our runners-up finish last year during the Nations League should give us reason for confidence, even if Spain outplayed us in qualifying.  Very few new faces here, but I'll likely revamp the squad for World Cup qualifying to blood some new young talent.

This is a very strong squad, that should make a good run.  We looked pretty strong in pre-tournament friendlies, so have every reason to be optimistic.

I'm going to keep this short today...

 

 

Goalkeepers

  

Sukru Koc remains the starter, backed up by Ercan Yilmaz and Muhittin Cengiz.

Liberos

 

Oostende lads Eren Bayka and Mustafa Kucuker will serve at the back for us, in Sweden and beyond.  I'm very pleased with this duo.

Defenders

       

No changes of note here, with Durmus and Kara at the centerback positions, flanked by Gundogan and Bolukbasi.  Durmaz and Unal are my backup fullbacks, with Sari and Ozkalfa deputizing in the middle.

Central Midfielders

   

Here, we'll start with Deri and Ulgen, with Cecen and Arslan providing the depth from the bench.  Lots of strength here.  Arslan is a gem, love him.

Attacking Midfielders

     

Up top, Fatih Ekici and Ismet Kilic will take the shadow striker roles, with Hizarci as the deep-lying targetman role.  Aydin, Baris and Gundogdu are very capable backups.

Final Thoughts

Again, I think this is a very strong squad.  I'd like to find/develop a few players to step into the squad for the 2082 World Cup, but that's a question for another day.

[ManUtd1]

Belgium jump to 4th in the coefficients, and are set to leapfrog France next year!  Wow.

   

[ManUtd1]

 

Wow.  No longer even pretending, he's just going to try and take credit for the club I established among the European elite.  I hope he fails miserably.

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080; Group Stage Review

A very underwhelming start to the Euros, as we were unable to defeat Austria and Belgium, despite completely controlling the matches completely.  Fortunately, we have a favorable draw for the knockout rounds, facing Serbia and then the winner of Bulgaria-Netherlands.

Thus far, it simply hasn't been good enough.  Romania and Bulgaria are the biggest surprises, in terms of moving on, while Italy crashed out despite beating Romania 7-0 in their final group match.  Belgium and Greece should also be disappointed, especially given how generous the format is for advancing to the knockout rounds.

  

 

Edited December 31, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080; Second Round Review

For all intents and purposes, Ibrahimovic Park in Malmo was a home match for Turkey.  Serbia set out to attack from the 1st minute, but couldn't ever get anything together.  Bayern lad Aydin made the most of his start, as his brace was the difference between the sides.

We're through.  Perhaps against the odds as it was a tough day to be favored...Sweden eliminated France, while Austria (ironically?) surprised Ze Germans.  We'll face the Dutch in the next round.

   

 

Edited December 31, 2017 by ManUtd1

[The_Gato_In_Goal]

Wow the top half of the bracket has a unfair distribution of teams especially with France going out.

[ManUtd1]

Just now, The_Gato_In_Goal said:

Wow the top half of the bracket has a unfair distribution of teams especially with France going out.

Portugal should walk through it...we'll see.  Sweden, as the host nation, is a big speed bump.

Putting that aside, I love how well the smaller nations are doing.  So much more interesting than the usual France/German/Spain/etc.

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080; Quarterfinals

It wasn't pretty.  Somewhere in the Algarve, a senile Louis Van Gaal is ranting about this Dutch side.  Suffice to say, they did not make him horny, and he wishes to "glue the manager behind the wallpaper."  Or something like that.

  

Edited January 1, 2018 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080; Semifinals

We're exhausted.  The 2nd XI is going to have to do the job.  We'll play in Foquiado, squared off against the English 4411.

For 86 minutes, everything felt off.  We weren't bad, but we just weren't looking good for a goal.  Until Cecen, arguably the 23rd man on the roster, popped up with the biggest goal of his Turkish career.  Yes, I know it was his first.  I'm making a point here...

Ali beat the English keeper to a near post cross, catching him in no-man's land to make it 2, and we grabbed a third on the counter.  15 minutes to play...can we hold?!

We can.  We're through to face Portugal in the final, who eliminated the Swiss on penalties.  There will be tired legs in Stockholm...who will want it more?!

    

  

[ManUtd1]

Sweden 2080; Final

Friends Arena, Stockholm

Two tired sides.  90 minutes...God forbid we have to play another 30 at the end.  Having rotated the squad for the semifinals, most of the 1st XI is back and ready to go...those who came on in the semifinal, like Kilic, are exhausted.  The good news is that Portugal is in the same boat, and is playing a rotated squad as well.

We'll start in Foquiado, to get a sense for the rhythm of the game.

We start well, with Fatih blasting just wide from 18 yards in the 5th minute, having found a small gap in the Portuguese defense.  When presented with the opportunity 10 minutes later, Mufit doesn't miss his chance.  1-nil.  The Turkish support are going mad, as well they should, the Gaziantep-born Barcelona midfielder, standing up to the task.  Minutes later, Baris makes it two, with a brilliantly-curled free kick from 30 yards...the supporters are singing, dancing...not a thought in their heads beyond the fact that they are up 2-nil.  With more than an hour to play, however, I know we must remain focused.

Mehmet nearly makes it 3 in the 33rd minute, but Venancio stays big and makes the save.  So close to what would have been the knockout blow.  But they didn't have to wait.  Fatih hit our 3rd in the 37th, on the counter yet again.

3-nil at the half, we have every reason to be proud.  But we're only halfway there.  I await the onslaught from a wounded Portugal...

It never comes.  In the 54th, Mufit smashes a free kick off the crossbar, with Mehmet there to finish the rebound.  That's 4.  Portugal are done.  Kilic on for Fatih, the latter may have played his final match for Turkey...unless he can convince me that at 31 he isn't too old to be taken to the World Cup...while I begin to mull over his future and the supporters light flares, Kilic nearly makes it 5.  Not even the most optimistic supporter would have predicted this.  The final whistle sounds, as Portugal's futile attempts to attack fall short.

From struggling against Austria to clinically dispatching Portugal.  We are champions of Europe, and anxious for the World Cup in 2 years' time.

Putting the football aside, the last month in Sweden has been a dream.  I haven't lived here for more than 20 years, and nowhere else has felt as much like home as Stockholm and, oddly enough, Malmo.  My father's home...where it all began.

  

 

         

 

[ManUtd1]

  

The highest ranking ever, eclipsing that of the stellar squad from the 30s.  Boom.

[ManUtd1]

The post-Euros merry-go-round of managerial changes has all but run its course, and nothing has opened up.

Zulte offered me an interview in mid-June, that I declined because I simply couldn't dive right into another Belgian club.  It wouldn't make sense for Gunnar.  I also rejected Partizan and Leverkusen (before the latter hired Gustav...).  

So, we'll head into the Fall without a job.  I'm dying to see what opens up...

[kidthekid]

Amazing season. 

[ManUtd1]

22 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Amazing season. 

Thanks, man -- it really was one where it all came together.