Jump to content

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


ManUtd1
 Share

Recommended Posts

I never really thought about the literary possibilities of math.

leipzig-turkey.thumb.png.7152626659315a73fe9647086ff975dd.png

RB Leipzig / Turkey

March 2082 Mini-Update

Barcelona are buried.  We're off to Portugal, lads.

12 points clear at the top with 8 matches to play.  Gustav can do one, the ****.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

bfdf5ea3f4e348763dbcca0b3814c8e6.jpg 7738540e804c943d0d41e8e5199ed9d1.jpg 

cb800ec399ba5379c35979bb896c1abc.png

2928088cca40873282c8593fcfe4140f.png 

f32bebef2ccbfd851cb2ddd9abe4bd8a.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 5.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

2 hours ago, Keano16 said:

Still destroying all comers I see.....and likely the world soon.

This Leipzig squad was pretty stacked, and had good depth/youth, when I arrived. A squad review is overdue... Perhaps before the world cup, but most likely after.

Link to post
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, HawkAussie said:

Has any of your clubs that you left, won the Club World Cup in the same year as when you left? 

With a quick glance...it looks like the only sides who didn't win it were Saint-Etienne and Frankfurt -- who lost in the final to Santos and Monterrey, respectively. 

178e6854598ad76d92e8a82678e8b75d.jpg 96d2bae842b6e3f8530e9dee42bf6367.jpg 

This is actually the first time I've checked :lol:

Sydney FC winning it all in 2069 is pretty awesome, with Lyon finishing 3rd.  Lyon also have the dubious honor of finishing 3rd in 2054 when Persepolis won it all.

Link to post
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Fair bloody play to Sydney and Persepolis.

Indeed.  There are a few small sides who toppled the big boys.

My favorite is 2074, which saw Tigres eliminate Anderlecht in the semis...only for Persepolis to beat the Belgians in the 3rd place match.

Monterrey, Wits and Shanghai also get credit, even though the Chinese Super League is arguably an easier one to win the CWC from.

Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Timetxu said:

With a quick glance, my favourite probably is 2044: Leeds vs. Racing. That must've been red cards everywhere.

Shame it's too far back to pull up the match report :lol:

1 hour ago, noikeee said:

Pretty damn dominant in the Bundesliga, don't think I've seen that often in FM17, it's one of the toughest leagues.

This is 2082 though, who knows. :D

The lack of competition at the top of the Bundesliga this season completely runs against what I have found/seen, too.  Particularly with Frankfurt.  

That being said, Leipzig has been a consistent force throughout the save, and had a ridiculously good squad when I arrived. I've also been able to freely rotate my squad, with few real demands from our European campaign until recently.

My perception is that Bayern have largely become a mid-table side. I certainly don't remember them doing anything of note in Europe lately.  I can confirm this shortly...

Link to post
Share on other sites

I present to you, Bayern's fall from grace...

They haven't won the Bundesliga since 2061/62, a 20-year drought.  They haven't finished higher than 3rd since 2064/65, with only three 5th-place finishes since then.

a0b75bc06d2c9e3578728c67c0f81e63.jpg 25319cafa068421f4f61139b67f7245c.jpg 

In Europe, they've only played in the Champions League once since 2065/66, reaching the quarterfinals in 2071/72 (presumably, they qualified when someone above them failed to comply with FFP).

c3db2690c50d18ddda36e8611b893128.jpg 4b91139a98b626ccf3213d62ead8137b.jpg 

For the past 40 years, Leverkusen, Leipzig and Frankfurt have dominated German football:

02bb45acbaed55c913f51cd8fb6bed59.jpg 

You will note that Wolfsburg comes up a lot...well, they've become rather competitive, both domestically and in Europe. 

58c097fb0559c9a36dac7b31842369ce.jpg f8c899029e57f1015d17732bc8b0fe9b.jpg 2676117bce2c52eabaf6610d70510b75.jpg c47613b7fa1f29fb89030236b03ec074.jpg 

Those 7 runners-up finishes in the Europa League have to hurt -- twice losing in extra time, once on penalties.  But, they're on the verge of becoming eligible, having just eliminated Antwerp in the CL quarterfinals:

442972ca04e6e6f16d5cdc9fed588a86.png 

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I never really thought about the literary possibilities of math.

leipzig-turkey.thumb.png.7152626659315a73fe9647086ff975dd.png

RB Leipzig / Turkey

April 2082 Mini-Update

A minor stumble from the 2nd XI against Braunschweig, but we're still 14 points clear.  The Portuguese were stiff competition, but our quality saw us through in the end.

We'll face Sheffield Wednesday in the semis, with Dortmund and Feyenoord vying for the other spot in the final.  Thus far, a cracking first full season back in Germany.

The Chairman has asked me to take a bag to England when I go, upon strict instructions not to look inside.  I wouldn't have even been tempted, had he not told me anything...  Now, though, I can hardly contain myself.  I know I shouldn't look, but I want to...

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

[Edit: my laptop crashed, meaning I lost 2+ weeks of playtime including the Sporting and Braunschweig matches, and the 2 matches I'd IM'd after posting the update.  I IM'd the Sporting matches instead of playing them again and (fortunately) snuck through.  My 2nd XI also managed to lose to Braunschweig again, so no harm no foul, and no change in my results.  In the EL, Dortmund beat City in the replayed matches, but Feyenoord and Sheffield Wednesday still went through.  This time, I drew Wednesday instead of the Dutch.  Screenshots/narrative are updated.]

a4adf66e3f3eb5e72526777275ae151b.jpg

711e51a4a3dd4d397eb6bac6cef32d2b.jpg 067671c787e14b9cf42bfccc61bff75d.jpg

0ccf276cf6f4ced227489b7f99e13f22.jpg

63063cdd6da75f2712f7aef65538f57a.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I love these little history lessons that you can just roll out at any time. I do like Wolfsburg as a club, so I do hope they win the CL at the first try rather than have to be bailed out by Gunnar somewhere along the line!

Can I have a look at Maribor, please?

Link to post
Share on other sites

28 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

I love these little history lessons that you can just roll out at any time. I do like Wolfsburg as a club, so I do hope they win the CL at the first try rather than have to be bailed out by Gunnar somewhere along the line!

Can I have a look at Maribor, please?

Ask and ye shall receive...  Keep in mind, Maribor are not in an active league.

e2366c2ef79c8cbcaa3d280d3307dff9.jpg 6f17a064bc4cb3cba6d5d446aa31a352.jpg 0040b1769891b893f884510592e28208.jpg fae8e63d0e5cef76c3ad496f33e9986f.jpg 

Link to post
Share on other sites

These are not the trophies you are looking for...

leipzig-turkey.thumb.png.7152626659315a73fe9647086ff975dd.png

RB Leipzig / Turkey

May 2082 Mini-Update

My curiosity could not be quenched...what's in the bag?!  I couldn't bear the tension.  What's in the bag?!?!  I didn't want to know...but I did.  I couldn't help myself.  WHAT'S IN THE BAG?!?!

I shouldn't have looked.  There are things that cannot be unseen.  I shouldn't have looked.

We held our nerve at Hillsborough are are through to face Feyenoord in the Final.  Who doesn't fancy a trip to Poland in May, eh?  As the manager of a German side, I should find a better way to phrase that...

Meanwhile, with the Bundesliga in the bag (figuratively, not literally...) and two Cup finals approaching, I've warned the lads.  Anyone who uses the "t" word gets fined.  Heavily.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

1b3e17c03672c158e339f69b25ede767.jpg

4439b2a31ca848fce89aa684edd95009.jpg

ab516d220fa570f57372b45cbbd9838c.jpg eaa93b8a7e540f43152d72d3cecff48f.jpg

2e46982abc8fc305c50c137122242354.png

Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for europa league logo

Europa League Final, May 2082

Inea Stadium, Poznan

Another away trip, another bag...  Another warning not to look inside.  That's a mistake you only make once...especially if the Chairman were to find out.

On paper and form, we should outclass Feyenoord without breaking a sweat .  But I'm not one to take things for granted.  Semmer is out, having only just recovered from a twisted ankle, but we are otherwise at full strength.

Win or lose, no matter...really.  We're into the Champions League Group Stage as a top seed already, having claimed the Bundesliga title.  That being said, however, this is a trophy I have yet to win...as we were runners-up at Rennes in 2074.  I'd like to claim this title, no question.

Our dominance is complete in the first half, even if it takes until the 39th for the 1st goal to come.  Alonso, a brilliant Spaniard...the fulcrum of our attack.  1-nil.  And that's all it took.  A rather dull affair, to be honest.  We were relatively toothless in attack, and they were flaccid in all respects.

Never you mind, though.  We'll take that trophy, please and thank you.

Off to see if we can claim another...against Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal.  They're gearing up for a Champions League final, so we'll have to see what kind of side they put out.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

134143.jpg

inea-stadion.jpg stadion_Maciej_Nowaczyk.jpg

3764a785e5ecde05aca6ab9a1b5631c1.jpg

65464831937a4c9e1666417f93c603a4.jpg 987a99687f2c885dec37e70cb50dbc63.jpg

6ac12cb0c6a22442bad25301c8db1798.jpg 83659d6555f7dc28d46cbc9ce9f05f81.jpg

c21787e03b9103db490533b212b05b8f.jpg

124ac4339b725b2cdb9fb830789d1ea7.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

The strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can’t, and the incapacity to tell the difference...

leipzig-turkey.thumb.png.16e187bd05dea9553cb61fafa367b8e4.png

RB Leipzig / Turkey

2081/82 Season Review

Nearly a treble in my first full year back in Germany.  Nothing to shake a stick at, yeah?  One penalty kick goes in, and it's a whole different story.

Bottom line, we had an amazing year.  But I was not brought to Leipzig to secure the Bundesliga and Europa League titles.  No, we've a much larger target in mind.

No, not Project Arcturus.  Peaches would injure me severely if she knew I was talking to you about that...then again, her form of "torture" can be rather delightful.  If you know what I mean.

The side is ready.  They were ready when I arrived.  But I've molded them in my own image now.  I don't plan to make any big signings this summer, but -- as they say -- the best plans of battle don't survive the first shot.  And, I wouldn't mind a gigantic. ****-off centerback.  Bring on 2082/83.

Goals for 2082/83: Win the Bundesliga.  Challenge for the Champions League title.  Make a run with Turkey at the World Cup.

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

Bundesliga Fixtures|DFB-Pokal Fixtures|Europa League Fixtures

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Champions League Review

This year, three sides who've been in the mix reached the knockout rounds...Sociedad, Tottenham and Wolfsburg.  In the end, Die Wölfe brought home the title in their first-ever Champions League Final, avoiding the tag of "nearly men" after falling short 7 times out of 7 in the Europa League.  Honestly, no one would have put money on them showing up with that kind of record. 

But they did.  In my mind, an aging Bendtner climbed up on the stage to celebrate in a full kit, like a latter-day John Terry.  But that's just me.  You imagine it how you will...

Frankly this is a bit of a shame as Wolfsburg would have been a fun side to join at some point.  Another save, perhaps...

13190ea22a5ce4d8197e25322cba008c.jpg a98a38c2d5ceae2b64b097ffb77b4837.jpg

bf5c4abaf97e02ed481ae1f28192bd99.jpg

7614def1316dae29d598f3530ce90d9a.png 1e0fc09db3ba0a1794d105c2a03edc29.jpg

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Challenge Overview

8d0a6f53400b0981b7a8bd2ec648c916.png

77670c3989207815c71182418bc4df86.png

df34221c48068361c57c3d70d1b0d3f7.png

Link to post
Share on other sites

39 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

But they did.  In my mind, an aging Bendtner climbed up on the stage to celebrate in a full kit, like a latter-day John Terry.  But that's just me.  You imagine it how you will...

First never follows! The lord Bendtner would never be so crass as to copy a base peasant as John Terry.

6731e720e6ab302f09c21f619a71eb31.jpg

He'd clearly show up in nothing but a modesty bra precariously held on with some sellotape.

Link to post
Share on other sites

leipzig-turkey.thumb.png.16e187bd05dea9553cb61fafa367b8e4.png

South Korea 2082

World Cup Preview & Squad Review

The last 6 years have been building to this point -- trying to shape the Turkish squad to play a strikerless/libero formation.  We've had great success, and this side feels ready to take on the world.  In preparing this squad review, I've decided to make some changes and promote youth who have been in the squad into the 1st XI, and swap some others out.  But, at the end of the day, this is largely the squad that you've seen for the last few years, with new faces coming through the ranks at Rennes, Oostende and Leipzig.

We're playing the same Cafetero Aguardiente tactics I've been using for years now, with various titles won at the club and national level.  The squad is good enough, it's only a question of whether we can do it on the pitch.

Per usual, the pre-tournament friendlies don't tell us much.  We've got a good draw, but a potentially brutal date in the 2nd Round with Germany or Spain.

a32f98524f30a6c4a211f81c9fd7f3af.jpg

4ba43179759c401645964537b3e6d16e.png 427e2ddc33ad6b6511ec3a84ffb2ac02.png

47c0460cd9b7e8a4b3ce3c5d5942b500.jpg 74489425aa1cb224e708c4f493a80609.jpg

307fd7c7245c68c9121eed7c67cb67a8.png d47c5ec7c572cc1001fc752b060498a8.png

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Goalkeepers

69a4c96aa1a1ef22b65b1d37bbfb0310.jpg 4f390f70e2047a630dd037b32291cba7.jpg 112c91ca303cd86bccd1f0d70827a28c.jpg

Sukru Koc has been my starter for years now, and that isn't changing even if the margins between he and Ahmet Deniz and Ahmet Altunsoz are thin.  He's the proven man in between the sticks.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Liberos

74524aa3e4bffec42d492e7efab255da.jpg fcb5490c0447b650f634a5aa3437660d.jpg

I've spent the last 6 years developing Eren Bayka to serve as the national side's libero, and several years getting Kukucer ready to fill in as his backup.  Yet, at this point I've promoted Kucuker into the first XI.  They're solid.  I'm happy with either.  I just feel that Mustafa has the edge.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Defenders

f8c201570b4c0fa96613a748ddc319a2.jpg d707815b26522fc8f3f719246607bb4a.jpg ba811c493576e610d2896110b9b82033.jpg aea13a04a7454b76d7a0b20d2e386b9e.jpg 2aea8ce4dbdad94465d029f04b57c547.jpg 5f863aa7434e44632c60c50c727a2809.jpg 0c5d558cbccb5169457aeb8eb8d6a3b5.jpg 717bc68d433598ac59c21cf1a937cc68.jpg

More changes here, as I'll start the World Cup with a backline consisting of Durmus and Ekici in the middle, flanked by Bulbul and Yigit.  Bolukbasi, Gundogan, Sari and Ozkalfa are all fantastic, with the 1st 2 having been starters for years.  Again, I'm going with my gut here -- the 1st 4 are ever so slightly better suited to the tactics, so in they go.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Central Midfielders

c105d4fe5695f821a29eeb3e14201d4b.jpg bd59710f7c016e9ad614e4b74026a6f4.jpg c6377d6a544498cab601b6b2990a212b.jpg 983e4ee1d1dcd771dc695280edc9bcba.jpg

Here, we'll start with Arslan and Ulgen, with Keles and Deri as the backups.  Lots of strength here, and it was tough narrowing down this position from my 30-man squad.  But sentiment made me bring Keles who may be young, but is just as good as anyone else.  (No, I have no idea what the heck has happened with Keles.  Maybe I missed a news item?)

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Attacking Midfielders

7e30531812ef67ecc23116a93f094c99.jpg c012f232c8d351d170c69fa8cee2e241.jpg cc1b7eb809f2b7378eb8c011c3f69e9b.jpg 1fa14fea972a1f734ccbe43f69189fce.jpg dea6d2b8c182f2930e9a307619cc991f.jpg e7dfbe5e8527dbe5b5d993dc18c1f1e4.jpg

Up top, Ismet Kilic and Baris will flank Hizarci -- all three are long-term mainstays of the national side, and should be tremendous for us.  The biggest question mark I have is Baris...he's got the tools, but should be more of a goalscorer for us from his position as a shadow striker, than he is.  Aydin has always held down a spot in the squad, with Gundogu earning his spot over the last few years -- frankly, he's almost good enough to start, but my gut tells me to go with Baris.  The final spot on the team went to Nuri, a Leipzig lad...bags of quality and not much experience at this level.  But we won't need to rely on him to carry us -- just nick a goal here or there, as needed, or set someone up since he'll be backfilling Hizarci in the deep-lying targetman role.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think this is a very strong squad.  Possibly as good as any I've brought to a World Cup.  We've also got strength in depth, which will help if we're pushed to extra time in the knockout rounds.

The talent is very much here.  We should be disappointed with anything less than a genuine challenge for the title.

Link to post
Share on other sites

"I apologize.  I shouldn't have been yelling in the hotel foyer.  I should be wearing more than my loosely-tied robe, slippers and smile.  I understand and respect that."

The officer looks incredulous.  And annoyed.  

"And, no, Officer, when I said 'if I can't have Eksi, no one will,' that wasn't a threat.  It was just a promise to myself, an affirmation, really...of my strong interest in signing this Belgian lad...  He's at Oostende, you see, and played for me at Rennes before then.  But now my brother...well, half-brother, really..."

As I ramble on, I can tell I'm losing the officer.  This isn't going to end well.  I just hope that nothing untoward has or will happen to Huseyin before the deal is finalized...

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Belgium have moved into 3rd in the European coefficients table!!!  

5df8647c191851df0957695f617495d5.jpg 5cdedfa8694d789e9644930ed7d54ef6.jpg 2ca49e2d3838e1a14109e775cf2a2ba0.jpg 

And...Charleroi had another tycoon takeover, while Oostende are expanding to a 74k+ stadium. 

493a4f194dd25b3a805e6cdb4649c7fc.jpg 2e93aa868f9997ee856285eb7da02ece.jpg 

I'm telling you....Belgium is the place to be, man.

giphy.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

#LeipzigForElevenMonths! #ProbableOutcomes

Putting his love for Telleus aside, Bob has a loyal attribute in the negatives. And the attention span of a gnat.

His life was so much simpler, back before Telleus rocked up at Yorkshire... Go to Elland Road, yell at the good-for-nothing idiots on the pitch. Sit on the porch and yell at the good-for-nothing idiots walking by. Go down the Old Peacock, get rejected by Betsy the Barmaid. A simpler life, indeed. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, ManUtd1 said:

Putting his love for Telleus aside, Bob has a loyal attribute in the negatives. And the attention span of a gnat.

His life was so much simpler, back before Telleus rocked up at Yorkshire... Go to Elland Road, yell at the good-for-nothing idiots on the pitch. Sit on the porch and yell at the good-for-nothing idiots walking by. Go down the Old Peacock, get rejected by Betsy the Barmaid. A simpler life, indeed. 

One I think we could all enjoy.

Well... maybe not at Elland Road.

Link to post
Share on other sites

50 minutes ago, HawkAussie said:

Has New Zealand even qualified for a World Cup in this save. 

Twice!  In 2058 and 2062.  Their rankings graph over the last 10 years is painful, though -- between a low of 200th and a high of 97th.

8a42a765ba74564e80a12d81e52da910.jpg 722a72e289c39c4cb695e865a9cc00f4.jpg 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for world cup trophy

South Korea 2082; Group Stage

A brilliant start to the tournament, as Kilic buries one a mere 90 seconds into the match against Chile.  Chile hit back, but we run out with a big 4-1 win on the night.  England proved much tougher meat, as a massive battle saw us finish 2-2, meaning we were both likely to advance.  My 2nd XI beat Iran in the final match, to set up what we knew would be a brutal draw for the 2nd Round -- we get Germany, 2nd in Group H, while England will face Spain.  We expect to have Hizarci back, if only on the bench.  He's been out since the Chile match, with Baris joining him on the injured list during the England match.

The results in other Groups are almost beyond belief... Uruguay, the top ranked side in the World, eliminated.  Russia and France eliminated, as all of Group C finish on 4 points, but Senegal and the United States sneak through on the tiebreakers.  Portugal?  Eliminated.  Brazil?  Don't let the door hit you on the way out.  Argentina?  No, thank you.

Even better for the neutrals, the 2nd Round sees some of the top remaining sides paired with each other -- Turkey-Germany and Spain-England.

This could get very interesting...

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

cf21f4322c981daed6ea43bdfa3d5a38.jpg f8dd0676168520390486ddb3399fe632.jpg 5aa631ad63c855d953fd7d104f440384.jpg

bcb641627f6d689b60f8c33e1c366a20.png c2dc192e5840a5775724980e0bd1aee8.png

6ce42483fff3f38b0a5edbe8891b986c.png

26c443b04f075c5c742c59ac3f2ce55e.png

d14a69e77b3e67426787dff5c8624d83.png 71a5a5b210b724212cee3e617d9d4c22.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for world cup trophy

South Korea 2082; Second Round

Germany...a massive side that I know very well.  We have a slight advantage, in that my 1st XI was rested for the Iran match, while Ze Germans were scrapping for 

We start well, with Bulbul finding Gundogdu in the 24th minute -- a long, early cross fired home with no hesitation.  We remain in control throughout the half, but cannot create any meaningful chances...the good news is they haven't either.  They're dead on their feet.  Kilic has an opportunity to bury the match in the 48th, but Fluck comes up huge...  Another chance goes begging in the 71st, when Durmus fires wide in heavy traffic off a corner.  But nothing further comes of it.

A painfully boring match, in direct contrast to all expectations.  As lopsided a 1-nil win as you're likely to see.

Up next?  My former side, Cote d'Ivoire.  Les Elephants smashed Austria, 4-0, and are looking for blood.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

970e060e89a56049d8da6a1d5bcfdb29.jpg

05438ad8e13ed838af7ebf00b79793b2.jpg 76675e53445e8880f9a2edc3e077c6b7.jpg

cfa3952d4e3d59d4d2c2f315d4eb8120.jpg 068b7fbe3752c2b947dcb714ff1ff256.jpg c0755b8ec9272614a9e8cc11347e8679.jpg a71c18cb49b7a58d0c298efb0fcd6bb8.jpg 84e120e8829fd168c520af9203dc851f.jpg

ab5c193b5afe767d17ab2fc3b5d8b3df.png

bc3e674b3014e5ac68e230691ccb15c1.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Good progress. I promise not to jinx

No jinx yet!  Off to get some sleep, so the rest of the tournament will be played tomorrow night, as I likely won't have my laptop with me during the day.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for world cup trophy

South Korea 2082; Quarterfinals

A brutal draw.  An Ivory Coast side that I know inside and out...that is as dangerous as they come.  We'll need a big day from the Turkish lads.

We start out in Cafetero Aguardiente, with the fullbacks told to not look for overlaps.  A dream start ensues, as we hit them on the counter in the 3rd minute.  I tell the lads to sit back a bit deeper, knowing all too well how quickly the Ivorians can turn this match around. 

We counterattack at pace in the 12th minute...but Baris fires wide.  With the Ivorians pressing hard, another chance quickly arises, with Baris hammering home this time, in the 16th.  2-nil.  Can the Ivorians respond?!

YES!  Bamba-Kouassi grabs one back in the 37th, after a goalmouth scramble.  We hold until the half, knowing that anything can happen in 45 minutes.  I refuse to back down and play it safe...we remain in Cafetero Aguardiente.

In the 54th, a loose ball falls to Kilic 30 yards from goal...he lashes it home through the crowd, the keeper clearly unable to get a good look at the ball.  3-1, and we're looking good value for the win.  If we can hold.

We can.  We finish strong, creating chances while denying the Ivorians any real look at goal. 

We're through to the semifinals, to face the Dutch who eliminated Ukraine 2-1.  In the other semifinal, Belgium will face Switzerland, both sides on the verge of their first ever World Cup final.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

2cd187996b864966cfb7a1bb36d56279.jpg

2bba7c0d50658b89376f260add7500a7.jpg fa07bf2cefd2dc2a729f31309b780888.jpg 01f4ecfa5ff0491268afb51eab939019.jpg 323a64f13c4ff1c6c541b64f4ca3cfdc.jpg f1979e348547a2eb279d7cb8e9af5797.jpg 78425ceaaaf8a0d9e7028b62333c55df.jpg 915fc77aeb201abb8257f29e61e21dac.jpg

3c1b88f1edb38203aa6d05e8926e54b5.png

 64d5cd6e83b4d157cea7a8d6a3790882.png

Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for world cup trophy

South Korea 2082; Semifinals

The Dutch.  I try to find it in me to hate them, to mentally prepare myself for the biggest match of my tenure with Turkey.  But can't quite bring myself to do it.  They're too darn nice, and say the craziest things.  I mean, their manager was talking about monkeys in his sleeve.  How can I hate that?

Come kickoff, I find a way.  I've no choice but to rotate the squad, as most of the squad have now played 2 matches on the trot.  Hizarci is back, and will resume his position as the fulcrum of our attack.  Far from ideal, but this is why I'm glad we have strength in depth.  After all, you win and lose as a team in football.

Despite playing a largely 2nd XI, we control the opening half hour...creating chances, while allowing the Dutch possession with no purpose.  Until they break through in the 37th.  1-0 to the Netherlands.

But we're not done for...Ozkala breaks up play, and we transition quickly, with Hizarci sprung free in the box...1-1!!!  ALL TO PLAY FOR!!!  A BRILLIANT RETURN TO THE SIDE!!!

At the half, we're the side looking dangerous...looking most likely to score.  Can we keep it up?

While we look in good form, it is once again left to the Dutch to break the deadlock, with Witteven burying one into the top corner from 20 yards.  We can't give him that much space, lads.  And here we are again, with our backs against the wall...

Aydin is clear on goal off the counter in the 64th, but fires wide.  A massive opportunity wasted.  Time for subs...Kilic, Durmus and Arslan are on.

Moments later...a spark of brilliance, from Hizarci yet again!!!  2-2!!!  IN THE LEVEL!!!

MERE MOMENTS LATER, AND HIZARCI HAS HIS HAT TRICK!!!  BULBUL WITH AN EARLY CROSS, ON THE COUNTER, FINDS MEHMET FREE AT THE NEAR POST, AND THE HAT-TRICK HERO VOLLEYS IT HOME!!! 3-2!!!  TURKEY HAVE THE BIT BETWEEN THEIR TEETH NOW!!!

We drop deeper, allowing the Dutch possession but no path forward, while looking for a 4th on the counter.  Bolukbasi nearly seals the match in the 80th, from a narrow angle.  The ensuing corner is played to Kilic at the top of the box, he fires from range...YES!!!!  THAT'S 4!!!!  TURKEY ARE SURELY IN THE FINAL NOW!!!!

As the Dutch pour forward in search of a way back into the match, we twist the dagger.  Kilic.  It's 5.  The match is over.  Buried.  Done.  We are on our way to the final.  Nothing can stop us now.

We will face the Swiss, who upset Belgium in the other semifinal.  

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

7dbcd23459d6958df1fef9eea45c732c.jpg

52462236b39dba49760c3542cc4ece15.jpg 6b3acc31d2a7c2cac9f7aba9a72254bc.jpg b5c36601cb5d8ff968d69d5b1221218a.jpg 96c0cc2a5efbd3d28cfd66540c9a76b6.jpg aa9b32353005165d99e25658c71aca65.jpg 6b72db4caa620fd11e3c9b5f25ff5859.jpg 713f54efa5973c9727cbfec4023d6cd7.jpg e0cd311293c0e96af0e8ddc2fd4fb442.jpg eeda28c03a8a70324df97f88405c44cd.jpg f278f7bd6baefd133d6cf962975b4502.jpg 9d8d297652fff00c4edac85327c657c1.jpg b8324b6d002772a9b1a8d8231d98273d.jpg 1f854b8f99a93d1a279391ab00353a2d.jpg

f1b5bfe123b219a823e95748440332ce.png e82b7a5fa9e28943c43171c18f0e8edd.png

45c553004160743b3de1e87b83a9bb4d.jpg

cfe368c091ae67ca7075008ab0bf8c38.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

An absolutely epic battle is on...for tomorrow night.  It's too late and I've got a full day tomorrow.  But, this should be outstanding...

The Swiss have had a pretty straightforward run (link) aside from Uruguay (who were a major disappointment in the tournament) and the Belgians, who I've said a few times are the biggest surprise to me.  If I could have picked a side that would win the World Cup (or become eligible) back when this save started, they'd have been at the top of the list.

Regardless, the Belgians are irrelevant.

We should be favored against the Swiss, especially because I'll have most of my 1st XI in the squad thanks to rotation for the semifinal.

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, andychar said:

Oh you massive super duper teaser you!

Good luck in the final!

Thanks, man! Should be a good one :D

giphy.gif

4 hours ago, HawkAussie said:

Hopes, Switzerland wins the title.

*holds out knuckles for fist bump*

Thanks, ma-- 

Err...

*laughs awkwardly*

:ackter:

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

In obligatory and ever more routine "I can't believe football in 2082 is different from 2018" comments, Turkey v Switzerland sounds like it'd be the most boring World Cup final ever. Clearly, given the talent involved, it's not.

Also, Sheffield Wednesday eh! Making a mark in Europe.

Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, noikeee said:

In obligatory and ever more routine "I can't believe football in 2082 is different from 2018" comments, Turkey v Switzerland sounds like it'd be the most boring World Cup final ever. Clearly, given the talent involved, it's not.

Also, Sheffield Wednesday eh! Making a mark in Europe.

I I wish it were 2082 every day... The reshuffle is great.  That being said, you'll notice that we're seeing many of the same sides in the latter stages of European competition.  I'd love for a third wave to come through, another reshuffling of the deck, with new sides emerging. For example, Fiorentina has fallen back to mediocrity in Italy, but Inter are the dominant force. Where's Pescara? :lol:

Belgium's rise to 3rd in the coefficients is still amazing. Zulte and Oostende as European powers? Glorious.

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...