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

[ManUtd1]

Here's where we stand in terms of World Cup qualifying.

 

 

Hungary are playing well, and we'll need to make up those points with our games in hand.

I should be able to get through these matches today, but will almost certainly group them as one update instead of separate September/October/November updates.

[Keano16]

5 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

I never realized that incognito/private browsing was required for this thread...

You have much to learn my friend.

[Benjoe]

12 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

I never realized that incognito/private browsing was required for this thread...

I was mostly surprised people still used Internet Explorer. 

[ManUtd1]

7 minutes ago, Benjoe said:

I was mostly surprised people still used Internet Explorer. 

Edited July 2, 2017 by ManUtd1

[Benjoe]

23 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

[ManUtd1]

Edinburgh in the early fall.  Beautiful.  We need some luck with the national side, but if we take care of business we'll be good.

Flight to the Faroes later today for a qualifier.  Take care of business there, with a win on our return over Hungary, and we'll be all but set.

Waking up to a bloody knife tucked under my pillow was not what I needed.

Shaken, I reached out to Emma on her burner cell.  She had the same thing happen to her.

Apples must have found out that it isn't over between us.  A warning?  Perhaps.

But, I've seen too much to let her push us around.  She wouldn't really do anything, would she?  

[ManUtd1]

If it's not Scottish, it's crap!

Scotland

World Cup Qualifying Review, Fall 2057

We begin September at Hampden against Bosnia, the 2nd XI were rampant and up 2, until a silly deflection allowed the visitors back into the match.  We buried them in the 2nd half, but that was far more nervy than it needed to be.  A dire draw away against Denmark...points we did not want to lose.  The Group is wide open, as Denmark sit top with 11 points from 5 matches, with Hungary 1 point back.  We are 3 off the pace, with a match in hand.  If Denmark hadn't drawn with the Faroes on matchday 2, this would be a very different group.

October began with a trip to the Faroes.  Fortunately, we packed our shooting boots and the 2nd XI put the match away in the 1st half.  McIntyre brought into the squad as Stevenson is out injured, he notched a brace (his 1st international goal.) in his 4th appearance.  The Hungarians were going to be tougher meat, though, at Hampden.  A must-win match.  Thankfully, the Hungarians drew at home against Bosnia, meaning that we're level on 11 points -- Denmark, Hungary and ourselves, although Hungary have played an extra match.  A comprehensive win that should have been more, as we had 3 goals called back for offsides.  Denmark also win, meaning that our tie on the final matchday could be decisive.  But first, they'll face a tricky trip to Budapest while we head to Zenica.

November.  Apples' campaign of intimidation has ramped up.  Despite all of the care we're taking, Emma and I cannot evade her surveillance every time.  Things are coming to a breaking point, I feel.  When that point is reached -- and what will happen -- is anyone's guess.  Bosnia seems to be an apt location for her to exact some measure of revenge, but the trip passes without any major incident.  We escape the country with 3 points and our lives (and limbs) intact...and find that Denmark have botched it in Hungary, losing 3-1.  We're through, barring a complete collapse -- 3 points clear, with a +18 goal difference compared to their +6.  It was never going to happen -- we grab 3 goals in the first 20 minutes.  Qualification secured.  A job well done.

Japan...on the horizon.

September

 

October

 

November

 

Full UEFA qualifying results:

  

Spain, the Czechs and Croatia being the biggest surprises from Europe.  Elsewhere, Mexico, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and South Africa all fail to qualify.

  

  

Edited July 3, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

The last time a non-European side won the World Cup?  Argentina, in 2022.  More than 30 years ago.

 

[ManUtd1]

The 2058 World Cup draw.  Zajicek has been asked to draw the balls out of the hopper.  Through the first 3 pots, we're in good shape.  But pot 4 is where the danger lies.

 

Ideally, I'd like to avoid Germany, France and Portugal.  The rest would be fine by me.  Group H could be a nightmare.

 

Belgium it is.  Good lad, Tomas.  Germany go to Group H...brutal.

 

 

[ManUtd1]

We'll face Australia, DR Congo and Albania in pre-tournament friendlies.

[ManUtd1]

Quick Champions League update...

  

 

Rennes, Granada, Anderlecht and West Brom the potentially eligible teams left in the competition, but the 1st two are paired in the first knockout round.

[ManUtd1]

I'm fed up with living in a state of semi-fear of Apples' wrath.

Two weeks in Sweden with Emma after the holidays.  Taking her to all of my old haunts.  Living a life together.  Until we had to part ways.

After landing back in Edinburgh, I got a text from Leto and Ludwig -- they were down the street having phở at a quiet neighborhood joint. down the block  Hungry, I joined them instead of heading to our shared flat, salivating at the imminent arrival of a delicious bowl of phở tai as big as a fishbowl.

Within minutes of sitting down, before even hearing half of their exploits during my time abroad, a massive explosion shook the restaurant.  

After a few minutes passed, and nothing else happened, we stepped outside with the other patrons.  As the sirens grew nearer, realization dawned on us.

The gouts of flame shooting out of the building?  Yeah, that was the flat.  Our flat.

A "welcome home" gift from Apples, no doubt.

Emma answers her burner phone, and I fill her in.  She doesn't want to go back to the villa outside Florence.  I tell her to come to Edinburgh.  She is reluctant to antagonize Apples further, but realizes things have reached a tipping point.

She's on her way.  While en route, I confer with the FA and arrange for heightened, round-the-clock security for the two of us, Ludwig and Leto.

After all, we've got a World Cup to prepare for.  

Edited July 3, 2017 by ManUtd1

[oriole01]

This Apples character sounds like a very scary human form of Ernesto! Hopefully this story comes to a happy ending, for everyone's sake.

[ManUtd1]

5 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

This Apples character sounds like a very scary human form of Ernesto! Hopefully this story comes to a happy ending, for everyone's sake.

[ManUtd1]

The great thing about Glasgow is that if there's a nuclear attack it'll look exactly the same afterwards.

Scotland

March 2058 Mini-Update

A meaningless friendly against Australia.  I know the side I'll be taking to Japan.  But, it's on the schedule.

Preparing to travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow for the match is akin to preparing to travel into a war zone.  Apples did not take kindly to Emma publicly leaving her for me, and the tabloids have had a field day.  Several journalists in Italy -- prominent anti-mafia and gossip specialists alike -- have been silenced or gone into hiding.  The security precautions we must take are absurd.   But, at the very least, Apples' escalation of hostilities with the bombing of the Edinburgh flat have meant that she, too, must hide from the authorities.  What a mess.  Life has to go on, though, or else she "wins."

The only solace is find is on the pitch, and at home on the Estate with Emma.  Leto and Ludwig have taken over the guesthouse out back.  They're like cockroaches...once they found food out there, and the keys to the sauna, we haven't been able to get rid of them.  Not that anyone minds.  Ludwig has been like a brother to me for decades.

The match?  Highly entertaining.  We're ready.

[kidthekid]

2 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

But, I've seen too much to let her push us around.  She wouldn't really do anything, would she?  

 

[kidthekid]

So Leto a famous world renowned actor and singer is now to you what Mumbu is to Nelson?

[ManUtd1]

21 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

 

 

15 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

So Leto a famous world renowned actor and singer is now to you what Mumbu is to Nelson?

Technically, he'd be more like Mumbu to Ludwig's Nelson...but really, really good at FIFA and a huge Ludogrets supporter for inexplicable reasons.

Edited July 3, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

2057/58 European Club Competition Review

Another year without Hakan at the club level, which means it's time to check in on how things have been going around the continent...

       

Tottenham win the title in England, as Arsenal are once again relegated.  Madrid slip up on the final day, but are fortunate to see Sociedad drop points as well and thus secure their first title since 2046/47.  Frankfurt Frankfurted all over the Bundesliga, Roma did their best Frankfurt impression, and Celtic continued a truly absurd run of titles.

Champions League Overview

For nearly a decade, Rennes has flirted with Champions League success.  In 2057/58, they finally did it.  No, they didn't win the title.  They fell at the final hurdle at Signal Iduna Park, in spectacular fashion.  That's right, Rennes is now eligible.  Will they be the final club that Hakan takes to glory?  Read and find out...

 

Challenge Overview

[ManUtd1]

Alright, give yer mother a kiss ... or I'll kick yer teeth in.

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup Squad Overview

8 years in the making.  If this side can't win the World Cup title now, they may never do it.  World Cup finalists 8 years ago, losing on penalties to Spain.  Euro semifinalists 6 years ago.  World Cup quarterfinalists 4 years ago, losing to eventual winners Holland.  Euro winners 2 years ago in Italy.  Confederations Cup winners last year.

Yes, lads.  This is our time.  Show them what you're made of.

Our players are seasoned internationals at this point, but for the backup goalkeepers who are the very definition of youthful exuberance and unfulfilled potential.  If you've been reading along, you've seen their names.  Their attributes.  Their development.  Heck, I probably could just cut/paste the 2056 Euros squad review.  But, I won't.

No tactical shake-ups or surprises.  We're taking our PM Branco di Libero tactics back to Japan.

 

Goalkeepers

  

McLaren remains our starter, having landed at Chelsea after our Champions League win at Fener.  McPhee is the most promising young talent in Scotland, even if he is a far cry from McLaren's level.  Vance...?  If he's on the pitch in Japan, we're screwed.

Liberos

 

McCabe and Lee, the two liberos I've groomed for years.  McCabe gets the nod, per usual.  Lee will backfill and play as a defensive midfielder as needed.

Defenders

       

Barrowman and Donald will start at fullback.  Tons of attacking ability, as they're both retrained midfielders.  Hutton and Muhsin will partner in the middle, with Robertson and McNamara backing them up.  Holt and Paterson are my reserve fullbacks.  Again, we've got pretty solid depth here.  The exact same group of players as in 2056.

Hutton is notable for being one of the few holdovers from the pre-Hakan era.  The rock at the heart of our defense.

Midfielders

   

Rae is another holdover from the pre-Hakan era.  The star of the center midfield, who is being pushed for playing time.  But, he'll remain in the 1st XI alongside Dickov.  Malky Nicholls was brought along for experience in 2056, but has grown leaps and bounds; he'll backup Rae.  Milne returns to the squad, having lost out to Nicholls in 2056...but comes to Japan in place of Polworth, who has never regained his legs after an injury last year.

Attacking Midfielders

      

Up top, the established trio of McBride-Stevenson-Baird will start, with McBride in the deep-lying targetman role.  McAllister and Crawford are on the bench with Mark Hunter, who takes Hamish's spot in the side.  Hamish is a pure goalscorer...Hunter is far more well-rounded even if he hasn't reached his potential yet.  Hunter also finds the back of the net with some frequency/reliability, so he's in.

Final Thoughts

We're a better side than Scotland has brought to every major international tournament since the 2050 World Cup.  We've progressed in the last 2 years. Frankly, I think this squad could go toe-to-toe with the Greek squad that won the 2046 World Cup in South Africa.

Off to Japan we go.  The security situation has certainly deteriorated since Italy two years ago, so you should again feel free to tune in from home, or join Pope Bob in Turkey.  Yeah, he's still kicking around.  But, remember -- it's BYOK, Bring Yer' Own Kilt!

[ManUtd1]

We use the final matches to build up fitness.  But it's a facade.  We're as ready as can be.  This is our year.  It has to be.  I've made promises that I intend to keep.

  

McAllister's injury?  A broken shoulder.  He's out for 6-8 weeks.  Ryan McIntyre has been called up in his place -- a bright young talent, but there's no question that McAllister is a big loss.  I wrested with McIntyre versus Hamish...but the latter's era is over.

  

 

[ManUtd1]

We land at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka airport and make our way to the hotel, near the Shimizu S-Pulse facilities that will be our home for the duration of the tournament.

As we unpack our checked bags, I find a note folded inside my lucky suit.  The suit I'd personally packed yesterday before leaving.

Assuming it is a loving note from Emma, that she'd managed to slip in when I was unawares -- albeit one I wasn't supposed to find until I wore it on a matchday -- I open it up.

No.  Not from Emma.

It simply reads, "Boom."

Shaken, I call Emma who is staying down the street with the rest of the wives and girlfriends while Ludwig alerts security.

Two hours later and the all-clear is given.

Welcome to Japan, eh?

[oriole01]

1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said:

Welcome to Japan, eh?

Does Apples happen to drive a Lotus? Maybe you didn't want to notice, didn't know the gun was loaded...

 

[mjaferrie]

7 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

The great thing about Glasgow is that if there's a nuclear attack it'll look exactly the same afterwards.

Things that would survive a nuclear blast:
a) Cockroaches

b) Rangers Football Club

[BoxToBox]

4 hours ago, mjaferrie said:

Things that would survive a nuclear blast:
a) Cockroaches

b) Rangers Football Club

Also Keith Richards who would find the whole thing a mild buzz.

[ManUtd1]

8 hours ago, oriole01 said:

Does Apples happen to drive a Lotus? Maybe you didn't want to notice, didn't know the gun was loaded...

To his credit, Ludwig tried to keep Hakan away from Apples, many years ago. 

4 hours ago, mjaferrie said:

Things that would survive a nuclear blast:
a) Cockroaches

b) Rangers Football Club

Good ol' Billy Connolly...

8 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Also Keith Richards who would find the whole thing a mild buzz.

You can't kill what's already dead.

[ManUtd1]

The news from Edinburgh is not good. 

A gas leak? Really? 

There's no way. I'm not buying it. 

Someone is protecting Apples from on high. She got to the investigators somehow.

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

10 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

We land at Mt. Fuji Shizuoka airport and make our way to the hotel, near the Shimizu S-Pulse facilities that will be our home for the duration of the tournament.

As we unpack our checked bags, I find a note folded inside my lucky suit.  The suit I'd personally packed yesterday before leaving.

Assuming it is a loving note from Emma, that she'd managed to slip in when I was unawares -- albeit one I wasn't supposed to find until I wore it on a matchday -- I open it up.

No.  Not from Emma.

It simply reads, "Boom."

Shaken, I call Emma who is staying down the street with the rest of the wives and girlfriends while Ludwig alerts security.

Two hours later and the all-clear is given.

Welcome to Japan, eh?

The tension is really mounting with Apples and Hakan. I feel like Apples has a death planned that's even worse than the alternate timeline Leto induced metal chair beating after a game of FM 54.

[ManUtd1]

1 hour ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

The tension is really mounting with Apples and Hakan. I feel like Apples has a death planned that's even worse than the alternate timeline Leto induced metal chair beating after a game of FM 54.

Kermit and Marky Mark are utterly distraught.  They just want to know WHAT HAPPENS...

Never fear, loyal readers.  The initial World Cup matches are kicking off as we speak, so all 5 of you will soon know what happens...

Edited July 3, 2017 by ManUtd1

[ManUtd1]

You know the day destroys the night, night divides the day...tried to run, tried to hide...

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup Group Stage Review

 Belgium is the first task.  A strong side.  On paper, the strongest we'll face in the Group Stage.  All our nerves are extinguished the moment the whistle first blows.  Nevertheless, both sides are tentative, neither wanting to cede the advantage.  A stalemate ensues, 0-0, which will suit us just fine.

Against Iran, we elect to be more aggressive from the outset.  Grab the three points early and emphatically, with some goal difference padding if at all possible.  We played better, but not as well as the last time we'd faced Iran.  A 2-nil win earned 3 points, though, to bring us one step closer.  The big issue?  McBride is out for 10 days with a twisted knee.

Belgium and Uruguay drew, meaning that with a win in our final match we'll seal the group title.  I'm going to rotate the squad.  Perhaps a risk, but with a win or draw we're guaranteed to go through.  It's worth it.  We labor to a 2-1 win.  But, the first XI is going to need it.

We've drawn England in the next round.

The biggest surprises?  Germany and Belgium are out.  DRC winning Group C is a close 2nd.  They'll face hosts Japan.

Security has been exceptionally tight.  Except for the decapitated stuffed penguin found in my kitbag.  And, no, Brian -- for the last time, I most certainly did NOT bring that to the stadium with me.

  

 

[Updates will be slow in coming today.  But, they're coming...]

[ManUtd1]

We chased our pleasures here, dug our treasures there...but can you still recall, the time we cried...

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup, Second Round

This was a match we anticipated -- it was always likely to be England or Portugal, and I'd much rather face off against the Auld Enemy.  There is nothing like a rivalry to boil one's blood.  And we've had their number.

The first half was a bit dry.  We were the better side, no doubt, but hadn't found a goal.  The first goal was always going to be critical.

And it fell to Stevenson, filling in for McBride at the heart of our attacking trident.  As England pivoted into a more attacking stance, we focused on hitting them in transition, with Mark Hunter hitting a brace over the next 20 minutes.

3-0.  England are out.  We move on to face DR Congo, who eliminated hosts Japan.  Linus' Italy also fall to Ukraine, preventing a possible semifinal father-son match-up.

Edited July 3, 2017 by ManUtd1

[noikeee]

Ah yes, the old classic World Cup quarterfinal tie, Scotland vs DR Congo.

[ManUtd1]

15 minutes ago, noikeee said:

Ah yes, the old classic World Cup quarterfinal tie, Scotland vs DR Congo.

At least this time they've learned the laws of the game, as they pertain to free kicks.  Presumably.

 

[ManUtd1]

I found an island in your arms, country in your eyes...arms that chain, eyes that lie...

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup, Quarterfinals

The Congolese are a side we faced in the run-up to the tournament, at Hampden, so we enter the match confident.  I swap out several tiring players, knowing that a full rotation would be the height of folly.  McBride will be back to fitness for the semifinals, if we get there.

We set out to counter the DRC's narrow/flat 433 with PM Lupo Incatenato, with the lads instructed to attack the flanks.  We'll see if their short, rotund manager with the grey afro can handle it...and why does that strange man keep so close to their manager?  Odd behavior, that.

The first half is dull, dreary.  DRC seeking to nullify our attacking threats, eventually dropping to a narrow/defensive 41212.  Scotland unable to find a way through.

We rattle the post in the 59th, and I've seen enough.  On come the subs -- Stevenson, Baird and Rae.

We press and probe, and can't find the breakthrough.  Until Paterson lofts an ambitious ball to Hunter...who meets it at the back post with a glancing header.  The young lad putting us up 1-nil over the resilient Africans.  Now, can we hold it?  We can.

Through to the semifinals.  To face Argentina, who scrape past the Ukraine on penalties.  France and Portugal will square off in the other semifinal, after France eliminate Brazil on penalties and Portugal shut down high-scoring Turkey (18 goals in 4 matches, 14 coming from Dortmund's Huseyin Acar).

[Benjoe]

Saddened to see Congo Kinshasa fall ti the Highlanders.. 

But uhh, Apples fury is twisted.

[ManUtd1]

Thanks for the reminder. 100 matches.  Let's not end it at an even century, lads.

 

[ManUtd1]

Portugal need extra time, but they're through to Sunday's final.

 

[ManUtd1]

Made the scene week to week, day to day hour to hour...the gate is straight, deep and wide...

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup, Semifinals

Here we are.  My 1st XI is intact.  We're ready.

A cagey first half.  Neither side giving an inch.

Until Argentina fail to clear a corner in the 44th minute...buried by McBride!  Back from injury, a captain's goal!!!  Halftime, and we're feeling confident.d

Moments after the break, we catch Argentina on the counter...Baird, through in the box, centers for Stevenson who has a step on his man.  2-nil!  But, with ample time for Argentina to get back into the match.  They press, but cannot find a foothold.  In the 72nd, they're reduced to 10 men after Espindola goes down injured, with all 3 subs having been used.  A nightmare for the South Americans.

Hunter seals the match in the 80th minute.  Twisting/turning, before curling the ball into the far corner.

  

[Benjoe]

I'm afraid. And excited. Mostly afraid.

 

 I'M ALLERGIC TO APPLES

[BoxToBox]

This is amazing.

 

[ManUtd1]

Everybody, loves my baby... Everybody, loves my baby...

Scotland

Japan 2058 -- World Cup, Final v. Portugal

Nissan Stadium, Yokohama

   

This is it.  My final match in charge of Scotland.  All or nothing.

I'm strangely at peace.  Confident.  We're favored, but that means nothing at all.

More importantly, the side is ready.  Will we enjoy a slight advantage, with Portugal having to go to extra time in two successive matches, just to reach the final?!  There's only one way to find out.

Portugal will play their standard 4231.  We'll be in PM Branco di Libero, with fullbacks instructed not to look for the overlap.

 

Tweet tweet!

[ManUtd1]

AND HOW'S THIS FOR A START?!?!  PORTUGAL RATTLE THE WOODWORK, BEFORE SCOTLAND HAVE EVEN SEEN THE BALL!!!  MCLAREN WELL BEATEN!

 

Barrowman clears, for Scotland's first touch.  Telleus' men are lucky to be level!!!

[Benjoe]

[ManUtd1]

12th minute.  Free kick to Scotland inside the Portugal half...their first true foray forward.  Rae lays it off to Baird...who SMASHES A HOWITZER INTO THE BACK OF THE NET FROM  30 YARDS!!!

  

ONE-NIL TO SCOTLAND!!!  AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY!!!

CAN PORTUGAL RESPOND?!?!

[ManUtd1]

Just now, Benjoe said:

YAAAAASSSSSSS!

(I'm all out of reputation!!!!)

[Benjoe]

1 minute ago, ManUtd1 said:

YAAAAASSSSSSS!

(I'm all out of reputation!!!!)

Same. Been a bloody day.

[ManUtd1]

End to end stuff here in Yokohama!  One way, then the other!!!

Hutton with a leaping header to prevent a through ball to Oliveira, and we go back the other way...Baird gathers...finds Stevenson ... Baird running from deep... Stevenson hits him in stride...THE FLAG STAYS DOWN...BAIRD...YES!!!! THAT'S 2!!!!

    

PORTUGAL ARE SINKING WITHOUT A TRACE!!!  THEY NEED TO FIND THEIR WAY BACK INTO THE MATCH!!!!

[ManUtd1]

Scotland's midfield dropping deep.  Telleus on the touchline, focused.  Intent.  Can he guide yet another nation to World Cup glory?

We reach the half, and Telleus' men are executing their gameplan perfectly.  Since the first minute, Portgual have not had a shot on target.

Portugal bring on all 3 subs at the half.  There's no more margin for error.  That's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off.

No changes for Scotland.

[Benjoe]

Exclusive clip of @noikeee trying to evade the arena after invading the pitch trying to stab Hakan with a fork. 

 

[ManUtd1]

An hour gone.  Scotland are tiring, but Portugal have been toothless since the 1st minute of play.

 

68th minute.  Telleus sends on McNamara, Milne and Lee, for McCabe, Rae and Dickov, respectively.

Portugal seems to have no legs!!!