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


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Kudos to the Yanks for reaching the final without winning a single match in the knockout stages, and knocking out Argentina, Germany and Holland (and Brazil in the group stages) in the process.

I suppose the sides that suffered shootout defeats will see it as justice that Gunnar's men ultimately defeated them with a penalty

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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

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Valencia CF / Côte d'Ivoire 

July 2066 Mini-Update

Some might say I'm a glutton for punishment.  Not content with criss-crossing the Atlantic in pursuit of World Cup glory, my eyes have drifted to another continent.  One that has yet to take home a World Cup title despite a long history of producing world class footballers.

How could I say no?  With Spain's registration rules, Valencia looks set to become a second home for Les Éléphants.  The Nuevo Mestalla a more northern Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Expectations are high.  As well they should be.  Runners-Up at England 2054, bringing home the World Cup has to be the goal.  Cup of Nations qualifying begins in 6 weeks, in Mozambique.

  A country with a rich history -- football and otherwise.  And, much to the delight of the social media jackals, the nation's history as a major producer of coffee and cocoa, the #TasteTheBean hashtag will remain as ubiquitous and relevant as ever.

Some might say it is sacrilege to go strikerless in the nation that produced Didier Drogba.  But I like to think that he'd forgive me that one indiscretion.

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42 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

Absolutely brilliant. I was in your boat with 2070 being the year, but sometimes the stars just align, man...

Shakira would be proud.

Thanks, man. They absolutely aligned here. They'll be in incredible shape for 2070 - it's a shame, as they'd have been great fun to take forward.

9 minutes ago, enigmatic said:

Kudos to the Yanks for reaching the final without winning a single match in the knockout stages, and knocking out Argentina, Germany and Holland (and Brazil in the group stages) in the process.

I suppose the sides that suffered shootout defeats will see it as justice that Gunnar's men ultimately defeated them with a penalty

Live by the penalty, die by the penalty! Poetic justice, indeed, after an incredible run of luck on their part.

Thanks for reading and commenting!

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1 hour ago, Joe. said:

Côte D'Ivoire may well be your biggest challenge yet! A great move.

I don't know...their squad is tremendous.  Bunch of outstanding young players, too.  I'll put up some screenshots when I get to the first qualifying matches later today/tomorrow.

I've gone and done it again at Valencia...modest squad purge, with a fair number of transfers in.  Should make for an interesting start to the season :D

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19 hours ago, Adonalsium said:

Whew, caught up. So... Ronaldo started a cult?

... in the meantime, let's see what kind of young talent Håkan brought in this time...

Vikander has a solid crop of youngsters, no doubt.  Kind of dove into the season last night, though, so I haven't prepared a squad review just yet.  Well have the Cup of Nations in a few months.

10 hours ago, yugo23 said:

I believe Hungary will be the biggest challenge, even bigger than Partizan.

Hungary and Slovakia would like be the biggest challenges.  The club side is definitely my focus, so we'll see if/when those come up.

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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

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Valencia CF / Côte d'Ivoire 

October 2066 Mini-Update

The days and weeks are passing quickly.  From one thing to the next, never a dull moment.

With Valencia, I think one thing can be said at this point -- we'll always entertain.  An epic 3-2 loss away to Panathinaikos was a horrible way to start the Champions League campaign, but we bounced back with a wild 6-3 win over Tottenham at the Nuevo Mestalla.  The neutrals are loving every moment.  Slowly we're finding our sea legs.  We'll get there.

With the Ivorians, we've come out of the gate flying.  As well we should, given our opponents in AFCON qualifying.  4 wins from 4, all emphatic even if the scorelines tapered off in Bangui and Curepipe.  There's some real talent here.  Egypt 2067 will be a solid challenge.

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A couple of my Ivorian stars in the making.  Some genuine talent.  2070 might be too early, but holy **** this is going to be a side by 2074.

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The Ivorian kits are absolute class, too.

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Juan Carlos Serna, the 22 year-old fulcrum of my attack, out to celebrate his birthday with Stalin...and this ends up on social media.  I think a fine is coming.

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6 hours ago, Joe. said:

Lionel Guehi looks incredible!

He's a beast. Improved since we last saw him at Partizan.

I'm off on vacation for a week, so no substantive updates will follow. Might have a few fun things up my sleeve, though...

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Early November, and the Serbian ownership group is getting a tad restless.  We sit 4th, and have dropped silly points, after a triumphant beginning to my tenure last Spring.

Somehow, even though we haven't dropped a single point at home and just smashed Dortmund 3-0 at the Nuevo Mestalla, they've decided that we need to create a more intimidating home environment.  More noise.  More pyro.  

Yes.  Logic isn't their strong suit.

I didn't even ask what they intended.  I knew as soon as they started in.  They've even started a hashtag to celebrate his arrival and installment as the "Vice-President of Mayhem," for ****'s sake,  #BelgradeByTheSea.  

Quite the appropriation of my legacy.  Yet, I didn't have a say in this re-branding. Not sure how the locals will take it in the long run, much less whether they will tolerate his...err...personality quirks.

And this "Belgrade by the Sea" nonsense?  The ultras are as vocal as ever, a new song debuting the during the Dortmund match mid-week, about they'd rather have "that Neville ****" back as manager, than "taste the Serbian bean." 

It's a euphamism.  Try to keep up.

But I couldn't stop the Board.  They wouldn't listen.  Don't judge me.  YOU try to get a word in edgewise, when someone is spitting rapid-fire Serbian at you, their breath reeking of plum brandy. 

At least there is a respite on the horizon.  After our trip to the Sanchez-Pizjuan this weekend, I'm off to Abidjan for the final AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique and the Central African Republic.  A much-needed respite.

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On 8/28/2017 at 04:52, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Particularly for this save as it's all about youth.

Those Valencian stallions are ready to go, too!

On 8/31/2017 at 09:27, noikeee said:

Ah, Colombia vs USA in a World Cup final. Just the routine kind of stuff you see by 2066.

Decently done to get the trophy, too. :D

Thanks, man -- finally back from vacation...let's get this party started...

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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

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Valencia CF / Côte d'Ivoire 

December 2066 Mini-Update

We've turned a corner.  Whether it is due to Bozidar's enthusiasm or the fickle winds of fate, we're starting to pull away from the pack in La Liga.  The only problem being that Real Sociedad are keeping pace, and we just dropped our first points of the year at the Nuevo Mestalla.  No bother.  We'll do for them after the holidays, even with 6 players heading off to the Cup of Nations.

Speaking of which...no rest for the wicked.  Our qualifying campaign went as smoothly as possible -- 6 wins, 21 goals for, none against, leaving us as one of the neutrals' favorites to take the title home from Egypt in February.  We did draw South Africa in the Group Stage, but we're flying high.  The key will be to maintain this form against better opposition.

But, I digress.  In Europe, our inconsistency nearly cost us.  A 2-0 loss in London on Matchday 6 meant that we scraped through by the skin of our teeth -- level on points with Tottenham, but through on head-to-head results thanks to the wild 6-3 victory at the Nuevo Mestalla in September.

This won't be our year.  The side hasn't fully jelled.  Brugge is a difficult draw, but not an unreasonable one.  Even if we don't progress, we're making strides.  We should be fully primed for a challenge next year.

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6 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Any challenging opposition in the ACON?

Honestly, there are nations ranked higher than we are, but I'd be shocked if they have our talent/depth.  On first glance, we should be the favorites.  

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I'll do a squad overview before the tournament begins.

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Côte d'Ivoire Squad Preview

Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2067

This should be an interesting test of the side, after we breezed through qualification.  We've got talent in spades, and tons of young players.  This side is going to be immense.

We're playing the PM Cafetero Aguardiente suite of tactics, used at Partizan/Colombia and Valencia.  We absolutely thrashed Sweden in a pre-tournament friendly, only to be followed by an underwhelming display against El Salvador.

Again, we should be favorites.  Time will tell.

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Goalkeepers

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The battle here is between Guehi and N'Guessan.  The latter is a brilliant young talent that I have in my 2nd XI at Valencia, who could likely use some additional seasoning.  He needs more matches at the club level, no doubt.  Guehi is a reliable old hand.  Tough call.  My heart says N'Guessan, my head says Guehi.

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Liberos

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Pretty straightforward here.  Kone is my long-term solution.  Demel is a Napoli product, on loan at Lorient, who is naturally accomplished as a libero.  Solid, young players here.

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Defenders

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Guehi, the rock at the heart of my Partizan defense, now setting up shop at English and Continental giants West Ham.  He's partnered with Gnago in the centerback, with Konan (another player who passed through Partizan, albeit briefly) and Fofana in the 2nd XI.  The starting fullbacks are Soro and N'Goran, both highly talented youngsters that I've preferred to more-seasoned players, for the purposes of long-term development.  We're lacking some depth at fullback.

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Central Midfielders

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Kouassi and Diaby are my starting midfield pairing, with the former taking up the more defensive right-sided position.  Toure is a brilliant backup.  Coulibaly will make way for younger talent after this tournament.

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Attacking Midfielders

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Up top, Kone will be flanked by Kouadio and Kouakou.  The latter is a Valencia lad, who I think will be an absolute beast.  Kouami, Sakanoko and Kodjo are my backups here; the first two are rather capable, Kodjo...meh.

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Final Thoughts

All told, we've got a great squad.  There are some tremendously-talented players coming through the ranks, as well.  We should be in great shape for the 2070 World Cup in China, and even better for 2074.

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Africa Cup of Nations, Group Stage; Egypt 2067

As expected, South Africa presented us with the greatest challenge in the Groups.  A brilliant solo goal from Valencia lad Zungu left the sides level, but either side could have snatched it at the end.

A solid win over Chad -- albeit one where we hit the post 5 times -- meant we went through as Group winners.  

We'll face Guinea-Bissau in the quarterfinals, who are stronger than I'd expect.  No pushover.  Regardless, we should prevail.

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Africa Cup of Nations, Quarterfinals; Egypt 2067

A triumphant, dominant win over Guinea-Bissau.  We're through to the semifinals, to face Mali in Cairo, after they eliminated DR Congo on penalties.  Senegal upset South Africa, and will face hosts Egypt in the other semifinal.

Between this and managing Valencia via Skype, WhatsApp and semi-legal streams, I'm barely getting any sleep.  But I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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Africa Cup of Nations, Semifinals; Egypt 2067

A partially-rotated squad.  A late equalizer through Kouakou.  An extra-time winner from Sakanoko.  Not the way I saw this match playing out, but I can hardly complain.

In the other semifinal, Senegal continued their string of upsets by eliminating the hosts on penalties.

90 minutes.  All to play for, with tired legs on both sides.  I'm hopeful that my partial rotation for the semifinal will give us a slight edge.

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Africa Cup of Nations Review; Egypt 2067

90 minutes.  We bossed the pitch.  This was our moment.  Les Éléphants take home their 7th AFCON title.

But this is merely a distraction.  The real challenge will be in China, in 3 years' time.

Back to Spain.  Where the lads have been on a roll.  We're a point off Sociedad, with the first leg of the Champions League tie against Brugge in just over two weeks' time.

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1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

Everything ticking along nicely now.

53 minutes ago, Rikulec said:

Well done. :thup:

36 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

But this nations cup victory seemed very routine except from the Mali game. Great job

Thanks, guys!  Things are ticking along quite nicely, indeed.  The AFCON was great fun, as I can't recall the last time I managed a side in it.  

At the same time, other than the South Africa and Mali matches, it was very straightforward.  I'd have been very ticked if we hadn't won it.

37 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

"Between this and managing Valencia via Skype, WhatsApp and semi-legal streams"

I can imagine sending emojis to convey your instructions.

23 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Just the WhatsApp knife over and over again.

That, and upside-down smilies, coupled with random animal characters and needles.  

I think El Mister wants us to play like the drugged foxes, only armed with knives...?

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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

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Valencia CF / Côte d'Ivoire 

March 2067 Mini-Update

A clinical first leg against the Belgians was more than enough to see us through to the Champions League quarterfinals.

We'll face defending champions West Ham, who are looking to reach their 7th straight final, and 9th in 12 years.  Easily the toughest possible draw -- the yardstick by which all other clubs are measured.  I'd have loved to face Gustav's Lyon, who curb-stomped Manchester City.

In La Liga, we fell on our faces against Sociedad at the Nuevo Mestalla.  They did the double on us this year, which could prove the difference at the end of the year.  For now, they've dropped points elsewhere,

Finally, I hit the road with the national team...trips to Ukraine and Angola.  Quite the change of pace from La Liga.  A comprehensive win over Ukraine proved that we can compete abroad, even if the less-emphatic win over the Palancas Negras left something to be desired.  We're unbeaten since I took over last July, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Time for the home stretch.  West Ham come to the Nuevo Mestalla in two weeks.

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A quick glance at Europe...

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West Ham are utterly rampant.  On top of their 6 straight appearances in the Champions League final, they've won 3 straight Premier League titles (6 out of the last 7).  They're truly impressive.

Moussa Sylla's Dijon look good value to win their 5th straight Ligue 1 title.

Partizan are dominant, nearly 30 points clear of **** Star.

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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

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Valencia CF / Côte d'Ivoire 

April 2067 Mini-Update

A hard-fought victory at the Nuevo Mestalla had us dreaming.  2 goals on the counter.  Solid at the back.  West Ham will have to attack in London...which will expose them, if they don't steamroll us.

West Ham begin with serious attacking intent, and hammer the woodwork twice in the first 11 minutes.  But we hold.  The tie is on a razor's edge.  And the first 30 minutes are all West Ham.  We reach halftime with our 2-goal advantage intact.  The  question being, can we hold for another 45 minutes?  One goal would likely open the floodgates.

On a rare foray forward in the 56th minute, Galindo is fouled when through on goal!  Penalty!  Kouassi bury it!  A vital away goal, if ever there was one!  As West Ham push forward, we catch them on the counter again.  2-nil on the night.  4-nil on aggregate.  The mighty have fallen.

The gameplan was no different than when Partizan faced off against the London side in the final, two years ago.  And, once again, it worked a charm.  Well, that, and the sheer, dumb luck of the woodwork in the early minutes of this match.

The margins are thin.  But, we're through.

Gustav's Lyon have reached the semifinals.  It will be them, that Kiwi **** at Anderlecht, or Leipzig.  We draw Ze Germans, meaning there will be no family reunion at the semifinal stage.

In La Liga, my 2nd XI has blown the chance to take control of the title race.  We sit 2 points back, having dropped 5 against Granada and Atletico.  4 matches to play.

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8 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Dare we dram of a Lyon v Valencia final.....?

Oh, we dream.  We most surely dream.

Kind of a win-win all around, actually.  If we go through, we'd face Gustav or Anderlecht, who I've had a personal, in-game rivalry with for ages.  And, if we lose, there's a strong chance that Leipzig will lose the final and become eligible (on paper, I think Anderlecht and Lyon are the best sides left).

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1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

Prizes all round, excellent!

Absolutely! I'm not ready to leave Valencia, so am kind of hoping we bottle it now that we've eliminated the favorites :lol:

I'll get to the semifinals tonight, but the final (if I get there) can't happen until tomorrow night.

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48 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

Would Lyon become eligible if they were to lose in the final? Or did they win the CL at the first time of asking?

They won it at the first asking, in 2046, and have won it twice since (2054, 2059).

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