(FM23) We're Gonna Deep Fry....Everything!!

[andychar]

"What am I doing here playing this friendly at my age."

World Cup 2030 Qualifying Round Up

On 09/11/2022 at 12:16, andychar said:

Group A - Croatia with Wales an easy Runner Up
Group B - Germany should be winning it with interesting ties between Austria, Czech Republic and Kosovo
Group C - Holland then nobody qualifies as Runner Up
Group D - Belgium and Sweden an easy Runner Up
Group E - Portugal then a toss up between Denmark and Ireland
Group F - England with no other qualifier
Group G - France and Switzerland easy runner up
Group H - Easily the trickiest to guess. Norway and then nobody else cos they all take points off each other
Group I - Scotland then Turkey getting through
Group J - Italy by a Country mile!

Well. I couldn't have been wrong about these if I tried! Hungary had a brilliant campaign to book their place in the World Cup but just look at Austria. Amazing stuff. The decline of Germany is real. 16 points off the pace. Shocking. Neither Wales nor Czechia the lucky runners up.

Hey I got one right! Holland destorying the competition and breezing into the next round. Slovakia missing out. Nailed my Group D prediction as well. 2-2 at the moment.

Not quite correct in Group E with Denmark going unbeaten and qualifying. Portugal through as runner up but I can tell you they were the worst out the 5 that made it through (less this year because Spain are the Hosts and get there automatically).

Group F I was correct with England breezing through but I didn't see a best runner up here.

Albania proving their Last 16 performance in the Euro's was no accident as they qualify for their first ever World Cup. Congrats to them. They pushed France all the way and Switzerland a major Nation not there. I nailed Group H prediction. Everybody took points off everybody leaving nobody as the runner up.

Only the 1 defeat for us but it was closer than I would have liked. Bulgaria proving a surprise package. Turkey proving their Semi Final run was maybe a fluke. It shows that we REALLY should have beat them. I was right with my Group J prediction as well.

It was close with Wales, Czechia and Poland all missing out by 1 point. Portugal very lucky indeed!

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Draw

I think this is great new surely? 1st Seeds!

I mean we have already beat Albania. The other 2 are brand new (well not Canada I suppose). Come on people, get with the programme.

Ah yes the Previous 100 World Cups. Also Pep...I miss Roy Keane. 

You know I've always liked that Pep.

Very happy with that. Iran are one of the best teams in Asia so should be a good challenge but one we should be winning. Angola from Africa, another great draw. Some interesting Countries have qualified. Suriname being a huge surprise, very hard draw for them. Zambia, maybe a mistake facing them in a friendly. Group N is tasty, anybody can get through there. 

Will be some "easy" games in the Knockouts if we can get there. Lets put it this way...we are expected too.

[andychar]

This remains and issue. Only Country I've tried that I've had problems with. We are currently 15th in the World but it does suggest success in the future and they might make the Journey.

1 African and 2 Asian to match the teams we have in our Group. We currently have 7 fixtures arranged for 2030 and all of them are new Countries to tick off. We are still on course.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Qualifying Round Up

Thought it would be a good idea to show you how the Qualifying went around the World.

No real surprises in South America. Peru finishing 7th means they qualify for a Playoff.

DR Congo missed out only on GD and couldn't manage to be one of the 3 best runner ups. Angola missed out by 1 goal "but wait!" I hear you scream "Weren't you drawn against Angola?!" The 4th best runner up qualifies for a playoff. Zambia maybe a surprise but they romped home. Ivory Coast, shadows of their former self.

With the increase of teams more Asian Countries get through compared to the 32 team World Cup. No real surprise here although Group A was a close run thing. Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia played in a 2 legged match with the winner going through to the next round of Play Offs. 

Different to how it used to be. No more Hex Group. Which makes Suriname's progression less surprising but still an amazing achievement. Hondruas qualify for a playoff.

New Zealand beat Tahiti in the Final 3-1 on Agg which results in Tahiti going to the playoff.

So 5 teams in a playoff. I don't know if this is the same all the time but...

The best 3rd place team from CONCACAF play the Runner Up from OFC in a Semi Final

Tahiti no match for Honduras.

Then the winner of that game played the 7th team from CONNEBOL and then AFC playoff winner played the CAF 4th best runner up.

Peru and Angola reaching through the back door. 

Is it me or does this all seem needlessly complicated!?

[andychar]

Felt like a long gap between games and I suppose compared to when its only a month....it was!

I have been begging a few high profile English players with Scottish connections to join us. They have all said no. Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento all not bothered yet. Be hard to be in a better place than England so might never be able to convince. So until we can, we are stuck with the usual.

I mentioned before how it was a very easy International Window for us...

I wasn't exaggerating!

For the first time this save...

Apparently I have a rift with Rangers and Brighton. First I'm hearing of this!

A new face. Not going to play but welcome.

McGurk back in the side after missing a few squads. Other than that, no surprises. 

Am I clinging onto Ryan Christie? Does he deserve a place? 33 year old Liam Henderson could make his first apperance for his Country. All depends on how kind I'm feeling.

With some up and coming Strikers Che Adams is clinging on for dear life at the moment. Don't be surprised not to see his name anymore.

I have a feeling the World Cup could be the last time we see a number of players. So lets enjoy them while we can.

[andychar]

Friendly

Eritrea (h)

These are the games this save was created for!

Last time I asked for 10. This time, I demand it!

We lose Deas to injury which means Sam Campbell has a chance to make his debut for his Country.

Campbell and Henderson do make their debuts. The lineup was heavily dictated by who has 45 minute instructions with only Turnbull restricted in the starting line up.

Lovely play and Chris Wilkie gets his first goal for Scotland.

And then his 2nd.

McGurk converts a corner for his 2nd goal in a Scotland shirt.

Turnbull with a lovely free kick. Feels like its been a while since he did that.

Turnbull with a lovely free kick. Its been about 11 minutes since he did that.

Its gone pretty much how you would expect it to. We are on course for 10!

Wilkie bags his hattrick. Good performance.

Munro on the wing today. Doesn't stop him getting goals. He's 4 behind now.

Well it wasn't 10 but hey ho.

[andychar]

Friendly

Anguilla (h)

Another belter of a tie. Another game I'm going to be wanting 10!

Another game where the lineup is dictated by who can actually play the full 90. Hardwick plays because I feel like I'm making up for lost time.

Chris Wilkie very much taking advantage of weak teams.

Henderson gets his first goal for his Country. Proud moment.

Allan Campbell gets his first goal for his Country. Another proud moment.

Porteous misses a penalty just before the break. Oh dear.

Its very much going according to script. Although, not going to lie. Would have wanted more goals!

Cha Adams with the goal. Munro won't get on this game so its a chance to increase that advantage. It now stands back at 5.

Wilkie gets his second.

Campbell adds his second and some gloss to the scoreline.

Wilkie bags his 2nd hattrick in as many games.

Once again it will do. 

Next stop World Cup 2030.

[andychar]

Nice bit of news out the blue.

[andychar]

Nations League Draw

Before the World Cup we have the Draw for the Nations League. I want 3 teams I've yet to chalk off.

No fan cares about the Nations League it seems.

I got the complete opposite to what I wanted. All 3 of these teams have been ticked off. Meaning its the first time we hit a brick wall with progress in this save...luckily it comes at the end of a year where we have a chance of ticking 8 Countries at least off the list. So it could have been much much worse.

In terms of the draw itself. I think we have a chance of at least surviving and securing Top Seed for Euros Draw.

[andychar]

As per usual I created a load of Friendlies expecting most, if not all to be cancelled when Nations League fixtures were created. 1 survived.

I think its a tasty one.

[andychar]

This could be a bitter blow, although with Hickey I feel it could have been worse.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030 Preliminary Squad

I like this squad cos its 50+ players and you end us cutting more players than you keep.

Saw no reason to take more than 3. These will be the 3 that make the World Cup.

Malky Semple is somebody I think we will be seeing in the future but maybe this World Cup has just come too soon for him. Some familiar names here, I can't imagine there will be too many surprises come the final decision. Patterson will miss some friendlies but will be fit for the World Cup. Everybody except Aaron Hickey rejoices.

My biggest decision here is going to be a head v heart decision regarding Ryan Christie. Do I give him one last Major Tournament? Again I can't see any surprises when its decision time. 

I think Che Adams is just going to keep hold of his spot here.

[andychar]

Ooooft that's harsh. He probably wasn't a starter but he was a good back up.

George Johnston replaces him. Unlikely to make the Final Squad.

[andychar]

Not just International Football but Football in general. Its like its purposefully tugging at my heartstrings!

[andychar]

World Cup Squad

Keepers unchanged. You don't need to see them.

Patterson, Tierney, Welsh, Robertson. That will be the starting back 4 if I can. Hickey and Campbell will provide good back ups.

Not pictured but there is Hardwick. My heart won out. Ryan Christie took the last spot on the plane. I couldn't not take him. McGregor, Hunter, Turnbull and Hardwick are pretty much guarenteed to be starters. The AMR place is up for grabs. It could even be Munro at this point.

I saw no point taking more than 3. This could come bite me in the butt if I'm going to play 2 at a time with one on the wing.

[andychar]

Friendly

Equatorial Guinea (h)

The start of the World Cup journey and its a winnable friendly. Well...lets face it...they are all winnable!

Not the strongest line up but one that should do the job here today.

Mick Campbell had a goal chalked off just moments before. This one sticks.

Good goal from Chris Wilkie who is going for a hattrick of hattricks.

Solid half of football. Happy so far.

Buchan was guilty of missing some chances in the first half. Good start to the second.

Game back on?

Sub Gilmour from the spot.

Unspectacular but a win.

I'll update progress at the end of the World Cup.

[andychar]

Friendly

Tajikstan (h)

Another friendly and another chance for fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Decided to use this middle friendly as a chance to test out what I think will be the starting XI. Turnbull and Lowry swap positions as Lowry seems to be better further forward. Hardwick swaps wings so Buchan can start. Patterson still nursing an injury, as is Hickey so the defence might chop and change a wee bit.

Munro starts the game 4 goals behind Adams...

Alex Lowry proving my tactical genius.

5 shots on target from 22 is very worrying indeed!

Munro. 3 behind...

Hardwick puts the game beyond doubt.

I was expecting more, not going to lie. But its a win and another Country ticked off.

[andychar]

I don't know you have the weekend off FM and have to find your Thread on Page 2! Anyway

Friendly

Kyrgyzstan (h)

Glad I don't have to spell that Country much. Last friendly before the World Cup so there will be changes galore so I don't want to risk burnout.

Took longer than I wanted but not complaining. Wilkie with the goal.

Its not been a classic. Hopefully we can kick on in the second half.

Buchan gives us a nice cushion.

Should be game over Wilkie with his 2nd.

Oh I missed the fact Wilkie blew his chance at a hattrick. Shame. But job done. Another Country ticked off, a lot more straight forward than these Friendlies have been in the past. We move onto the World Cup.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Angola (n)

We are Day 2 so I'll add Day 1 onto this post.

We are favourites but not by as much as I expected if I'm being honest. I'm expecting a win here, and I had it down as the chance of a big win. But...the World Cup can produce some weird results and there should be no such thing as an easy game.

Day 1 saw the first 4 Groups get underway.

The hosts got off to a thundering start. Morocco are looking to repeat the heroics of 4 years ago but start with a disappoint point. South American beat Asia but lost to Africa. Some nice games.

Some decisions to make. Campbell picked over Welsh, Hardwick on the Right so Buchan can start on the Left. McGregor at 36 still gets into this starting line up. Hunter beat out Gilmour. Its nice that we have options off the bench if need be.

Hardwick! One tough decision paying off. What a start.

Well. As you were! Explosive start to this game.

Some poor performances so far. Munro has missed a few big chances. Buchan I swapped Hardwick to bring him in and he hasn't delivered either. Not going to panic with subs just yet but I have my finger on a few buttons.

Hardwick heads up back into the lead following a free kick on the wing,

Every goal he scores is a bonus. McGregor gives us a cushion.

But it doesn't last long!

70th minute and Angola are down to 10. Chance here to hold on for the win.

Che Adams on and surely he's put the game to bed now. This might be his last involvement in the Scottish team but he is showing he can still play a part.

Che Adams adds the icing and helps the GD. Great super sub performance.

The red card certainly helped us take control of the game. Brilliant 2nd half performance.

Day 2 looked like this...

Suriname did well not to be embarrased by Argentina. Wonder if they will want me again after this Tournament.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

We don't play for another 7 days so a nice break.

Day 3 and another 4 games. 

Peru pulled off a late comeback with 10 men. No surprise with Brazil really. Norway relied on a late winner to squeeze a win out of South Korea. Good day all round really.

Day 4 had some high expectations after Day 3.

South Africa holding Portugal to a goalless draw can be seen as a shock in my eyes. Same maybe with Albania falling to Nigeria after their strong showing recently.

Day 5 saw the 2nd round of games so some times will be making their first apperance and maybe some teams will be eliminated.

Teams like Qatar. Over and out for them, and Iraq. Bad day for Asia. 2026 surprise package Morocco face a nervous wait to see if they go through on GD. While Ghana are looking good to go through despite the loss. Ecuador and Spain go through without kicking a ball and it will be fighting for placement in the final Group game.

Day 6 and its the turn of our Group without us. We could be through without kicking a ball.

But we aren't. Angola will join us if we beat Iran. Iran need to beat us by a few goals to go through on GD. Algeria powerless, Suriname bow out without being destroyed once. Mexico and Hungary will go head to head to see who will join Egypt in the knockouts. 

Day 7 and more Countries fates could be decided.

Italy comfortably through to the next round. South Korea must wait to see if Costa Rica lose to Norway and by how many. Jamaica take a huge step into the knockouts and now just need Bulgaria not to beat Brazil. Senegal helped themselves with 2 late goals and the GD.

Day 8 sees the last 4 Groups finish their second set of fixtures.

England start strong against weaker opponents. Nigeria do enough to get through to the knockouts. USA start strong and eliminate Zambia. South Africa qualify with Japan playing Portugal to see who progresses with them.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Iran (n)

Before we get into my game there was Day 9 and the start of the final round of games.

It was a win that saw Spain and Belgium top the Groups but the losers also through. Australia go through winless with 2 draws being enough. Chile losing means Ghana get through. We have lost 2 Asians, 1 African and a South American so far.

Now lets get into our 2nd game.

Qualification isn't secured so we still have a job to do.

We are once again favourites but that is too tight to call.

2 changes. Welsh comes in for Campbell who didn't impress. McGregor rested so Lowry goes CM and Turnbull comes in.

A draw is enough to top this group, which is essential I think.

Munro once again has missed some chances but he doesn't make a mistake this time. He was better moving to the wing against Angola.

Munro puts the misses behind him and fires us into a nice 2-0 lead. Going to plan so far.

We've deserved the lead so far. More of the same please. Chance to rest some players maybe?

A route one goal from nothing. Game on.

Munro hat trick. And calm.

It has taken me bringing them all on at the same time to realise we have 3 Campbells!

Dylan Munro is putting out a clinic out there. 4 goals.

Campbell scores. I mean it was odds on. Couldn't tell you which one.

We were brilliant here today. Job well and truly done.

Well that's the easy bit out the way anyway.

Well...its another chance to tick a South American side off but I have a feeling it could have been kinder to us.

The last minute Uruguay goal meant nothing as they were already going through because they weren't spanked. Argentina top the Group while Mexico won the do or die match against Hungary. Hungary so far the only European side to have exited the competition.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Day 11 and 4 more Groups would be decided.

Peru needed to not lose heavy. They lost heavy, it means Cameroon scrape through. Same can be said about South Korea. Bulgaria couldn't topple Brazil but they gave them a good go. New Zealand the only OFC team also out.

Day 12 and it was the last of the Group Stage Games. We would have our 32.

Colombia shocked England to top the Group. Albania faced Syria in a do or die match and absolutely destroyed them. USA and Sweden competed for placement. Portugal also had a do or die game and ended up topping the Group.

It means the Last 32 looks like this.

Mexico v Argentina, England v Nigeria and Sweden v Portugal are the picks of the Round in my eyes. Our game with Uruguay also up there. We got a pretty tricky tie but had we not won the Group it would have been France. So go figure!

 

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Uruguay (n)

This is the reason I've mainly left South America off the Friendlies. Because there's a good chance of facing them in the World Cup. 

I don't know what to make of this game. Its one that I think could go either way.

And we will go into it as the underdogs. The winner of this game faces the winner of the Egypt v Austria game.

There was a full day of fixture before us as the knockouts started.

How European. 

Holland Spain, slight scares but nothing major. Belgium were given a big scare by Canada. Bosnia and Herzogovina taken all the way by the plucky Africans.

Hopefull we can continue this trend when we play. We are the first game of the day.

3 people start this game on a yellow. Patterson, Tierney and Buchan. O'Hare starts on the bench with a yellow.

I am a Chelsea man so seeing Gus Poyet as my opposite man makes me smile. 

2 changes. Campbell for the fatigued Welsh and McGregor comes back into the side with Turnbull relegated to the bench.

This could go either way I think.

Patterson gives away the penalty and my God what an awful start.

We have done everything but score. Munro and Buchan are guilty of missing the biggest chances. We should be level. Hell we should be winning. We need to keep going, if we play in the second half as we did in the first we deserve to win. Patterson will miss the Last 16 if we get there and honestly I don't know why I bother calling him up, spends half the time suspended!

Told them they have been unlucky. Lets keep positive!

Buchan off Christie on. Munro off Adams on.

You honestly couldn't script it. Buchan sets up Munro for the equaliser. Nothing short of what we have deserved.

We have huffed and we have puffed, we deserve to win the game but we are going to Extra Time. There are some tired legs out there. Last World Cup we went out in Extra Time to a Spanish speaking Country.

We will finish the game with 10 men. After all the subs have been used one of them is cartered off. We have 15 minutes to hold on for penalties. This game has suddenly flipped turned upside down.

Half time in Extra Time. Huge 15 minutes coming up.

Thats it. Game over. This one is going to penalties.

Gilmour and Turnbull are the only players with Penalty rating over 10. This could be painful.

Uruguay get us started. Valverde. He steps up, straight down the middle but the keeper didn't move! SAVED.

Can Gilmour give Scotland the advantage? He's normally so cool, calm and collected when it comes to penalties. Straight down the middle but this time the keeper did move! GOAL 1-0 Scotland.

This suddenly is a big penalty for Uruguay. Its Diaz. Straight down the middle but the keeper didn't move! Carbon copy of the first penalty. SAVED! 

Turnbull has a huge chance here to give Scotland a 2 goal lead in this shootout (before the crapbags start taking for us). He starts his run up. Straight down the middle and once again the keeper moved. GOAL! 2-0 Scotland. 3 penalties left. Uruguay already staring down the barrel of a gun.

Rodriguez steps up. Its all on him, miss here and Scotland will have a penalty to win. He goes right corner but its a weak penalty and Kelly dives the right way! SAVED

Hardwick steps up. If he scores Scotland are through with not a bit of drama in this shootout. He's ballooned it! Over the bar! MISSED Its still 2-0 Scotland so now its score or out for Uruguay.

De Leon steps up. The fate of a Nation in his hands. He needs to score. No more room for error now. He smashes it right, keeper guesses the right way but can't get to it. Best penalty of the shootout so far. 2-1 Scotland

Second chance for Scotland to win it, a bit more nervy than the last one, this time its Dylan Munro. His goal brought Scotland level, now he can send them through. He fires it right but gets too much on it! MISSED. Uruguay, amazingly are still in this!

The 5th and final penalty and it looked like we wouldn't get close to this moment. Lopez needs to score or they are out. Straight down the middle, the keeper doesn't move but somehow it gets passed him. A bit of scripting maybe there?  GOAL Suddenly its 2-2 but Scotland have a 3rd chance to wrap this up.

Che Adams the Country's All Time Goalscorer has a chance to send his Nation into the Last 16 of the World Cup after a bizarre and nervy shreading shootout. He steps up right bottom right and gives the keeper absolutely zero chance GOAL!!!!!

We deserve that. What a game. I need to lie in a dark room for a bit.

The positives are that we are through. The negative is we will be without Patterson who is suspended and one of the Campbell's who picked up a Tournament ending injury.

We certainly provided the drama of the day. 

FYI it counts as a win so Uruguay are now ticked off the list!

An old foe appears.

Edited November 14, 2022 by andychar
Butchered the spelling of Uruguay in the Heading.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

So far out the 8 teams into the Last 16 only 1 is outside Europe. Argentina. Lets see if that can change.

Brazil join their rivals in the Last 16. Both Italy and Norway survive scares to book their place. Jamaica are the feel good team this time around as they surprise the World with an AET win over Denmark. 

3 teams outside of Europe now. 1 more day to add more (we are guarenteed at least 1 more).

England relied on last minute heroics and a penalty shootout to get passed Nigeria! USA destroyed South Africa an ensure we only have 3 parts of the World represented in the Last 16 (Europe and Both Americas). Albania had to wait until the last kick of the game to get through to the Last 16.

We are at the business end of the Tournament now. Spain v Holland, France v Argentina, Brazil v Norway. Some big teams are going to exit. We have the chance of a few giants killings. 

We also have a chance to get through to what would be our 4th straight Quarter Final. As of right now I've not clocked who we could possibly face but looking at it it won't be easy either way.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Austria (n)

Not a Country we can tick off the list. I think at this point we have played Austria 5 times and beaten them 5 times. (Annoyingly Past Meetings isn't working for me).

We once again come into the game as underdogs and will probably have to make several changes down to fatigue after that game against Uruguay.

The Last 16 got underway the day before we played.

The hosts are out. The party is over. Holland have been strong in this save with back to back losing efforts in Finals and they claw their way into another Quarter Final. Belgium survive a scare and also find themselves a Penalty Shootout winner to escape into the Quarters. We, if we get through, will face Belgium.

France and Argentina played before us...

They are becoming tight and cagey affairs and this was another that went to the wire. France looking a different team than the one we relegated.

Our turn.

Hickey, Tierney and Buchan start this game on a yellow and could miss a potential Quarter Final game against Belgium. O'Hare is the only one on the bench who could miss as well.

Hickey starts for the suspended Patterson. McGurk starts ahead of the fatigued duo of Welsh and Campbell (one of them). Munro goes out wide to replace the fatigued Hardwick giving Che Adams the chance to lead the line. Turnbull comes in for Lowry. We have several players who can make the difference off the bench. Hopefully they won't be needed.

Che Adams with a looping header, takes it over the keeper and into the back of the net. Great start.

Hickey will miss the Quarters if we can hold on. He wouldn't start either way but still, a good man to bring off the bench. He's featured in every game so far. Its been a good close game. We took a half chance that came our way and that's the difference. A very intriguing 45 minutes ahead.

As cliche as it sounds, next goal is crucial.

Alex Lowry, on as a sub drills one home. Great goal and what a time for it. A nice little cushion.

It didn't last long however. Game back on.

We held on! So many bookings. So many suspensions for the Quarters but the important thing is we are there!

Boom!

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

It won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination but we will give it a bloody good go.

A total of 4 players will be suspended. Hickey, Tierney, Buchan and O'Hare. With several more one yellow away I'm sure.

But the Last 16 rumbled on with 4 more games.

Brazil made to work against Norway while Italy didn't need to get out of first gear. Jamaica can be very proud of themselves.

The next day was ripe and ready for shocks...

And delivered none.

We are the worst team left in the competition by far. According to World Rankings we have;

Brazil 1st
England 3rd
Italy 4th
France 5th
Holland 7th
Portugal 8th
Scotland 11th
Belgium 14th

So technically could argue we aren't the worst...in fact...we play the worst!

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

Belgium (n)

The stuff dreams are made of. The chance to reach the Semi Final of a World Cup and tick another big player off the list. We will have to do it the hard way with suspensions. The hope was maybe to leapfrog England in the rankings so maybe some players will start to choose us over them...can't see it now really.

Its not a surprise that we are the underdogs. We have been all the way through this knockout. 

The winner will play either Italy....or England....

Well that came out the blue. Not interested but thank you.

We open up the Quarter Final fixtures.

I haven't got a clue what the Starting Line Up will look like. I bet Kelly starts in goal though.

Its not as bad as I thought it was going to be to be honest. Patterson back from his suspension, thanks the guys for giving him the chance to play again. Welsh and Campbell have been alternating starts, this time they both start. Robertson, might be his last game for Scotland, same with McGregor. I have a feeling going to lose them both after this World Cup and I'm happy for them to sail into the sunset. Not like first time Robertson retired when he was only 32! Gilmour starts. Munro on the wing again to allow Hardwick to return to his natural side. There is some fatigue in this squad but its time to dig deep now. We have a chance at Scottish history here. Lets not blow it.

I'll be honest I forgot to look at whose on a yellow heading into this game. Lets just not have any bookings yeah?

Heartbreak just before the half. Belgium have been the better side. No arguements but can't argue it was coming. A little bolt out the blue and we have a climb in the second half. We really need to dig deep now. 

That could be that. We look dead on our feet. Nobody has turned up other than Munro on the wing. Its been disappointing.

Wilkie puts the ball in the back of the net with 5 minutes to set up a grandstand finish but its ruled out for offside and that just sums up the day in a nut shell.

Final twist of the knife and honestly not a single person can hold their head up high after this and say they did well. Just a terrible performance and another tournament ends with our tails between our legs.

[andychar]

World Cup 2030

So lets round things off. Quarters is a good achievement. Our 4th in a row in Major Tournaments.

60 days till we play again. 

The holders continue their fine defence of the Trophy.

Portugal beating Brazil has to be seen as a shock. 3-0 certainly!

We haven't had back to back World Cup Winners since Brazil in 58 and 62. France are one game away from doing just that and making it 3 in the past 4. A true Golden Generation. It would give Jose Mourinho a World Cup Winners Medal as well!

Italy shot themselves in the foot and it gives Belgium the chance to become only the 9th Country in the World to win the World Cup.

Portugal win the most pointless game in World Football.

We made it to 11th during the Tournament but lose a place to Belgium I assume moving into the Top 10.

So it was France once again. Back to back wins. Hopefully see you again in 4 years.

Robertson and McGregor have gone. Not a shock at all. We already knew Ryan Christie was retiring as well.

Robertson - 134 Caps, 4 Goals
McGregor - 117 Caps, 10 Goals including one during this World Cup
Christie - 116 Caps, 38 Goals

 

[andychar]

2 hours ago, andychar said:

Suriname did well not to be embarrased by Argentina. Wonder if they will want me again after this Tournament.

Absolutely outstanding to have the chance of turning down Argentina over and over again. 
At the moment its 6 wins over Austria in a row 
3 Argentina Roles turned down.

[andychar]

Update

Time for the 2 yearly update of the state of play. 

We have made a tiny dent in Asia over the last 2 years. A good World Cup ticked a few off.

7/46

Africa also looking healthy with a few during the World Cup period.

14/54

Couple of bottom feeders done here. No offence to any Anguilians or Monterratians reading (sorry if I've butchered that as well).

6/35

Obviously always going to be the biggest yellow. Still not even half way yet however.

24/54

No movement in OFC. 1/11

Another ticked off with the next fixture being another chance. 3/10

No change here also. 3/16

Altogether it means we are currently sitting at 51/226. Not quite 1/4 of the way there yet but close. Roughly another 27 years if we can keep the current pace. But it will obviously die down as Europe becomes harder to find a Country we haven't beat.

[andychar]

The first International Window after a World Cup always feels like the first Raw after a Wrestlemania. The start of the next cycle all heading towards the same thing. In this case the next World Cup, but more immediate than that is the Nations League.

2 key cogs missing (I asked them both if they want to reconsider, going against what I said before, it was a hard pass from them both). So what would the next Squad look like?

Hunter is a big gap as well.

Liam Kelly still number 1. I imagine at 34 we will get one more World Cup cycle out of him before the unknown hits.

Malky Semple, the World Cup probably came just that little bit too early for him. But he's certainly one to keep an eye on.  Only 2 either 30 and over. Should get another good 4 years out of his Group. 

Not on the screenshot but here is Hardwick. I've decided to trim the old fat completely here. This lineup is looking as grim as it has done in a while but there are a good few here that are young and will only get better. Billy Gilmour is our next captain.

I don't see any reason why we need more than 2 and I don't see any reason why it needs to be anything other than these's 2. Che Adams is on 97 caps but I don't think he will play for us again.

A friendly and our last chance to tick off a Country in 2030 and then our "easier game" in the Nations League. We have a chance of a decent showing here. Lets not ruin it.

[andychar]

Friendly

Venezuela (h)

We play 2 big games in the Nations League so this team is going to be a rotation game. 

So with that in mind. Leishman gets a start, Wilkie plays up front, O'Hare is being used in the Centre of Midfield for a change and Leon King gets a rare start.

Maybe a harder game than I should have in this slot.

The Hampden crowd is bored.

Lowry on as a sub fires us into the lead.

It did not last long. We were good defensively the first half. This was not good.

Has Dylan Munro saved us?

Buchan seals it!

Good win. That's 1/3 of South America sorted.

[andychar]

Nations League

Ukraine (h)

So we took advantage of the last chance to tick a Country off. Next up 6 games of hell (historically).

This is our easiest game on paper. One we didn't win last time.

Its going to be very close. Could go either way. A win will set us up lovely.

Patterson and Tierney come in as well as McGurk. Turnbull gets the nod in the middle of the park with Doak getting his first cap. Buchan a little fatigued. As is Munro but he starts.

Munro with a brilliant long ranged shot.

Poor defending.

Munro dinks us back into the lead. He must be close to the record.

Good game but the fact they have scored with their only attacks worries me.

We have been good going forward but the defence has been terrible.

Yes I would like to make my changes! Munro gets his hattrick. He's been brilliant.

We deserve the win. Very happy with it.

[andychar]

He is 22. He will score 200 International Goals. Mark my words.

[andychar]

Nations League

Spain (a)

I'm expecting nothing from this game. We won the game we needed to. This is a bonus.

No surprises here.

Buchan starts. Henderson comes in thanks to fatigue and Doig gets a very rare outing.

This could be a long day.

Munro is just on fire. Brilliant goal.

The softest penalty you'll ever see. 

We have given as good as we have got. We deserve something from this game. Lets go get it!

Nah going to be one of those games. Flucky goal.

I can't make changes without a goal going in first!

We deserved something from this game but it wasn't meant to be.

Ukraine and Croatia played a 0-0 out which is very handy for us. I'm still hopeful we can take Spain all the way!

[andychar]

Honestly he slipped through the cracks and I didn't realise he had been called up!

2 games that could shape our destiny in the Nations League this year.

All over 30. Good signs.

I thought McTominay's International Career was over but honestly he has been in good form this season. Josh Doig deserved his call up after the performance against Spain.

John McGinn was an accidental call up I'm not going to lie but he's not a horrible one. Hardwick not here but call up.

Munro's record is just mental considering I don't tend to play him against the really weak Nations. He's just turned 23 and already the Top Scottish Scorer of all time. Che Adams didn't even get to retire with the record.

[andychar]

Nations League 

Croatia (a)

This is going to be a tricky game, a win will do us wonders in our aim to stay in the division. 

We are underdogs which isn't a real surprise.

We have, what I would say, is our strongest XI for this game. No excuses. We welcome back Hunter. Gilmour starts on the bench, other than that no surprises.

I've now played enough games to know when a highlight is going to be a goal so this was just a case of waiting for it. Against the run of play really. Smart finish.

Too many stupid decisions in the final third. Its these sort of performances so far today that is stopping us become a real force. Need a better 45.

Laidlaw and Gilmour on for 2 disappointing performances by Hunter and Buchan.

Awful performance.

Embarssing.

There are 2 players who can honestly look at everybody else and think "What were you playing at?" They were Patterson and Lowry.

We have been on the winning end of games like this. Tell you, it sucks to be on the losing.

[andychar]

Nations League

Ukraine (a)

Any hopes at all of breaking into the Top 10 are gone with that awful result. Its important we bounce back otherwise we will find ourselves bottom with 2 games to play. This was supposed to be one where we could challenge for the Knockouts. Instead we are fighting for survival.

If we thought Ukraine would be pushovers. It took a 94th minute equaliser from Spain to earn a point in Ukraine. This is not going to be easy.

Once again we go into this game as the underdogs. A draw wouldn't be the end of the World at all really.

We've had to make some changes. Tierney suspended so Hickey comes in. Doig replaces Patterson who is tired. Campbell was shocking last game so is replaced by Welsh. Gilmour and Erhahon come in while Munro goes on the wing giving Wilkie the start. Ukraine haven't made any changes so there will be some tired legs out there I hope.

I tell you what at once point a football game threatened to break out!

Campbell on for the shattered McGurk and Buchan on for the shattered Hardwick at HT.

A penalty out of absolutely nothing. Handball with no pressure around him. Gilmour with the finish.

Honestly this defence is s***. I have nothing positive to say about it at all. Let a ball go over the top, no effort to chase or defend for an easy finish. Pathetic.

Another crap performance. Not a single positive to take from it. 

Probably one of the worst International Breaks we have had and probably the lowest I've felt as Manager here.

Spain obviously done and dusted. 

The positive. 2 home games to finish it off. Normally when we are at our worst in the Nations League it brings out the best of us. We need it if we are to a) Survive and b) Sneak a 1st Seed for the Euro's Qualifying.

[andychar]

Last squad of 2030 and its the one that needs to keep us in the Top Division of the Nations League.

We will play Spain first then Croatia to round it off. If we beat Spain then we will go into the final game with the silmest of chances of progressing. But can't see that happening! 2 miserable performances before.

For the 2nd time we have persuaded Andrew Robertson to come out of International Retirement! We have also convinced Callum McGregor to come back. They are still playing at the top of their game and it would be foolish not to ask them when they can still add to the squad. It means Doig and McGinn are casulties.

Our U21 Keeper has potential to be better than Kelly. He isn't ready yet but I'm keeping a close eye on him. Losing faith (if I had any to begin with) with Kelly.

I am not upset at all to see Robertson back. I said I would let them rest but...changed my mind, we still need him to do a job.

Callum McGregor at 37 is still one of our better midfielders and gives us good options either off the bench or as a starter. 

Laidlaw is having a decent season with Hibs so deserves the call up. Its Munro, lets face it.

[andychar]

Nations League

Spain (h)

Depressed following a few bad performances and Spain next. Its like Deja Vu all over again!

Lets face it, we need to be at our best. The best result we could get is Croatia beating Ukraine meaning we go into the Final game not even needing to win. Of course a positive result here and who knows what could happen! Got to stay positive I suppose!

Porteous returns following the injury that ruled him out the World Cup. Robertson and McGregor back in the line up straight away. Turnbull gets the nod further forward. Good luck guys, think we might need it!

That u21 Keeper will be called up next. Sick of Kelly now. Drops an easy cross at Ansu Fati's feet who pokes it home. 

We have gone toe to toe in every game this Nations League and have produced 1 win. Its not good enough. The water bottle was thrown.

Alex Lowry with a stunning free kick. We have come out fighting.

A brilliant move finished brilliantly by Hardwick. Cracking turnaround!

The lead lasted 2 minutes. Fati again, this time a brilliant finish.

A better performance, not all doom and gloom and lets face it and points taken from Spain are good points.

[andychar]

Nations League

Croatia (h)

We go into the final set of fixtures with 3 teams fighting for 2 places in the top tier next time. Both Croatia and us know its likely Spain will beat Ukraine in Spain but we can't rely on it. A win will see us safe and help us get a Top Seed for the Euros Qualifying.

If Ukraine draw and we lose then we will be safe thanks to Head to Head. I think if Ukraine draw and we beat Croatia then Croatia will be down.

Andrew Robertson played one more game for Scotland and thought "I need to go forever this time". We have him for a few more Squads then its game over. He's only 36!

First time we have been favourites to win a game since the opener. Last time we won a game as well!

Its not looking too shabby for us but I would like to end with a win and to avenge that awful 3-0 hammering we took.

One change. McGurk in for Porteous. To hell with the fatigue. I want my strongest XI.

Feels like an age since Dylan Munro has scored but he's given us the best possible start.

David Turnbull with a thunderbolt! We have started fast!

Spain take an early lead over Ukraine and suddenly the entire Stadium feels calmer.

We deserve the lead. Lets not let up.

Spain 2-1 Ukraine at the break. Croatia looking over their shoulder a little bit.

Job done in 8 minutes and we finish on a high and negative GD.

Ukraine lost 3-1 and go down, the group looks how I imagined it would if I'm honest. Not a great showing but good enough for another go another time!

[andychar]

Nations League Round Up

Was our performance good enough to grab a Top 10 finish in the Nations League and secure a 1st Seed place?

Yes is the short answer. We finished 8th so nice and comfy really. No real shocks in terms of Relegation or Knockouts. Switzerland unlucky to lose out on Head to Head. Turkey gave a good showing of themselves and England got through a tough group in the end.

Albania the only team we have ticked off who are going up which is good for us. Just look at Group 2! I imagine it went to GD in the end with it being a 3 way tie. France not going up, the World Champions. They must not care about this at all.

Austria back out the wilderness. See if they can build. Latvia avoided the playoff this time. No real surprises. Slovakia maybe losing out.

Gibraltar going up!

Another Nations League in the books. We await the Euro Qualification Draw and hopefully some new teams to play. We have Friendlies in the books but not sure how many will get to play.

[andychar]

This is the boring bit of the save now. Long time between games. Just spamming space bar. So I will just use this post to fill up with random ass news in between.

Feels like its been ages since I ticked off a Country!

Klopp had a go bless him. Not got the powers I do. He will retire at the end of the season.

We are hovering around the Top 10. We need to break into it so hopefully we can play Mozambique. A sentence that shouldn't exist.

12th in the World still not good enough.

One day.

[andychar]

Out of all the players and teams who don't want anything to do with the fixture!

2 new faces. I might give Michael Serafini his debut here. He needs to be the future.

Semple will get his first start aswell. Fraser was called up to replace McGurk.

I didn't realise just how many midfielders were called up! Although two of them are defenders mainly.

No surprises here.

[andychar]

Friendly

Cuba (h)

This should be a nice calm and steady International Break. Two more Countries hopefully ticked off the list. Still awaiting the Euro's Qualification Group.

A new number 1? Kelly ironically picked up an injury so missed out anyway. The team has been picked around 45 minute restrictions. So Fraser makes his debut. Starts for O'Hare and Campbell (midfielder).

Dylan Munro fires us into the lead.

Then quickly grabs a second.

Not a great debut!

Penalty. Munro hattrick.

Its been straightforward so far.

Munro moved onto the wing but still bags his 4th. On his way to 200!

Doesn't bode well for the new keeper he concedes 2 against little Cuba.

Well its a win.

[andychar]

Friendly

Micronesia (h)

I want this to be a record win. Nothing less!

Another Keeper makes his debut. This one over the age of 30. Semple came on as a sub in the last game, he makes his Full Debut today. The rest are picked because they don't require 45 minutes only.

Porteous with his first goal for Scotland. Dunno if it counts however!

Hardwick with a quick fire double.

Gilmour with a lovely free kick.

Took him a while but Munro finally off the mark today.

We are on course to break that record.

Hardwick with the hattrick.

Mick Campbell with the goal.

Munro gets his 2nd.

Munro hattrick. 

And breathe!

Mick Campbell picks up his second of the game.

Last ever International goal for Robertson maybe? We equal our record.

Buchan gets his 2nd and breaks the record. Mission complete.

Laidlaw grabs a goal.

Callum McGregor breaks his own record for oldest scorer.

O'Hare with a nice goal.

Laidlaw bags his hattrick with 2 quick goals.

That really wasn't a fair fight but it needed to be done.

[andychar]

Another sizable gap inbetween fixtures. We are now 11th in the World. Banging on the door of the Top 10.

The next break, if it doesn't get changed is another easy two games. It would be 4 Countries this year so far. Remember we roughly get 7 Countries a year so the longer we can maintain that the better.

So I've just found out why we havent been drawn into the European Championship Qualifiers....

We are the Hosts! This is brilliant for us. It means we have a full year of Friendlies. Already arranged.

All of them easy. This could be a 10 Country year! This is going to be a very easy year indeed. 

Only negative is I can see us falling down the World Rankings and that illusive date with Mozambique.

So shall we take a look at the draw then? Which has already started! How can I be so thick as to not wonder what was happening earlier!

So predictions (because they went so well last time). 

Group A - Norway and Ireland
Group B - England and Turkey
Group C - Belgium and Croatia
Group D - Holland and Slovenia 
Group E - France and Sweden
Group F - Germany and Albania 
Group G - Italy and BIH
Group H - Spain and Poland 
Group I - Denmark and Serbia
Group J - Portugal and Switzerland

[andychar]

Disclaimer - This might be the final Squad I can call Robertson to therefore he is there.

I really want Serafini to start getting better but until then its still Kelly. 

37 year old Andrew Robertson will play his 139th and 140th cap for Scotland. Pretty sure Tierney will break this record but hey ho. No real surprises here.

Feel like I discovered Allan Campbell a little to late. The joy of having the English leagues loaded. McGregor gets the call up but I'm worried he's starting to decline. At 37 its hardly surprising. How many more caps he going to be able to get?

Nearly 100 International Goals between the 3 of them from only 74 Caps. We are in good hands.

[andychar]

Friendly

St Lucia (h)

Another game that doesn't really strike fear into my heart! 

There has been a few changes to the plan this year.

I've been told the Samoa game has been cancelled but its still there so a bit confused. We lost Guatemala and Guyana, replaced by Burundi and Samoa (I think.)

Its a strong side with a few missing out because of 45 minutes restrictions. Including Liam Kelly!

Laidlaw fires us into the lead

And then gifted a second. Comical defending.

Its not been exciting but it will do.

Laidlaw completes his hattrick.

I erm....missed a goal. Not a clue what happened there. Looks like Laidlaw has all 5, unless it was an own goal.

Turnbull makes sure somebody else other than Laidlaw scores.

It will do. Another one down.

[andychar]

Friendly 

Hong Kong (China PR) (h)

This is another game that should be a walk in the park and I'm going to play my strongest XI.*

*Not counting Liam Kelly.

Turnbull steps up and dispatches a penalty.

Tierney doesn't get many but he's got one today.

Hardwick heads home a Robertson cross.

Then quickly adds his second.

And then bags his hattrick!

Laidlaw finally gets in on the act just before half time.

I call that a good half of football.

Laidlaw gets his 2nd technically earlier than his 1st cos I was slow taking the screenshot.

Dunno who scored it I was making subs!

Buchan comes on as a sub and finishes brilliantly for out 9th.

Laidlaw gets his 4th meaning his scored the mystery goal. 10 is nice and unexpected. Not like its 18 though eh!

Another for Laidlaw. He's had a good window!

Turnbull finishes it with a lovely freekick.

Great game for us. Always nice to destroy another Country.