The Highly Recommended, Improving Influence of Cold Hard Cash.

[sammayel666]

'mon al-Milito moving to a club more deserving of his talents. These foreign devils at Numancia are not worthy.

Oily, with time (and a lot of electro-shock therapy) I am sure you will get your crayons back. It might happen quicker if you stopped sticking them in certain places...

[LokedOut420]

Max Power is making boatloads of cash.

Mon a permaneant move to a playable league.

[Panpardus]

Just read it all, great story and really enjoying to see where it goes.

Congrats

[attjen]

Asian Cup Group B: Qatar vs Kazakhstan

The day finally arrived, and the team took the national team jet to Singapore. Fleming and I poured over the reports, discussed recent form and combinations, and generally looked like what we were trying to look like. The first day of the competition threw up one surprise result as favorites Japan were held to a 2-2 draw against Thailand in Group A.

With Indonesia and Nepal ending in a scoreless draw in the first game of our group, we were feeling pretty confident of our chances, and named a starting line-up we were sure could get a strong result:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Pants di Chiara Ortiz

Xenao

Speedy al-Milito

Gigi Papa

Power Lucas

</pre>

On the bench we had keeper Al-Dosary, Al Khopiti, Vergeylen, Landstrom, Golubev, Iba, and T.D.D..

Kazakhstan had no interest in trying to attack us and seemed determined to force a scoreless game in their 5-3-2 formation.

Xenao was influential in the early going, and started setting the pace for us. In the 7th minute he shot a brilliant through ball into the area for Gigi Papa to run onto, but the Barnsley player scooped the ball over the ball with a volley.

The next chance came to him again, in the 21st minute, as Power laid the ball off square for the player to smash straight at the goalkeeper. A poor clearance gave us back possession, but the final result was Papa hitting wide.

A long ball from the back by Scotdinho found Power, but he was crowded out by the Kazakhstan defense, and could only flash a volley into the stands.

We were beginning to notice a trend, every chance we seemed to create was off-target or well saved by the Kazakhstan keeper (who was having a blinder).

It had been a one-way street for the Qatari players… unfortunately, there was a dead-end at the end it was going towards.

The whistle blew for halftime.

“Does it seem unusually hot and humid to you?†asked Fleming as we walked to the locker room.

“Does Singapore have political asylum from Qatar?†I asked him in return.

[attjen]

Asian Cup Group B: Qatar vs Kazakhstan (concluded)

At halftime Fleming and I tried our best coaching team talks – “C’mon guys we can do this†– “Get out there and put the old ball in the onion bag†– etc.

If the team didn’t let out a collective “Duh!†it was close to doing it.

So back onto the pitch we went for the second half. We knew a win really was in our grasp, even if the Kazakh team was playing fantastic defense.

The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute on a truly ‘Hunh?’ moment. A loose ball was bouncing around near the Kazakh area, and no-one seemed to be able to get to it and control. Suddenly, Al-Milito toe poked the ball out of the pack and Gigi Papa reacted first, ran onto the ball and squeezed it past the keeper for the opener.

Fleming and I let out a collective sigh of relief.

Five minutes later we had our second. Di Chiara hit a long ball out of the back and after it took a deflection, Lucas gathered up the ball, beat his man, and drilled a shot into the corner.

Lucas nearly got the third, but his shot in the 60th went wide.

The game pretty much died after that, before we knew it we were in the 84th minute and Lucas clipped the bar with another shot. We made our three substitutions, after having nearly forgot. Al Khopiti, Landstrom, and T.D.D. replaced

Pants, Speedy, and Power.

The new players seemed to give renewed spark to the game, as Lucas, Iba, and Xenao all threatened with great shots that were saved well by the Kazakh keeper.

The 2-0 win was in the books. Next up would be Nepal.

[Saxonator]

Nice win attjen KUTGW . This stuff's awesome, great read

[Big Pants]

Loving it.

Oily Pants awaits further improvement

[attjen]

Asian Cup Group B: Qatar vs Nepal

Going into our second game of the tournament, things were looking excellent for us to progress with back-to-back wins. Kazakhstan and Indonesia had only managed a 0-0 draw.

With this boosting our confidence, Fleming and I agreed to shuffle the starting line-up some for the match:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Al Khopiti Pants

Xenao

Landstrom T.D.D.

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

It didn’t take long for our confidence to be proven right. With Nepal sitting back hoping to force a point, Iba returned our faith by immediately attacking the Nepalese back line. Although tackled on his first attempt, T.D.D. recovered the ball, fed it back to him, and this time the Qatari man picked a corner and buried his first goal under the new bosses (us!) in the 3rd minute of the match. After one of the Nepalese players took exception to our goal celebration, Power took exception to him and the two had to be separated by the referee. I’m certain Power’s mix of German, English, and Qatar had a strong impact on the Nepal left-back.

We continued to press, led by Iba with a serious spring in his step, and in the 17 Nepal had no choice but to hack him down in the box and give us a penalty. The offending player was given a straight red, and up stepped Al Khopiti to take the pk. He buried it easily with complete certainty for his first ever goal for his nation.

Nothing was ever in doubt after that. Di Chiara headed home a Landstrom corner in the 22nd for his first ever goal.

We continued to push forward, but didn’t get any more goals by halftime. Golubev came on for Xenao at the break.

Power and Gigi Papa continued to threaten at ever chance, but neither seemed to be able to get the goal into the net.

In the 80th, Speedy and Lucas came on for T.D.D. and Gigi Papa. Lucas’ impact was immediate as he quickly scored on a header after a brilliant team move between Scotdinho and Landstrom had left the Nepal team in shambles.

Then just to ice a 5-0 win, Lucas scored again from another Landstrom assist (his third of the game) before the whistle.

There was no doubt now, we were in to the quarterfinals with a game to spare.

[Big Pants]

Pants so good he defied description \0/

What's with the editing?

[LokedOut420]

Excellent result as expected, now if only Power would start finding the net again.

[smithaldo]

Nice to see Iba getting on the score sheet

[Welwyn]

Nice layoff!

[attjen]

Asian Cup Group B: Indonesia vs Qatar

With qualification out of the group in the top position already assured, the final group match against Indonesia was a chance for us to put a slightly different line-up on the pitch and rest a few first choice players (mainly Di Chiara and Xenao). Still, the starting 11 wasn't too shabby:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Ortiz Pants Khopiti Vergeylen

T.D.D.

al-Milito Landstrom

Speedy

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

Since we hadn't given up a goal... or for that matter a shot at goal... Fleming and I were feeling fairly good about shutting out Indonesia who hadn't scored against those defensive stalwarts... Nepal or Kazakhstan.

It looked like we had cracked the scoreboard early when Landstrom headed the ball into the net off a T.D.D. cross. In a baffling move, however, the linesman ruled it out for a Power offside.

The rest of the half was a suprisingly even affair as Indonesia's Rahman and Mahing actually put a few shots in the general vicinity of the Qatar goal.

Our best chances before the break were a Power shot that went wide in the 25th and a clear penalty in the 43rd that wasn't given to Gigi Papa.

So at the break we went to the player with the hot foot. Iba came on for al-Milito (whose condition was dropping quickly) and Speedy moved to the wing.

It only took him 7 minutes to get on the scoresheet. After early pressure and a freekick by Landstrom shook up the Indonesia defense, Power got to a loose ball and ripped a shot on target that Imam Ari could only parry. Iba was all alone and first to the rebound and turned it into the net with ease for a 1-0 lead.

He came close to getting a second just 5 minutes later, but it was saved by the fingertips of Ari.

In the 64th we extended our lead after T.D.D. hit a long ball over the top to an on-rushing Gigi Papa, who shrugged off his man and tucked a shot in at the near post.

Scotdinho and Lucas came on in the 70th and the latter sealed the 3-0 win in the 77th by going on a long run (and win no-one bothered to pick him up) blasting a shot into the upper corner.

After that, I have to give credit to the Indonesian side as the still pushed for a goal. Heald was having none of that and saved 2 shots brilliantly in the final minutes to keep the shut-out streak going.

From Group A Japan had pulled itself back together after their opening 2-2 draw with Thailand, and had handily beaten India 3-0 before taking care of Oman in a 3-1 win to finish first in that group. Thailand had beaten India to secure 2nd.

In our group, Nepal had scored the only goal in the group by a team not named Qatar to shock Kazakhstan in a 1-0 win and finish second.

In Group C, Saudi Arabia won twice and tied once and hadn't given up a goal to finish first. North Kored had finished 2nd (having failed to beat Singapore), but also hadn't given up a goal.

That left two spots open in the quarters, and it was clear that neither Kazakhstan or Indonesia would make it.

The draw was finally decided. We avoided Japan as they would face the third place finishers in their group Oman in a rematch just 5 days after their group game. We had drawn the other 3rd place finisher Turkmenistan. The Saudis had drawn Thailand, and North Korea got minnows Nepal.

The semi-finals were easily in view.

[Welwyn]

May not have a right foot, but what sweet left one!

[attjen]

Fleming reads the morning paper - Interlude

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

... one has to say that based on the three group games, the strongest looking team of the competition is Qatar, having scored 10 goals and given up none. They are the only unbeaten and untied team in the competition, and have looked better than both favorites Japan and likely finalists Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, which narrowly missed the last World Cup, is lead by a high-flying attack and a defense that has been fairly stingy since the team was taken over by Max Jenkins and Eric Fleming.

To most observers, the pair hardly shows the least bit of football knowledge... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He looked at me. I nodded. "Yeah, fair enough," he said, and continued to read:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">... but they seem to have figured out how to get the best out of the team, primarily by just letting the players play.

As expected, one of the top players for the team has been France-based striker David Lucas who has featured mainly as a spark of the bench. He's been playing alongside either Gigi Papa who has shown the occasional brilliance of a top prospect and the supposed 'hard-man' of the club Max Power. The latter hasn't really been on the best of form, but the pair of managers has maintained their faith in the Rangers striker.

In the back, Di Chiara remains Qatar's leading defensive presence, but he has partnered with rising star Al Khopiti or American-born Oily Pants to keep Jim Heald well protected.

The midfield has been in its usual frenetic style, with each player shining on occasion.

The big suprise of the tournament, for Qatar and any team, has been the outstanding play of attacking midfielder Iba, who has come in the first team again with a fire to prove he belongs, and has turned in performances to do just that.

This team has the talent to progress much further in this tournament, and with the arguably easiest quarterfinal match (against Turkmenistan) a top four finish should be a guarantee... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

"And it continues to talk about some of the other teams," finished Fleming.

"Not a bad view."

"Nope not at all."

"I wonder how much it cost the Qatari FA?"

Fleming just shrugged.

[attjen]

Asian Cup Quarterfinal: Turkmenistan vs Qatar

Fleming and I had scouted our opponents a little before the game, and hadn't been impressed. There really wasn't any reason to be worried considering the fact that they had only made the quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 win over hosts Singapore.

Selecting the starting line-up was getting easier as the tournament went on since form & fitness were becoming the deciding factors.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Pants Ortiz

Xenao

Landstrom al-Milito

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

If we didn't cruise to an easy win in this game... well, I'd rather not think about it.

In the 6th minute, Power saw a shot saved well by the Turkmenistan keeper Shurupov.

Gigi Papa was knocked over in the penalty area just a minute later, but the referee shook his head against a penalty.

In the 10th minute, he couldn't ignore a blatant foul on Iba in the box after the midfielder had taken down a cross from al-Milito and nutmegged his man.

al-Milito was quick to the penalty spot to place the ball, and buried it easily for a 1-0 lead.

The winger continued to be a serious threat down the flank, heading the ball across for Gigi Papa. The striker turned the ball square for Iba who bent a shot at goal that skimmed the top of the bar.

In the 20th (yes, only 20 minutes had gone by) we had a fine team move started by Ortiz go through Di Chiara, to al-Milito, to Iba to Gigi Papa and that ended with the striker forcing an incredible save from Shurupov.

From the resulting corner, after Turkmenistan failed to clear it past Pants, the defender lobbed a ball over the static defense and al-Milito took the ball out of the air with a full volley that screamed into the net for goal number 2.

Eleven minutes after that and we were up 3. Iba had put the ball forward to Gigi Papa, and the latter flicked it on for Power to run onto. Power made no mistake and used pure speed to lose his man and bury his shot past the helpless keeper.

"This is as lopsided a match-up as we've ever watched," said Fleming.

A Landstrom freekick that stung the hands of the keeper. A foul on Gigi Papa in the area that didn't result in a penalty. Another Shurupov save. A sure chance for a 4th by Lanstrom deflected just as the whistle blew.

It wasn't a question of if we'd win, but by how much.

Al Khopiti came on for Pants. Papa put the ball in the net only to have it ruled out for offsides (he wasn't).

Multiple chances to Power that just couldn't quite find the net.

Lucas and T.D.D. came on in the 70th.

In the 75th, Iba recieved a pass from the latter and with the defense backing away, he looked up and ripped a shot at goal that beat the stranded keeper.

It had been all Qatar.

We'd had 19 shots on goal, 14 on target. (Turkmenistan had only 1 off target.)

Qatar completed 75% of our passes and won 87% of our tackles. We'd had 61% of possession.

Iba had picked up another goal and an assist to win Man-of-the-Match honors.

We were cruising along fine. Saudi Arabia and Japan both advanced and would play each other in the semis.

North Korea beat Nepal, and would be our match-up in the next round.

Fleming and I smelled another blow-out win.

[smithaldo]

Iba's defiantly proving his worth to the team..

[LokedOut420]

Excellent.

[Jynx]

I know i'm a bit late, but this is HILARIOUS reading

[Big Pants]

Pants always happy to help out with a well oiled lob

[attjen]

Asian Cup Semifinal: Qatar vs North Korea

I will now tell you the story of how Qatar fell to a driven North Korea side, out to prove that they were worthy semi-finalists. How Qatar fought hard but fell 1-0 to a last minute goal, to see their hopes of a tournament trophy disappear. How Fleming and I had to justify our failure to do so to the Q.F.A. and failing to satisfy them, lost our jobs and our...

Alright, alright, none of that happened. It was a whitewash and was finished at the 20th minute mark.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho di Chiara Pants Vergeylen

Xenao

Landstrom Speedy

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

Fleming had barely had time to sit down (having been a little late to the pitch having to take care of some last minute 'business' of a personal matter... The local food wasn't really settling in his stomach well...) before it was essentially all settled.

After Iba had tested the North Korean keeper in the 2nd minute with a low shot, the midfielder picked up a loose ball chipped it into the area for Power and the striker acrobatically volleyed the ball into the corner of the net.

It had been a spectacular opener, and the Koreans were clearly shook up.

When we regained possession after the restart, Scotdinho picked up the ball on the wing, shot down the sideline, cut into the area, played the ball past his man, and then rifled his shot from a narrow angle past the keeper for his first ever goal for Qatar.

The third came in the 14th as Iba ripped a shot in with acres of time and space.

And then at the 20th, he got his second by taking the ball from a Di Chiara flick-on, controlling the ball perfectly with his first touch and burying the ball into the corner.

With the four goal lead, the players took their foot all the gas considerably, and the half ended after Pants started a fast break with a great tackle and Power nearly scored a fifth.

The second half started with Iba cracking the cross-bar with a quick shot, and that seemed to be enough action on the day for the hottest player of the tournament (having set records for Qatar assists and goals by this point). Speedy came on for him, along with Lucas for Gigi Papa, and Al Khopiti for Di Chiara.

It was the first of those subs who got our last on the day after Xenao stopped play and picked out the Speedy's run. He buried his shot to finish the move and let us go up 5-0 in the 60th.

Heald made a fine save in the 66th, Lucas forced a fine save from the Korean keeper shortly after that, and the game ended shortly after North Korea scored from a freekick that was headed past Heald.

We'd had 70 minutes or so of a game played at near walking pace, but it had put us into the final.

The team was comfortably back at the hotel to watch the other semi between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Now that was a dramatic game. The Saudis opened the scoring after one of their players just beat his man to the ball to bundle into the net. Japan struck back with a brace from their striker Maeda, but the Saudis scored one of the goals of the tournament to tie it back up at 2. (Thunian and Sulaimani exchanged one-two headers before Thunian scored with a shot hit on the bounce.)

It went to penalties where the Saudis scored all 5 of theirs to advance to the finals.

We knew we'd have to face of them eventually to claim the trophy, and Fleming and I were more than happy it would only occur in the final.

[Big Pants]

Here's hoping Fleming's green apple splatters clear up before the final

'Mon the amusingly phlegm-like Qatar

[LokedOut420]

A goal for Power \o/

[attjen]

Asian Cup Final: Saudi Arabia vs Qatar

With Japan easily beating North Korea for third place, there was only one game left to play. It had been a very good tournament for us, but Fleming and I knew that if we didn't get the title (or at least come very close) the QFA wouldn't be satisfied.

The line-up was chosen in the morning, after going back over recent form and condition. None of the players seemed too suprised by the choices.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Pants di Chiara Ortiz

Xenao

Speedy Landstrom

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

"Are you nervous?" I asked Fleming before the game.

"Yeah, but I can't tell how much of that is still due to the food." He grimaced. "What about you?"

"Yeah." I thought for a moment. "I just don't want this team to be the one that comes 'close' everytime without winning it all."

He just nodded.

The National Stadium of Singapore was brimming with nearly 60000 fans, and they were putting up with the drizzling rain that continued to fall all day. It was a warm 24 degrees, so the rain just made the pitch a mess.

The Saudis key men (as Fleming and I saw it) were keeper Ali Al Aqily, defender and captain Mohammed Al Shopacky, and striker Fuad Thunian, but the most well known was winger Hussein Al-Harbi, a realy quality player, and one of the stars of the tournament. He'd be facing Speedy and Scotdinho down our right flank.

The referee was a fellow by the name of Cuhadar Cranney who had done the Third Place game, Japan's quarterfinal win over Oman, and several of the group games.

He wasn't going to take any gamesmanship from either side, and proved it in the opening minute by flashing a yellow to a Saudi player for kicking the ball away petulantly.

The game was on.

On our first possession, Ortiz moved the ball forward to Iba who sprayed the ball to the left for Landstrom. The winger nodded it back across the pitch to Power. The striker had some time and space and attempted to curl it past the Saudi keeper, but he got across his box well to tip it wide.

Speedy had a header from the resulting corner, but it was saved as well.

Al-Harbi went on a long run down the sideline, cut inside and beat Xenao cleanly, and his cross could have been dangerous had Iba not been tracking back to cut the ball out.

Fleming jumped up clapping and screaming, "That's what I'm talking about!" and the 4th official made him sit down again. "What a player!" He said to me. "Great effort..."

I just nodded. He was quite an addition for this tournament.

In the 10th minute Gigi Papa found himself one-on-one with the keeper, and as he tried to round him, Al Aqily clipped him and sent him tumbling to the ground.

"He falls so nicely," I commented after our celebrations when the referee hadn't hesitated and pointed at the spot.

It wasn't in doubt who was going to take it as Iba stepped up quickly. He paused to give a big grin to the keeper and then buried it easily with the keeper frozen on his line.

We had our lead. Now we needed to see if we could expand it.

In the 14th, Xenao stepped in front of his man to cut out a pass and headed it forward to Iba. The playmaker turned it out wide to Landstrom, and with a first touch pass he curled it around the back line of the Saudi defense. Gigi Papa lunged forward, slid, and toe-poked the ball over the keeper and into the net off the underside of the bar.

A dream start for us with a 2-0 lead with only 15 minutes gone.

The players started looking to kill off the Saudi attack after that, and the team effort was paying off as the game slowed down considerably. Gigi Papa had the next chance of the game by picking up a Pants clearance and unleashing a shot from well outside that Al Aqily had to push wide.

Power was battling with his marker Hamzah Abdullah Al Aqily (no relation), and neither seemed to be able to outdo the other. Power attempted a fantastic overhead kick in the 34th from a Speedy pass, but he had the defender on his back the whole time and but it well wide.

On the resulting Saudi attack, Scotdinho went in late on Thunian and Cranney went straight to his pocket and gave him a red.

This was new. It was the first sending off of our time with the national side. We'd never been reduced to 10 men before.

"Now what?" I asked Fleming in a panic.

"Hell if I know."

We told Ortiz to move into a central position and tried to play a 3-4-2 to keep the pressure on Saudi Arabia in the midfield.

It seemed to be fine for a while as Speedy and Iba put pressure on the keeper in the 37th, but couldn't find the net for a third.

The Saudis had a half-chance in the 42nd, but Al-Harbi's half-volley soared high.

At halftime it was clear Xenao was struggling to keep up, and T.D.D. would come on at the restart. We told the players we'd stay with the same line-up otherwise, hoping to steal a third against the attacking Saudi formation.

We seemed to be doing enough as another 15 minutes went by without incident after the restart. In the 66th, their defender Al Aqily got to a loose ball and tried a long distant shot but put it wide.

The Saudis were beginning to create more chances now, and when Thunian found Al-Shahrani in the 69th, they were looking dangerous. The ball fell to their captain Al Shopacky, and he stepped forward and crushed the ball past Heald to make it 2-1.

"Hold on," Fleming and I muttered. The bench was beginning to get a little nervous. Lucas went on for Power and we told al-Milito to get ready too.

In the 72nd, their captain came forward to take a throw-in and chucked a long ball into the area for Thunian. Their striker hit the ball on a half-volley and as Heald dove to his right it was clear he wouldn't get to it...

The whole Qatar bench jumped out of their seats and let out a collective sigh... when the ball grazed the crossbar on its way over.

"Khopiti get ready!" I yelled. We needed another defender on and fast.

But... it turned out we wouldn't even get the chance. The close call had settled us down. The back-line stayed firm, and the midfield collapsed on the Saudi attackers any time they got near the ball, and Khopiti was still standing on the sideline when the final whistle blew.

We'd done it... We'd won the Asian Cup, and we'd done it by holding off the favorites for most of the game with only 10 men.

Landstrom was named man-of-the-match for the game, having set up the winning goal and generally looked the most threatening player.

Ortiz, Di Chiara, and Pants were applauded by their teammates in front of the Qatar fans for their strong and solid team effort at holding onto the lead.

At the awards ceremony, Iba was awarded the player of the tournament award and the golden boot (having scored 6 of Qatars 21 goals and assisted on 5 others), and Heald and Di Chiara lifted the cup for the photos.

We'd done it... and it felt good.

"I could get used to this," Fleming remarked.

Speechless... I could only grin.

[Big Pants]

[LokedOut420]

Must.Have.More.

[Big Pants]

Just checking

[sammayel666]

Happy New Year to all my fellow Qatari ringers

[attjen]

Time flies when you've won a trophy

By the middle of April, roughly 6 months after our Asian Cup triumph, Fleming and I were back 'home' reviewing where we stood for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers (1st Group Stage) and after that the summer's Confederation Cup.

We'd done our subtle best to influence a few contracts and some of our behind the scenes 'prodding' had paid off.

Walter al-Milito's side Numancia had been convinced to terminate his contract at mid-season to allow a move to 2nd division side Leganes. Not a top club, we realized, but certainly a better chance to show his talent.

Jon Ortiz was given similar help, and was picked up by Albacete, another Spanish 2nd division side.

Di Chiara accepted our help at Sturm Graz, then had a change of heart and extended his contract with the club for several more years.

The bigger moves from an Qatari point of view were Iba moving to Italy and Serie B club Venezia, and Gigi Papa joining up with Napoli.

We hoped the Italian league would help develop both of them.

As far as our fixtures were looking:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Date Opposition Ven Competition

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.5.05 Oman A World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

6.5.05 Pakistan H World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

9.5.05 Hong Kong H World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

13.5.05 Oman H World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

20.5.05 Pakistan A World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

27.5.05 Hong Kong A World Cup Quals (ASI) 1st Rnd

1.6.05 Kuwait H Friendly

30.7.05 Australia N Confederations Cup Grp 2

3.8.05 Portugal A Confederations Cup Grp 2

5.8.05 Italy N Confederations Cup Grp 2

</pre>

Fleming and I were expecting easy wins through June at the least, and then we'd have to see how our 2nd Round draw played out.

The Confederation Cup Group, on the other hand, was looking damn near impossible... and even the Q.F.A. had to be able to see that right?

[LokedOut420]

Portugal and Italy within two days

[sammayel666]

Even being in the Confederations Cup is a pretty damn good achievement for Qatar

[Big Pants]

Let's hope the Qatari FA stick by the gaffers

[attjen]

I should post something this weekend I think. Have many games played, but no updates written yet.

[attjen]

Part 5: World Cup Qualifying (again): First Group Stage

So May was our month for the first group stage, and in more ways than one, we weren't overly worried about our competition.

First up was Oman, in front of 24000 rowdy fans at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (yes really) on a warm dry day.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Ortiz Al Khopiti Di Chiara Pants

Xenao

Speedy al-Milito

Iba

Gigi Papa Max Power

</pre>

Fleming and I were well pleased to see this one over before the first half hour.

Gigi Papa scored a brace in the first 5 minutes. Di Chiara set him up with a lob in the 2nd and the Napoli player combined well with Power to get another with a low strike in the 5th.

Power was hacked in the box in the 22nd and Khopiti stepped up to bury the penalty with ease.

With Oman falling back into a defensive shell for the rest of the game, we were stuck firing long shots from outside (or watching Gigi Papa fall over like a statue in the box looking for another penalty) but with no further goals to come.

Vergeylen, Landstrom, and Golubev all came on in the 2nd half to little effect.

An easy win without much effort was fine for us.

The same thing was fine for the Pakistan follow-up match.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Ortiz Al Khopiti Di Chiara Pants

Xenao

Speedy al-Milito

Iba

Gigi Papa Max Power

</pre>

Power tested the keeper early with a volley in the 9th minute, and 2 minutes later we were again playing against only 10 men. Shelton hacked down Iba and was given a direct red. Iba took and scored the penalty.

We kept the pressure on after that, but couldn't find another goal until Landstrom got free in the area to head home an Ortiz cross in the 35th.

At the half, Lucas and Khopiti came on for Di Chiara and a struggling Gigi Papa.

Iba was unmarked to score his 10th goal for Qatar in the 53rd, and then the midfielder's give and go with Power released the striker to go on a long run and bury the third in the 62nd.

Vergeylen came on for Scotdinho in the 69th.

Landstrom's cross left an easy goal for Golubev to convert[/b], and the last sub set up Iba for his hattrick to take the tally to six.

It was a new record win and through just two games we'd score 9 goals and not given up a shot to the opposition.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Pants Al Khopiti Ortiz

Golubev

Landstrom al-Milito

Gigi Papa

Lucas Max Power

</pre>

After the 6-0 win at home, we were facing Hong Kong to take us to the halfway point in this first group stage.

Fleming and I weren't really sure what we'd see from the tiny Asian team, but we knew they'd play defensive and keep most of their team behind the ball.

With Gigi Papa taking up the position behind the strikers for this match, it was no suprise to see him get on the scoresheet first. Khopiti showed good vision to pick out the player's run, and he finished with a cheeky chip into the corner.

Gigi Papa nearly scored a second in the 31st (just 5 minutes later) but the keeper was able to keep it out of the net. Golubev was following up the play and tapped in a sitter to make it 2-0.

Goals in the 2nd half from Gigi Papa and Lucas made it 4-0 and we were crusing towards the next group stage.

The visitor's had actually taken 3 shots in this game (though only after we'd taken the 4-nil lead), but Heald had been awake enough to make three fine saves to keep the shut-out.

We did have a bit of bad news late in the game as Pants took a knock and had to be subsituted, and was likely to miss the rest of the first group stage.

Landstrom had locked up a new assist record for Qatar with 6, and Gigi Papa had set a new goal record for the year with seven.

And now we'd face the same three teams again.

[Big Pants]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Pants took a knock </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nooooooooooo!

[attjen]

World Cup Qualifying (continued)

For the third straight game we'd be playing at home, and Oman was the last to visit us at Khalifa Stadium in Doha.

It had been a comfortable few days, basking in the local good cheer of the media on thanks to the first 3 games.

Fleming and I were fairly known celebrities now, so we didn't really have much worry going into the match.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Al Khopiti Ortiz

T.D.D.

Speedy al-Milito

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

Ortiz got his first ever goal for Qatar in the opening 6 minutes, turning in a cross from Speedy. It was good to see our defender get on the scoresheet after years of hard work.

After Heald was forced to get involved to smother a few Oman attacks, it was another first timer getting on the scoresheet. T.D.D. out jumped his marker to head home an Ortiz corner to make it 2-0.

At halftime we brought on Golubev for Iba (who just wasn't dominating play on the day). Gigi Papa moved back to the attacking midfielder position, and scored twice in the 61st and 65th minute to extend our lead to four.

He finished his hattrick by going on a long run through the Oman defense and beating the keeper with a pot-shot in the 71st minute.

After Xenao and Lucas came on, the latter headed home the 6th on the day to turn the game into a complete laugher and tie or previous big win.

After 4 games we'd locked up first place in the first group stage. A few other groups were looking finished as well with Iran, South Korea, and Japan all undefeated. Saudi Arabia was struggling a bit with Syria in their group but only needed to get results against Macau and India to progress.

We were scoring the most goals and hadn't conceded any, so Fleming did his best to convince the fellas to keep it up for the last two games.

We'd have to be without Iba for the rest of the games, as he'd been injured in the previous game and only discovered it once he'd gone back to Venezia.

That meant Gigi Papa would have to continue to play behind the strikers... a position he'd recently been shining in.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Al Khopiti Ortiz

T.D.D.

Speedy al-Milito

Gigi Papa

Power Lucas

</pre>

Ortiz set up the opener with another fine corner kick, this time Gigi Papa showed his jumping ability to head home.

In the 11th (5 minutes later), Di Chiara did the same trick from another corner to make it 2-0.

Al Khopiti showed he could shoot from outside the penalty area by burying a low shot in the 15th to take it to three.

Lucas made it 4 before half-time with a header from Speedy cross. (The play had been set up by some cheeky team play as al-Milito had played consecutive one-two's with Ortiz, Gigi Papa, and Ortiz again before picking out the flank run of Speedy.)

Xenao, Landstrom, and Vergeylen, all came on in the scoreless second half.

With another near perfect game, Gigi Papa picked up his 4th man of the match in 5 games, to set a new team record.

The only question remaining for the last game was whether we could keep a clean sheet for the entire group stage.

Heald had to make a few key saves, but with a brace from Lucas and goals from Gigi Papa and Speedy, we cruised to an easy 4-0 win. With another injury taking out Max Power everyone of our stars got playing time in the match, with Speedy and Vergeylen coming on as subs.

Saudi Arabia ended up crashing out of the qualifying having lost to Macau 1-0 after having had a player sent off in the 6th. Japan gave up a goal to Lebanon in their final match, meaning Qatar had managed to be the only team that hadn't given up a goal.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

First Round Group 9

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

---------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Qatar 6 3 0 0 16 0 3 0 0 11 0 18

---------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Hong Kong 6 2 0 1 4 4 1 1 1 2 5 10

3rd Oman 6 1 0 2 3 5 1 0 2 2 10 6

4th Pakistan 6 0 1 2 1 6 0 0 3 0 9 1

</pre>

"All in all, however," Fleming remarked after we'd returned home to Qatar for a friendly against Kuwait. "It was no less than we expected, and we've still not achieved anything more in this competition than the team had down before we'd brought in our players."

"I know," I said, "We would have been able to get out of the group even without our stars. We'll have to see if we can push for a World Cup spot now."

"We shouldn't have any problem. With it being held in Germany next year, there are 4 places up for grabs, and we're certainly one of the best 4 teams in Asia."

The friendly turned into a pretty good game in the end, a 3-2 victory for Qatar. Although Gigi Papa opened the scoring, Kuwait had tied the game before the half. Lucas and Xenao had made it 3-1 before the hour mark, and Kuwait did well to take it back to only a goal difference.

We'd played a fairly indifferent game on defense, so it wasn't shocking to see us give up 2 goals, but our offense was still firing well behind another MOM day for Gigi Papa.

The 2nd Round Groups were announced after the game, and Fleming and I sat in our office discussing our chances.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Second Round Group 1

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Iran 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2nd Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Japan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th Kuwait 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5th U.A.E. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Second Round Group 2

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st China 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2nd Qatar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd South Korea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th Syria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5th Uzbekistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

19.8.05 Uzbekistan H World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

26.8.05 Syria A World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

2.9.05 South Korea H World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

10.9.05 Oman A Friendly --- -----

16.9.05 China A World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

23.9.05 Uzbekistan A World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

30.9.05 Syria H World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

7.10.05 South Korea A World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

21.10.05 China H World Cup Quals (ASI) 2nd Rnd --- -----

</pre>

"Of the two groups," Fleming said, "we've definitely got the better option. South Korea will be tough, and the Chinese are looking very strong, but we shouldn't have any trouble with Syria or Uzbekistan. It would have been far worse to get two out of Iran, Japan, and South Korea."

"I'm a little concerned over our schedule though," I added. "We finish off the group with our two toughest opponents. We'll need to make sure we get all the results we need before that... and we need to avoid injuries to our key players in that run of games."

"Does not help that the FA has thrown in a friendly in the middle either."

"Yup. Although, I'm thinking that is going to have to be a B-squad game."

"And we've still got the Confederations Cup before we get to the next group games anyways. This could be tougher than we might expect."

[minisav]

This is by far the best story I have ever read it is so interesting can't wait for more!!!

[Big Pants]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">and we need to avoid injuries to our key players in that run of games." </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Presumably you've already factored in the horrific injury that must be the only reason Oily is currently out of the team?

Surely they haven't introduced an IQ test for players?

[attjen]

Thanks minisav.

---

Interlude: There are club games too?

After the club season had ended, Fleming and I did our yearly round-up of each of the player's performances over the past year. Since this was the first year where we'd had a significant number of internationals, we'd actually be able to make some comparisons about consistent performance for the Qatari side:

Al Khopiti NEC (5th in Dutch Premier Division)

Senior Club: 11(7) Apps, 1 Goal, 1 MOM, 3.0 Tackles per game, AVR 7.17

International: 8(4) Apps, 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 1.5 Tackles per game, AVR 7.17

He'd become frustrated with his contract at NEC, something we should be able to help him with in the coming season. Fleming seemed to think he had quite a ways to improve based on what our scouts were saying about his potential.

Alessandro Di Chiara Sturm Graz (non-active league)

Senior Club: 14(1) Apps, 2 MOM, AVR 7.07

International: 11(1) Apps, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 2.4 Tackles per game, AVR 7.25

After being given the option to leave Sturm Graz (with a little bit of our help) he'd signed again for a contract worth 6,500 a week. World class quality talent. On a a pure position by position basis, Di Chiara was still our best.

Gigi Papa Napoli (3rd in Serie B, Promoted)

Senior Club; 10 Apps, 2 Goals, 1 Assist, AVR 6.90

International: 13 Apps, 13 Goals, 6 Assists, 6 MOM, AVR 8.46

Having moved from England for a transfer fee of nearly 1 million pounds, he was pleased to be on a promoted team and would be playing against the top teams in Italy while on contract for 1500 a week. Needed to improve in his movement without the ball, but still looking highly touted and worth every 2.2 million pounds of his transfer value. Still plenty of time to improve based on our reports.

Vadim Golubev Monaco (3rd in French Division One)

Senior Club: 20(12) Apps, 1 Goal, 5 Assists, AVR 6.91

International: 4(3) Apps, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, AVR 8.14

The utility player had picked up another trophy this year (to go along with the Asian Cup) having played central midfield in Monaco's 2-1 win over Lorient in the French League Cup final. Growing ever more solid as an all-around player, but probably nearly as good as he would get.

Jim Heald Lyon (1st in French Division One), loaned to Brighton during season (finished 9th in English First Division)

Senior Club (with Brighton): 14 Apps, 14 conceeded, 1.4 Tackles per game, AVR 6.86

Senior Club (with Lyon): 1(1) Apps, 4 conceeded, 2.0 Tackles per game, AVR 7.00

International: 13 Apps, 4 conceeded, AVR 7.17

The first choice goalkeeper for the forseeable future for Qatar had gotten some first team play in England, while his contracted club sealed another league title. If he'd get a first team starter job, he'd impove just enough to make him one of the best in the world... or so we hoped.

Iba Venezia (14th in Serie B)

Senior Club (Al Arabi): 13 Apps, 2 Goals, 5 Assists, 3 MOM, AVR 7.46

International (Asian Cup): 4(2) Apps, 6 Goals, 5 Assists, 3 MOM, AVR 8.67

Senior Club (Venezia): 7 Apps, 1 Goal, 1 Assist, AVR 6.86

International (Qualifying): 3 Apps, 3 Goals, 1 Assist, 1 MOM, AVR 8.00

The midfield star of the Asian Cup had missed 7 weeks with injuries after joing Venezia, but had still performed well in his internationals after the move. Had not gotten comfortable enough in Italy to show dramatic improvement, but we'd give him more time.

Tony Landstrom Le Mans (4th in French 2nd Division, missed promotion by two points)

Senior Club: 35 Apps, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 3 MOM, 1.2 Tackles per game, AVR 7.23

International: 9(3) Apps, 1 Goal, 8 Assists, 2 MOM, AVR 8.17

One of Qatar's most rock-solid players had just made a Bosman move (heheh...) to French giants Marseille, after a full season in the first team at Le Mans. He seemed pleased with his new 6750 a week contract, and hopefully it would translate to improvement.

David Lucas Guincamp (4th in French 1st Division)

Senior Club: 43(1) Apps, 18 Goals, 2 Assists, 7 MOM, AVR 7.50

International: 5(7) Apps, 10 Goals, 1 MOM, AVR 8.00

Hard to say anything bad about Lucas who had another 18 goal season. His club finished runners-up in the UEFA Cup having lost on penalties to HSV after a scoreless draw. Lucas wasn't on the pitch for the shootout having been subbed after a difficult game in the 63rd minute.

Max Power Rangers (non-active league)

Senior Club: 1(2) Apps, AVR 7.00

International: 11 Apps, 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 1.7 Dribbles per game, AVR 7.64

Although he'd yet to show the full quality Fleming and I thought he had, we still considered him a vital player. If Rangers didn't put in him the first team soon, we'd have to negotiate his way out of Scotland.

Oily Pants Aachen (14th in German 1st Division), loaned to Unterhaching during season (4th in German 2nd Division)

Senior Club (Unterhaching): 15(4), 1.9 Tackles per game, AVR 6.79

International: 9, 1 Assist, 1.9 Tackles per game, AVR 7.11

Becoming one of Qatar's best player's slowly but surely. Probably only behind Di Chiara and Heald in terms of development.

Jon Ortiz Albacete (6th in Spanish 2nd Division)

Senior Club (Hercules): 18 Apps, 1 Assist, 1 MOM, AVR 7.17

International (Asian Cup): 5 Apps, AVR 7.25

Senior Club (Albacete): 13(2) Apps, 2 Assists, 1.3 Tackles per game, AVR 6.73

International (Qualifying): 7 Apps, 1 Goals, 4 Assists, AVR 6.86

On a 4600 per week contract at the 2nd division side, and still only 19. Most of his best days still lay years in front of him.

Scotdinho Sunderland (17th in English Premier, avoided relegation by goal difference)

Senior Club: 17(4) Apps, 1 Goal, 2.7 Tackles per game, AVR 7.24

International: 11(1) Apps, 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 1.3 Tackles per game, AVR 7.50

Young Player of the Month for February. Pretty much a lock on the right side of defense when playing at his potential.

Speedy Xerez (13th in Spanish 2nd Division)

Senior Club: 24(3) Apps, 12 Goals, 7 Assists, 4 MOM, AVR 7.37

International: 8(3) Apps, 2 Goals, 2 Assists, AVR 7.45

He remained one of the most consistent players for his team, loads of untapped talent still to be developed.

T.D.D. Telstar (last in Dutch Premier, automatically relegated)

Senior Club: 2(6) Apps, AVR 6.13

International: 5(3) Apps, 1 Goals, 4 Assists, AVR 7.63

Still somewhat of a mystery player, but had been very good for us in internationals. Needed to develop a better set of skills for his position to improve his club play.

Patrick Vergeylen de Graafschap (17th in Dutch Premier, avoided relegation in playoffs)

Senior Club: 18 Apps, AVR 6.22

International: 0(6) Apps, AVR 6.83

As much a mystery as T.D.D., but clearly improving.

Walter Al-Milito Leganes (14th in Spanish 2nd Division)

International (Asian Cup): 3(1), 2 Goals, 1 Assists, AVR 7.50

Senior Club (Leganes): 18 Apps, 2 Goals, 3 Assists, AVR 6.56

International (Qualifying): 6 Apps, 1 Assists, AVR 7.33

On a 4800 a week contract at his new club, but still not reaching his full potential. If Leganes wasn't working out, we'd have to help him get somewhere else.

Xenao Offenbach (5th in German 2nd Division)

Senior Club: 0(6) Apps, AVR 6.67

International: 7(3) Apps, 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 4.0 Tackles per game, AVR 7.20

Still our best positional defensive midfielder, but still could improve for club and country.

---

"So who do our scouts think are our top stars for the future?" I asked Fleming after going over the pages and pages.

"Well... the two that everyone says could be great on all levels are Ortiz and Speedy... but you know the difficulty they've had in proving it in Spain."

"Hmmm... I'd reckon Al-Milito for the same reasons."

Fleming said, "Yeah... he's usually high up there too. Scotdinho gets high praise from his manager in England."

"But you couldn't say that any of them have been vital to our qualifying campaign so far..."

"No... each has played a role, but it's been Gigi Papa and Landstrom who've really been our key players. They just have seemed to show up for the internationals with a fire some of the others are missing..."

"... and that's what we've been hoping to see from Power..."

"I know. I think he'll repay our faith soon though... On pure ability, I have to say he's probably better than Gigi Papa and Lucas, he just needs more club games to prove it."

I thought for a moment. "Uh... Fleming?"

"Yeah?"

"How much do you think we could get away with?... I mean, how much could we meddle in the club side of things without causing the authorities to come chasing after us?"

Fleming was silent for a bit. "I don't know," he finally said. Then he smiled. "Probably a bit more."

---

Player screenshots available on request.

[Saxonator]

Wow this story just gets better and better, KUTGW mate . Going well in the WC quals so far, and \o/ for consistency . Pretty good goal tally for me at Xerez too, may I see a screenshot of ol' Speedy please?

[attjen]

sure.

Speedy 2005

[Big Pants]

Feel free to meddle with Oily Pants to get him out of the German second division

And I'd love a screenie, please.

Wonderful stuff, Jenners

[attjen]

Oily Pants 2005

[Welwyn]

Get me out of the Dutch 2nd division.....please......!!!!!!!

[attjen]

Interlude: Confederations (Cup) of Dunces - Qatar vs Australia

With the Kuwait game on the 1st of June, and the first of our Confederations Cup game coming on the 30th of July, we had roughly two months to prepare for the tournament, and more importantly, the World Cup qualifying 2nd group stage that followed soon after that. First business was to let the players have some time to recover from their respective club seasons, and from the variety of injuries that seemed to be impacting our choices for the starting positions.

It was a bit odd for Fleming and I moving into the days before the tournament, as generally the press was fairly low-key over this rather indifferent set of games. Host Portugal were hoping to win the whole thing to set themselves up in a good position for the following summer's World Cup. Most of the TV pundits were debating whether or not favorites Brazil would be bringing a first-choice squad, thought their manager was swearing that he would.

Pretty much all of the predictions that Fleming could find said, "Qatar will be impressive to avoid finishing last in their group."

The opening game of the tournament was one of the favorites versus the hosts as Italy took on Portugal in our group. A fluke header by Real Madrid's Flavio Napolitano proved the difference as the Italian's came out 1-0.

For the few minutes after the result came in, Fleming worked through the various scenarios and couldn't find any convincing evidence that the result would help us in the long run. "Ultimately," he said, "we need to get a result against the Aussies today, or we are pretty well done."

With a rested squad, choosing the team was based primarily on form.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Ortiz Pants

Xenao

Landstrom Speedy

Gigi Papa

Power Lucas

</pre>

Australia had left most of their star players at home (or rather, at their respective clubs in Europe) including Blackburn's David Murphy, who would have been a serious threat to our defense.

The Aussies had the first chance of the game as Makris tried to test Heald with a curling shot from outside the area, but the Lyon keeper shuffled his feet and dove well to palm the ball down and away from the net.

Our 4-4-2 diamond was fairly evenly matched with the Aussies short passing 4-4-2, so the game wasn't particularly exciting for the first several minutes. in the 19th, Lucas tried to volley a Gigi Papa cross, but couldn't get in on target.

The 24th minute was the turning point as Fleming and I cheered (as most of the crowd jeered) as Gigi Papa tumbled under slight contact from their keeper Razov, and the referee Hakimi Mohamed pointed at the spot immediately. Razov tried to plead his case, but was sent packing. Lucas buried the penalty to give us a vital lead.

Now a man down, the Aussies had to try and prevent things from getting out of hand, but the squad knew they could finish the game before halftime. Xenao nodded an Aussie clearance out to Pants, who sent it up for a racing Speedy down the flank. The midfielder hit a raking first time cross around the back line and Power raced on to bury a low shot past the replacement keeper.

Content to ride this one out, Fleming gave the team the word to keep calm and not let the opposition back in. ("Whatever you do... don't do anything stupid!" he yelled from the bench.)

We made it to halftime without any problems, and went ahead and made two subsitutions to get players in rotation for the next to matches. al-Milito came on for Landstrom and Lucas made room for Iba. This moved Gigi Papa back to the forward position.

Di Chiara saw his header from a corner saved well, but after Gigi Papa picked out his overlapping run, Iba made it three with a swerving shot.

It was exactly the sort of game we had needed. An easy win to put us in position to only need a draw against either Italy or Portugal.

Unfortunately... the game was starting to get ugly and after Xenao picked up a yellow for sliding through Harpas (who moments earlier had blistered a shot at Heald despite having been 10 yards offsides), Gigi Papa and Francis got into a scrap that nearly lead to a brawl. The striker got a straight red for the matter and the officials did well to seperate the squads. ("Like that!" muttered Fleming.)

T.D.D. came on for Speedy to try and settle things down for us a bit more, now that we were to even numbers.

The last 30 minutes were all desperate attacks by Australia that nearly paid off. Heald was called on to keep the shut-out in the 66th, 76th, and 79th minute with some stellar saves, and then it was just a matter of waiting for the whistle.

A 3-0 win to start the tournament against an understrength side, but it was good enough for us. Next up defending champions Italy.

[Big Pants]

It's good enough.

And, bugger me...Oily's pacey!

[minisav]

You are very welcome

[I\'mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld]

Just read through this and it is on of the best stories at the moment.

[attjen]

Confederations Cup (continued) - Portugal vs Qatar

"Next up defending champions Italy."

Yeah, not so much. We still had Portugal to face before we got to them, of course. Host nation, out to bounce back after a failed opening game, out to prove that we were still a bunch of wanna-bes.

Big improvement, right?

Portugal were at, what Fleming and I had to regard, as full strength. Forward Carlos Mario (of Real Madrid) was aging, but still a serious threat, winger Luis Alves (of Man Utd) had more skill then you could shake a stick at, and defender Nuno Machado was a rising star for Aston Villa. Throw in a smattering of experienced player from more the top side of Europe, and this was the biggest challenge we'd faced as a team.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho Di Chiara Al Khopiti Pants

Xenao

Landstrom Speedy

Iba

Power Lucas

</pre>

Gigi Papa's red card meant he'd be sitting this one out, and a little bit of shuffling was needed to accomodate for fitness levels.

Still about a strong a side as we could put on the pitch.

It was tense from the opening minutes as Dias torched Oily Pants with a run to the byline, and his cross found Andre Alves with a strong header. Heald had no chance but the shot clipped the top of the bar and went into the stands.

In the 12th, Heald was able to punch a way a curling shot that seemed destined for the far corner, and Scotdinho removed any further danger.

"This is not boding well," muttered Fleming.

"In know," I said, "and please stop using your deep and gloomy movie voice when you say stuff like that."

"Sorry."

The 21st, saw a long range volley from Mario just sail over the crossbar.

Suddenly, we had our first major stretch of possesion of the game. Power cut a ball into the area for Lucas, and the striker tried to take on Pinheiro off the dribble, he beat his man but took himself out of shooting position. Landstrom made a cutting run to the right corner, which Lucas found, and the midfielder hit a first time cross back against the grain of the defense. Power ran on to the ball, hit it in full stride, and tucked it into the far corner for a one goal lead.

The Portugal side (and their 92000 fans) were in shock. Landstrom and Iba tried to take advantage to steal another goal, but Lucas's could only force a fine save with his glancing header 2 minutes later.

For the rest of the half, Portugal forced us to chase as they maintained possession but couldn't force a shot on goal. Xenao cut out one dangerous through ball with a quick step, and Iba flashed a half-chance over the crossbar, and we went to halftime with the narrow lead.

Xenao was clearly starting to struggle so we went ahead and brought on Golubev. Landstrom had done well against Portugal's captain Mario, but Fleming made the call to bring on al-Milito in anticipation of the next game in just two days.

Golubev's first impact was to give away a freekick in a dangerous spot, but Heald got across the goalmouth well to push it behind. The russian-born player redeemed himself by clearing the following corner out on a quick counter to Power who nutmegged his man and chipped the ball into the area for Lucas who flashed his header just wide.

The Portugal pressure was starting to come quicker now as they began to get desperate. In the 61st, the finally got their equalizer as a strong team move left Heald with no chance to stop a Joao Campos turn-and-shoot.

T.D.D. came on for Speedy, again in anticipation of the next game against Italy.

Iba drove a long low shot at goal in the 74th, that the Portugal keeper was very pleased to see go just wide after having barely moved to stop it.

Another dangerous freekick from Portugal was saved by Heald in the 76th as he smothered the ball at the corner with 2 Portugal players about to pounce.

It was looking like it was going to be all Portugal for the rest of the game, until Power showed he could still sting defenses on the counter attack. He picked the ball up in midfield, feinted his way past Dias, used speed to go past Rodrigo, and then from distance powered a shot at the upper corner, that, alas, clipped the bar and went over.

"Good lord, that was close," moaned Fleming.

Porgual saw a chance in the 86th put wide by Mario, and then with the referee already with the whistle in his mouth, Alves headed a Baptista corner goalwards...

but Heald was up to the task again, covered up the ball and didn't let go until the whistle was finally blown.

A 1-1 draw was a very good result in an openly hostile stadium.

Our counterattacks looked dangerous all day, and the defense did well to cope with a long day of chasing the Portugal players intricate short passing game.

It was Power was the clear MOM on the day with a strong performance with the ball at his feet, but without a good day from Heald (five key saves) it could have been much uglier.

Italy had narrowly escaped a draw with Australia in a 2-1 win, a result that was good news for us (because of our stronger goal difference), but the key was going to be to see if Portugal could run up the score on the Aussies to keep us from moving into the next round.

Our goal against the defending champions, who were definitely at full strength (Roma's European Player of the Year Alberto Galli, Runner-up and World Player of the Year Christian Dominguez of Lazio, goalkeeper of the year Mauro Salvi (not even first-choice!)... just to name a few), was to avoid a whitewash.

[attjen]

Confederations Cup (continued) - Italy vs Qatar

Of the final games of the first round, ours was the first to occur. That meant if we lost we would be waiting to see if Portugal beat Australia, and by how much. It also meant that if we managed to progress to the next round, we'd have to wait more than 24 hours before we knew who we'd face.

Leading up to kick-off, Fleming and I just kept telling the team we'd just need to try and keep the score close and we'd probably advance.

"Strong of defense, dangerous on the counters," we kept saying.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Heald

Scotdinho di Chiara Khopiti Pants

Xenao

al-Milito Speedy

Iba

Power Gigi Papa

</pre>

Italy's 5-3-2 had all the stars the 50000 fans had come to see. Even though Italy had guaranteed themselves progression to the next round, their manager had decided not to risk 1st place in the group to a bunch of nobodies from Qatar.

The front line of Galli and Dominguez was particularly vexing. Di Chiara and Al Khopiti would have to have great games to keep both of them from scoring. Xenao had to cover their attacking midfielder and captain Alessandro Signorini of Juventus.

The rest of our side just were facing equally strong opposition.

It started early. Signorini cut the ball out in the 2nd minute, sprinted past our midfield and force Pants to come cover, and with a delicate chip the Italian found Dominguez who blasted a header at goal.

Heald reacted rapidly to push the ball around the post.

From the resulting corner, Galli outjumped Di Chiara to head on target, but again Heald was up to the task with a reaction punch save.

At the 6 minute mark, Heald had no chance as Galli seperated himself from his marker and buried a shot past our keeper to put us a goal down early.

Power had a vague chance 5 minutes later, but his hopeful volley came nowhere near the net.

The Italians seemed content to let that score ride through the 90 minutes, and with nearly 60 percent of the possession it didn't look like we would have much opportunity to change it.

Speedy went down quickly under a challenge from Nobile to give us a long freekick at the 40th minute. Power struck it well, but Mercuri was able to save it cleanly.

So we went into halftime a goal down, but not any worse. Ortiz came on for a struggling Scotdinho, and we went back out for the 2nd half hoping not to let the game get away from us.

Signorini forced another good save from Heald just moments after the restart with a freekick.

Xenao was doing his best to shackle the playmaker, but picked up a yellow card in the 54th for his efforts.

Italy's contant pressure forced al-Milito into a bad backpass that Heald had to scramble to get out for a throw-in, and Italy nearly took advantage from that as Bonomi set up Dominguez for another header that Heald had to clutch gratefully to his chest after taking up good position. Al Khopiti had forced the striker to mishit his header ever so slightly.

In the 62nd, it was time for Gigi Papa and Power to come off for Golubev and Lucas. The former pair had had no success against their more experienced markers, managing only 2 shots between them.

The fresh legs seemed to help us a bit, though Italy still dominated and controlled the match.

In the 76th, it looked certain that a 1-0 loss was in the cards for us. Ortiz chipped the ball left for Xenao who quickly pushed it out wide for al-Milito. The winger suddenly found himself with more room than he'd seen all day, and broke down the flank with as much pace as he could manage. The Italians failed to pick him up and the winger curled in a near post cross from the right.

It looked like a wasted breakaway, until Lucas flashed into the area, took the ball on a clean header and directed it past the shocked Italian keeper.

1-1.

Now the Italians came at us fast and furious again, but we were completely in a defensive shell now. All players were back behind the ball.

Still, in the 90th minute, Sinorini found Dominguez in the area once again with a delicate chip, and without letting the ball drop Dominguez volleyed a vicious strike... that went just over the bar.

An exhausted Al Khopiti had just gotten back into the play to forced the striker to rush his shot, and lay collapsed on the field while Heald and Di Chiara tried to lift him just as the referees whistle blew.

We didn't need to worry about any other result now, we'd progressed with the 1-1 draw into the next round.

Heald gratefully accepted the Man-of-the-Match award after the game in the press conference, and called over his two central defenders to give them his thanks for outstanding marking on the two world class strikers they had just faced.

Lucas basked in his performance as a super-sub yet again, while the rest of the squad was just grateful that the game was over, having chased the Italians for most of the game without success.

There could be no complaints. We'd beaten Australia, and tied the two best teams in our group 1-1.

Now we just had to wait and see what the rest of the tournament brought us.

"Hopefully some good food," said Fleming. "I haven't eaten well in the last 3 days." He pointed at his stomach. "Nerves."