AI Experiment - The Bandits are back for FM09

[chopper99]

My prediction, Left Midfielder 2 to miss a penalty against Germany in the Semi Finals and then go onto make a Pizza Hut advert taking the pish out of himself, before coming back to be Englands best ever player.

It could happen...

[Denther]

Group A: Italy, Chile

Group B: Brazil, Greece

Group C: Netherlands, USA

Group D: Spain, Sweden

Group E: Portugal, France

Group F: Germany, Czech Rep

Group G: England, Paraguay

Group H: Argentina, Russia

[Meitheisman]

Group A: Italy, Chile

Group B: Brazil, Ivory Coast

Group C: Netherlands, USA

Group D: Spain, Sweden

Group E: France, Portugal

Group F: Germany, Czech Rep

Group G: England, Paraguay

Group H: Argentina, Russia

Semi final will be Brazil vs Netherland and France vs Argentina.

Benzema and Center Back 2 to face in the World Cup final as Lyon's teammate

It's pretty disappointing to see that only 3 starlets made it to the WC, although they're still really young, the 2014 WC should be full of starlets though.

[Scott1990]

Group A: Chile, Italy

Group B: Brazil, Greece

Group C: Netherlands, Turkey

Group D: Spain, Sweden

Group E: France, Portugal

Group F: Colombia, Germany

Group G: England, South Africa

Group H: Argentina, Mexico

Spain to win it.

[markymarky]

no place for Centre Mid 3, are they MAD? Unless he's broken both legs and had a stroke, that's inexcusable. If the striker at Rangers hasn't been called up for USA I assume that means he'll be heading England's way eventually? Unless the American coach really needs 1x brain. Centre Mid 2 should be feeling pretty hard done by too! SIGH fools.

World Cup:

Group A: Italy, Switzerland

Group B: Brazil, Ivory Coast

Group C: Netherlands, Turkey

Group D: Spain, Sweden

Group E: Portugal, France

Group F: Germany, South Korea (take THAT, Czech Rep.)

Group G: England, Paraguay

Group H: Argentina, Russia

with Spain to win.

[kipfizh]

World Cup 2010 – Report

Group A:

Italy and Switzerland got off to flying starts, easily beating Chile and New Zealand respectively, and then Italy confirmed their place in the knockout stages with a win over New Zealand. Chile kept their hopes alive with a stirring comeback to draw 2-2 with Switzerland, but needed favours from Italy if they were to have a chance. Chile did their bit, hammering New Zealand 3-0, and they got their wish, Italy beating Switzerland 2-0 to send Chile through on goals scored.

Group B:

Brazil sailed past Greece, while Australia and Ivory Coast played out a draw, and qualification was assured for Brazil when they hammered Australia 3-0 in their second game. The Ivory Coast put themselves in a good position to join them with a win over Greece, and then nearly shocked Brazil in the final match, the South Americans needing a late equaliser to draw 1-1. Both sides cruised through, with Greece coming third after picking up their first and only points with a 1-0 win over Australia.

Group C:

Centre Back 2 was solid at the Netherlands cruised past Morocco in their opening game, while two Freddy Adu goals (remember him?) were enough for USA to see off Turkey. But the Netherlands were more leaky in their second game, drawing 3-3 with Turkey, while USA and Morocco also saw out a draw that left the Americans and Holland in a good position. Morocco then beat Turkey, and needed the Netherlands to dish out a heavy defeat to the USA to qualify, but USA came back from 2-0 to draw 2-2 and qualify alongside their opponents.

Group D:

No shocks in the opening round, as Spain and Sweden eased past Japan and Mali respectively, but Spain found their second match a tougher prospect, nearly throwing away a 3-0 lead over Mali before hanging on 3-2. Nonetheless, they qualified with a game to spare along with Sweden, who saw off Japan. In the match to decide who would advance as group winners, favourites Spain comfortably beat Sweden 2-0, while Mali picked up the consolation third place with a 2-0 win over Japan.

Group E:

France put four past Cameroon while Portugal beat Canada in the opening exchanges, and the French then confirmed their place in the knockout stages with a hard fought 2-1 win over Portugal. Cameroon gave themselves hope after their early drubbing by beating Canada, but it was short lived as they lost 1-0 to Portugal in their final game. France topped the group despite drawing 0-0 with bottom side Canada.

Group F:

Colombia beat South Korea while Czech Republic were holding Germany to a creditable 1-1 draw, but hopes of a non-European qualifier from the group were all but destroyed after the Czechs beat Columbia 3-1, and Germany triumphed over South Korea 4-2. The Czechs then confirmed their place, hammering South Korea 3-0, but Germany were left hanging on to a 1-1 draw with Colombia – had the South Americans scored a winner they would've qualified instead.

Group G:

Left Mid 2 helped England spoil the hosts party, claiming an assist in a 2-0 win over South Africa, while Paraguay edged past Iran in the other game. South Africa's tournament then went from bad to worse, managing a poor 0-0 draw with Iran, but England qualified with ease, winning 2-0 against Paraguay, Left Mid 2 opening the scoring and picking up man of the match. England then made it three out of three with a 1-0 win over Iran, while Paraguay's 2-2 draw with South Africa was enough to see them through. The hosts had a tournament to forget.

Group H:

The toughest group of the lot saw Mexico hold Argentina to a goalless draw, Goalkeeper 1 watching from the bench, while Russia edged past Ghana 2-1 thanks to a virtuoso display from Arshavin – the Russians had been reduced to ten men very early on. But Argentina improved greatly to beat Russia 2-0 in the second game, while Mexico kept the group tight with a 3-1 win over Ghana. Argentina went on to win the group with a 2-1 win over Ghana, while Carlos Vela scored his third of the group to send Russia to a 1-0 defeat and see Mexico through in second place.

So no real shocks in the group stage, Group H proving the most difficult and seeing the end of a talented Russian side. South Africa, meanwhile, had an appalling tournament as hosts.

[kipfizh]

Second Round (group winners on the left):

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Winner of 1 v Winner of 4

10. Winner of 2 v Winner of 3

11. Winner of 5 v Winner of 8

12. Winner of 6 v Winner of 7

Semi Finals:

13. Winner of 9 v Winner of 12

14. Winner of 10 v Winner of 11

Final:

15. Winner of 13 v Winner of 14

That should help with the predictions...

[BenArsenal]

Second Round (group winners on the left):

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Winner of 1 v Winner of 4

10. Winner of 2 v Winner of 3

11. Winner of 5 v Winner of 8

12. Winner of 6 v Winner of 7

Semi Finals:

13. Winner of 9 v Winner of 12

14. Winner of 10 v Winner of 11

Final:

15. Winner of 13 v Winner of 14

That should help with the predictions...

Thanks kip.

(Winners in bold)

Second round:

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter finals:

9. Italy v Spain

10. Brazil v Netherlands

11. France v Argentina

12. Portugal v England

Semi finals:

13. Spain v England

14. Brazil v Argentina

Third place playoff:

Spain vs Argentina

Final:

England vs Brazil

I don't want to predict that one...

[SJ234]

Second Round (group winners on the left):

1. Italy

2. Brazil

3. Netherlands

4. Spain

5. France

6. Portugal

7. England

8. Argentina

Quarter Finals:

9. Italy v spain

10. Brazil v Netherlands

11. France v Argentina

12. Portugal v england

Semi Finals:

13. spain v england

14. Brazil v argentina

Final:

15. Spain v argentina

[Guest mikeytwigge]

final will be brazil against england

[5ergio]

Second Round (group winners on the left):

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Italy v Spain

10. Brazil v Netherlands

11. Germany v Argentina (AET)

12. Portugal v England

Semi Finals:

13. Spain v England (AET)

14. Brazil v Argentina

Final:

15. Spain 2 - 0 Argentina

P.S: Clearly people are expecting Spain & Argentina on the final

[OrientMartin]

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Ivory Coast v Spain

10. Brazil v Sweden

11. Germany v Argentina

12. Czech Rep v England

Semi Finals:

13.Ivory Coast v England

14. Brazil v Germany

Final:

15. England v Brazil

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Second Round (group winners on the left):

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Italy v Spain

10. Brazil v Sweden

11. Germany v Argentina

12. Czech Rep v England

Semi Finals:

13. Spain v England

14. Brazil v Argentina

Final:

15. Spain v Argentina - Spain to win on penalties.

[VonBlade]

That should help with the predictions...

Nope. I know how it works and I stand by my France vs Spain thing

And LM is on course to win the WPOTY too. I rock sometimes. Ok occassionally. And only if it's something nerdy.

[kipfizh]

Nope. I know how it works and I stand by my France vs Spain thing

And LM is on course to win the WPOTY too. I rock sometimes. Ok occassionally. And only if it's something nerdy.

If you're right on either front, I'll be very impressed

And I know nothing that I haven't put down here - the game is currently saved before the second round begins. Playing every match on full detail is fine until a Brazilian and Argentinian league day slows the whole thing down.....

[Scott1990]

1. Italy > Ivory Coast

2. Brazil > Chile

3. Netherlands > Sweden

4. Spain > USA

5. France > Germany

6. Czech Rep < Portugal

7. England > Mexico

8. Argentina > Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Spain > Italy

10. Brazil > Holland

11. France > Argentina

12. Portugal > England

Semi Finals:

13. Spain > Portugal

14. France > Brazil

Final:

15. Spain > France

[Denther]

Hmm, got the group stages nearly right

1. Italy v Ivory Coast

2. Brazil v Chile

3. Netherlands v Sweden

4. Spain v USA

5. France v Germany

6. Czech Rep v Portugal

7. England v Mexico

8. Argentina v Paraguay

Quarter Finals:

9. Italy v Spain

10. Brazil v Netherlands

11. France v Argentina

12. Portugal v England (Brings back memories )

Semi Finals:

13. Italy v England

14. Netherlands v Argentina

Third Place Playoff:

15. England v Argentina

Final:

15. Italy v Netherlands

Italy for two in a row then

[kipfizh]

Right - we do have an issue. The competitions are named correctly, but the issue remains that the German side has been filled with players that do not really exist - anyone know of a fix for this problem?

[edit - scratch that, I've just seen the issue is a licensing one]

[kipfizh]

World Cup 2010 - Second Round

Remaining starlets:

Goalkeeper 1 (Argentina)

Centre Back 2 (Netherlands)

Left Mid 2 (England)

Remaining idiots

None

Remaining world stars

Kaka (Brazil)

Messi (Argentina)

Ronaldo (Portugal)

Casillas (Spain)

Italy v Ivory Coast

Pirlo missed an early penalty for the Italians before the Ivory Coast suffered a huge blow, losing Drogba to injury in the first half, a torn calf muscle that will see him miss the start of Chelsea's season. Rosina then put Italy in front before Yaya Toure equalised four minutes from half time. But just before the break, Pirlo made up for his earlier miss, scoring what would prove to be the winner. It came at a price – captain Zambrotta will miss the quarter final through injury.

Brazil v Chile

The all South American tie went to predictions early, Guilherme putting Brazil ahead, but by half time Chile were 2-1 up, goals from Navia and Suazo giving one of the pre season favourites a real scare. But early in the second half, Vagner Love levelled the match, and it seemed Brazil would go on to triumph. But Chile battered them for the whole second half, outshooting their illustrious opponents 25-8, and got their reward with two minutes to go, Fierro securing a famous 3-2 victory. Kaka was shackled very well.

Netherlands v Sweden

Holland had played very well in the group stages, but their leaky defence was a concern, and Sweden took advantage in the first half, Elmander putting them ahead. The Netherlands pressed for an equaliser in the second, but things went from bad to worse when Van Persie picked up his second booking and was sent off. But with ten minutes to go, veteran Seedorf popped up with an equaliser to send the match to extra time. At the end of the first period of extra time, Holland were reduced to nine when Seedorf was forced off with an injury after all subs had been made, but Sweden never went for the jugular, playing a patient game that would eventually see the match go to penalties.

Van Bommel hit the post with the opening penalty for Holland, but was matched when Ibrahimovic's effort was saved. Granqvist then saw his penalty saved, and it was left to the excellent Centre Back 2 to take the final spot kick, to send Holland through. He obliged, and the Dutch celebrated an unlikely victory.

Spain v USA

Spain had already announced themselves as favourites with three impressive wins in the group stage, and had one of the friendlier looking knockout ties. But the USA were well marshalled, and spent the first hour restricting Spain to long range efforts, frustrating them. In the final stages, the Americans came out of their shell, and man of the match Freddy Adu set up Landon Donovan for a shock winner with fifteen minutes to go. Spain didn't manage a shot on target all game.

France v Germany

France began one of the biggest ties of the second round at high speed, taking an early lead through Bodmer, but Germany were level after 25 minutes, Behrendt scoring against the run of play. France asked all the questions for the rest of the game, but were unable to break a stubborn German defence down, and the match went to extra time and eventually penalties.

And Germans don't miss penalties. France kept with them until the fifth spot kick, when Chantome's kick was saved by Hildebrandt. Meissner scored the decisive kick to send Germany through.

Czech Rep v Portugal

An end to end match between two attacking sides finally saw Cristiano Ronaldo come to life, scoring the only goal of the game in the first half, and picking up man of the match. The 1-0 victory was a deserved one for Portugal.

England v Mexico

Mexico came through the toughest group, and were not to be underestimated, and so it proved when dos Santos put them ahead after half an hour. But minutes later, Lampard equaliser and the score remained 1-1 at half time. A very even second half seemed to be taking the tie to extra time, but late on Darren Bent popped up with a winner to send England through to the quarter finals. Left Mid 2 had a quiet game.

Argentina v Paraguay

As expected, Argentina dominated the early stages of the match, but couldn't find a goal, and Paraguay took full advantage, scoring on the counter attack through Cabanas. Argentina pushed for the rest of the game, but despite outshooting their opponents 17-1, they couldn't get the equaliser they merited, and were reduced to ten when Demichelis picked up a second booking late on. Messi had a poor game.

[PluckaDuck]

France, Spain and Argentina bundled out!!! England may have a chance!!!!

[Ventresto]

It's a shock that such big teams have been knocked out, I get a horrible feeling England will succumb to a similar fate in the next round.

[mr8kc]

Darren Bent scores in the World Cup. Makes me smile.

[BenArsenal]

Wow. Major shocks. Though I wasn't really surprised at the USA one. They seem to do rather well at WC 2010.

So the quarter finals look like this then:

Italy vs USA

Chile vs Netherlands

Germany vs Paraguay

Portugal vs England (again)

Rooney vs Ronaldo part 2.

[VonBlade]

Lmfao. There is something about counting chickens here

[Ihsaan]

A very tough draw, but with no Spain, Argentina, Brazil and France anything's possible.

[civilservant]

Can I go for an outsider to win it?

Come on Chile!

[David86]

Wow. Major shocks. Though I wasn't really surprised at the USA one. They seem to do rather well at WC 2010.

they won it in my game :confused:

[Tomaldinho]

Left Mid 2 to score the winner of the final for England. It has to be done!

[deltablue]

wow, amazing WC. I can't even begin to call it. But I might as well. England maybe beaten finalists. To who is anyone's guess.

[Vintage]

i dont think England will make it past Portugal!

[OrientMartin]

With some big names out early I'm hopeful that my prediction of England winning will come true.

Portugal will be a tough test though.

[Ventresto]

That's it, I can't take it anymore. Let's all come to accpet the enevitability of England losing on penalties, that'd be realism!

[Carrotdude]

Kip, its a testament to your popularity and brilliant writing style that the 2010 'virtual' world cup is the cause of such excitement and speculation! I can't wait for the next installment!

[hasdgfas]

Go USA! Beating Spain using Freddy Adu and Landon Donovan.

Another tough match against Italy next though.

[Berrern]

I love the fact that the Bandits signed a player named Crook - brilliant!

[Adamw]

The winners of Portugal v England will win the World Cup IMO

[Meitheisman]

Right - we do have an issue. The competitions are named correctly, but the issue remains that the German side has been filled with players that do not really exist - anyone know of a fix for this problem?

[edit - scratch that, I've just seen the issue is a licensing one]

So the French squad lost on PK to a bunch of players that do not really exist

[wisescummer]

To be fair, the stats are exactly the same, its just that the real names are masked. I thought this issue had been resolved though? I personally always fix it, can't stand the game otherwise.

[Sir_Liam]

Loving these World Cup updates.

Wouldn't want to predict a winner though.

[VonBlade]

Wouldn't want to predict a winner though.

I would but I clearly suck at it

[iacovone]

Chile FTW

[PRDH]

Neck on the line time. I'm gonna go for a German win, despite the greyed out players.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Netherlands to win the WC, Portugal to knock England out on PENALTIES

[civilservant]

I have to agree with Carrotdude, it really is a testiment to your writing skills Kip.

Now if there was only a way of uploading highlights so we could actually watch the matches!

[wisescummer]

He could upload the PKM's, but lets face it, that would take FAR too long ;-)

[civilservant]

Indeed it would, although I wasn't being serious. Nice idea though!

:-P

[Magraev]

Go Chile!

(and Kip!!!)

[fdawsoniv]

Go Team USA!

[Meitheisman]

Go Team USA!

That's who I'm routing for as well now that both France and Spain have been kicked out.

[kipfizh]

World Cup 2010 – Quarter Final

Remaining starlets:

Centre Back 2 (Netherlands)

Left Mid 2 (England)

Remaining idiots

None

Remaining world stars

Ronaldo (Portugal)

Italy v USA

USA couldn't have got off to a worse start against Italy, Onyewu being sent off after only seven minutes for what seemed a regular yellow card challenge. Quagliarella then put Italy ahead a minute later, before Cassano and Quagliarella again had the Italians 3-0 up at half time. In a knockout stage of shocks, this one was at least straightforward, or so they thought, until Freddy Adu scored twice in the first ten minutes of the second half to pull the ten men right back into it. But it wasn't to be, and Italy scraped through 3-2.

Chile v Netherlands

A cagey affair saw both defences remain on top, forcing the other sides into shots from distance that were usually wayward. But with five minutes to go, Chile cracked, and Ryan Babel took Holland (and Centre Back 2) into the semi finals.

Germany v Paraguay

After dispatching Argentina in the last round, Paraguay were again on the back foot in their quarter final, but again at half time they had kept the score at 0-0. But in the second half, Germany ran riot, running out deserved 3-0 winners to sail into the semi finals.

Portugal v England

England were out for revenge after two penalty defeats to Portugal in recent times, and they started like they meant it, goals from Left Mid 2 and Darren Bent putting them 2-0 up inside seven minutes. But Djalo reduced the deficit to 2-1 before half time, and in the second half scored again to take the game to extra time. It was Portugal who were on the offensive in the added half hour, but they couldn't find the breakthrough so once again the two would square off in a shoot out.

Carrick and Ronaldo scored early, but Lampard hit the post and Ashley Cole's weak penalty was saved, giving Portugal a 3-1 advantage after three kicks each. Gerrard had to score and did, leaving Veloso with the chance to send Portugal through. Robert Green saved. Ferdinand then scored England's final kick, so Portugal had one more chance to win it through Pepe, and he managed it, once again sending England out in a quarter final shoot out.