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


ManUtd1
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12 hours ago, kidthekid said:

:(

One day later, and I'm still gutted. :lol:

6 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Brutal. To Liverpool and all. ****

Of all teams...brutal.

1 hour ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

You're at Frankfurt but you're doing your best Neverkusen impression:D

Somewhere in the 2.Bundesliga, they're getting a moment of levity before going back to depression.

1 hour ago, withnail316 said:

****!

You can say that again! 

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5 hours ago, Benjoe said:

Well, that was horrible. :( 

4 hours ago, Akkarin said:

Scouse scum at it again...

4 hours ago, BathCity said:

:(

The commiseration is much appreciated, gentlemen :brock:

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2043/44 Season Review

We always knew that finishing 2nd last year was a one-off, unlikely to repeat itself quickly, especially when we added a slew of European matches into the mix.

At the start of the season, if Ludwig had said we'd finish 6th and make a run to the Europa League final, vanquishing the likes of Real Madrid in the process, I'd have been content with that.  But, having had Champions League football within our grasp...and then losing it in this fashion, followed by a weak display in the Final.  I can't help but be disappointed.

I know that I'm being silly.  But, this is the first year when one of my sides has gone backwards in the league -- throughout my career, we've progressed from season to season.  Maybe Germany is the exception to the rule, in light of the unexpected sudden success at Gladbach and relegation with Leverkusen...  Regardless, season on season we've always improved.  While you can say this year was an improvement, only time will tell.  Not that there's anything that can be done about it now.  We finished 6th and that's that.

I plan to resist the urge to make major changes this summer.  A number of players are asking about new contracts, and I should see to that before heading off to the Euros with Greece.  It's going to be a busy summer, no doubt.  I'm certainly not planning any transfer madness, other than raiding a few Greek villages for depth and development of future prospects.

Goals for 204/45: Make a run at the Euros with Greece.  Qualify for the Champions League.  Challenge for the Europa League title.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

Bundesliga Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures|Europa League Fixtures|DFB-Pokal Fixtures

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Champions League Review

While no new sides emerged (yet again...), at least the final was contested by two of my former sides.

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Challenge Overview

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros Preview

Having been humbled at the club level, it is time to head off to the Ukraine/Poland, who are jointly hosting the Euros.  We've got a solid mix of age and experience in the squad, and hopes are high even if we didn't finish qualification particularly strongly.  We've got a tough group, with matches against Austria, Germany and then Serbia.  Ideally, we grab 3 points in that first match to put ourselves in a good position, going into the Germany match.  Warm-up matches against Wales and Albania will hopefully set us on the right path.  We'll be playing strikerless.

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Goalkeepers.  Kandilidis is the clear starter here, with Plantzos and Klokidis along for experience.  I think this core group will remain through the World Cup in 2 years.  Kandilidis is far and away our best keeper, but the youngsters have a ton of potential.  Plantzos went to United, when I was eyeing him up for a potential move to Frankfurt.

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Defenders.  Lleshi and Nantos will be my starting inverted wingbacks.  It kills me that Lleshi will be heading back to City once his loan finishes.  Ziogas and Lefis will deputize at wingback.  Mavropolous and Stoilas are battling it out to start at libero; while the latter is a midfielder (and training as such at Frankfurt), Mavropolous just isn't developing the way I want him to.  At centerback, Leo and Volgaris will start, with Chaberis and wonderkid Camaj as backups.  Camaj is a star in the making, that I've recently refocused on training as a libero.  So, while Stoilas may play there this summer, he isn't the long-term solution.  I think Camaj will be.

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Midfielders.  Papadopoulos and Kontogiannis are my starting midfield pairing, with Makridis and Krinitsas able to deputize (Stoilas, above, as well).  Kontogiannis will be counted on in the box-to-box mold, on the left-hand side.

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Attacking Midfielders.  This is where things get truly exciting.  Christos Papadopoulos is an absolute beast.  He will pair with former Frankfurt player Karagiannis as the shadow strikers, flanking Kousteris as the Enganche.  Tsakiridis, Sfakianakis and Andrianopoulos

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Our warm-up matches against Wales and Albania did not go according to plan.  While we used them to stretch our legs and get our fitness up...that's about all that can be said.  Dominant but toothless against Wales, with my likely 1st XI playing the first 49 minutes.  

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There's no question that we have to be better, to have any hope at the Euros.

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Group Stage

We began with a dominant, solid showing against the Austrians.  Leon Goretzka's Germany drew with Serbia, giving us a tremendous opportunity to take control of the Group with a good result on matchday 2.

We were going to play more defensively against the #1 ranked Germans, so I switched to In Catene, bringing Stoilas and Tsakiridis into the XI.  Immediately, young Antonis repaid my faith.  1-nil to Greece in the 3rd, guaranteeing that Ze Germans will press forward, which is where we want them.  Taking advantage of the space, Nantsos springs Papadapoulos just moments later, but he is denied by a brilliant save.  I like our chances in an end-to-end match.  The Germans level just before half, setting up a tense 2nd 45...which ensues.  We give up a goal in the 68th that's called back for offside...all to play for.  In the end, a draw is perfectly fine with us.  Serbia and Austria draw, leaving us at the top of the Group with 4 points.

We didn't start the match with the Serbs very well, but in the end we took control and got the win.  Top of the Group, through to face hosts Ukraine in the 2nd round.  That result against Albania isn't looking as bad as it felt, either.

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Just now, kidthekid said:

I have to admit, from your friendly results I wasn't confident that you would advance. But great job. What are the expectations from the FA?

Quarterfinals!

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Believe me, I had a similar concern...we've been good, but not clinical in front of goal.  The Ukraine is a favorable draw, but they're not likely to come at us strongly which will make it a bit harder.  I threw Tsarkiridis on for Karagiannis in the Germany and Serbia matches, and liked his contributions.  He'll probably keep his spot.  I also tried to rotate for the Serbs, but...now we're at the stage where we need to be at our best every match.  Should be interesting...

I'll finish off the tournament tomorrow 

:onmehead:

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Catching up now.

What a massive setback. I guess the efforts of a certain organization haven't gone to waste in Germany.

I'm still amazed that Hakan is not a favored personnel in Leeds. Is he the Batman of football? The hero who saved everyone, but the hero nobody wants to credit.

Also apparently in the real Germany, terrorists tried to blow up Borussia Dortmund's tour bus. Marc Bartra was injured in the three (apparently small) explosions that went off.

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11 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

Random aside for @Dave. and @LUFCspeni

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Toothless Bob and the lads at the Old Peacock are beside themselves...and Hakan isn't even among the favoured personnel! :lol:

But Brendan is.  :seagull:

The way it should be! Why is our legends list so small, we have a lot more than that on the game?

 

Also still following, albeit silently mostly,hard to find the time to get on these days.

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9 hours ago, Adonalsium said:

Catching up now.

What a massive setback. I guess the efforts of a certain organization haven't gone to waste in Germany.

I'm still amazed that Hakan is not a favored personnel in Leeds. Is he the Batman of football? The hero who saved everyone, but the hero nobody wants to credit.

It feels like more of a blow than it was. In the 2042/43 season review, my goals were to not embarrass ourselves in Europe and finish in the European qualification spots. We met both targets, so...I know I shouldn't be completely disappointed. This next year will be big.

38 minutes ago, LUFCspeni said:

The way it should be! Why is our legends list so small, we have a lot more than that on the game?

Also still following, albeit silently mostly,hard to find the time to get on these days.

Honestly, I have no clue re club legend. That is odd...maybe it explains my omission :lol:

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Second Round

Facing off against the co-hosts seemed like a relatively straightforward draw.  We'll play PM Libre, and be slightly more aggressive from the first whistle.   They start in a 4-5-1, with a flat midfield. 

Voulgaris strikes in the 10th, as a corner is flicked on from the near post to him, crashing home.  We're here to play, lads.  Well in!  Everything is going our way thus far, and now they'll have to attack us...which is right where we want them.

Ugh...Palkin buries a loose ball from 25 yards in the 15th minute.  Their first shot, and it is an unstoppable rocket.  We continue to control and regain the lead in the 37th, as some tidy passing movement leads to Kousteris rifling one that sneaks under the Ukrainian keeper.  2-1 to the good guys.

At the half, it is our match to lose.

We miss two big chances within moments in the 49th...header off the post, recycled possession fired wide from 10 yards.  Brutal.  The match should be over.  Tsakiridis can't shake his knock, so he's off for Karagiannis.

20 minutes to play, and life has disappeared from the match.  Time for some subs.  Ziogas and Sfakianakis to come on for Nantsos and Christos...but the latter feeds the former into the box...PENALTY TO GREECE!

Karagiannis to take...BUT HE BLOWS IT!  UKRAINE ARE THROWN A LIFELINE!!!

Ukraine unable to make headway, but a missed header sets Bykov free...he blasts it wide!  What a missed opportunity for Ukraine!  And that's the last look they'll get!

2-1 to the Greeks.  We're through to face Poland, who eliminated Italy.

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Quarterfinals

Poland are a much more favorable draw than the Italians...and, we have the perfect opportunity to tell a bunch of inappropriate jokes.  Their manager wasn't impressed.

Same basic approach as against Ukraine -- PM Libre to start, with the expectation that they'll be sitting back in their 4-1-2-3 DM Wide.  Camaj and Sfakianakis are in the XI due to the fitness of Mavropoulos and Kousteris.

The first 20 minutes are bland, until Christos Papadopoulos drives into the box, before dinking the ball to Tsakiridis attacking the back post!  1-0!

The match continues with little action until Poland win a corner in the 41st...the ball is knocked deep to the back of the six...and we give up a stupid penalty.  On the byline, two defenders clatter into the Polish forward.  What were we thinking?!  Terrible time to give up a penalty...BUT IT IS SAVED!!!

We continue to control, but with little to show for it...until Lleshi whips a cross in to Tsakiridis!  That's 2!!!  Just before the half!!!

The second half begins the same as the first...little of note.  With 30 minutes to play, we've got one foot in the semifinals.  Three minutes later, Adrianopoulos buries our 3rd with his first touch of the match.  

We drop into In Catene, aiming to close out the match and conserve energy.  Poland manage a few shots, but no real chances of note.  The result was never in doubt...at least...not after they missed the penalty and we scored our second...oh, come on.  You know what I mean.

We will face Scott Carson's England in the semifinal.

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8 hours ago, kidthekid said:

Hakan has got his managerial groove back. Watch out Bundesiga!

Preach on, brother!

2 hours ago, BathCity said:

Very impressive

Thanks, man! It's been a good run, and a favorable draw in the knockout rounds.

35 minutes ago, deltablue said:

England? Dead easy ;)

Little Scotty Carson is in over his head!

20 minutes ago, Benjoe said:

Could be beautiful if you meet Portugal in the final and replicate the Euro win in 2004. :D

I like that idea! It would also be a rematch of the 2042 World Cup final...I'd love it!

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1 minute ago, ManUtd1 said:

We'll know soon enough. I'll be playing in a few hours...

What nationality do you have since being up these hours? I'm just about to hit the bed and you're getting ready for FM in a few hours :lol:

Also, please bribe the Frenchies so the lose. Really want that 2004 Replica

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45 minutes ago, Benjoe said:

What nationality do you have since being up these hours? I'm just about to hit the bed and you're getting ready for FM in a few hours :lol:

Also, please bribe the Frenchies so the lose. Really want that 2004 Replica

I live near Seattle, so it's just barely past dinner time here :D

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It is possible that I have been slightly too bold

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Semifinals

Little Scotty Carson, his eyes wide as saucers...the moment is beyond him.  But, that's neither here nor there.  The question is whether we are prepared.

England are ranked 20th, and will begin in a defensive 4123.  We begin with In Catene at the Donbas-Arena, but will switch to Libre very early.  In the 7th minute, Nantsos curls a deep past behind the English defense, finding Kousteris running into space.  He buries it.  1-0 to the Greeks!!!!

30 minutes in, and the match is being smothered to death.  Neither side can get much going, which we're ok with for now.  We reach halftime with neither side threatening.  Yes, this suits us nicely -- at some point, Scotty's boys will have to attack.

30 minutes to play.  England have yet to risk launching forward, but it's coming any time now.  

20 minutes to play.  Tsarkidis and Stoilas on, to strengthen the spine with fresh legs.  A few moments later, England launch a series of attacks down the left flank, leading to a header smashed off the crossbar from 5 yards!  Still 1-0, as Kandilidis kisses the woodwork in thanks.  It's now or never for England!

Ziogas warming up in the 76th.  10 minutes to play, free kick to England in their own half.  Ball played wide left to Kidby, with the newcomer Ziogas looking to stand him up...Kidby launches an early cross...Kandilidis coming for it, BUT DYMOND-ROWLAND RISES TO MEET IT AT THE NEAR POST...

OH MY!!! HE'S HIT THE POST! A WIDE OPEN GOAL, AND HE MANAGES TO MISS!  THAT WAS AN ABSOLUTE SITTER!  GREECE CLEAR THEIR LINES!!!

There will be 2 minutes of added time...and THAT'S THE MATCH!!! GREECE ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL!!!

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It is possible that I have been slightly too bold

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Finals

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After a slow end to the qualifying campaign, and modest pre-tournament friendlies, I'd be lying if I said that I thought we'd be here in the finals, at the NSC Olimpiyskiy in Kiev.  A chance to right the wrongs of 2 years ago, at the final in Berlin.

There's no question that the lads are up for it.  Our supporters are out in force, dancing, drinking and singing the night away.

We also seem to have the advantage of both an extra day of rest, and the fact that the Portuguese were under siege for an additional 30 minutes of extra time against the French.

Portugal are favored.  But that suits us just fine, yeah?

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It is possible that I have been slightly too bold

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Eintracht Frankfurt / Greece

2044 Euros - Finals

We will begin with In Catene, hoping to counter Portugal's attacking 4231.  We have tired legs, but hearts ablaze with this opportunity for revenge.

Tsakridis is back in the XI.  A big night for this young man.

90 minutes.  All or nothing.  We are lions!  Do you know what's there, waiting on that pitch, lads?!

Immortality!!!  Take it!  It's yours!!!

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Papadopoulos sets Lleshi free in the 9th minute...our first big chance, but the Portuguese keeper is up for the task.  Portugal look to counter off the corner, but cannot maintain meaningful possession.  A scrappy start to the match.  20 minutes, and we've yet to give them a good look at goal.  I'll take that.  35 minutes, and we're still controlling the match.  We are creating modest chances here and there, but nothing of note.  Regardless, they have yet to menace our goal.

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Halftime, and I have to admit this isn't a match for the neutrals.  We're nullifying the mighty Portuguese attack, and creating some of our own.  The true test will be which side makes the first mistake...and whether their opponent can capitalize.

It may not be pretty.  But I'm not paid to be pretty.  At least, not in any official capacity.

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Throw in, on the right deep in the Portuguese half.  Nantsos needing someone to make a meaningful run.  He finds Christos...who turns...he has Kousteris open in the box!  Sampaio is playing him on!

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Christos finds him...

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The Portuguese defense recover and collapse onto Kousteris, who lays it off to a streaking Kontogiannis at the top of the box!  Who dinks it to Tsakiridis at the penalty mark in space...TSAKIRIDIS BURIES IT!!!! 1-NIL!!!

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Just over 20 minutes to play.  Lleshi, Kontogiannis and Kousteris are coming off, with Ziogas, Sfakianakis and Stoilas coming on.  Telleus, looking to the Frankfurt men to close out the biggest tie of their young careers.

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A frustrating moment, as Sfakianakis has come up lame minutes after entering the fray.  He has no choice but to soldier on, as if you could talk him off the pitch!  You could cut the tension in the arena with a knife!  The Greek fans in song, dancing...the Portuguese hopeful, yet on the verge of despair as their side are unable to find a way through Telleus' Greek wall!  A modern day Theodosian wall, one might say!!!

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Edited by ManUtd1
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Portugal attacking down their left flank...this is their first meaningful foray into the Greek half of the night, and it past time.  Santos whips a cross towards Rocha at the near post, but it seems well-covered by the Greek back line.

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Nantos gets a head on the cross, but it's not enough!  Knocked down towards the top of the 18, where the Portuguese are waiting to pounce...

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Edited by ManUtd1
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HERE COME THE GREEKS!  LAUNCHING FORWARD AT PACE!!! THIS IS THEIR GAME!!! TSAKRIDIS, WITH SFAKIANAKIS AND CHRISTOS BOMBING FORWARD...THE PORTUGUESE BACK LINE BACKPEDALING, NOT KNOWING WHO TO MARK AS THE GREEKS ATTACK THE SPACE!

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