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[FM18] Jules Rimet Still Gleaming


Dave.

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No prizes for guessing where the inspiration for a World Cup themed career has come from... I've been away from these forums, and indeed FM, for a good while, having lacked both the time and the motivation to really get stuck into a save.  However, with the impending World Cup, I've had an itch to start playing again, albeit ensuring I set myself a challenge that's both easy to get into, and easy to pick up and put down for shortish periods of play.  So - that's where the Jules Rimet challenge comes in.

Essentially, the challenge here is to win the World Cup with as many nations as possible.  There's no building a small club from the ground up, or playing with only youth (though of course, there'll be no transfer activity in this career).  I'm essentially free to manage any nation, providing they meet a certain set of fairly strict criteria:

  • I must manage a national team until I either
    • win the World Cup,
    • fail to qualify for a World Cup,
    • am sacked, or
    • have lead them in three World Cups without success,
  • I can then no longer manage that team,
  • I must change continents each time - no going from one European or South American nation to another, and
  • I must apply to the highest three (or fewer if fewer are available) ranked (i.e. currently non managed) nations, and must accept the first offer.

I'll certainly be looking to manage the non-traditional heavyweight nations at times they appear to produce their "golden generations" and so to that end, the nation I will manage first is Belgium.  I'll provide brief updates of friendlies, WC qualification, and other tournaments, while I'll give more depth reviews and updates of all things World Cup. 

I'll also keep track of nations' performances in the in-game World Cups, and provide yearly World Rankings updates to see how the international landscape is changing.  When I manage a nation, I will (if available) make their leagues playable.  To begin, as well as Belgium (playable), I have loaded the top leagues in England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Brazil (all view-only).  I have also made available (with a custom DB) the Latvian leagues.  This is because my in-game persona is Deivids Vadītājs, an eccentric former Latvian international forced to retire very young through injury.  It just so happens he's a very astute (and lucky!) coach.  As well as Latvian and Russian, he speaks English and Spanish, so is well set to manage in a large number of countries.  His dream is that one day, he'll be able to lead his nation's own golden generation to World Cup glory.

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As stated in the opening post, I'm not going to be going into too much detail about non-World Cup games and tournaments.  I will however give a brief round up of all games we play.  The first test for Vādiītajs was World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece.  Belgium top the group after 6 games, with 5 wins and a draw, and would be expected to win both of these games at a relative canter. 

After a trademark impassioned press conference in which Vādiītajs made it clear he expected his charges to thrash the Gibraltarian minnows, and an unveiling of Vincent Kompany and Radja Nainggolan as the captain and vice-captain, it was time to head into the first match.

Gibraltar 0 - 4 Belgium
Mertens (7, 25, 31), De Bruyne (44)

After only 6 minutes had been played, a long ball over the top put Dries Mertens, picked to lead the line in Vādiītajs' first game, in to score the opener.  He doubled his tally on 25 minutes after a nice through ball from Eden Hazard, and his hattrick followed only 6 short minutes later thanks to a tap-in following a delicious ball across from debutante Leon Bailey.  Kevin De Bruyne made it four just before half time, and though Belgium eased off in the second half, they never looked like conceding.  A great start for the new manager.

Belgium 3 - 2 Greece
Harzard (pen 7), Mertens (20), Bailey (76) | Donis (43), Tachtsidis (pen 81)

An Eden Hazard pen started the goals flowing nice and early for Belgium at home to Greece, with Leon Bailey again putting one on a plate for Dries Mertens shortly afterwards.  However, Greece pulled one back against the run of play against half term, and for a while Belgium looked nervy.  However, a superb run by the pacey Bailey saw him clear of the defenders, and he had the composure to restore Belgium's two goal lead.  Greece pulled another back ten minutes before the end, but the men in red held out for another three points.  Not all their own way, but it is still a satisfying start for Belgium in their first two games under Vādiītajs.

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Belgium had three away matches in a row in the second international window of Vādiītajs' tenure in charge of Belgium.  The first was a friendly match in the Czech Republic, followed by trips to Cyprus and Bosnia & Herzegovina, where a single point would be enough to see Belgium qualify for the World Cup.

FRIENDLY
Czech Republic 1 - 0 Belgium
Krejci (40)

A lot of changes were made for this game, including a 36 year old Deschacht at left back, and the side never really got going.  At least the poor performance was out of the way before the important games!

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Cyprus 0 - 3 Belgium
Lukaku (25), Mertens (50), Sielis (o.g. 52)

Back to winning ways in the competitive fixture though, and never looked in any trouble.  Belgium got the points they needed in Cyprus, and have booked their place in Russia next summer.  It was an easy game, with two assists coming from Eden Hazard and Lukaku being denied a brace by the officials who chalked up his second strike as an own goal, after a big deflection.

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Bosnia & Herzegovina 1 - 1 Belgium
Visca (38) | Lukaku (9)

A bit of an odd one - Belgium were largely outclassed by Bosnia, but really should have won it.  Vādiītajs' men had all the good chances despite having less of the ball, but ended up leaving Sarajevo with a point, to end their World Cup qualifying campaign undefeated.

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A lot of pre-World Cup friendlies were played, and it didn't all go Belgium's way.  I'll quickly summarise here as the World Cups are the only things of real importance in this thread.  Things started well with a comfortable win over Paraguay, but after being reduced to ten men within 20 minutes against South Africa, Belgium again tasted defeat to a lower ranked team in a friendly - this one particularly embarrassing.   More positive though were the comfortable wins in Portugal and at home to Canada and Senegal.  Belgium were the better team in Argentina too, but unfortunately couldn't convert their dominance into goals.  Still, there's promise there, and with the individual brilliance in Vādiītajs' squad, there's no limit to how far Belgium can go in the World Cup.

FRIENDLY
Belgium 3 - 1 Paraguay
Lukaku (25), De Bruyne (30), Hazard (57) | Leczano (66)

FRIENDLY
Belgium 0 - 1 South Africa
Morena (78)

FRIENDLY
Belgium 2 - 0 Poland
Denayer (7), Mertens (34)

FRIENDLY
Portugal 0 - 2 Belgium
Mertens (22), De Bruyne (39)

FRIENDLY
Argentina 1 - 0 Belgium
Aguero (73)

FRIENDLY
Belgium 4 - 1 Canada
Bailey (13), Vertonghen (22), Witsel (37), De Bruyne (65) | Hoilett (45+1)

FRIENDLY
Belgium 2 - 0 Senegal
Bailey (82), Benteke (90+2)

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

Belgium go into the 2018 World Cup as fourth favourites, and will be looking to progress to at least the semi-finals.   Vādiītajs has selected a very strong squad for the tournament; arguably Belgium's finest ever tournament team.  There was no space for players such as Marouane Fellaini, or Divock Origi, with many of the Kingdom's "golden generation" hitting their prime at the same time.  Some of the standout players of the squad include midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Radja Nainggolan, forward Eden Hazard, goalkeeper Thibaut Cortois and defender Jan Vertonghen, who will be the first Belgium footballer ever to reach 100 caps when he plays his first game of the World Cup.

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Belgium's World Cup group is a favourable one; none of the other traditional "big teams" have been drawn alongside them.  Hosts Russia will be unpredictable, while Japan can never be written off entirely.  Ivory Coast will probably provide Belgium with their toughest test, but there should be no major problems with regards to their qualification for the knockout stages.  

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

16 JUNE 2018, 1900, SARANSK
Belgium Ivory Coast

Here it is then; Belgium's first game of the World Cup.  Hosts Russia earlier saw off ten-man Japan of course, and have started their campaign in just the manner the home fans were dreaming of.  We will see if Belgium can match them in Saransk, or if Ivory Coast can spring a real surprise and throw the group wide open.

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Belgium are of course favourites with the bookies, although their odds are not quite as not favourable as some might have imagined.  This may in part be due to their slip ups against the likes of Czech Republic and South Africa, though Ivory Coast have themselves been in reasonably good form recently, finishing third in the domestic-based tournament, the Championship of African Nations.  However, despite following that up with a draw in the Czech Republic (more than Belgium could manage), they were on the end of a 6-0 hiding to Italy.  Deivids Vādiītajs will of course have been studying that match in an effort to ensure his side get the better of the West African nation.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

16 JUNE 2018, 1900, SARANSK
(HT) Belgium 2 - 2 Ivory Coast

1' - A match of great promise, it starts at 100mph, with Eden Hazard storming through the middle to draw a great save from Sayouba after only 30 seconds.  From Leon Bailey's resultant corner, the ball bounces out to Radja Nainggolan, who again found Eden Hazard; the forward makes no mistake this time!  GOAL!  1-0 to Belgium

8' - Another corner, this time from Tielemans on the right, is swung in towards captain Vincent Kompany, who heads over the bar.

10' - Max Gradel's ball forward is disappointing, and cut out easily by Kompany to give Belgium possession of the ball again; they've had 62% of it so far.  The ball is worked through to Eden Hazard on the left hand side of the area.  He bends in a delicious ball towards the head of Romelu Lukaku...  GOAL!  2-0 to Belgium

11' - Wilfried Zaha dances down the right touchline, past Jordan Lukaku, and swings the ball in towards his fellow Wilfried, Bony.  Bony cannot get his head on the ball though, with Kompany rising to powerfully head the ball away.  However, the referee has seen something - penalty!  Kompany is judged to have fouled Bony when clearing that ball, and Ivory Coast have the chance to pull a goal back.  Jean Michael Séri it is... he sends Courtois the wrong way!  GOAL!  2-1 to Belgium

23' - Another sloppy clearance from the Ivory Coast gifts Tielemans a bit of space around 30 yards out.  He takes a couple of strides forwards and blasts one from the edge of the box... Just wide!  That shot from the Belgium midfielder looked like it grazed the edge of the post.

43' - Séri has a free-kick for Ivory Coast on the left of the box but Courtois gets down to block it.... but knocks it into the path of Sanogo, who scores!!  GOAL!  2-2, what a half of football!

HALF TIME: Belgium dominated the first ten minutes of the game, with six shots to Ivory Coasts none.  However, the African nation came back into the game through the penalty, and looked just as good as their Belgian opponents from that moment on.  Neither side particularly deserved to go into the break behind, and neither does.  With the attacking nature of both teams, the second half promises to be another thriller!

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

16 JUNE 2018, 1900, SARANSK
(FT) Belgium 3 - 2 Ivory Coast

47' - Tielemans' corner is nodded away, but comes out to Witsel, who plays Leon Bailey in down the left of the box.  He has the chance of a shot, and the chance to find Romelu Lukaku running in towards the near post, but ends up doing neither, and the ball dribbles away towards the touchline.

48' - Tielemans looked in control of everything in the middle of the park in the first half, and has started the second in the same vein.  A delicious ball again puts Leon Bailey through on goal, and his shot is turned behind for a corner.  Should have scored!

87' - Vertonghen came on for his 100th cap to rapturous applause from the Belgian fans.  His long ball to Hazard allowed the forward to put a teasing ball in towards the head of another substitute, Dries Mertens, but Sayouba was able to claim the ball.  The first chance for a while; this second half has certainly not lived up to the first half!

88' - Scratch that; Sayouba's goal-kick was headed down by Nainggolan into the path of Axel Witsel, who floats a delicious ball over the top of the Ivorian defence, and suddenly Mertens is in.... he scores!  Clipped over the goalkeeper and Belgium have the lead again!  GOAL!  3-2 to Belgium

90+4' - Last chance saloon for Ivory Coast - they have a corner.  It's swung in, and hacked away by Alderweireld, and that's it, Belgium have won!

FULL TIME: There was a long period of dullness during that second half, but the game ended in dramatic fashion, with sub Dries Mertens firing home to win the opener for Belgium.  This was expected to be the toughest match of the group stages, so Deivids Vādiītajs will be very pleased to have collected three points.  Japan await next, and a win against them would surely see Belgium safely through to the knockout stages.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

21 JUNE 2018, 1900, ROSTOV
Japan - Belgium

Japan were defeated in their first game, while Belgium won theirs.  The Belgians are the firm favourites in this one too, but with Ivory Coast beating Russia in yesterday's game, neither side will qualify, nor be knocked out following this one.

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Three changes made by Vādiītajs for this one, with Vertonghen coming in for Kompany, De Bruyne coming in for Tielemans, and Mertens coming in for Bailey.  Belgium will look to be a little more attacking than the game against Ivory Coast, knowing that Japan will be less likely to hit them hard on the break.  Nothing short of a win will do here, with the Belgian support expectant of a deep run in this tournament.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

21 JUNE 2018, 1900, ROSTOV
(HT) Japan 0 - 1 Belgium

19' - Japan have brought a lot of support with them to Russia, and they are very vocal early on.  However, it's Belgium's fans who have the first moment to cheer about, after Kevin De Bruyne's corner fell to Eden Hazard outside the box.  Hazard slipped the ball through to Radja Nainggolan, who smashes it into the roof of the net!  GOAL!  1-0 to Belgium

35' - De Bruyne has the presence of mind and the ability to beat a couple of men but his shot from the edge of the box is tame and right at the goalkeeper.

HALF TIME: This one is not a classic yet by any means, but Belgium are doing what they need to, and go in at half time a goal to the good against Japan.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

21 JUNE 2018, 1900, ROSTOV
(FT) Japan 1 - 4 Belgium

46' - They are so fast starting, and within 30 seconds of the restart Belgium have doubled their lead.  Eden Hazard's cross from the left finds the head of Dries Mertens, who knocks it down for De Bruyne, and the midfield maestro has all the time in the world to pick out the top corner.  GOAL!  2-0 to Belgium

66' - Oh, that's just too easy for Belgium.  Leon Bailey's free kick from the right finds Toby Alderweireld in space, and the big centre back is unmarked and free to nod home Belgium's third.  GOAL!  3-0 to Belgium

74' - Japan are desperate to find a way back into this game, but leave all sorts of holes at the back as Belgium break incisively.  The ball finds its way through to Mousa Dembélé, and he's not going to miss from there.  Game comprehensively over.  GOAL!  4-0 to Belgium

90+3' - Japan are still not finished fighting, and credit must go to them for that.  A run up the left saw a nice cross come in for Kazuhiro Tsushima to head in a consolation goal.  GOAL! 4-1 to Belgium

90+4 - Still time for Imaoka of Japan to receive his second yellow and with it his marching orders.  That's a shame.

FULL TIME: The big win that Belgium were looking for was recorded, with a much better all-round performance than against Ivory Coast.  There were still warning signs however, particularly with Japan's late goal and the Belgians' willingness to sit back and let their opponents dominate the ball when they go a goal or two ahead, which Deivids Vādiītajs will want to look at before Belgium come up against the big teams.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

26 JUNE 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
Russia - Belgium

Belgium need a point to qualify, or if they lose, for Japan to avoid defeat against Ivory Coast.  Russia need at least a draw, and must better Ivory Coast's result against Japan.  With the host's World Cup survival at stake, a vociferous atmosphere is to be expected for this one.

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Vādiītajs rings the changes for Belgium's final group match, with the side all but qualified.  It will take big wins for Russia and Ivory Coast to deprive them of a last 16 spot, and the manager appears confident of qualification as he seeks to rotate his squad, resting big names and giving important playing time to his backup players.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

26 JUNE 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
(HT) Russia 0 - 1 Belgium

9' - Youri Tielemans has been excellent from dead-ball situations so far in this World Cup, and he again delivers a dangerous delivery from the corner which Radja Nainggolan turns just wide.

28' - Russia doing a lot of the attacking in this first half, but Belgium are deadly on the breakaway.  They have pace in abundance through the likes of Leon Bailey who brings the ball away, but Christian Benteke's finish left a lot to be desired.  Vādiītajs shakes his head on the sidelines, aware that perhaps Lukaku or Mertens may have finished that.

35' - Russia finally have their first shot of the half; Golovin lets one fly in anger from 30 yards out which sails well over the bar.

36' - Nainggolan wins the ball back in his own half, and Benteke does well to hold onto the ball on the wing on receiving it.  Support arrives in the form of Kevin Mirallas, who ships it wide to Leon Bailey.  Bailey takes a shot from outside the area, which finds the bottom corner!  Wonderful strike.  GOAL!  1-0 to Belgium

HALF TIME: Comfortable enough for Belgium's second string side, as they outclass Russia in the first half.  Vādiītajs will be happy with a one goal lead; even more so knowing Ivory Coast are up against Japan at the break by the same scoreline.  45 more minutes of this, and Belgium will be through as group winners.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

26 JUNE 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
(FT) Russia 1 - 2 Belgium

47' - Another fast start to a half by Belgium, as a lovely team move ends in Leon Bailey heading Christian Benteke's cross into Akinfeev's arms. 

71' - That's one hell of a triple substitution to be able to make; De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku all coming on for Belgium.  However, De Bruyne's corner is poor and suddenly Shatov is away.  He goes round Limbombe, and has just the keeper to beat!  But that is a sensational save from Courtois, who has kept his concentration levels up well in this match.  The corner is headed away, before it breaks to Shatov again, but this time his shot is well wide.

90' - Romelu Lukaku plays Leon Bailey through on goal and gives him the chance to wrap up the points for Belgium... He makes no mistake!  GOAL!  2-0 to Belgium

90+4' - They've switched off again!  Having wrapped up the win, the points and qualification, Belgium go to sleep at a Russia corner deep into added time.  Courtois saves twice but no defenders are able to get the ball clear, and Dzyuba eventually buries it.  GOAL!  2-1 to Belgium

FULL TIME: Three wins out of three, nine goals, and nine points.  A very satisfactory group stage performance for Belgium, but they will need to do a lot better in terms of their defending than they have managed so far.  The likes of Kompany, Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Meunier were certainly missed tonight!

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

No major shocks in terms of who qualified from the groups, though Costa Rica's qualification at the expense of Portugal will raise a few eyebrows.  The likes of Spain and England didn't progress easily either, and there are some huge clashes in the last 16; Brazil-Argentina, Spain-France and Uruguay-Germany being the biggest.  Belgium will fancy their chances against Mexico, but it will certainly get a lot harder after that.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

30 JUNE 2018, 1500, MOSCOW
Mexico - Belgium

Right; the business end of the tournament is upon us now as we enter the knockout stages.  Despite his big performance in the last match, Leon Bailey loses his spot for the match against Mexico, as the big guns return to the starting line up.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

30 JUNE 2018, 1500, MOSCOW
(HT) Mexico 1 - 0 Belgium

2' - Not the start Belgium were looking for; Jan Vertonghen is injured within a minute and a half and has to come off.  Vincent Kompany is not a bad option to have on the bench, though!

5' - The ball comes back in after a corner for Mexico, and after a bit of bobbling around the six-yard box, it falls to Héctor Herrera... who scores!  No mistake there!  GOAL! 1-0 Mexico 

7' - Goodness me; this wasn't in the script!  Mexico are all over Belgium early on, and Carlos Vela strides through, but puts the ball wide of the mark.

HALF TIME: Not a thriller by any means, apart from the first few minutes.  Mexico have had the better of it, and lead at half time.  Some serious work now required of Belgium if they're to stay in this World Cup.  It looks like Leon Bailey and Romelu Lukaku are going to come on at the start of the second half.  Magic needed from somewhere...

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

30 JUNE 2018, 1500, MOSCOW
(FT) Mexico 1 - 3 Belgium

47' - Well, what an inspired substitution that turned out to be!  Axel Witsel plays a long ball over the top, and the pace of Leon Bailey makes a real difference as he scampers down the right, and swings in the cross towards the head of Lukaku, who just doesn't miss from there!  GOAL!  1-1

68' - Kevin De Bruyne plays it across the field to the energetic Leon Bailey, who's really stood out for Belgium in this half, and since he made his debut at the start of Vādiītajs' reign.  He puts in another cross towards the back post, and this time it's Eden Hazard with the header, who scores!  GOAL!  2-1 Belgium

74' - Mexico look utterly deflated out there, and Belgium look happy to sit back and hit them on the break.  Axel Witsel plays Romelu Lukaku in behind the defence with a beautiful pass from halfway, and Lukaku slips it under the goalkeeper González for his second of the game.  GOAL!  3-1 Belgium

84' - Another wonderful run down the right from Leon Bailey, and a cross towards Lukaku who's on a hattrick... No!  Just over the bar.

90+1' - Thomas Meunier has a chance to swing a cross over in from deep, but it's right at the goalkeeper.  Disappointing there, as Belgium had as many players in the box as Mexico.

FULL TIME: A very satisfying comeback in the end, with a strong second half performance from Belgium seeing them through safely to the Quarter Final.  Mexico had far the better of it in the first half, but Belgium just looked at a different level after the break.  Mexico had a multitude of shots after Lukaku's first goal, but nothing ever looked like troubling Courtois. 

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

Some big shocks here, as Costa Rica and Poland advance at the expense of their more illustrious opponents, while Argentina and Germany each lose by four goal margins.  USA were denied by Italy in injury time, and then again in added time, while Ivory Coast saw off Czech Republic, and Spain beat France on penalties to book their place against Belgium in the last eight.

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On ‎10‎/‎06‎/‎2018 at 00:24, ManUtd1 said:

Nice result against Mexico, with some insane results elsewhere.  Could throw up an unusual finalist which always makes me happy.

Poland vs Costa Rica in the quarter final too, so we’re guaranteed at least one unfashionable semi finalist.

 

12 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said:

Shocker. England lose on penalties.

6 hours ago, HawkAussie said:

England losing on penalties, that is a shock said no one ever. ;)

I know - had to pinch myself when that result came through. 

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

6 JULY 2018, 1900, LUZHNIKI
Belgium - Spain

Spain; World Champions in 2010, and still one of the best international teams around.  This is the first match of the World Cup so far for which Belgium have not been favourites, and Vādiītajs has reacted to that.  In come the pacy Bailey, Lukaku, Castagne, Denayer and Nainggolan, and the side is plainly set up for counter attacking.  There is no doubt that Belgium can, and most likely, will find the back of Spain's net.  The challenge, if they are are to reach the semi finals, is absolutely to stop Spain scoring at the other end.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

6 JULY 2018, 1900, LUZHNIKI
(HT) Belgium 3 - 2 Spain

1' - A very fast start for Belgium!  Dembélé runs through the Spain defence, and shoots low at the keeper after just 20 seconds, but that's not too much trouble for De Gea.

7' - Morata has all the time in the world over on the right, with nobody closing him down, to pick out a cross towards the centre of the six yard area, and it finds the head of Isco...  GOAL! 1-0 Spain 

10' - Koke delivers a corner pulled back to the edge of the box, and Isco absolutely batters it; think Paul Scholes, think Kiki Musampa - but Courtois just about manages to get a hand to it to tip it over!  A second corner to Spain.  This one is delivered low to the near post, and absolutely smashed in close range by Javi Martinez!  GOAL! 2-0 Spain

14' - Belgium in a lot of trouble here already after barely quarter of an hour.  They have a corner though, and it's Kevin De Bruyne who will swing it in.  It sails perfectly onto the head of Jason Denayer who heads home to halve deficit  GOAL! 2-1 Spain

17' - Spain with the possession here in Luzhniki, putting pressure back on Belgium as they seek to restore their two goal lead.  Isco on the ball, looking to slip Pedro in, who knocks the ball past the onrushing Courtois... And off the post!  The rebound comes right back at a relieved Courtois, who is able to dive on the ball, and will be mightily relieved.

24' - A long Courtois goal kick is flicked on by Nainggolan, and suddenly from nowhere the rapid Leon Bailey is away!  He delivers a delicious cross which Romelu Lukuku turns round the corner and into the bottom left of the goal for the equaliser!  GOAL! 2-2

 36' - Spain stunned by the reply to their early two goal salvo, and Belgium break on them once more, Leon Bailey up the right again.  He's so quick, and Belgium have numbers coming with him.  Bailey pulls it back to the edge of the box and again Lukaku is there, and unmarked, to smash it into the top corner for his best of the tournament yet!  GOAL! 3-2 Belgium

HALF TIME: Phew!  What a game of football this is!  Spain were the favourites coming into it, and absolutely blew Belgium off the park in the first ten minutes.  However, not to be deterred, Belgium have hit back, and go in at the break a goal to the good.  Leon Bailey has been excellent up the right, as he has all tournament for Belgium, and Romelu Lukaku has taken both his goals with aplomb.  It really is anybody's guess as to what's going to happen in the second half...

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

6 JULY 2018, 1900, LUZHNIKI
(FT) Belgium 3 - 2 Spain

48' - Paco Alcacér is on for Pedro as Spain look to move to two up top.  They need goals, remember!  The first chance of the half comes Belgium's way though, as Jordan Lukaku combines well with Eden Hazard before swinging in a cross to his brother Romelu - on a hattrick remember - who's header is tipped over the bar well by David De Gea.  De Bruyne delivered a fantastic corner in the first half for Denayer to score, and puts it in towards the centre half again, but this time his header is over.

51' - Mousa Dembélé knocks a hopeful ball over the top, and there seems to be confusion among the Spanish defence (missing Sergio Ramos today) as to who's ball it is.  Leon Bailey gets there first in the confusion, and tries catching De Gea out with the early shot, but the ball sails two yards wide.

57' - Alcacér has the ball down the Spanish right as Spain look to break down the Belgian defence, and puts in a decent cross to the near post, but the angle was always a little tight for Morata as he goes for a little too much and heads well over.

64' - The ball is again with Spain down the right, and this time Daniel Carvajal.  The full back puts his cross into the far post, and it's Alcacér this time on the end of it... Into the side netting.

74' - De Bruyne has a free kick on the left hand side of the penalty area.  Not a position you'd shoot from, but dangerous nonetheless.  He puts a nice ball in towards the penalty spot, but turned away.  The clearance only goes as far as Dembélé, who smashes the ball just wide!

90+2 - Belgium have been coasting the last 20 minutes or so, and look under absolutely no pressure, but switch off as Spain break!  Suddenly, Morata is clear of the defence, and spots the onrushing Courtois.  He tries to lob the goalkeeper to level the scores, and oh no!  He's absolutely ballooned that into the stands!  What a glorious chance missed by Morata, and with it, he may just have thrown Spain's last chance to stay in this World Cup away.

HALF TIME: And that was indeed Spain's final chance of the match - Belgium win and are through to a first World Cup semi final since 1986, where they will play either Poland or Costa Rica, and will certainly fancy their chances.  After the first ten minutes, which went comprehensively Spain's way, Kevin De Bruyne absolutely bossed the midfield.  He, along with superb performances by Leon Bailey and Romelu Lukaku, saw Belgium come back magnificently to beat Spain to the final four in Russia.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

10 JULY 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
Belgium - Poland

Poland beat Costa Rica, and so will be Belgium's opponents for this semi final.  Brazil and Italy play in the other semi final tomorrow, and so the World Cup Final will have one team who have never won it, against a nation who have won it several times.  Vādiītajs rotates his squad for the match against Poland, and Belgium will look to attack from the off and blow Poland away.  That'll be easier said than done, though, as no team who reaches the final four of a World Cup could be pushovers.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

10 JULY 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
(HT) Belgium 1 - 1 Poland

2' - A typically quick start from Belgium sees Mertens with a yard or two of space on the edge of the Polish box, and tries one - hits the corner of bar and post and rebounds into the grateful Szczesny's arms!  That was close.

15' - Grzegorz Krychowiak  has plenty of time to pick a delightful ball over the top which finds Lewandowski in behind the Belgium defence!  The Bayern man sees his first shot saved well by Courtois, but the keeper isn't able to get up in time for the rebound!  GOAL! 1-0 Poland

27' - Zyro puts in a cross from deep to the left and its cleared out toward Robert Gumny.  Hazard nips it off his toes, and suddenly he's accelerating away from the Polish defenders, deep into their half.  He has options left and right, and slips in Mertens with just the keeper to beat.  And he scores!  GOAL! 1-1

HALF TIME: That's it for the first half; it's been pretty even and pretty cagey.  You'd expect that from two teams striving to reach their first ever World Cup final, but hopefully the second half should be a bit more open.  Certainly, the firepower on either side is enough to blow down the respective defences!

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

10 JULY 2018, 1900, MOSCOW
(FT) Belgium 3 - 2 Poland

63' - Rybus has a freekick on the edge of the Belgium box, but tries to be too clever in his lay off to Jakub Blaszczykowski and the ball is taken from him by Dembélé.  Dembélé looks up and sees the run of Romelu Lukaku, who's away down the left.  He's into the box and as Szczesny rushes it, he pulls it across to leave fellow sub Leon Bailey with an empty net.  Bailey somehow hits the post with his first shot, but it cannons back out to him, and he's not going to miss a second time!  GOAL! 2-1 Belgium 

65' - We saw it when Mexico played them in the last 16; Poland have visibly lost all concentration and their heads are down since Belgium completed the turn around, and they get caught napping again, albeit by a sensational ball.  Jason Denayer is wide on the left, about 30 yards from the touchline, but plays a delicious diagonal ball that bounces in between the defence, and leaves a tap in for the running Lukaku at the far past, with the keeper stranded.   GOAL! 3-1 Belgium 

71' - Poland are not done yet!  Zyro has the ball on the left, and puts in a hopeful ball into the middle.  Lukasz Teodorczyk leaps brilliantly to beat the Belgian defenders to the ball, and his header loops over Courtois and into the net!  GOAL 3-2 Belgium 

87' - Poland pushing desperately for the equaliser as we enter the final stages, and Belgium break!  They have numbers going forward, and Hazard has Lukaku and Bailey running either side of him; a pass to either and they're in.  However, he goes it alone, and puts his shot agonisingly wide.  He should have passed...

FULL TIME: In the end, Hazard's miss doesn't matter - Belgium win, and are through to the final!  They were the better team, and deservedly reach the Moscow showpiece, having won every game in the tournament so far.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

15 JULY 2018, 1500, LUZHNIKI
Belgium - Brazil

Brazil are the opponents for Belgium in their first ever World Cup Final, after the Brazilians beat Italy in the semi final.  Italy then beat Poland to finish third, but this is the match that everyone has been waiting for.  Vādiītajs has made some big decisions for this match, with the biggest being the dropping of Eden Hazard.  The forward just hasn't really shown up at this tournament, and with the form of Mertens, Lukaku and Bailey, the front three didn't have space for Hazard.  Vertonghen and Alderweireld both have knocks, so Vincent Kompany comes into central defence alongside the impressive Jason Denayer.  Brazil boast an embarrassment of riches with Roberto Firmino, joint top scorer in the tournament with Lukaku, Lewandowski, and Czech Republic's Schlick, playing as the focal point of a powerful front four.  History beckons...

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

15 JULY 2018, 1500, LUZHNIKI
(HT) Belgium 1 - 2 Brazil

3' - It's a combination that's been working wonders all tournament, and Belgium hit Brazil with it as they start brilliantly again!  Romelu Lukaku plays in Leon Bailey, and the winger is just so sharp.  He slips it past Ederson as Belgium take the lead in this final already!  GOAL! 1-0 Belgium 

35' - Brilliant incisive football!  Douglas Costa has the ball on the edge of the Belgium box, and exchanges quick passes with Firmino and then Willian, who smashes the ball past a hopeless Courtois for the equaliser.  GOAL1-1

38' - Wonderful football again from Brazil, as Kompany's clearance is only as far as Alex Sandro, who plays it up to Neymar.  Neymar powers into the box with the ball, and drills it low across goal to leave Douglas Costa with a tap in, which he takes gleefully!  GOAL2-1 Brazil

45+1' - Neymar's corner is cleared, but only as far as Douglas Costa, but his shot is wild and well over the bar!

HALF TIME: We've been really spoilt at this World Cup - that was another belter of a half.  Belgium started quickly as usual, but Brazil have hit back with two really well worked goals.  There'll certainly be more goals in the second half, but you'd think Belgium will need to score quickly or the relentless pressure Brazil exert could finish them off.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

15 JULY 2018, 1500, LUZHNIKI
(HT) Belgium 1 - 2 Brazil

46' -  Brazil nearly double their lead within a minute of the restart!  Neymar's pass sees Willian unmarked on the edge of the six yard area with the goal at his mercy, but Courtois is down to him so quickly, and tips the ball away.  What an important save that might prove to be.

72' - Substitute Eden Hazard has the ball wide on the left, and Dani Alves dives in recklessly - he's already on a yellow!  RED CARD for Dani Alves!  Now, can Belgium make the most of their man advantage?  They look like they're going more attacking.

90+2' - Could be the last chance here as Lukaku sprints away from his challengers, and has half a chance to find a team mate in the box, but he takes on the shot... Well over the bar!  What a waste, and that could be curtains for Belgium's chances of winning this World Cup.

90+4' - Time for another chance as Leon Bailey takes a quick throw in to Hazard - he has some space in the box to curl one... Ooooh, it's a whisker wide!  How agonising for Belgium!

FULL TIME: That was a very brave effort by Belgium, but in the end they just didn't have enough to beat Brazil.  Some superb performances by some of their players in this World Cup, and Deivids Vādiītajs can rightly be very proud of his charges.  Just not to be today, but expect them to be challengers in Qatar in four years' time.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

They fell just short, but plaudits galore for Vādiītajs' side, and rightly so.  Romelu Lukaku came second in the Golden Boot stakes by virtue of making fewer assists than Firmino, and came third in the Golden Ball award.  It was Leon Bailey though for whom the strongest praise was reserved.  The 20 year old winger was just sensational in Russia, and wins both the Golden Ball and the Best Young Player awards, as well as finding himself in the Dream Team along with the Lukaku brothers.

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2018 WORLD CUP FINALS, RUSSIA

I'll be doing a tally of World Cup performances, with points allocated based on final positions in the tournament.  That way, we can chart the best performing nations on the world stage, as well as all those countries who play at a World Cup over the course of the save.

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2018 POST-WORLD CUP FIXTURES

After they finished licking their wounds following the defeat to Brazil, Belgium had to prepare for their first ever games in the European Nations League.  They were drawn in Group 4 of Division A, along with Spain and Iceland.  Vādiītajs is not targeting this tournament in the same way as he's targeting the World Cup, but a good run would be nice.  Certainly, relegation to Division B would be an embarrassment he and the Belgian players will be seeking to avoid.

NATIONS LEAGUE DIVISION A
Belgium 2 - 0 Spain
Bailey (52), Mertens (82)

Two wins over Spain, exactly two months apart.  Just what the doctor ordered after the heartache of losing in the World Cup final.  Belgium looked at their clinical best today; despite Spain having most of the ball and a few more chances, Belgium were clinical on the counter, and Bailey and Mertens took their chances with aplomb.

NATIONS LEAGUE DIVISION A
Iceland 0 - 0 Belgium

A bit of an odd game; Belgium, expecting Iceland to sit back, opted for an attacking style of play.  However, Iceland also threw far more caution to the wind than expected, which resulted in a very end-to-end game.  Despite that, due in part to poor finishing and good goalkeeping, the match finished goalless.  Belgium will be relatively satisfied with their start in the Nations League though, sitting top after two games.

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2018 POST-WORLD CUP FIXTURES

To finish the year, Belgium have the reverse fixtures against Spain and Iceland to enjoy, sandwiched by friendlies against Bulgaria and Colombia.

FRIENDLY
Belgium 0 - 1 Bulgaria
Meunier (og 15)

Koen Casteels makes his debut in goal, replacing Thibault Courtois, who needs another day or two to fully recover from a recent injury.  He conceded after just 15 minutes through no fault of his own, with Thomas Meunier's attempted clearance beating the keeper at his near post.  The match was very pedestrian throughout, and neither side looked like scoring again after that.

NATIONS LEAGUE DIVISION A
Belgium 4 - 0 Iceland
Hazard (7), Lukaku (30), Engels (34), De Bruyne (44)

The Bulgaria defeat has been well and truly banished from the Belgian players' minds here, with a huge win over Iceland.  The forward players cut though the Icelandic defence with ease time and again, and 4-0 didn't flatter them in the slightest.  Belgium held Spain away from home previously to this game, so Belgium need only a point to qualify for the semi final, and cannot now be relegated.

NATIONS LEAGUE DIVISION A
Spain 2 - 1 Belgium
Costa (29) , Morata (80)| Bailey (77)

A very good match; both teams approaching 20 shots, with plenty of free-flowing, attacking football.  Belgium thought they'd earned a point towards the end with Leon Bailey's equaliser, but Spain retook the initiative just a couple of minutes later through Morata's header from a corner.  Belgium have an aggregate score of 3-2 in their favour against Spain now in the tournament, as well as a three point lead with Spain having one more game to play, which means that Belgium have secured qualification to the final four.

FRIENDLY
Belgium 4 - 2 Colombia
Verlinden (21) , Musonda (60), De Bruyne (71, 89)| Cardona (55), Martínez (63)

Belgium complete a memorable 2018 with a victory over Colombia after a very entertaining match.  Teenager Thibaud Verlinden marked his full international debut with a goal, while Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench with half an hour to go to bag a brace.  A satisfying year for Belgium.

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JANUARY 2019

Every New Year's Day in this thread, I'll post a little update tracking the top 10 in the FIFA rankings, as well as the highest ranked team from each continental confederation, to see how (and indeed if) the landscape changes.  Will we see many African or North American nations make it over the years?  Will any Asian or Oceanian nations ever make it close?  There are few surprises this year, though Poland (after a great World Cup) and Serbia are in at the expense of the likes of Portugal and England.

1 - BRAZIL (South America)
2 - ITALY (Europe)
3 - FRANCE (Europe)
4 - GERMANY (Europe)
5 - BELGIUM (Europe)
6 - ARGENTINA (South America)
7 - POLAND (Europe)
8 - URUGUAY (South America)
9 - SERBIA (Europe)
10 - SPAIN (Europe)

17 - COSTA RICA (North America)

20 - GHANA (Africa)

55 - JAPAN (Asia)

95 - NEW ZEALAND (Oceania)

Kevin De Bruyne was named Footballer of the Year too, which is nice.   Hazard, Lukaku and Courtois were also on the shortlist for the award.  Deivids Vādiītajs voted for Messi.

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2019 FIXTURES (JANUARY TO JUNE)

Qualifying begins for the 2020 European Championships, as well as the playoff stages of the inaugural European Nations League.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING
Belgium 2 - 1 Kosovo
Hazard (30), De Bruyne (76) | Muriqi (72)

This was supposed to be the easiest game of the qualifiers; at home to the bottom ranked team in the group.  But Belgium made hard work of it, especially after Radja Nainggolan saw red after 64 minutes.  Kosovo have a slightly false ranking due to their very recent emergence as an officially recognised team, but were unable to make the most of their man advantage.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING
Northern Ireland 1- 4 Belgium
Boyce (49) | De Bruyne (9), Lukaku (11, 13, 20)

This was a far better performance; Belgium blowing Northern Ireland away within the 20 minutes.  Romelu Lukaku's hattrick sees him become Belgium's all-time record goalscorer.

NATIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL
Italy 2 - 4 Belgium
Gagliardini (4), Zaza (37) | Bailey (18), Lukaku (47), De Bruyne (74), Hazard (87)

What a game this was in Bari!  Italy looked good in patches, but Belgium's superb attacking football was just too much for them to handle.  The front three all chipped in with goals, as well as the world's best player De Bruyne, who has now scored in each of his last four matches for Belgium.  The opponents in the final will be Germany, after a 2-1 victory in France.

NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Germany 1 - 0 Belgium
Kleitsch (90+3)

Belgium again fail to win their first piece of silverware under Deivids Vādiītajs, in their second final.  This is not as big as the World Cup obviously, but it would have still felt very satisfying to have lifted the trophy.  It was a very even, cagey game, with no real chances of note until the goal.  Belgium will be hoping it's third time lucky as far as tournaments go, when the European Championships come around next summer.

FRIENDLY
Belgium 0 - 0 Netherlands

A marquee summer friendly at home to neighbours and rivals the Netherlands saw a dominant Belgium side unable to break the Dutch down, and ended goalless.

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