AM Chain Draft Semi-Finals

[Rex Caudillo]

So down to the final four and let's have a look at the bracket...



With comiserations to our four losing quarter finalists we have some really tasty games ahead of us as we move into the business end of this tournament...

The first semi-final will see Mancunian Machiavelli @JMB against tournament dark duck horse @The Ducking Duck whilst in our second semi final it's a classic grudge match... rebel vs mod @GDeep™ vs @A_G

I will be simming in the morning and stay posted for the results.

Semi Final 1: @JMB vs @The Ducking Duck
Semi Final 2: @GDeep™ vs @A_G

 

[Steps]

Go @GDeep™ !

 

[A_G]

Semi Final 2: @GDeep™ vs @A_G

 

[JMB]

Semi Final 1: @JMB vs @The Ducking Duck

 

[GDeep™]

Go @GDeep™ !

I’ll be fighting for the people, going up against @A_G Infatino.

 

[albakos]

I’ll be fighting for the people, going up against @A_G Infatino.

And Rex Blatter too

 

[A_G]

Spoiler: JMB CITY VS THE DUCKING DUCKS

And then there were four…

The Semi-Finals kick off with the surging JMB City taking on the surprise of the tournament, The Ducking Ducks.

JMB continues to ignore the pressure he’s under, insisting he’s not worried about being sent to the void. He was asked about albakos at the pre-match press conference and couldn’t hide his amusement:


Albakos, for his money, has moved on from his quarter-final defeat and showed up at the stadium to unveil the new predictor he created:


The Ducking Ducks was less relaxed in his pre-match media availability. He refused to answer questions about Evra’s impending ban and claimed everyone asking was sexually attracted to the French left-back.

The story continues to develop:


Debate raged on in the studio, and @dashsnow17 made his feelings clear when asked how Evra’s suspension would effect The Ducks:



“Well you see, there’s not going to be an Evra suspension you stupid slut.”

The man in question showed up the ground early to prove that he was available for selection:


The official teamsheets reveal the news everyone had come to expect:



Despite the pre-match controversy, the game finally kicks off and The Ducks are straight on the front foot. The Spanish duo of Rodri and Fabregas in particular are spraying the ball around leaving the Real Madrid trio on the other side chasing shadows. They get the Dutchman Robben involved and he gets the better of Ze Roberto before playing the ball across the six yard box…



And it’s stuck home by Fernando Torres!! He makes a smart run across the near post and side foots a firm finish past a helpless Kahn to make it 1-0 to The Ducking Ducks!!

The fans immediately start chanting “J-M-Baby”!! Safe to say @JMB doesn’t see the funny side:


The onslaught continues on the pitch as The Ducks smell blood after opening the scoring. They continue to dominate possession but the final ball is the only thing stopping them from doubling their lead.

Unable to play their way through, The Ducks resort to shots from distance to score. They don’t trouble the goalkeeper until Arjen Robben lines one up himself…



Oh my word, what a goal!!! Robben with arguably the goal of the tournament as he cuts inside and sticks it into the top corner!!! 2-0 to The Ducking Ducks and it’s looking like Juan Matas Beaten as we head into halftime:



The second half begins with no subs as JMB gives his starters a chance to right the wrongs from the first half. Unfortunately for him, they aren’t able to and he rings the changes with Larsson and Mata coming on.

They begin to commit men forward in search of a goal and risk leaving gaps behind. The Ducks get an opportunity to break and Robben is streaking down the right wing…he gets his head up and finds Griezmann on the edge of the box. The Frenchman takes a touch and fires at goal…



Kahn gets a strong hand to it!! A great save to keep this from becoming a rout as JMB City look like they’re on the ropes!!

They continue to burst forward trying to outnumber The Ducks in the final third, but can’t seem to create any clear cut chances. Ronaldinho comes deeper from his forward position in search of the ball and looks to drive at The Ducks…



Another goal of the tournament contender!!! Ronaldinho stuns the entire statement with an outrageous solo goal to halve the deficit with 20 minutes to go!! JMB City make it 2-1 and give themselves hope!!

The Ducks try to stem the tide and kill the momentum of JMB City by slowing the game down. They play for fouls and delay their free kicks to run as much of the clock as possible. City have had enough and finally their protestations with the referee cross the line:



Casemiro booked after showing his disgust at the official!!

JMB City try to keep the pressure up and end up with a corner kick on the right hand side. The ball in is dealt with initially, but Griezmann is able to retrieve it on the left flank. He chips a ball to the back post where he spots on his teammates making a run…



Casemiro’s header just creeps over the line!! It’s all square at 2-2 and JMB City have levelled it after a spirited fight back!!

The Ducking Duck is furious with the 4th official about something and lets him know about it:


We’re level into six minutes of stoppage time and JMB are flying into every tackle and challenge looking for possession. They sense a winning goal in normal time.

But in the midst of all the excitement they get loose with the football and it looks like Torres might be through on goal…



Vidic nicks the ball off him just before he gets a shot away!!! But Torres says he didn’t get a touch and he wants a penalty!! Should it have been a penalty and red card? It doesn’t matter in Red Caudillo’s world!! Play on!!

They aren’t able to mount any more attacks in normal time, leaving 30 more minutes to decide this game.

JMB City 2-2 The Ducking Ducks

The first half of extra time is a much more tactical affair after the furious end to the 90. No real openings on either side as the both defences give everything to make sure they’re not the reason their team misses out on a place in the final. Set piece opportunities come and go for each team, but the deadlock remains with 105:00 on the clock.

The second half of extra time begins with a final substitute each for City and The Ducks as the managers make their full allocation of changes.

The Ducks look to take the initiative as they kick off the half. Rodri continues to dictate play as The Ducks look to outwork a tired JMB midfield who had to expend a lot of energy just to come back into the game. The patient build up pays off for them and they get free down the right side with Griezmann…he fakes a cross and cuts inside instead before playing a lovely reverse ball for
Higuain…



The goal was gaping but the Argentine blazes shot over the bar!! Another big game miss in a career full of them!!

The Ducking Duck knew that was their moment and he’s absolutely dejected at that!!:



JMB City look to take advantage of that massive let off and throw as many men forward as they can while the opposition are still reeling from that moment. The ball gets played in cleverly to Larsson, who gets taken out after shielding it from his marker. Free kick in a great position for City…



JUAN MATA BABY!!! It’s 3-2 to City after a stunning free kick and the comeback is complete!!! @JMB allows himself to celebrate for the first time knowing he’s just minutes away from the final:



The Ducks know they’re running out of time and they skip the patient buildup to go route one. The ball is launched into the box but with smaller attackers on the pitch, it gets dealt with comfortably. Every cross that comes in is met by one of the two centre backs…



Just one minute of stoppage time left and it’s getting to desperation time for The Ducks. Another diagonal into the box and this time it lands in the area, with players on both sides furiously swinging a leg at it. It bounces to the outside and Ducks player gets a foot on it!!…



But Griezmann stabs his effort wide. It was on his weaker right foot and he can’t get it on target!!!

JMB City take as long as humanly possibly with the resulting goal kick. As soon as Kahn boots it, the referee blows his whistle.

JMB City 3-2 The Ducking Ducks (AET)

Huge celebrations all around the ground as @JMB congratulates his players on their achievement. Things go from bad to worse for The Ducking Duck however as he’s greeted by @OnlyOne in the crowd on his way back to the changing room:

 

[albakos]

Great commentary, one of those semi finals that is probably much better in quality than the finals.

Spoiler: But

@Katy that was

Albakos, for his money, has moved on from his quarter-final defeat and showed up at the stadium to unveil the new predictor he created:

Also this is a case of Just Massive Bottling by @The Ducking Duck, you don't know how he recovers from this.

Possibly coming back with a new @The Flying Pigeon

 

[JMB]

@A_G take a bow son

 

[GDeep™]

Would be an absolute honour to face @JMB in the final, if I can get past Infatino/Blatter.

 

[JMB]

Would be an absolute honour to face @JMB in the final, if I can get past Infatino/Blatter.

I hope so, a final so good you feel the game wins, regardless of the result.

 

[A_G]

Would be an absolute honour to face @JMB in the final, if I can get past Infatino/Blatter.

Don’t worry mate, @Rex Caudillo and I investigated and found no evidence of wrongdoing anywhere.

 

[The Ducking Duck]

I hope @JMB win this farcical competition.

 

[JMB]

I hope @JMB win this farcical competition.

You were the toughest opponent I faced. Pleasure to face your team.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Spoiler: JMB CITY VS THE DUCKING DUCKS

And then there were four…

The Semi-Finals kick off with the surging JMB City taking on the surprise of the tournament, The Ducking Ducks.

JMB continues to ignore the pressure he’s under, insisting he’s not worried about being sent to the void. He was asked about albakos at the pre-match press conference and couldn’t hide his amusement:


Albakos, for his money, has moved on from his quarter-final defeat and showed up at the stadium to unveil the new predictor he created:
View attachment 43068

The Ducking Ducks was less relaxed in his pre-match media availability. He refused to answer questions about Evra’s impending ban and claimed everyone asking was sexually attracted to the French left-back.

The story continues to develop:
View attachment 43070

Debate raged on in the studio, and @dashsnow17 made his feelings clear when asked how Evra’s suspension would effect The Ducks:

View attachment 43073

“Well you see, there’s not going to be an Evra suspension you stupid slut.”

The man in question showed up the ground early to prove that he was available for selection:


The official teamsheets reveal the news everyone had come to expect:
View attachment 43071
View attachment 43072

Despite the pre-match controversy, the game finally kicks off and The Ducks are straight on the front foot. The Spanish duo of Rodri and Fabregas in particular are spraying the ball around leaving the Real Madrid trio on the other side chasing shadows. They get the Dutchman Robben involved and he gets the better of Ze Roberto before playing the ball across the six yard box…

View attachment 43074

And it’s stuck home by Fernando Torres!! He makes a smart run across the near post and side foots a firm finish past a helpless Kahn to make it 1-0 to The Ducking Ducks!!

The fans immediately start chanting “J-M-Baby”!! Safe to say @JMB doesn’t see the funny side:
View attachment 43076

The onslaught continues on the pitch as The Ducks smell blood after opening the scoring. They continue to dominate possession but the final ball is the only thing stopping them from doubling their lead.

Unable to play their way through, The Ducks resort to shots from distance to score. They don’t trouble the goalkeeper until Arjen Robben lines one up himself…



Oh my word, what a goal!!! Robben with arguably the goal of the tournament as he cuts inside and sticks it into the top corner!!! 2-0 to The Ducking Ducks and it’s looking like Juan Matas Beaten as we head into halftime:

View attachment 43077

The second half begins with no subs as JMB gives his starters a chance to right the wrongs from the first half. Unfortunately for him, they aren’t able to and he rings the changes with Larsson and Mata coming on.

They begin to commit men forward in search of a goal and risk leaving gaps behind. The Ducks get an opportunity to break and Robben is streaking down the right wing…he gets his head up and finds Griezmann on the edge of the box. The Frenchman takes a touch and fires at goal…

View attachment 43079

Kahn gets a strong hand to it!! A great save to keep this from becoming a rout as JMB City look like they’re on the ropes!!

They continue to burst forward trying to outnumber The Ducks in the final third, but can’t seem to create any clear cut chances. Ronaldinho comes deeper from his forward position in search of the ball and looks to drive at The Ducks…

View attachment 43080

Another goal of the tournament contender!!! Ronaldinho stuns the entire statement with an outrageous solo goal to halve the deficit with 20 minutes to go!! JMB City make it 2-1 and give themselves hope!!

The Ducks try to stem the tide and kill the momentum of JMB City by slowing the game down. They play for fouls and delay their free kicks to run as much of the clock as possible. City have had enough and finally their protestations with the referee cross the line:

View attachment 43081

Casemiro booked after showing his disgust at the official!!

JMB City try to keep the pressure up and end up with a corner kick on the right hand side. The ball in is dealt with initially, but Griezmann is able to retrieve it on the left flank. He chips a ball to the back post where he spots on his teammates making a run…

View attachment 43083

Casemiro’s header just creeps over the line!! It’s all square at 2-2 and JMB City have levelled it after a spirited fight back!!

The Ducking Duck is furious with the 4th official about something and lets him know about it:
View attachment 43085

We’re level into six minutes of stoppage time and JMB are flying into every tackle and challenge looking for possession. They sense a winning goal in normal time.

But in the midst of all the excitement they get loose with the football and it looks like Torres might be through on goal…

View attachment 43088

Vidic nicks the ball off him just before he gets a shot away!!! But Torres says he didn’t get a touch and he wants a penalty!! Should it have been a penalty and red card? It doesn’t matter in Red Caudillo’s world!! Play on!!

They aren’t able to mount any more attacks in normal time, leaving 30 more minutes to decide this game.

JMB City 2-2 The Ducking Ducks

The first half of extra time is a much more tactical affair after the furious end to the 90. No real openings on either side as the both defences give everything to make sure they’re not the reason their team misses out on a place in the final. Set piece opportunities come and go for each team, but the deadlock remains with 105:00 on the clock.

The second half of extra time begins with a final substitute each for City and The Ducks as the managers make their full allocation of changes.

The Ducks look to take the initiative as they kick off the half. Rodri continues to dictate play as The Ducks look to outwork a tired JMB midfield who had to expend a lot of energy just to come back into the game. The patient build up pays off for them and they get free down the right side with Griezmann…he fakes a cross and cuts inside instead before playing a lovely reverse ball for
Higuain…

View attachment 43089

The goal was gaping but the Argentine blazes shot over the bar!! Another big game miss in a career full of them!!

The Ducking Duck knew that was their moment and he’s absolutely dejected at that!!:

View attachment 43090

JMB City look to take advantage of that massive let off and throw as many men forward as they can while the opposition are still reeling from that moment. The ball gets played in cleverly to Larsson, who gets taken out after shielding it from his marker. Free kick in a great position for City…



JUAN MATA BABY!!! It’s 3-2 to City after a stunning free kick and the comeback is complete!!! @JMB allows himself to celebrate for the first time knowing he’s just minutes away from the final:

View attachment 43091

The Ducks know they’re running out of time and they skip the patient buildup to go route one. The ball is launched into the box but with smaller attackers on the pitch, it gets dealt with comfortably. Every cross that comes in is met by one of the two centre backs…

View attachment 43092

Just one minute of stoppage time left and it’s getting to desperation time for The Ducks. Another diagonal into the box and this time it lands in the area, with players on both sides furiously swinging a leg at it. It bounces to the outside and Ducks player gets a foot on it!!…

View attachment 43093

But Griezmann stabs his effort wide. It was on his weaker right foot and he can’t get it on target!!!

JMB City take as long as humanly possibly with the resulting goal kick. As soon as Kahn boots it, the referee blows his whistle.

JMB City 3-2 The Ducking Ducks (AET)

Huge celebrations all around the ground as @JMB congratulates his players on their achievement. Things go from bad to worse for The Ducking Duck however as he’s greeted by @OnlyOne in the crowd on his way back to the changing room:
View attachment 43094

Best write up of the tournament so far. My

Can’t beat this guy

Commiserations @The Ducking Duck top teams but someone had to lose

 

[GDeep™]

When is my semi final?

 

[JMB]

When is my semi final?

They are reluctant to post when they've lost games.

 

[A_G]

When is my semi final?

They are reluctant to post when they've lost games.

I wrote the first half yesterday before the game and said I’d finish after, but my head was on Mars after that sh*tshow. It’ll be up tonight.

 

[A_G]

Spoiler: GDEEP ROVERS VS A_GFC

The second semi-final awaits with a place in the big game against JMB on the line. No needle in the buildup unlike the previous semi, with most of the pre-match focus on the standards of refereeing in the competition.



Reporter: "Are you concerned about the referee for this match?"

GDeep: "I'm happy as long as it's a bloke, mate. No box ticking."

A_G insisted there was no issue with an independent body choosing the referee instead of of commissioner Rex:





The match begins at a furious pace as both sides look to gain the upper hand early on. Rovers work the ball through midfield before it ends up at Lampard's feet on the edge of the box and, instead of going with his instincts by having a shot, he lofts a ball up towards the back post...



It's volleyed in by Dennis Bergkamp to give GDeep Rovers a 1-0 lead after just 3 minutes!! A textbook strike from the Dutch master and it's a flying start for the home side!! GDeep was left stunned by what he's just seen!!:



A_GFC try to recover from the early setback but it takes a while to get going after being stunned by a goal so quickly. The try to play through their midfield but it's proving difficult against the diamond deployed by Rovers. Frustration begins to creep in when Zlatan receives the ball inside the box, holds off the defender and goes to shoot before hitting the ground...



All eyes on the referee...



No penalty he says!! Play on!! Zlatan is fuming and so is his manager:

The team continues to grow restless and that anxiety effects their ability to build from the back. Lampard pounces upon a loose pass from Thuram and plays it through for Ronaldo...



A signature strike with his right foot....



...but Buffon gets down quickly to turn it round the post!! A_GFC hanging on for dear life hear as GDeep Rovers turn the screw!!

As the half progresses, A_GFC continue to struggle to create clear cut chances as the Rovers midfield proves difficult to play through. Zlatan tries to take matters into his own hands with a few potshots from outside the box, but doesn't come close to troubling the keeper. He tries to gee up the troops but the mood is low in the camp:


Just when it looks like Rovers are in complete and utter control, a loose diaganol from Pirlo only finds Thuram and he powers forward with the ball. A give and go with Di Maria follows, before the ball finds Riquelme in the centre of the pitch. He looks to play Pires in on the left but thinks better of it, before having a shot himself. It gets blocked by the defender, but loops up into the air in the box...

Turned in by Zlatan with an improvised finish!! 1-1 after A_GFC capitalise on a rare mistake from GDeep Rovers!!! Right on the strike of half time, we're all level despite Rovers having the better of the play.

No chances into the second half as both teams look to build on their first half performances. It's a slow paced start to the half until Rovers try to inject some pace into the game down the right hand side. Lampard plays a clever ball down the flank for Sagnol who just reaches the ball before he's hacked down!!



A booking for Maxwell as his bestie Ibrahimovic protests the decision!! Two players complaining about a yellow when they're fortunate it wasn't a worse punishment!!

GDeep Rovers use the set piece opportunity to send their centre-backs forward as the master Pirlo gets ready to whip the ball in. He plays in an outswinger that Stam gets his head to...



He directs it at goal...



Buffon is equal to it once again!! A strong save to keep the ball out!! Still all square at 1.

As the half goes on, both teams start to make attacking subs as it becomes clear that they want to settle this in 90 to avoid extra-time and the dreaded penalty shootout. Rovers still trying to use their advantage in midfield by outnumbering the opposition but A_GFC are starting to find some joy down the sides.

However it looks like GDeep Rovers have spotted a weakness in the A_GFC backline who are trying to push up and squeeze the game. A few attempts to play Ronaldo through are unsuccessful as he's flagged offside, but his presence is beginning to become a concern. Rovers manage to get the ball to him on the wing and he decides to go at the opposition instead of passing...

He sends Ayala sprawling to the deck with lovely feint and the Argentine is out of the picture...he finds himself through on goal as the defense struggle to keep up...only the keeper to beat...

Oh my goodness, nobody does that to Buffon!! He sits the Italian down and rolls the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1 to GDeep Rovers with just under 20 minutes to go!!! A goal of absolute invidual brilliance!! Cue the wild celebrations for GDeep Rovers who have one foot in the final!!

A_G is shellshocked and unsure of how to react:

The commotion dies down after the celebrations and it's back to work for the visitors who must play from behind again. They bring on a few subs but Rovers are content with their lead and drop deep into a low block, making it impossible to find a way through. With no route through the middle, they go wide and turn to Di Maria for a moment of magic. He manages to wiggle his way into the box...

Another player who hits the deck but nothing is given!! It's becoming desperate for A_GFC who've grown accustomed to getting decisions in this tournament, but this referee is having none of it!!

The players and manager look nervously at the clock in the stadium as they realise their final dream is vanishing before their eyes. Di Maria gets the ball again, but instead of trying to buy a penalty he whips the ball into the box. It's headed out initially but comes to Davids who puts his laces through it...



A WORLDIE from Barthez!! The man who was referred to as a "midget French keeper" by opposition manager jones flies across the goal to tip it round the post and preserve the lead!!

The 4th official steps up to reveal the amount of injury time:


Groans from the home crowd as A_GFC have slight hope of a sting in the tail. They throw as many men forward as possible but the sheer number of bodies in the final third makes it difficult to fashion chances. GDeep Rovers use every bit of experience to slow the game down and draw fouls while keeping possession. As Pirlo exchanges passes with his midfielders, suddenly the ball is nicked off the toe of the newly subbed on Sonny Anderson and A_GFC sense an opportunity to break. Di Maria plays the ball to Ibrahimovic who's bundled over by Hargreaves, giving them a free kick right on the edge of the box.

It's agonising viewing for GDeep:

Anticipation builds as the crowd hold their breath...the referee blows his whistle for what will surely be the last kick of the 90...he runs up and strikes it...




RIGHT INTO THE TOP OF THE CROWD.

The referee blows his whistle, sparking a furious pitch invasion from the GDeep Rovers bench who will play for the trophy this week.

GDeep Rovers 2-1 A_GFC

GDeep takes his lap around the pitch soaking up the adulation from the crowd:

Cheers Gagan, Zlatan's crying

 

[A_G]

Good game @GDeep™