PL Draft 2.0 Group C: Sapient Hawk, Tir Na Nog, Makingtrax, Sanchez11

[Makingtrax]

Spoiler: THE SAPIENT HAWKS VS TIR NA NOG

Group C begins with the minnows of the tournament taking on TNN in the opening match. @Sapient Hawk looks on proudly during the pre-match festivities while @Tir Na Nog and his staff appear to be googling their opponents.

The match starts with TNN on the attack, dominating the early proceedings. No real openings in the first 10 minutes until Carrick finds De Bruyne in space just outside the box, and the Belgian turns on it and fires at goal....

A brilliant strike to open the scoring!! The ball rifles into the bottom corner and Postma in goal can do nothing to stop it!! 1-0 to Tir Na Nog.

The opening goal forces The Hawks to come out of their shell and play, but all this does is give more space to TNN FC. The continue to probe until Ashley Cole receives the ball on the left, looks up and plays a diagonal into the box...

And Paulo Di Canio fires into in the next from a tight angle!! A stunning volley from a tight angle to make it 2-0 to Tir Na Nog!! It's a long way back for The Hawks now with their manager now trudging down the touchline into the dressing room for his halftime meal.

Shortly after halftime, TNN FC continue to pile the pressure in search of more goals. An initial shot from McManaman is well blocked by the defender, but it falls to Kevin De Bruyne on the edge of the D...

He's done it again!! Another powerful strike from De Bruyne to make it 3-0 to Tir Na Nog just seven minutes after the interval!! TNN FC really flexing their muscles now with this ruthless performance.

The Sapient Hawks attempt to stem the flow by making changes but they continue to face a barrage of attacks from the opposition. The threat of Harry Kewell running down the wing has troubled them since he came on, and once again he's bearing down on goal from the left before he looks up....

He puts the ball into the area and it's punched out by Postma, but only as far as McManaman. He takes a touch and lays it off for Shevchenko...

Only one result when he gets the ball that position!!! Shevchenko buries it first time and again Posta can do nothing to stop it!! 4-0 to Tir Na Nog and it's a demolition job at this point.

Despite the disastrous result, @Sapient Hawk on the touchline seems positively unbothered to the latest goal:

A blistering start to the tournament for @Tir Na Nog:

The Sapient Hawks 0-4 Tir Na Nog

Spoiler: MAKINGTRAX VS SANCHEZ11

Another huge match as two of the most evenly matched sides in the tournament meet. Differing moods in the camps ahead of the game, with @Makingtrax appearing loose and confident at his pre-match press conference:

Compare that to @Sanchez11, who responded to every single question like this:


As the match begins, it's apparent that this is going to be an end to end clash as both teams fly around the pitch. Immediately Jack Grealish stings the palms of David Seaman with a powerful shot, but the defence manage to clear the danger. Just moments later, Trax FC play their way through the middle and Haaland plays a lovely 1-2 with Fabregas...

And scores with his second touch of the game!!! 1-0 to Makingtrax with a clinical move that ends with the cyborg doing what he does best!! Trax celebrates with his staff while his opposite number @Sancehz11 is unable to hide his irritation at that goal:

Sanchez FC look to bounce back quickly, but a Gareth Bale shot is charged down by Stones. The game continues to be contested in midfield until Bale is able to shake loose of his marker and come inside for a shot...

View attachment 40607

Saved by Schmeichel!! He manages to get hand on it to keep it out...

But he parries it back into the danger area where Luis Suarez pounces!!! 1-1 and it's a deserved equaliser after a period of sustained pressure!! Game on.

However that goal has not done much to lift @Sanchez11 mood, as he appears to be still smarting over the goal conceded. He'll get a chance to let his players know as they head into the break level.

The second half begins the same as the first, with both teams exchange blows as they fight to get into the lead. Schmeichel and Seaman make routine saves at each end, but neither team comes close to scoring until Kyle Walker gallops down the wing and puts a ball into the box for Haalnd. Seaman gets a hand to it and it falls outside the box....

Cesc Fabregas smashes it home!!! 2-1 to Makingtrax after the Spaniard curls it in from 18 yards out and has a little something for @Sanchez11 on the celebration:

@Sanchez11 gets up from his seat to unleash a string of expletives at the midfielder, but it won't change the score.

He throws on some attacking subs but Schmeichel is still proving a tough nut to crack. That is, until Gareth Bale comes inside to exchange passes with Caicedo... he turns the defender and the shot opens up for him...

An absolute thunderbolt!! 2-2 and it took a goal of the tournament contender to finally draw level!! Schmeichel seems gutted at conceding this late but no GK in the world was stopping that.

The goal seems to have rocked Makingtrax FC and now it seems Sanchez11 are the more likely to find a winner. They continue to push, and with five minutes to go Bryan Ruiz plays a pass to Cavani that completely splits the Makingtrax defence... bearing down on goal with only the keeper to beat, he rounds Schmeichel and sees an empty net...

Oh dear, he's smashed it against the post when it was harder to miss!! He can''t believe he hasn't won it at the death and neither can his teammates!! A calamitous moment for the Sanchez11 FC Wildcard and his manager is in utter disbelief:

A thriller encounter ends:

Makingtrax 2-2 Sanchez11

The table after Matchday 1:

1. Tir Na Nog 3 PTS +4GD
2. Makingtrax 1 PTS 0GD
3. Sanchez11 1 PTS 0GD
4. The Sapient Hawks 0 PTS -4GD

Fantastic. Loved the Hodgson clips. That was a tough game, just a bit surprised Mascherano didn’t break any legs.

 

[A_G]

Spoiler: TIR NA NOG VS MAKINGTRAX

A huge match in the group, with TNN knowing that a win will all but seal qualification and Makingtrax still having a near certain 3 points against The Sapient Hawks.

As soon the game kicks off, Makingtrax FC are all over TNN as they look to press their opponents into mistakes. 13 minutes in, they pounce on a poor touch from Nathaniel Clyne and the ball finds its way to Erling Haaland in the box...

And he makes no mistake!!! 1-0 to Makingtrax and it's the main man at #9 who has once again made the difference in the final third. A tough blow for TNN FC who will feel they handed that goal to their opponents on a silver platter.

However they are unperturbed and push for an equaliser, but are unable to play their way through a tough Makingtrax spine. Kevin De Bruyne picks the ball up in his favourite position and swings a ball into the box, which goes over the heads of everyone. Makingtrax FC think the danger has gone until...

Ashley Cole ghosts in at the back posts and nods it home to equalise!! The unlikeliest of goalscorers has managed to bring TNN FC back into the mix with a timely goal just 10 minutes before halftime. It's 1-1 and TNN FC celebrate while there is an inquisition in the Makingtrax defence as to how Cole managed to run into the area untracked.

1-1 as we go into halftime with it all to play for.

No changes at the break as both teams look to get on top of the game. Makingtrax FC keep the ball well as the half begins, patiently trying to find an opening. The ball finds its way to Grealish, who uses a run from Haaland to open up some space on the left side of the box...

And curls one into the far corner!! 2-1 to Makingtrax after another beautiful strike, just inches away from the outstretched hands of Kasper Schmeichel. Once again TNN need to come from behind.

A double sub of Shevchenko and Kewell injects some life into the TNN attack and they test the older Schmeichel a few times, but nothing particularly challenging. A free kick on the edge of the box hits the wall as De Bruyne opts to go for goal, but the ball bounces straight back to him and tries again...

And this time the ball nestles into the top corner!! 2-2 after a signature thunderbolt from the Belgian and we're all level with 20 minutes to go!!

The goal changes the complexion of the game and now it's TNN FC who are on top. Once again De Bruyne finds space and plays Di Canio in...

He appears to be dragged to the ground by John Stones, but the ref waves play on!! No penalty which leaves the TNN players and coaches insensed!! Di Canio cannot believe it and remonstrates with the officials:


The TNN fans scream for every call as the game descends into a foul fest, with several yellows being handed out. The wildcards have been subbed on for both teams as they look for a winner, and they know one mistake either way could decide it.

Makingtrax FC win a corner with 9 minutes left, and the ball is delivered into the six yard box but it's cleared immediately. Trax FC work the ball back into the box, with a clever pass down the right. Another cross into the box and it's taken down on the chest by Haaland, who cushions it down...

And it's slotted home by Cesc Fabregas!! A calm finish among a sea of defenders and Trax FC have got their noses in front with eight minutes left!! 3-2 and Makingtrax take the lead for the third time in the game.

Straight from the kick-off, TNN punt the ball into the final third looking to push Trax FC back and create chaos. The ball falls to De Bruyne's feet but he's quickly closed down by multiple defenders. TNN FC win a corner with three minutes left, and Kewell's inswinging corner is initially dealt with by Saliba. The ball only goes as far as the outside of the box where it falls to De Bruyne who runs onto and puts his laces through it...



A heroic save from Schmeichel!! It looked a certain goal and De Bruyne has his hands on his head like the rest of the team.

Makingtrax FC are able to see the game out without giving up another big chance to end the game of the tournament so far:

Tir Na Nog 2-3 Makingtrax

Spoiler: SANCHEZ11 VS THE SAPIENT HAWKS

The second game of the group comes and Sanchez11 knows he needs a win to keep pace with the two teams ahead of him. The Sapient Hawks know a similar performance to the first game would spell the end of their tournament.

That urgency is on full display the game begins, with both teams understanding how important the second group game is. Even The Sapient Hawks look a competent football team, with Özil spraying the ball around and dictating play. He jinks past two defenders and plays a reverse pass between the centre backs...

THIS IS NOT A DRILL, THE SAPIENT HAWKS HAVE SCORED A GOAL!!! Incredible scenes as Van Persie takes a touch and smashes the ball into the roof of the net. The Sapient Hawks bench erupt in joy as they outperform pre-tournament expectations just by getting on the scoresheet. Are we seeing the first upset of the tournament? Penny for @Sanchez11 thoughts who is stonefaced on the touchline.

The Hawks immediately retreat after the goal and look to protect their lead while frustrating the opponents. Gareth Bale tries to repeat his heroics from the first game but his shot is charged down. They continue to pressure The Hawks until Suarez drops deep to pick the ball up and glides past multiple defenders, before shifting it out to the left to Tevez. He takes a touch inside and aims a low shot at the near post...

There's the equalier!! Sanchez11 FC make it 1-1 and are finally back on level terms after a good period of play.

They keep the pressure and find Suarez in space again, but he's crowded out by three players. The ball breaks to David Silva, who drops a shoulder and lines up a shot...

A BIG goal for Sanchez11 FC as they take the lead against the whipping boys of the group!! It's 2-1 and they complete the turnaround just short of the halftime interval!!

As we head into the second half, The Hawks make several changes including bringing on Gianfranco Zola to add creativity to mix. It doesn't exactly work, as they struggle to get the ball with Sanchez11 FC looking to dominate possession and patiently wait for an opening. Gareth Bale tries to inject some pace into the game by running at his defender, and manages to get down the byline before putting in a cross...

And it's nodded home by Suarez to make it 3-1 to Sanchez11 FC!! There was so much pace on the cross that all the Uruguayan needed to do was direct it towards goal. The ball was past Stefan Postma in goal in a flash.

The last goal is enough to knock the wind out of The Hawks' sails and it ends:

Sanchez11 3-1 The Sapient Hawks

The table at the end of Matchday 2:

1. Sanchez11 4 PTS +2GD
2. Makingtrax 4 PTS +1GD
3. Tir Na Nog 3 PTS +3GD
4. The Sapient Hawks 0 PTS -6GD

 

[Makingtrax]

Spoiler: TIR NA NOG VS MAKINGTRAX

A huge match in the group, with TNN knowing that a win will all but seal qualification and Makingtrax still having a near certain 3 points against The Sapient Hawks.

As soon the game kicks off, Makingtrax FC are all over TNN as they look to press their opponents into mistakes. 13 minutes in, they pounce on a poor touch from Nathaniel Clyne and the ball finds its way to Erling Haaland in the box...

And he makes no mistake!!! 1-0 to Makingtrax and it's the main man at #9 who has once again made the difference in the final third. A tough blow for TNN FC who will feel they handed that goal to their opponents on a silver platter.

However they are unperturbed and push for an equaliser, but are unable to play their way through a tough Makingtrax spine. Kevin De Bruyne picks the ball up in his favourite position and swings a ball into the box, which goes over the heads of everyone. Makingtrax FC think the danger has gone until...

Ashley Cole ghosts in at the back posts and nods it home to equalise!! The unlikeliest of goalscorers has managed to bring TNN FC back into the mix with a timely goal just 10 minutes before halftime. It's 1-1 and TNN FC celebrate while there is an inquisition in the Makingtrax defence as to how Cole managed to run into the area untracked.

1-1 as we go into halftime with it all to play for.

No changes at the break as both teams look to get on top of the game. Makingtrax FC keep the ball well as the half begins, patiently trying to find an opening. The ball finds its way to Grealish, who uses a run from Haaland to open up some space on the left side of the box...

And curls one into the far corner!! 2-1 to Makingtrax after another beautiful strike, just inches away from the outstretched hands of Kasper Schmeichel. Once again TNN need to come from behind.

A double sub of Shevchenko and Kewell injects some life into the TNN attack and they test the older Schmeichel a few times, but nothing particularly challenging. A free kick on the edge of the box hits the wall as De Bruyne opts to go for goal, but the ball bounces straight back to him and tries again...

And this time the ball nestles into the top corner!! 2-2 after a signature thunderbolt from the Belgian and we're all level with 20 minutes to go!!

The goal changes the complexion of the game and now it's TNN FC who are on top. Once again De Bruyne finds space and plays Di Canio in...

He appears to be dragged to the ground by John Stones, but the ref waves play on!! No penalty which leaves the TNN players and coaches insensed!! Di Canio cannot believe it and remonstrates with the officials:
View attachment 40622

The TNN fans scream for every call as the game descends into a foul fest, with several yellows being handed out. The wildcards have been subbed on for both teams as they look for a winner, and they know one mistake either way could decide it.

Makingtrax FC win a corner with 9 minutes left, and the ball is delivered into the six yard box but it's cleared immediately. Trax FC work the ball back into the box, with a clever pass down the right. Another cross into the box and it's taken down on the chest by Haaland, who cushions it down...

And it's slotted home by Cesc Fabregas!! A calm finish among a sea of defenders and Trax FC have got their noses in front with eight minutes left!! 3-2 and Makingtrax take the lead for the third time in the game.

Straight from the kick-off, TNN punt the ball into the final third looking to push Trax FC back and create chaos. The ball falls to De Bruyne's feet but he's quickly closed down by multiple defenders. TNN FC win a corner with three minutes left, and Kewell's inswinging corner is initially dealt with by Saliba. The ball only goes as far as the outside of the box where it falls to De Bruyne who runs onto and puts his laces through it...

View attachment 40629

A heroic save from Schmeichel!! It looked a certain goal and De Bruyne has his hands on his head like the rest of the team.

Makingtrax FC are able to see the game out without giving up another big chance to end the game of the tournament so far:

Tir Na Nog 2-3 Makingtrax

Spoiler: SANCHEZ11 VS THE SAPIENT HAWKS

The second game of the group comes and Sanchez11 knows he needs a win to keep pace with the two teams ahead of him. The Sapient Hawks know a similar performance to the first game would spell the end of their tournament.

That urgency is on full display the game begins, with both teams understanding how important the second group game is. Even The Sapient Hawks look a competent football team, with Özil spraying the ball around and dictating play. He jinks past two defenders and plays a reverse pass between the centre backs...

THIS IS NOT A DRILL, THE SAPIENT HAWKS HAVE SCORED A GOAL!!! Incredible scenes as Van Persie takes a touch and smashes the ball into the roof of the net. The Sapient Hawks bench erupt in joy as they outperform pre-tournament expectations just by getting on the scoresheet. Are we seeing the first upset of the tournament? Penny for @Sanchez11 thoughts who is stonefaced on the touchline.

The Hawks immediately retreat after the goal and look to protect their lead while frustrating the opponents. Gareth Bale tries to repeat his heroics from the first game but his shot is charged down. They continue to pressure The Hawks until Suarez drops deep to pick the ball up and glides past multiple defenders, before shifting it out to the left to Tevez. He takes a touch inside and aims a low shot at the near post...

There's the equalier!! Sanchez11 FC make it 1-1 and are finally back on level terms after a good period of play.

They keep the pressure and find Suarez in space again, but he's crowded out by three players. The ball breaks to David Silva, who drops a shoulder and lines up a shot...

A BIG goal for Sanchez11 FC as they take the lead against the whipping boys of the group!! It's 2-1 and they complete the turnaround just short of the halftime interval!!

As we head into the second half, The Hawks make several changes including bringing on Gianfranco Zola to add creativity to mix. It doesn't exactly work, as they struggle to get the ball with Sanchez11 FC looking to dominate possession and patiently wait for an opening. Gareth Bale tries to inject some pace into the game by running at his defender, and manages to get down the byline before putting in a cross...

And it's nodded home by Suarez to make it 3-1 to Sanchez11 FC!! There was so much pace on the cross that all the Uruguayan needed to do was direct it towards goal. The ball was past Stefan Postma in goal in a flash.

The last goal is enough to knock the wind out of The Hawks' sails and it ends:

Sanchez11 3-1 The Sapient Hawks

The table at the end of Matchday 2:

1. Sanchez11 4 PTS +2GD
2. Makingtrax 4 PTS +1GD
3. Tir Na Nog 3 PTS +3GD
4. The Sapient Hawks 0 PTS -6GD

That Schmeichel save was special!

 

[Tir Na Nog]

That penalty decision

 

[A_G]

Spoiler: MAKINGTRAX VS THE SAPIENT HAWKS

A big match for Makingtrax FC as they look to secure qualification. The Sapient Hawks know they're out and are playing for pride. The two managers display their respect for each other pre-match::


The match starts with Makingtrax FC predictably taking control as they dominate early proceedings. A few early offside calls against Haaland don't deter him as he continues making runs in behind a backline that lacks pace, and on the third time of asking Grealish plays Haaland through 1 on 1 with the keeper...

Too easy for Haaland and Makingtrax FC to make it 1-0!! He calmy rolls the ball past the onrushing keeper and Trax FC are off and running now.

The rest of the half carries on in the same vein, with a clear focus to get the ball to Haaland in behind the defence. But this time Trax FC attack down the sides and Kyle Walker whips in a dangerous cross...



He's done it again!! 2-0 to Makingtrax FC and they're looking good for a place in the quarterfinals!! The Sapient Hawks defence is all at sea and seem unable to deal with Haaland's movement.

@Sapient Hawk himself is at a loss for words:

Makingtrax FC head into the break leading 2-0, knowing the job is half done.

As we come out for the second half, the game starts to resemble a pre-season game as the teams know the result is almost certainly assured. However Erling Haaland senses that the Golden Boot may be in his grasp, so he goes looking for the ball in midfield. Fabregas finds him, and he's able to brush off challenges as he bears down on goal...

There's the hat-trick!! 3-0 to Makingtrax FC and that should be the end of the game! A clinical display from Haaland who scores 3 goals with just 14 touches of the ball. How many managers wish they had a player as limited as this?

With the result in the bag, Makingtrax FC make a series of substitutions to rest players as the second half progresses. With his number about to be called, Fabregas plays a clever 1-2 with Grealish and unleashes a powerful shot using the defender to blindside the keeper...

4-0 and it's another heavy defeat for The Hawks!! Makingtrax FC score their seventh in two games as they appear to be rounding into form at just the right time!!

They see the game out with little bother and end on a high note:

Makingtrax 4-0 The Sapient Hawks

Spoiler: TIR NA NOG VS SANCHEZ11

A HUGE match which is effectively a play-off for 2nd place in the group, unless Sanchez wins in which case he will go through as group winner. The two managers don't appear stressed in their pre-match greetings:



The game starts in a cautious manner as you'd expect with such high stakes, with both teams canceling each other out early on. The TNN midfield get on the ball early and try to get Di Canio involved, but he's overpowered by the centre backs. After a throw in on the right wing, De Bruyne gets his head up and plays a diagonal into the box...

The same move from last game, same result!! 1-0 to TNN and of all the people on the pitch, Ashley Cole comes up with the goal!! A huge finish and possibly a cheeky tribute to Di Canio with the celebration. They are going through as runners-up ahead of Sanchez11 as it stands!!
Sanchez11 urges his players forward as he knows they must score now. Gareth Bale forces a good save from Kasper Schmeichel, but the resulting corner is dealt with. They get a free-kick in a dangerous position, but the cross is too high and goes out for a goal kick. Just when it looks like this period of play will end without a goal, Bale once again picks the ball up and drives at the defence. Just when it looks like his shot is headed for the far post, someone on his team sticks out a leg...

It's 1-1!!! It looks like he's stolen his teammate's goal but no one will care, they've equalised and are back in the driving seat to qualify!! @Tir Na Nog on the otherhand is shocked to be level in a game his team had been well on top in:

The two teams play out a stalemate for the rest of the half to go in level at 1-1, with a huge second half coming up.

Sanchez11 makes a huge call to bring Cavani on in the second half as Neves is sacrificed to give the team an ultra attacking look. TNN FC look to take advantage by playing through the middle, but surprisingly Sanchez11 FC are able to get enough bodies in the way to crowd them out. Both teams make a string of substitutions and the game gets stretched, but Sanchez11 FC are trying not to get caught out as a draw will be enough for them. They see off several set pieces from TNN as even De Bruyne is unable to unlock the defence at the moment, and then in the 83rd minute they receive one of their own. Bale lines up a free kick near the corner flag and whips it right into the six yard box...

It's in!!! Ivanovic towers above everyone else and smash a header into the net to give Sanchez11 a 3-2 lead!! TNN cannot believe what's just happened as he watches the Sanchez11 bench go berserk. But hang on, what's this...?



There appears to be a VAR check in progress as TNN FC appeal for an offside on the goal. Tense moments...He's going to the screen....

NO GOAL!!! Ivanovic was ruled to be offside as he played the ball and so the goal is chalked off!! @Sanchez11 is furious while @Tir Na Nog celebrates as if it was a goal!!:

The ref urges TNN to get off the pitch as there are five minutes left and his team still need a goal. As the game resumes, TNN FC look to pour men forward in search of the winner they need and end up with possession in the final third. They find themselves on the edge of the box, waiting patiently for an opening before De Bruyne lashes one at goal...

THERE'S THE WINNER SURELY!!! The ball is past Seaman in a flash and nestles in the side netting as the Belgian wheels away in delight!! 3-2 to TNN FC and they are going through to the quarterfinals barring a miracle. @Tir Na Nog is off another celebratory run:

The Sanchez11 fans are disbelief. They chant "FS" in unison but the focus needs to be on finding an equaliser. TNN subs on every defensive player on his bench to see off the 6 minutes of injury time, and they're able to without needing Schmeichel to make save!!

Tir Na Nog 3-2 Sanchez11

The table at the end of Matchday 3:

1. Makingtrax 7 PTS +5GD
2. Tir Na Nog 6 PTS +4GD
3. Sanchez11 4 PTS +1GD
4. The Sapient Hawks 0PTS -10GD
https://giphy.com/explore/sports

 

[Tir Na Nog]

@Sanchez11

 

[Makingtrax]

Spoiler: MAKINGTRAX VS THE SAPIENT HAWKS

A big match for Makingtrax FC as they look to secure qualification. The Sapient Hawks know they're out and are playing for pride. The two managers display their respect for each other pre-match::
View attachment 40630

The match starts with Makingtrax FC predictably taking control as they dominate early proceedings. A few early offside calls against Haaland don't deter him as he continues making runs in behind a backline that lacks pace, and on the third time of asking Grealish plays Haaland through 1 on 1 with the keeper...

Too easy for Haaland and Makingtrax FC to make it 1-0!! He calmy rolls the ball past the onrushing keeper and Trax FC are off and running now.

The rest of the half carries on in the same vein, with a clear focus to get the ball to Haaland in behind the defence. But this time Trax FC attack down the sides and Kyle Walker whips in a dangerous cross...

View attachment 40631

He's done it again!! 2-0 to Makingtrax FC and they're looking good for a place in the quarterfinals!! The Sapient Hawks defence is all at sea and seem unable to deal with Haaland's movement.

@Sapient Hawk himself is at a loss for words:

Makingtrax FC head into the break leading 2-0, knowing the job is half done.

As we come out for the second half, the game starts to resemble a pre-season game as the teams know the result is almost certainly assured. However Erling Haaland senses that the Golden Boot may be in his grasp, so he goes looking for the ball in midfield. Fabregas finds him, and he's able to brush off challenges as he bears down on goal...

There's the hat-trick!! 3-0 to Makingtrax FC and that should be the end of the game! A clinical display from Haaland who scores 3 goals with just 14 touches of the ball. How many managers wish they had a player as limited as this?

With the result in the bag, Makingtrax FC make a series of substitutions to rest players as the second half progresses. With his number about to be called, Fabregas plays a clever 1-2 with Grealish and unleashes a powerful shot using the defender to blindside the keeper...

4-0 and it's another heavy defeat for The Hawks!! Makingtrax FC score their seventh in two games as they appear to be rounding into form at just the right time!!

They see the game out with little bother and end on a high note:

Makingtrax 4-0 The Sapient Hawks

Spoiler: TIR NA NOG VS SANCHEZ11

A HUGE match which is effectively a play-off for 2nd place in the group, unless Sanchez wins in which case he will go through as group winner. The two managers don't appear stressed in their pre-match greetings:

View attachment 40636

The game starts in a cautious manner as you'd expect with such high stakes, with both teams canceling each other out early on. The TNN midfield get on the ball early and try to get Di Canio involved, but he's overpowered by the centre backs. After a throw in on the right wing, De Bruyne gets his head up and plays a diagonal into the box...

The same move from last game, same result!! 1-0 to TNN and of all the people on the pitch, Ashley Cole comes up with the goal!! A huge finish and possibly a cheeky tribute to Di Canio with the celebration. They are going through as runners-up ahead of Sanchez11 as it stands!!
Sanchez11 urges his players forward as he knows they must score now. Gareth Bale forces a good save from Kasper Schmeichel, but the resulting corner is dealt with. They get a free-kick in a dangerous position, but the cross is too high and goes out for a goal kick. Just when it looks like this period of play will end without a goal, Bale once again picks the ball up and drives at the defence. Just when it looks like his shot is headed for the far post, someone on his team sticks out a leg...

It's 1-1!!! It looks like he's stolen his teammate's goal but no one will care, they've equalised and are back in the driving seat to qualify!! @Tir Na Nog on the otherhand is shocked to be level in a game his team had been well on top in:

The two teams play out a stalemate for the rest of the half to go in level at 1-1, with a huge second half coming up.

Sanchez11 makes a huge call to bring Cavani on in the second half as Neves is sacrificed to give the team an ultra attacking look. TNN FC look to take advantage by playing through the middle, but surprisingly Sanchez11 FC are able to get enough bodies in the way to crowd them out. Both teams make a string of substitutions and the game gets stretched, but Sanchez11 FC are trying not to get caught out as a draw will be enough for them. They see off several set pieces from TNN as even De Bruyne is unable to unlock the defence at the moment, and then in the 83rd minute they receive one of their own. Bale lines up a free kick near the corner flag and whips it right into the six yard box...

It's in!!! Ivanovic towers above everyone else and smash a header into the net to give Sanchez11 a 3-2 lead!! TNN cannot believe what's just happened as he watches the Sanchez11 bench go berserk. But hang on, what's this...?

View attachment 40638

There appears to be a VAR check in progress as TNN FC appeal for an offside on the goal. Tense moments...He's going to the screen....

NO GOAL!!! Ivanovic was ruled to be offside as he played the ball and so the goal is chalked off!! @Sanchez11 is furious while @Tir Na Nog celebrates as if it was a goal!!:

The ref urges TNN to get off the pitch as there are five minutes left and his team still need a goal. As the game resumes, TNN FC look to pour men forward in search of the winner they need and end up with possession in the final third. They find themselves on the edge of the box, waiting patiently for an opening before De Bruyne lashes one at goal...

THERE'S THE WINNER SURELY!!! The ball is past Seaman in a flash and nestles in the side netting as the Belgian wheels away in delight!! 3-2 to TNN FC and they are going through to the quarterfinals barring a miracle. @Tir Na Nog is off another celebratory run:

The Sanchez11 fans are disbelief. They chant "FS" in unison but the focus needs to be on finding an equaliser. TNN subs on every defensive player on his bench to see off the 6 minutes of injury time, and they're able to without needing Schmeichel to make save!!

Tir Na Nog 3-2 Sanchez11

The table at the end of Matchday 3:

1. Makingtrax 7 PTS +5GD
2. Tir Na Nog 6 PTS +4GD
3. Sanchez11 4 PTS +1GD
4. The Sapient Hawks 0PTS -10GD
https://giphy.com/explore/sports

“They chant FS in unison”

 

[The Ducking Duck]

What a great team you built, @A_G.

 

[Sapient Hawk]

Doubt there're many teams who can get whipped 4-0 consecutively like Team Hawk & still manage to look heroic.

The lad's did me proud.

 

[A_G]

What a great team you built, @A_G.

At least my team had a chance to go through. Think you were out after matchday 2.

 

[The Ducking Duck]

At least my team had a chance to go through. Think you were out after matchday 2.

Incorrect.

 

[Sanchez11]

Just got in, wtaf!