Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Group A simmed.
All I can say is... wow, wow, wow.
All I can say is... wow, wow, wow.
The Second AM World Cup Draft: Matchday 2
- Thread starter Rex Caudillo
- Start Date
- Replies 36
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- Watchers 5
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Country: England
Matchday 2 in Group A begins in with a grudge match between two long time rivals. Sir AlRex Ferguson didn’t take kindly to @JMB suggestion that his team would be struggling without rigging the competition:
4Juan6
Rex
4Juan6 clearly sent their team out with a fiery message before the game and they start on the front foot, flying into tackles and pushing Rex’s boys back. They don’t give the defence a moment to breathe and as Sergio Ramos thinks he has time to pick out a pass as they build from the back, he has it nicked off his toe by Tevez…
He bends one round the keeper and it’s an early 1-0 for 4Juan6!! Wild scenes on the touchline as the co-managers turn to celebrate facing Rex as he can’t bear to look at them:
A few choice words from the manager gets Rex’s team going and they respond well to going behind. No shots for now as they build patiently looking for an opening. Veron gets on the ball and tries to drive at the 4Juan6 defence, but struggles to find a way through the congested midfield. He opts to pass to Stoichkov instead…
His bullet shot takes a slight deflection as it bundles into the net!! 1-1 after the Bulgarian strikes to put his manager in a better mood:
As the half goes on, the game starts to get broken up by fouls committed as both teams struggle to build momentum. The latest instance sees Veron go into the book for a crunching challenge on Ronaldo, who gets up and takes the free kick to start another attack. Totti plays a clever 1-2 with Toure before advancing onto the each of the box, and just as a looks to shape to shoot he lays it back to Michael Ballack…
Navas gets a strong hand to it!! A good save from a powerful shot from the German midfielder as 4Juan6 begin to take control… all of a sudden Rex runs down to the 4th official…
The ref announces we’re going to have a hydration break!! Massive boos from the 4Juan6 crowd as they were beginning to build up a head of steam!! Rex has used his influence to put a stop to it and his opposite numbers let him know what they think:
Frustration for the home side as the break gives Rex a route back into the game and suddenly they’re the ones with the attacking imitative. Griezmann begins to grow in influence and he skips past Cole on his way towards the net… he chops back onto his left foot and slides a ball across the box…
Nakataaaaa!! A brilliant hit from the Japanese maestro to make it 2-1 to Rex to complete the first half turnaround!! JMB and 416 fume on the bench as Rex embraces his coaching staff!!
Into first half stoppage time and both teams are wondering how to play this. 4Juan6 are unsure whether to stick or twist and end up lumping the ball into the Rex half. It comes back at them immediately as Veron sprays a ball to the far side to Stoichkov, who hits a first time cross that bends and swerves right at Diego Forlan in the box…
Nodded in by the Uruguayan!! 3-1 to Rex right on the stroke of halftime and they’ve taken advantage of some hesitant defending to double their lead!! No time for the kickoff as the ref immediately blows for the interval.
In an unusual step, inspired by Phil Brown, JMB and 416 give their team talk on the pitch instead of going back to the dressing room:
No subs at the break as 4Juan6 entrust the starters to dig them out of this hole. In fairness to them they start the second half as well as the first one, putting Rex FC under pressure right from the off. Ronaldo looks to get more involved after barely touching the ball in the first 45, and he peels off to the left to run at the defence. He picks up pace and beats his man with ease…
He looks to cross it before he’s taken out by the defender…
No penalty says the ref!! It looked like a stonewall decision and Ronaldo stays on the ground in disbelief!!:
4Juan6 are clearly rattled by the decision going against them and continue to remonstrate with the ref as the game continue down the other end. The previous attack means they’re light in defence and that gives Rex FC the space they need on the break, with Hakimi played through by Veron…
He dinks it over the onrushing GK to make it 4-1 to Rex!! The boos from the 4Juan6 are deafening as the two managers berate the 4th official. @JMB appears to have been sent to the stands in the aftermath as things threaten to boil over.
The manager that does remain for 4Juan6 makes a triple sub but it seems like the life has been drained from the team. They do get a free kick in a dangerous position as the ironic cheers pour in for a decision that finally goes their way. Only one man to step up and take it…
He drives it towards goal…
High, wide and handsome. Out for a goal kick.
Rex FC seem content with their lead and ease off, making the rest of the half a training exercise for 4Juan6 in possession. After failing to pass their way through, Yaya Toure decides to let fly from 25 yards..
No celebration from the Ivorian as his shot crashes into the top corner to make it 4-2. It helps the goal difference as they head towards a make or break match day 3, but the 4Juan6 players had the stuffing knocked out of them earlier in the half.
Into the final few minutes and 4Juan6 continue to play, hoping to set up a nervy finish. Ronaldo again gets on the ball and make something happen… he sees some space ahead and drives towards the box..
Once again he hits the deck, and once again the ref says no!! The 4Juan6 skipper punches the ground in frustration as he sits there until the final whistle.
4Juan6 2-4 Rex Caudillo
4Juan6
Rex
4Juan6 clearly sent their team out with a fiery message before the game and they start on the front foot, flying into tackles and pushing Rex’s boys back. They don’t give the defence a moment to breathe and as Sergio Ramos thinks he has time to pick out a pass as they build from the back, he has it nicked off his toe by Tevez…
He bends one round the keeper and it’s an early 1-0 for 4Juan6!! Wild scenes on the touchline as the co-managers turn to celebrate facing Rex as he can’t bear to look at them:
A few choice words from the manager gets Rex’s team going and they respond well to going behind. No shots for now as they build patiently looking for an opening. Veron gets on the ball and tries to drive at the 4Juan6 defence, but struggles to find a way through the congested midfield. He opts to pass to Stoichkov instead…
His bullet shot takes a slight deflection as it bundles into the net!! 1-1 after the Bulgarian strikes to put his manager in a better mood:
As the half goes on, the game starts to get broken up by fouls committed as both teams struggle to build momentum. The latest instance sees Veron go into the book for a crunching challenge on Ronaldo, who gets up and takes the free kick to start another attack. Totti plays a clever 1-2 with Toure before advancing onto the each of the box, and just as a looks to shape to shoot he lays it back to Michael Ballack…
Navas gets a strong hand to it!! A good save from a powerful shot from the German midfielder as 4Juan6 begin to take control… all of a sudden Rex runs down to the 4th official…
The ref announces we’re going to have a hydration break!! Massive boos from the 4Juan6 crowd as they were beginning to build up a head of steam!! Rex has used his influence to put a stop to it and his opposite numbers let him know what they think:
Frustration for the home side as the break gives Rex a route back into the game and suddenly they’re the ones with the attacking imitative. Griezmann begins to grow in influence and he skips past Cole on his way towards the net… he chops back onto his left foot and slides a ball across the box…
Nakataaaaa!! A brilliant hit from the Japanese maestro to make it 2-1 to Rex to complete the first half turnaround!! JMB and 416 fume on the bench as Rex embraces his coaching staff!!
Into first half stoppage time and both teams are wondering how to play this. 4Juan6 are unsure whether to stick or twist and end up lumping the ball into the Rex half. It comes back at them immediately as Veron sprays a ball to the far side to Stoichkov, who hits a first time cross that bends and swerves right at Diego Forlan in the box…
Nodded in by the Uruguayan!! 3-1 to Rex right on the stroke of halftime and they’ve taken advantage of some hesitant defending to double their lead!! No time for the kickoff as the ref immediately blows for the interval.
In an unusual step, inspired by Phil Brown, JMB and 416 give their team talk on the pitch instead of going back to the dressing room:
No subs at the break as 4Juan6 entrust the starters to dig them out of this hole. In fairness to them they start the second half as well as the first one, putting Rex FC under pressure right from the off. Ronaldo looks to get more involved after barely touching the ball in the first 45, and he peels off to the left to run at the defence. He picks up pace and beats his man with ease…
He looks to cross it before he’s taken out by the defender…
No penalty says the ref!! It looked like a stonewall decision and Ronaldo stays on the ground in disbelief!!:
4Juan6 are clearly rattled by the decision going against them and continue to remonstrate with the ref as the game continue down the other end. The previous attack means they’re light in defence and that gives Rex FC the space they need on the break, with Hakimi played through by Veron…
He dinks it over the onrushing GK to make it 4-1 to Rex!! The boos from the 4Juan6 are deafening as the two managers berate the 4th official. @JMB appears to have been sent to the stands in the aftermath as things threaten to boil over.
The manager that does remain for 4Juan6 makes a triple sub but it seems like the life has been drained from the team. They do get a free kick in a dangerous position as the ironic cheers pour in for a decision that finally goes their way. Only one man to step up and take it…
He drives it towards goal…
High, wide and handsome. Out for a goal kick.
Rex FC seem content with their lead and ease off, making the rest of the half a training exercise for 4Juan6 in possession. After failing to pass their way through, Yaya Toure decides to let fly from 25 yards..
No celebration from the Ivorian as his shot crashes into the top corner to make it 4-2. It helps the goal difference as they head towards a make or break match day 3, but the 4Juan6 players had the stuffing knocked out of them earlier in the half.
Into the final few minutes and 4Juan6 continue to play, hoping to set up a nervy finish. Ronaldo again gets on the ball and make something happen… he sees some space ahead and drives towards the box..
Once again he hits the deck, and once again the ref says no!! The 4Juan6 skipper punches the ground in frustration as he sits there until the final whistle.
4Juan6 2-4 Rex Caudillo
Up next in Group B is two teams smarting from losses on matchday 1. Both teams know another loss will be the end of their run in the competition.
Sanchriou
Albakos
As soon as both teams are set for kick-off, we’re greeted by someone running out of the tunnel…
BY GAWD THAT’S RIOU’S MUSIC!! HE’S FINALLY COME TO THE PARTY AND TAKEN HIS PLACE ON THE BENCH NEXT TO SANCHEZ11!! @albakos looks on in disgust.
A cagey start to the match as both teams approach the game knowing what a loss could mean to their hopes of going through. That anxiety becomes clear when Mascherano takes a loose touch on the edge of his own box and has to race Del Piero to retrieve it…
He gets clattered by the Italian who ends up in the referee’s book.
Sanchriou seem encouraged by the possibility of physically dominating Albakos FC and start steaming into tackles all over the pitch. Once again they take it too far and Sneijder is left in a heap…
Hendo shown the yellow this time and it’s a good set piece opportunity for AFC. It’ll be Stevie G stepping up to take…
He gets off a clean strike headed for goal…
The crowd held its breath as the ball looked to be destined for the top corner with Sanchez heard screaming FML on the bench, but Turner gets a hand to it!! Great save to keep it 0-0.
The early yellows force Sanchriou to ease off and albakos takes full advantage with the game now being played in the opposing half. Sneijder has a shot that’s initially blocked by cannons back out to the Dutchman, who spreads it wide and makes a run into the box…
He gets a good contact on the header…
It just goes wide!! Sneijder smiles as he thought for sure he’d done enough to score!!
Sanchriou are now concerned about the one way traffic in this game and both managers are up on the touchline shouting instructions. However this confuses the players and comical moment ensues when Busquets passes the ball straight to Ronaldo who’s bearing down on goal…
Brilliant last ditch tackle by Romero who celebrates like he’s scored!! He nicked the ball off Ronaldo just as he was about to shoot to ensure we go into half time at 0-0.
The first 10-15 minutes of the second half is stop start as both teams shuffle the pack with substitutions. We finally see some attacking intent from Sanchriou but they still struggle to register a shot on target.
Albakos continues to pose a threat on the break but it finally looks like Sanchriou might be in on goal when Rui Costa gets free down the right and cuts it back for Del Piero…
Oh dear, Richarlison has stepped in front of him and blazed it over the bar!! Del Piero can’t believe it and @Sanchez11 immediately calls for a sub before giving the Brazilian an earful as he walks off the pitch:
As the game wears on, Sanchriou come to the conclusion that a point is good enough and that they may face a heavily rotated Rex side that is already through. Albakos knows he needs to win because the match against JMB could become a winner takes all scenario, so he throws men forward in search of a goal.
Playing their way through doesn’t work, so they have to rely on more direct routes to goal. However Romero and Varane mop everything up, leading to frustration from the away side.
With the seconds ticking away, Albakos throws on the last of his forwards on the bench desperate for one more chance. With Lewandowski and Eto’o now up front, they try to get the ball into the final third as quickly as possible. A botched clearance from Assou-Ekotto on the edge of the box presents the ball to Lewandowski…
His hard, low shot seemed to be headed for the net before Timber stuck a leg out and put it out of play for a corner. Gerrard sprints over to take it as the ref looks at his watch…
Eto’o screams out in frustration as he’s inches away from getting a head on the ball, but it’s taken off him by Nelsen who springs a counter the other way. Adebayor gallops down the pitch before toe poking a ball through for Del Piero…only the keeper to beat…
He gets a great contact to put it up and over the keeper’s shoulder…!!!
OFF THE CROSSBAR!! Del Piero fluffs his lines and can’t score with the last kick of the game!! He hits the ground in agony as they have to settle for a point!!
Sanchriou 0-0 Albakos
Sanchriou
Albakos
As soon as both teams are set for kick-off, we’re greeted by someone running out of the tunnel…
BY GAWD THAT’S RIOU’S MUSIC!! HE’S FINALLY COME TO THE PARTY AND TAKEN HIS PLACE ON THE BENCH NEXT TO SANCHEZ11!! @albakos looks on in disgust.
A cagey start to the match as both teams approach the game knowing what a loss could mean to their hopes of going through. That anxiety becomes clear when Mascherano takes a loose touch on the edge of his own box and has to race Del Piero to retrieve it…
He gets clattered by the Italian who ends up in the referee’s book.
Sanchriou seem encouraged by the possibility of physically dominating Albakos FC and start steaming into tackles all over the pitch. Once again they take it too far and Sneijder is left in a heap…
Hendo shown the yellow this time and it’s a good set piece opportunity for AFC. It’ll be Stevie G stepping up to take…
He gets off a clean strike headed for goal…
The crowd held its breath as the ball looked to be destined for the top corner with Sanchez heard screaming FML on the bench, but Turner gets a hand to it!! Great save to keep it 0-0.
The early yellows force Sanchriou to ease off and albakos takes full advantage with the game now being played in the opposing half. Sneijder has a shot that’s initially blocked by cannons back out to the Dutchman, who spreads it wide and makes a run into the box…
He gets a good contact on the header…
It just goes wide!! Sneijder smiles as he thought for sure he’d done enough to score!!
Sanchriou are now concerned about the one way traffic in this game and both managers are up on the touchline shouting instructions. However this confuses the players and comical moment ensues when Busquets passes the ball straight to Ronaldo who’s bearing down on goal…
Brilliant last ditch tackle by Romero who celebrates like he’s scored!! He nicked the ball off Ronaldo just as he was about to shoot to ensure we go into half time at 0-0.
The first 10-15 minutes of the second half is stop start as both teams shuffle the pack with substitutions. We finally see some attacking intent from Sanchriou but they still struggle to register a shot on target.
Albakos continues to pose a threat on the break but it finally looks like Sanchriou might be in on goal when Rui Costa gets free down the right and cuts it back for Del Piero…
Oh dear, Richarlison has stepped in front of him and blazed it over the bar!! Del Piero can’t believe it and @Sanchez11 immediately calls for a sub before giving the Brazilian an earful as he walks off the pitch:
As the game wears on, Sanchriou come to the conclusion that a point is good enough and that they may face a heavily rotated Rex side that is already through. Albakos knows he needs to win because the match against JMB could become a winner takes all scenario, so he throws men forward in search of a goal.
Playing their way through doesn’t work, so they have to rely on more direct routes to goal. However Romero and Varane mop everything up, leading to frustration from the away side.
With the seconds ticking away, Albakos throws on the last of his forwards on the bench desperate for one more chance. With Lewandowski and Eto’o now up front, they try to get the ball into the final third as quickly as possible. A botched clearance from Assou-Ekotto on the edge of the box presents the ball to Lewandowski…
His hard, low shot seemed to be headed for the net before Timber stuck a leg out and put it out of play for a corner. Gerrard sprints over to take it as the ref looks at his watch…
Eto’o screams out in frustration as he’s inches away from getting a head on the ball, but it’s taken off him by Nelsen who springs a counter the other way. Adebayor gallops down the pitch before toe poking a ball through for Del Piero…only the keeper to beat…
He gets a great contact to put it up and over the keeper’s shoulder…!!!
OFF THE CROSSBAR!! Del Piero fluffs his lines and can’t score with the last kick of the game!! He hits the ground in agony as they have to settle for a point!!
Sanchriou 0-0 Albakos
| Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points | |
| Rex | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 6 |
| 4Juan6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Sanchriou | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Albakos | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
- Thread starter
- #3
Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Country: Kosova
Player:Saka
Just saw it now.
Impossible with all those strikers and bums like Romero in defence, het still its ends a goalless draw.
- Thread starter
- #5
Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Just saw it now.
Impossible with all those strikers and bums like Romero in defence, het still its ends a goalless draw.
Tbf @Sanchez11 did pay me a lot of cheddar.
Sanchez11
Fs FC
Country: England
Country: England
Group B
- Thread starter
- #8
Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Solid point no?
Sanchez11
Fs FC
Country: England
Yeah il take it, were underdogs afterall
Country: England
Time for Group B to begin their second round of fixtures, and we open with a match between two opponents for whom there is no love lost.
@Makingtrax had plenty to say in his pre-match press conference:
@OnlyOne was slightly less diplomatic:
Tense scenes at the pre-match handshake
Onlyone
Makingtrax
A mismatch on paper as Trax’s world stars take on a team the streets would like to forget. The game begins exactly as expected with Trax dominating proceedings and peppering the OO goal with attempts. Nothing to trouble Martinez yet with some last ditch blocks making the difference, however the away side do get a corner and a chance to send the big boys up…
Whipped in by Kane and headed home by Popescu!! The simplest of goals to make it 1-0 to Makingtrax!! The man in the dugout enjoyed that…
His opposite number less enthused…
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OO FC try to up the ante but it’s difficult for them with a midfield not suited to slow buildup. They try to go direct but the back 3 of Makingtrax is able to mop everything up. One of the headed clearances comes back out and Messi thinks he can reach it…
He’s sent flying through the air!! It’s an instant booking for Vidal as Messi receives treatment, and despite the concern from the bench, carries on. The 4th official asks OnlyOne to sit down after he celebrates the challenge like a goal.
They get the ball back up the pitch as they look to double their lead, with Kane beginning to link up more with Messi now. After exchanging passes with the Argentine he sees Hernandez dart in behind and uses the decoy to have a shot of his own…
Saved by Emi!! Kane’s shot stung the palms of the OO FC keeper as he manages to get a strong hand to it, but the danger isn’t over as the ball is retrieved by Hernandez and put back into the danger area…
Looks like a routine claim for Martinez, but he’s spilled into the box…!!!
Rolled into an empty net by Kagawa to make it 2-0!!! Martinez goes from hero to zero has his howler gives Kagawa the easiest goal of his career!! How is OnlyOne feeling after that one??:
Not great.
In fairness the second sparks some life into them and we finally see some attacking play. Nothing major in the way of chances created but Trax FC are finally forced to work out of possession. Just when they think they’ve seen out the danger Ze Roberto gets the ball out of his feet and puts his laces through it…
Just inches over the bar!! His shot had the GK scrambling but he couldn’t keep it down as it just grazed the crossbar on the way. Still 0-0 but encouraging signs for OO FC at least.
With the game a more even contest it starts to open up which could suit Makingtrax as they start to see some gaps on the break. The ball gets worked out wide and whipped onto the penalty spot where Harry Maguire of all people has made a run into the box…
Another massive save by Martinez from Maguire’s header as he’s the only thing standing between Makingtrax and a convincing win!! He gets up and celebrates:
His joy is short lived as his manager gets up and shouts “it’s still 2-0 you div”.
The game seems to be almost too easy for Trax as you can just sense them easing off it as we approach halftime, and a loose pass from Dunga gives Bryan Ruiz a free run at goal. He thinks about a shot but looks up and sees Landon Donovan free at the back post…
GOOOOOOAL!!! OnlyOne cut the deficit to 2-1 with an absolute gift as Donovan taps in Ruiz’s ball across the box!! The perfect time to score just before the break and Makingtrax knows it:
The teams come back out after the interval and suddenly the game has a different feel. OO FC know they’re back in the game and even though they don’t test the goalkeeper to start the half, they’re playing with more confidence and seeing more of the ball.
Trax FC sense they're in a fight and turn to Messi to drag them out of it. Teammates start looking for him constantly in possession and he finally gets an opportunity to go on a run in a central position after wriggling away from Theo Hernandez. He drifts away from every defender that tries to get near him and finally gets into the box to have a go…
The keeper throws himself at it…!!!
The ball clips the post and goes out for a goal kick!! Messi is inches away from restoring the two goal lead that surely would’ve put the game away. OnlyOne survives, for now…
As the second half goes on, both teams make full use of the subs bench to change the game with fatigue becoming a factor. The ‘finishers’ for OO seem to make more of an immediate impact as they pour men forward trying to find a way through. Quaresma glides past a defender like he’s not even there and lays it off to Gyan who’s unmarked on the edge of the box…
Oh dear, he’s smashed that right into the crowd!! Gyan was leaning back as he struck it and got it horribly wrong. OO getting closer but still trails.
Anxiety growing for OnlyOne as he takes a look at his watch and knows his side are running out of time. He motions at some of them to push up as they try to squeeze the game and force Trax into mistakes. With so many men in their half they start dropping deeper which opens up space in midfield and De Rossi tries his luck from distance…
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? It’s 2-2 against all odds as De Rossi’s speculative shot finds its way into the bottom corner!! Neuer gets up and gestures as if he was unsighted by his defenders, but there’s nothing they can do now. All square on the pitch with once again contrasting emotions off it:
The huge celebrations from OO FC ensure we’ll get a few minutes of stoppage time and Makingtrax urges his men to find a winner from somewhere. No more patient possession play as they get it wide as quickly as possible to find angles to cross it in. Van Persie finds himself in space on the right after drifting out there and looks to bend one to the far post…
Kane gets a head to it but can’t direct it on target!! OnlyOne were in trouble if he managed to get more accuracy on the header.
The pattern of the game for the final moments becomes clear as OO looks to protect the point. This gives Trax one more chance to get it forward and create an opening, with Van Persie involved again. He plays a reverse ball through for Messi who doesn’t even turn his head before crossing with his right foot…
Mandzukic is called for the foul as he climbed all over the defender to reach the ball!!
That brings an end to a classic game, with OnlyOne escaping with a point and Makingtrax knowing that despite being one of the favourites his defence will have to tighten up to win the competition.
OnlyOne 2-2 Makingtrax
@Makingtrax had plenty to say in his pre-match press conference:
@OnlyOne was slightly less diplomatic:
Tense scenes at the pre-match handshake
Onlyone
Makingtrax
A mismatch on paper as Trax’s world stars take on a team the streets would like to forget. The game begins exactly as expected with Trax dominating proceedings and peppering the OO goal with attempts. Nothing to trouble Martinez yet with some last ditch blocks making the difference, however the away side do get a corner and a chance to send the big boys up…
Whipped in by Kane and headed home by Popescu!! The simplest of goals to make it 1-0 to Makingtrax!! The man in the dugout enjoyed that…
His opposite number less enthused…
OO FC try to up the ante but it’s difficult for them with a midfield not suited to slow buildup. They try to go direct but the back 3 of Makingtrax is able to mop everything up. One of the headed clearances comes back out and Messi thinks he can reach it…
He’s sent flying through the air!! It’s an instant booking for Vidal as Messi receives treatment, and despite the concern from the bench, carries on. The 4th official asks OnlyOne to sit down after he celebrates the challenge like a goal.
They get the ball back up the pitch as they look to double their lead, with Kane beginning to link up more with Messi now. After exchanging passes with the Argentine he sees Hernandez dart in behind and uses the decoy to have a shot of his own…
Saved by Emi!! Kane’s shot stung the palms of the OO FC keeper as he manages to get a strong hand to it, but the danger isn’t over as the ball is retrieved by Hernandez and put back into the danger area…
Looks like a routine claim for Martinez, but he’s spilled into the box…!!!
Rolled into an empty net by Kagawa to make it 2-0!!! Martinez goes from hero to zero has his howler gives Kagawa the easiest goal of his career!! How is OnlyOne feeling after that one??:
Not great.
In fairness the second sparks some life into them and we finally see some attacking play. Nothing major in the way of chances created but Trax FC are finally forced to work out of possession. Just when they think they’ve seen out the danger Ze Roberto gets the ball out of his feet and puts his laces through it…
Just inches over the bar!! His shot had the GK scrambling but he couldn’t keep it down as it just grazed the crossbar on the way. Still 0-0 but encouraging signs for OO FC at least.
With the game a more even contest it starts to open up which could suit Makingtrax as they start to see some gaps on the break. The ball gets worked out wide and whipped onto the penalty spot where Harry Maguire of all people has made a run into the box…
Another massive save by Martinez from Maguire’s header as he’s the only thing standing between Makingtrax and a convincing win!! He gets up and celebrates:
His joy is short lived as his manager gets up and shouts “it’s still 2-0 you div”.
The game seems to be almost too easy for Trax as you can just sense them easing off it as we approach halftime, and a loose pass from Dunga gives Bryan Ruiz a free run at goal. He thinks about a shot but looks up and sees Landon Donovan free at the back post…
GOOOOOOAL!!! OnlyOne cut the deficit to 2-1 with an absolute gift as Donovan taps in Ruiz’s ball across the box!! The perfect time to score just before the break and Makingtrax knows it:
The teams come back out after the interval and suddenly the game has a different feel. OO FC know they’re back in the game and even though they don’t test the goalkeeper to start the half, they’re playing with more confidence and seeing more of the ball.
Trax FC sense they're in a fight and turn to Messi to drag them out of it. Teammates start looking for him constantly in possession and he finally gets an opportunity to go on a run in a central position after wriggling away from Theo Hernandez. He drifts away from every defender that tries to get near him and finally gets into the box to have a go…
The keeper throws himself at it…!!!
The ball clips the post and goes out for a goal kick!! Messi is inches away from restoring the two goal lead that surely would’ve put the game away. OnlyOne survives, for now…
As the second half goes on, both teams make full use of the subs bench to change the game with fatigue becoming a factor. The ‘finishers’ for OO seem to make more of an immediate impact as they pour men forward trying to find a way through. Quaresma glides past a defender like he’s not even there and lays it off to Gyan who’s unmarked on the edge of the box…
Oh dear, he’s smashed that right into the crowd!! Gyan was leaning back as he struck it and got it horribly wrong. OO getting closer but still trails.
Anxiety growing for OnlyOne as he takes a look at his watch and knows his side are running out of time. He motions at some of them to push up as they try to squeeze the game and force Trax into mistakes. With so many men in their half they start dropping deeper which opens up space in midfield and De Rossi tries his luck from distance…
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? It’s 2-2 against all odds as De Rossi’s speculative shot finds its way into the bottom corner!! Neuer gets up and gestures as if he was unsighted by his defenders, but there’s nothing they can do now. All square on the pitch with once again contrasting emotions off it:
The huge celebrations from OO FC ensure we’ll get a few minutes of stoppage time and Makingtrax urges his men to find a winner from somewhere. No more patient possession play as they get it wide as quickly as possible to find angles to cross it in. Van Persie finds himself in space on the right after drifting out there and looks to bend one to the far post…
Kane gets a head to it but can’t direct it on target!! OnlyOne were in trouble if he managed to get more accuracy on the header.
The pattern of the game for the final moments becomes clear as OO looks to protect the point. This gives Trax one more chance to get it forward and create an opening, with Van Persie involved again. He plays a reverse ball through for Messi who doesn’t even turn his head before crossing with his right foot…
Mandzukic is called for the foul as he climbed all over the defender to reach the ball!!
That brings an end to a classic game, with OnlyOne escaping with a point and Makingtrax knowing that despite being one of the favourites his defence will have to tighten up to win the competition.
OnlyOne 2-2 Makingtrax
Country: England
@dashsnow17 goes into matchday 2 knowing defeat will mean the end of his hopes of going through to the next round. Sources suggest commissioner Rex is prepared to rig the tournament to help the northern Irishman go through. Must be a coincidence that today’s match is sponsored by
Dashsnow17
Tir Na Nog
Tir Na Nog kicks off and immediately employs the tactic of booting the deep into the opposition half. They win the ball back from the resulting throw in and end up with an early corner, the perfect chance for Beckham to deliver a signature ball…
The ball comes in and Lucio rises highest to meet it…
But his header sails over the bar. Bright start for TNN but no goal.
Dashsnow tries to get a foothold in the game but TNN’s 3-5-2 is making life difficult for him. They can’t play through midfield and the wing-backs are closing off the wings. The manager doesn’t look pleased with proceedings…
TNN stay resolute in defence and look to break whenever the opportunity presents itself. Jay Jay Okocha is growing in influence and he leads the latest counter, with runners peeling off him. He ignores them and strikes it towards goal himself…
WHAT A SAVE!! Ochoa stops a shot that looked destined for the net!! He denies Okocha who has come the closest to opening the scoring.
Alex Iwobi’s uncle seems to be playing hero ball at this point, shooting at every opening. No real danger for Ochoa’s net that is being peppered with shots until Lukaku bullies his way through the defence and slips in a ball for the Nigerian…
UPSET ON THE CARDS!! Okocha dinks the ball over an onrushing Ochoa who helplessly watches the ball roll into his net to make it 1-0 to TNN!! Pressure on and off the pitch now…
Dashsnow tries to rouse the troops and it seems to have the desired effect as we approach halftime. A slight tactical tweak has led to De Bruyne tucking into midfield to give them another body there and suddenly they’re dominating psoession. Modric looks to pull the strings in the centre of the park and clips a ball over to the left wing…Hong tries to get over to cover but he can only watch as Overmars volleys it first time…
Relief for @dashsnow17 as it’s 1-1 in first half stoppage time!! Dutch technical brilliance in full display as Overmars smashes it past Ricardo!! It’ll be game on in the second half.
Dash sends his players out early for the second half as the next 45 minutes will decide their fate. They pick up where they left off in the first half with the midfield trio of Modric, Ballack and De Bruyne not giving TNN a kick. They work an opening on the right half space and there’s only one thing coming…
Thunderous shot from De Bruyne headed for goal…
Ricardo called into action for the first time and he keeps it out!!
The pattern of the game begins to settle as dashsnow is complete control. Both teams begin to make subs, with TNN hoping some more pace can exploit the gaps now appearing. They get a rare chance to venture forward in the second half with Lukaku again proving a handful. He holds the ball on the edge of the box and waits for support until Jon Dahl Tomasson joins him. The Dane dummies the eventual pass and it ends up at the feet of Damien Duff…
Blazed over the bar!! Disappointing effort from the Irishman.
More spells of possession and dominance from dashsnow but without any clear openings there’s a fear it may peter out into a draw. The U shaped football the manager despises is back and as he shouts from the touchline, Modric decides to let it fly from 25 yards…
A stunner!! Ricardo can do nothing about it as Modric’s powerful drive flies into the side netting to make it 2-1 to dashsnow!! His team have turned it around after a slow start and the gaffer is delighted…
His celebrations go on for so long that he doesn’t even see that his side have quickly won the ball back and are once again bearing down on goal. Ribery gets to the byline and tries to catch the keeper out with a shot, but Ricardo parries it right back into the danger zone…
It’s Muller time for dashsnow!! 3-1 after two goals in two minutes and they’ve surely wrapped up the three points now!! The simplest of tap ins from the German as he seals the win for his team.
Despite the amount of added time, TNN FC look a beaten side and are unable to trouble their opponents again as Dashsnow sees out the win to set up a de facto playoff with OnlyOne on the final matchday.
dashsnow17 3-1 Tir Na Nog
Dashsnow17
Tir Na Nog
Tir Na Nog kicks off and immediately employs the tactic of booting the deep into the opposition half. They win the ball back from the resulting throw in and end up with an early corner, the perfect chance for Beckham to deliver a signature ball…
The ball comes in and Lucio rises highest to meet it…
But his header sails over the bar. Bright start for TNN but no goal.
Dashsnow tries to get a foothold in the game but TNN’s 3-5-2 is making life difficult for him. They can’t play through midfield and the wing-backs are closing off the wings. The manager doesn’t look pleased with proceedings…
TNN stay resolute in defence and look to break whenever the opportunity presents itself. Jay Jay Okocha is growing in influence and he leads the latest counter, with runners peeling off him. He ignores them and strikes it towards goal himself…
WHAT A SAVE!! Ochoa stops a shot that looked destined for the net!! He denies Okocha who has come the closest to opening the scoring.
Alex Iwobi’s uncle seems to be playing hero ball at this point, shooting at every opening. No real danger for Ochoa’s net that is being peppered with shots until Lukaku bullies his way through the defence and slips in a ball for the Nigerian…
UPSET ON THE CARDS!! Okocha dinks the ball over an onrushing Ochoa who helplessly watches the ball roll into his net to make it 1-0 to TNN!! Pressure on and off the pitch now…
Dashsnow tries to rouse the troops and it seems to have the desired effect as we approach halftime. A slight tactical tweak has led to De Bruyne tucking into midfield to give them another body there and suddenly they’re dominating psoession. Modric looks to pull the strings in the centre of the park and clips a ball over to the left wing…Hong tries to get over to cover but he can only watch as Overmars volleys it first time…
Relief for @dashsnow17 as it’s 1-1 in first half stoppage time!! Dutch technical brilliance in full display as Overmars smashes it past Ricardo!! It’ll be game on in the second half.
Dash sends his players out early for the second half as the next 45 minutes will decide their fate. They pick up where they left off in the first half with the midfield trio of Modric, Ballack and De Bruyne not giving TNN a kick. They work an opening on the right half space and there’s only one thing coming…
Thunderous shot from De Bruyne headed for goal…
Ricardo called into action for the first time and he keeps it out!!
The pattern of the game begins to settle as dashsnow is complete control. Both teams begin to make subs, with TNN hoping some more pace can exploit the gaps now appearing. They get a rare chance to venture forward in the second half with Lukaku again proving a handful. He holds the ball on the edge of the box and waits for support until Jon Dahl Tomasson joins him. The Dane dummies the eventual pass and it ends up at the feet of Damien Duff…
Blazed over the bar!! Disappointing effort from the Irishman.
More spells of possession and dominance from dashsnow but without any clear openings there’s a fear it may peter out into a draw. The U shaped football the manager despises is back and as he shouts from the touchline, Modric decides to let it fly from 25 yards…
A stunner!! Ricardo can do nothing about it as Modric’s powerful drive flies into the side netting to make it 2-1 to dashsnow!! His team have turned it around after a slow start and the gaffer is delighted…
His celebrations go on for so long that he doesn’t even see that his side have quickly won the ball back and are once again bearing down on goal. Ribery gets to the byline and tries to catch the keeper out with a shot, but Ricardo parries it right back into the danger zone…
It’s Muller time for dashsnow!! 3-1 after two goals in two minutes and they’ve surely wrapped up the three points now!! The simplest of tap ins from the German as he seals the win for his team.
Despite the amount of added time, TNN FC look a beaten side and are unable to trouble their opponents again as Dashsnow sees out the win to set up a de facto playoff with OnlyOne on the final matchday.
dashsnow17 3-1 Tir Na Nog
| Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points | |
| Makingtrax | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| OnlyOne | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Dashsnow17 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Tir Na Nog | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Riou
The Invincibles, warra team
Country: Northern Ireland
Wait.
How did Del Piero and Rui Costa end up in our mess of a team lol... neither deserve that
How did Del Piero and Rui Costa end up in our mess of a team lol... neither deserve that
Last edited:
Sanchez11
Fs FC
Country: England
I came back and @Rex Caudillo had simulated all Sp**s playwrs mate. fmlWait.
How did Del Piero and Rui Costa end up in our mess of a team lol... neither deserve that
Riou
The Invincibles, warra team
Country: Northern Ireland
Sanchez11
Fs FC
Country: England
Had no choice people kept tagging me.
... you saving the team with those picks mate
Steps
It's Not Done
- Thread starter
- #17
Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
In most cases no. It’s better in the later groups after you flagged.
Problem is I would have to completely delete the players then re-enter all over again because I can’t change the name on created players.
Some of them are repurposed with rating changes from previous drafts.
- Thread starter
- #18
Rex Caudillo
Viva la Starmer-ball
Country: Wales
Player:Nwaneri
Time for Group B to begin their second round of fixtures, and we open with a match between two opponents for whom there is no love lost.
@Makingtrax had plenty to say in his pre-match press conference:
View attachment 48282
@OnlyOne was slightly less diplomatic:
View attachment 48283
Tense scenes at the pre-match handshake
Onlyone
View attachment 48284
Makingtrax
View attachment 48285
A mismatch on paper as Trax’s world stars take on a team the streets would like to forget. The game begins exactly as expected with Trax dominating proceedings and peppering the OO goal with attempts. Nothing to trouble Martinez yet with some last ditch blocks making the difference, however the away side do get a corner and a chance to send the big boys up…
View attachment 48287
Whipped in by Kane and headed home by Popescu!! The simplest of goals to make it 1-0 to Makingtrax!! The man in the dugout enjoyed that…
His opposite number less enthused…
OO FC try to up the ante but it’s difficult for them with a midfield not suited to slow buildup. They try to go direct but the back 3 of Makingtrax is able to mop everything up. One of the headed clearances comes back out and Messi thinks he can reach it…
View attachment 48288
He’s sent flying through the air!! It’s an instant booking for Vidal as Messi receives treatment, and despite the concern from the bench, carries on. The 4th official asks OnlyOne to sit down after he celebrates the challenge like a goal.
They get the ball back up the pitch as they look to double their lead, with Kane beginning to link up more with Messi now. After exchanging passes with the Argentine he sees Hernandez dart in behind and uses the decoy to have a shot of his own…
View attachment 48289
Saved by Emi!! Kane’s shot stung the palms of the OO FC keeper as he manages to get a strong hand to it, but the danger isn’t over as the ball is retrieved by Hernandez and put back into the danger area…
View attachment 48290
Looks like a routine claim for Martinez, but he’s spilled into the box…!!!
View attachment 48291
Rolled into an empty net by Kagawa to make it 2-0!!! Martinez goes from hero to zero has his howler gives Kagawa the easiest goal of his career!! How is OnlyOne feeling after that one??:
View attachment 48292
Not great.
In fairness the second sparks some life into them and we finally see some attacking play. Nothing major in the way of chances created but Trax FC are finally forced to work out of possession. Just when they think they’ve seen out the danger Ze Roberto gets the ball out of his feet and puts his laces through it…
View attachment 48294
Just inches over the bar!! His shot had the GK scrambling but he couldn’t keep it down as it just grazed the crossbar on the way. Still 0-0 but encouraging signs for OO FC at least.
With the game a more even contest it starts to open up which could suit Makingtrax as they start to see some gaps on the break. The ball gets worked out wide and whipped onto the penalty spot where Harry Maguire of all people has made a run into the box…
View attachment 48295
Another massive save by Martinez from Maguire’s header as he’s the only thing standing between Makingtrax and a convincing win!! He gets up and celebrates:
His joy is short lived as his manager gets up and shouts “it’s still 2-0 you div”.
The game seems to be almost too easy for Trax as you can just sense them easing off it as we approach halftime, and a loose pass from Dunga gives Bryan Ruiz a free run at goal. He thinks about a shot but looks up and sees Landon Donovan free at the back post…
GOOOOOOAL!!! OnlyOne cut the deficit to 2-1 with an absolute gift as Donovan taps in Ruiz’s ball across the box!! The perfect time to score just before the break and Makingtrax knows it:
View attachment 48296
The teams come back out after the interval and suddenly the game has a different feel. OO FC know they’re back in the game and even though they don’t test the goalkeeper to start the half, they’re playing with more confidence and seeing more of the ball.
Trax FC sense they're in a fight and turn to Messi to drag them out of it. Teammates start looking for him constantly in possession and he finally gets an opportunity to go on a run in a central position after wriggling away from Theo Hernandez. He drifts away from every defender that tries to get near him and finally gets into the box to have a go…
View attachment 48297
The keeper throws himself at it…!!!
View attachment 48298
The ball clips the post and goes out for a goal kick!! Messi is inches away from restoring the two goal lead that surely would’ve put the game away. OnlyOne survives, for now…
As the second half goes on, both teams make full use of the subs bench to change the game with fatigue becoming a factor. The ‘finishers’ for OO seem to make more of an immediate impact as they pour men forward trying to find a way through. Quaresma glides past a defender like he’s not even there and lays it off to Gyan who’s unmarked on the edge of the box…
View attachment 48299
Oh dear, he’s smashed that right into the crowd!! Gyan was leaning back as he struck it and got it horribly wrong. OO getting closer but still trails.
Anxiety growing for OnlyOne as he takes a look at his watch and knows his side are running out of time. He motions at some of them to push up as they try to squeeze the game and force Trax into mistakes. With so many men in their half they start dropping deeper which opens up space in midfield and De Rossi tries his luck from distance…
View attachment 48300
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? It’s 2-2 against all odds as De Rossi’s speculative shot finds its way into the bottom corner!! Neuer gets up and gestures as if he was unsighted by his defenders, but there’s nothing they can do now. All square on the pitch with once again contrasting emotions off it:
View attachment 48301
View attachment 48302
The huge celebrations from OO FC ensure we’ll get a few minutes of stoppage time and Makingtrax urges his men to find a winner from somewhere. No more patient possession play as they get it wide as quickly as possible to find angles to cross it in. Van Persie finds himself in space on the right after drifting out there and looks to bend one to the far post…
View attachment 48304
Kane gets a head to it but can’t direct it on target!! OnlyOne were in trouble if he managed to get more accuracy on the header.
The pattern of the game for the final moments becomes clear as OO looks to protect the point. This gives Trax one more chance to get it forward and create an opening, with Van Persie involved again. He plays a reverse ball through for Messi who doesn’t even turn his head before crossing with his right foot…
View attachment 48305
Mandzukic is called for the foul as he climbed all over the defender to reach the ball!!
That brings an end to a classic game, with OnlyOne escaping with a point and Makingtrax knowing that despite being one of the favourites his defence will have to tighten up to win the competition.
OnlyOne 2-2 Makingtrax
@OnlyOne @Makingtrax
OnlyOne
To dare is to poo
Country: England
Can’t beat class unfortunately
Makingtrax
Happy to be called a Wengersexual
Country: England
Player:Saliba
Yep, need my defence out on the training ground. Can’t have a repeat of that nonsense.
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Premier League - Live Table
| Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | GD | Pts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
W
W
W
W
W
L
|
38 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 71:27 | +44 | 85 | |
| 2 |
L
D
W
W
D
W
|
38 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 77:35 | +42 | 78 | |
| 3 |
W
W
D
W
W
W
|
38 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 69:50 | +19 | 71 | |
| 4 |
W
W
D
L
L
W
|
38 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 56:49 | +7 | 65 | |
| 5 |
D
L
D
L
W
W
|
38 | 17 | 9 | 12 | 63:53 | +10 | 60 | |
| 6 |
D
D
W
W
D
W
|
38 | 13 | 18 | 7 | 58:54 | +4 | 57 | |
| 7 |
W
W
D
D
L
L
|
38 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 42:48 | -6 | 54 | |
| 8 |
L
L
W
L
W
D
|
38 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 52:46 | +6 | 53 | |
| 9 |
D
D
L
W
L
D
|
38 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 55:52 | +3 | 53 | |
| 10 |
L
W
D
L
L
L
|
38 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 58:52 | +6 | 52 | |
| 11 |
W
D
L
L
W
D
|
38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 47:51 | -4 | 52 | |
| 12 |
L
W
D
W
L
L
|
38 | 14 | 7 | 17 | 53:55 | -2 | 49 | |
| 13 |
L
L
D
D
L
L
|
38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 47:50 | -3 | 49 | |
| 14 |
L
W
D
W
D
W
|
38 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 49:56 | -7 | 47 | |
| 15 |
L
D
L
D
L
L
|
38 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 41:51 | -10 | 45 | |
| 16 |
D
L
D
W
W
W
|
38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 48:51 | -3 | 44 | |
| 17 |
W
L
D
W
W
D
|
38 | 10 | 11 | 17 | 48:57 | -9 | 41 | |
| 18 |
W
L
L
L
W
D
|
38 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 46:65 | -19 | 39 | |
| 19 |
D
L
D
L
L
L
|
38 | 4 | 10 | 24 | 38:75 | -37 | 22 | |
| 20 |
D
D
L
D
L
L
|
38 | 3 | 11 | 24 | 27:68 | -41 | 20 |