The Second AM World Cup Draft: Matchday 2

[dashsnow17]

Pleased for my players but more so the fans who’ve waited so long for a win in draft competition. They’ll be celebrating this one from Ballymena to Ballymoney ( but probably not beyond that, the geographic range of the fanbase is quite small).

 

[A_G]

Spoiler: STEPS vs GDEEP

Group C kicks off with Steps taking on GDeep. All the pre-match talk has centred around whether GDeep will quit if he loses. Is this really it for him? He’s hasn’t been keen to answer the burning question:



Steps


GDeep


The game kicks off and GDeep FC boot the ball down the pitch to push up but that tactic proves to be a mistake because it gives Steps early control of the ball. Zidane is getting involved immediately and going in search of possession, presenting issues for Fernandez and Schweinsteiger who were already outnumbered. Enzo decides to take a risk and press the Frenchman…



But Zidane turns him and gets hacked down in the process. Enzo protests and reminds the ref it was his first foul, but the ref insists he had no other choice.

Bad news for GDeep as Kaka starts to grow into the game as well, popping between the lines. Reyna finds him with a clever ball and the Brazilian doesn’t hesitate to run at the defence. He surveys his options and sees Klose alone in space, presenting the striker with a shooting opportunity…



He unleashes a powerful shot with no backlift…



Buffon flies through the air to snatch it!! Great save!!

The waves of attacks keep coming although nothing to trouble Buffon quite as much. Hagi has a shot that gets blocked and deflected into the air, while Batistuta’s shot is charged down and ends up in a corner. Kaka’s ball comes in and lands right on Puyol’s forehead…

Steps claps in encouragement for his team while his opposite number is GDeep in thought having watched his side get dominated in the first half.

We finally see GDeep FC getting on the ball more often as they get a tongue lashing from the manager, with Schweinsteiger pulling the strings for them. They work an opening down the right through Luis Figo, whose cross evades everyone in the box until it reaches David Villa…



Sadly he gets his header all wrong and it rolls out harmlessly for a goal kick.

With the visitors growing into the game it starts to become an end to end affair as the intensity ramps up. The tackles start flying in and just when it looks like Enzo might create a chance for Romario he too ends up on the deck…



Kaka’s turn to go into the book. He left one on his Argentine opponent, with GDeep telling the fourth official it was intentional.

Not even a hydration break could disrupt the rhythm of this game and Steps FC are proving to be a threat on the break once again. The feeble midfield of GDeep can’t deal with Kaka’s running power and as he’s bearing down on goal they can only watch him shoot…



Just wide!! His powerful drive to the left of the GK beat Buffon but misses the inside of the post by inches. Still 0-0 somehow as we head into halftime.

The second half begins much the same way the first half ended: with Steps in total control. GDeep makes some subs within the first 10 minutes of the half to stem the tide, but for now they’re not having the desired effect with the game being played almost exclusively in GDeep’s half. This time it’s Hagi’s turn to venture forward and he clips a clever ball over the defence for Klose…



He tries to toe poke it into the goal but it just goes over the bar!! Another close call for Steps and GDeep is living dangerously here!!

With the game seemingly slipping away from him, GDeep makes some more subs going to get some attacking impetus. With Steps pushing high up on the pitch into G’s half it leaves some space behind which Brozovic looks to take advantage of, and he clips a ball over the backline for Larsson to run onto…

Lee comes rushing out of his box to clear it and screams at his defence!! The first real attack GDeep has mustered in some time and it nearly pays off.

Steps FC don’t seem discouraged and continue to play their game. Carlos Valderrama has just come on and is into the action straight away, nicking the ball off Hamsik and playing it forward. His initial chipped pass is cleared but is sent back when Drogba swings a leg at it…

He puts in the net but the flag goes up immediately!! It was a close decision and the fans are fusions at the linesman!! Both managers going through it on the touchline:



GDeep watched his A-M career flash before his eyes



Steps can’t believe what he’s seeing and ends up being the first manager in A-M Draft history to receive a yellow card

The tension continues to build as the second half wears on, with both teams looking to pick their moment to strike. The patient buildup for GDeep looks like it’s going nowhere until Brozovic tries to play the same pass he did earlier for Larsson, only this time the Swede manages to latch onto it. He’s through on goal until Trippier clips his leg…



The referee runs over straight away…



Red card for Trippier!! He’s viewed to committed the act of DOGSO and the sending off adds insult to the injury of conceding a penalty this late in the match!! Boos ring around the ground as Steps’ assistants restrain him from once again savaging the officials. Enzo Fernandez is the surprise choice for the penalty…



Goes to the keeper’s left…



Sends him the wrong way to make it 1-0 to GDeep!! More anger from the home fans as they watch the goal celebrations knowing they’ve been the better side!!

Unfortunately for them, the goal and sending off seems to have knocked the fight out of them as they lose the ball soon after kickoff giving GDeep the chance to control possession with the man advantage. They patiently move the ball from side to side until they’re able to find a way through with Figo putting one on a plate for Romario…



He slots it past Lee to make it 2-0 to GDeep!! The simplest of goals in stoppage time to wrap up the points and ratchet up the anger inside the ground. GDeep turns to the opposing fans and cups his ears as the boos ring down:


The final whistle sounds shortly after to give GDeep one foot in the next round, while Steps knows he at least controls his own destiny.

Steps 0-2 GDeep

Spoiler: UPTHECHAMPIONZ vs JONES

If @jones against GDeep was a derby, then his matchup with @UpTheChampionz will be a war. Jonesé Mourinho hasn’t slept in days as he plots a win against his bitter rival, and spent the entire press conference attacking his Swedish counterpart:


UpTheChampionz simply responded by stating “he’s rattled, Clive”.

UpTheChampionz


Jones


Early drama before a ball’s even kicked as the 4th official has to step in as the two managers have already gone at it. A warning from the ref before the opening whistle sounds.

The dislike in the dugouts seems to find its way onto the pitch as the tackles go flying in to start. Making the ref’s life even more difficult is the fact that several incidents have take place off the ball, with John Terry taking the opportunity to get a cheap shot in at Jan Koller. He escapes a booking as the UTC fans scream in anger.

In between all the fouls jones’ side finally start to try and play some football. Some nice play from Kroos frees Ronaldinho down the left and he plays into the box first time. Looks a simple claim for Akinfeev but he drops the ball…

Oh dear, near catastrophe for UTC!! The ball slips out of Akinfeev’s hands but he manages to grasp it before it goes over the line!! Jones is furious, he thinks it went over but since albakos didn’t pay for goal line tech it’s still 0-0!!

The attacks keep coming and again Kroos is at the heart of it. He thinks better of having a shot himself and clips a call over the top for Cavani who smashes it on the volley…

Just goes over!! He caught it cleanly but the shot was always rising.

Jones FC start growing in confidence as they begin to dominate the match, but they start to get cocky and lose the ball cheaply in midfield. Forsberg skips past a defender and tries to break through the defence on the right side before being taken out…the ref is walking over slowly as the players crowd around him to state their case…



RED CARD for Tomiyasu!! He’s stunned as the ref gives him his matching orders!! The ref feels his foot was high and caught Forsberg above the knee!! Jones is in disbelief at the decision:

Huge encouragement for UTC as they know they have the advantage for the best part of an hour. The finally venture forward and try to get the ball into the box quickly. Roque Santa Cruz tries to find space for a shot but it deflects into the air and falls at the feet of Koller…



But he can’t keep his shot on the target!! A warning shot for jones!!

UTC FC begin to throw more men forward in search of the opening goal but they start to leave gaps in behind. Jones FC win the ball back and break quickly with Ronaldinho leading the charge….



Dazzles his defender and bears down on goal…



Golazoooooo!!! Ronaldinho dances through the defence and fires a shot past the despairing Akinfeev to make it 1-0 to jones!! The ten men have the lead and the manager is delighted to say the least:



UpTheChampionz wanders over behind the goal and asks Akinfeev “y u do me like this?” but the Russian GK asks him to return to the dugout.

Unfortunately for him, jones is able to see out the first half to take a lead into the break.

The second half begins with no changes as the managers keep faith with their starting eleven. The pattern of the game begins to take shape as Jones FC drop deep to protect their lead. UTC dominate the ball but can’t find a way though the low block ahead of them, so Radebe steps up and has a shot…



The ball sails over the goal without troubling Bounou. Jones will be happy if UTC hasn’t resprt to long range shots already.

Jones FC look to wind down the clock with as much time wasting as possible. Throw ins and free kicks are constantly delayed much to the annoyance of UTC. He complains to the 4th official. More tension on the touchline as Jones steps in before being ushered away by an A-M delegate:



UTC continue to throw men forward and find an opening down the right after Davies mistimed an interception attempt. Hasan Sas gets the ball out of his feet quickly and has a go…



It’s a hard low shot headed for the bottom corner…



Bounou saves!!! He gets down quickly to keep it out!!

One way traffic now as we’re deep into the second half, with jones now prepared to protect the lead. UTC get the ball wide again and pump it into the box, but it goes over and out to the left wing. Cobi Jones dinks it back into the danger area right onto the head of Jan Koller…

Gooooooal!!! UTC have their equaliser after Jan Koller rises above the Chelsea gimps in defence to make it 1-1!!! UTC celebrates wildly with his staff as the fans sing “Jan Goaler una una”. All square with 15 minutes left!!

Some panic in the jones camp as they’ve subbed off attackers to defend what they have but now find themselves under pressure. They try to break up the game once again as Carvalho goes steaming into Etecheverry on the touchline!! A huge melee ensues as the crowd and UTC players demand a second yellow, with both managers also getting involved.

With all the attention on the players jones walks right over to UpTheChampionz who doesn’t see him coming…



Oh my word, jones has poked UpTheChampionz in the eye!!! A chilling scream of “my eye Clifton!!!” can be heard around the stadium as he hits the deck. Jones walks away laughing as the UTC players have to be restrained from confronting him.

Once the situation calms down the ref sends jones to the stands with a red card!! The 10 man side are now down a manager with less than 10 minutes to go, with players and coaches scrambling to figure out how to see the game out. Carvalho gets subbed out immediately as he’s on the edge of a second yellow that would kill the game for jones’ side.

With time winding down, UTC continue to press for a winner as they crowd the jones box. The defence holds strong until a cross gets cleared right into the path of Cobi Jones…



His shot just lashes the outside of the post!! So close to a late winner for UTC!!

Despite the five added minutes, Jones FC manage to kill the flow of play enough to escape with a point.

UpTheChampionz 1-1 Jones

	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
GDeep	1	1	0	2	0	4
Steps	1	0	1	3	2	3
Jones	0	2	0	1	1	2
UpTheChampionz	0	1	1	1	4	1

 

[Makingtrax]

Spoiler: STEPS vs GDEEP

Group C kicks off with Steps taking on GDeep. All the pre-match talk has centred around whether GDeep will quit if he loses. Is this really it for him? He’s hasn’t been keen to answer the burning question:



Steps
View attachment 48535

GDeep
View attachment 48536

The game kicks off and GDeep FC boot the ball down the pitch to push up but that tactic proves to be a mistake because it gives Steps early control of the ball. Zidane is getting involved immediately and going in search of possession, presenting issues for Fernandez and Schweinsteiger who were already outnumbered. Enzo decides to take a risk and press the Frenchman…

View attachment 48542

But Zidane turns him and gets hacked down in the process. Enzo protests and reminds the ref it was his first foul, but the ref insists he had no other choice.

Bad news for GDeep as Kaka starts to grow into the game as well, popping between the lines. Reyna finds him with a clever ball and the Brazilian doesn’t hesitate to run at the defence. He surveys his options and sees Klose alone in space, presenting the striker with a shooting opportunity…

View attachment 48543

He unleashes a powerful shot with no backlift…

View attachment 48544

Buffon flies through the air to snatch it!! Great save!!

The waves of attacks keep coming although nothing to trouble Buffon quite as much. Hagi has a shot that gets blocked and deflected into the air, while Batistuta’s shot is charged down and ends up in a corner. Kaka’s ball comes in and lands right on Puyol’s forehead…

Steps claps in encouragement for his team while his opposite number is GDeep in thought having watched his side get dominated in the first half.

We finally see GDeep FC getting on the ball more often as they get a tongue lashing from the manager, with Schweinsteiger pulling the strings for them. They work an opening down the right through Luis Figo, whose cross evades everyone in the box until it reaches David Villa…

View attachment 48560

Sadly he gets his header all wrong and it rolls out harmlessly for a goal kick.

With the visitors growing into the game it starts to become an end to end affair as the intensity ramps up. The tackles start flying in and just when it looks like Enzo might create a chance for Romario he too ends up on the deck…

View attachment 48561

Kaka’s turn to go into the book. He left one on his Argentine opponent, with GDeep telling the fourth official it was intentional.

Not even a hydration break could disrupt the rhythm of this game and Steps FC are proving to be a threat on the break once again. The feeble midfield of GDeep can’t deal with Kaka’s running power and as he’s bearing down on goal they can only watch him shoot…

View attachment 48562

Just wide!! His powerful drive to the left of the GK beat Buffon but misses the inside of the post by inches. Still 0-0 somehow as we head into halftime.

The second half begins much the same way the first half ended: with Steps in total control. GDeep makes some subs within the first 10 minutes of the half to stem the tide, but for now they’re not having the desired effect with the game being played almost exclusively in GDeep’s half. This time it’s Hagi’s turn to venture forward and he clips a clever ball over the defence for Klose…

View attachment 48569

He tries to toe poke it into the goal but it just goes over the bar!! Another close call for Steps and GDeep is living dangerously here!!

With the game seemingly slipping away from him, GDeep makes some more subs going to get some attacking impetus. With Steps pushing high up on the pitch into G’s half it leaves some space behind which Brozovic looks to take advantage of, and he clips a ball over the backline for Larsson to run onto…

Lee comes rushing out of his box to clear it and screams at his defence!! The first real attack GDeep has mustered in some time and it nearly pays off.

Steps FC don’t seem discouraged and continue to play their game. Carlos Valderrama has just come on and is into the action straight away, nicking the ball off Hamsik and playing it forward. His initial chipped pass is cleared but is sent back when Drogba swings a leg at it…

He puts in the net but the flag goes up immediately!! It was a close decision and the fans are fusions at the linesman!! Both managers going through it on the touchline:

View attachment 48571

GDeep watched his A-M career flash before his eyes

View attachment 48572

Steps can’t believe what he’s seeing and ends up being the first manager in A-M Draft history to receive a yellow card

The tension continues to build as the second half wears on, with both teams looking to pick their moment to strike. The patient buildup for GDeep looks like it’s going nowhere until Brozovic tries to play the same pass he did earlier for Larsson, only this time the Swede manages to latch onto it. He’s through on goal until Trippier clips his leg…

View attachment 48573

The referee runs over straight away…

View attachment 48574

Red card for Trippier!! He’s viewed to committed the act of DOGSO and the sending off adds insult to the injury of conceding a penalty this late in the match!! Boos ring around the ground as Steps’ assistants restrain him from once again savaging the officials. Enzo Fernandez is the surprise choice for the penalty…

View attachment 48575

Goes to the keeper’s left…

View attachment 48578

Sends him the wrong way to make it 1-0 to GDeep!! More anger from the home fans as they watch the goal celebrations knowing they’ve been the better side!!

Unfortunately for them, the goal and sending off seems to have knocked the fight out of them as they lose the ball soon after kickoff giving GDeep the chance to control possession with the man advantage. They patiently move the ball from side to side until they’re able to find a way through with Figo putting one on a plate for Romario…

View attachment 48576

He slots it past Lee to make it 2-0 to GDeep!! The simplest of goals in stoppage time to wrap up the points and ratchet up the anger inside the ground. GDeep turns to the opposing fans and cups his ears as the boos ring down:
View attachment 48577

The final whistle sounds shortly after to give GDeep one foot in the next round, while Steps knows he at least controls his own destiny.

Steps 0-2 GDeep

Hard to believe Steps is the first AM manager to receive a yellow in a draft compo.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Spoiler: STEPS vs GDEEP

Group C kicks off with Steps taking on GDeep. All the pre-match talk has centred around whether GDeep will quit if he loses. Is this really it for him? He’s hasn’t been keen to answer the burning question:



Steps
View attachment 48535

GDeep
View attachment 48536

The game kicks off and GDeep FC boot the ball down the pitch to push up but that tactic proves to be a mistake because it gives Steps early control of the ball. Zidane is getting involved immediately and going in search of possession, presenting issues for Fernandez and Schweinsteiger who were already outnumbered. Enzo decides to take a risk and press the Frenchman…

View attachment 48542

But Zidane turns him and gets hacked down in the process. Enzo protests and reminds the ref it was his first foul, but the ref insists he had no other choice.

Bad news for GDeep as Kaka starts to grow into the game as well, popping between the lines. Reyna finds him with a clever ball and the Brazilian doesn’t hesitate to run at the defence. He surveys his options and sees Klose alone in space, presenting the striker with a shooting opportunity…

View attachment 48543

He unleashes a powerful shot with no backlift…

View attachment 48544

Buffon flies through the air to snatch it!! Great save!!

The waves of attacks keep coming although nothing to trouble Buffon quite as much. Hagi has a shot that gets blocked and deflected into the air, while Batistuta’s shot is charged down and ends up in a corner. Kaka’s ball comes in and lands right on Puyol’s forehead…

Steps claps in encouragement for his team while his opposite number is GDeep in thought having watched his side get dominated in the first half.

We finally see GDeep FC getting on the ball more often as they get a tongue lashing from the manager, with Schweinsteiger pulling the strings for them. They work an opening down the right through Luis Figo, whose cross evades everyone in the box until it reaches David Villa…

View attachment 48560

Sadly he gets his header all wrong and it rolls out harmlessly for a goal kick.

With the visitors growing into the game it starts to become an end to end affair as the intensity ramps up. The tackles start flying in and just when it looks like Enzo might create a chance for Romario he too ends up on the deck…

View attachment 48561

Kaka’s turn to go into the book. He left one on his Argentine opponent, with GDeep telling the fourth official it was intentional.

Not even a hydration break could disrupt the rhythm of this game and Steps FC are proving to be a threat on the break once again. The feeble midfield of GDeep can’t deal with Kaka’s running power and as he’s bearing down on goal they can only watch him shoot…

View attachment 48562

Just wide!! His powerful drive to the left of the GK beat Buffon but misses the inside of the post by inches. Still 0-0 somehow as we head into halftime.

The second half begins much the same way the first half ended: with Steps in total control. GDeep makes some subs within the first 10 minutes of the half to stem the tide, but for now they’re not having the desired effect with the game being played almost exclusively in GDeep’s half. This time it’s Hagi’s turn to venture forward and he clips a clever ball over the defence for Klose…

View attachment 48569

He tries to toe poke it into the goal but it just goes over the bar!! Another close call for Steps and GDeep is living dangerously here!!

With the game seemingly slipping away from him, GDeep makes some more subs going to get some attacking impetus. With Steps pushing high up on the pitch into G’s half it leaves some space behind which Brozovic looks to take advantage of, and he clips a ball over the backline for Larsson to run onto…

Lee comes rushing out of his box to clear it and screams at his defence!! The first real attack GDeep has mustered in some time and it nearly pays off.

Steps FC don’t seem discouraged and continue to play their game. Carlos Valderrama has just come on and is into the action straight away, nicking the ball off Hamsik and playing it forward. His initial chipped pass is cleared but is sent back when Drogba swings a leg at it…

He puts in the net but the flag goes up immediately!! It was a close decision and the fans are fusions at the linesman!! Both managers going through it on the touchline:

View attachment 48571

GDeep watched his A-M career flash before his eyes

View attachment 48572

Steps can’t believe what he’s seeing and ends up being the first manager in A-M Draft history to receive a yellow card

The tension continues to build as the second half wears on, with both teams looking to pick their moment to strike. The patient buildup for GDeep looks like it’s going nowhere until Brozovic tries to play the same pass he did earlier for Larsson, only this time the Swede manages to latch onto it. He’s through on goal until Trippier clips his leg…

View attachment 48573

The referee runs over straight away…

View attachment 48574

Red card for Trippier!! He’s viewed to committed the act of DOGSO and the sending off adds insult to the injury of conceding a penalty this late in the match!! Boos ring around the ground as Steps’ assistants restrain him from once again savaging the officials. Enzo Fernandez is the surprise choice for the penalty…

View attachment 48575

Goes to the keeper’s left…

View attachment 48578

Sends him the wrong way to make it 1-0 to GDeep!! More anger from the home fans as they watch the goal celebrations knowing they’ve been the better side!!

Unfortunately for them, the goal and sending off seems to have knocked the fight out of them as they lose the ball soon after kickoff giving GDeep the chance to control possession with the man advantage. They patiently move the ball from side to side until they’re able to find a way through with Figo putting one on a plate for Romario…

View attachment 48576

He slots it past Lee to make it 2-0 to GDeep!! The simplest of goals in stoppage time to wrap up the points and ratchet up the anger inside the ground. GDeep turns to the opposing fans and cups his ears as the boos ring down:
View attachment 48577

The final whistle sounds shortly after to give GDeep one foot in the next round, while Steps knows he at least controls his own destiny.

Steps 0-2 GDeep

@Steps @GDeep™

 

[GDeep™]

@Steps @GDeep™

Booooooooooooooom!!!!!!!!

 

[Steps]

Hey, good match, @Gdeep. Honor to share the pitch with you.

 

[The Ducking Duck]

Hard to believe Steps is the first AM manager to receive a yellow in a draft compo.

With crackheads like @GDeep™ and @OnlyOne involved, this is a shock.

 

[Steps]

Hard to believe Steps is the first AM manager to receive a yellow in a draft compo.

Well, now that the ice is broken, I am sure there will be more.

Or I am being unfairly targeted by Rex Blatter.

 

[The Ducking Duck]

 

[A_G]

All the group stage matches finished by this weekend

 

[The Ducking Duck]

All the group stage matches finished by this weekend

 

[The Ducking Duck]

All the group stage matches finished by this weekend

 

[A_G]

A couple of more days.

 

[A_G]

Added @UpTheChampionz vs @jones to the Group C section una

 

[dashsnow17]

Added @UpTheChampionz vs @jones to the Group C section una

How many games left to sim? I’m guessing the aim is to finish before the end of the actual WC

 

[A_G]

How many games left to sim? I’m guessing the aim is to finish before the end of the actual WC

The group stages are summed, they just need to be written up. Once I get the two Group D matches done (hopefully today) the rest should be easy since the final two matches in the groups will be written simultaneously.

 

[dashsnow17]

@Rex Caudillo they’ve done PL one now. Keen to see how shambolic their picks are.